MPC Capital (Hamburg) and Storm Capital Management (Oslo) are launching a new investment platform MPC Storm Maritime Opportunities (“MSO”). MSO is securing USD 35 million in its first fundraising round from a group of experienced investors with a strong track record within maritime investments.

MSO has a target to raise in excess of USD 70 million to invest in shipping assets across several market segments, with a focus on modern second-hand vessels. The platform will target opportunities in dry bulk, tanker, container and offshore shipping, with exposure ranging from spot trading to long‑term charters.

“I have been looking for a solid platform for my shipping investments, and have found it in MSO, building on our selective equity and project-side experience. MPC Capital is a highly reputable maritime industrial partner, and together we are creating a differentiated platform to capture attractive opportunities across the shipping cycle”, said Morten E. Astrup, founding partner of Storm Capital Management AS.

“Building on our track record of successful partnerships with investors and industrial partners across maritime segments, we are partnering with Storm Capital and launching the MSO. Together with close investment partners, we are taking the next step in institutionalizing and scaling our approach. The MSO is intended to serve as an investment platform that can grow through additional investors and an expanding pipeline of assets and projects with trusted maritime partners”, said Constantin Baack, CEO of MPC Capital.

The first close was achieved through a club of high-tier investors Klaveness Marine, Portline, and Uthalden, all of which are well-known players in the maritime world. Their early commitment underscores their trust in the ability of the managers to source and manage attractive maritime investments. This is further underscored by MPC Capital’s and Morten E. Astrup’s significant co-investment in MSO.

MSO’s strategy is built on broad diversification and selective co‑investments together with established industry partners. MSO targets a combination of net return of 15% p.a. IRR and attractive running yield depending on the project structure. Typical ownership stakes will range from 20–50 percent, supported by conservative financing.

The MSO is set up as a private partnership and is intended to be replaced by a Luxembourg-regulated structure during the second close.

Source: MPC Capital