Minsheng Financial Leasing (MSFL) is seeking to sell more than $1.1bn-worth of its ship-finance portfolio to build equity for its transition from financier to operating shipowner.

The Beijing-based company is understood to be circulating a list of tonnage ranging from ultra large containerships to small bitumen tankers, all on long-term bareboat charter to premium owners including Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), Navig8, Sinokor Merchant Marine and Trafigura.