In an environment of rapid change and increasing demands, Stephenson Harwood is constantly investing in its international presence and expertise, offering its clients legal solutions with strategic value, emphasize Dora Mace Kokota, International Maritime, Trade and Offshore, Practice Group Leader & Managing Partner, Greek Office, and Chris Vartzis, Partner, Piraeus - Head of Greece Maritime Finance.
How does your international presence enhance the way you support Greek and global clients?
We operate from key global financial and maritime centres, providing extensive experience and deep integration within the sector. Our clients operate in an increasingly complex political and regulatory framework. We cut through the background noise and get to the heart of their legal challenges, always keeping the wider commercial picture in view.
Our cross-border teams combine deep sector expertise with regional insight to deliver integrated, multidimensional advice. Whether the challenge is transactional, regulatory, or contentious, our approach is holistic, bridging jurisdictions and disciplines.
What are the principal legal and strategic challenges facing your clients?
The maritime sector is undergoing transformation. In addition to cybersecurity, data protection and AI, clients navigate complicated geopolitical landscapes. Shifting global dynamics are compounded by regulatory challenges, creating a complex picture. Having advisers who anticipate change and offer forward-looking solutions is vital.
How do you support your clients in navigating the green transition?
Sustainability and responsible business are central to corporate strategy in shipping. We are proud to be at the forefront of industry innovation. Notably, members of the firm have played a key role in the development of "Blue Visby”, a new operational system for voyage optimisation, reducing shipping GHG emissions by approximately 15% through eradicating the practice of "sail fast, then wait”, offering a practical response to decarbonisation imperatives.
We help clients to stay ahead of regulatory developments and challenges, while seizing the opportunities the transition presents.
How do your strategic objectives in Greece align with your broader plans for the firm?
A central pillar of our firm-wide strategy is the growth of our international offices, in line with the needs of our global client base. This means scaling capabilities where client demand is strongest – and Greece is a key example.
In Greece, our relocation from Piraeus –a key shipping hub– to Athens –the wider commercial capital– reflects our strategy to serve clients not only in the maritime sector but across the broader business spectrum.
We are investing in deepening our bench and expanding our offering, to ultimately create a full-service platform to support our clients’ growth.
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