Stephenson Harwood wins two awards at the IFLR Middle East Awards 2025
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Moving forward on sustainable transport
The transport sector is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, producing around a quarter of the world’s energy-related carbon dioxide. Reducing these emissions is critical to decarbonisation strategies, and Stephenson Harwood’s sector focus in transportation, energy transition and technology gives clients significant advantages in addressing these challenges.
We recently advised Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Company in a landmark sale and leaseback with Stena Line for financing the world's first methanol-ready NewMax hybrid ferries. The first vessel, 'Stena Futura', was delivered in July 2025 with her sister ship, 'Stena Connecta', to follow later in 2025. This transaction sets a benchmark for innovation in sale and leaseback financings by successfully structuring a cross-collateralised, multi-vessel, and multi-jurisdictional deal that meets the strategic and operational needs of both BCLC and Stena.
“This financing builds on the firm’s pioneering work in maritime decarbonisation,” said Kirsty MacHardy, head of Transportation and Trade sector group, “having previously supported Hoegh Autoliners on the procurement of ammonia-ready Aurora class vessels, which are some of the most environmentally friendly car and truck carriers in operation.”
Decarbonising transportation is also a key UK government policy, and in recent years our team has partnered with clients to advance battery, hydrogen and hybrid solutions for buses and trains. We are also working in close partnership with a leading UK-based battery innovator on a first-of-its-kind framework services agreement for 150 electric buses, batteries, and charging infrastructure.
In the aviation sector, we also recently advised airlines on innovative first-of-their-kind sustainability-linked loans, sustainable finance platforms, green finance regulations, and the applicability of EU Emissions Trading System regulations.
“Societal challenges like decarbonisation require advisors to be experts in more than law,” said Stephenson Harwood’s head of energy transition Jonathan Cripps. “By working alongside clients across the shipping, rail, road and aviation sectors we can identify and learn from the synergies, manage risks and support the innovations that will prepare the next generation for more carbon-neutral transportation.”
