The Capital Link Cyprus Shipping Forum, in Limassol, brought together key players from across the maritime industry to discuss the evolving landscape of ship finance and investment. With shifting market dynamics, regulatory pressures, combined with the need to maintain commercial viability, shipowners and financial institutions alike are exploring new avenues to secure funding and drive long-term growth.
Representing Pelagic Partners at the panel discussion “Charting a New Course: Ship Finance Options & Strategies Amid Changing Market Dynamics” was Ronis Kyperesis, Head of Accounting and Finance at Pelagic Partners and CFO at Hartmann Holdings. Addressing the financing challenges shipowners face today, Ronis highlighted the role that alternative lending solutions are playing in the current market. “There is a gap that we need to bridge between regulation, compliance and commercial viability, with sustainability also representing an important part of that. What we bring to the table with alternative financing is the flexibility to reduce the upfront burden on owners, allowing for a phased adoption of new technologies and easing the transition toward greener and more efficient operations.”
Pelagic Partners has taken a proactive approach to these challenges through the launch of the Marevia Credit Fund, which is designed to provide tailored financial solutions beyond the limitations of traditional banking. By leveraging structured financing and back leverage in collaboration with commercial banks, the fund enables shipowners to access capital with reduced upfront costs, supporting investment in fleet upgrades, retrofits, and emerging technologies. This approach ensures that owners can modernise their assets while maintaining financial flexibility in a capital-intensive industry.
The panel also discussed the increasing role technology is having in shaping maritime finance. Data analytics, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven forecasting are becoming essential tools in assessing risk and optimising investment decisions. As the shipping sector continues to digitalise, financial institutions and alternative lenders alike are adapting their strategies to integrate these advancements into their decision-making processes.
Pelagic Partners’ participation in the Capital Link Cyprus Shipping Forum follows our recent appearance at the 15th Annual Capital Link Greek Shipping Forum, in Athens. During the event, Tobias Backer, Executive Director at Pelagic Capital, joined a panel discussion which focused on investment perspectives in the maritime sector. With Greek shipping undergoing steady growth and consolidation, the forum provided an opportunity to examine how strategic investment and financial agility can support the industry’s long-term success.
We always enjoy attending important events such as these. Both Capital Link events provided the team with the opportunity to discuss pressing topics and share insights with prominent industry leaders, further strengthening our networks. In an increasingly volatile market, aligning with the evolving needs of shipowners and key maritime stakeholders helps strengthen our role as a trusted partner in providing innovative financial solutions. The team would like to thank the organisers at Capital Link for hosting these insightful events.
