MPC Capital and Storm Capital Management have launched a shipping assets investment fund which has secured an initial $35m (€29.6m) towards its $70m fundraising target.

The MPC Storm Maritime Opportunities (MSO) fund’s first close was backed by Portuguese shipping firm Portline and investment firms Uthalden and Klaveness Marine.

MSO will invest in shipping assets across several market segments, with a focus on modern second-hand vessels. The platform will target opportunities in dry bulk, tanker, container and offshore shipping, with exposure ranging from spot trading to long‑term charters.

The strategy targets equity interests of 20% to 50% in each asset, supported by conservative financing structures.

Morten E Astrup, founding partner of Storm Capital Management, said: “I have been looking for a solid platform for my shipping investments, and have found it in MSO, building on our selective equity and project-side experience.

“MPC Capital is a highly reputable maritime industrial partner, and together we are creating a differentiated platform to capture attractive opportunities across the shipping cycle.”

Constantin Baack, CEO of MPC Capital, said: “Building on our track record of successful partnerships with investors and industrial partners across maritime segments, we are partnering with Storm Capital and launching the MSO.

“Together with close investment partners, we are taking the next step in institutionalising and scaling our approach. The MSO is intended to serve as an investment platform that can grow through additional investors and an expanding pipeline of assets and projects with trusted maritime partners.”

To read the latest IPE Real Assets magazine click here.