Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone Achieves 1,000th Vessel Leasing

The signing ceremony held on June 11 in Tianjin marks a significant milestone in the maritime leasing sector, as the Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone (DFTP) celebrates the leasing of its 1,000th vessel. This accomplishment establishes the DFTP as the preeminent hub for ship financing and leasing in mainland China, allowing it to proudly join the exclusive club of major global vessel leasing centers. The landmark vessel, a floating liquefied natural gas facility sourced from Singapore, underscores the growing trend in maritime investment, with its construction costing nearly 1.8 billion U.S. dollars, out of which 1.2 billion U.S. dollars was financed through leasing mechanisms. This highlights not only the increasing sophistication of China’s financial markets but also the strategic importance of the DFTP in facilitating significant maritime investments on a global scale.

According to DFTP official Shi Jinfeng, this remarkable transaction is more than just a number; it signifies a leap in Dongjiang’s capabilities in offshore ship leasing and demonstrates the trust and collaboration among international financial entities. This project stands out as the largest cross-border syndicated leasing initiative ever undertaken on the Chinese mainland, both in terms of financial magnitude and the diverse range of participants involved. The achievement of leasing over 1,000 vessels bolsters the DFTP’s position as a leader in managing cross-border leasing, accounting for an impressive 90 percent of such transactions related to ships and offshore engineering equipment in the region. As the global maritime market continues to evolve, the DFTP is certainly poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of ship leasing and financing in the years to come.

Summary

On June 11, a significant milestone was reached in Tianjin, China, with the signing ceremony for the 1,000th vessel leased through the Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone (DFTP), the largest ship financing and leasing hub on the Chinese mainland. This landmark vessel, a floating liquefied natural gas facility built in Singapore, represents almost 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in total investment, with about 1.2 billion U.S. dollars sourced from leasing-based financing. This achievement not only highlights the DFTP’s dominance in the offshore ship leasing industry but also marks the largest cross-border syndicated leasing project in mainland China, showcasing its pivotal role in managing over 90 percent of the country’s cross-border leasing for vessels and offshore engineering equipment.