Macquarie Shipping Finance loan book surpasses $US2 billion milestone

• Macquarie’s Shipping Finance loan book surpasses $US2 billion
• Business expands into new markets and new sectors, including financing offshore service vessels, car carriers, and aquaculture vessels
• The business recently provided its largest one-off shipping transaction to date with a $US175 million senior secured facility and also structured its first facility incorporating Shariah principles.

Macquarie Group’s Shipping Finance business has strengthened its position as a global shipping loan provider, with its loan book surpassing $US2 billion since the platform was launched in 2017 – financing more than 500 vessels globally.

The business has expanded into new segments, including financing offshore service vessels, car carriers, and aquaculture vessels. It has also recently introduced several new solutions to meet the evolving needs of its clients, including pre-delivery financing, syndicated facilities, and facilities incorporating Shariah principles.

The business continues to deepen its partnerships with maritime clients globally. This is demonstrated by several recent transactions, including providing a $US175 million senior loan facility to a Greek owner and operator for refinancing a fleet of 12 chemical and product tankers. The team also structured a $US55 million senior bullet loan for a founding client, maximising cash flow flexibility for the bulk carrier operator. Additionally, they provided a $US57.5 million facility incorporating Shariah principles, secured by offshore service vessels tailored to the specifications of a Middle Eastern oil major.

This milestone comes at a pivotal moment for the maritime industry, as it continues to adapt to evolving macroeconomic and trade conditions, increasing volatility, and decarbonisation challenges. Since inception the team has built close relationships with a diverse set of private and public owners and continue to support them with navigating market challenges and achieving their fleet renewal and growth strategies.

Marc Hari, Head of Macquarie Shipping Finance, said: “Achieving this milestone in under eight years reflects our commitment to clients and the industry. In a volatile environment, our innovative approach has driven record growth, with a 76 per cent portfolio increase this year alone¹. By continually evolving, setting benchmarks, and optimising internal processes, we can now execute a transaction within three weeks. This has solidified our position in the market with a robust platform primed for future success."

As a global shipping lender, Macquarie’s Shipping Finance team supports clients across all commoditised shipping segments, offshore service vessels, and aquaculture vessels, providing tailored solutions to help shipowners acquire new maritime assets, expand fleet, refinance critical assets or retrofit fleet. The team consists of more than 20 specialist asset finance professionals and maritime experts based across Zurich, London, Paris, and New York.

1. As at March 2025