Eurazeo Raises EUR 175 Million at First Close of Maritime Decarbonisation Fund

France-based investment firm Eurazeo has raised EUR 175 million at the first close of its Eurazeo Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure II fund, significantly exceeding its EUR 125 million first close target and targeting a EUR 400 million final size. The Article 9 SFDR fund provides senior secured asset-based financing to help small and mid-sized shipowners and maritime stakeholders meet environmental and regulatory challenges.

Launched in December 2025, ESMI II focuses on marine transportation, offshore renewable energy, and port infrastructure, with particular emphasis on assets incorporating the latest designs and sustainable technologies. The European Investment Fund, which served as anchor investor in the first vintage of the fund, has joined again as anchor investor for ESMI II. Alongside the first close, Eurazeo announced the fund's first investments, including the financing of two new eco-friendly vessels for Dutch shipowner Longship Group.

The maritime sector faces significant decarbonisation challenges driven by international regulations including IMO 2050 emission targets and EU regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and the extension of the EU Emissions Trading System to shipping. Access to financing for maritime decarbonisation, particularly for small and mid-sized shipowners, remains constrained. Eurazeo's fund addresses this gap through asset-based financing tailored to SMEs, helping them access capital for new vessels and infrastructure upgrades that meet evolving environmental standards.

Eurazeo's Managing Director for Asset-Based Finance said ESMI II aims to capitalise on the success of the first ESMI fund and continues to provide European maritime stakeholders with a tailor-made alternative financing solution in a market with massive financing needs driven by environmental regulation and limited financing sources for SMEs. The first close at EUR 175 million — well above the EUR 125 million target — signals strong investor interest in maritime decarbonisation as a specialist asset class.

Key figure — EUR 400 million final target