Stefan Rindfleisch regularly advises on M&A transactions, often with a maritime background.
In shipbuilding transactions, Stefan Rindfleisch advises both buyers and shipyards on matters such as design, shipbuilding, and construction supervision agreements. He provides legal support for shipbuilding projects from contract negotiations through to delivery and beyond. In ship sale and purchase transactions, Stefan Rindfleisch advises on all aspects, from negotiating the contracts to delivery and vessel registration.
Another key focus of Stefan Rindfleisch's work is financing. He has participated in numerous domestic and international (fleet) financings, including syndications and restructurings. He has comprehensive experience in special forms of financing, such as domestic and international lease financings, maritime promissory notes and loan securitisation.
Stefan Rindfleisch is admitted as lawyer (Rechtsanwalt) in Germany and as attorney-at-law in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He is a member of the German Society for International Law of the Sea and of the German Maritime Arbitration Association.
Chambers Germany 2026
Ranking Transportation: Shipping: Finance in Germany: Band 1
“Stefan Rindfleisch is held in high esteem for his considerable expertise in ship financing mandates. National and international investment funds, banks and ship owners seek his assistance with sale-and-leaseback transactions, the financing of new vessels, the acquisition of vessels via auctions and bareboat financing.”
Ranking Transportation: Shipping: in Germany: Band 3
Chambers Global 2026
Ranking Transportation: Shipping: Finance Global Market Leaders: Band 3
“Stefan is outstanding in his field.”
“Stefan is also very strong on the commercial advisory side.”
“Stefan Rindfleisch, based in Hamburg, is highly regarded for his expertise in financings and securitisations.”
The Legal 500 Deutschland 2026
“Hall of Fame” in the field of maritime commercial law
“Practice group leader Stefan Rindfleisch is an expert in structured ship financing.”
The Legal 500 Deutschland 2025
“Hall of Fame” in the field of maritime and shipping
Chambers Germany 2025
Ranking Transportation: Shipping: Finance in Germany: Band 1
“Leading practitioner Stefan Rindfleisch is held in high esteem for his considerable expertise in ship financing mandates. National and international investment funds, banks and ship owners seek his assistance with sale-and-leaseback transactions, the financing of new vessels, the acquisition of vessels via auctions and bareboat financing.”
Chambers Global 2025
Ranking Shipping: Finance-Global Market Leaders: Band 3
“Stefan Rindfleisch is a lauded name, best known for his work on financings and securitisations.”
Banking & Finance - Germany: Foreign expert in Marshall Islands
“Experienced practitioner Stefan Rindfleisch advises banks and PE investors on shipping finance issues, including loan agreements and bareboat financing. Being admitted to practice in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, he is a regular and attractive choice for clients seeking assistance with transactions pertaining to this jurisdiction.”
Chambers Europe 2024
Ranking Transportation: Shipping: Finance in Germany: Band 1
“Leading practitioner Stefan Rindfleisch is held in high esteem for his considerable expertise in ship financing mandates.”
Handelsblatt / Best Lawyers 2026
“Best Lawyer” for Asset Finance, Maritime Law and Structured Finance
“Lawyer of the Year” for Maritime Law
JUVE HANDBUCH 2025/2026
“Often recommended lawyer (“excellent in ship financing”, competitor)”
2001
The right of pursuit at sea
LIT Publishing House, Münster, Hamburg, London, 2001
2003
Legal Aspects of the German KG Ship Financing Concept
in: Marine Money, Official Guide to KG Finance, 2003
2013
Restructuring of ship financing
Grundlagen der Schiffsfinanzierung, Frankfurt School Verlag, 4th revised and extended edition
Arrest and Forced Auction
Grundlagen der Schiffsfinanzierung, Frankfurt School Verlag, 4th revised and extended edition
2018
A Brief History of German Ship Financing
in: Maritime Law - Current Developments and Perspectives, LIT Verlag
