Jonathan Ward
Partner
Jonathan is a ship finance expert, known for his commercial and pragmatic approach in complex, cross-border transactions.
Partner
Jonathan is a ship finance expert, known for his commercial and pragmatic approach in complex, cross-border transactions.
Language - English
Jurisdiction - England & Wales
Jonathan specialises in guiding financial institutions, international ship owners, and shipyards through the intricacies of ship finance and commercial shipping matters.
His expertise spans complex loan financings, operating and finance leasing, sale and purchase, and corporate acquisitions, with a particular focus on Europe and the Far East.
Clients appreciate his ability to navigate high-stakes restructurings, such as the Omega Navigation Chapter 11 bankruptcy and major restructurings for Torm, Genco, Maritime Equity Partners, Bourbon Offshore and Prosafe.
He provides strategic advice on 'big ticket' asset finance transactions worldwide, representing a diverse range of clients including export credit agencies and major international ship owners.
Jonathan's work includes advising on innovative projects like Hoegh Autoliners' acquisition of zero carbon ready Aurora class PCTC vessels and J.P. Morgan Asset Management's acquisition of LNG-fuelled inland barges. Jonathan's clients value his ability to transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring their ventures are both financially sound and strategically advantageous.
His leadership in the Chinese ship finance practice underscores his commitment to delivering results that align with clients' commercial objectives.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Advised J.P. Morgan Asset Management on the acquisition of 40 LNG-fuelled inland waterway innovative eco-type inland barges against charters with energy major Shell.
The Export-Import Bank of China
Advised the Export-Import Bank of China in relation to a court sanctioned recovery plan and conciliation protocol enabling restructuring of a loan in default to a convertible bond and equity issued by a company formed by the lenders to buy 100% of Bourbon Maritime. Advising subsequently on a second restructuring.
Morgan Stanley
Acted for Morgan Stanley on the acquisition by way of amalgamation of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Höegh LNG Holdings Ltd. by Leif Höegh & Co. Ltd. and funds managed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners.
The Export-Import Bank of China
Acting for CEXIM on a US$1 billion post-delivery loan to ICBC Leasing for acquisition of 51 vessels to be bareboat chartered to Bourbon Offshore Group.
HSH Nordbank
Acted as lead advisor to HSH Nordbank in the US$240 million case in relation to claims against Omega for their default under a syndicated loan. This Chapter 11 litigation was one of 2011's leading shipping cases.
The Export-Import Bank of China
Advised The Export-Import Bank of China on restructuring of Prosafe debt.
