CIT Group announced CIT Maritime Finance provided a $46.4 million senior secured credit facility to Epic Gas. Financing from CIT was provided by CIT Bank. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The facility was used to partially finance the acquisition of a fleet of five LPG tankers that includes three new buildings and two modern gas carriers acquired in the secondary market.

“This financing will allow Epic Gas to grow its fleet of tankers to support the growing demand in the LPG and petrochemical sectors,” said Svein Engh, managing director and group head of CIT Maritime Finance. “With the demand for ocean and coastal transportation activity expected to increase gradually, we’re pleased to play a role in the expansion of Epic’s growing footprint and we look forward to building this relationship.”

Lars Vang Christensen, CEO of Epic Gas, said, “The seaborne petrochemical trade is expected to grow year over year. These latest additions provide us the opportunity to continue growing our fleet with some of the largest vessels in the pressurized segment. CIT was able to put their knowledge to work for us. Their expertise and experience allowed us to complete this transaction in a timely manner with favorable terms. CIT played an important role in this phase of Epic’s expansion plans. We look forward to working with them on future projects.”

Headquartered in Singapore, Epic Gas owns and operates a fleet of seaborne gas carriers to transport liquefied petroleum gas and petrochemicals.