On day two of the Maritime Information Services Shipping Summit, the panel “Managing Maritime Finance in a Changing World” explored how shipping companies are navigating rising financial volatility while balancing green investment, compliance, and digitalisation.
The session was moderated by Konstantinos Economou, Deputy General Manager and Head of Shipping Finance at Credia Bank.
Speakers included Ioannis Sigalas, Head of Corporate Finance at GasLog Ltd, Konstantinos Stamelos, Head of Corporate Sales, Global Markets Sales Division at National Bank of Greece, and Michiel Steeman, Managing Partner at Zuyderzee Capital, who together explored how maritime finance is evolving in the face of market volatility and the increasing emphasis on green investment.
The discussion highlighted that in maritime finance, risk is inseparable from opportunity. Ioannis Sigalas noted that although financing costs have increased for shipowners, liquidity is also more abundant than in past cycles.
Diversified funding options, particularly for firms with strong credit, offer new avenues for investment and underline the sector’s growing focus on the value chain.
He also stressed that evolving technologies and AI are driving higher energy demand, meaning energy transition initiatives must remain both green and strategically managed.
Konstantinos Stamelos framed the balance sheet as a strategic tool. A robust financial position enables shipowners to time investments correctly, secure funding when needed, and integrate sustainability measures into operational planning.
Stamelos highlighted that strong balance sheets provide optionality and resilience, ensuring firms can act decisively without overreacting to market volatility.
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Economou asked how non-bank finance differs from senior debt, prompting Michiel Steeman to reflect on the past decade.
Steeman noted that while alternative funding initially emerged to fill gaps left by retreating banks, shipping’s strong performance over the past five years has restored banks’ influence.
He noted that alternative finance remains useful for specific situations, but cannot compete when traditional lending covers the majority of capital needs.
Steeman added that applying “common sense” to shipping transactions ensures fair compensation for alternative lenders without overreliance on regulatory models.
The session highlighted how maritime finance has shifted from a technical back-office function to a boardroom-level strategic role, where flexibility, a strong balance sheet, and well-timed decisions are now essential for managing risk, supporting green investments, and seizing market opportunities.
