Fishing Vessel Finance
Finance for UK fishing vessels - inshore day-boats, offshore trawlers, scallop dredgers, and pelagic vessels. Marine mortgage and hire purchase from specialist commercial marine lenders who understand the UK fishing industry, quota, and seasonal income.
The right structure for every fishing vessel requirement
Inshore Day-Boat Finance
Finance for inshore fishing vessels - potting boats, day-boats, and small commercial fishing craft up to 12 metres. Specialist commercial marine lenders who understand inshore fishing income.
Offshore Trawler Finance
Finance for offshore beam trawlers, otter trawlers, and demersal fishing vessels. Higher-value assets assessed by specialist lenders familiar with offshore fishing income and quota position.
Scallop & Shellfish Vessel Finance
Finance for scallop dredgers and shellfish gathering vessels. Specialist lenders who understand seasonal shellfish harvesting income and the MCA survey requirements for these vessel types.
Aquaculture & Workboat Finance
Finance for aquaculture service vessels, fish farm workboats, and specialist aquaculture craft. A growing sector with increasing specialist lender appetite.
Marine Mortgage for Fishing Vessels
Long-term marine mortgage for higher-value fishing vessels. Lower monthly payments over 10-15 years - appropriate for vessel values that support a longer-term finance structure.
Fishing Vessel Refinance
Release capital from a fishing vessel already owned. Useful for fishing businesses funding quota purchases, gear investment, or business expansion.
How it works
Vessel and licence details
Vessel type, LOA, year, engine, MCA category, fishing licence position, quota holding, and main species targeted.
Specialist lender sourcing
Commercial fishing vessel lenders - Bibby/BFS Marine Finance and others with deep fishing sector experience. Indicative terms within 48-72 hours.
Income and survey assessment
Landing records, fishing income, and full marine survey by a surveyor experienced in fishing vessel assessment.
Completion
Marine mortgage or hire purchase completion with specialist maritime solicitors.
Ready to discuss Fishing Vessel Finance?
Call 0204 6211776 or complete our enquiry form. Indicative terms typically within hours.
Frequently asked questions
Does my fishing quota affect the finance amount?
Quota has significant value in the UK fishing industry but is complex as direct security - it cannot be mortgaged in the same way as a vessel. However, a strong quota holding demonstrates business viability and supports the overall application.
Is fishing vessel finance available for boats with seasonal income?
Yes - specialist fishing vessel lenders understand seasonal income patterns and can structure repayment around the main fishing season rather than requiring uniform monthly payments.
Can a new fishing company get vessel finance?
Yes - but the director's fishing experience, vessel track record, and quota/licence position carry significant weight alongside company age. We advise on how to present a new company application most effectively.
What MCA documentation is needed for fishing vessel finance?
MCA Fishing Vessel Certificate, current safety equipment certificate, SOLAS compliance (for offshore vessels), and appropriate fishing licences. We advise on the documentation requirements before approaching lenders.
Can I refinance my fishing vessel to fund quota purchases?
Yes - a sale-and-leaseback of a fishing vessel releases capital that can be used for any business purpose, including quota acquisition. We arrange this alongside the primary vessel finance.
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