Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) is delighted to reveal that Global Maritime Sector Head George Macheras and Head of the Asia Assets and Structured Finance Group Christoforos Bisbikos have been included in Lloyd’s List’s Top 10 Maritime Lawyers of 2024, one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry.
George is recognised for his role in leading WFW’s global maritime practice, being the largest sector-dedicated legal offering worldwide. Lloyd’s List also notes the breadth of his own business, which spans London, Athens, New York and Singapore and including a diverse variety of clients comprising of publicly listed shipping companies, alternative investors (such as hedge funds and private equity) and large financial institutions.
Christoforos is celebrated for his key role in connecting Asian financiers with reputable international shipowners and other stakeholders, as recently evidenced by advising CMB Financial Leasing on a groundbreaking US$1.1bn sale and leaseback with Pure Energy Limited. The transaction, a highlight of Christoforos’ impressive practice, included pre- and post-delivery debt for five LNG carriers chartered by top-tier charterers and exemplifies his expertise in structuring complex, cross-border financings.
Lloyd’s List is one of the world’s oldest continuously running journals, having provided weekly shipping news in London from as early as 1734. Its annual Top 10 Maritime Lawyers list spans private practice solicitors, in-house counsel and barristers worldwide.
George commented: “I am delighted to be recognised by Lloyd’s List as one of the world’s best maritime lawyers. Such recognition reflects tremendously on the quality of our maritime practice and WFW’s unparalleled reputation in our industry around the globe. This is also highlighted in these rankings by the inclusion of Christoforos, who is an absolute leader in international maritime finance and leasing”.
Christoforos added: “It is a pleasure to be named one of the top 10 maritime lawyers of 2024. Leading such a significant transaction for CMB Financial Leasing this year was made possible with the support and commitment of our talented colleagues. It is also rewarding to see George, one of the few lawyers in our industry with such a diverse practice, being included in this list. Having two lawyers from WFW ranked is a testament to our global, second-to-none offering”.
