Oman Shipping Co. negotiates $80mn financing facility

Oman Shipping Company (OSC), a member of the ASYAD Group, announced the negotiation of an $80 million Sharia-compliant ‘Ijara’ facility with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading international financial institution.

The transaction represents OSC’s first Sharia-based leasing ‘Ijarah’, as well as ADIB’s ongoing commitment and ability to finance significant assets in the marine and energy sectors.

Christopher Phillips, Head of Ship Finance at ADIB, said, “ADIB has significant experience and expertise working on Middle East shipping deals across the full range of industry segments. Over the years we have been able to add significant value to partners across a wide range of innovative structures in terms of both bilateral and syndicated facilities. Completing this transaction with OSC is a testament to the hard work our team and we are well-positioned to build on our track record in this specialised business to assist our clients in 2020 and beyond.”

Michael Jorgensen, Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer at OSC added: “It was important for us to find a trusted partner for our first Sharia-compliant ‘Ijara’ facility. ADIB’s team was able to provide a competitive ‘Ijara’ facility which served our needs, allowing us to finance two VLCC tankers and further support our expansion plans.”

Founded in 2003, OSC is today an international full-scale shipping company having a well-diversified fleet of 53 modern vessels (owned and chartered-in) and is a leader in shipping transportation services. The company’s business investments and growth strategy are closely aligned with the strategic maritime transportation interests of the Sultanate’s rapidly industrialising economy.
Source: Times of Oman