Shipping: Finance: Spain

THE FIRM This market-leading firm maintains its position at the forefront of shipping finance matters in Spain. The 22-strong team handles the full spectrum of related matters on behalf of prominent shipowners, financial institutions and insurance companies. Recent highlights include assisting a syndicate of lenders led by BBVA with a running capital and loan facility granted for the construction of two vessels. Other noteworthy clients include RBS and Petroleum Geo-Services.

Sources say: "This shipping practice is first class. The lawyers are extremely bright and professional, with a deep understanding of the sector. I can't speak more highly of them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Carlos López Quiroga's "global vision and practical, solution-focused approach." Shipping and aviation expert Alfredo Cabellos wins admiration for his work in this area.

THE FIRM This prestigious Spanish firm offers a team of 12 banking and finance specialists with outstanding expertise in the shipping sector. The group attracts heavyweight names in the financial services and transport industry, including Ahorro Corporación Financiera, Seatruck and Naviera Elcano. Recently, the lawyers assisted Novacaixagalicia with the design, implementation and amendment of several tax lease structures.

Sources say: "The lawyers are always available, even the most senior partners."

KEY INDIVIDUALS London-based Miguel Lamo de Espinosa is an active and well-respected market figure. Sources describe him as "practical and a pleasure to work with." Carlos Rueda commands a great deal of respect, with one client enthusing: "He's one of the best shipping finance lawyers that I know."

THE FIRM This expanding international firm has a superb reputation in the shipping finance arena. It offers specialised advice to lenders and shipbuilders, including Bankinter, Bankia and Astilleros de Huelva. In a recent highlight, the lawyers assisted Santander with the EUR45 million sale of a vessel to Augusta Due. Another noteworthy mandate was advising Astillero CNN on the EUR250 million financing of a new vessel. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Juan Carlos Castro impresses interviewees with his experience and deep knowledge of the maritime sector, as well as his "outstanding commercial skills."

THE FIRM This prestigious shipping firm has cemented a reputation for excellence over the years. Although best known for its general maritime capabilities, it also handles loan transactions, tax lease structures and sale and purchase deeds, amongst other matters. Operating out of Barcelona, Bilbao and Madrid, the lawyers assist high-profile clients such as the Spanish Shipowners Association and the International Group of P&I Clubs.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Eduardo Albors is the primary point of contact.

THE FIRM This seven-strong team offers collective talent in finance and tax, and provides comprehensive shipping finance advice to major lenders and shipbuilders. The group's English law expertise and wide international network are other key assets.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tax expert José Ignacio Jiménez-Blanco is the first port of call for shipping finance matters.

THE FIRM The newly created transport and logistics practice at this heavyweight firm houses a substantial team of tax and finance specialists with a wealth of experience in the maritime sector. The lawyers handle licence agreements, sales, acquisitions and export taxation issues for an impressive client portfolio, which includes Citi and 3i. A recent highlight for the team was assisting Cartera Meridional with the sale of 40% of Pesquera Áncora to Aker Seafoods. 

Sources say: "The lawyers' knowledge of vessel ownership structures and related tax issues is impressive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Íñigo Quintana is the main point of contact.

THE FIRM The Spanish outpost of this global firm offers a multidisciplinary team of tax, finance and restructuring practitioners who have amassed enviable experience in the maritime sector. The lawyers handle refinancing, tax structuring and audits for prominent clients, including Banco Pastor, Grupo Boluda and Lico Leasing. A recent highlight was assisting Grupo Boluda with the tax structuring of its French and supply divisions.

Sources say: "I can only say good things about this firm: they are serious, technically strong, pragmatic, agile and accessible, and the lawyers are calm and solution-focused at the negotiating table."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tax and asset finance specialist Miguel Ángel Sánchez leads the team. Clients highlight his expertise and service-focused approach as key strengths. Juan Ortega focuses on asset and structured finance, and sustains an excellent track record in this field.

Since publication, Juan Ortega has left this practice.