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News   »   Others   »   Landmark transaction in the global shipping sector - first certified sustainable shipping loan

The transaction was solely arranged by ABN AMRO on behalf of Anthony Veder Group as a European Private Placement to finance the building of the 18,000 cubic metre Ice Class 1A Super LNG carrier Coral EnergICE, which uses the boil off of its cargo to fuel the propulsion of the vessel. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fuelled vessels eliminate the usage of heavy fuel oil (HFO) which contributes not only to a reduction of carbon emissions, but also to a significant reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) and gives a near 100% reduction of sulfur emissions (SOx) and particulate matter emissions. Apart from air emissions, Anthony Veder also aims to reduce the impact on marine life by choosing green options when it comes to using chemicals in antifouling, lubricants and ballast water treatment.

The vessel will be on a long term time charter contract with Gasum (Finland) to serve its 100% subsidiary Skangas. The financing has been structured as a 20 year European Private Placement and placed with Delta Lloyd Asset Management.

ABN AMRO worked with Anthony Veder Group to create a Sustainable Shipping Framework (“Framework”) and managed the process with Clean Shipping Index and Bureau Veritas, which verified the vessel’s compliance with applicable sustainability principles. The Framework is based on two pillars. First, the Framework includes a positive evaluation of the environmental performance of the vessel design, according to Clean Shipping Index, a benchmarking tool to evaluate the environmental performance of ships and carriers. Secondly, it received an above par score on the sustainability assessment of Anthony Veder Group using the Shipping Sustainability Assessment Tool developed by ABN AMRO. The Framework is based on the Green Bond Principles. Bureau Veritas provided a positive second opinion on the transaction’s sustainable credentials.

Certification of the financing is the result of (i) Anthony Veder’s dedication to sustainable shipping, (ii) the eco-friendly design of the LNG vessel, (iii) sourcing and use of the product to reduce emissions in Finland by Gasum/ Skangas, and (iv) ABN AMRO’s expertise in sustainable financing.

Jan Valkier, CEO Anthony Veder: “The creation of this Framework reflects our commitment to developing cost and energy-efficient solutions for small to mid-size LNG carriers and we are extremely pleased with this innovative transaction and the professional and efficient manner in which ABN AMRO and Delta Lloyd managed this process.”

Gust Biesbroeck, Global Head of Transportation Clients: “ABN AMRO is very pleased to have arranged such a landmark sustainable transaction in the global shipping sector. This transaction is evidence of

Anthony Veder’s leadership in sustainable shipping and represents many of our core values including our commitment to our clients to deliver the most attractive financing and our commitment to a sustainable future for the global shipping industry.”

Jacco Maters, CEO Delta Lloyd Asset Management: “As an investor, Delta Lloyd Asset Management can contribute to a better world by taking into account the impact of its investments on people and the environment. Delta Lloyd’s participation in this sustainable shipping loan is a testimony to this commitment.”

Merijn Hougee, Clean Shipping Index: “This is a unique deal. ABN AMRO and Delta Lloyd are the first financial institutions to perform a thorough sustainability assessment of a ship design during the loan approval process. Investing in clean ships is a key driver for enhancing the environmental development of the maritime industry and sets a good example for other banks and investors.”

About Anthony Veder Group Anthony Veder Group was established in 1937 as a ship-owner and port agent. Ever since acquiring its first gas tanker in 1969, the company has been involved in gas shipping. As an integrated shipping company, it aims to develop long-term customer relationships by offering a safe, reliable and flexible service through a wide range of high quality gas carriers. The group is involved in all segments of the gas market, from CO2 to ethylene and from LPG to LNG. Furthermore, it provides comprehensive and efficient technical and commercial ship management services to third parties. The Rotterdam based shipping company employs over 800 people. Further information is available at www.anthonyveder.com.

About Delta Lloyd Asset Management Delta Lloyd Asset Management is Delta Lloyd’s asset manager. It specialises in investments, both for Delta Lloyd’s insurance business and for third parties. The services provided to third parties focus on asset management for institutional pension and other clients, and management of Delta Lloyd’s multiple investment funds.

About ABN AMRO Bank N.V ABN AMRO is a Dutch bank for retail, corporate and private banking clients. Internationally, our operations are based upon specific expertise and established market positions, such as Private Banking and Energy, Commodities and Transportation financing. We offer our clients a comprehensive and full range of – digital - products and services as well as in-depth financial expertise and extensive knowledge of numerous industry sectors. ABN AMRO is founding member of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (www.ssi2040.org). Headquartered in Amsterdam, ABN AMRO is located in over 20 countries and employs more than 22,000 people worldwide. Please visit us at www.abnamro.com.

About Clean Shipping Index The Clean Shipping Index is a benchmarking tool to evaluate the environmental performance of ships and carriers and is used during procurement of sea transport by a network of large cargo owners. The Clean Shipping Index covers the major emissions from ships such as CO2, NOx, SOx and also emissions to the sea by waste, on board use of chemicals in antifouling, lubricants, refrigerants and cleaning agents. By

coordinating a demand for clean ships through the Clean Shipping Network, carriers are encouraged to change over to more environmentally adapted techniques and measures. As a carrier you may login, fill in data on vessels and see the results for your own fleet – but also in comparison to other carriers. www.cleanshippingindex.com

About Bureau Veritas Bureau Veritas is a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group has around 66,700 employees located in 1,400 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its clients to improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility. Bureau Veritas is also a Climate Bonds Initiative approved verified. Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the Next 20 index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. www.bureauveritas.com

For inquiries, please contact:

ABN AMRO Marit Holman, Press Officer T +31 (0)619267380 E marit.holman@nl.abnamro.com

Anthony Veder Group Yone van Beek, Communication Advisor T +31 (0)10 4004800 E communications@anthonyveder.com

Delta Lloyd Asset Management Sacha Eerbeek, Senior Marketeer T +31 (0)205949250 E sacha_eerbeek@deltalloyd.nl