Shawbrook Business Credit - Indicative Rate Table (October 2026)
| Finance Type | Indicative Rate | Min Loan | Max Loan | Max LTV | Max Term | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secured Business Loan | 7.5–10% | £50,000 | £1,000,000 | 75% | 7 yr | Fixed or variable rate; security over vessel |
| Asset Finance (HP) | 8–11% | £50,000 | £750,000 | 75% | 7 yr | Title passes on final payment; clean credit required |
| Asset Finance (used vessel) | 9–13% | £50,000 | £500,000 | 70% | 5 yr | Vessels up to 15 years considered; survey required |
Rates are indicative for October 2026 and subject to underwriting, vessel survey and credit assessment. Contact us for a personalised illustration.
About Shawbrook Business Credit Fishing Vessel Finance
Shawbrook Business Credit is a specialist bank with a strong track record in secured lending to SMEs, and their commercial fishing vessel book is a well-established part of their broader asset and marine finance offering. Shawbrook occupies the middle ground between the major banks and the pure-play asset finance specialists - more flexible than NatWest or HSBC on vessel age and borrower profile, but more structured than Ultimate Finance or Nucleus.
The lender's minimum of £50,000 makes it accessible to mid-tier operators who are too large for microfinance but cannot meet the clearing bank thresholds. Shawbrook's credit team takes a pragmatic view of seasonal trading patterns common in commercial fishing, which is a meaningful differentiator - lenders that apply standard SME credit criteria to fishing businesses often misread the cash flow profile.
As of October 2026, Shawbrook's rates for secured fishing vessel loans start at 7.5% for well-qualified borrowers, rising to 13% for used vessels with shorter trading histories. The 7-year maximum term is a limitation for high-value purchases where longer amortisation would be preferable, but for the £50k–£500k sweet spot, Shawbrook is a reliable and consistent lender.
Strengths
- Pragmatic approach to seasonal trading patterns - underwriters understand why a shellfish boat's accounts look lumpy
- £50,000 minimum opens the door for mid-tier operators excluded from clearing bank thresholds
- Both secured loan and HP structures available, giving flexibility on preferred security and ownership mechanics
- Consistent lender with a stable credit appetite - fewer of the sudden policy changes that characterise some challenger banks
Limitations / Things to Know
- 7-year maximum term means monthly repayments are higher than lenders offering 10–12 years on comparable amounts
- 75% maximum LTV means a 25% deposit is required - higher than the 20% needed at Close Brothers, Hampshire Trust or the clearing banks
- Not the best option for very old vessels (pre-2005); Shawbrook becomes increasingly cautious as hull age rises
Is Shawbrook Business Credit Right for My Fishing Vessel?
Shawbrook suits established fishing businesses seeking £50k–£750k for a MCA-coded vessel, who have 2+ years of filed accounts and can meet the 25% deposit requirement. They are particularly useful where the business has a seasonal cash flow profile that might concern generalist lenders. For tickets above £750k, we would usually compare Hampshire Trust, Paragon or Close Brothers alongside Shawbrook.
Compare All Lenders
See how Shawbrook Business Credit stacks up against all 14 lenders in our best rates comparison page, or return to the hub for an overview of all fishing vessel finance options.