Commercial Marine Finance

Offshore Support Vessel and CTV Finance UK

Compare rates from 10+ UK lenders for crew transfer vessels, service operation vessels, platform supply vessels, and anchor handling tugs. Updated October 2026.

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Offshore Support Vessel & CTV Finance Rates - October 2026

The table below summarises indicative rates from lenders active in offshore support vessel and crew transfer vessel finance in the UK. Rates shown are indicative and will vary based on vessel type, age, borrower covenant strength, and facility structure. Click any lender name for a detailed breakdown.

LenderFacility TypeRate (p.a.)Facility RangeMax LTVMax Term
Close BrothersHP/Finance Lease7–11%£100,000–£3,000,00080%10 years
LombardFinance Lease6–10.5%£500,000–No fixed ceiling80%12 years
HSBC UKCommercial Loan5.5–9%£500,000–No fixed ceiling80%12 years
NatWestCommercial Loan5.5–9.5%£500,000–No fixed ceiling80%12 years
Hampshire TrustSecured Asset Finance7.5–12.5%£200,000–£5,000,00080%10 years
ShawbrookSecured Loan7.5–13%£150,000–£1,500,00075%7 years
ParagonSecured Business Loan7–12%£100,000–£2,000,00075%8 years
WesleyanAsset Finance7–11.5%£100,000–£1,500,00075%7 years
ClydesdaleCommercial Loan6.5–10%£300,000–No fixed ceiling80%10 years

Rates correct to the best of our knowledge as at October 2026. Siemens Financial Services (specialist large-ticket) not shown in main table - see best rates page for full comparison including Siemens.

The UK Offshore Support Vessel Finance Market

£50bn+
UK offshore wind investment pipeline to 2030
1,000+
CTVs expected in UK waters by 2030
£1m–£4m
Typical new-build CTV value
Up to 40%
Clean Maritime Plan grant for zero-emission demonstrators

The UK offshore support vessel sector is undergoing its largest expansion in a generation, driven by the accelerating build-out of offshore wind capacity across the North Sea, Irish Sea, and English Channel. The UK's offshore wind fleet - already the world's largest - is set to more than double in installed capacity by 2030, creating extraordinary demand for crew transfer vessels (CTVs), service operation vessels (SOVs), and platform supply vessels (PSVs) to support construction, commissioning, and long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) activity.

Crew transfer vessels are the fastest-growing vessel category. With over 1,000 CTVs expected in UK waters by 2030 and typical new-build values ranging from £1m to £4m for aluminium-hulled 24m vessels, the financing requirement for the sector runs into billions of pounds. At Doulton Bridging Finance, we are active in this market daily - placing CTV and OSV finance with lenders ranging from the clearing banks (HSBC, NatWest, Lombard) through to specialist challenger banks (Hampshire Trust, Shawbrook) and large-ticket asset lenders (Siemens Financial Services for SOVs and PSVs above £1m).

Vessel Types We Finance

Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs)

High-speed aluminium or composite catamarans, typically 20–27m, serving offshore wind turbine maintenance crews. The most active segment of the OSV finance market. Lenders understand long-term O&M contracts with tier-one wind operators as quality security. CTV Finance Guide →

Service Operation Vessels (SOVs)

Larger vessels (50m–120m+) providing walk-to-work access and accommodation for offshore wind maintenance crews. Ticket sizes typically £5m–£30m+. Project finance and long-term charter contract structures required. SOV Finance Guide →

Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs)

Cargo and supply vessels supporting offshore oil & gas and wind installations. Larger ticket sizes and more complex MCA Survey requirements. Lombard, HSBC, and Siemens Financial Services are the primary lenders in this space. Compare PSV Lenders →

Anchor Handling Tugs (AHTs)

Specialist high-bollard-pull tugs supporting mooring installation and anchor handling operations. Niche underwriting - lenders focus heavily on operator certification and contract track record. Hampshire Trust and Close Brothers both active. OSV Finance Guide →

Fast Crew Boats

Smaller, faster alternatives to CTVs for short-distance crew transfer. Often used in the Southern North Sea and English Channel. Finance available from £100,000. Close Brothers, Paragon, and Wesleyan all active in this space. Best Rates →

Zero-Emission CTVs

Electric and hydrogen-hybrid CTVs are now commercially available and qualifying for Clean Maritime Plan grant support. Grant funding can cover up to 40% of build cost for demonstrator projects - we specialise in co-finance arrangements that stack grant and debt efficiently. Clean Maritime Plan Grants →

Lender Rate Pages

For detailed rate information, underwriting criteria, strengths and limitations from each lender, visit the individual lender pages below:

Financing Guides

We compare the whole market. Speak to a specialist who understands offshore wind, MCA coding, and charter contract underwriting.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What types of offshore support vessel can be financed through a UK broker?

UK lenders will consider crew transfer vessels (CTVs), service operation vessels (SOVs), platform supply vessels (PSVs), anchor handling tugs and tug supply vessels (AHTs/AHTSVs), fast crew boats, and guard/standby vessels. CTV finance is the fastest-growing segment, driven by UK offshore wind expansion. SOVs and PSVs require larger facilities (often £5m–£30m+) and may need project or syndicated finance structures.

What rates should I expect for CTV finance in October 2026?

For a well-covenanted CTV operator with long-term O&M contracts, rates range from around 5.5% (HSBC, NatWest for strong balance sheets) up to 13% (Shawbrook for more complex or leveraged cases). Most CTV deals we place in October 2026 price between 7–10% per annum depending on vessel age, operator trading history, and contract security.

Can the Clean Maritime Plan grant be used alongside commercial finance for a zero-emission CTV?

Yes. The DEFRA/DfT Clean Maritime Plan includes grant funding for zero-emission vessel demonstrators - including electric and hydrogen CTVs. Grant support can cover up to 40% of eligible build costs for approved demonstrator projects, with commercial finance structured around the grant drawdown timeline. DBF specialises in co-finance arrangements that stack grant and debt funding efficiently.

What LTV is available for offshore support vessel finance?

Most lenders offer 70–80% LTV on OSV finance. Clearing banks (HSBC, NatWest, Lombard) will typically lend to 80% LTV for strong-covenant borrowers. Specialist and challenger lenders (Shawbrook, Paragon, Wesleyan) generally cap at 75% LTV. Siemens Financial Services will lend to 80% LTV on large SOV and PSV transactions (£1m+).

Does the vessel need to be UK-flagged or MCA coded?

Most UK lenders strongly prefer UK-registered vessels with appropriate MCA coding or Small Commercial Vessel (SCV) certification. Some specialist lenders will consider vessels registered in other flag states (Isle of Man, Cayman, BVI) but this restricts the lender pool and usually increases the rate. MCA Part A or Part B Survey certification is generally a lender prerequisite for vessels over 24 metres.

Asset finance for business purposes is not regulated by the FCA. Rates shown are indicative as at October 2026 and depend on credit profile, term, vessel and deposit. We act as a credit broker, not a lender. Your vessel may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.

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