Blank Rome LLP

Brett Esber practices in the areas of international and domestic commercial transactions, corporate law, and finance, with a particular emphasis on representing companies involved in the maritime industry.  His experience related to the maritime industry includes:

• vessel construction and finance
• vessel charters and contracts of affreightment
• mergers and acquisitions
• joint ventures
• vessel acquisitions and sales
• corporate structuring and transfer pricing issues

He also represents shipping companies before the U.S. Maritime Administration and the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission.

Mr. Esber is a frequent speaker and writer on issues related to the maritime industry.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

• Oil major in risk assessment of shipping activities related to crude oil and chemical trading activities.
• Vessel owner and operator in negotiation and closing of $250 million asset-backed revolving credit facility.
• U.S. flag operator in $275 million leveraged lease financing of container vessels.
• U.S. shipyard and leasing company in $850 million transaction to build and charter product tankers for operation in the U.S. domestic trades, including negotiation of senior secured credit facility.
• Privately-owned tug/barge operator in all commercial and finance aspects of fleet renewal and expansion program, including negotiation of shipbuilding contracts, financing and charter agreements.
• International liner shipping company in investigation before the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission.
• U.S.-based auto parts manufacturer in joint venture with German auto parts manufacturer to jointly manufacture and sell auto parts in Europe.
• German-based diesel engine manufacturer in joint venture with U.S. defense contractor to submit bid to re-engine the M-1 Abrams tank.
• Non-U.S. based fruit company in U.S. transfer pricing audit.
• Bermuda-based shipping company in $250 million transaction involving construction and cross-border lease financing of refrigerator cargo vessels.
• Bermuda-based shipping company in joint venture with Danish shipping company to establish and operate eight-vessel Trans-Pacific service.