Top 30 Ship Financing Banks Worldwide
January 7, 2026
In the intricate world of global maritime trade, ship financing stands as a cornerstone, supporting the ambitions of shipowners and facilitating the world's flow of goods. Banking institutions play a pivotal role, offering the necessary financial fuel to power the shipping industry. From traditional ship finance to innovative green shipping solutions, certain banks have set the gold standard. Here, we spotlight the top 30 ship financing banks worldwide
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Top 30 Ship Financing Banks
Exact terms vary by asset, borrower, and cycle.
| Institution | Type | Focus / strengths | Typical products | Ticket / tenor (indicative) | Eligible assets / sectors | Geographic sweet spot | Borrower fit | Security / structure norms | ESG / transition lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNP Paribas | Global commercial bank | Large shipping lender across bilateral and syndicated structures. | Senior secured ship loans, refinancing, syndications; treasury/hedging alongside. | Mid–large tickets; multi-year amortizing debt (deal-dependent). | Broad ocean-going fleets; mainstream traded segments. | Europe + global shipping hubs. | Established owners/operators and repeat borrowers. | Senior secured packages are common (mortgage + assignments + covenants; structure varies by deal). | Sustainability-linked formats where KPIs can be defined and verified. |
| Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim / CEXIM) | Policy bank / export credit lender | Scale player in export-linked shipping finance and shipbuilding-related programs. | Export buyer/seller credit-style tranches, direct lending, co-lending/syndications. | Large tickets; longer tenors often seen in export-linked structures (program-dependent). | Newbuild-heavy activity; scope depends on export program and procurement content. | Global (frequently tied to Chinese yard/equipment ecosystems). | Owners ordering under export-linked frameworks; SPVs common. | Export-credit style documentation/conditions; security package varies by program and co-lenders. | Transition emphasis depends on program; efficiency/tech packages can matter. |
| KfW IPEX-Bank | German specialist (export / project finance) | Structured maritime financing; often seen in export/project-style transactions. | Senior secured loans; export/project finance structures; modernization/retrofit funding where applicable. | Mid–large tickets; medium-to-long tenor depending on structure and risk. | Cargo and passenger vessels; project-linked maritime assets (deal-dependent). | Europe-centric origination with worldwide reach. | Sponsors with clear technical packages and bankable structures. | Senior secured structures; security/covenants vary (especially in export/project frameworks). | Transition and efficiency upgrades can be financeable where measurable and tied to the asset plan. |
| Crédit Agricole CIB | Global commercial bank (CIB) | Structured shipping finance capability across multiple debt formats. | Ship mortgage loans, syndications, export-linked structures; hedging/markets support where relevant. | Mid–large tickets; tenors vary by deal and structure. | New + second-hand vessels across mainstream ocean-going segments. | Global shipping hubs (Europe/Asia/Middle East presence). | Owners/operators needing structured execution or multi-bank coordination. | Senior secured lending norms common; covenants/reporting vary by syndicate and borrower. | SLL/transition tools common when measurable KPIs can be agreed and monitored. |
| Bank of China | Global commercial bank | Large balance-sheet lender that participates in bilateral and syndicated maritime financings. | Ship mortgage loans, bridge/refinancing, syndicated facilities; treasury services. | Mid–large tickets; tenor depends on asset and credit profile. | Broad vessel types; appetite varies by platform and cycle. | Greater China + global corridors. | Established owners/operators and corporate groups. | Typically senior secured with standard collateral package; details vary by branch/entity and deal. | Transition features deal-driven; KPIs and verification requirements vary by platform. |
| Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) | Policy bank / export credit lender | Key participant in Korean export-linked ship finance programs (often alongside commercial banks). | Direct lending tranches, guarantees/insurance-linked support, export program financings. | Large tickets; tenors often longer in export-linked structures (program-dependent). | Korea-built newbuilds and export program assets (deal-dependent). | Korean yard programs + international buyers. | Owners ordering under export-linked structures; sponsors comfortable with ECA-style processes. | Export-credit style documentation/security common; structure varies with co-lenders and program rules. | Transition/efficiency elements can be relevant depending on program and vessel spec. |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) | Japanese megabank | Global shipping finance platform with capability for bespoke and syndicated solutions. | Bilateral/syndicated bank debt, structured facilities; hedging/treasury support. | Mid–large tickets; medium-to-long terms depending on deal. | Wide range of ocean-going vessels (deal-dependent). | Japan-linked + global shipping hubs. | Experienced owners/operators and corporate platforms. | Senior secured structures common; covenants/cash controls vary by borrower and cycle. | Transition-linked options often available when KPIs and reporting are practical. |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank | Japanese trust bank | Maritime exposure via lending/investment channels; approach can differ from pure commercial banks. | Deal-specific lending/investment participation; structures vary by platform and mandate. | Deal-dependent; commonly mid-to-large when participating in bankable structures. | Ocean-going fleet exposure; appetite depends on mandate and risk posture. | Japan + global (often via relationships and market networks). | Sponsors with strong reporting discipline and clear asset strategy. | Security/structure varies by product; secured concepts typical when lending. | Transition appetite policy-driven and deal-specific; KPI-linked formats depend on structure. |
| Société Générale | Global commercial bank (CIB) | CIB capability for structured and syndicated shipping financings. | Structured loans, syndications, multi-vessel facilities; ancillary markets support. | Mid–large tickets; tenor varies with asset and sponsor. | Mainstream traded shipping; asset appetite shifts with cycle and mandate. | Europe + global shipping hubs. | Owners/operators and corporate platforms, especially for structured execution. | Senior secured structures typical; covenants/cash controls vary by deal and syndicate. | SLL/transition tools often available when measurable KPIs can be agreed. |
| CaixaBank | Commercial bank (Spain) | Participates in maritime financings and syndications (appetite varies by strategy). | Syndicated/bilateral corporate-style facilities, including shipping deals where active. | Deal-dependent; typically mid-size to larger tickets for bank-led facilities. | Shipping exposure can include coastal/short-sea and broader traded fleet (deal-dependent). | Spain / Mediterranean footprint with broader reach as needed. | Owners/operators and corporates with clear reporting and bankability. | Security/covenants depend on facility type (asset-backed vs corporate); deal-driven. | Sustainability-linked formats may be used where KPIs and reporting are workable. |
| ING | Global commercial bank | Long-standing shipping franchise; active with international owners across major traded segments, with a strong transition and portfolio-alignment focus. | Senior secured ship loans, bilateral/syndicated facilities, refinancing; sustainability-linked formats where KPIs fit. | Mid–large tickets; multi-year amortising debt (deal- and segment-dependent). | Dry bulk, tankers (incl. gas), containers and related mainstream ocean-going fleets. | Europe + Singapore/Asia shipping hub connectivity; global coverage. | Top-tier owners/operators with repeat-borrower track records and reporting discipline. | Senior secured structures typical (mortgage + assignments + covenants/cash controls; varies by deal). | Often supports transition-linked structures; KPI design and verification drive feasibility. |
| ABN AMRO | Commercial bank (Netherlands) | Dedicated sector approach with long shipping track record; active in funding decarbonisation and efficiency upgrades. | Ship mortgage loans, syndicated facilities, green/transition financings; selective private placement style solutions via partners. | Mid–large tickets; multi-year tenors (structure depends on asset, chartering and sponsor profile). | Mainstream ocean-going vessels; retrofit/upgrade programs where bankable and measurable. | Europe shipping hubs with global client coverage. | Owners/operators with transparent ops + emissions reporting and credible fleet plans. | Senior secured packages common; covenant and cash-control intensity varies by risk and cycle. | Strong climate-alignment lens; transition KPIs often part of the conversation. |
| Citi | Global bank (corporate & investment banking) | Active across structured corporate lending and export/agency-backed solutions where shipping sits inside broader transport, trade and capital-markets relationships. | Syndicated/bilateral lending, structured export finance, treasury/hedging; ship finance participation is deal-driven. | Mid–large tickets; tenor depends heavily on structure (ECA-style can run longer). | Shipping corporates/SPVs in bankable structures; often alongside other lenders and agencies. | Global (notably where trade/FX/cash management is central to the relationship). | Corporate groups and sophisticated sponsors needing multi-product banking execution. | Security package varies by product (asset-backed vs corporate-style); documentation is structure-specific. | Transition features depend on product choice and KPI/reporting practicality. |
| UBS | Global bank | Shipping lending capability materially shaped by the Credit Suisse legacy portfolio; approach is portfolio- and strategy-driven post-merger. | Senior secured ship loans and syndications for selected clients; broader CIB solutions around the core relationship. | Mid–large tickets; multi-year amortising debt where active (deal-dependent). | Mainstream traded shipping exposures; appetite varies by portfolio priorities. | Europe-focused with global client reach. | Established owners/operators with strong credit profiles and disclosure. | Senior secured is typical where ship loans are written; covenant package varies by borrower/segment. | Transition stance is tied to group policy and portfolio goals; reporting and verification matter. |
| Standard Chartered | Global bank (corporate & investment banking) | Dedicated shipping finance capability with a strong Asia/Africa/Middle East corridor footprint; active in transition finance dialogue. | Shipping finance facilities (often syndicated), structured export finance, transition/sustainable finance formats. | Mid–large tickets; multi-year tenors, with structure influenced by export/charter and risk mix. | Ocean-going fleets; deal appetite varies by segment and sponsor quality. | Asia-centric execution with global reach (notably Singapore/HK). | Owners/operators needing cross-border banking + structured solutions. | Senior secured structures common; documentation/covenants vary by facility and syndicate. | Often engages on transition pathways; KPI design and portfolio alignment are recurring themes. |
| Bank of America | Global bank | Strong global trade/supply-chain platform and broad corporate lending; shipping exposure is typically relationship- and structure-driven (rather than a standalone “ship-mortgage-only” franchise). | Trade & supply chain finance, corporate loans, structured solutions; marine/yacht lending via private bank for eligible clients. | Large tickets across CIB products; tenor depends on product (working-capital vs term lending). | Shipping corporates needing trade/working-capital tools; select asset-backed use cases via structure. | Global (particularly trade-heavy corridors). | Corporate groups and sponsors who value integrated cash/trade/FX plus lending. | Security varies by product (receivables/inventory/trade instruments vs term lending; deal-specific). | Transition lens is product- and client-driven; KPIs and disclosure influence structure options. |
| Iyo Bank | Regional bank (Japan) | Notable Japanese regional-bank ship lender; built specialist ship finance capability and reports dedicated “ship-related” maritime exposure. | Ship finance loans (often syndicated), owner-backed newbuild/second-hand funding; terms and covenants vary by charter and sponsor. | Typically mid-size tickets per vessel/portfolio; multi-year terms aligned to asset and chartering (deal-dependent). | Japan-linked owners and global ocean transport exposures via ship-related lending. | Japan origin with international ship finance reach via syndications. | Owners comfortable with Japanese documentation norms and reporting; often repeat borrowers. | Senior secured structures typical in ship loans; charter/earnings assignments common where applicable. | Transition terms depend on borrower plan and reporting; bank’s maritime exposure is actively monitored. |
| Korea Development Bank (KDB) | State-run policy bank (Korea) | Industrial/policy mandate with material shipping and shipbuilding involvement; runs dedicated ship-finance programs and funds. | Programmatic ship finance, operating lease-style programs via vehicles, corporate/structured lending; often supports fleet renewal and retrofits. | Often large tickets; tenors vary by program and co-lender mix. | Korea-linked shipping, fleet renewal, and eco/retrofit initiatives; deal scope depends on program rules. | Korea-centric with global network support. | Korean owners/operators and sponsors using policy-bank structures and programs. | Security and documentation are program/structure-specific; can differ from plain-vanilla mortgage loans. | Strong emphasis on “eco” fleet programs and retrofit pathways within designated initiatives. |
| Hiroshima Bank | Regional bank (Japan) | Specialist ship finance track record tied to regional shipbuilding/marine transport ecosystems; maintains dedicated ship finance expertise. | Ship finance loans (bilateral/syndicated), shipbuilding and marine transport-linked credit; financing is deal- and charter-driven. | Typically mid-size per vessel with portfolio scale; multi-year terms aligned to asset and sponsor (deal-dependent). | Shipbuilding + marine transport-linked lending, including ocean-going exposures. | Japan origin with overseas client servicing (including a presence in key maritime hubs). | Owners/operators with Japan-linked sponsor base and strong documentation discipline. | Senior secured ship-loan structures typical; security package varies by transaction and syndicate. | Increasingly framed around transition and responsible growth as disclosure expectations rise. |
| Nordea | Nordic universal bank | Established shipping lender in the Nordics; active in shipping transition engagement and sustainable finance dialogue alongside core corporate banking. | Corporate lending and shipping-related facilities, trade finance, treasury; sustainability-linked structures where applicable. | Mid–large tickets; multi-year facilities are common in asset-heavy corporate lending (deal-dependent). | Nordic owner base + international shipping exposures; appetite varies by segment and strategy. | Nordics / Northern Europe with international business support. | Owners/operators and corporates with strong governance, reporting and credible fleet plans. | Security depends on facility type (asset-backed vs corporate); covenant and cash controls are deal-driven. | Transition KPIs and disclosure expectations increasingly shape eligibility and pricing levers. |
| DNB | Commercial bank (Norway) | Dedicated shipping, offshore & logistics platform with long-running global shipowner coverage and capital-markets capability alongside lending. | Senior secured ship loans, bilateral/syndicated facilities, refinancing; advisory/capital markets where relevant. | Mid–large tickets; multi-year amortising debt is common (deal-dependent). | Mainstream ocean-going fleets; appetite varies by segment and cycle. | Nordics + major shipping hubs (global client coverage). | Established owners/operators with repeat-borrower track records and strong disclosure. | Senior secured structures typical (mortgage + assignments; covenants/cash controls vary by deal). | Transition finance and climate-alignment frameworks often part of the credit conversation. |
| Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) | Policy / development bank (Japan) | Programmatic ship finance with a strong decarbonisation lens (notably through evaluation-linked frameworks used with industry partners). | Structured ship finance, investment/financing under program frameworks, selective co-lending. | Deal- and program-dependent; can support longer, policy-style tenors where applicable. | Japan-linked owners/tonnage and “next-gen”/lower-emissions projects that fit policy objectives. | Japan-based with global relevance via shipowner and classification partners. | Owners/operators able to meet disclosure/assessment requirements and structured documentation. | Structure varies by program (often more “framework-led” than plain-vanilla bilateral loans). | Strong climate alignment emphasis; reporting and verification are central to eligibility. |
| MUFG (MUFG Bank) | Japanese megabank | Large, global ship finance franchise with structured execution capability and long-standing shipowner relationships. | Ship acquisition finance, syndicated loans, project/ECA-linked structures; related corporate lending where relevant. | Mid–large tickets; multi-year tenors depending on asset, chartering and structure. | Broad ocean-going fleet; structure and appetite vary by segment and sponsor quality. | Japan + global shipping hubs (cross-border syndication reach). | Experienced owners/operators and corporates needing sophisticated structuring. | Senior secured norms common in ship loans; documentation varies with syndicate/ECA overlays. | Transition-linked levers often available when KPIs, reporting and verification are workable. |
| Eurobank | Commercial bank (Greece) | Well-known Greek shipping lender with dedicated shipping teams (including Cyprus-based shipping coverage) and multi-product banking support. | Ship finance loans for acquisitions/newbuild programs, refinancing, transaction banking for shipping groups. | Mid–large tickets; tenor depends on chartering, sponsor and asset type. | Dry bulk, tanker and container exposures are common in Greek bank shipping portfolios (deal-dependent). | Greece + Cyprus with global shipowner relationships. | Greek/international owners with transparent ops and bankable chartering profiles. | Senior secured lending structures typical; covenants and cash controls vary by borrower risk. | Sustainability/transition features are increasingly used when measurable and auditable. |
| Piraeus Bank | Commercial bank (Greece) | Greek corporate bank with stated shipping-finance capability as part of its sector coverage and international trade solutions. | Shipping finance (deal-driven), trade/supply-chain tools, corporate facilities linked to maritime groups. | Deal-dependent; often mid-size to large facilities for bankable sponsors and structures. | Shipping corporates/SPVs; segment appetite varies by cycle and risk policy. | Greece with international trade corridor connectivity. | Owners/operators and maritime corporates needing bank + trade execution. | Security/structure varies by product (asset-backed vs corporate-style); deal-specific documentation. | Transition terms depend on borrower plan, disclosure and verifiable KPIs. |
| Yamaguchi Financial Group (YMFG) | Regional banking group (Japan) | Japanese regional group with notable ship finance activity tied to maritime-heavy regions and shipowner demand for vessel projects. | Ship finance loans (often syndicated), owner-backed acquisitions/newbuild-related lending; terms vary by charter and sponsor. | Typically mid-size per vessel with portfolio scale; tenors aligned to asset cashflow (deal-dependent). | Japan-linked shipowners and related maritime businesses (deal-dependent). | Japan origin with international ship finance reach via syndications/partners. | Owners comfortable with Japanese documentation norms and reporting cadence. | Senior secured ship-loan structures typical; collateral/assignments and covenants vary by deal. | Transition focus depends on borrower plan; disclosure expectations are rising across Japanese lenders. |
| Ocorian | Corporate services / trustee & agency (not a bank) | Commonly used in ship finance transactions for security trustee/agency and SPV administration, especially in multi-lender and capital-markets structures. | Security trustee, loan agency, SPV corporate administration, accounting and related transaction services. | Not a lender; engaged on transaction mandates (fee-based). | Ship finance structures needing trustee/agency roles; performing and distressed scenarios. | International (used across major maritime legal/finance hubs). | Borrowers, lenders and arrangers needing a professional third-party trustee/agent. | Focus is administering/enforcing the agreed security package (as appointed), not setting credit terms. | ESG lens is transaction-driven (supports the structure; KPIs come from lenders/borrower terms). |
| Fukuoka Bank (The Bank of Fukuoka) | Regional bank (Japan) | Regional bank with established ship financing activity (often discussed in Japan’s ship finance community via interviews and deal participation). | Ship finance loans (bilateral/syndicated), related corporate lending for maritime-linked clients; terms vary by charter/sponsor. | Typically mid-size tickets per vessel; tenor aligned to cashflow and collateral (deal-dependent). | Japan-linked owners and maritime businesses; exposure can include ocean-going assets via syndications. | Japan origin with reach via syndications and partner banks. | Sponsors with solid documentation/reporting and bankable chartering where applicable. | Senior secured ship-loan norms typical; security/assignments and covenants vary by deal. | Transition terms depend on borrower plan and reporting; deal-by-deal implementation. |
| National Bank of Greece (NBG) | Commercial bank (Greece) | Long-running Greek bank with historic shipping finance activity; portfolio emphasis and growth priorities can shift with strategy and cycle. | Shipping-related lending (deal-driven), syndicated participation, ancillary banking services for maritime corporates. | Deal-dependent; typically mid-size to larger tickets for bankable sponsors/structures. | Greek/international maritime corporates; asset appetite varies by credit policy and cycle. | Greece with international shipowner connectivity. | Owners/operators with strong disclosure and reliable cashflow/chartering profile. | Security depends on product (asset-backed vs corporate); covenants/cash controls vary by deal. | Transition features are increasingly relevant when measurable and verifiable. |
| SEB | Nordic universal bank | Dedicated shipping sector coverage with strong sustainability-transition positioning and multi-hub execution capability. | Shipping finance facilities, syndicated lending, corporate banking and risk management solutions (deal-dependent). | Mid–large tickets; multi-year structures vary by segment, chartering and sponsor strength. | Mainstream shipping clients with an increasing focus on transition/efficiency pathways. | Nordics + London/Singapore coverage; select North America and Asia clients. | Owners/operators with strong governance, reporting and credible fleet strategy. | Senior secured norms common; covenant intensity and structure depend on risk and segment. | Strong transition framing; sustainability advice and policy alignment influence eligibility and structure. |
Ship Financing Readiness Checklist
A lender-ready sanity check you can run in 10 minutes before sending an RFQ.
How to use it
Tick what you already have. Anything missing becomes your “gap list” for brokers, lawyers, and technical managers.
Fast score
Green: you can circulate a lender pack.
Amber: expect questions / slower credit.
Red: fix gaps before you shop terms.
Amber: expect questions / slower credit.
Red: fix gaps before you shop terms.
1) Deal snapshot
2) Ownership, structure, compliance
3) Vessel condition and technical evidence
4) Employment, revenue, and counterparties
5) Legal, collateral, and closing mechanics
6) Transition and emissions (increasingly asked)
* Please send feedback/suggestions to editor @ shipuniverse.com
* There can be inaccuracies in this data and keep in mind it is fluid. Please contact the bank of interest for current information and terms.
