Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (Adib), a leading financial institution, has arranged and structured a Sharia’a-compliant financing of AED495 million ($135 million) for ABGC DMCC to build two Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs). 

 

The transaction represents ABGC’s first Sharia based financing employing a ‘Istisna-Ijarah’ structure as well as Adib's ongoing commitment and ability to finance significant assets in the marine and energy sectors. 

 

Adib acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner on the deal, with Commercial Bank of Dubai and National Bank of Fujairah as Mandated Lead Arrangers. The vessels, with a capacity of 86,000 cubic metres,  will be constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries for ABGC DMCC, a joint venture between Al Seer Marine and BGN. 

 

Construction begins in March

Construction began in March 2022 on the first vessel, Lucky Gas, and will be followed by the second vessel in May 2022. The vessels will be dual-fuel efficient, and will enjoy operational, economic and environmental efficiencies through their Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) engines. LPG engine technology is a step towards zero-carbon propulsion of vessels and the shipping industry achieving its ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

 

This is another landmark financing for the shipping industry arranged by Adib demonstrating the bank’s expertise and ability to finance significant assets in the marine and energy sectors. 

 

In line with its desire to promote and encourage environment-friendly projects, the fuel-efficient vessels will contribute to decarbonisation efforts in the marine industry. With the current fluctuation of oil prices, LPG technology will be a benefit to the marine industry.

 

Plans to increase fleet

Gunther Alvarado, Chief Operating Officer of Al Seer Marine, said: “We are aiming to increase our fleet by acquiring a further 15 ships this year and having demonstrated consistent success in executing on attractive opportunities, we will seek out the right structure and financing to ensure the best equity returns for our shareholders, all the while managing the associated risk.”

 

Dentons acted as lead legal counsel to Adib on the deal, with Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) as legal counsel to the joint venture.

 

Adib has a long track record of delivering several award-winning transactions for high profile Corporate and Institutional customers from across the region. In 2021, Adib concluded a number of high-profile transactions across structured and syndicated finance, Sukuk, M&A and advisory products.-- TradeArabia News Service