ESL Shipping has signed a EUR 70 million loan agreement with Svenska Skeppshypotek. The loan is a part of the financing of ESL Shipping’s investment in a series of four methanol-powered 17,000 dwt handysize vessels. The loan has a maturity of 15 years, and it is expected to be drawn in 2027 and 2028.
“We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Svenska Skeppshypotek in the financing of next-generation green ships. Partnering with a financial institution that possesses deep expertise in the maritime sector and a strong commitment to sustainable shipping is highly valuable,” says Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping.
”ESL Shipping is a company that has a strong focus on its customers through long-term strategies and a forward-leaning attitude towards technical developments and the green transition. The company is also very important for the Finnish and Swedish industries, and the new vessels will be at the forefront of the net-zero emission race. These are all attributes Svenska Skeppshypotek looks for in a partner”, says Arne Juell-Skielse, CEO of Svenska Skeppshypotek.
The new 1A ice class vessels can be operated fossil-free by using green methanol and are top of the market in terms of cargo capacity, technology and innovation. The total value of the four ships is approximately EUR 186 million, and this investment takes place during the years 2024–2028. The new vessels are built in Nanjing, China, at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co, Ltd. The vessels are scheduled to enter service starting from the third quarter of 2027. The fourth ship of this series is scheduled to enter service in the first half of 2028.
For more information, please contact:
Mikki Koskinen
Managing Director, ESL Shipping Ltd
mob. +358 50 351 7791, firstname.lastname@eslshipping.com
About ESL Shipping
ESL Shipping is the leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region. ESL Shipping’s competitive edge is based on its ability to responsibly secure product and raw material transportation for industries and energy production all year round, even in difficult weather conditions. The shipping company loads and unloads large ocean liners at sea as a special service. ESL Shipping Ltd has been in business for over 75 years and is a subsidiary of Aspo Plc. The combined fleet of ESL Shipping and AtoB@C Shipping consists of over 40 vessels with cargo capacity ranging from 4,000 to 25,000 dwt.
