Marine engineering businesses - from one-man-band diesel engineers to multi-site marine service companies - need regular investment in equipment, vehicles and working capital to grow and maintain their competitive edge. Doulton Bridging Finance arranges business finance for marine engineering SMEs across the UK.
Equipment Finance
Marine engineering businesses regularly invest in specialised workshop equipment:
- Engine diagnostic and testing equipment: Marine diesel test benches, electronic diagnostic systems, alignment tools. Typical cost £15,000–£80,000.
- Machining and fabrication: Lathes, milling machines, hydraulic press, TIG/MIG welders, plasma cutters. Finance: HP, 3–7 years.
- Lifting and handling: Engine hoists, gantry cranes for workshop use, hydraulic jacks. Finance: HP, 3–5 years.
- Specialist marine tools: Ultrasonic thickness gauges, borescopes, alignment laser equipment. Finance available from £5,000.
Commercial Vehicle Finance
Marine engineers often operate dedicated commercial vehicles - fully equipped service vans, crane trucks for heavy component transport, flatbed vehicles for hauling outboard engines and machinery. Commercial vehicle HP is available through mainstream asset lenders at competitive rates: 7–10% p.a., 2–5 year terms.
Growth Capital
For established marine engineering businesses looking to expand - additional workshop unit, new service territory, fleet of service vehicles, acquisition of a smaller competitor - DBF arranges growth finance through:
- Unsecured business loans up to £500,000 (for strong trading businesses)
- Secured business loans against commercial property or equipment portfolio
- Commercial mortgage finance for workshop premises purchase
- Asset refinance (unlocking equity from paid-up equipment)
Working Capital
Marine engineering businesses often carry significant parts stock and work-in-progress. Working capital facilities - revolving credit, invoice finance against commercial accounts - support the gap between expenditure and payment receipt.