Hampshire Trust Bank Ferry Finance - Rate Table (October 2026)
| Finance Type | Indicative Rate | Min Loan | Max Loan | Max LTV | Max Term | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secured Term Loan | 7.5–12.5% p.a. | £150,000 | £3,000,000 | 80% | 10 years | Highest maximum loan among specialist banks; strong on larger coastal and estuary operators |
Rates indicative for October 2026. Subject to status, MCA survey and coding. Contact us for a tailored quotation. Compare all 9 lenders →
About Hampshire Trust Bank and Ferry/Passenger Vessel Finance
Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) is a specialist UK bank whose asset finance and secured lending divisions have developed specific expertise in commercial marine vessels, including passenger ferries, tourist craft, and estuary crossings. Their secured term loan product for passenger vessels is notable for its relatively high maximum of £3 million - the largest cap among the specialist (non-clearing-bank) lenders on this page - making HTB a realistic option for operators acquiring multi-deck passenger vessels or small RoPax ferries without the balance-sheet requirements that NatWest or HSBC demand.
Indicative rates at Hampshire Trust Bank range from 7.5% at the low end for established operators with strong financials, to 12.5% for more complex or higher-risk profiles. LTV is up to 80% of the surveyed value, and terms run to 10 years, giving a reasonable spread of monthly costs. HTB's credit team evaluates each case on its individual merits rather than relying purely on automated scoring, which is particularly advantageous for passenger-vessel operators with non-standard revenue profiles such as local-authority contracts, event-based charter income, or multi-route operations.
Hampshire Trust Bank is authorised by the PRA and regulated by both the PRA and FCA, with a deposit-funded balance sheet that allows them to hold fixed-rate commitments without interest-rate risk to the borrower. Their marine lending team will often meet the borrower in person or visit the vessel where the transaction warrants it - a level of engagement rare among mid-market lenders.
Strengths
- Maximum loan of £3 million - the highest among specialist non-clearing-bank lenders - suits operators acquiring larger coastal passenger ferries.
- 80% LTV allows borrowers to retain more working capital compared to lenders who cap at 75%.
- Manual credit underwriting by experienced bankers who understand MCA coding, survey requirements, and seasonal cash flow.
- 10-year terms reduce monthly payments and improve borrower cashflow on larger vessel acquisitions.
Limitations
- Rates from 7.5% to 12.5% are not the cheapest available - operators with strong covenants should compare against NatWest and HSBC clearing-bank rates.
- Minimum loan of £150,000 may exclude very small ferry or water-taxi operators.
- HTB's thorough due-diligence process means decisions can take longer than pure-specialist lenders such as Wesleyan or Close Brothers.
Is Hampshire Trust Right for My Vessel?
Hampshire Trust Bank is an excellent choice for passenger-ferry operators seeking between £150,000 and £3 million who have some complexity in their business structure or income that a clearing bank would find off-putting. They are particularly strong for operators acquiring purpose-built or recently refitted vessels where the asset quality justifies the 80% LTV position.
As a whole-of-market broker, Doulton Bridging Finance compares Hampshire Trust Bank against all other lenders before making a recommendation. See all lenders →