British multinational investment bank HSBC has issued a green finance facility for UAE-based Lamprell, a leading provider of fabrication, engineering and contracting services to the offshore and onshore oil & gas, media reports said. Around $48 million has been raised will be used for the Seagreen offshore wind farm project off the coast of Scotland.
Daniel Howlett, HSBC’s regional head of Commercial Banking for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) told the media, “This transaction demonstrates the commercial viability of green finance in the Middle East for issuers beyond sovereigns, financial institutions and the largest multinational corporations. Sustainable growth is more important than ever before for businesses that want to build back better from the Covid-19 pandemic and HSBC is proud to be leading the development of the green finance market in the Middle East.”
Last year, it was reported that HSBC Singapore was planning to drive bespoke green financing with a new green loan for small and medium-sized businesses in the city-state. The bank’s green loan is in line with internationally recognised green standards — and will accept applications based on industry certifications.
HSBC has supported sustainable finance through various bond launches in Hong Kong, Ireland and Mexico. In June 2018, the bank on its part decided to ease the transition to a low-carbon economy.
It was reported that HSBC accepted the green loan applications from businesses holding Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) and eco-certification schemes, Green & Gracious Award and Green Mark Scheme, product and services certification schemes and Renewable Energy Certification.