This issue Marine Money International is proud to announce the winners of its coveted Deal of the Year Awards for 2011. The Editors of Marine Money International were surprised not only by the numbers of transactions but the range and quality of deals put forward for consideration as 2011 Deals of the Year Awards. The issue includes a complete week by week review of the year in deals. The collected work reflects a remarkable year in ship finance.

Marine Money’s Awards have evolved with the times and. While the canon of deals was larger, there was a tectonic shift in the landscape. Fear and greed gave way to lower risk and lower yield transactions. It was the year of the blue chip deal, both in terms of companies and financiers. 2011 was a really tough year in shipping. 

Nevertheless, the shipping industry proved its resilience. It borrowed when and where it could and somehow found brief windows of opportunity in the capital markets. It re-worked loan agreements and sought waivers to position itself for the hopefully brighter future. And then throughout 2011, there were opportunities amidst crisis. 

A look at the list of winners shows not only great diversification but also superior market position and efficient execution. Congratulations!