We were recently struck by two recent transactions which highlighted investors different perspectives of the shipping markets. In the first transaction, York Capital agreed to sell its 60% equity interest in five 11,000 TEU containerships to Costamare which will increase the latter's ownership interest in the vessels to 100 percent.

In recognition of the improving conditions around the coronavirus, Marine Money will transition from Virtual events to a Hybrid event format at select events in Q2 and on a broader scale in Q3 and Q4.

Link to the calendar HERE

Pioneering transactions are the giants upon whose shoulders future transactions stand. In the case of accessing growth capital for the offshore wind vessel market, and especially its most expensive assets, Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WTIVs), the giants in question, are those financiers who led the OHT and Cadeler transactions in the third and fourth quarters of 2020.

The winning transaction in the West was a simple sale and purchase — but with a twist. It was not a question of what, but who? In December 2020, China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. ("CDBFL") entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Maersk Product Tankers ("MPT") to acquire 14 product tankers for a total consideration of $422 million.

With Seadrill now in its rearview mirror, SFL Corporation Ltd. is back in the spotlight. While always on the lookout for new deals, the company had some immediate balance sheet clean-up to manage as its outstanding $212 million 5.75% senior unsecured convertible bonds mature in October 2021. Capital agnostic, SFL has worked hard at both expanding and diversifying its sources of capital and has access to funding across bank debt, leasing, bonds, and equity.

George Weltman initially floated the idea that the worthiest of candidates for 2020 Ship Finance Person of the year was Kristin Holth.

We truly believe that there is no other industry that is more committed to reducing its environmental footprint than shipping.

To fully grasp the significance of this transaction, you could skip ahead and read the Dealmaker of the Year Award, where this transaction represents a small piece of a stream of on-going acquisitions and investments by the BW Group.

It was back in August 2020 when Scorpio Bulkers signed a Letter of Intent to construct a Wind Turbine Installation Vessel ("WTIV") with options for additional vessels, taking the first step in the company's transition from transporting bulk cargos to a sustainable business in renewable energy.

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This African proverb, often used to illustrate the power of teamwork, couldn't be more fitting for this year's winner of our Dealmaker of the Year award – BW Group.

This year's winning transaction in this category brings to mind the phrase: "And Now for Something Completely Different."

After a delay due to the pandemic, CMA CGM SA found a window of opportunity in October of last year to issue new bonds to refinance its outstanding bonds that mature in 2021.