Sfil joins Poseidon Principles as its 36th Signatory

3 April 2025, Copenhagen –Sfil has become the 36th financial institution to join the Poseidon Principles, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable finance in the maritime sector. Sfil is the sixth French financial institution to sign on, further strengthening France’s leadership in responsible ship finance.

Launched in June 2019, the Poseidon Principles celebrated their fifth anniversary in 2024, marking a significant milestone in fostering transparency and accountability in ship financing.

The framework now covers approximately 80% of the global ship finance portfolio, underscoring its influence in aligning the industry with international climate goals.

“We are excited to welcome Sfil as the Poseidon Principles’ newest signatory,” said Poseidon Principles Chair, Michael Parker. “Their membership underscores the important role financial institutions play in supporting transparency and responsible lending in the maritime sector. We look forward to collaborating as we continue to advance accountability in ship finance.”

As France’s ninth-largest bank and a key player in public development finance, Sfil provides financing solutions to local authorities, public hospitals, shipyards, and major exporters. A subsidiary of the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) group, Sfil is entrusted by the French government to support sustainable investments that drive economic development and environmental progress.

Founded in 2013, Sfil has been entrusted with two major public policy missions by the French government: sustainable financing for French local authorities and public hospitals; and financing major international contracts for French companies.

Through its financing efforts, Sfil plays a pivotal role in supporting essential infrastructure and public service projects. From schools, hospitals, and gymnasiums to roads, wind turbines, satellites, sewage treatment plants, and cruise ships, Sfil helps fund projects that serve the common interest, foster sustainable development, and contribute to the growth of the French economy.

“By becoming a signatory of the Poseidon Principles, we are affirming our resolve to support our customers in the energy transition of maritime transport,” said Philippe Mills, CEO of Sfil. “In this way, we are strengthening our role as a responsible finance provider, working towards a more sustainable maritime sector.”

With Sfil’s addition, the Poseidon Principles continue to expand their impact, setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility in ship finance, as highlighted in their fifth annual report.

Media Contact:
Molly P. Hannon
mph@globalmaritimeforum.org
+45 53 76 6787

About the Poseidon Principles
The Poseidon Principles for Financial Institutions is a framework for measuring and reporting the alignment of financial institutions’ shipping portfolios with climate goals. Recognising financial institutions’ role in promoting responsible environmental stewardship throughout the maritime value chain, the Poseidon Principles’ framework is in line with climate goals set by the UN maritime agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The revised GHG ambition adopted during MEPC 80 in July 2023, known as the 2023 IMO GHG strategy.

About Sfil, a committed player for a sustainable future.
Since 2013, Sfil has been supporting local authorities and public healthcare institutions in financing their essential public initiatives: environmental protection, the fight against global warming, health, education, mobility, and employment.

Sfil also plays a central role in France’s international economic influence by financing major export credit contracts. In partnership with Bpifrance Assurance Export and commercial banks active in this market, Sfil offers clients of French exporting companies competitive and secure financing solutions. This strategic mission strengthens the attractiveness of French export offerings and promotes the development of national industrial sectors.

We provide local authorities, public hospitals, and French exporting companies with the best financing conditions, thanks to top-tier financial and non-financial ratings and exemplary risk management. We are:

• Leading provider of liquidity for French export contracts
• Leading financier of local authorities
• Leading financier of public healthcare institutions
• Leading European issuer of public sector covered bonds

As a public bank belonging to the Caisse des Dépôts group, we are signatories of the United Nations Global Compact and fully committed to financing a sustainable future by integrating environmental and social impact objectives at the heart of our strategy.