Norton Rose Fulbright is advising BOURBON on the sale and bareboat charter of 8 vessels to Minsheng Financial Leasing Co. for a total amount of approximately US$202 million.

Bourbon, a leading service provider in the offshore oil and gas industry, announced in December 2014 the transfer of ownership of the first 3 vessels to Minsheng Financial Leasing Co. The remaining 5 vessels will be transferred to MFL during 2015. This operation is part of Bourbon’s strategic plan “Transforming for beyond”.

Norton Rose Fulbright Paris team was led by banking and finance partner Christine Ezcutari, in charge of the shipping practice, assisted by Anne-Laure Roche, Ayaka Millet and Joseph Newton.

Norton Rose Fulbright’s shipping practice is renowned internationally. In 2014, Norton Rose Fulbright has been awarded “Shipping Law Firm of the Year” for the second consecutive year by Global Transport Finance. The team regularly advises international banks, financial institutions and operators on various financial and commercial agreements in the transport sector. Christine Ezcutari has been assisting BOURBON for several years in the framework of its “Transforming for beyond” plan, notably during 2013 and 2014 on the transfer of ownership of 46 vessels to ICBCL for a total value of approximately US$1,435 billion.