Dr. Stefan Rindfleisch

PARTNER

 

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Stefan Rindfleisch advises all market participants in the maritime industry on both transactions and contentious disputes. He specialises in shipbuilding transactions, sale and purchase of ships as well as financing transactions.

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.

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

1988 - 94

Studies at the Universities of Freiburg and Hamburg 

1996

Completion of the legal clerkship with the second state examination at the OLG Hamburg 

2000

Doctoral thesis on the topic of international maritime law "Pursuit at Sea". 

since 1998

Lawyer (Rechtsanwalt) at EHLERMANN RINDFLEISCH GADOW

since 2001

Partner at EHLERMANN RINDFLEISCH GADOW 

2005

Admitted as Attorney-at-Law in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands

LANGUAGES

German – English

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.” 

 

The Legal 500 Deutschland 2025

“Hall of Fame” in the field of maritime and shipping

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.”  

 

Chambers Global 2023

Banking & Finance – Germany

“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.” 

General Business Law – Marshall Islands

“Recommended Lawyer” (besides Dr. Klaus Dimigen the only lawyers in Germany) 

“He understands what his client wants.”  
“Stefan Rindfleisch is an excellent lawyer.” 

 

Handelsblatt / Best Lawyers 2025

“Best Lawyer” for Asset Finance, Maritime Commercial Law and Structured Financing

“Lawyer of the Year” for Asset Finance

 

JUVE HANDBUCH 2025/2026

“Often recommended lawyer (“excellent in ship financing”, competitor)” 

 

Who’s Who Legal 2022

Thought Leader im Bereich “Transport – Shipping”

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 

  • Various lectures, workshops and seminars for clients on selected legal topics. 
  • RWS seminars: Ship financing in times of crisis (2009 – 2018). 
  • Lecturer in the module “Maritimes Wirtschaftsrecht (Maritime Business Law)” at the University of Hamburg in the summer term 2025.

Contact Stefan Rindfleisch now

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