As the shipping industry continues facing a weak demand, the European Central Bank (ECB) kicked off a review into the risks of banks’ shipping exposure, Reuters cited sources familiar with the matter.

The ECB contacted the banks which support this sector last week to notify them of the review.

The banks are now expected to present the data on their shipping loans and their loan loss provisions.

ECB’s move has raised concerns among the lenders, as they fear that they might be forced to reserve additional capital and increase loss provisions related to the shipping sector.

Reuters cited a source as saying that the move was an initial step in a broader review of lending in the sector.