Leading shipping law firm Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has beefed up its top shipping and energy team by creating eight new partners for 2022.

The London-headquartered company said the promotions stretch from Europe to Singapore.

The moves bring the total number of partners to 173.

Of the eight new appointments, five are focused on the maritime sector.

In Athens, Christina Economides, Christina Giagka and Dimitris Karamacheras are new partners.

Economides specialises in cross-border asset finance transactions, fleet acquisitions, newbuilding contracts, sale and purchase, sale and leaseback and bond deals.

Giagka acts for banks, funds and owners on asset finance and security documentation, loan transfers and restructurings, and S&P transactions.

Karamacheras is also a finance specialist, working on sale and leaseback and complex debt restructurings.

WFW also said that Paris-based Philippe Monfort has been promoted.

He is dual-qualified in France, England and Wales, advising on French, British and cross-border financing transactions in shipping, aviation and rail.

Singapore promotion for Roe

Finally, in Singapore, Lizzie Roe becomes a partner thanks to work with owners and lenders on project and asset financing matters, including leasing transactions, charterparties, lease agreements and S&P.

WFW’s senior partner George Paleokrassas said the lawyers are all “exceptionally dynamic and talented”.

The appointments will “greatly enhance our partnership and help ensure the firm’s continued growth and success moving forward”, he added.

Managing partner Lindsey Keeble added: “It is wonderful to have so many fantastic new partners from across our international network and core sectors of expertise. I am delighted to welcome them to the WFW partnership.”