France-based investment firm Eurazeo announced today that it has raised €175 million (USD$208 million) at the first close of Eurazeo Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure II (ESMI II), it’s new fund aimed at supporting the decarbonization and energy transition of the maritime sector in Europe.
According to Eurazeo, the fundraise significantly surpassed its €125 million first close target. The firm has set a €400 million final target size for the new fund.
Launched in December 2025, and classified as Article 9 under the EU’s SFDR regulation, ESMI II provides senior secured asset-based financing solutions for small and mid-sized shipowners and maritime stakeholders to help meet environmental and regulatory challenges, with a focus on marine transportation, offshore renewable energy and port infrastructure, and a particular emphasis on assets incorporating the latest designs and sustainable technologies.
Eurazeo said that the new fund “aims to deliver measurable impact by financing assets that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support the renewable energy value chain, while also generating steady, long-term returns for investors.”
Alongside the first close, Eurazeo also announced the fund’s first investments, including the financing of two new eco-friendly vessels for a midsize Dutch shipowner, Longship Group B.V.
The European Investment Fund, which served as an anchor investor in the first vintage of the fund, has joined again as an anchor investor for ESMI II.
Guillaume Branco, Managing Director, Asset-Based Finance at Eurazeo, commented:
“Through ESMI II, Eurazeo intends 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, partly driven by the environmental regulation and the lack of financing sources available, particularly for SMEs.”
