Ship Finance

Over the years, we have participated in structuring various types of ship finance schemes, including corporate finance type, project finance type, asset finance type, and ship investment fund type, for clients such as domestic and foreign financial institutions, shipowners, operators, trading companies, and shipping funds.

 

We have had the privilege of drafting numerous loan agreements, including syndicated loan agreements, various security agreements, and other related agreements, as well as providing legal advice to many clients, and in the process have accumulated extensive know-how in working with the various schemes. Leveraging this experience, we have established a system that allows us to promptly and appropriately provide optimal advice and contract documents, etc. for each individual transaction.

 

For cross-border transactions, in addition to Japanese law and English law, knowledge of the local laws of major flag of convenience countries (Panama, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bahamas, Isle of Man, Greece, etc.) is extremely important in obtaining and maintaining ship registration, and registering and executing ship mortgages. We have long-standing cooperative relationships with leading law firms in these countries and related institutions in Japan, in addition to which A&S includes, under the foreign law joint venture structure, foreign attorneys who are registered with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and qualified in the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Germany, and other countries. This allows us to provide speedy and accurate legal services for cross-border inquiries and consultations.

 

Furthermore, we are engaged in researching and studying, with our clients, the possibilities of various schemes, including the use of ship investment funds, for structuring ship finance essential for the transition from fuel oil ships to zero-emission fuel ships.

Related Publications

• "What Should Be Done for Transforming Japan As a True Maritime Nation," UMI No. 60, Kaiji Shinko Renmei (Association for Promotion of Maritime Affairs) (January, 2019)

• “Ship Finance Presents Opportunities for Regional Banks,” Gekkan Kinyu Journal（January 2010）

 

Related Seminars

• “Risk Management Practices in Ship Financing - Explanation of Key Points for Ongoing Management and Emergency Response and contingency planning based on practical experience,” hosted by Financial Management Forums, Inc., on May 27, 2025

• "Vessel Nationality: Features, Differences, and Flags of Convenience", hosted by Kaiji Shinko Renmei (Association for Promotion of Maritime Affairs), March 11, 2014
• "Measures Toward Business Succession For Ship Owners", collaborated with TOKIWA UNITED PARTNERS LLP., Anchor Ship Investment Co., Ltd., the Marshall Island Registry and Atsumi & Sakai, February 10, 2012

 

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