Shipping
Europe Guide 2024 : Norway
Band 1
About
Provided by Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
The emergence of modern Norwegian society was heavily influenced by the shipping industry, and Norway is currently the world’s fifth largest shipping nation by value. Thommessen’s clients include a number of major Norwegian and international market players.
Our lawyers assist on all types of shipping-related instructions. We have a leading position on shipping transactions and marine insurance, and have extensive experience with dispute resolution in the shipping industry. Our expertise includes assisting shipping companies when accidents occur.
We find the best solutions for our clients by adopting an interdisciplinary approach. We advise shipping companies on shipping taxation in tandem with our top tax lawyers. We also have extensive experience with the structuring and restructuring of shipping companies and other ship financing and company law matters.
Thommessen has comprehensive maritime law expertise, and our lawyers have contributed to the drafting of Norwegian legislation and have influenced legal developments over the years. The Norwegian maritime industry is characterised by a unique capacity for innovation, and we are experienced in addressing new legal issues that arise in the wake of technological innovations that may not be anticipated by the regulatory framework. Our lawyers are updated on trends and developments, and offer clients flexible solutions suited for a continuously changing market.
Chambers Review
Thommessen boasts a broad client roster comprising P&I clubs, shipping companies and suppliers to the shipping industry. It has full-service capabilities, with lawyers ready to assist with a plethora of matters. The group advises on newbuild contracts for, and the financing of, container vessels and bulk carriers, and also handles sale and leaseback transactions. The team is equally strong in disputes, particularly in complex marine insurance claims.
Work Highlights
- Thommessen advised Hunter Group on the disposal of four VLCCs.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The department has an outstanding ability to manage nuanced and complex issues, with a keen eye for detail whilst keeping a holistic, business-oriented perspective. It is always very responsive, service-minded and skilled at keeping up momentum throughout the project."
"Thommessen has probably the best marine insurance law team in Norway. It is always well prepared, available and quick to respond."
"It is definitely one of the best teams in Norway. It has a wide range of industry experts with excellent knowledge and understanding of our business."
"The depth and breadth of the team is excellent."
"The practice knows us well and has excellent knowledge with regard to ship finance. Being one of the biggest law firms in Norway, it can also draw on colleagues with specific knowledge if needed."
"The department has an outstanding ability to manage nuanced and complex issues, with a keen eye for detail whilst keeping a holistic, business-oriented perspective. It is always very responsive, service-minded and skilled at keeping up momentum throughout the project."
"Thommessen has probably the best marine insurance law team in Norway. It is always well prepared, available and quick to respond."
"It is definitely one of the best teams in Norway. It has a wide range of industry experts with excellent knowledge and understanding of our business."
"The depth and breadth of the team is excellent."
"The practice knows us well and has excellent knowledge with regard to ship finance. Being one of the biggest law firms in Norway, it can also draw on colleagues with specific knowledge if needed."
Notable Practitioners
Henrik Hagberg is a top-tier practitioner in corporate and commercial mandates in the maritime sector. He is frequently seen advising on sale and leaseback transactions, and he offers additional experience in contentious shipping matters, representing clients before the Oslo District Court and the Court of Appeal.
"Henrik Hagberg is the best shipping lawyer in Norway."
"He is very good on all maritime-related topics."
"Henrik is the perfect lawyer in all aspects."
"He is a top shipping lawyer with particular expertise in commercial contracts and transactions."
"He is creative with a strong commercial understanding."
Andreas Meidell is well known as an insurance specialist with notable experience in shipping cases. He acts for major international marine insurers and their insureds on disputes arising from collisions or groundings. He also handles arbitration mandates.
"Andreas Meidell is the preeminent insurance lawyer in Norway."
"He is probably the best marine insurance lawyer in Norway."
Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl is renowned for her experience acting on finance and restructuring mandates in the sector, including assisting clients with the financing of shipbuilding contracts.
"Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl has a unique understanding of the client's needs."
Advancing in the rankings, Mads Haavardsholm has experience assisting ship owners with sale and leaseback transactions. He demonstrates additional expertise in M&A in the shipping sector.
"Mads always walks the extra mile to take care of his client's interests."
"Mads Haavardsholm is very strong."
"He is our go-to counsel for shipping-related questions. He is very responsive."
Ranked Lawyers at
Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Norway
Members
Provided by Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Bjørn Sande Urtegaard
Espen Ommedal
Hans Olav Lindal
Jan Brudvik
Jan Greve
Head of Department
Rune Ulriksen Steinsland
Industries
Provided by Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS
Aerospace & Defence
Banks
Construction & Materials
Energy
Insurance
Transportation