Nord/LB is poised to hive off a loan portfolio linked to a fleet of 40 multipurpose (MPP) vessels.

The German bank is in the last stages of refinancing the portfolio, believed to be worth around €200m ($235m), of small to medium-size MPP ships, according to European shipbroking sources.

Offers were submitted this week that, if successful, will be taken as a sign that the financial problems in the market for smaller MPP vessels may be nearing an end.