May 2026
Conyers has been recognised in several categories in the Marine Money Ship Finance “Deals of the Year” Awards for 2025. The awards highlight leading transactions across the global shipping industry and reflect a year of complex and innovative deal activity.
The awards were published in Marine Money’s Q1 2026 magazine, which noted that each recognised transaction reflects “the effort required to reach its completion” in a challenging and dynamic market.
Conyers advised on the following award-winning transactions.
Equity Private Placement Deal of the Year – Bruton Ltd. Private Placement of $110 Million in Capital
Conyers advised Bruton Limited on its US$110 million private placement. The transaction exceeded its initial US$100 million target and attracted strong institutional participation, including a US$38 million cornerstone investment. The proceeds support the development of a VLCC-focused platform with a conservative capital structure.
Marine Money highlighted the transaction as emblematic of a broader resurgence in equity capital markets activity, noting that the deal “underscored that under the right conditions, investor appetite for well-structured shipping companies does remain.”
Director Guy Cooper and Associate Ashley Bento of Conyers’ Bermuda office advised on this matter.
Wild Card Deal of the Year – CMB.TECH NV Merger with Golden Ocean Group
Conyers provided Bermuda law advice to CMB.TECH Bermuda Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMB.TECH NV, in connection with its landmark share for share merger acquisition of Golden Ocean Group. The transaction involved significant structural and strategic complexity and required coordination across multiple stakeholders. It reflects continued consolidation in the shipping sector as market participants pursue scale and efficiency.
The transaction stood out in a year where M&A activity was selective but increasingly strategic, with owners pursuing opportunities in both traditional and niche sectors amid fluctuating market conditions.
Directors Guy Cooper, Neil Henderson and Rhys Williams, Senior Associate Sophia Collis and Associate Joshua DeAllie advised on this matter, working alongside Argo Law BV, Seward & Kissel LLP and Advokatfirmaet BAHR AS.
Offshore Public Debt Deal of the Year – Odfjell Drilling’s US$650 Million Senior Secured First Lien Bonds
Conyers advised Odfjell Drilling in connection with its US$650 million senior secured first lien bond issuance. The transaction highlights continued access to the debt capital markets for offshore issuers and strong investor demand for secured instruments.
Marine Money noted that offshore markets in 2025 experienced “another year of recovery,” supported by increased activity across bonds, equity issuances and mergers and acquisitions.
Director Guy Cooper, Senior Associate Jacari Brimmer-Landy and Associate Ashley Bento of Conyers’ Bermuda office advised on this matter, working alongside Wikborg Rein.
The recognition of our work across these transactions highlights Conyers’ prominent position in global ship finance and reinforces the firm’s reputation as a trusted adviser in the sector.
Commenting on these achievements, Director Marcello Ausenda, Head of the Bermuda Corporate Practice and of the firm’s Global Shipping Practice, stated, “We are pleased to see these transactions recognised by Marine Money, particularly in a year that required innovative thinking and close collaboration across jurisdictions. These deals reflect the strength of our corporate and shipping teams and our ability to support clients on complex, high-value transactions in evolving market conditions.”