Finding Vessels. Structuring Investments.
BAMAT advises two funds with different return and risk profiles on maritime investments. We source suitable commercial vessels, assess their economics and coordinate the path towards a negotiable transaction. Opportunities may include modern secondhand tonnage, commercially viable refurbishment projects or newbuildings.
We assess purchase price and technical condition alongside charter employment, operating costs, financing and residual value. Specialist technical inspections and subsequent management are coordinated with qualified surveyors, shipping companies and ship managers.
Each fund’s strategy guides vessel selection. A vessel with long-term employment requires a different assessment from charter-free tonnage or a newbuilding.
Charter-backed investments focus on predictable earnings from existing or credible employment arrangements. Duration, charterer creditworthiness and contract terms are central. Market-oriented investments may involve shorter commitments or charter-free delivery; re-employment, liquidity reserves and earnings volatility receive greater attention.
Existing vessels up to five years old are preferred. Older units can be considered where a credible overhaul or retrofit plan supports the investment. For bulk and general cargo/multipurpose vessels, the indicative focus is 8,000–65,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT), preferably with own cargo-handling gear. Other sizes and yards are assessed against the mandate; Chinese-built vessels are not generally excluded.
For newbuildings, we examine contract price, delivery timing, security arrangements, financing and employment. Discussions on refinancing models are currently under way; implementation depends on terms, due diligence and investor approvals. Neither a teaser nor preliminary screening constitutes an acquisition or financing commitment.
For an initial review, provide an existing teaser or the vessel name, International Maritime Organization (IMO) number, type, year, yard, asking price, employment status and delivery window. Available operating-cost, dry-docking and capital-expenditure information supports the assessment. Missing details can follow.
Confidential documents are exchanged once the appropriate arrangements have been agreed.
Swiss Advisory for Strategic Transactions & Complex Real Assets