Objective(s) and scope
EnTrust Global’s maritime finance strategy (“Blue Ocean”) was launched in August 2016 to capitalise on the demand for alternative sources of liquidity.
The Blue Ocean strategy focuses mostly on private debt/direct lending opportunities in connection with small- and medium-sized companies in the maritime sector.
Blue Ocean 4Impact (BO 4Impact) is an investment vehicle within the Blue Ocean Strategies that allocates equity capital to acquire and operate maritime vessels and infrastructure assets with advanced environmental performance. These assets are leased to corporate or governmental entities that use them for operational purposes and aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. The portfolio includes assets across the short-sea, renewable, and deep-sea segments, incorporating low- to zero-carbon fuel technologies, energy-efficiency measures, and design or operational improvements intended to lower environmental impacts.
The Direct Lending & Opportunistic Credit segment provides tailored financing solutions to maritime companies through senior secured, second-lien, and other structured loan instruments. These facilities are typically asset-backed, using vessels or maritime infrastructure as collateral, which helps preserve downside protection while generating attractive risk-adjusted returns.
Financing value
As of September 30, 2025, the Entrust Global Blue Ocean Fund has invested a total of USD 6.4 billion since its inception and has distributed USD 2.5 billion to investors. Over this period, it has completed 117 total investments, reflecting steady activity and consistent capital deployment under its Blue Ocean strategy.
Blue Ocean’s approach is institutional-sized, meaning these transactions are mostly in the tens to hundreds of millions of USD, targeting corporate or asset-level investments rather than individual vessel loans under $10 million. Smaller deals although technically possible are rarely disclosed publicly and are usually outside the scope of interest of this fund.
Low capital (EUR 0-5 million)
Mid capital (EUR 5-50 million)
High Capital (EUR > 50 million)
Eligibility criteria (if available)
The Entrust Global Blue Ocean Fund focuses on supporting the strategic investments and refinancing needs of its counterparties through long-term partnerships. The fund structures its primary transactions on a bilateral basis, enabling it to underwrite medium to large-scale deals, while also participating in secondary transactions such as loans, portfolios, and business acquisitions.
The main investment areas are:
- Commodity Shipping, focusing on containerships, bulk carriers, tankers, and gas carriers.
- Passenger & Car Carriers, investing in ferries, cruise vessels, and car and equipment carriers.
- Offshore Construction & Energy Infrastructure, including offshore service and construction vessels, oil rigs, windfarm support and installation, as well as FPSOs and shuttle tankers.
- Ports & Maritime Equipment, covering container boxes, tank containers, ports and terminals, fuel/bunker storage and distribution, and barges.
Financing under the Direct Lending and Opportunistic credit segment is often deployed for vessel acquisitions, refinancing, or expansion projects, addressing a persistent funding gap in traditional ship finance markets.
