Expansion ahoy – maritime security firm bags £2.5m to accelerate growth plans

A Nottingham-headquartered maritime security and logistics business has received £2.5m to accelerate its growth plans.

Zeal Maritime Solutions – the brainchild of former Royal Marine Commando Ben Foster-Rankine and local businessman Bryn Orme – secured the funding from Ashby-based alternative lender ThinCats.

Founded in 2011, the company offers protection to maritime assets as they pass through high-risk piracy areas, operating primarily off the west and east coasts of Africa.

The funding from ThinCats will facilitate the purchase of two maritime patrol vessels and the acquisition of a Portuguese company.

Zeal CEO Ben Foster-Rankine said: “As a business we are continuing to adapt and grow in order to overcome the threats of the ever-evolving world of global piracy. With West African shipping lanes getting busier as the region grows economically, we are seeing increasing demand from shipping companies for a reliable and regulated security partner.

“The purchase of these new vessels will significantly enhance our capacity to ensure we can deploy our services within even more High-Risk Areas to new and existing clients. We are grateful for the support from Andy and the team at ThinCats as we look to continue our ambitious growth plans.”

Andy Cocker, business development director at ThinCats, added: “It’s been great getting to know and working with Ben, Bryn and their specialist team at Zeal. The business provides a vital service to the maritime industry and have earned a fantastic reputation in the market. We are delighted to provide funding which will support their continued expansion.”

Clyde & Co. provided legal support to ThinCats.

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