Eksfin providing loan guarantees approaching 1 billion Euro for the construction of 35 eco-friendly vessels over the last four years, says a press release published on their website.
Milestone figure
“Our job at Eksfin is to promote Norwegian exports globally and boost the financial capacity of Norwegian industry. In the shipping space we are helping shipowners, shipyards and equipment sub-suppliers to finance an increasing number of vessels featuring alternative fuels or new technologies that reduce harmful emissions. We are now close to the milestone figure of NOK 10bn and will continue to pursue projects with a strong environmental profile reflecting the industry trend towards more sustainable operations,” said Eksfin CEO Ms. Tone Lunde Bakker.
One of a kind
Eksfin earlier contributed to the financing of six expedition cruise ships also built by VARD for PONANT, but this seventh ship is unique and, as the world’s first hybrid-electric, LNG-powered vessel with icebreaking capacity, the first-ever of its type.
“The delivery of ‘Le Commandant Charcot’ and its superior environmental credentials reinforces Norway’s position as a leading producer of high-value, high-end vessels and technology. It is a great example of how we can work together with exporters and financial institutions to facilitate winning bids,” said Ms. Lunde Bakker.
Environmentally-friendly technology
PONANT estimates that using LNG will reduce emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2) by 95%, 85%, and 25%, respectively, compared to conventional cruise ships. ‘Le Commandant Charcot’ is also designed for optimal energy efficiency and minimal footprint using innovative systems engineered by VARD’s specialized business units. The ship’s comprehensive electrical solution features state-of-the-art battery technology from Norway’s Corvus Energy.
‘Clean Ship’ classification
PONANT will deploy the 245-passenger ship on polar cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. Shipping activity in these highly remote areas is subject to strict regulation. In line with PONANT’s strong emphasis on environmental considerations across its activities, ‘Le Commandant Charcot’ has been certified by French classification society Bureau Veritas not only with PC2 polar ice-class but also with ‘Clean Ship’ and ‘Comfort Class’ status thanks to cutting-edge technologies that reduce not only environmental impact but also noise and vibration while ensuring the highest level of safety.
Facilitating polar research
‘Le Commandant Charcot’ is also equipped with research facilities that will enable the scientific community to study and analyze water, air, ice, and biological diversity at the extreme poles. It will access some of the world’s remotest spots including the Geographic North Pole (90 degrees north), Northeast Greenland National Park, and the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic and the Bellingshausen Sea, Peter I and Charcot Islands, and the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica.
Blazing green trail
Other Norwegian companies made use of Eksfin’s financing for green ship projects including Hurtigruten for hybrid cruise ships; ferry operators Norled, Boreal, and Fjord1 for diesel-electric, hydrogen-electric, and fully electric ferries; Color Line for what is the world’s largest hybrid cruise-ferry; fishing company Cetus for onshore power connection; and tanker operator Altera Shuttle Tanker for LNG-powered tankers with volatile compound (VOC) emissions recovery.
Triple-A position
Our new Eksfin structure makes it much easier and simpler for shipping customers and exporters to access advisory services and state-backed financing for complex projects. As a trusted partner with a streamlined approach and minimal red tape, our triple-A-rated financial instruments available at competitive rates are invaluable in securing contracts in a demanding market.
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Source: Eksfin
