SFL Corp Business Summary

SFL Corp Ltd. (SFL) operates as a maritime infrastructure and asset-owning company, generating revenue primarily through long-term, fixed-rate time charters and bareboat leases of maritime and offshore assets. Its business is diversified across five primary segments: container vessels, tankers (crude and product), dry bulk carriers, car carriers, and energy assets, including offshore drilling rigs. As of February 2026, the company maintains a robust charter backlog of approximately $3.7 billion, providing high revenue visibility and supporting its long-standing policy of consecutive quarterly dividends. SFL competes directly with other major maritime leasing and shipping firms such as Global Ship Lease (GSL), Costamare Inc. (CMRE), and Navios Maritime Partners (NMM). Unlike specialized peers, SFL distinguishes itself as a diversified, asset-agnostic financier that prioritizes long-term contract stability and counterparty credit quality over short-term spot market exposure. Originally spun off from John Fredriksen’s Frontline in 2003, SFL is led by a seasoned management team with deep roots in the Fredriksen Group’s shipping empire. The current leadership is headed by CEO Ole Bjarte Hjertaker, who has served as Chief Executive since 2009 and previously held the CFO role, bringing extensive experience from DNB Markets’ shipping and offshore division. He is supported by CFO Aksel Olesen and COO Trym Sjølie, both of whom possess significant expertise in maritime finance and operations. The company’s board of directors includes notable figures such as Kathrine Fredriksen, daughter of founder John Fredriksen, ensuring continued alignment with one of the world’s most influential shipping families. Other prominent board members include Gary Vogel, former CEO of Eagle Bulk Shipping, and James O’Shaughnessy, providing a blend of operational and independent governance oversight.