Yui Ota-Barclay
Managing Associate
Yui is a cross-border banking and finance expert, with a focus on the maritime and energy sectors, known for her cultural insight and commercial acumen.
Managing Associate
Yui is a cross-border banking and finance expert, with a focus on the maritime and energy sectors, known for her cultural insight and commercial acumen.
Languages - English, Japanese
Jurisdiction - State of New York
As an asset finance lawyer with a particular focus on the maritime industry, Yui Ota-Barclay assists shipping companies and financial institutions in navigating complex cross-border financing transactions.
Yui's expertise spans a diverse range of financing arrangements, from traditional debt financings to highly sophisticated financial products such as JOLCOs. Her transactions involve a wide variety of vessels including container ships, LNG carriers and FPSOs, and she ensures that tailored solutions are put in place for each unique client and market need.
Yui's clients, including leading Japanese banks and international lenders, rely on her ability to bridge cultural differences and deliver commercially sound solutions. Yui's deep understanding of the global shipping landscape, particularly in facilitating deals for Japanese shipping companies, is a testament to her nine years of experience at a top-tier international law firm in Tokyo and London.
Yui is passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to create a more equitable working environment within the legal and maritime sectors. Her dedication to these values enhances her ability to connect with clients and colleagues alike, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
Apollo: Due diligence and acquisition of shares
Advising Apollo-managed funds in relation to their pending acquisition of LNG carrier infrastructure platform, Hav Energy LNG Holding AS. Tasks included due diligence of underlying French tax lease documentation including quiet enjoyment and step-in arrangements with the relevant charterers.Alcuin: Non-recourse loan facility
Advising Alcuin Capital Partners in relation to a non-recourse loan facility for eleven offshore wind farm service vessels. Preparing security documents and setting up a complex closing mechanics which allowed for the loan drawdowns and the acquisition finance completion to occur simultaneously.Financing of LNG carrier (JOLCO)
Advising a leading international bank in relation to a Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) transaction for financing of one LNG carrier. Tasks included drafting security documents and setting out closing mechanics across Japan, PRC, Greece, France and the UK.ING: K-Sure loan facility
Advising ING on a K-SURE supported loan facility of Algoma Central Corporation, one of Canada’s largest marine shipping companies. Tasks included finalising the complex payment arrangements between multiple banks and the shipyard and delivering the financed vessels.MPC Capital: US$15 million term loan facility
Advising MPC Capital on a US$15 million term loan facility from First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, discussing each clause of the facility agreement with MPC Capital from the borrower’s point of view, in particular to address operational requirements involving various equity investors.Bond financing transaction
Advising a group of purchasers on a series of bond financing transactions arranged by one of the large cruise companies. Tasks included review of all bond issuance documents from the English law perspective and collecting specialist advice, such as enforcement and tax issues.Amendment and restatement of term loan facility
Advised two Japanese lenders regarding amendment and restatement of a term loan facility for the purposes of replacing the borrower and the financed vessel. Drafting release documents and new finance documents in two days and completing the amendment and restatement process within two weeks.Purchase of shipping loan portfolios
Advising a leading Japanese financial institution in relation to purchases of shipping loan portfolios from a leading international bank.FSO and FPSO financings
Advising leading Japanese and international banks (including ECAs) on various FSO and FPSO financings for Japanese sponsors, to be chartered on long term charter in Brazil.Double sale and leaseback of LNG carrier
Advising a major Japanese trading house in relation to the double sale and leaseback of an LNG carrier, including in relation to the sale and purchase, chartering and multiple quiet enjoyment arrangements.
