Financing the Import of a Specialist Crane for a Major Infrastructure Project

Table of contents

Introduction – Funding for Complex Equipment Imports

Large-scale infrastructure projects often require specialised machinery that is not readily available locally. Securing and importing such equipment demands tailored finance solutions that align with tight timelines and supplier requirements.

This case study demonstrates how MKP Finance helped a leading industrial hire service provider secure funding for the importation and delivery of a large crane, ensuring it arrived on-site in time to commence work on a critical 12-month project.

The Client Challenge

A well-established industrial hire service provider with $300 million in annual revenue secured a major 12-month contract requiring a large specialist crane.

Key challenges included:

The crane needed to be imported from overseas.
The client had to meet tight delivery deadlines to ensure the crane was operational before the project started.
The supplier required a letter of credit to guarantee payment prior to shipping.

The client sought a funding partner that could manage these complex requirements while keeping cash flow intact.

The MKP Solution

MKP Finance worked closely with the client to deliver a finance structure that addressed both the importation and project delivery requirements.

Key steps included:

Coordinating the letter of credit with the supplier to ensure payment security and shipment readiness.
Structuring finance to accommodate importation costs, supplier timelines, and the client’s cash-flow cycle.
Providing a tailored repayment plan aligned with project milestones and expected revenue.

By understanding the client’s operational needs and project deadlines, MKP ensured the crane would be funded, imported, and delivered on time.

The Results – Competitive Advantage in Infrastructure Projects

Thanks to the tailored finance solution:

The crane was delivered and operational ahead of the project’s start date.
The client gained a competitive edge in infrastructure projects, particularly bridge works, because:
- The crane could operate in smaller site footprints.
- It required less ground preparation, reducing mobilisation costs.
- This advantage enabled the client to charge a higher recovery rate by lowering external costs for clients.

The financing approach not only met immediate project needs but also enhanced the company’s long-term capacity to bid for specialised infrastructure contracts.

Why MKP Finance

Financing imported equipment involves added complexities such as supplier negotiations, international trade documentation, and payment security.

MKP Finance offers:

Decades of experience managing tailored funding for specialised and imported equipment.
Proven expertise in coordinating with suppliers and lenders for efficient delivery.
Practical solutions designed to align with your operational and financial timelines.