European investment firm Eurazeo has raised €175m at the first close of its latest sustainable maritime infrastructure fund, surpassing its initial target of €125m.
Launched in December 2025, Eurazeo Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure II (ESMI II) is dedicated to providing financing to support the decarbonisation and energy transition of the European maritime sector. Eurazeo said it aims to raise €400m for the fund at final close.
ESMI II focuses on marine transportation, offshore renewable energy and port infrastructure, with a “strong emphasis on assets incorporating the latest designs and sustainable technologies”.
The first closing was followed by two investments completed within six weeks of the fund’s launch, with the financing of two new eco-friendly vessels for a midsize Dutch shipowner, Longship Group.
ESMI II is Eurazeo’s second Article 9 fund, and like ESME I benefits from the support of the European Investment Fund, an anchor investor on the ESMI I and ESMI II funds, plus French mutual insurance group MAIF, insurance groups Suravenir, and AG2R La Mondiale and L’Auxiliaire, “underscoring strong European institutional support for the strategy”, Eurazeo stated.
The investment firm added that ESMI II aims to deliver measurable impact by financing assets that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support the renewable energy value chain, while also generating steady, long-term returns for investors.
The firm said the fund is expected to support around 20 to 30 European ship operators and maritime stakeholders.
Guillaume Branco, managing director, asset-based finance at Eurazeo, said: “Through ESMI II, Eurazeo intends to capitalise on the success of the first ESMI fund and continues to provide European maritime stakeholders with a tailor-made alternative financing solution, in a market with massive financing needs, partly driven by the environmental regulation and the lack of financing sources available, particularly for SMEs.
“This first closing reflects our ability to combine financial discipline with deep technological and sustainability expertise. The fund enables its investors to support the transition of the maritime sector while combining quality returns with a conservative risk profile.”
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