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An Exclusive First Look: The World’s First Tokenized Ship

  • Writer: Chandrama Vishawakarma
    Chandrama Vishawakarma
  • 16 minutes ago
  • 5 min read
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At Shipfinex, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between you and one of the most fundamental, yet inaccessible, asset classes in the world: commercial shipping. Every day, a global fleet of vessels works silently in the background, carrying the raw materials, food, and finished goods that power our lives. This is the engine of the global economy, and we believe it’s time that everyday investors had the chance to own a piece of it.


Today, we are incredibly excited to pull back the curtain and announce a landmark moment in our journey. 


Our very first vessel, a carefully selected asset, is now in the final stages of due diligence.

This isn't just an announcement; it's the beginning of our commitment to you. A commitment to unparalleled transparency, institutional-grade quality, and direct access to real-world, revenue-generating maritime assets. We want to walk you through exactly what makes this ship a prime example of the Shipfinex standard, starting with the most critical step in our process: vetting.


Our Uncompromising Vetting Process


Our Uncompromising Vetting Process

Before a single dollar is invested, before a token is even conceptualized, every potential asset undergoes a rigorous, multi-faceted inspection known as vetting. Think of it as the most exhaustive background check and health physical imaginable for a multi-million dollar asset. To ensure complete objectivity and trust, this is not conducted by us or the ship owner. It is carried out by world-class, independent third-party experts, specialists whose entire reputation rests on their unbiased and meticulous analysis.


Vetting is an exhaustive deep dive that goes far beyond a simple walkthrough. It’s an intricate process where experts pour over three core areas:

  1. The Physical Examination: This is a comprehensive, nose-to-tail inspection of the vessel's physical condition. It includes using advanced tools like ultrasonic gauges to measure the thickness and integrity of the steel hull, detailed performance analysis of the main engine and auxiliary machinery, and a thorough inspection of the cargo holds and ballast tanks to ensure they are free from defects. The navigation and safety equipment are tested to ensure they meet and exceed international standards. This isn't just about being seaworthy; it's about being in peak operational condition.

  2. The Documentation Review: A ship’s history is written in its paperwork. Our experts scrutinize years of maintenance logs, safety records, and crew certifications. They verify the vessel’s compliance with a slate of international maritime laws, such as SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Prevention of Pollution from Ships). This review ensures the vessel has a clean history, is managed responsibly, and carries no hidden liabilities.

  3. The Operational Assessment: A ship is only as good as the team that runs it. This part of the vetting process assesses the real-world performance, efficiency, and management practices of the vessel. It looks at the reputation of the ship manager, the competency of the crew, and the ship’s past performance metrics to ensure it is not just a well-maintained piece of hardware, but a well-run, efficient business operation.


This meticulous, multi-stage process ensures that any asset listed on Shipfinex is a sound, well-maintained, and responsibly managed investment, minimizing risks and maximizing potential for our investors.


The Idwal Grade: A Score that Speaks Volumes


So, how did our first candidate vessel perform? It passed its vetting with flying colours, receiving an overall Idwal Grade of 79.


The Idwal Grade: A Score that Speaks Volumes

To understand the significance of this number, you first need to understand what Idwal represents. In the maritime world, Idwal is a gold standard for vessel inspection, akin to a Moody's or S&P rating for financial assets. Their grade is a trusted, data-driven benchmark of a ship's condition and quality.


A score of 79 is impressive on its own, but context is everything. For Handymax vessels of a similar age, the average grade is 75. This ship isn't just meeting the standard; it's significantly exceeding it. This 4-point outperformance places it in the top tier of its peer group and has direct implications for you as an investor:


  • Lower Operational Risk: A higher grade signifies a better-maintained asset. This directly translates to a lower likelihood of unexpected technical issues, off-hire days (days the ship isn't earning revenue due to repairs), and costly emergency maintenance.

  • Enhanced Earning Potential: Top-tier charterers (the companies that hire ships to move their goods) prefer higher-quality, more reliable vessels. A ship with a grade of 79 is more attractive to these blue-chip clients, who are often willing to pay a premium for the assurance of quality and reliability.

  • Stronger Asset Value: The vessel's exceptional condition suggests it will hold its value better over time, potentially leading to a more favourable resale value at the end of the investment term.

But what type of Ship is it?


The ship itself is a Handymax bulk carrier, a versatile and crucial player in the global supply chain. With a length of 189.99 meters (nearly the length of two American football fields) and a gross tonnage of 32,839, it is a true workhorse of the sea.


Handymax bulk carrier

Disclaimer below Photo: Image only for representative purpose. Image does not refer to the actual Ship.


These vessels are designed to carry essential dry goods in bulk, from grains that feed nations to the materials that build our cities. Their "Handy" size allows them to access a wider variety of ports around the world, including those that are too small for larger vessels, giving them immense trading flexibility.


This particular vessel operates in the tramp trade. To understand what this means, think of the difference between a city bus and a charter bus. A "liner" vessel is like a city bus: it runs on a fixed route with a fixed schedule, carrying containers for many different clients. A "tramp" ship, however, is like a charter bus: it has no fixed route. It goes wherever the cargo needs to go, capitalizing on demand wherever it appears in the world. This agility allows it to chase the most profitable routes and contracts, making it an opportunistic and dynamic asset.


And what does it carry? The building blocks of our daily lives. Its recent cargo manifest includes:


  • Grains (Wheat, Corn) & Sugar: The fundamental ingredients that end up on our dinner tables.

  • Minerals & Materials (Cement, Steel Coils, Metal Scrap, Copper Concentrate): The raw materials for construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects worldwide.

  • Fertilizers (Urea, Muriate of Potash): The essential nutrients that power global agriculture and ensure food security.

When you own this vessel, you own a direct link to the real, tangible economy.


All About Efficiency and Compliance


In today's world, a smart investment must also be a sustainable one. The maritime industry is at the forefront of a global push for decarbonization, and this vessel is perfectly positioned for this green transition.


All About Efficiency and Compliance

It meets and exceeds the latest environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO):


  • EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index): This is a measure of the ship's technical design and hardware. Our vessel meets the required EEXI standards, meaning it is built with energy-efficient technology compliant with modern regulations.

  • CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator): This is a measure of the ship's operational efficiency, like a car's MPG rating, but for carbon. The vessel has achieved a Band B rating on the A-E scale. This is the second-highest rating possible, placing it among the more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly ships in the global fleet.

This strong environmental profile is not just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Higher efficiency means lower fuel consumption, the single largest operating cost for a ship. This translates to better profitability for investors and makes the vessel more attractive to top-tier charterers who have their own corporate sustainability goals.


This vessel is not just compliant; it is future-proofed, ready for the next phase of global shipping.


This ship, from its verified physical condition and operational excellence to its vital role in global trade and its forward-looking environmental profile, is the embodiment of the Shipfinex philosophy. It is a tangible, performing asset that you can see, understand, and now, have the opportunity to own.


This is the standard you can expect from us. Welcome to the new era of maritime investing.


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