Al Seer Marine Secures USD 80 Million Financing from BOCOM Leasing for MR Tankers Betelgeuse and Bellatrix

Abu Dhabi, 16 October, 2024: Al Seer Marine (ADX: ASM), a frontrunner in the maritime industry and a subsidiary of International Holding Company (ADX: IHC), is pleased to announce that it has secured USD 80 million in financing from BOCOM Financial Leasing Co., Ltd (BOCOM Leasing), a subsidiary of the Bank of Communications, one of China’s largest commercial banks, for its newly delivered MR tankers, Betelgeuse and Bellatrix. This transaction represents the first financing that Al Seer Marine has secured for its shipping fleet from outside the UAE.

These two tankers have been built ready for alternative fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), ammonia, and methanol, ensuring compliance with the latest environmental regulations. With a deadweight of 49,757 MT each, both vessels are IMO II/III oil and chemical tankers designed to carry six fully segregated grades of cargo and have been fixed on five-year time charters (TC) to Reliance International DMCC.

Guy Neivens, CEO of Al Seer Marine, said: “Securing this financing from BOCOM Leasing is a key step in our strategy to diversify funding sources and strengthen our fleet with backing from both local and international financial institutions. It highlights the robustness of our financial performance, which continues to attract global investors like BOCOM. This deal reflects strong confidence in the future revenue potential of Al Seer Marine, driven by the expected rise in global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemicals. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, we are well-positioned to capitalise on these trends and drive sustainable growth for our company and its stakeholders.”

WU Jiajun, Deputy CEO of BOCOM Financial Leasing Co., Ltd, stated: “At BOCOM, we maintain high standards in selecting projects to invest in, and Al Seer Marine is one of the companies we trust to be a long-term cooperation, delivering satisfying returns on investment. We are thrilled to embark on this new collaboration with Al Seer Marine, a company that shares our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry. This leasing agreement marks the beginning of what we anticipate being a strong and mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Al Seer Marine is an important part of the UAE’s maritime sector, contributing to attract substantial global investment and supports the UAE’s strategy to become a global hub for commercial shipping. This developing sector is creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. The cooperation between Al Seer Marine and BOCOM Leasing underscores the UAE’s status as a prime destination for international maritime investments, further reinforcing its position as a key player in the global maritime arena.

–ENDS-

About Al Seer Marine (ASM)

Al Seer Marine (ADX: ASM), a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), is a global maritime organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Our extensive service portfolio encompasses commercial shipping, yachting, boat building, large-scale 3D printing, unmanned vessel platforms and capabilities, and cutting-edge technological innovations. We seamlessly integrate top-tier services, innovative technological solutions, and a proven track record of operational excellence.

Whether it’s operating a fleet of superyachts with luxurious precision, owning & operating a fleet of commercial vessels, employing innovative additive manufacturing processes, or engineering futuristic unmanned vessels, Al Seer Marine stands as a beacon of expertise, capability, and excellence, capable of transforming any maritime vision into a reality.

Our comprehensive service approach ensures a seamless journey from conception to realization, leveraging the latest in commercial ship and yacht management innovations. Our dedicated boat building team not only excels in additive design techniques and precision builds but also offers extensive training and expert maintenance, ensuring the longevity and performance of our creations.

http://www.alseermarine.com

About International Holding Company (IHC)

IHC was founded in 1998 as part of an initiative to diversify and develop non-oil business sectors in the UAE and has grown to become the most valuable listed holding company in the Middle East with a market cap of AED 895 billion as of June 30, 2024. IHC endeavors to implement sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification initiatives across what is now one of the region’s largest conglomerates. IHC is included in FTSE ADX 15 Index (FADX 15), representing the top 15 largest and most liquid companies on the ADX.

IHC has a clear objective of enhancing its portfolio through acquisitions, strategic investments, and business combinations. Comprising more than 1,000 subsidiaries, IHC seeks to expand and diversify its holdings across a growing number of sectors, including Asset management, Healthcare, Real Estate and Construction, Marine and Dredging, IT and Communications, Financial Services, Food Production and Service, Utilities, and Services. 

With a core strategy to enhance shareholder value and achieve growth, IHC drives operational synergies and maximizes cost efficiencies across all verticals – it also continues to evaluate investment opportunities through direct ownership and entering partnerships in the UAE and abroad. As the world changes and new opportunities arise, IHC remains focused on resilience, innovation, and redefining the marketplace for itself, its clients, and its partners.

http://www.ihcuae.com

About BOCOM Financial Leasing Co., Ltd (BOCOM Leasing)

BOCOM Financial Leasing Co., Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Communications, which is one of the big five commercial banks in China. It adheres to the development strategy of “professionalization, internationalization, differentiation, and specialization”. Bocom Leasing is also an officially licensed and regulated financial leasing company with a deep participation in global shipping finance business for years. At the end of the first half of 2024, the company’s total assets amounted to 60.61 billion US dollars, with a lease asset scale of 54.06 billion US dollars.  The company’s registered capital, lease asset balance, operating revenue, net operating income, total profit, net profit, net increase in lease assets, and shipping portfolio all rank first in the industry.