The two companies announced what they described as “an exclusive partnership” today under which Hayfin will provide the credit, risk control and capital allocation and Breakwater will focus on providing the connection and opportunities with shipowners and operators.

London-headquartered Hayfin, which has a loan portfolio of close to $6bn, has had little previous exposure to the shipping market.

Its chief executive Tim Flynn described demand for capital within the maritime sector as “robust”.

“Traditional