After eleven years of decline, bank loans to global shipping are rebounding. According to the annual Petrofin Research survey, the loan portfolio of the 40 banks that provide the most loans to the shipping industry increased for the first time since 2011 to reach $290.12 billion from $286.9 billion in 2020 (up 1, 12%).
The recovery was mainly driven by Asian and Australasia (APAC) banks which boosted their portfolios from $100.85 billion to $114.75 billion and now hold 39.5% of the global shipping loan portfolio from 35% previously.
On the contrary, the share of European banks fell further, with the largest decrease in the share of German and Scandinavian banks. However, European banking institutions still hold the lion’s share with a financial portfolio of $157.22 billion. However, Greek banks moved higher, expanding their portfolio by 14.2% to 12.48 billion dollars
Regarding the ranking of the banks, the largest loan portfolio is held by the French BNP Paribas with 19.8 billion dollars, followed by China Exim with 18.5 billion dollars and the German kwW with 17.15 billion dollars. The top five are completed by Bank of China with $14.50 billion and Credit Agricole OB with $13.5 billion. Greek banks are in 31st place (Eurobank $3.38 billion), Piraeus 32nd ( $3.25 billion), 33rd (Alpha Bank $3.30 billion) and 36th (National Bank with $2.65 billion).
The smaller banks
According to Petrofin Research, in 2021 many smaller banks also entered shipping finance.
Petrofin’s research even identified a total of 62 banks with a total portfolio of $308.76 billion, while as he points out there are others with local characteristics as a result of which the total bank lending of global shipping is estimated at $340 billion or 2 /3 of the total world financing of ships, which is estimated at 500 billion dollars, which, in addition to bank loans, comes from leasing, private investment funds, stock markets, etc.
Petrofin estimates that due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, high energy prices, geo-sanctions, higher interest rates, but also slowing global growth and concerns about an impending recession, bank lending has been disrupted as banks have become more cautious, while negatively affected by the lockdowns and economic slowdown and Chinese leasing.
The Russian invasion
However, banks are still interested in new business to maintain their loan portfolios, but sustainable new loan origination is declining. Bank lending margins are being squeezed as shipowners access alternative sources of funding and often opt for higher leverage as opposed to lower margins.
Banks, on the other hand, are taking a wait-and-see approach to new technology and stricter environmental regulations for ships after 2030, while financing packages based on sustainability rules are also being developed. Banks generally want to see where new ship propulsion technology is going, the cost implications and the market support for such ships.
At present, the emphasis of both shipowners and banks is on Tier III newbuildings which appear to represent an intermediate option compared to more advanced technologies.
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
AADE Targets Airbnb Rentals with Audits and Fines
For cases of late submission of the declaration, an administrative fine of 100 euros is imposed.
Greek Government Announces Emergency Electricity Bill Subsidies for February
Greek government announces emergency subsidies for February to combat rising energy costs.
Seismic Activity in Santorini Raises Concerns for Tourism
So far, major international media outlets have not reported or provided assessments regarding the immediate impact on the island’s tourism activity in terms of bookings or cancellations.
TERNA ENERGY: Masdar’s Public Offer at the Upper End of Valuation Range
TERNA ENERGY’s Board of Directors, in its reasoned opinion, notes that the company’s valuation range is between €11.9 and €21.5 per share, while Masdar’s offer stands at €20 per share.
AEGEAN Airlines Adds Extra Flights to Santorini Amid Ongoing Seismic Activity
As reported, the Blue Star Chios ferry, departed from the Athinios port for Athens, fully booked, in the early hours of Monday
Quakes Rattle Santorini Overnight, Authorities Say Island is Safe
Over the past 24 hours, hundreds of quakes struck between Santorini and Amorgos and continued overnight. Greek authorities say the island is safe and all measures are precautionary
Greek Farmers Protest for Renewed Greece-Bulgaria Water Deal
Farmers are demanding that Greece renews an expired Greece-Bulgaria water deal to ensure water continues flowing to farms in the Evros region
Santorini, Amorgos Announce Evacuation Points Following Tremors
Santorini, Amorgos, and nearby islands have been rocked by over 200 tremors in the past two days, including a quake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale in Santorini on Sunday evening
Dozens of Earthquakes Near Santorini Force School Closures
Scientists say the earthquakes are attributed to a submarine fault near Santorini, not volcanic activity.
Cycling Tourism is a Booming Billion-Euro Industry. Will Greece Keep Missing out?
With an estimated value of €138 billion, cycling is one of the world's top 10 fastest-growing tourism activities. Yet, Greece struggles to shift gears and establish itself as a leader in this thriving sector of sustainable tourism.
![Πληθωρισμός τροφίμων: Μηδενικός και τον Ιανουάριο του 2025 [πίνακας]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/plithori-600x400.jpg)
![Ζωοτροφές: Η χαρτογράφηση της αγοράς στο μικροσκόπιο της Επιτροπής Ανταγωνισμού [γραφήματα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/zootrofes-600x391.jpg)
