16 May 2025
Deutsche Bank wins Project Financing Deal of the Year at Marine Money’s 21st annual Ship Finance Deals of the Year Awards
The maritime industry is transforming to meet climate ambitions and regulations that support a bold global push to cut emissions and reflect a clear commitment to decarbonisation. For containership operators, securing capital for next-generation vessels that comply with these evolving requirements is an increasing priority – and one that Deutsche Bank’s shipping team is actively helping to address.
As part of these efforts, Deutsche Bank has been recognised for its role in financing low-emission newbuilds for MPC Container Ships (MPCC), a leading provider of small to mid-size container tonnage. In partnership with China’s export credit agency, Sinosure, Deutsche Bank provided a US$54.46m dual-tranche green loan for financing the two vessels, which will help to decarbonise MPCC’s fleet. Designed to operate on ‘green’ methanol, these 1,300 TEU dual-fuel feeder vessels mark a major step forward in sustainable shipping – and are expected to achieve more than 30% design-based efficiency gains.1
The ships are long-term chartered to the North Sea Container Line and will be deployed with the intention to establish a green shipping corridor along the Norwegian west coast, where they can reduce emissions by up to 95%. The first vessel, NCL VESTLAND, was delivered in Q1 2025, with sister ship NCL NORDLAND delivered shortly afterwards at the beginning of Q2 2025.
“Financing the next generation of low-emission vessels requires more than capital – it calls for deep sector expertise, strong partnerships, innovative finance structures and a shared commitment to decarbonisation,” said Bastian Dühmert Head of Shipping Coverage DACH at Deutsche Bank. “This transaction was a great example of this in action, and we are delighted to be recognised by Marine Money for our role in supporting MPC Container Ships as they advance greener shipping.”
A new standard for green ship financing
The winning MPCC transaction was recognised in the awards for its creative approach, highlighted in the publication’s award write-up as a “prime example of how shipping can utilise innovative financing structures for equally innovative projects”.
The facility was made available by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Filiale Hong Kong to MPCC Greenbox AS, a majority-owned subsidiary of MPCC. The loan proceeds are used to finance a portion of pre-delivery instalments to the shipyard, and the full amount of final delivery instalment due at the vessel delivery under the relevant shipbuilding contract. Additionally, Sinosure acted as the export credit guarantor, issuing a buyer’s credit insurance policy for both vessels.
“This project underlines MPCC’s ability to structure and execute innovative deals supporting the green transition in shipping and bringing together long-term industry partners,” commented Moritz Fuhrmann, CFO of MPCC in a press release announcing the deal. “The new financing agreement serves as validation of the technology and structure of this project and our ambitious goal of establishing the first green transportation corridor in Northern Europe.”2
About MPC Container Ships
MPCC is a leading container tonnage provider focusing on small to mid-size container ships. Its main activity is to own and operate a portfolio of container ships serving intra-regional trade lanes on fixed-rate charters. The company is registered and has its business office in Oslo, Norway.3
Ship Finance Deals of the Year Awards
The Ship Finance Deals of the Year Awards both celebrate outstanding financial achievements and also encourage further innovation within the industry. Winning teams will be honoured during Marine Money Week, taking place at The Pierre hotel in New York City from 16–18 June 2025.
Image credit: © Container Ships ASA