Press Releases
HFW advises d'Amico International Shipping on group's first JOLCO transaction
On 18 January 2019, d'Amico Tankers D.A.C., an operating subsidiary of d'Amico International Shipping (DIS), took delivery from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. of the motor tanker "CIELO DI HOUSTON", a 75,000 dwt newbuild LR1 product tanker.
HFW acted for d'Amico on the financing aspects of the transaction, advising on a sale and leaseback transaction under the client's first use of a JOLCO (Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option).
APAC Head of Ship Finance and Singapore-based Partner John Forrester led the HFW team, which included Senior Associate Aysha El-Kaddah and Associate Denis Nifontov, both from our London office.
John said: "We are very pleased to have advised d'Amico Tankers, a longstanding client of the firm, on its first JOLCO transaction, and ensured a successful and timely outcome for all parties. We have lots of experience as a firm of JOLCOs in the aviation sector and it is interesting to see them becoming increasingly popular in the shipping sector too. Our previous experience of these structures, combined with our in-depth understanding of the shipping industry, means that we are perfectly placed to advise on shipping JOLCOs across our international network."
In the company's press release, Paolo d’Amico, Chairman of d'Amico International Shipping, said: "I am glad to announce the conclusion of this transaction with a large Japanese financial institution, which will generate net cash proceeds of approximately US$ 10.2 million for DIS, relative to financing the vessel through the previously committed bank loan.
This is our first JOLCO (Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option) transaction; it is a pioneering deal for a non-Japanese ship-owner, providing us with a new source of capital with enhanced economics relative to conventional Japanese sale-leasebacks."
About HFW
HFW is a leading global law firm in the aerospace, commodities, construction, energy, insurance and shipping sectors. The firm has more than 600 lawyers, including 170 partners, based in offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. HFW prides itself on its deep industry expertise and its entrepreneurial, creative and collaborative culture.
For further information, please contact:
Chris Johnson
Head of Communications, HFW
D +44 (0)20 7264 8159 | M +44 (0)7976 939864
E chris.johnson@hfw.com
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