Major shipping lender ABN Amro says a recent deal to finance the installation of ballast water treatment gear may be the first of many for clients facing the costs of meeting new environmental rules.

The Dutch bank made its first loan under its “sustainable shipping” initiative, providing Celsius Shipping financing to install ballast water treatment gear. ABN Amro’s Amit Wynalda, who heads its transportation practice, says the bank is talking to other clients for similar deals.