EURAZEO ANNOUNCES FIRST CLOSING OF ITS ESMI II FUND AT €175MILLION TO SUPPORT THE ECO-TRANSITION OF THE MARITIME SECTOR

Eurazeo today announces the first closing of its Eurazeo Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure II (“ESMI II”) fund at €175 million, above its initial first closing target of €125m and close to half of its €400 million final target size. Launched in December 2025, the fund is dedicated to supporting the decarbonisation and energy transition of the European maritime sector through senior secured asset-based financing solutions.

ESMI II provides financing to European small and mid-sized shipowners and maritime stakeholders, addressing the sector’s growing need for long-term, capital-intensive investments to meet environmental and regulatory challenges. The fund focuses on marine transportation, offshore renewable energy and port infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on assets incorporating the latest designs and sustainable technologies.

The first closing was followed by two investments completed within six weeks of the fund’s launch, with the financing of two brand new eco-friendly vessels for a midsize Dutch shipowner, Longship Group B.V, demonstrating strong deployment momentum and a robust investment pipeline.

ESMI II builds on the success of its predecessor, ESMI I, which marked Eurazeo’s first Article 9 fund. As an Article 9 fund, ESMI II aims to deliver measurable impact by financing assets that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support the renewable energy value chain, while also generating steady, long-term returns for investors. The fund is expected to support approximately 20 to 30 European ship operators and maritime stakeholders.

The ESMI II team is advised by Elbe Financial Solutions, an independent investment advisor specialising in maritime investments, further strengthening the fund’s technical and commercial expertise. 

The fund benefits from the support of the European Investment Fund, an anchor investor on the ESMI I and ESMI II funds, MAIF, SURAVENIR (from the Groupe Crédit Mutuel ARKEA), AG2R LA MONDIALE and L’Auxiliaire, underscoring strong European institutional support for the strategy.

Guillaume Branco, Managing Director, Asset-Based Finance at Eurazeo, commented:

“Through ESMI II, Eurazeo intends to capitalise on the success of the first ESMI fund and continues to provide European maritime stakeholders with a tailor-made alternative financing solution, in a market with massive financing needs, partly driven by the environmental regulation and the lack of financing sources available, particularly for SMEs. This first closing reflects our ability to combine financial discipline with deep technological and sustainability expertise. The fund enables its investors to support the transition of the maritime sector while combining quality returns with a conservative risk profile.”