Stephenson Harwood recognised at IJ Global Awards 2024
Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has been recognised in two separate categories at the IJ Global Awards 2024.
The firm advised on the Abu Dhabi Container Terminal project, which has been awarded Transport Deal of the Year, and Managing Associate Chinar Zaidi has won the Rising Star Award.
Transport Deal of the Year
The firm advised the sponsors on the landmark PPP joint venture formed by a leading UAE-based port operator and a multinational shipping and logistics company, to establish a new terminal in Khalifa Port, the first semi-automated container port in the GCC region.
The new terminal will position the UAE port as a pivotal hub, serving three of the world’s top four shipping lines, and marks a milestone in advancing the UAE’s stature in global maritime trade. The project structure combined elements of traditional project finance with PPP frameworks, while spanning multiple jurisdictions and regulatory regimes, presenting several significant complexities that required careful navigation and innovative solutions.
The Stephenson Harwood team was led by Partner Rustum Shah who was supported by Managing Associate Murtaza Hussain.
Rising Star Award
Chinar Zaidi is a Managing Associate within Stephenson Harwood's banking and finance and marine, trade and offshore practices. She is one of the few UAE-based lawyers specialising in maritime asset and offshore finance, regularly leading on complex transactions throughout the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Chinar also plays a key role in renewable energy projects, advising on green financing and structuring sustainable initiatives within the energy and maritime sectors.
The Rising Star award recognises Chinar's technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to sustainability in the maritime and energy sectors, with one judge noting: “Her proactive industry engagement and mentoring demonstrate her commitment to advancing the legal profession.”
"These awards are a testament to the skill and dedication of our team," said Rania Tadros, Dubai Office Managing Partner and Global Head of Maritime and Offshore at Stephenson Harwood. "The recognition of the Abu Dhabi Container Terminal project and Chinar Zaidi's well-deserved Rising Star Award highlights the growth and depth of our capabilities in the Middle East. As we continue to expand our projects and energy practice with significant new hires and a commitment to developing talent, we remain ideally positioned to deliver exceptional service on complex, high-profile deals."
