Technology and climate change are radically transforming the way we travel and meet the needs of a globally interconnected supply chain. Governments, transport authorities and major players in the sector are all looking to build a more sustainable future for transport across land, sea and air whilst finding answers to meet to net zero emissions targets.
As a transport focused firm, with a longstanding track-record across all modes of transport, from passenger to freight in rail, road, aviation and shipping, we have been leading the conversation with clients to tackle environmental and wider ESG issues.
How we can help
Our dedicated transport lawyers have credible insight and knowledge of the sector, with experience in all forms of franchising, project and asset finance and leasing, dispute resolution and litigation and corporate advice from M&A, joint ventures, private equity and infrastructure fund financing.
We act for all participants in the market, advising government and other public sector bodies, investors, financiers, manufacturers, and transport authorities, as well as many international airlines, train operating companies and shipping companies.
This holistic and experienced understanding of the complex transport industry is critical when coming up with the ambitious yet workable solutions to bring about change.
Experience
Air France
Advised Air France on its first sustainability-linked financing of a new Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Zenobē Energy Limited
Acting for Zenobē Energy, one of the UK's largest independent owners and operators of electric battery storage who assist bus operators nationwide in converting their bus fleets from diesel to electricity, support included:
- on their £20 million receivables financing with NatWest in respect of the fixed income streams under lease agreements for bus chassis and embedded lease contracts for bus batteries and charging infrastructure.
- on operating leases and hybrid finance/service agreements for the provision of bus batteries and charging infrastructure to major bus companies in the UK including: Abellio, Arriva, First Group, National Express and Stagecoach.
Asset refinancing for rail division
Advising a European client in the transport sector, in relation to the refinancing of its Railcar division for a total €180 million. The facilities agreement combined a 5-year green loan of €120 million and a multicurrency sterling and euro revolving credit facility of 3 years (with a two-year term loan conversion option) for an amount equivalent to €60 million. The funds are to be used in part to refinance the client's existing asset portfolio as well as to finance future investments.
A vehicle leasing company
Advising on a sustainable bond issue for a vehicle leasing company based on based on financing pools of electric cars.
KfW IPEX-Bank
Advising KfW IPEX-Bank in respect of the US$72 million GIEK backed fleet exhaust gas cleaning system retrofit financing for Quantum Pacific Shipping. The deal was named ‘Green Ship Finance Deal of the Year – East’.
Swire Pacific Offshore
Advised a subsidiary of Swire Pacific Offshore in connection with sustainability linked loans made to a company that owns and operates state-of-the-art turbine installation vessels. The loan included a margin ratchet linked to the achievement of certain agreed ESG criteria and was certified by CICERO.
Peace Boat NGO
Advising Peace Boat on the acquisition and financing of a cruise ship from Royal Caribbean. Peace Boat is a Japan-based international NGO which promotes peace, human rights, and sustainability. Established in 1983, it holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN).
