Pelagic Partners

Pelagic Partners is a Cyprus-based private equity firm specializing in maritime investments, aiming to become the world's largest maritime fund. The firm manages the Global Maritime Fund (GMF), which seeks to provide innovative financing solutions in the maritime industry, with a focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. GMF is expected to manage assets worth $1.25 billion by the end of 2023, growing to $10 billion over the next 10 years. The fund offers up to 100% financing for ships and rigs built at International Maritime Industries' yard in Ras Al Khair, Saudi Arabia.

The firm's investment strategy is built on three pillars: vessel values and the respective downside risk, market sentiment, and operational flexibility and cashflow generation within the group. Pelagic Partners invests in a diversified set of maritime assets, including bulk carriers, oil tankers, chemical and product tankers, ro-ro vessels, general cargo vessels, gas carriers, containerships, and offshore support vessels. The shipping markets are cyclical, and through prudent vessel management, the firm aims to ensure a steady dividend distribution stream to its investors.

Pelagic Partners was founded by Dr. Niels Hartmann and Atef Abou Merhi, who are experienced shipowners with access to and intimate knowledge of the shipping markets, developed and enriched over 30 years. The firm is registered and incorporated under the laws of Cyprus and authorized by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission to operate as an Alternative Investment Fund Manager. The founders are anchor investors and long-term ship owners who have access to and intimate knowledge of the shipping markets, driven by their outreach, experience, and network developed over the past 30 years. This strategic positioning serves as the foundation for positioning Pelagic Partners as a frontrunner in maritime investment and ship owning space.