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SHIPPING

Navigating global maritime challenges with practical legal solutions

As the shipping sector adapts to the decarbonisation agenda, changing international trade patterns and geopolitical risks, the need for robust, commercially focussed legal support has never been greater.

In an era of energy transition, heightened regulation, and global tensions, we understand the challenges that you face and how to protect you from evolving risks.

With the world’s largest dedicated shipping law team, comprising of over 250 maritime lawyers and a substantial group of Master Mariners, we provide unrivalled industry insight and end to end support across the full spectrum of shipping and maritime law.

Our expertise covers the entire lifecycle of a vessel, transactions, shipping contract disputes, admiralty and crisis management. From bills of lading, charterparties, ship arrests, collisions and marine casualties to cargo claims, marine insurance, and Protection & Indemnity (P&I), our lawyers are fully embedded within the industry and can speak your language.

With more top-tier rankings in leading independent legal directories Chambers and Legal 500 for shipping and maritime law than any other firm, we are recognised as a true global leader.

Our international presence spans every major shipping hub across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and the Americas, ensuring we are where you need us, when you need us.

Key Contact

Paul Dean
Partner, Global Head of Shipping
London
+44 (0)20 7264 8363
+44 (0)7770 951092
Contact by email

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OUR EXPERIENCE IN SHIPPING

Ferry Concession and Operation Agreements
Advising a national government on the development and maintenance of a strategically vital freight and passenger ferry service connecting their jurisdiction with various neighbouring jurisdictions, work over a number of years has included assisting them with the development and operation of a successful public tender process, advising on regulatory matters including with regard to competition, employment and other maritime regulations, drafting and negotiating the concession agreement and advising on a range of operational matters.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Commercial Contracts
Catherine Emsellem Rope William MacLachlan
Supply Chain Contract Drafting and Update for International Retailer
Advising a leading international clothing retailer on its contractual relationships with its international supply chain service providers, including preparing and updating template contracts for engaging with ocean carriers, freight managers, freight forwarders and road hauliers.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Commercial Contracts Logistics
Matthew Gore
Green Shipping Fund Expansion and Vessel Financing Advisory
Advised sponsors on financing and incorporation of two methanol-fuelled vessels into a sustainable shipping fund, including operational contracts and lender arrangements, showcasing expertise in green shipping finance.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance Carbon and Climate Finance
Green Shipping Fund Expansion and Vessel Financing Advisory
Advised sponsors on financing and incorporation of two methanol-fuelled vessels into a sustainable shipping fund, including operational contracts and lender arrangements, showcasing expertise in green shipping finance.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance Carbon and Climate Finance
Amalgamation of South American Bulk Carrier Business with Leading Asian Maritime Operator
Advising Nachipa Corp, a South American dry bulk shipping company, on its award-winning merger with Hong Kong headquartered Cetus Maritime.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Alex Kyriakoulis
Acquisition Finance for Offshore Vessel Fleet
Advised a Middle Eastern bank on acquisition financing for a 20‑vessel offshore fleet owned by a joint venture, addressing cross‑border structuring across United Arab Emirates, Greece, Singapore, Panama and Tuvalu.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance
Amalgamation of South American Bulk Carrier Business with Leading Asian Maritime Operator
Advising Nachipa Corp, a South American dry bulk shipping company, on its award-winning merger with Hong Kong headquartered Cetus Maritime.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Alex Kyriakoulis
Acquisition Finance for Offshore Vessel Fleet
Advised a Middle Eastern bank on acquisition financing for a 20‑vessel offshore fleet owned by a joint venture, addressing cross‑border structuring across United Arab Emirates, Greece, Singapore, Panama and Tuvalu.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance
Islamic Financing of LPG Carrier Newbuilds
Advised a Middle Eastern shipping company on Islamic financing for five LPG carriers ordered from South Korean and Japanese shipyards, with deliveries scheduled for 2025.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance Islamic Finance
Green Shipping Fund Expansion and Vessel Financing Advisory
Advised sponsors on financing and incorporation of two methanol-fuelled vessels into a sustainable shipping fund, including operational contracts and lender arrangements, showcasing expertise in green shipping finance.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance Carbon and Climate Finance
Acquisition Finance for Offshore Vessel Fleet
Advised a Middle Eastern bank on acquisition financing for a 20‑vessel offshore fleet owned by a joint venture, addressing cross‑border structuring across United Arab Emirates, Greece, Singapore, Panama and Tuvalu.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance
Islamic Financing of LPG Carrier Newbuilds
Advised a Middle Eastern shipping company on Islamic financing for five LPG carriers ordered from South Korean and Japanese shipyards, with deliveries scheduled for 2025.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance Islamic Finance
Marine and Logistics Services Company LBO for Middle Eastern Investment Fund
Advising Shuaa Capital, the UAE's leading asset management and investment banking platform, in connection with the leveraged buy-out of Allianz Marine and Logistics Services Holding, a leading offshore oilfield services company.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Acquisition Finance for Offshore Vessel Fleet
Advised a Middle Eastern bank on acquisition financing for a 20‑vessel offshore fleet owned by a joint venture, addressing cross‑border structuring across United Arab Emirates, Greece, Singapore, Panama and Tuvalu.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance
Islamic Financing of LPG Carrier Newbuilds
Advised a Middle Eastern shipping company on Islamic financing for five LPG carriers ordered from South Korean and Japanese shipyards, with deliveries scheduled for 2025.
Multiple Jurisdictions
Asset Finance Islamic Finance

​​24-hour Maritime Response

​​Our casualty response lawyers, and master mariners are available remotely via our dedicated crisis response room or can travel on demand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, practically anywhere in the world. ​​
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HFW | Yachts

​​We routinely represent leading shipyards and prominent owners, providing legal advice on some of the world’s largest and most complex projects in the yacht industry.​​
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HFW | CyberOwl

​​HFW and CyberOwl have joined forces to help our clients assess, monitor and actively manage their cyber risks, and gain assurance of cyber compliance.​

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Other sectors

Aerospace

Commodities

Construction

Energy

Insurance &
Resinsurance