About

Provided by HFW

We are widely recognised as the best maritime law firm in the world and constantly strive to be at the forefront of the shipping sector. We have evolved with our clients, keeping the world moving from the beginning of the supply chain to the end. 

We operate in the world’s key shipping hubs, enabling us to provide a streamlined, global service when our clients need us most, whether helping them to negotiate deals, solve disputes or comply with the increasingly complex regulations affecting them. We’re fast to act, first on the scene, frontline problem solvers. And, having honed a truly collaborative approach to client service, our contribution goes beyond the norm for a law firm.
Our firm is one of the only in the Asia Pacific region to be able to offer clients in the shipping sector a full-service offering- we have strong capabilities in: admiralty and crisis management, complex matters, ship finance, offshore oil and gas and ship construction. 

With the recent establishment of our dedicated ship finance team, we now have a shipping team in Singapore with partners and associates who are expert across the full range of wet, dry and ship finance/transactional lines of business. We also have a market leading position in the provision of ship sale and purchase closing services.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Shipping: International: Finance - Singapore
2
Band 2
What the team is known for

HFW offers expertise in a wide range of wet and dry maritime law disputes in Singapore. The team is well placed to provide expertise in vessel collisions and casualties, as well as cargo and charter party matters, and restructurings. HFW frequently acts for leading clients including ship owners, shipyards, P&I clubs and financial institutions. The team is active on ship finance mandates, advising both lenders and shipping companies on sale and leaseback financings. Clients include d'Amico Tankers, PPL Shipyard and SEB Group.

Work Highlights

Provided by HFW
  • HFW provided support to BW Offshore Group as part of a joint venture to finance an FPSO to be constructed at the Barossa gas field offshore Australia, with Santos as operator.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
1
Chris Metcalf
1
Band 1

Chris Metcalf is a distinguished authority in the Singapore shipping legal market and is highly respected for his work on dry litigation and arbitration matters as well as in insurance disputes.

"Chris is superb. He is a really friendly and personable guy. He can break down complex law into simple and digestible words by using his commercial awareness."

"It's really spectacular how he can address the points and communicate with us."

2
John Forrester
2
Band 2

John Forrester is well regarded in Singapore's legal market for his adept handling of shipping finance matters. He has particular expertise in export credit supported financings, as well as restructuring matters.

"John was very good to deal with. He is constructive and fair, has a mild manner and is easy to talk to."

2
Toby Stephens
2
Band 2

Toby Stephens is head of HFW's Asia-Pacific admiralty and crisis management group and regularly acts for owners, charterers and P&I clubs on grounding and casualty management, as well as investigations.

"He is very knowledgeable in casualty work practice."

3
Siri Wennevik
3
Band 3

Siri Wennevik is very well established in the Singapore market, particularly in the field of ship financing transactions. She acts for a range of lessees, lessors, banks and owners on ship finance mandates and is best known for her work advising Scandinavian clients.

Ranked Lawyers at
HFW

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Singapore

Shipping: International: Finance

2
John Forrester
2
Band 2
3
Siri Wennevik
3
Band 3
Shipping: International: Litigation

1
Chris Metcalf
1
Band 1
2
Toby Stephens
2
Band 2

Members

Provided by HFW

Robert Spearing

Siri Wennevik

Toby Stephens

Head of Department

Industries

Provided by HFW

Banks

Energy

Financial Services

Insurance

Logistics

Oil & Gas

Shipping

Transportation

Travel & Leisure