Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC is winding down its Greek operation and is looking to sell its USD5 billion shipping loans portfolio, Reuters reported on Saturday. Citing finance sources familiar with the plans, Reuters said the move was part of the UK state-backed bank's efforts to shrink its international business. Part of a wider strategy by the bank to shrink parts of its international business, the decision comes as Greece makes a final attempt with international creditors for a bailout and to prevent a financial meltdown in the country. The RBS has been involved in shipping finance for more than 250 years and is one of the world's leading banks in shipping finance. RBS is the leading lender to the Greek shipping market.