Lombard (NatWest Group) - Charter Vessel Business Finance Overview
Lombard (NatWest Group) is a key lender on the Doulton Bridging Finance panel for charter vessel business and fleet finance. Their fleet finance lease structures are designed for commercial charter operators - yacht charter fleets, RIB charter businesses, speedboat hire, fishing charter, dive charter, motor launch charter, and sailing charter operations across the UK.
For October 2026, Lombard is offering rates from 6–10.5% on charter vessel business finance, with facilities from £500k+, maximum LTV of 80%, and terms up to 12yr. These are indicative rates - final terms are subject to underwriting and your specific circumstances.
Charter vessel business finance differs fundamentally from leisure marine finance. Lenders assess applications on the revenue-generating capacity of the charter business, charter contracts, booking data, and DSCR - not on personal income. Doulton Bridging Finance specialises in presenting charter business cases to lenders in a way that maximises approval rates and negotiates the best possible terms.
Lombard (NatWest Group) Charter Vessel Business Finance Rates - October 2026
| Product | Rate | Facility Amount | Max LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet Finance Lease | 6–10.5% | £500k+ | 80% | 12yr |
Rates correct October 2026. Indicative only - final rate subject to credit and underwriting assessment. Representative examples available on request.
Strengths of Lombard for Charter Vessel Finance
- Lowest starting rate in our charter panel at 6% for strong covenant, established fleet operators
- Longest available term at 12 years - the lowest monthly payments on large fleet facilities in our panel
- Part of NatWest Group, giving institutional scale and capacity for complex multi-vessel structures
- Finance lease structures allow full operational control with off-balance-sheet treatment for qualifying operators
Limitations to Consider
- Minimum £500k facility - only suitable for significant fleet transactions, not smaller charter operators
- Appetite primarily for established businesses with strong trading history and substantial revenue
- Longer underwriting and documentation process can mean 4–6 week timelines for complex fleet deals
Is Lombard Right for My Charter Vessel Finance?
Lombard is for serious, established charter businesses making fleet investments of £500k or more - typically large yacht charter fleets, sizable motor launch or speedboat charter operations, or diving charter businesses with multiple vessels. Their 6% entry rate and 12-year terms make them the most cost-effective long-term option for qualifying operators.
If you are unsure whether Lombard is the right fit for your charter vessel finance, our team at Doulton Bridging Finance will assess your case and identify the most appropriate lender or combination of lenders. We work across the full charter vessel panel simultaneously to ensure you get the best available terms.
Compare All Charter Vessel Business Lenders
We work with nine specialist lenders for charter vessel business and fleet finance. View the full comparison:
- Close Brothers - 7–11%, £50k–£3m, 80% LTV
- Lombard - 6–10.5%, £500k+, 80% LTV
- Shawbrook - 7.5–13%, £75k–£1m, 75% LTV
- Nucleus - 8–15%, £25k–£500k, 70% LTV
- Hampshire Trust - 7.5–12.5%, £150k–£2m, 80% LTV
- Paragon - 7–12%, £75k–£1.5m, 75% LTV
- Ultimate Finance - 8–14%, £25k–£500k, 70% LTV
- NatWest - 5.5–9.5%, £500k+, 80% LTV
- Arkle Finance - 7–12%, £30k–£750k, 75% LTV
Or see our best charter vessel business finance rates comparison page.