International law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its asset finance capabilities with the arrival of maritime finance expert Andreas Papachristodoulou. He joins the firm's maritime, trade and offshore (MTO) practice as a partner, based in Greece.

Andreas acts for international banks, financial institutions and shipping companies on a broad range of cross-border transactions. He has notable experience working on the financing of both newbuilding and second-hand vessels, and on advising on finance documentation from standard term loan facilities to more complex and structured facilities, bonds and finance leases in relation to all types of commercial vessels. He also has experience in project finance and restructuring transactions. He is qualified in England & Wales, and has worked in Greece since 2019.

Since taking on the role of head of maritime finance for Stephenson Harwood's Greek practice, one of my primary objectives has been to further strengthen and grow our team, said Chris Vartzis, partner, Stephenson Harwood. Expanding our practice in Greece with the addition of experienced, senior lawyers is important for our ability to meet the evolving needs of our clients in the region, and to continue to offer them the commercially-focused, bespoke advice they have come to know us for.

Stephenson Harwood has an international reputation for the quality of our top-tier maritime practice, said Ian Mace, global head of maritime, trade and offshore finance, Stephenson Harwood. It's one of the core elements of our wider transportation and trade capabilities, which we identified as a key area of strategic focus four years ago, and building our team across our international network is an important part of this. Following so closely the arrival of Vanessa Tzoannos in our maritime practice in Greece, the addition of another first-rate lawyer in this area demonstrates our ambitious growth strategy.

The award-winning Stephenson Harwood asset finance team has a long history of advising clients on a range of associated matters. With particular expertise in transportation – whether maritime, offshore, aviation, rail or bus – the team acts on financing and leasing transactions, portfolio management activities, acquisitions and disposals.

This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.