20-F
Euroseas Ltd. (ESEA)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
_________________
FORM 20-F
_________________
(Mark One)
| ☐ | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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OR
| ☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934<br><br> <br>For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 |
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OR
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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OR
| ☐ | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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| Date of event requiring this shell company report |
For the transition period from to
| Commission file number 001-33283 | ||
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| EUROSEAS LTD. | ||
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| (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) | ||
| Not applicable | ||
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| (Translation of Registrant’s name into English) | ||
| Republic of the Marshall Islands | ||
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| (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | ||
| 4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, 151 24 Maroussi Greece | ||
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| (Address of principal executive offices) | ||
| Tasos Aslidis, Tel: (908) 301-9091, euroseas@euroseas.gr, Euroseas Ltd. c/o Tasos Aslidis,<br><br> <br>11 Canterbury Lane, Watchung, NJ 07069 | ||
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| (Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person) | ||
| Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||
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| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Common shares, $0.03 par value | ESEA | Nasdaq Capital Market |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report
| 7,055,881 common shares, $0.03 par value |
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
☐Yes ☒ No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
☐Yes ☒ No
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
☒Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
☒Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☒ | Non-accelerated filer ☐ |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging growth company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
†The term "new or revised financial accounting standard" refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b) ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
☒U.S. GAAP
☐International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
☐Other
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow
☐Item 17 ☐ Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐Yes ☒ No
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
☐Yes ☐ No
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward-Looking Statements | |||
| Part I | |||
| Item 1. | Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers | 3 | |
| Item 2. | Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable | 3 | |
| Item 3. | Key Information | 3 | |
| Item 4. | Information on the Company | 43 | |
| Item 4A. | Unresolved Staff Comments | 64 | |
| Item 5. | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects | 64 | |
| Item 6. | Directors, Senior Management and Employees | 78 | |
| Item 7. | Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions | 84 | |
| Item 8. | Financial Information | 87 | |
| Item 9. | The Offer and Listing | 88 | |
| Item 10. | Additional Information | 89 | |
| Item 11. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 100 | |
| Item 12. | Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities | 102 | |
| Part II | |||
| Item 13. | Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies | 102 | |
| Item 14. | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds | 102 | |
| Item 15. | Controls and Procedures | 102 | |
| Item 16. | [Reserved] | 104 | |
| Item 16A. | Audit Committee Financial Expert | 104 | |
| Item 16B. | Code of Ethics | 105 | |
| Item 16C. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 105 | |
| Item 16D. | Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees | 105 | |
| Item 16E. | Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers | 106 | |
| Item 16F. | Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant | 106 | |
| Item 16G. | Corporate Governance | 106 | |
| Item 16H. | Mine Safety Disclosure | 106 | |
| Item 16I. | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | 106 | |
| Item 16J. | Insider Trading Policies | 107 | |
| Item 16K. | Cybersecurity | 107 | |
| Part III | |||
| Item 17. | Financial Statements | 108 | |
| Item 18. | Financial Statements | 108 | |
| Item 19. | Exhibits | 108 |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Euroseas Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, or the Company, desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. This annual report contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations or our performance. Words such as “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:
| ● | our future operating or financial results; |
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| ● | future, pending or recent acquisitions, joint ventures, business strategy, areas of possible expansion, and expected capital spending or operating expenses; |
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| ● | container shipping industry trends, including charter rates and factors affecting vessel supply and demand; |
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| ● | fluctuations in our stock price as a result of volatility in securities markets; |
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| ● | the impact of increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders, charterers and other market participants with respect to our Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) policies; |
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| ● | our financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate activities; |
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| ● | fluctuations in currencies, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; |
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| ● | availability of crew, number of off-hire days, drydocking requirements and insurance costs; |
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| ● | our expectations about the availability of vessels to purchase or the useful lives of our vessels; |
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| ● | our expectations relating to dividend payments and our ability to make such payments; |
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| ● | our ability to leverage to our advantage the relationships and reputations of Eurobulk Ltd. (“Eurobulk”), our affiliated ship management company or “Manager”, in the container shipping industry; |
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| ● | changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns; |
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| ● | changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities; |
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| ● | potential liability from future litigation; |
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| ● | global and regional political conditions; |
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1
| ● | General political conditions or events, including “trade wars”, acts of terrorism and other hostilities, including piracy, the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran and related conflicts in the Middle East, the attacks on commercial vessels and effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthi seizures and attacks on vessels traveling through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; |
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| ● | the severity and duration of natural disasters or public health emergencies on our performance and business prospects; and |
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| ● | other factors discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors.” |
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WE UNDERTAKE NO OBLIGATION TO PUBLICLY UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY LAW, OR THE DOCUMENTS TO WHICH WE REFER YOU IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT, TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN OUR EXPECTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH STATEMENTS OR ANY CHANGE IN EVENTS, CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ON WHICH ANY STATEMENT IS BASED.
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PART I
| Item 1. | Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers |
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Not Applicable.
| Item 2. | Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable |
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Not Applicable.
| Item 3. | Key Information |
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Please note: Throughout this report, all references to "we," "our," "us" and the "Company" refer to Euroseas Ltd. and its subsidiaries. We use the term deadweight ton, or dwt, in describing the size of vessels. Dwt, expressed in metric tons, each of which is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, refers to the maximum weight of cargo and supplies that a vessel can carry. We use the term twenty-foot equivalent unit, or teu, in describing the size of our containerships in addition to dwt. Teu, expressed in number of containers, refers to the maximum number of twenty-foot long containers that can be placed on board. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "dollars" and "$" in this report are to, and amounts are presented in, U.S. dollars.
| A. | [Reserved] |
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| B. | Capitalization and Indebtedness |
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Not Applicable.
| C. | Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds |
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Not Applicable.
| D. | Risk Factors |
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Any investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following factors, as well as the other information set forth in this annual report, before making an investment in our common stock. Some of the following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate and our business in general. Other risks relate to the securities market for, and ownership of, our common stock. Any of the described risks could significantly and negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results and common stock price. The following risk factors describe the material risks that are presently known to us.
Risk Factors Summary
| ● | The uncertainties in global and regional demand for chartering containerships; |
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| ● | The volatile container shipping market and difficulty in finding profitable charters for our vessels; |
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| ● | Fluctuations in our stock price as a result of volatility in securities markets; |
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| ● | The impact of global epidemics or pandemics and resulting disruptions to the Company and the international shipping industry could negatively affect our business, results of operations or financial condition; |
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| ● | Our ability to comply with various financial and collateral covenants in our credit facilities; |
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| ● | Uncertainties related to the market value of our vessels; |
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| ● | Uncertainties related to the supply and demand of containership vessels; |
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| ● | The impact of increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders, charterers and other market participants with respect to our ESG policies; |
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| ● | Disruption of world trade due to rising protectionism or the breakdown of multilateral trade agreements; |
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| ● | Disruptions in global financial markets relating to terrorist attacks or geopolitical risk and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the war between Israel and Hamas, the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran and the attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Aden and trade disruption in the Red Sea region; |
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| ● | Uncertainties related to conducting business in China; |
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| ● | Our dependence on a limited number of customers operating in a consolidating industry; |
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| ● | Our ability to enter into time charters with existing and new customers, and to re-charter our vessels upon the expiry of existing charters; |
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| ● | Uncertainties related to our counterparties’ ability to meet their obligations, which could adversely affect our business; |
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| ● | Our ability to obtain additional debt financing for future acquisitions of vessels or to refinance our existing debt; |
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| ● | Uncertainties related to availability of new or secondhand vessels to acquire; |
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| ● | Uncertainties related to the price of fuel, and our reliance on suppliers; |
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| ● | Our ability to attract and retain qualified, skilled crew at reasonable cost; |
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| ● | A potential increase in operating costs associated with the aging of our fleet; |
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| ● | Our ability to leverage to our advantage our Manager’s relationships and reputation within the container shipping industry; |
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| ● | Our ability to hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates;<br><br> <br>We are exposed to volatility in the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) in respect of our SOFR based borrowings; |
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| ● | The expected cost of, and our ability to comply with, governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards, as well as requirements imposed by classification societies and standards demanded by our charterers; |
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| ● | The expected cost of, and our ability to comply with, changing environmental and operational safety laws; |
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| ● | Potential cyber-attacks which may disrupt our business operations; |
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| ● | Potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, political events, piracy or acts by terrorists and armed conflicts; |
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| ● | Potential conflicts of interest between us, our principal officers and our Manager; |
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| ● | Uncertainties related to compliance with sanctions and embargo laws; |
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| ● | Uncertainties in the interpretation of corporate law in the Marshall Islands; |
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| ● | Uncertainties over our ability to pay dividends; |
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| ● | The expected costs associated with complying with public company regulations; and |
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| ● | The effect of any future issuance of preferred stock on the voting power of our shareholders. |
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Industry Risk Factors
Our future profitability will be dependent on the level of charter rates in the international container shipping industry.
We are an independent shipping company that operates in the container shipping industry. Our profitability is dependent upon the charter rates we are able to charge for our ships. The supply of, and demand for, shipping capacity strongly influences charter rates. The demand for shipping capacity is determined primarily by the demand for containerized goods trade and the distance that those goods must be moved by sea. The demand for trade is affected by, among other things, world and regional economic and political conditions (including developments in international trade, economic slowdowns caused by public health events such as global pandemics and epidemics, fluctuations in industrial and agricultural production and armed conflicts), environmental concerns, weather patterns, and changes in seaborne and other transportation costs and patterns. The size of the existing fleet in a particular market, the number of new vessel deliveries, the scrapping of older vessels and the number of vessels out of active service (i.e., laid-up, drydocked, awaiting repairs or otherwise not available for hire) determine the supply of shipping capacity, which is measured by the amount of suitable tonnage available to carry cargo.
In addition to the prevailing and anticipated charter rates, factors that affect the rate of newbuilding, scrapping and laying-up include newbuilding prices, secondhand vessel values in relation to scrap prices, costs of bunkers and other operating costs, costs associated with classification society surveys, normal maintenance and insurance coverage, the efficiency and age profile of the existing fleet in the market and government and industry regulation of maritime transportation practices, particularly environmental protection laws and regulations. These factors influencing the supply of and demand for shipping capacity are outside of our control, and we may not be able to correctly assess the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions. Some of these factors may have a negative impact on our revenues and net income.
The cyclical nature of the shipping industry may lead to volatile changes in charter rates, which may reduce our revenues and negatively affect our results of operations.
Containership rates have experienced volatility in the past six years. In January 2020, freight rates rose initially, only to decrease significantly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in disruptions to industrial production and supply chains and caused uncertainty in the short-term outlook for the sector. However, during the final quarter of 2020, containership rates increased across all segments, drawing a more positive picture for the future. That sentiment continued throughout 2021 and the first half of 2022, with containership rates reaching all-time highs and surpassing the last ten-year historical medians. After peaking in the summer of 2022, containership rates across all segments began to gradually soften, before dropping in the fourth quarter of 2022 and throughout 2023. Container shipping markets experienced substantial gains in 2024 and 2025, driven by rerouting away from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Suez Canal due to Houthi attacks on ships. These disruptions have resulted in inefficiencies and support for container rates, which may not continue once these are resolved. Commercial trade continues to experience disruptions due to ongoing geopolitical turbulence.
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Rates in the containership market are influenced by the balance of demand for and supply of vessels and may decline again in the future. Because the factors affecting the supply of and demand for vessels are outside of our control and are unpredictable, the nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable, and as a result so are the rates at which we can charter our vessels. In addition, we may not be able to successfully charter our vessels in the future or renew existing charters at rates sufficient to allow us to meet our obligations or to pay dividends to our shareholders.
Some of the factors that influence demand for vessel capacity include:
| ● | supply of, and demand for, containerized cargo; |
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| ● | changes in the production of semi-finished and finished consumer and industrial products, and the resulting changes in the international pattern of trade; |
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| ● | global and regional economic and political conditions, including trade wars, armed conflicts and terrorist activities, such as the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran and related conflicts in the Middle East, the attacks on commercial vessels and effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthi seizures and attacks on vessels traveling through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and terrorist activities; |
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| ● | epidemics and pandemics; |
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| ● | embargoes or strikes; |
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| ● | the location of regional and global manufacturing facilities; |
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| ● | availability of credit to finance international trade; |
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| ● | the location of consuming regions for semi-finished and finished consumer and industrial products; |
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| ● | the distance containerized commodities are to be moved by sea; |
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| ● | environmental and other regulatory developments; |
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| ● | currency exchange rates; |
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| ● | changes in global production and manufacturing distribution patterns of finished goods that utilize containerized commodities; |
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| ● | sanctions, embargoes, import and export restrictions, including those arising as a result of the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran and related conflicts in the Middle East, the attacks on commercial vessels and effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthi seizures and attacks on vessels traveling through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and terrorist activities: |
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| ● | changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns; and |
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| ● | weather and other natural phenomena. |
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Some of the factors that influence the supply of vessel capacity include:
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| ● | the number of newbuilding orders and deliveries including slippage in deliveries; |
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| ● | The number of shipyards and the ability of shipyards to deliver vessels |
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| ● | the scrapping or recycling rate of older vessels; |
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| ● | the price of steel and other materials; |
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| ● | port and canal congestion; |
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| ● | changes in environmental and other regulations that may limit the useful life of vessels;<br><br> <br>technological advances in vessel design, capacity, propulsion technology and fuel consumption efficiency; |
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| ● | the price of fuel; |
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| ● | vessel casualties; |
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| ● | the number of vessels that are out of service; and |
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| ● | changes in global commodity production. |
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We anticipate that the future demand for our container vessels and the charter rates of the corresponding markets will be dependent upon economic recovery and growth in the United States, Europe, Japan, China and India and the overall world economy as well as seasonal and regional changes in demand and changes to the capacity of the world fleet. The capacity of the world fleet may increase and economic growth may not continue. Adverse economic, political, social or other developments could also have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The market value of our vessels can fluctuate significantly, which may adversely affect our financial condition, cause us to breach financial covenants, result in the incurrence of a loss upon disposal of a vessel or increase the cost of acquiring additional vessels.
The value of our vessels may fluctuate, adversely affecting our earnings and liquidity and causing us to breach our secured credit agreements.
The fair market values of our vessels are related to prevailing charter rates. While the fair market value of vessels and the freight charter market have a very close relationship as the charter market moves from trough to peak, the time lag between the effect of charter rates on market values of ships can vary. A decrease in the market values of our vessels could limit the amount of funds that we can borrow or trigger certain financial covenants under our current or future credit facilities, and we may incur a loss if we sell vessels following a decline in their market value. Furthermore, a decrease in the market value of our vessels could require us to raise additional capital in order to remain compliant with our loan covenants, and could result in the foreclosure of our vessels and adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.
The market value of our vessels may increase or decrease depending on the following factors:
| ● | general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry; |
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| ● | supply of container vessels, including newbuildings; |
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| ● | demand for container vessels; |
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| ● | types and sizes of vessels in our fleet; |
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| ● | scrap values; |
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| ● | other modes of transportation; |
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| ● | cost of newbuildings; |
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| ● | The need to upgrade vessels as a result of charterer requirements, technological advances in vessel design or equipment or otherwise; |
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| ● | new regulatory requirements from governments or self-regulated organizations; |
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| ● | competition from other shipping companies; and |
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| ● | prevailing level of charter rates. |
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As vessels grow older, they generally decline in value. Due to the cyclical nature of the container shipping industry, if for any reason we sell vessels at a time when prices have fallen, we could incur a loss and our business, results of operations, cash flow, financial condition and ability to pay dividends could be adversely affected.
In addition, we periodically re-evaluate the carrying amount and period over which vessels are depreciated to determine if events have occurred that would require modification to such assets’ carrying values or their useful lives. A determination that a vessel's estimated remaining useful life or recoverable value has declined below its carrying amount could result in an impairment charge against our earnings and a reduction in our shareholders' equity.
Our secured loan agreements, which are secured by mortgages on our vessels, contain various financial covenants. Any change in the assessed market value of any of our vessels might also cause a violation of the covenants of each secured credit agreement, which, in turn, might restrict our cash and affect our liquidity. Among those covenants are requirements that relate to our net worth, operating performance and liquidity. For example, there is a maximum fleet leverage covenant that is based, in part, upon the market value of the vessels securing the loans, as well as requirements to maintain a minimum ratio of the market value of our vessels mortgaged thereunder to our aggregate outstanding balance under each respective loan agreement. If the assessed market value of our vessels declines below certain thresholds, we may violate these covenants and may be required to restore the breach of our credit agreements. For example, these violations could require us to prepay the shortfall between the assessed market value of our vessels and the value of such vessels required to be maintained pursuant to the secured credit agreement, or to provide additional security acceptable to the lenders in an amount at least equal to the amount of any shortfall. If we are unable to pledge additional collateral, our lenders could accelerate our debt and foreclose on our fleet. Furthermore, we may enter into future loans, which may include various other covenants, in addition to the vessel-related ones, that may ultimately depend on the assessed values of our vessels. Such covenants could include, but are not limited to, maximum fleet leverage covenants and minimum fair net worth covenants.
An over-supply of containership capacity may lead to a reduction in charter rates and profitability and may require us to raise additional capital in order to remain compliant with our loan covenants and affect our ability to pay dividends in the future.
The market supply of containerships was highly elevated at the beginning of last decade, with the number of containerships on order reaching historic highs. The orderbook gradually declined and by the end of 2020 neared its lowest level of the last twenty years, though it has been on the rise since. As reported by industry sources, the containership fleet increased by 4.5% in 2021, 4.0% in 2022, 8.3% in 2023, 10.1% in 2024 and 7.1% in 2025. As of April 15, 2026, containership volumes have increased by 5.9% in 2026. Specifically, as reported by industry sources, the capacity of the fully cellular worldwide container vessel fleet, as of April 15, 2026, was approximately 33.29 million teu with approximately another 12.18 million teu, or about 36.58% of the fleet capacity on order. Growth of the fleet is also affected by the scrapping rate. If the number of new ships delivered exceeds the number of vessels being scrapped and lost, vessel capacity will increase. An over-supply of containership capacity may result in a reduction of charter rates. If the supply of vessel capacity increases but the demand for vessel capacity does not increase correspondingly, charter rates and vessel values could materially decline.
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If a rate decline occurs upon the expiration or termination of our current charters, we may only be able to re-charter those vessels at reduced rates or we may not be able to charter these vessels at all. Many containership charters we renewed or concluded during 2016 and 2017 were at unprofitable rates and were entered into because they resulted in lower losses than would have resulted had we put the vessels in lay-up. Charter rates have improved since, but remained volatile and fluctuated during 2018, which continued into 2019. During 2020, the disruption in trade flows and markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic caused further volatility in charter rates. By the end of the year, the market was amongst the best performing across all containership segments, with charter markets celebrating new highs. Charters renewed or entered into during 2021 and 2022 were at rates that were profitable, while charters renewed during 2023 were at lower, but still profitable levels for most of our vessels. Due to events in the Red Sea, Panama Canal and the implementation of certain environmental regulations, rates increased in late 2023 through 2025, reaching levels seen during the COVID-19 period. Despite the ceasefire in Gaza, the unwinding of rerouting effects of vessels through the Suez Canal has taken longer to be implemented, and the current war in Iran is likely to avert the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz; therefore, the container shipping market is likely to face equal challenges in 2026, as it remains unclear when such disruptions will be resolved. Depending on changes of demand for and supply of shipping capacity, container charter rates could decrease again. Any inability to enter into more profitable charters may require us to raise additional capital in order to remain compliant with our loan covenants and may also affect our ability to pay dividends in the future.
Adverse economic conditions, especially in the Asia Pacific region, the European Union or the United States, including as a result of tariffs imposed by the United States and other countries, and the Ukraine Russia conflict, could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Because a significant number of the port calls made by our vessels involves the loading or discharging of containerships in ports in the Asia Pacific region, economic turmoil in that region may exacerbate the effect of any economic slowdown on us. China has been one of the world’s fastest growing economies and a major manufacturing hub for the production and export of finished goods which are predominantly shipped in containerships. However, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s high rate of real GDP growth had already reached a plateau, followed by a tremendous decline to 3.8 percentage points in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a global economic recovery under way in 2021, China’s GDP increased by 6.1 percent, to stand at 8.4 percentage points. The rapid spread of COVID infections in China, along with its troubled property market, dampened growth significantly in 2022, which expanded by a mere 3.0 percent. Nevertheless, Chinese economy grew further in 2023 by 2.4 percentage points to stand at 5.4 percent, despite an underwhelming boost following the lifting of pandemic sanctions and persistent property sector woes. Although below expectations, China grew a further 5.0 percent in 2024, aided by a fiscal package announced in late 2024 that offset the negative effect on investment from heightened trade policy uncertainty and its property market drag. Growth was stagnant in 2025 as higher U.S. and EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, batteries and other strategic exports weighed on external demand, while ongoing weakness in household consumption, subdued business investment and continued stress in the real estate sector further dampened overall economic momentum. Projections now show a Chinese growth of 4.4 percentage points in 2026 and further growth of 4.0 percentage points in 2027. In addition, geopolitical and financial challenges continue to impact economic activity.
In 2025, the U.S. government has taken certain actions which may impact U.S. and international trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs affecting certain Chinese industries. There is significant uncertainty regarding the future relationship between the United States and China, as well as other exporting countries, such as Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, among others, particularly with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations, and tariffs. For example, U.S.-China trade tensions, including the introduction by the U.S. government of new tariffs affecting certain goods imported by China, have prompted retaliatory trade measures from China. Although some tariffs have since been reduced, additional tariffs or trade restrictions could be imposed in the future. Additionally, new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on imports from Canada, Mexico and other countries, covering goods such as steel, aluminum, automobiles and auto parts, have led to retaliatory actions by those countries. While some of these tariffs have been scaled back, they continue to create uncertainty regarding future trade relationships.
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Significant tariffs or other restrictions imposed on imports by the U.S. and related countermeasures taken by impacted foreign countries could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
Significant tariffs or other restrictions imposed on imports by the U.S. and related countermeasures are taken by impacted foreign countries, may adversely affect our business, including operating results, cash flows, and financial condition. In April 2025, tariffs were announced on many U.S. trading partners, including 34% tax on imports from China, 20% on products from the E.U., and a baseline 10% tax on imports from many countries. These tariffs were struck down in February 2026 by a Supreme Court ruling and new global tariffs of up to 15% for up to 150 days were imposed. Although these new tariffs may be temporary and may be subject to legal challenge, there is uncertainty as to whether and when the U.S. may impose new, reinstated or adjusted tariffs on goods imported from China or other countries. Tariffs and international trade arrangements will continue to change, potentially without warning and to an extent or duration that is difficult to predict. The full impact of recent and future governmental actions on macroeconomic conditions and on our business is uncertain, difficult to predict and depends on a number of factors, including the extent and duration of tariffs, any reversal or temporary suspension of announced tariffs, the availability of exemptions, changes in the amount and scope of tariffs, the imposition of new tariffs and other measures that target countries may take in response to U.S. trade policies, the result of legal and other challenges on the tariffs, and possible resulting general inflationary pressures in the global economy, as well as the availability and cost of alternative sources of supply for merchandise. Such tariffs and countermeasures could increase the cost of raw materials that we transport, disrupt global supply chains, and create additional operational challenges. If further tariffs are imposed on a broader range of imports, or if retaliatory trade measures are enacted by affected countries, these factors could reduce demand for containership trade, result in the loss of customers, and harm our competitive position in key markets. Additionally, ongoing trade tensions and uncertainty regarding future trade policies could negatively impact global economic conditions and consumer confidence, further affecting our business performance.
Outbreaks of epidemic and pandemic diseases and governmental responses thereto could adversely affect our business.
The extent to which our business could be negatively affected by future pandemics, epidemics or other outbreaks of infectious diseases is uncertain and may depend on numerous evolving factors that we cannot predict and that are outside of our control, such as the duration and severity of the infectious disease outbreak; government responses to such outbreak including travel restrictions and quarantine; the effect such an outbreak would have on the global business environment and the demand for the goods we transport; its effect on the price of fuel for our vessels; shortages or reductions of supply of essential goods, services or labor; and fluctuations in general economic or financial conditions tied to the outbreak, such as a sharp increase in interest rates or reduction in the availability of credit, and governmental responses thereto. We cannot predict the effect that an outbreak of any future infectious disease outbreak, pandemic or epidemic may have on our business, results of operations and financial condition, but it could be material and adverse.
Eurozone’s potential inability to deal with the sovereign debt issues of some of its members could have a material adverse effect on the profitability of our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Despite the efforts of the European Council since 2011 to implement a structured financial support mechanism for Eurozone countries experiencing financial difficulties, questions remain about the capability of a number of member countries to refinance their sovereign debt and meet their debt obligations. In March 2011, the European Council agreed on the need for Eurozone countries to establish a permanent stability mechanism, the European Stability Mechanism (or “the ESM”), which will be activated by mutual agreement to provide external financial assistance to Eurozone countries. Despite these measures, concerns persist regarding the debt burden of certain Eurozone countries and their ability to meet future financial obligations and the overall stability of the euro. An extended period of adverse development in the outlook for Eurozone countries could reduce the overall demand for our services. These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.
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Liner companies, which comprise the largest contingent of charterers of containerships, have been placed under significant financial pressure, thereby increasing our charter counterparty risk which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The decline in global trade after the financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent economic slowdown resulted in a significant decline in demand for the seaborne transportation of products in containers, including for exports from China to Europe and the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the containership market, causing prolonged uncertainty in the markets throughout most of 2020. By year end, however, rates had rebounded sharply, reaching their highest levels in a decade. Market conditions remained exceptionally strong through 2021 and the first half of 2022, with rates materially exceeding both the 20-year average and median levels. This performance was driven primarily by global logistical bottlenecks and resilient trade demand for containership products. From the third quarter of 2022 onward, containership rates began to gradually moderate amid slowing global economic activity, softening consumer demand linked to inflationary pressures, and the progressive normalization of supply chains. In 2024, containership rates remained elevated, supported in part by ongoing security disruptions in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Although a ceasefire was declared in Gaza, tensions persisted throughout 2025. Time charter rates remained firm during the year, underpinned by a significant portion of the global fleet being fixed on forward employment. However, any meaningful easing of geopolitical disruptions could reduce freight rates and tonne-mile demand, potentially placing downward pressure on charter rates.
At the same time, the substantial orderbook is expected to increase the world containership fleet over the next few years. While deliveries scheduled for 2026 are projected to be the lowest in recent years, a potential return of liners to the Red Sea could increase effective vessel supply, exert pressure on rates and prompt adjustments within the liner sector. Thereafter, new vessel deliveries are expected to accelerate. All these challenges may reduce demand for containership charters and may increase the likelihood of our customers being unable or unwilling to pay us contracted charter rates. The combination of the current surplus of containership capacity and the expected increase in the size of the world containership fleet over the next several years may make it difficult to secure substitute employment for our containerships if our counterparties fail to perform their obligations under the currently arranged time charters, and any new charter arrangements we are able to secure may be at lower rates.
The containership industry is highly competitive, and we may be unable to compete successfully for charters with established companies or new entrants that may have greater resources and access to capital, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
The containership industry is highly competitive and capital intensive. Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners, some of whom may have greater resources and access to capital than we have. Competition among vessel owners for the seaborne transportation of semi-finished and finished consumer and industrial products can be intense and depends on the charter rate, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the vessel and its operators to the charterers. Due in part to the highly fragmented market, many of our competitors with greater resources and access to capital than we have could operate larger fleets than we may operate and thus be able to offer lower charter rates or higher quality vessels than we are able to offer. If this were to occur, we may be unable to retain or attract new charterers on attractive terms or at all, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Changes in the economic and political environment in China and policies adopted by the Chinese government to regulate China’s economy may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, (or “OECD”), in such respects as structure, government involvement, level of development, growth rate, capital reinvestment, allocation of resources, rate of inflation and balance of payments position. Prior to 1978, the Chinese economy was a planned economy. Since 1978, increasing emphasis has been placed on the utilization of market forces in the development of the Chinese economy. Annual and five-year State Plans are adopted by the Chinese government in connection with the development of the economy. Although state-owned enterprises still account for a substantial portion of the Chinese industrial output, in general, the Chinese government is reducing the level of direct control that it exercises over the economy through State Plans and other measures. There is an increasing level of freedom and autonomy in areas such as allocation of resources, production, pricing and management and a gradual shift in emphasis to a "market economy" and enterprise reform. Limited price reforms were undertaken, with the result that prices for certain commodities are principally determined by market forces. Many of the reforms are unprecedented or experimental and may be subject to revision, change or abolition based upon the outcome of such experiments. The Chinese government may not continue to pursue a policy of economic reform. The level of imports to and exports from China could be adversely affected by the nature of the economic reforms pursued by the Chinese government, as well as by changes in political, economic and social conditions or other relevant policies of the Chinese government, such as changes in laws, regulations or export and import restrictions, all of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
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We conduct business in China, where the legal system is not fully developed and has inherent uncertainties that could limit the legal protections available to us.
Some of our vessels may be chartered to Chinese customers and from time to time on our charterers' instructions, our vessels may call on Chinese ports. Such charters and voyages may be subject to regulations in China that may require us to incur new or additional compliance or other administrative costs and may require that we pay to the Chinese government new taxes or other fees. Applicable laws and regulations in China may not be well publicized and may not be known to us or to our charterers in advance of us or our charterers becoming subject to them, and the implementation of such laws and regulations may be inconsistent. Changes in Chinese laws and regulations, including with regards to tax matters, or changes in their implementation by local authorities could affect our vessels if chartered to Chinese customers as well as our vessels calling to Chinese ports and could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may have difficulty securing profitable employment for our vessels if their charters expire in a depressed market.
All of our vessels are employed on time charter contracts. As of April 15, 2026, five of our vessels are under time charters scheduled to expire during 2026, six are scheduled to expire in 2027, five in 2028 and five in 2029. Four out of the six vessels under construction have secured time charters scheduled to expire in 2031 and 2032. As of April 15, 2026, the containership charter rates for vessels like ours are above historical averages. When the current charters of our vessels are due for renewal, we may be unable to re-charter these vessels at similar or better rates or we might not be able to charter them at all. Although we do not receive any revenues from our vessels while not employed, we are required to pay expenses necessary to maintain the vessels in proper operating condition, insure them and service any indebtedness secured by such vessels. If we cannot re-charter our vessels on time charters or trade them in the spot market profitably, our results of operations and operating cash flow will be adversely affected. Despite the fact that all of our vessels are employed, we may be forced to lay up vessels if rates drop to levels below daily running expenses or if we are unable to find employment for the vessels for prolonged periods of time.
We will not be able to take advantage of potentially favorable opportunities in the current market with respect to vessels employed on time charters.
As of April 15, 2026, all of our vessels are employed under time charters with remaining terms ranging from 2 months to 38 months based on the minimum duration of the charter contracts, with options to extend for an additional 12 months. The percentage of our fleet that is under time charter contracts represents approximately 86% of our vessel capacity for the remainder of 2026, 65% of our capacity for 2027, 44% of our capacity for 2028, and 22% of our capacity for 2029, 16% of our capacity for 2030, 13% of our capacity for 2031 and 4% of our capacity for 2032. Although time charters provide relatively steady streams of revenue, vessels committed to time charters may not be available for chartering during periods of increasing charter rates. If we cannot re-charter these vessels on time charters or trade them profitably on the spot market, our results of operations and operating cash flow may suffer. We may not be able to secure charter rates in the future that will enable us to operate our vessels profitably.
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Global economic conditions may continue to negatively impact the container shipping industry.
Major market disruptions and adverse changes in market conditions and regulatory climate in China, the United States, the European Union and worldwide may adversely affect our business.
Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations, as well as our future prospects, would likely be hindered by an economic downturn in any of these countries or geographic regions. In recent years China and India have been among the world’s fastest growing economies in terms of gross domestic product, and any economic slowdown in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in China or India, may adversely affect demand for seaborne transportation of our products and our results of operations. Moreover, any deterioration in the economy of the United States or the European Union, may further adversely affect economic growth in Asia.
Economic growth is expected to remain stable but could slow due to supply-chain disruptions, additional tariffs and geopolitical conditions. In particular, an adverse change in economic conditions affecting China, Japan, India or Southeast Asia generally could have a negative effect on the container shipping market. It is also possible that new tariffs (or other laws and regulations) will be adopted, and trade agreements will be renegotiated with China also causing adverse effects on the industry. For example, ongoing trade tensions and uncertainty regarding future trade policies could negatively impact global economic conditions and consumer confidence, further affecting our business performance.
Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders and other market participants with respect to our Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) policies may impose additional costs on us or expose us to additional risks.
Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny relating to their ESG policies. Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds, lenders and other market participants are increasingly focused on ESG practices and in recent years have placed increasing importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. The increased focus and activism related to ESG and similar matters may hinder access to capital, as investors and lenders may decide to reallocate capital or to not commit capital as a result of their assessment of a company’s ESG practices. Companies which do not adapt to or comply with investor, lender or other market participant expectations and standards, which are evolving, or which are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, may suffer from reputational damage and the business, financial condition, and/or stock price of such a company could be materially and adversely affected.
We may face increasing pressures from investors, lenders and other market participants, who are increasingly focused on climate change, to prioritize sustainable energy practices, reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability. As a result, we may be required to implement more stringent ESG procedures or standards so that our existing and future investors and lenders remain invested in us and make further investments in us. If we do not meet these standards, our business and/or our ability to access capital could be harmed.
Additionally, certain investors and lenders may exclude shipping companies, such as us, from their investing portfolios altogether due to environmental, social and governance factors. These limitations in both the debt and equity capital markets may affect our ability to develop as our plans for growth may include accessing the equity and debt capital markets. If those markets are unavailable, or if we are unable to access alternative means of financing on acceptable terms, or at all, we may be unable to implement our business strategy, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and impair our ability to service our indebtedness. Further, it is likely that we will incur additional costs and require additional resources to monitor, report and comply with wide ranging ESG requirements. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
If we fail to adapt to or comply with investor, lender or other industry shareholder expectations and standards, which are evolving, or if we fail to comply with the SEC’s requirements, or if we are perceived to have failed to respond appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, we may suffer from reputational damage and incur costs related to litigation or as a failure to comply with regulatory requirements, and our business, financial condition, and/or stock price could be materially and adversely affected.
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We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.
Our operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the form of international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and national and international regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate or are registered, which can significantly affect the ownership and operation of our vessels. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, collectively referred to as MARPOL 73/78 and herein as MARPOL, including the designation of emission control areas, ECAs, thereunder, the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, or the LL Convention, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as amended by different Protocol in 1976, 1984 and 1992, and amended in 2000, and generally referred to as the CLC, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or Bunker Convention, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, or SOLAS, the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or ISM Code, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention, the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the U.S. Clean Water Act, or the CWA, the U.S. Clean Air Act, or the CAA, the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, or the MTSA, and European Union regulations. Compliance with such laws, regulations and standards, where applicable, may require installation of costly equipment or operational changes and may affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels.
Furthermore, events like the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon and the subsequent release of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, or other events, may result in further regulation of the shipping industry, and modifications to statutory liability schemes. Thus, we may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations, including, but not limited to, costs relating to air emissions including greenhouse gases, the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection, development and implementation of emergency procedures and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents. These costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of our operations.
Environmental laws often impose strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous substances, which could subject us to liability without regard to whether we were negligent or at fault. Because such conventions, laws and regulations are often revised, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with such conventions, laws and regulations or the impact thereof on the resale price or useful life of our vessels. Additional conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted which could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business and which may materially adversely affect our operations. We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our operations. Under OPA, for example, owners, operators and bareboat charterers are jointly and severally strictly liable for the discharge of oil within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone around the United States. An oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties and criminal liability and remediation costs for natural resource damages under other federal, state and local laws, as well as third-party damages. We are required to satisfy insurance and financial responsibility requirements for potential oil (including marine fuel) spills and other pollution incidents. There can be no assurance that any such insurance we have arranged to cover certain environmental risks will be sufficient to cover all such risks or that any claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends. We currently maintain, for each of our vessels, pollution liability coverage insurance of $1.0 billion per incident. If the damages from a catastrophic spill exceeded our insurance coverage, it would severely and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
Environmental requirements can also require a reduction in cargo capacity, ship modifications or operational changes or restrictions, lead to decreased availability of insurance coverage for environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports, or detention in certain ports. Under local, national and foreign laws, as well as international treaties and conventions, we could incur material liabilities, including clean up obligations and natural resource damages in the event that there is a release of bunkers or hazardous substances from our vessels or otherwise in connection with our operations. We could also become subject to personal injury or property damage claims relating to the release of hazardous substances associated with our existing or historic operations. Violations of, or liabilities under, environmental requirements can result in substantial penalties, fines and other sanctions, including in certain instances, seizure or detention of our vessels.
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We are subject to international safety regulations and the failure to comply with these regulations may subject us to increased liability, may adversely affect our insurance coverage and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
The operation of our vessels is affected by the requirements set forth in the ISM Code set forth in Chapter IX of SOLAS. The ISM Code requires shipowners, ship managers and bareboat charterers to develop and maintain an extensive "Safety Management System" that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for safe vessel operations and for dealing with emergencies. We rely upon the safety management system that we and our technical manager have developed for compliance with the ISM Code. The failure of a shipowner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject it to increased liability, may invalidate existing insurance or decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports. Currently, each of our vessels and Eurobulk, are ISM Code-certified, but we may not be able to maintain such certification indefinitely.
The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel’s management with the ISM Code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a safety management certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code. We have obtained documents of compliance for our offices and safety management certificates for all of our vessels for which the certificates are required by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (the “IMO”). The document of compliance (the “DOC”) and the safety management certificate (the “SMC”) are renewed as required.
In addition, vessel classification societies also impose significant safety and other requirements on our vessels. In complying with current and future environmental requirements, vessel-owners and operators may also incur significant additional costs in meeting new maintenance and inspection requirements, in developing contingency arrangements for potential spills and in obtaining insurance coverage. Government regulation of vessels, particularly in the areas of safety and environmental requirements, can be expected to become stricter in the future and require us to incur significant capital expenditures on our vessels to keep them in compliance.
The operation of our vessels is also affected by other government regulation in the form of international conventions, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which the vessels operate, as well as in the country or countries of their registration. As mentioned above, we are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses, certificates and financial assurances with respect to our operations. See Item 4: “Information on the Company – Business Overview – Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry” for more information.
Regulations relating to ballast water discharge may adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
The IMO has imposed updated guidelines for ballast water management systems specifying the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged from a vessel’s ballast water. The standards have been in force since 2019, and for most vessels, compliance with the D-2 standard involved installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms. Ships constructed on or after September 8, 2017 are to comply with the D-2 standards on or after September 8, 2017. We have implemented the required ballast water treatment systems on all of our vessels and are in compliance with all the applicable regulations.
Furthermore, United States regulations are currently changing. Although the 2013 Vessel General Permit (“VGP”) program and U.S. National Invasive Species Act (“NISA”) are currently in effect to regulate ballast discharge, exchange and installation, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (“VIDA”), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018, requires that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) develop national standards of performance for approximately 30 discharges, similar to those found in the VGP within two years. On October 26, 2020, the EPA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance under VIDA. In October, 2024, the EPA finalized its rule on Vessel Incidental Discharge Standards of Performance, which means that the United States Coast Guard (“USCG”) must now develop corresponding regulations regarding ballast water within two years of that date. The new regulations could require the installation of new equipment, which may cause us to incur substantial costs. Until the USCG issues its corresponding implementing regulations, interim requirements established through the EPA 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) and the USCG ballast water regulations, and any applicable state and local government requirements, continue to apply.
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Marine Environment Protection Committee (“MEPC”) 80 continued discussions of amendments to Annex VI which impose new regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. These amendments introduce requirements to assess and measure the energy efficiency of all ships and set the required attainment values, with the goal of reducing the carbon intensity of international shipping. To achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 compared to 2008, shipping companies are required to include: (i) a technical requirement to operational carbon intensity reduction requirements, based on a new operational carbon intensity indicator (“CII”). The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (“EEXI”) is required to be calculated for ships of 400 gross tonnage and above. The IMO and MEPC will calculate “required” EEXI levels based on the vessel’s technical design, such as vessel type, date of creation, size and baseline. Additionally, an “attained” EEXI will be calculated to determine the actual energy efficiency of the vessel. A vessel’s attained EEXI must be less than the vessel’s required EEXI. Non-compliant vessels will have to upgrade their engine to continue to travel. With respect to the CII, the draft amendments would require ships of 5,000 gross tonnage to document and verify their actual annual operational CII achieved against a determined required annual operational CII. The vessel’s attained CII must be lower than its required CII. Vessels that continually receive subpar CII ratings will be required to submit corrective action plans to ensure compliance. MEPC 79 adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix IX to include the attained and required CII values, the CII rating and attained EEXI for existing ships in the required information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database. The amendments entered into force on May 1, 2024.
Additionally, MEPC 75 proposed draft amendments requiring that, on or before January 1, 2023, all ships above 400 gross tonnage must have an approved Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan, or SEEMP, on board. For ships above 5,000 gross tonnage, the SEEMP would need to include certain mandatory content. MEPC 75 also approved draft amendments to MARPOL Annex I to prohibit the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil by ships in Arctic waters on and after July 1, 2024. The draft amendments introduced at MEPC 75 were adopted at the MEPC 76 session held in June 2021, entered into force on November 1, 2022 and became effective on January 1, 2023.
Regulations relating to low sulfur emissions that came into effect on January 1, 2020 may adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Under maritime regulations that came into effect on January 1, 2020, ships are required to reduce sulfur emissions from 3.5% to 0.5% m/m through the use of scrubbers or buying fuel with low sulfur content which is more expensive than standard marine fuel. We do not currently intend to install scrubbers on our fleet. Our fuel costs and fuel inventories have increased as a result of these sulfur emission regulations, but the effect is limited by the fact that our vessels are under time charter agreements and these costs are paid by the charterer. However, fuel costs are taken into account by the charterer in determining the amount of time charter hire and, therefore, fuel costs also indirectly affect time charter rates. Low sulfur fuel is more expensive than standard marine fuel containing 3.5% sulfur content and may become more expensive or difficult to obtain as a result of increased demand, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Increased inspection procedures and tighter import and export controls and new security regulations could increase costs and disrupt our business.
International container shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin and destination. Inspection procedures may result in the seizure of contents of our vessels, delays in the loading, offloading or delivery and the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us.
It is possible that changes to existing procedures will be proposed or implemented. Any such changes may affect the container shipping industry and have the potential to impose additional financial and legal obligations on carriers and, in certain cases, to render the shipment of certain types of goods by container uneconomical or impractical. These additional costs could reduce the volume of goods shipped in containers, resulting in a decreased demand for container vessels. In addition, it is unclear what financial costs any new security procedures might create for container vessel owners, or whether companies responsible for the global traffic of containers at sea, referred to as container line operators, may seek to pass on certain of the costs associated with any new security procedures to vessel owners.
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If our vessels fail to maintain their class certification and/or fail any annual survey, intermediate survey, drydocking or special survey, those vessels would be unable to carry cargo, thereby reducing our revenues and profitability and violating certain covenants in our loan agreements.
The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and SOLAS. Our vessels are currently classed with Det Norske Veritas (“DNV”), Bureau Veritas, American Bureau of Shipping (“ABS”) and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai. ISM and International Ship and Port Facilities Security (“ISPS”) certifications have been awarded to the vessels by Bureau Veritas or Liberian Flag Administration and to the Manager by Bureau Veritas.
A vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys, dry-dockings and special surveys. In lieu of a special survey, a vessel's machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Every vessel is also required to have its underwater parts inspected by class every 30 to 36 months, but for vessels subject to enhanced survey requirements and above 15 years of age, its underwater parts must be inspected in dry-dock.
If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, drydocking or special survey, the vessel will be unable to carry cargo between ports and will be unemployable and uninsurable. That status could cause us to be in violation of certain covenants in our loan agreements. Any such inability to carry cargo or be employed, or any such violation of covenants, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage that a vessel be certified as "in class" by a classification society that is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (“IACS”). All of our vessels that we have purchased, and may agree to purchase in the future, must be certified as being "in class" prior to their delivery under our standard purchase contracts and memorandum of agreement. If the vessel is not certified on the date of closing, we have no obligation to take delivery of the vessel. We have all of our vessels, and intend to have all vessels that we acquire in the future, classed by IACS members. See Item 4: “Information on the Company – Business Overview – Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry” for more information.
Rising fuel prices may adversely affect our results of operations and the marketability of our vessels.
Fuel (bunkers) is a significant, if not the largest, operating expense for many of our shipping operations when our vessels are under voyage charter. When a vessel is operating under a time charter, these costs are paid by the charterer. However, fuel costs are taken into account by the charterer in determining the amount of time charter hire and, therefore, fuel costs also indirectly affect time charter rates. Fuel prices are highly based on, and are highly correlated to, the price of oil. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, such as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran and related conflicts in the Middle East, the attacks on commercial vessels and effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthi seizures and attacks on vessels traveling through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and terrorist activities, which remain ongoing as of the date of this annual report, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns..
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Upon redelivery of vessels at the end of a period time or trip time charter, we may be obligated to repurchase bunkers on board at prevailing market prices, which could be materially higher than fuel prices at the inception of the charter period. We may also be obligated to value our bunkers inventories on board at the end of a period time or trip time charter, at a lower value than the acquisition value, if prevailing market prices are significantly lower at the time of the vessel redelivery from the charterer.
Rising crew costs may adversely affect our profits.
Crew costs are a significant expense for us under our charters. There is a limited supply of well-qualified crew. We generally bear crewing costs under our charters. An increase in the world vessel operating fleet will likely result in higher demand for crews which, in turn, might drive crew costs further up. Moreover, the return of a number of Ukrainian seafarers to their homes as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine has reduced the number of seafarers globally and thereby increased the pressure on crew wages. Any increase in crew costs may adversely affect our profitability especially if such increase is combined with lower containership rates.
Maritime claimants could arrest or attach our vessels, which would interrupt our business or have a negative effect on our cash flows.
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo, lenders and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lien holder may enforce its lien by arresting or attaching a vessel through judicial or foreclosure proceedings. The arresting or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt our cash flow and require us to pay large sums to have the arrest or attachment lifted which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, in some jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the "sister ship" theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both the vessel that is subject to the claimant's maritime lien, and any "associated" vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same owner. Claimants could try to assert "sister ship" liability against one of our vessels for claims relating to another of our vessels.
The smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels may lead to governmental claims against us.
We expect that our vessels will call in ports in South America and other areas where smugglers attempt to hide drugs and other contraband on vessels, with or without the knowledge of crew members. To the extent our vessels are found with contraband or stowaways, whether inside or attached to the hull of our vessel and whether with or without the knowledge of any of our crew, we may face governmental or other regulatory claims, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends. Under some jurisdictions, vessels used for the conveyance of illegal drugs could result in forfeiture of the subject vessel to the government of such jurisdiction.
Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency, resulting in loss of earnings.
A government could requisition for title or seize one or more of our vessels. Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes the owner. Also, a government could requisition one or more of our vessels for hire. Requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes the charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during a period of war or emergency. Even if we would be entitled to compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our vessels, the amount and timing of the payment would be uncertain. Although none of our vessels have been requisitioned by a government for title or hire, a government requisition of one or more of our vessels could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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World events outside our control may negatively affect our ability to operate, thereby reducing our revenues and results of operations or our ability to obtain additional financing, thereby restricting the implementation of our business strategy.
We operate in a sector of the economy that is likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political conflicts, including the continued global trade war between the U.S. and China, current political instability in the Middle East, terrorist or other attacks, war or international hostilities. Terrorist attacks such as the attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001 and similar attacks that followed, the continuing response to these attacks, as well as the threat of future terrorist attacks, continue to cause uncertainty in the world financial markets and may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The continuing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, the war between the United States, Israel and Iran and related conflicts in the Middle East, the attacks on commercial vessels and effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the seizures and attacks on vessels travelling through the Red Sea region, the Gulf of Aden, the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea by the Houthi and Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, Syria and Palestine, amongst others, may lead to additional acts of terrorism and armed conflict around the world, which may contribute to further economic instability in the global financial markets. The trade and financial sanctions imposed on Russia due to its invasion in Ukraine, have caused turbulence in the global markets. These uncertainties could also have a material adverse effect on our ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. Terrorist attacks on vessels may in the future also negatively affect our operations and financial condition and directly impact our vessels or our customers, including most recently, disruptions in the Red Sea in connection with the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Future terrorist attacks could result in increased volatility and turmoil of the financial markets in the United States of America and globally and could result in an economic recession in the United States of America or the world. Additionally, any escalations between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries and Russia could result in retaliation from Russia that could potentially affect the shipping industry. In addition, ongoing global trade tensions, particularly between the U.S. and major trading partners, continue to pose risks to international commerce and supply chains. The U.S. has maintained elevated tariff rates on a wide range of imported goods, including significantly higher duties on Chinese imports, while applying baseline tariffs on most other trading partners as part of its broader trade strategy. On April 1 2025, the U.S. Administration announced reciprocal tariffs taking effect on April 5, 2025. A 90-day pause was initiated which was extended until August 1, 2025, to allow for negotiations between trading partners. These tariffs have prompted a variety of responses from trading partners and have been subject to renegotiation or reinstatement depending on negotiations and compliance outcomes. The U.S. has reached bilateral agreements with some countries that reduce specific tariffs and establish new market access terms, but other nations still face elevated duties or ongoing negotiations. Although on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) does not authorize the president to impose tariffs unilaterally, President Trump announced he would impose a new global 15% tariff pursuant to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, and may continue to invoke other legal authorities, such as Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, to impose further tariffs. Retaliation or further adjustment by affected countries could continue to impede trade laws and have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, costs and operating cash flows.
Disruptions in world financial markets and the resulting governmental action could have a material adverse impact on our ability to obtain financing, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, and could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
Europe, the United States and other parts of the world have exhibited weak economic conditions, are exhibiting volatile economic trends or have been in a recession. For example, during the 2008-2009 crisis, the credit markets in the United States experienced sudden and significant contraction, deleveraging and reduced liquidity, and the United States federal government and state governments have since implemented a broad variety of governmental action and/or new regulation of the financial markets. Securities and futures markets and the credit markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and other requirements. The SEC, other regulators, self-regulatory organizations and exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of market emergencies, and may effect changes in law or interpretations of existing laws. A number of financial institutions and especially banks that traditionally provide debt to shipping companies like ours have experienced serious financial difficulties and, in some cases, have entered bankruptcy proceedings or are in regulatory enforcement actions. As a result, access to credit markets around the world has been reduced. The extension of Quantitative Easing (“QE”) and more recently the reversal of it, high levels of Non-Performing Loans (“NPLs”) in Europe and stricter lending requirements may reduce bank lending capacity and/or make the terms of any lending more onerous.
We face risks related to changes in economic environments, changes in interest rates, and instability in the banking and securities markets around the world, among other factors. Major market disruptions and the changes in market conditions and regulatory changes worldwide may adversely affect our business or impair our ability to borrow amounts under our credit facilities or any future financial arrangements. We cannot predict how long the current market conditions will last. However, these recent and developing economic and governmental factors, including proposals to reform the financial system, together with the concurrent decline in charter rates and vessel values, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, and might cause the price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market to decline.
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In addition, public health threats, such as pandemics and epidemics, influenza and other highly communicable diseases or viruses, outbreaks of which have from time to time occurred in various parts of the world in which we operate, including China, could adversely impact our operations, and the operations of our customers.
If there are further disruptions in world financial markets, we may require substantial additional financing to fund acquisitions of additional vessels and to implement our business plans. Sufficient financing may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. If we cannot raise the financing we need in a timely manner and on acceptable terms, we may not be able to acquire the vessels necessary to implement our business plans and consequently we may not be able to pay dividends.
We rely on information technology, and if we are unable to protect against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, our operations could be disrupted and our business could be negatively affected.
We rely on information technology networks and systems to process, transmit and store electronic and financial information; to capture knowledge of our business; to coordinate our business across our operation bases; and to communicate internally and with customers, suppliers, partners and other third-parties. These information technology systems, some of which are managed by our Manager or by third parties, may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns, hardware or software failures, power outages, computer viruses, cyberattacks, telecommunication failures, user errors or catastrophic events. Our information technology systems are becoming increasingly integrated, so damage, disruption or shutdown to the system could result in a more widespread impact. Our business operations could be targeted by individuals or groups seeking to sabotage or disrupt our information technology systems and networks, or to steal data, or for ransomware. A successful cyber-attack could materially disrupt our operations, including the safety of our operations, or lead to unauthorized release of information or alteration of information in our systems. Any such attack or other breach of our information technology systems could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. If our information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown, and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our operations could be disrupted and our business could be negatively affected. In addition, cyber-attacks could lead to potential unauthorized access and disclosure of confidential information and data loss and corruption. There is no assurance that we will not experience these service interruptions or cyber-attacks in the future. Further, as the methods of cyber-attacks continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks. While we have not integrated the use of artificial intelligence in our business currently, we could integrate it in the future, and, at this time, cannot fully determine the impact of such evolving technology to our industry or business.
Moreover, cyber-attacks against the Ukrainian government and other countries in the region have been reported in connection with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It is possible that such attacks could have collateral effects on additional critical infrastructure or financial institutions globally, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. At this time, it is difficult to assess the likelihood of such threat and any potential impact.
Further, in July 2023, the SEC adopted amendments to its rules on cybersecurity risk management, strategy, governance, and incident disclosure. The amendments, require us to report material cybersecurity incidents involving our information systems and periodic reporting regarding our policies and procedures to identify and manage cybersecurity risks, among other disclosures (please refer to Part II, Item 16K “Cybersecurity”). Our Manager detected a cybersecurity incident in 2024 that was resolved in an efficient manner. Due to the swift and methodical actions taken by our Manager’s IT systems team, external security consultants and other relevant stakeholders, the Company determined that there were no material adverse effects on the Company's business, strategies or financial condition. A failure to disclose could result in the imposition of injunctions, fines and other penalties by the SEC. Complying with these obligations could cause us to incur substantial costs and could increase negative publicity surrounding any cybersecurity incident. During the year ended December 31, 2025 we did not identify any cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
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The increased number of our shore personnel working remotely might increase our vulnerability to cyber-attacks and risk of cyber-security breaches which would affect our operations and financial results.
We, and our Manager, have implemented a policy permitting personnel to work remotely when necessary. While adapting to new ways of operating, employees are encouraged and in certain cases required to operate remotely. When not working at our shore office location, our staff is working remotely, typically, from their private residences. While we have taken measures to ensure secure communications with our office information systems and systems on-board our vessels, we do not control all of the equipment and communication systems that each of our staff is using at their residence. Consequently, we may face an increased risk of cyber-security attacks and cyber-security breaches which could impede our ability to manage our operations and affect our financial results.
Seasonal fluctuations could affect our operating results and the amount of available cash with which we service our debt or could pay dividends.
We operate our vessels in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, as a result, in charter rates. To the extent we operate vessels in the spot market, this seasonality may result in quarter-to-quarter volatility in our operating results which could affect our ability to continue the payment of dividends to our common shareholders. For example, the containership market is typically stronger in the spring and fall months following the celebration of Chinese New Year in the first quarter of each year and in anticipation of the increased demand during the year-end holiday season. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns in these months tend to disrupt vessel scheduling and supplies of certain commodities. This seasonality has not materially affected our operating results and the amount of available cash with which we service our debt or could pay dividends, because our fleet is currently employed on period time charters, but this seasonality may materially affect our operating results if our vessels are employed in the spot market in the future.
Reliance on suppliers may limit our ability to obtain supplies and services when needed.
We rely on a significant number of third-party suppliers of consumables, spare parts and equipment to operate, maintain, repair and upgrade our fleet of ships. Delays in delivery or unavailability or poor quality of supplies could result in off-hire days due to consequent delays in the repair and maintenance of our fleet or lead to our time charters being terminated. This would negatively impact our revenues and cash flows. Cost increases could also negatively impact our future operations.
The derivative contracts we enter into to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates can result in higher than market rates and reductions in our shareholders’ equity as well as charges against our income, while there is no assurance of the credit worthiness of our counterparties.
From time to time, we enter into interest rate swaps generally for purposes of managing our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates applicable to indebtedness under our credit facilities which were advanced at floating rates based on Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). Interest rates and currency hedging may result in us paying higher than market rates. As of December 31, 2025, we held no interest rate swaps. There is no assurance that any derivative contract that we enter into in the future will provide adequate protection against adverse changes in interest rates or that our bank counterparties will be able to perform their obligations. In addition, as a result of the implementation of new regulation of the swaps markets in the United States, the European Union and elsewhere over the next few years, the cost of interest rate swaps may increase or suitable hedges may not be available. While we monitor the credit risks associated with our bank counterparties, there can be no assurance that these counterparties would be able to meet their commitments under any future derivative contract. Our bank counterparties may include financial institutions that are based in European Union countries that have faced and might face again financial stress. The potential for our bank counterparties to default on their obligations under our derivative contracts may be highest when we are most exposed to the fluctuations in interest and currency rates such contracts are designed to hedge, and several or all of our bank counterparties may simultaneously be unable to perform their obligations due to the same events or occurrences in global financial markets.
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To the extent future derivative contracts may not, qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting purposes we would recognize fluctuations in the fair value of such contracts in our statement of operations. In addition, to the extent any future derivative contracts qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting purposes, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of our derivative contracts would be recognized in “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)” affecting our accumulated deficit, and may affect compliance with the net worth covenant requirements in our credit facilities. Changes in the fair value of our derivative contracts that do not qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting and financial reporting purposes would affect, among other things, our net income and our earnings per share.
We may be subject to litigation that, if not resolved in our favor and not sufficiently insured against, could have a material adverse effect on us.
We may be involved in various litigation matters from time to time. These matters may include, among other things, contract disputes, shareholder litigation, personal injury claims, environmental claims or proceedings, asbestos and other toxic tort claims, employment matters, governmental claims for taxes or duties, and other litigation that arises in the ordinary course of our business. Although we intend to defend these matters vigorously, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any claim or other litigation matter, and the ultimate outcome of any litigation or the potential costs to resolve them may have a material adverse effect on us. Insurance may not be applicable or sufficient in all cases and/or insurers may not remain solvent which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating cash flows.
Company Risk Factors
We depend entirely on Eurobulk to manage and charter our fleet, which may adversely affect our operations if Eurobulk fails to perform its obligations.
We have no employees and we currently contract the commercial and technical management of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance and repair, to Eurobulk, our affiliated ship management company. We may lose the Manager’s services or the Manager may fail to perform its obligations to us which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of our operations. Although we may have rights against our Manager if it defaults on its obligations to us, you will have no recourse against our Manager. Further, we will need to seek approval from our lenders to change the Manager as our ship manager.
Because the Manager is a privately held company, there is little or no publicly available information about it and there may be very little advance warning of operational or financial problems experienced by the Manager that may adversely affect us.
The ability of the Manager to continue providing services for our benefit will depend in part on its own financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair the Manager’s financial strength, and because the Manager is privately held it is unlikely that information about its financial strength would become public unless the Manager began to default on its obligations. As a result, there may be little advance warning of problems affecting the Manager, even though these problems could have a material adverse effect on us.
We may have difficulty properly managing our growth through acquisitions of new or secondhand vessels and we may not realize expected benefits from these acquisitions, which may negatively impact our cash flows, liquidity and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.
We intend to grow our business by ordering newbuild vessels and through selective acquisitions of high-quality secondhand vessels to the extent that they are available. Our future growth will primarily depend on:
| • | the operations of the shipyards that build any newbuild vessels we may order; |
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| • | the availability of employment for our vessels; |
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| • | locating and identifying suitable high-quality secondhand vessels; |
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| • | obtaining newbuild contracts at acceptable prices; |
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| • | obtaining required financing on acceptable terms; |
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| • | consummating vessel acquisitions; |
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| • | enlarging our customer base; |
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| • | hiring additional shore-based employees and seafarers; |
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| • | continuing to meet technical and safety performance standards; and |
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| • | managing joint ventures or significant acquisitions and integrating the new ships into our fleet. |
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Ship values are correlated with charter rates. During periods in which charter rates are high, ship values are generally high as well, and it may be difficult to consummate ship acquisitions or enter into shipbuilding contracts at favorable prices. During periods in which charter rates are low and employment is scarce, ship values are low and any vessel acquired without an attached time charter will automatically incur expenses to operate, insure, maintain and finance the ship, thereby significantly increasing our operating and finance costs. In addition, any vessel acquisition may not be profitable at or after the time of acquisition and may not generate cash flows sufficient to justify the investment. We may not be successful in executing any future growth plans and we cannot give any assurance that we will not incur significant expenses and losses in connection with such growth efforts. Other risks associated with vessel acquisitions that may harm our business, financial condition and operating results include the risks that we may:
| • | fail to realize anticipated benefits, such as new customer relationships, cost-savings or cash flow enhancements; |
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| • | be unable to hire, train or retain qualified shore-based and seafaring personnel to manage and operate our growing business and fleet; |
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| • | decrease our liquidity by using a significant portion of available cash or borrowing capacity to finance acquisitions; |
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| • | significantly increase our interest expense or financial leverage if we incur additional debt to finance acquisitions; |
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| • | incur or assume unanticipated liabilities, losses or costs associated with any vessels or businesses acquired; or |
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| • | incur other significant charges, such as impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, asset devaluation or restructuring charges. |
| --- | --- |
Furthermore, a delay in the delivery to us of any such vessel acquired, or the failure of the shipyard to deliver a vessel at all, could cause us to breach our obligations under a related charter and could adversely affect our earnings. In addition, the delivery of any of these vessels with substantial defects could have similar consequences.
A shipyard could fail to deliver a newbuild on time or at all because of:
| • | work stoppages or other hostilities, political or economic disturbances that disrupt the operations of the shipyard; |
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| • | quality or engineering problems; |
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| • | bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the shipyard; |
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| • | a backlog of orders at the shipyard; |
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| • | disputes between us and the shipyard regarding contractual obligations; |
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| • | weather interference or catastrophic events, such as major earthquakes or fires; |
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| • | our requests for changes to the original vessel specifications or disputes with the shipyard; or |
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| • | shortages of or delays in the receipt of necessary construction materials, such as steel, or equipment, such as main engines, electricity generators and propellers. |
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If we fail to properly manage our growth through acquisitions of newbuild or secondhand vessels we may not realize the expected benefits from these acquisitions, which may negatively impact our cash flows, liquidity and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders. Unlike newbuild vessels, secondhand vessels typically do not carry warranties as to their condition. While we generally inspect existing vessels prior to purchase, such an inspection would normally not provide us with as much knowledge of a vessel’s condition as we would possess if it had been built for us and operated by us during its life. Repairs and maintenance costs for secondhand vessels are difficult to predict and may be substantially higher than for vessels we have operated since they were built. These costs could decrease our cash flows, liquidity and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.
Our business depends upon certain members of our senior management who may not necessarily continue to work for us.
Our future success depends to a significant extent upon our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Aristides J. Pittas, certain members of our senior management and our Manager. Mr. Pittas has substantial experience in the container shipping industry and has worked with us and our Manager for many years. He, our Manager and certain members of our senior management team are crucial to the execution of our business strategies and to the growth and development of our business. If these individuals were no longer to be affiliated with us or our Manager, or if we were to otherwise cease to receive services from them, we may be unable to recruit other employees with equivalent talent and experience, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Certain of our shareholders hold shares of Euroseas in amounts to give them a significant percentage of the total outstanding voting power represented by our outstanding shares.
As of April 15, 2026, Containers Shareholders Trinity Ltd., or “CST”, Friends Investment Company Inc., or “Friends”, Eurobulk Marine Holdings Inc., or “EMH”, and Family United Navigation Co., or “Family United”, our largest shareholders and affiliates of the company, partly owned by our Chairman and CEO, Vice Chairman and people affiliated or working with Eurobulk amongst others, own approximately 58.6% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and unvested incentive award shares, representing 58.6% of total voting power. As a result of this share ownership and for as long as CST, Friends, EMH, Family United and our Chairman and CEO, own a significant percentage of our outstanding common stock, CST, Friends, EMH and Family United, will be able to influence the outcome of any shareholder vote, including the election of directors, the adoption or amendment of provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation or bylaws, as amended, and possible mergers, corporate control contests and other significant corporate transactions. The interests of CST, Friends, EMH and Family United and of our Chairman and CEO may be different from your interests.
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Our corporate governance practices are in compliance with, and are not prohibited by, the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and as such we are entitled to exemption from certain Nasdaq corporate governance standards. As a result, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.
Our Company's corporate governance practices are in compliance with, and are not prohibited by, the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Therefore, we are exempt from many of Nasdaq's corporate governance practices other than the requirements regarding the disclosure of a going concern audit opinion, submission of a listing agreement, notification of material non-compliance with Nasdaq corporate governance practices, and the establishment and composition of an audit committee and a formal written audit committee charter. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of Nasdaq’s corporate governance requirements. For a list of the practices followed by us in lieu of Nasdaq's corporate governance rules, we refer you to the section of this annual report entitled "Board Practices—Corporate Governance" under Item 6.C.
We and our principal officers have affiliations with the Manager that could create conflicts of interest detrimental to us.
Our principal officers are also principals, officers and employees of the Manager, which is our ship management company. These responsibilities and relationships could create conflicts of interest between us and the Manager. Conflicts may also arise in connection with the chartering, purchase, sale and operations of the vessels in our fleet versus other vessels that are or may be managed in the future by the Manager. Circumstances in any of these instances may make one decision advantageous to us but detrimental to the Manager and vice versa. Eurobulk currently manages vessels for Euroseas, and three containership vessels that are not owned by Euroseas, potentially causing conflicts such as those described above. Further, it is possible that in the future Eurobulk may manage additional vessels which will not belong to Euroseas and in which the Pittas family may have non-controlling, little or even no power or participation, and Eurobulk may not be able to resolve all conflicts of interest in a manner beneficial to us and our shareholders.
Companies affiliated with Eurobulk or our officers and directors may acquire vessels that compete with our fleet.
Companies affiliated with Eurobulk or our officers and directors may acquire additional containership vessels in the future. These vessels could be in competition with our fleet and other companies affiliated with Eurobulk might be faced with conflicts of interest with respect to their own interests and their obligations to us. Eurobulk, Friends Investment Company Inc. (“Friends”) and Aristides J. Pittas, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, have granted us a right of first refusal under certain conditions for any acquisition opportunities of containership vessels and we have granted to Euroholdings a right of first offer with respect to any vessel sales by us of vessels older than fifteen years of age and a right of first refusal over any employment opportunity for a containership vessel of older than fifteen years age pursuant to a charter presented or available to us with respect to any vessel owned or chartered in, directly or indirectly, by it. In addition, Aristides J. Pittas will use his best efforts to cause any entity with respect to which he directly or indirectly controls to grant us this right of first refusal. Were we, however, to decline any such opportunity offered to us or if we did not have the resources or desire to accept any such opportunity, Eurobulk, Friends and Aristides J. Pittas, and any of their respective affiliates, could acquire such vessels.
Our officers do not devote all of their time to our business.
Our officers are involved in other business activities that may result in their spending less time than is appropriate or necessary in order to manage our business successfully. Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary are not employed directly by us, but rather their services are provided pursuant to our Master Management Agreement with Eurobulk. All our corporate officers hold similar positions with EuroDry Ltd. (“EuroDry”) and, except for our CFO, with Euroholdings Ltd. (“Euroholdings”), two publicly listed companies spun-off from Euroseas in May 2018 and March 2025, respectively, and our CEO is also President of Eurobulk and involved in the management of other affiliates and is a member of the board of other companies. Therefore, our officers may spend a material portion of their time providing services to other companies. They may also spend a material portion of their time providing services to Eurobulk and its affiliates on matters unrelated to us.
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We are a holding company, and we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial obligations or to make dividend payments.
We are a holding company, and our subsidiaries, which are all wholly-owned by us, conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets. We have no significant assets other than the equity interests in our wholly-owned subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to make dividend payments to you and satisfy our financial obligations depends on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. The ability of our subsidiaries to make dividend payments to us will depend on them having profits available for distribution. If we are unable to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, we may be unable or our Board of Directors may exercise its discretion not to pay dividends. Also, our subsidiaries are limited by Marshall Islands law, which generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus and while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such a dividend.
We may not be able to pay dividends.
Our Board of Directors decided to suspend the quarterly dividend in the fourth quarter of 2013 in order to focus every resource available in exploiting investment opportunities in the market. Our last dividend of $0.15 per share was declared in August 2013 and was paid in September 2013. This was the thirty-second consecutive quarterly dividend declared and paid. In May 2022, our Board of Directors reinstated our common stock dividend plan, declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share for the first quarter of 2022, paid on June 16, 2022. Subsequent quarterly dividends of $0.50 per share were declared for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2022, as well as for the first, second and third quarters of 2023, paid on September 16, 2022, December 16, 2022, March 16, 2023, June 16, 2023, September 16, 2023 and December 16, 2023, respectively. On February 21, 2024 our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share for the fourth quarter of 2023 and subsequently, for the first, second and third quarters of 2024. These dividends were paid on March 15, 2024, June 19, 2024, September 17, 2024 and December 17, 2024 respectively. On February 27, 2025, a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share was declared for the fourth quarter of 2024, and subsequently for the first quarter of 2025, which were paid on March 18, 2025 and July 16, 2025, respectively. Subsequent quarterly dividends of $0.70 per share were declared for the second and third quarters of 2025. These dividends were paid on September 16, 2025 and December 16, 2025, respectively. On February 25, 2026, our Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend to $0.75 per share for the fourth quarter of 2025, which was paid on March 17, 2026.
The declaration and payment of any dividends will be subject at all times to the discretion of our Board of Directors. The timing and amount of dividends will depend on our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, restrictions in our loan agreements, growth strategy, charter rates in the container shipping industry, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of dividends and other factors. Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus (retained earnings and the excess of consideration received for the sale of shares above the par value of the shares), but, if there is no surplus, dividends may be declared out of the net profits (basically, the excess of our revenue over our expenses) for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared or the preceding fiscal year. Marshall Islands law also prohibits the payment of dividends while a company is insolvent or if it would be rendered insolvent upon the payment of a dividend. As a result, we may not be able to pay dividends
If we are unable to fund our capital expenditures, we may not be able to continue to operate some of our vessels, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to pay dividends.
In order to fund our capital expenditures, we may be required to incur borrowings or raise capital through the sale of debt or equity securities. Our ability to access the capital markets through future offerings may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such offering as well as by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. Our failure to obtain the funds for necessary future capital expenditures would limit our ability to continue to operate some of our vessels and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends. Even if we are successful in obtaining such funds through financings, the terms of such financings could further limit our ability to pay dividends.
Our existing loan agreements contain restrictive covenants that may limit our liquidity and corporate activities.
Our existing loan agreements impose operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions may limit our ability to:
| ● | incur additional indebtedness; |
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| ● | create liens on our assets; |
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| ● | sell capital stock of our subsidiaries; |
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| ● | make investments; |
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| ● | engage in mergers or acquisitions; |
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| ● | pay dividends; |
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| ● | make capital expenditures; |
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| ● | compete effectively; |
| ● | change the management of our vessels or terminate or materially amend the management agreement relating to each vessel; and |
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| ● | sell our vessels. |
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Therefore, we may need to seek permission from our lenders in order to engage in some corporate actions. The lenders' interests may be different from our interests, and we may not be able to obtain the lenders' permission when needed. This may prevent us from taking actions that are in our best interest and from executing our business strategy of growth.
Servicing future debt would limit funds available for other purposes.
To finance our fleet, we have incurred secured debt under loan agreements for our vessels. We also currently expect to incur additional secured debt to partly finance the acquisition of our newbuild vessels on order or additional vessels we may decide to acquire in the future. We must dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to pay the principal and interest on our debt. These payments limit funds otherwise available for working capital expenditures and other purposes. As of December 31, 2025, we had total debt of approximately $218.62 million. Our debt repayment schedule as of December 31, 2025 required us to repay $19.55 million of debt during 2026, $36.84 million of debt during 2027, $11.97 million of debt during 2028, $40.60 million of debt during 2029 and $109.66 million in 2030 and thereafter. As of April 15, 2026, we repaid $7.46 million of our total debt, decreasing our outstanding debt to $211.16 million. If we are unable to service our debt, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
A further rise in interest rates could cause an increase in our costs and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. To finance vessel purchases, we have borrowed, and may continue to borrow, under loan agreements that provide for periodic interest rate adjustments based on indices that fluctuate with changes in market interest rates. If interest rates increase significantly, it would increase our costs of financing our acquisition of vessels, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Any increase in debt service would also reduce the funds available to us to purchase other vessels.
Our ability to obtain additional debt financing may be dependent on the performance of our then existing charters and the creditworthiness of our charterers.
The actual or perceived credit quality of our charterers, and any defaults by them, may be one of the factors that materially affect our ability to obtain the additional debt financing that we will require to purchase additional vessels or may significantly increase our costs of obtaining such financing. We may be unable to obtain additional financing or may be able to obtain additional financing only at a higher-than-anticipated cost, which may materially affect our results of operations, cash flows and our ability to implement our business strategy.
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Credit market volatility may affect our ability to refinance our existing debt or incur additional debt.
The credit markets have recently experienced extreme volatility and disruption, which has limited credit capacity for certain issuers, and lenders have requested shorter terms and lower leverage ratios. The market for new debt financing is extremely limited and, in some cases, not available at all. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, we may not be able to refinance our existing debt or incur additional debt, which may require us to seek other funding sources to meet our liquidity needs or to fund planned expansion.
We are exposed to volatility in SOFR, and have from time to time entered into and may selectively enter into derivative contracts, which can result in higher than market interest rates and charges against our income. Volatility in SOFR could affect our profitability, earnings and cash flow.
Our indebtedness accrues interest based on SOFR, which is volatile. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash in the overnight U.S. treasury repo market. SOFR is now the predominant interest rate being used across cash and derivatives markets and the one we have used following the transition away from LIBOR. As of December 31, 2025, our obligations under our credit facilities which accrue interest based on SOFR amounted to approximately $218.62 million.
In order to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations under SOFR, we have, from time to time, used and may in the future use interest rate derivatives to effectively fix some of our floating rate debt obligations. No assurance can however be given that the use of these derivative instruments may effectively protect us from adverse interest rate movements. The use of interest rate derivatives may affect our results through mark to market valuation of these derivatives. Also, adverse movements in interest rate derivatives may require us to post cash as collateral, which may impact our free cash position. As of December 31, 2025, we had no open interest rate swaps.
As we expand our business, our Manager may need to upgrade our operations and financial systems, and add more staff and crew. If we cannot upgrade these systems or recruit suitable employees, our performance may be adversely affected.
Our Manager’s current operating and financial systems may not be adequate if we expand the size of our fleet, and our attempts to improve those systems may be ineffective. In addition, if we expand our fleet, we will have to rely on our Manager to recruit suitable additional seafarers and shore-side administrative and management personnel. Our Manager may not be able to continue to hire suitable employees as we expand our fleet. If our Manager’s affiliated crewing agent encounters business or financial difficulties, we can make satisfactory arrangements with unaffiliated crewing agents or else we may not be able to adequately staff our vessels. If we are unable to operate our financial and operations systems effectively or to recruit suitable employees, our performance may be materially adversely affected.
If we acquire additional ships, whether on the secondhand market or newbuildings, and those vessels are not delivered on time or are delivered with significant defects, our earnings and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We expect to acquire additional vessels in the future either from the secondhand markets or by placing newbuilding orders. The delivery of any vessels we have already ordered or we might decide to acquire, whether newbuildings or secondhand vessels, could be delayed or certain events may arise which could result in us not taking delivery of a vessel, such as a total loss of a vessel, a constructive loss of a vessel, substantial damage to a vessel prior to delivery or construction not in accordance with agreed upon specification or with substantial defects. A delay in the delivery of any of these vessels to us or the failure of the contract counterparty to deliver a vessel at all could cause us to breach our obligations under a related time charter and could adversely affect our earnings, our financial condition and the amount of dividends, if any, that we pay in the future.
Labor interruptions could disrupt our business.
Our vessels are manned by masters, officers and crews that are employed by third parties. If not resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner, industrial action or other labor unrest could prevent or hinder our operations from being carried out normally and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
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We or our Manager may be unable to attract and retain key management personnel and other employees in the shipping industry, which may negatively affect the effectiveness of our management and our results of operations.
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and efforts of our management team. Our success will depend upon our and our Manager’s ability to hire additional employees and to retain key members of our management team. The loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition and operating cash flows. Difficulty in hiring and retaining personnel could adversely affect our results of operations. We do not currently intend to maintain "key man" life insurance on any of our officers.
Risks involved with operating ocean-going vessels could affect our business and reputation, which may reduce our revenues.
The operation of an ocean-going vessel carries inherent risks. These risks include, among others, the possibility of:
| ● | marine disaster; |
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| ● | piracy; |
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| ● | environmental accidents; |
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| ● | grounding, fire, explosions and collisions; |
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| ● | cargo and property losses or damage; |
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| ● | business interruptions caused by mechanical failure, human error, war, terrorism, political action in various countries, labor strikes, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or other disasters outside our control, such as any future pandemics and epidemics; and |
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| ● | work stoppages or other labor problems with crew members serving on our vessels including crew strikes and/or boycotts. |
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Such occurrences could result in death or injury to persons, loss of property or environmental damage, delays in the delivery of cargo, loss of revenues from or termination of charter contracts, governmental fines, penalties or restrictions on conducting business, higher insurance rates, and damage to our reputation and customer relationships generally. Any of these circumstances or events could increase our costs or lower our revenues, which could result in reduction in the market price of our shares of common stock. The involvement of our vessels in an environmental disaster may harm our reputation as a safe and reliable vessel owner and operator.
The operation of containerships has certain unique operational risks which could affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.
The operation of certain ship types, such as containerships, has certain unique risks. Containerships operate at higher speeds as compared to other ocean-going vessels in order to move cargoes around the world quickly and minimize delivery delays. These high speeds can result in greater impact in collisions and groundings resulting in more damage to the vessel when compared to vessels operating at lower speeds. In addition, due to the placement of the containers on a containership, there is a greater risk that containers carried on deck will be lost overboard if an accident does occur. Furthermore, with the highly varied cargo that can be carried on a single containership, there can be additional difficulties with any clean-up operation following an accident. Also, we may not be able to correctly control the contents and condition of cargoes within the containers which may give rise to events such as customer complaints, accidents on-board the ships or problems with authorities due to carriage of illegal cargoes. Any of these circumstances or events could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends. In addition, the loss of any of our vessels could harm our reputation as a safe and reliable vessel owner and operator.
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Our vessels may suffer damage and may face unexpected drydocking costs, which could affect our cash flows and financial condition.
If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking facility. The costs of drydock repairs are unpredictable and may be substantial. We may have to pay drydocking costs that our insurance does not cover. The loss of earnings while these vessels are being repaired and reconditioned, as well as the actual cost of these repairs, would decrease our earnings. In addition, space at drydocking facilities is sometimes limited and not all drydocking facilities are conveniently located. We may be unable to find space at a suitable drydocking facility or our vessels may be forced to travel to a drydocking facility that is not conveniently located near our vessels’ positions. The loss of earnings and any costs incurred while these vessels are forced to wait for space or to travel to more distant drydocking facilities would decrease our earnings.
Purchasing and operating previously owned vessels may result in increased operating costs and vessels off-hire, which could adversely affect our earnings. The aging of our fleet may result in increased operating costs in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Although we inspect the secondhand vessels prior to purchase, this inspection does not provide us with the same knowledge about their condition and cost of any required (or anticipated) repairs that it would have had if these vessels had been built for and operated exclusively by us. Generally, we do not receive the benefit of warranties on secondhand vessels.
In general, the costs to maintain a vessel in good operating condition increase with the age of the vessel. As of April 15, 2026, the vessels in our fleet had an average age of approximately 12.08 years. As our vessels age, they may become less fuel efficient and more costly to maintain and will not be as advanced as more recently constructed vessels due to improvements in design and engine technology. Rates for cargo insurance, paid by charterers, also increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers. Governmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which our vessels may engage. As our vessels age, market conditions may not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.
If we sell vessels, we are not certain that the price for which we sell them will equal their carrying amount at that time.
Unless we set aside reserves for vessel replacement, at the end of a vessel's useful life, our revenue will decline, which would adversely affect our cash flows and income.
As of April 15, 2026, the vessels in our fleet had an average age of approximately 12.08 years. Unless we maintain cash reserves for vessel replacement, we may be unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives. We estimate the useful life of our vessels to be 25 years from the completion of their construction. Our cash flows and income are dependent on the revenues we earn by chartering our vessels to customers. If we are unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected. Any reserves set aside for vessel replacement would not be available for other cash needs or dividends.
Technological innovation could reduce our charter income and affect the demand and the value of our vessels.
The charter rates and the value and operational life of a vessel are determined by a number of factors including the vessel's efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life. Efficiency includes speed, fuel economy and the ability to load and discharge cargo quickly. Flexibility includes the ability to enter harbors, utilize related docking facilities and pass through canals and straits. The length of a vessel's physical life is related to its original design and construction, its maintenance and the impact of the stress of operations. If new vessels are built that are more efficient or more flexible or have longer physical lives than our vessels, competition from these more technologically advanced vessels could adversely affect the amount of charter hire payments we receive for our vessels and the resale value of our vessels could significantly decrease. Similarly, technologically advanced vessels are needed to comply with environmental laws, the investment in which, along with the foregoing, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. As a result, our available cash could be adversely affected.
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Developments in technology could also affect global trade flows and supply chains causing disruptions in the demand for our vessels. Decreasing the cost of labor through automation and digitization and increasing the consumers power to demand goods, technology is changing the business models and production of goods in many industries. Consequently, supply chains are being pulled closer to the end-customer and are required to be more responsive to changing demand patterns. As a result, fewer intermediate and raw inputs are traded, which could lead to a decrease in shipping activity. If automation and digitization become more commercially viable and/or production becomes more regional or local, total containerized trade volumes would decrease, which would adversely affect demand for our services. Supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical events, rising tariff barriers and environmental concerns may also accelerate these trends.
A decrease in spot charter rates may provide an incentive for some charterers to default on their charters. We are subject to certain risks with respect to our counterparties on contracts, and failure of such counterparties to meet their obligations could cause us to suffer losses or otherwise adversely affect our business.
We enter into, among other things, charter-party agreements. When we enter into a time charter, charter rates under that charter are fixed for the term of the charter. Such agreements subject us to counterparty risks. The ability and willingness of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the maritime and offshore industries, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, charter rates received for specific types of vessels, and various expenses. If the spot charter rates or short-term time charter rates in the containership shipping industry remain significantly lower than the time charter equivalent rates that some of our charterers are obligated to pay us under our existing charters, the charterers may have incentive to default under that charter or attempt to renegotiate the charter. In addition, in depressed market conditions, our charterers may no longer need a vessel that is currently under charter or may be able to obtain a comparable vessel at lower rates. As a result, charterers may seek to renegotiate the terms of their existing charter parties or avoid their obligations under those contracts, especially when the contracted charter rates are significantly above market levels. If our charterers fail to meet their obligations to us or attempt to renegotiate our charter agreements, it may be difficult to secure substitute employment for such vessel, and any new charter arrangements we secure in the spot market or on time charters may be at lower rates given currently decreased charter rate levels. As a result, we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as our ability to pay dividends in the future and compliance with covenants in our credit facilities.
We may not have adequate insurance to compensate us adequately for damage to, or loss of, our vessels.
We procure insurance for our fleet against risks commonly insured by vessel owners and operators which includes hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance (which, in turn, includes environmental damage and pollution insurance) and war risk insurance and freight, demurrage and defense insurance for our fleet. We generally maintain insurance against loss of hire which covers business interruptions that result in the loss of use of a vessel in cases we consider such protection appropriate. We may not be adequately insured against all risks and we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for our fleet in the future. The insurers may not pay particular claims. Even if our insurance coverage is adequate to cover our losses, we may not be able to timely obtain a replacement vessel in the event of a loss. Our insurance policies contain deductibles for which we will be responsible and limitations and exclusions which may increase our costs. Since it is possible that a large number of claims may be brought, the aggregate amount of these deductibles could be material. Moreover, the insurers may default on any claims they are required to pay. If our insurance is not enough to cover claims that may arise, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, our insurance may be voidable by the insurers if we take, or fail to take, certain action, such as failing to maintain certification of our vessels with applicable maritime regulatory organizations.
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Because we obtain some of our insurance through protection and indemnity associations (“P&I Associations”), we may also be subject to calls in amounts based not only on our own claim records, but also the claim records of other members of the P&I Associations.
We are indemnified for legal liabilities incurred while operating our vessels through membership in P&I Associations or clubs. P&I Associations are mutual insurance associations whose members must contribute to cover losses sustained by other association members. The objective of a P&I Association is to provide mutual insurance based on the aggregate tonnage of a member’s vessels entered into the association. Claims are paid through the aggregate premiums of all members of the association, although members remain subject to calls for additional funds if the aggregate premiums are insufficient to cover claims submitted to the association. We cannot assure you that the P&I Association to which we belong will remain viable or that we will not become subject to additional funding calls which could adversely affect us. Claims submitted to the association may include those incurred by members of the association as well as claims submitted to the association from other P&I Associations with which our P&I Association has entered into inter-association agreements.
We may be subject to calls in amounts based not only on our claim records but also the claim records of other members of the protection and indemnity associations through which we receive insurance coverage for tort liability, including pollution-related liability. Our payment of these calls could result in significant expense to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
Our vessels are exposed to operational risks, including terrorism, cyber-terrorism and piracy that may not be adequately covered by our insurance.
The operation of any vessel includes risks such as weather conditions, mechanical failure, collision, fire, contact with floating objects, cargo or property loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in countries, piracy, terrorist and cyber-terrorist attacks, armed hostilities and labor strikes. Such occurrences could result in death or injury to persons, loss, damage or destruction of property or environmental damage, delays in the delivery of cargo, loss of revenues from or termination of charter contracts, governmental fines, penalties or restrictions on conducting business, higher insurance rates and damage to our reputation and customer relationships generally.
Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean and in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. The frequency of sea piracy worldwide has generally decreased since 2013. Sea piracy incidents continue to occur, particularly in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia and increasingly in the Sulu Sea and the Gulf of Guinea, with dry bulk vessels, containers and tankers particularly vulnerable to such attacks. Acts of piracy could result in harm or danger to the crews that man our vessels.
If these piracy attacks occur in regions in which our vessels are deployed that insurers characterized as “war risk” zones or Joint War Committee “war and strikes” listed areas, premiums payable for such coverage could increase significantly and such insurance coverage may be more difficult to obtain. In addition, crew costs, including the employment of onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. Furthermore, while we believe the charterer remains liable for charter payments when a vessel is seized by pirates, the charterer may dispute this and withhold charter-hire until the vessel is released. A charterer may also claim that a vessel seized by pirates was not “on-hire” for a certain number of days and is therefore entitled to cancel the charter party, a claim that we would dispute. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, any detention hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or an increase in cost, or unavailability, of insurance for our vessels, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and earnings.
We may not be adequately insured against all risks, and our insurers may not pay particular claims. With respect to war risks insurance, which we usually obtain for certain of our vessels making port calls in designated war zone areas, such insurance may not be obtained prior to one of our vessels entering into an actual war zone, which could result in that vessel not being insured. Even if our insurance coverage is adequate to cover our losses, we may not be able to timely obtain a replacement vessel in the event of a loss. Under the terms of our credit facilities, we will be subject to restrictions on the use of any proceeds we may receive from claims under our insurance policies. Furthermore, in the future, we may not be able to maintain or obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates for our fleet. We may also be subject to calls, or premiums, in amounts based not only on our own claim records but also the claim records of all other members of the protection and indemnity associations through which we receive indemnity insurance coverage for tort liability. Our insurance policies also contain deductibles, limitations and exclusions which, although we believe are standard in the shipping industry, may nevertheless increase our costs in the event of a claim or decrease any recovery in the event of a loss. If the damages from a catastrophic oil spill or other marine disaster exceeded our insurance coverage, the payment of those damages could have a material adverse effect on our business and could possibly result in our insolvency.
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Recent action by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee and U.S. agencies indicate that cybersecurity regulations for the maritime industry are likely to be further developed in the near future in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats. This might cause companies to cultivate additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional expenses and/or capital expenditures. However, the impact of such regulations is hard to predict at this time. We do not carry cyber-attack insurance, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We occasionally carry loss of hire insurance when our vessels are trading in areas where a history of piracy has been reported. Loss of hire insurance covers the loss of revenue during extended vessel off-hire periods, such as those that occur during an unscheduled drydocking or unscheduled repairs due to damage to the vessel. Accordingly, any loss of a vessel or any extended period of vessel off-hire, due to an accident or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If our vessels call on ports located in countries or territories that are the subject of sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United Nations, or other governmental authorities, or engage in other such transactions or dealings that would be violative of applicable sanctions, it could lead to monetary fines or other penalties and/or adversely affect our reputation and the market for our shares of common stock and its trading price.
Although we intend to maintain compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws, and we endeavor to take precautions reasonably designed to mitigate such risks, it is possible that, in the future, vessels in our fleet may call on ports located in countries or territories that are the subject of country-wide or territory-wide comprehensive sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government or other applicable governmental authorities (“Sanctioned Jurisdictions”) on charterers' instructions and/or without our consent in violation of applicable sanctions laws. If such activities result in a violation of applicable sanctions or embargo laws, we could be subject to monetary fines, penalties, or other sanctions, and our reputation and the market for our common stock could be adversely affected.
Applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, and by jurisdiction, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or expanded over time, and the lists of persons and entities designated under these laws and regulations are amended frequently. Moreover, many sanctions regimes, including the United States, provide that entities owned by the persons or entities designated in such lists are also subject to sanctions. The U.S., U.K., and EU have enacted new sanctions programs in recent years. Additional countries or territories, as well as additional persons or entities within or affiliated with those countries or territories, have, and in the future will, become the target of sanctions. These require us to be diligent in ensuring our compliance with sanctions laws. Further, the U.S. has increased its focus on sanctions enforcement with respect to the shipping sector. Current or future counterparties of ours, including charterers, may be affiliated with persons or entities that are or may be in the future the subject of sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the U.K., the EU, and/or other international bodies. If we determine that such sanctions or embargoes require us to terminate existing or future contracts to which we, or our subsidiaries, are party or if we are found to be in violation of such applicable sanctions, our results of operations may be adversely affected, we could face monetary fines or penalties, or we may suffer reputational harm.
In addition, if we become a casualty in a Sanctioned Jurisdiction our underwriters may not provide required security, which could lead to the detention and subsequent loss of our vessel and the imprisonment of our crew, and our insurance policies may not cover the costs and losses associated with the incident. Further, our lenders may determine that any non-compliance with applicable sanctions and embargoes imposed by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United Nations, or the United States constitutes an event of default under current or future debt facility agreements. An event of default may lead to an acceleration of the repayment of debt under the facility in question and, due to the cross-default provisions, under all other facilities as well, which could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position, and could lead to bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings.
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All of the Company's revenues are from chartering-out its vessels on voyage or time charter contracts. The Company's vessels can also enter into pooling arrangements under which an international company and trading house involved in the use and/or transportation of commodities directs the Company's vessel to carry cargoes on its behalf. Under time charters and pooling arrangements, the Company has no contractual relationship with the owner of the cargo, based solely on the instructions of the charterer. The vessel is directed to a load port to load the cargo, and to a discharge port to offload the cargo, based solely on the instructions of the charterer.
Although we believe that we have been in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations in 2025, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in fines, penalties or other sanctions that could severely impact our ability to access U.S. capital markets and conduct our business, and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. For example, certain investors may have investment policies or restrictions that prevent them from holding securities of companies that have contracts with countries or territories identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. The determination by these investors not to invest in, or to divest from, our common stock may adversely affect the price at which our common stock trades. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation. In addition, our reputation and the market for our securities may be adversely affected if, for example, we enter into charters with individuals or entities who, pursuant to contracts with third parties, provide services to or engage in operations associated with countries or territories subject to U.S. sanctions or embargoes. Investor perception of the value of our common stock may be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in the countries or territories that we operate in.
As a result of sanctions arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ability to make payments to accounts at certain Russian banks may be limited, which could affect our ability to pay the wages of any crew members or consultants who hold such accounts.
As a result of sanctions arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, our ability to make payments to accounts at certain Russian banks may be limited. Currently our vessels have only a small number of Ukrainian crew members. Although wage payments have not been affected by this issue as of April 15, 2026, continuing or additional sanctions may affect our ability to pay the wages of any crew members or consultants who hold such accounts, which could adversely impact our operations.
Our operations inside and outside of the United States expose us to global risks, such as political instability, terrorist or other attacks, piracy, war, international hostilities, global public health concerns and economic sanctions restrictions, which may affect the seaborne transportation industry, and adversely affect our business.
We are an international company and primarily conduct our operations outside of the United States, and our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition may be adversely affected by changing economic, political and government conditions in the countries and regions where our vessels are employed or registered. Moreover, we operate in industry sectors of the economy that are likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political conflicts.
Currently, the world economy faces a number of challenges, including trade tensions between the United States and a number of countries, such as China, the current political instability in Venezuela, the Middle East and the South China Sea region and other geographic countries and areas, war (or threatened war), such as those between Russia and Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, or international hostilities, such as increasing tensions between the United States and China, North Korea, Iran and Cuba. The continuing threat of terrorist attacks around the world, as well as the frequent incidents of terrorism in the Middle East, and the continuing response of the United States and others to these attacks, as well as the threat of future terrorist attacks around the world, continue to cause uncertainty in the world’s financial markets and may affect our business, operating results and financial condition. Further continuing instability and conflicts and other recent occurrences in the Middle East, Ukraine and in other geographic areas and countries may lead to additional acts of terrorism and armed conflicts around the world, which may disrupt international shipping and contribute to further instability in the global financial markets.
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In the past, political instability has also resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways and other efforts to disrupt international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region, the Black Sea in connection with the ongoing Ukraine War and in the Red Sea in connection with the Middle East conflicts. The recent escalation by the U.S. towards Iran and counter-response could lead to many unforeseen consequences. Acts of terrorism and piracy have also affected vessels trading in regions such as the South China Sea as well as the Gulf of Aden and east coast of Somalia, among others. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our future performance, results of operation, cash flows and financial position.
Beginning in February of 2022, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, among other countries, announced various economic sanctions against Russia in connection with the aforementioned Ukraine War, which may adversely impact our business given Russia’s role as a major global exporter of crude oil and natural gas. To date, the EU has implemented 19 rounds of sanctions against Russia since the start of the Ukraine War. The ongoing conflict could result in the imposition of further economic sanctions or new categories of export restrictions against individuals or entities in or connected to Russia. While in general much uncertainty remains regarding the global impact of the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine, and any potential resolution thereof, it is possible that such tensions could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, operations results, and cash flows.
The United States has issued several Executive Orders that prohibit certain transactions related to Russia, including prohibitions on the importation of certain Russian energy products into the United States (including crude oil, petroleum, petroleum fuels, oils, liquefied natural gas and coal), and all new investments in Russia by U.S. persons, among other prohibitions and export controls, and has issued numerous determinations authorizing the imposition of sanctions on persons who operate or have operated in the energy, metals and mining, and marine sectors of the Russian Federation economy, among other sectors. Designations under these sanctions programs are continuing, including in October 2025 against Lukoil, Rosneft, and certain of their subsidiaries. Increased restrictions on these sectors, or the expansion of sanctions to new sectors, may pose additional risks that could adversely affect our business and operations.
Furthermore, the United States, in conjunction with the G7, have implemented a Russian petroleum “price cap policy” which prohibits a variety of specified services related to the maritime transport of Russian Federation origin crude oil and petroleum products, including trading/commodities brokering, financing, shipping, insurance (including reinsurance and protection and indemnity), flagging, and customs brokering. An exception exists to permit such services when the price of seaborne Russian oil does not exceed the relevant price caps; but implementation of this price cap exception relies on a recordkeeping and attestation process that requires each party in the supply chain of seaborne Russian oil to demonstrate or confirm that oil has been purchased at or below the price cap which is currently $44.10/barrel. Effective as of February 27, 2025, **** the United States has also prohibited the provision of petroleum services by U.S. persons to persons located in Russia. An exception exists for the provision of petroleum services in certain specified circumstances, including for the provision of services for products purchased at or below the aforementioned price caps. Violations of the petroleum services prohibition or the price cap policy, including the risk that information, documentation, or attestations provided by parties in the supply chain are later determined to be false, may pose additional risks adversely affecting our business. While much uncertainty remains, the potential that the EU, in conjunction with the G7, might replace the price cap policy in favor of a full maritime services ban for Russian crude oil exports and/or other petroleum products may also pose further risks that could adversely affect our business.
Our business could also be adversely impacted by trade tariffs, trade embargoes, economic sanctions, or other changes in international trade policies that limit trading activities between the United States and other countries in the Middle East, Asia or elsewhere as a result of terrorist attacks, hostilities, or diplomatic or political pressures.
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Governments may also turn to trade barriers to protect their domestic industries against foreign imports, thereby depressing shipping demand. Protectionist developments, or the perception that they may occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions, and may significantly reduce global trade. There is significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States, China, and other exporting countries, such as Canada, Mexico and within the EU, including with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations, and tariffs. Indeed, although on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, does not authorize the president to impose tariffs unilaterally, President Trump announced he would impose a new global 15% tariff pursuant to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, and may continue to invoke other legal authorities, such as Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, to impose further tariffs. It is unknown whether and to what extent new and supplemental tariffs (or other new laws or regulations) will be adopted, or the effect that any such actions would have on us or our industry. If any new tariffs, legislation and/or regulations are implemented, or if existing trade agreements are renegotiated or, in particular, if the U.S. government takes further retaliatory trade actions due to the U.S.-China trade tension, such changes could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, the outlook for rest of the world remains uncertain and is dependent on inflation and destabilizing geopolitical events, including the major armed conflicts. Further, expanding international trade tensions could increase the likelihood of rising inflation and supply chain disruptions.
Moreover, increasing trade protectionism may cause an increase in (a) the cost of goods exported from regions globally, (b) the length of time required to transport goods and (c) the risks associated with exporting goods. Such increases may significantly affect the quantity of goods to be shipped, shipping time schedules, voyage costs and other associated costs, which could have an adverse impact on our charterers’ business, operating results and financial condition and could thereby affect their ability to renew and increase the number of their charters with us. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Additionally, the U.S. trade war with China may escalate beyond tariffs. In April 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative enacted vessel service fees under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 which were imposed as scheduled beginning on October 14, 2025, but were suspended for one year as of November 10, 2025 as a result of broader trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, after China’s Ministry of Transport had announced retaliatory port fees applicable to certain vessels calling at Chinese ports that were built or flagged in the United States or owned or operated by certain U.S.-linked persons. China’s retaliatory service fees on U.S. vessels were also suspended for a period of one year on the same date. It is unknown whether and to what extent these port fees will be reimposed following the one-year suspension, or the effect that they might have on us or our industry generally.
In addition, public health threats, such as highly communicable diseases or viruses, outbreaks of which have from time to time occurred in various parts of the world in which we operate, including China, Japan and South Korea, which may even become pandemics, could lead to a significant decrease of demand for seaborne transportation. Such events may also adversely impact our operations, including timely rotation of our crews, the timing of completion of any future newbuilding projects or repair works in drydock as well as the operations of our customers. Delayed rotation of crew may adversely affect the mental and physical health of our crew and the safe operation of our vessels as a consequence.
The international nature of our operations may make the outcome of any bankruptcy proceedings difficult to predict.
We are incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and we conduct operations in countries around the world. The Marshall Islands has passed an act implementing the U.N. Commission on Internal Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, or the Model Law. The adoption of the Model Law is intended to implement effective mechanisms for dealing with issues related to cross-border insolvency proceedings and encourages cooperation and coordination between jurisdictions. Notably, the Model Law does not alter the substantive insolvency laws of any jurisdiction and does not create a bankruptcy code in the Marshall Islands. Instead, the Act allows for the recognition by the Marshall Islands of foreign insolvency proceedings, the provision of foreign creditors with access to courts in the Marshall Islands, and the cooperation with foreign courts.
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Consequently, in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding involving us or any of our subsidiaries, bankruptcy laws other than those of the United States could apply. If we become a debtor under U.S. bankruptcy law, bankruptcy courts in the United States may seek to assert jurisdiction over all of our assets, wherever located, including property situated in other countries. There can be no assurance, however, that we would become a debtor in the United States, or that a U.S. bankruptcy court would be entitled to, or accept, jurisdiction over such a bankruptcy case, or that courts in other countries that have jurisdiction over us and our operations would recognize a U.S. bankruptcy court's jurisdiction if any other bankruptcy court would determine it had jurisdiction.
Obligations associated with being a public company require significant company resources and management attention.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the other rules and regulations of the SEC, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”). Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
We work with our legal, accounting and financial advisors to identify any areas in which changes should be made to our financial and management control systems to manage our growth and our obligations as a public company. We evaluate areas such as corporate governance, corporate control, internal audit, disclosure controls and procedures and financial reporting and accounting systems. We will make changes in any of these and other areas, including our internal control over financial reporting, which we believe are necessary. However, these and other measures we may take may not be sufficient to allow us to satisfy our obligations as a public company on a timely and reliable basis. In addition, compliance with reporting and other requirements applicable to public companies do create additional costs for us and will require the time and attention of management. Our limited management resources may exacerbate the difficulties in complying with these reporting and other requirements while focusing on executing our business strategy. We may not be able to predict or estimate the amount of the additional costs we may incur, the timing of such costs or the degree of impact that our management's attention to these matters will have on our business.
Exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations will result in fluctuations in our cash flows and operating results.
We generate all our revenues in U.S. dollars, but we incur approximately 23% of our vessel operating expenses and drydocking expenses, all of our vessel management fees, and approximately 5% in 2025 of our general and administrative expenses in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. This could lead to fluctuations in our operating expenses, which would affect our financial results. Expenses incurred in foreign currencies increase when the value of the U.S. dollar falls, which would reduce our profitability and cash flows.
We depend upon a few significant customers for a large part of our revenues and the loss of one or more of these customers could adversely affect our financial performance.
We have historically derived a significant part of our revenues from a small number of charterers. During 2025, 2024, and 2023, approximately 87%, 76%, and 82%, respectively, of our revenues were derived from our top five charterers. The ability of each of our counterparties to perform their obligations under a charter with us depends on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the conditions of the shipping industry, prevailing prices for the commodities and products which we transport and the overall financial condition of the counterparty. If one or more of our charterers chooses not to charter our vessels or is unable to perform under one or more charters with us and we are not able to find a replacement charter, we could suffer a loss of revenues that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
United States tax authorities could treat us as a "passive foreign investment company," which could have adverse United States federal income tax consequences to United States holders.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of “passive income” or (2) at least 50% of the average value of the corporation’s assets produce or are held for the production of those types of “passive income”. For purposes of these tests, “passive income” includes dividends, interest, and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties which are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute “passive income.” United States shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous United States federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC. In addition, United States shareholders of a PFIC are required to file annual information returns with the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS.
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Based on our current method of operation, we do not believe that we have been, are or will be a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. In this regard, we treat the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering activities as services income, rather than rental income. Accordingly, we believe that our income from our time chartering activities should not constitute "passive income," and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the production of that income should not constitute passive assets.
There is substantial legal authority supporting this position consisting of case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income for other tax purposes. However, it should be noted that there is also authority which characterizes time charter income as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes. Accordingly, in the absence of legal authority directly relating to PFIC rules, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court of law will accept this position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we would not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if the nature and extent of our operations changed.
If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year, our United States shareholders will face adverse United States federal income tax consequences. Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders make an election available under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such shareholders, as discussed in Item 10 of this Annual Report under "Taxation — United States Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders"), such shareholders would be subject to United States federal income tax at the then prevailing income tax rates on ordinary income plus interest upon excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of our shares, as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the United States shareholder's holding period of our shares. See "Taxation — United States Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders" in this Annual Report under Item 10 for a more comprehensive discussion of the United States federal income tax consequences to United States shareholders if we are treated as a PFIC.
Based on the current and expected composition of our and our subsidiaries' assets and income, it is not anticipated that we will be treated as a PFIC. Our actual PFIC status for any taxable year, however, will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year. Accordingly, there can be no assurances regarding our status as a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year. See the discussion in the section entitled "Item 10.E. Taxation — Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences". We urge U.S. Holders to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of the PFIC rules.
Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could materially and adversely affect the taxes we pay, results of operations and financial results.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, and our results of operations and financial results may be affected by tax and other initiatives around the world. For instance, there is a high level of uncertainty in today’s tax environment stemming from global initiatives put forth by the OECD’s two-pillar base erosion and profit shifting project. In October 2021, members of the OECD put forth two proposals: (i) Pillar One reallocates profit to the market jurisdictions where sales arise versus physical presence; and (ii) Pillar Two compels multinational corporations with €750 million or more in annual revenue to pay a global minimum tax of 15% on income received in each country in which they operate. The reforms aim to level the playing field between countries by discouraging them from reducing their corporate income taxes to attract foreign business investment. Over 140 countries agreed to enact the two-pillar solution to address the challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy and, in 2024, these guidelines were declared effective and must now be enacted by those OECD member countries. It is possible that these guidelines, including the global minimum corporate tax rate measure of 15%, could increase the burden and costs of our tax compliance, the amount of taxes we incur in those jurisdictions and our global effective tax rate, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial results.
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As a Marshall Islands corporation and with some of our subsidiaries being Marshall Islands entities and also
having subsidiaries in other offshore jurisdictions, our operations may be subject to economic substance requirements, which could impact our business.
We are a Marshall Islands corporation and some of our subsidiaries are Marshall Islands entities. The Marshall Islands has enacted economic substance laws and regulations with which we may be obligated to comply. The Marshall Islands economic substance regulations require certain entities that carry out particular activities to comply with a three-part economic substance test whereby the entity must show that it (i) is directed and managed in the Marshall Islands in relation to that relevant activity, (ii) carries out core income-generating activity in relation to that relevant activity in the Marshall Islands (although it is being understood and acknowledged by the regulators that income-generating activities for shipping companies will generally occur in international waters) and (iii) having regard to the level of relevant activity carried out in the Marshall Islands has (a) an adequate amount of expenditures in the Marshall Islands, (b) adequate physical presence in the Marshall Islands and (c) an adequate number of qualified employees in the Marshall Islands. We believe that we and our subsidiaries are compliant with the Marshall Islands economic substance requirements. However, if there were a change in the requirements or interpretation thereof, or if there were an unexpected change to our operations, any such change could result in noncompliance with the economic substance legislation and related fines or other penalties, increased monitoring and audits, and dissolution of the non-compliant entity, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
EU Finance ministers rate jurisdictions for tax rates and tax transparency, governance and real economic activity. Countries that are viewed by such finance ministers as not adequately cooperating, including by not implementing sufficient standards in respect of the foregoing, may be put on a “grey list” or a “blacklist”. Effective October 23, 2023 the Marshall Islands has been designated as a cooperating jurisdiction for tax purposes. If the Marshall Islands is added to the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions in the future and sanctions or other financial, tax or regulatory measures were applied by European Member States to countries on the list or further economic substance requirements were imposed by the Marshall Islands, our business could be harmed.
If management is unable to provide reports as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could result in a decrease in the value of our common stock.
Under Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, we are required to include in each of our annual reports on Form 20-F a report containing our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. If, in such annual reports on Form 20-F, our management cannot provide a report as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could result in a decrease in the value of our common stock.
We may have to pay tax on United States source income, which would reduce our earnings.
Under Section 883 of the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation, such as us and our subsidiaries, that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States may be subject to a 4% United States federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code, or Section 883, and the applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
We intend to take the position that we qualified for this statutory tax exemption for United States federal income tax return reporting purposes for our 2025 taxable year and we intend to so qualify for future taxable years. However, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause us to lose the benefit of this tax exemption for any future taxable year and thereby become subject to United States federal income tax on our U.S.-source shipping income. For example, in certain circumstances we may no longer qualify for exemption under Section 883 for a particular taxable year if shareholders, other than “qualified shareholders”, with a five percent or greater interest in our common shares owned, in the aggregate, 50% or more of our outstanding common shares for more than half the days during the taxable year. Due to the factual nature of the issues involved, there can be no assurances on our tax-exempt status. In addition, we may fail to qualify if our common stock comes to represent 50% or less of the value or outstanding voting power of our stock.
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If we are not entitled to exemption under Section 883 for any taxable year, we would be subject for those years to an effective 2% United States federal income tax on the shipping income we derive during the year which is attributable to the transport of cargoes to or from the United States. The imposition of this taxation would have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to our shareholders***.***
Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) could result in fines, criminal penalties, and an adverse effect on our business.
We may operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws, and have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which is consistent and in full compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. We are subject, however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws. Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties and curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business. Furthermore, detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and time- and attention-consuming for our senior management.
It may be difficult to enforce service of process and enforcement of judgments against us and our officers and directors.
We are a Marshall Islands corporation, and our subsidiaries are incorporated in jurisdictions outside of the United States. Our executive offices are located outside of the United States in Maroussi, Greece. A majority of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States, and a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of our officers and directors are located outside of the United States. As a result, you may have difficulty serving legal process within the United States upon us or any of these persons. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside of the United States, judgments you may obtain in the U.S. courts against us or these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal or state securities laws.
There is also substantial doubt that the courts of the Marshall Islands, Greece or jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries are organized would enter judgments in original actions brought in those courts predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws. In addition, the protection afforded to minority shareholders in the Marshall Islands is different than those offered in the United States.
We may have difficulty properly managing our planned growth through acquisitions of new or secondhand vessels and we may not realize expected benefits from these acquisitions, which may negatively impact our cash flows, liquidity and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.
As of April 15, 2026, we intend to continue our fleet renewal strategy having entered into contracts for the acquisition of six vessels to be constructed, scheduled to be delivered in the third and fourth quarter of 2027, and the first, second and third quarter of 2028. We may contract additional newbuild vessels or make selective acquisitions of additional second-hand vessels. Our future growth will primarily depend on our ability to identify, locate and acquire suitable vessels, including newbuilding slots at shipyards at attractive prices, enlarge our customer base, operate and supervise any newbuilds we may order and obtain required debt or equity financing on acceptable terms.
A delay in the delivery to us of any such vessel, or the failure of the shipyard to deliver a vessel at all, could cause us to breach our obligations under a related charter and could adversely affect our earnings. In addition, the delivery of any of these vessels with substantial defects could have similar consequences.
A shipyard could fail to deliver a newbuild on time or at all because of:
| ● | work stoppages or other hostilities, political, economic or other disturbances that disrupt the operations of the shipyard, including as a result of outbreak of public health threats; |
|---|---|
| ● | quality or engineering problems; |
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| ● | bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the shipyard; |
|---|---|
| ● | a backlog of orders at the shipyard; |
| ● | disputes between the Company and the shipyard regarding contractual obligations; |
| ● | weather interference or catastrophic events, such as major earthquakes or fires; |
| ● | our requests for changes to the original vessel specifications; or |
| ● | shortages of or delays in the receipt of necessary construction materials, such as steel, or equipment, such as main engines, electricity generators and propellers. |
A third-party seller could fail to deliver a second-hand vessel on time or at all because of:
| ● | bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the third-party seller; |
|---|---|
| ● | quality or engineering problems; |
| ● | disputes between the Company and the third-party seller regarding contractual obligations; or |
| ● | weather interference or catastrophic events, such as major earthquakes or fires. |
In addition, we may seek to terminate or novate a vessel acquisition contract due to market conditions, financing limitations or other reasons. The outcome of contract termination or novation negotiations may require us to forego deposits on construction or acquisition, as applicable, and pay additional cancellation fees. In addition, where we have already arranged a future charter with respect to the terminated contract, we may incur liabilities to such charter counterparty depending on the terms of such charter.
Risk Factors Relating To Our Common Stock
The trading volume for our common stock has been low, which may cause our common stock to trade at lower prices and make it difficult for you to sell your common stock.
Although our shares of common stock have traded on the Nasdaq Global Market since January 31, 2007, on the Nasdaq Global Select Market since January 1, 2008, and on the Nasdaq Capital Market since June 26, 2015, the trading volume has been low over the last couple of years. Such limited liquidity may cause our common stock to trade at lower prices and make it difficult to sell your common stock.
The market price of our common stock has recently been volatile and may continue to be volatile in the future, and as a result, investors in our common stock could incur substantial losses on any investment in our common stock.
The market price of our common stock has recently been volatile and may continue to be volatile in the future. For example, the reported closing sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $27.20 per share on April 4, 2025 and $65.06 per share on September 22, 2025. In addition, on September 25, 2025, the intra-day sale price of our common stock reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market fluctuated between a low of $60.12 per share and a high of $62.65 per share without any discernable announcements or developments by the Company or third parties to substantiate the movement of our stock price. On April 14, 2026, the reported closing sale price of our common stock was $69.92 per share.
Among the factors that have in the past and could in the future affect our stock price are:
| ● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results and those of other public companies in our industry; |
|---|---|
| ● | changes in market valuations or sales or earnings estimates or publication of research reports by analysts; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | changes in earnings estimates or shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecasted by securities analysts; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | speculation in the press or investment community about our business or the shipping industry; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | changes in market valuations of similar companies and stock market price and volume fluctuations generally; |
| --- | --- |
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| ● | payment of dividends; |
|---|---|
| ● | strategic actions by us or our competitors such as mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances or restructurings; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | changes in government and other regulatory developments; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | additions or departures of key personnel; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | general market conditions and the state of the securities markets; and |
| --- | --- |
| ● | domestic and international economic, market and currency factors unrelated to our performance. |
| --- | --- |
The international container shipping industry has been highly unpredictable. In addition, the stock markets in general, and the markets for container shipping and shipping stocks in general, have experienced extreme volatility that has sometimes been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. In addition, geopolitical tensions have caused broad stock market and industry fluctuations. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. As a result of this volatility, our shares may trade at prices lower than you originally paid for such shares and you may incur substantial losses on your investment in our common stock.
Investors may purchase our common stock to hedge existing exposure or to speculate on the price of our common stock. Speculation on the price of our common stock may involve long and short exposures. To the extent an aggregate short exposure in our common stock becomes significant, investors with short exposure may have to pay a premium to purchase common stock for delivery to common stock lenders at times if and when the price of our common stock increases significantly, particularly over a short period of time. Those purchases may in turn, dramatically increase the price of our common stock. This is often referred to as a “short squeeze.” A short squeeze could lead to volatile price movements in our common stock that are not directly correlated to our business prospects, operating performance, financial condition or other traditional measures of value for the Company or our common stock.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or publish negative reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common shares will depend, in part, upon the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over analysts as to whether they will cover us, and if they do, whether such coverage will continue. If analysts do not commence coverage of the Company, or if one or more of these analysts cease coverage of the Company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share price or trading volume to decline. In addition, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our shares or change their opinion of our shares, our share price may likely decline.
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Shareholders' Rights Plan contain anti-takeover provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent (1) merger or acquisition, (2) the removal of incumbent directors and officers and (3) the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control.
Our current amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws contain certain anti-takeover provisions. These provisions include blank check preferred stock, the prohibition of cumulative voting in the election of directors, a classified Board of Directors, advance written notice for shareholder nominations for directors, removal of directors only for cause, advance written notice of shareholder proposals for the removal of directors and limitations on action by shareholders. In addition, on May 10, 2019, we adopted a shareholders' rights plan, which replaced and is substantially similar to our prior shareholder rights agreement that expired on May 27, 2019, pursuant to which our Board of Directors may cause the substantial dilution of any person that attempted to acquire us without the approval of our Board of Directors. These anti-takeover provisions, either individually or in the aggregate, may discourage, delay or prevent (1) our merger or acquisition by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, that a shareholder may consider in its best interest, (2) the removal of incumbent directors and officers, and (3) the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of shareholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and shareholders’ ability to realize any potential change of control premium.
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Future sales of our common stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, may depress the market price for our common stock. These sales could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities in the future.
We may issue additional shares of our stock in the future and our stockholders may elect to sell large numbers of shares held by them from time to time. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorize us to issue up to 200,000,000 shares of common stock and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
Because the Republic of the Marshall Islands, where we are incorporated, does not have a well-developed body of corporate law, shareholders may have fewer rights and protections than under typical state law in the United States, such as Delaware, and shareholders may have difficulty in protecting their interests with regard to actions taken by our Board of Directors.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, as amended, and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act (the “BCA”). The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, there have been few judicial cases in the Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA and we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as U.S. courts. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain U.S. jurisdictions. Stockholder rights may differ as well. For example, under Marshall Islands law, a copy of the notice of any meeting of the shareholders must be given not less than 15 days before the meeting, whereas in Delaware such notice must be given not less than 10 days before the meeting. Therefore, if immediate shareholder action is required, a meeting may not be able to be convened as quickly as it can be convened under Delaware law. Also, under Marshall Islands law, any action required to be taken by a meeting of shareholders may only be taken without a meeting if consent is in writing and is signed by all of the shareholders entitled to vote, whereas under Delaware law action may be taken by consent if approved by the number of shareholders that would be required to approve such action at a meeting. Therefore, under Marshall Islands law, it may be more difficult for a company to take certain actions without a meeting even if a majority of the shareholders approve of such action. While the BCA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction.
| Item 4. | Information on the Company |
|---|---|
| A. | History and Development of the Company |
| --- | --- |
Euroseas Ltd. is a Marshall Islands company incorporated under the BCA on May 5, 2005. We are a provider of worldwide ocean-going transportation services. On May 30, 2018, the Company spun-off its drybulk fleet (excluding M/V Monica P, a handymax drybulk carrier, which was agreed to be sold at the time) into EuroDry Ltd., a separate publicly listed company also listed on Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Spin-off”). Shareholders of the Company received one EuroDry Ltd. share for every five shares of the Company they held. As a result of the Spin-off and the subsequent sale of M/V “Monica P”, the Company has become a pure containership company and the only publicly listed company concentrating on the feeder and intermediate containership sector. On January 8, 2025, the Company contributed its three subsidiaries that own the recently sold 1998-built M/V “Diamantis P” and the two older vessels, M/V “Joanna” and M/V “Aegean Express”, into Euroholdings Ltd. (“Euroholdings” or the “Euroholdings Spin-off”). Euroseas distributed all of Euroholdings’ common shares to its shareholders on a pro rata basis on March 17, 2025. Shareholders of the Company received one Euroholdings Ltd. share for every two and a half shares of the Company they owned as of the record date of March 7, 2025. Common shares of Euroholdings were listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “EHLD”, and became an independent publicly traded company on March 17, 2025.
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Our containerships transport dry and refrigerated containerized cargoes, mainly including manufactured products and perishables. As of April 15, 2026, our fleet consisted of 21 containerships. The total cargo carrying capacity of the 21 containerships is 786,362 dwt or 61,144 teu. After the delivery of our six newbuilding containerships, our fleet will consist of 27 containerships with a cargo carrying capacity of 1,081,626 dwt or 84,676 teu. Two of our vessels were acquired before January 1, 2004 and were controlled by the Pittas family interests. On June 29, 2005, the shareholders of the two vessels (and of five additional vessels that have since been sold) transferred their ownership in each of the vessels to Euroseas in exchange for shares in Friends, a 100% owner of Euroseas at that time. Since June 2005, the Company has purchased 40 vessels, sold 25 vessels and ordered 17 newbuildings. Euroseas took delivery of three of the newbuildings in February 2016, January 2017 and May 2018, respectively, under its previous newbuilding program of dry bulk vessels, while one newbuilding vessel contract was cancelled. The Company spun-off 6 of its vessels into EuroDry on May 30, 2018.
In June 2021, January 2022, March 2022 and May 2022, we entered into four separate agreements with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. to construct nine modern containerships; six with a carrying capacity of 2,800 teu each and three with a carrying capacity of 1,800 teu each. Furthermore, on December 23, 2022, we agreed to sell M/V “Akinada Bridge” for scrap, at a gross price of $14.2 million. The vessel was delivered to her new owners on January 9, 2023. On March 27, 2024, we agreed to sell M/V “EM Astoria” for approximately $10.0 million, which was delivered to her new owners on June 26, 2024. On January 10, 2025, we agreed to sell M/V “Diamantis P.” for approximately $13.15 million. The vessel was delivered to her new owners on January 15, 2025. On May 14, 2025, we signed an agreement to sell M/V “Marcos V” for approximately $50.0 million. The vessel was delivered to her buyers on October 20, 2025.
The M/V “Gregos”, the first of the two newbuilding vessels ordered in June 2021, was delivered on April 6, 2023, while M/V “Terataki”, the second of the two, was delivered on July 6, 2023. The combined price for the construction of these two newbuildings was approximately $80.5 million. The Company paid another $4.4 million for costs relating to the construction and to make the vessel available for use, as well as capitalized interest costs. The cost of these newbuilding contracts was financed with a combination of own cash and a bank loan of $26 million for each of the vessels. We also ordered two newbuilding vessels in January 2022; the first of these, the M/V “Tender Soul”, was delivered to us on February 6, 2024, while the other newbuilding, M/V “Leonidas Z”, was delivered on April 25, 2024. The combined price for the construction of these two new buildings was approximately $88.4 million. We paid another $5.2 million for costs relating to the construction and to make the vessels available for use, as well as capitalized interest costs. The cost of the two shipbuilding contracts was financed with a combination of own cash and a sale and leaseback financing transaction of $27 million for the first vessel and a bank loan of $22 million for the second vessel. The three vessels ordered in March 2022, M/V “Monica”, M/V “Stephania” and M/V “Pepi Star” were delivered to us on May 13, 2024, June 28, 2024 and July 19, 2024, respectively. The total consideration paid for these three shipbuilding contracts amounted to $102.6 million. We paid another $6.7 million for costs relating to the construction and to make the vessels available for use, as well as capitalized interest costs. The cost of the newbuilding contracts of these three vessels was financed with a combination of own cash and bank loans of $22.5 million, $22.5 million and $20.4 million, respectively for each vessel. Finally, the two vessels ordered in May 2022, M/V “Dear Panel” and M/V “Symeon P”, were delivered on January 7, 2025 and January 8, 2025, respectively, for approximately $89.3 million and were also financed with a combination of own funds and a bank loan of $26.0 for each vessel.
On June 28, 2024, we concluded two contracts with Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., for the construction of two modern fuel-efficient container vessels with a carrying capacity of 4,300 teu each. The vessels are scheduled to be delivered during the third and fourth quarter of 2027. The consideration for each of the two newbuilding contracts is approximately $60.25 million and will be financed with a combination of debt and equity. Upon signing of the contract, we paid $9.04 million for each vessel.
On June 28, 2024, two subsidiaries, which were consolidated by the Company on July 28, 2025, entered into two contracts for the construction of two additional modern fuel-efficient container vessels with a capacity of 4,300 teu each. The two newbuildings are scheduled to be delivered during the first and second quarter of 2028. The total consideration for each of the newbuilding contracts is approximately $59.25 million and will be financed with a combination of debt and equity. Upon signing of the contract, we paid $8.89 million for each vessel.
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On December 16, 2025, the Company signed two contracts for the construction of two additional eco-design fuel efficient containerships. The vessels will have a carrying capacity of about 2,800 teu each and will be built at Huanghai Shipbuilding CO., Ltd., in China. The two newbuildings are scheduled to be delivered in the second and third quarter of 2028. The total contracted consideration for these two newbuilding contracts is approximately $92.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company did not pay any installments to the shipyard for the construction of these two vessels.
Our common shares traded under the symbol ESEA on the Nasdaq Global Market beginning January 31, 2007 and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market beginning January 1, 2008, and since June 26, 2015 have traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Our executive offices are located at 4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, 151 24, Maroussi, Greece. Our telephone number is +30-211-1804005.
We constantly evaluate vessel purchase opportunities to expand our fleet accretive to our earnings and cash flow. Additionally, we will consider selling certain of our vessels when favorable sales opportunities present themselves. If, at the time of sale, the carrying value is less than the sales price, we will realize a gain on sale, which will increase our earnings, but if, at the time of sale, the carrying value of a vessel is more than the sales price, we will realize a loss on sale, which will negatively impact our earnings. Please see “Critical Accounting Estimates”, below, for a further discussion of the consequences of selling our vessels for amounts below their carrying values.
The SEC maintains an Internet website at www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Our website address is www.euroseas.gr. The information contained on our website is not part of this annual report.
| B. | Business Overview |
|---|
Our fleet consists of containerships that transport container boxes providing scheduled service between ports. Please see the information in the section titled "Our Fleet", below. During 2023, 2024, and 2025 we had a fleet utilization of 98.6%, 99.7% and 99.7%, respectively, our vessels achieved daily time charter equivalent rates of $29,714, $28,054 and $29,107, respectively, and we generated time charter and voyage charter revenues totaling $195.8 million, $219.4 million and $234.44 million respectively.
Our business strategy is focused on providing consistent shareholder returns by carefully selecting the timing and the structure of our investments in containership vessels and by reliably, safely and competitively operating the vessels we own, through our affiliate, Eurobulk. Representing a continuous ship-owning and management history that dates back to the 19th century, we believe that one of our advantages in the industry is our ability to select and safely operate containership vessels of any age.
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Our Fleet
As of April 15, 2026, the profile and deployment of our fleet are the following:
| Name | Type | Dwt | TEU | Year Built | Employment (*) | TCE Rate ($/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container Carriers | ||||||
| SYNERGY BUSAN(*) | Intermediate | 50,727 | 4,253 | 2009 | TC until Dec-27 | $35,500 |
| SYNERGY ANTWERP(*) | Intermediate | 50,727 | 4,253 | 2008 | TC until May-28 | $35,500 |
| SYNERGY OAKLAND(*) | Intermediate | 50,788 | 4,253 | 2009 | TC until May-26<br><br> <br>TC until Mar-29 | $42,000<br><br> <br>$33,500 |
| SYNERGY KEELUNG(*) | Intermediate | 50,697 | 4,253 | 2009 | TC until Jun-28 | $35,500 |
| EMMANUEL P(*) | Intermediate | 50,796 | 4,250 | 2005 | TC until Sept-28 | $38,000 |
| RENA P (*) | Intermediate | 50,765 | 4,250 | 2007 | TC until Jul-28 | $35,500 |
| EM KEA(*) | Feeder | 42,165 | 3,100 | 2007 | TC until Apr-26<br><br> <br>Then until Apr-29 | $19,000<br><br> <br>$30,000 |
| GREGOS(*) | Feeder | 38,733 | 2,800 | 2023 | TC until Apr-26<br><br> <br>TC until Mar-29 | $48,000<br><br> <br>$30,000 |
| TERATAKI (*) | Feeder | 38,733 | 2,800 | 2023 | TC until Jul-26<br><br> <br>TC until Jun-29 | $48,000<br><br> <br>$30,000 |
| TENDER SOUL(*) | Feeder | 38,733 | 2,800 | 2024 | TC until Oct-27 | $32,000 |
| LEONIDAS Z (*) | Feeder | 38,733 | 2,800 | 2024 | TC until Apr-26<br><br> <br>TC until Feb-29 | $20,000<br><br> <br>$30,000 |
| DEAR PANEL (*) | Feeder | 38,733 | 2,800 | 2025 | TC until Nov-27 | $32,000 |
| SYMEON P (*) | Feeder | 38,733 | 2,800 | 2025 | TC until Nov-27 | $32,000 |
| EVRIDIKI G(+) | Feeder | 34,654 | 2,556 | 2001 | TC until Jun-26 | $29,500 |
| EM CORFU(*) | Feeder | 34,649 | 2,556 | 2001 | TC until Aug-26 | $28,000 |
| PEPI STAR(*) | Feeder | 22,563 | 1,800 | 2024 | TC until Jun-26 | $24,250 |
| MONICA (*) | Feeder | 22,563 | 1,800 | 2024 | TC until May-27 | $23,500 |
| STEPHANIA K (*) | Feeder | 22,563 | 1,800 | 2024 | TC until May-26 | $22,000 |
| EM SPETSES(*) | Feeder | 23,224 | 1,740 | 2007 | TC until Feb-28 | $21,500 |
| JONATHAN P.(*) | Feeder | 23,732 | 1,740 | 2006 | TC until Oct-26 | $25,000 |
| EM HYDRA(*) | Feeder | 23,351 | 1,740 | 2005 | TC until May-27 | $19,000 |
| Total Container Carriers | 21 | 786,362 | 61,144 | |||
| Vessels under construction | Type | Dwt | TEU | To be delivered | Employment (*) | TCE Rate ($/day) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ELENA (H1711) | Intermediate | 56,266 | 4,484 | Q3 2027 | TC until Jun-31 | $35,500 |
| NIKITAS G (H1712) | Intermediate | 56,266 | 4,484 | Q4 2027 | TC until Sep-31 | $35,500 |
| THRYLOS (YZJ2024-1768) (**) | Intermediate | 56,266 | 4,484 | Q1 2028 | TC until Feb-32 | $35,500 |
| SOCRATES CH (YZJ2024-1769) (**) | Intermediate | 56,266 | 4,484 | Q2 2028 | TC until Apr-32 | $35,500 |
| DANAI (HCY-438) | Feeder | 35,100 | 2,798 | Q2 2028 | ||
| NENI (HCY-439) | Feeder | 35,100 | 2,798 | Q3 2028 | ||
| Total under construction | 6 | 295,264 | 23,532 |
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| (*) | TC denotes time charter. All dates listed are the earliest redelivery dates under each TC unless the contract rate is lower than the current market rate in which cases the latest redelivery date is assumed; vessels with the latest redelivery date shown are marked by (+ ). |
|---|---|
| (**) | The charterer has the option until Nov-2026 to extend the charters by one year with the rate of the five-year period becoming $32,500 per day. |
We plan to expand our fleet by investing in vessels in the containership market under favorable market conditions. We also intend to take advantage of the cyclical nature of the market by buying and selling ships when we believe favorable opportunities exist. We employ our vessels in the spot and time charter market. As of April 15, 2026, all of our vessels are employed under time charter contracts.
As of April 15, 2026 approximately 86% of our ship capacity days for the remainder of 2026, 65% of our ship capacity days in 2027, 44% of our ship capacity days in 2028, 22% of our ship capacity days in 2029, 16% of our ship capacity days in 2030, 13% of our ship capacity days in 2031 and 4% of our ship capacity days in 2032 are under contract.
In “Critical Accounting Estimates – Impairment of vessels” below, we discuss our policy for impairing the carrying values of our vessels. During the past few years, the market values of vessels have experienced extraordinarily high volatility, and substantial declines in many vessel classes. As a result, the charter-free market value, or basic market value, of certain of our vessels may have declined below those vessels’ carrying value. We may not impair those vessels’ carrying value under our impairment accounting policy, due to our belief that future undiscounted cash flows expected to be earned by such vessels over their operating lives would exceed such vessels’ carrying amounts.
The table set forth below indicates (i) the carrying value of each of our vessels as of December 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively, (ii) which of our vessels we believe has a basic market value below its carrying value, and (iii) the aggregate difference between carrying and market value represented by such vessels. This aggregate difference represents the approximate analysis of the amount by which we believe we would have to reduce our net income if we sold all of such vessels in the current environment, using industry-standard valuation methodologies, in cash, in arm’s-length transactions. For purposes of this calculation, we have assumed that the vessels would be sold at a price that reflects our estimate of their basic market values as of the respective year end. However, we are not holding our vessels for sale, except as otherwise noted in this report.
Our estimates of basic market value assume that our vessels are all in good and seaworthy condition without need for repair and if inspected would be certified in class without any notations. Our estimates are based on information available from various industry sources, including:
| ● | reports by industry analysts and data providers that focus on our industry and related dynamics affecting vessel values; |
|---|---|
| ● | news and industry reports of similar vessel sales; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | news and industry reports of sales of vessels that are not similar to our vessels where we have made certain adjustments in an attempt to derive information that can be used as part of our estimates; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | approximate market values for our vessels or similar vessels that we have received from shipbrokers, whether solicited or unsolicited, or that shipbrokers have generally disseminated; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | offers that we may have received from potential purchasers of our vessels; and |
| --- | --- |
| ● | vessel sale prices and values of which we are aware through both formal and informal communications with shipowners, shipbrokers, industry analysts and various other shipping industry participants and observers. |
| --- | --- |
As we obtain information from various industry and other sources, our estimates of basic market value are inherently uncertain. In addition, vessel values are highly volatile; as such, our estimates may not be indicative of the current or future basic market value of our vessels or prices that we could achieve if we were to sell them.
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| Name | Capacity | Purchase Date | Carrying Value as of December 31, 2024 (in millions) (1) | Carrying Value as of December 31, 2025 (in millions) (2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container Carriers | (teu) | |||
| EVRIDIKI G | 2,556 | May-2008 | $4.00 | $3.14 |
| JOANNA | 1,732 | Jul-2013 | $2.10 | - |
| AEGEAN EXPRESS | 1,439 | Sep-2016 | $1.49 | - |
| EM CORFU | 2,556 | Nov-2017 | $3.39 | $3.06 |
| EM KEA | 3,100 | Aug-2019 | $7.65 | $7.19 |
| EM SPETSES | 1,740 | Aug-2019 | $5.51 | $5.08 |
| EM HYDRA | 1,740 | Aug-2019 | $4.74 | $4.29 |
| DIAMANTIS P | 2,008 | Aug-2019 | $2.65 | - |
| SYNERGY BUSAN | 4,253 | Nov-2019 | $9.41 | $8.86 |
| SYNERGY ANTWERP | 4,253 | Nov-2019 | $9.33 | $8.76 |
| SYNERGY OAKLAND | 4,253 | Nov-2019 | $8.51 | $8.05 |
| SYNERGY KEELUNG | 4,253 | Nov-2019 | $9.32 | $8.77 |
| JONATHAN P. | 1,740 | Oct-2021 | $6.38 | $5.73 |
| MARCOS V. | 6,350 | Dec-2021 | $42.04(1) | - |
| EMMANUEL P | 4,250 | May-2022 | $24.15 | $21.90 |
| RENA P | 4,250 | June-2022 | $25.05 | $22.27 |
| GREGOS | 2,800 | Apr-2023 | $39.62 | $38.12 |
| TERATAKI | 2,800 | Jul-2023 | $40.21 | $38.70 |
| TENDER SOUL | 2,800 | Feb-2024 | $45.41 | $43.73 |
| LEONIDAS Z | 2,800 | Apr-2024 | $45.40 | $43.77 |
| MONICA | 1,800 | May-2024 | $35.54(1) | $34.31 |
| STEPHANIA K | 1,800 | Jun-2024 | $35.80(1) | $34.56 |
| PEPI STAR | 1,800 | Jul-2024 | $35.69(1) | $34.39 |
| SYMEON P | 2,800 | Jan-2025 | - | $45.68 |
| DEAR PANEL | 2,800 | Jan-2025 | - | $45.55 |
| Total Container Carriers | 72,673 | $443.39 | $465.91 | |
| (1) | Indicates container vessels for which we believe, as of December 31, 2024, the basic charter-free market value is lower than the vessel’s carrying value as of December 31, 2024. We believe that the aggregate carrying value of these vessels, assessed separately, of $149.1 million as of December 31, 2024 exceeds their aggregate basic charter-free market value of approximately $138.5 million by approximately $10.6 million. As further discussed in “Critical Accounting Estimates – Impairment of vessels” below, we believe that the carrying values of our vessels as of December 31, 2024 were recoverable. | |||
| --- | --- | |||
| (2) | As of December 31, 2025, the estimated fair values of all vessels exceeded their carrying values. | |||
| --- | --- |
We note that as of April 15, 2026, all our container vessels are employed under time charter contracts of durations from 2 to 38 months until the earliest redelivery charter period. If we sell those vessels with the charters attached, the sale price may be affected by the relationship of the charter rate to the prevailing market rate for a comparable charter with the same terms.
We refer you to the risk factor entitled “The market value of our vessels can fluctuate significantly, **** which may adversely affect our financial condition, cause us to breach financial covenants, result in the incurrence of a loss upon disposal of a vessel or increase the cost of acquiring additional vessels” and the discussion in Item 3.D under “Industry Risk Factors.”
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Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that we possess the following competitive strengths:
| ● | Experienced Management Team. Our management team has significant experience in all aspects of commercial, technical, operational and financial areas of our business. Aristides J. Pittas, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, holds a dual graduate degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and Ocean Systems Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has worked in various technical, shipyard and ship management capacities and since 1991 has focused on the ownership and operation of vessels carrying dry cargoes. Dr. Anastasios Aslidis, our Chief Financial Officer, holds a Ph.D. in Ocean Systems Management also from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has over 30 years of experience, primarily as a partner at a Boston based international consulting firm focusing on investment and risk management in the maritime industry. |
|---|---|
| ● | Cost Efficient Vessel Operations. We believe that because of the efficiencies afforded to us through Eurobulk, the strength of our management team and the quality of our fleet, we are, and will continue to be, a reliable, low cost vessel operator, without compromising our high standards of performance, reliability and safety. Despite the average age of our fleet being approximately 12.08 years on April 15, 2026, our total vessel operating expenses, including management fees and general and administrative expenses but excluding drydocking expenses were $7,602 per day for the year ended December 31, 2025. Our technical and operating expertise allows us to efficiently manage and transport a wide range of cargoes with a flexible trade route profile, which helps reduce ballast time between voyages and minimize off-hire days. Our professional, well-trained masters, officers and onboard crews further help us to control costs and ensure consistent vessel operating performance. We actively manage our fleet and strive to maximize utilization and minimize maintenance expenditures for operational and commercial utilization. For each of the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, our operational fleet utilization was 99.7%, while our commercial utilization rate was 100.0%. Our total fleet utilization rate in 2025 and 2024 was 99.7%. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Strong Relationships with Customers and Financial Institutions. We believe ourselves, Eurobulk and the Pittas family to have developed strong industry relationships and to have gained acceptance with charterers, lenders and insurers because of long-standing reputation for safe and reliable service and financial responsibility through various shipping cycles. Through Eurobulk, we offer reliable service and cargo carrying flexibility that enables us to attract customers and obtain repeat business. We also believe that the established customer base and reputation of ourselves, Eurobulk and the Pittas family help us to secure favorable employment for our vessels with well-known charterers. |
| --- | --- |
Our Business Strategy
Our business strategy is focused on providing consistent shareholder returns by carefully timing and structuring acquisitions of containerships and by reliably, safely and competitively operating our vessels through Eurobulk. We continuously evaluate purchase and sale opportunities, as well as long term employment opportunities for our vessels. Key elements of the above strategy are:
| ● | Renew and Expand our Fleet. We expect to grow our fleet in a disciplined manner through timely and selective acquisitions of quality vessels. We perform in-depth technical review and financial analysis of each potential acquisition and only purchase vessels as market opportunities present themselves. We focus on purchasing well-maintained secondhand vessels, newbuildings or newbuilding resales based on the evaluation of each investment option at the time it is made. In June 2021 and January 2022, we entered into contracts for the construction of four newbuilding containership vessels with a capacity of 2,800 teu each, while in March and May 2022, we entered into another two contracts for the construction of three newbuilding containership vessels with a capacity of 1,800 teu each and two additional newbuilding containership vessels with a capacity of 2,800 teu each. Two of the newbuilding vessels were delivered in April and July 2023, while the third was delivered in February 2024 and the fourth one in April 2024. The remaining three newbuilding vessels were gradually delivered in May, June and July 2024, respectively, while the last two were delivered in January 2025. In May and June 2022, we acquired two intermediate 4,250 teu containerships built in 2005 and 2007, respectively. In December 2022, we sold one containership vessel for scrap, which was delivered in January 2023 to its new owners. In June 2024 and January 2025, we sold another two containerships to third-party buyers. In October 2025, we sold a containership to third-party buyers. In June 2024, we entered into two contracts for the construction of two additional eco-design fuel efficient containerships. The vessels have a carrying capacity of about 4,300 teu each and will be built at Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding CO., Ltd., in China. The two newbuildings are scheduled to be delivered in the third and fourth quarter of 2027. The total contracted consideration for these two newbuilding contracts is approximately $120.5 million. On June 28, 2024, two subsidiaries, which were consolidated by the Company on July 28, 2025, entered into two contracts for the construction of two additional eco-design fuel-efficient containerships. The vessels will have a carrying capacity of about 4,300 teu each and will be built at Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding CO., Ltd., in China.. The vessels are scheduled to be delivered during the first and second quarter of 2028. The total consideration of the two newbuilding contracts is approximately $118.50 million . On December 16, 2025, the Company signed two contracts for the construction of two additional eco-design fuel efficient containerships. The vessels will have a carrying capacity of about 2,800 teu each and will be built at Huanghai Shipbuilding CO., Ltd., in China. The two newbuildings are scheduled to be delivered in the second and third quarter of 2028. The total contracted consideration for these two newbuilding contracts is approximately $92.7 million. |
|---|
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| ● | Maintain Balanced Employment. We intend to employ our fleet on either longer-term time charters, i.e. charters with duration of more than a year, or shorter term time/spot charters. We seek longer term time charter employment to obtain adequate cash flow to cover as much as possible of our fleet’s recurring costs, consisting of vessel operating expenses, management fees, general and administrative expenses, interest expense and drydocking costs for the upcoming 12-month period. When we expect charter rates to improve we try to increase the percentage of our fleet employed in shorter term contracts (allowing us to take advantage of higher rates in the future), while when we expect the market to weaken we try to increase the percentage of our fleet employed in longer term contracts (allowing us to take advantage of higher current rates). We believe this balanced employment strategy will provide us with more predictable operating cash flows and sufficient downside protection, while allowing us to participate in the potential upside of the spot market during periods of rising charter rates. As of April 15, 2026, 2026, on the basis of our existing time charters, approximately 86% of our ship capacity days for the remainder of 2026, 65% of our ship capacity days in 2027, 44% of our ship capacity days in 2028, 22% of our ship capacity days in 2029, 16% of our ship capacity days in 2030, 13% of our ship capacity days in 2031 and 4% of our ship capacity days in 2032 are under time charter contracts, which will ensure employment of a portion of our fleet, and will partly protect us from market fluctuations and increase our ability to make principal and interest payments on our debt and pay dividends to our shareholders. |
|---|---|
| ● | Optimize Use of Financial Leverage. We intend to use bank debt to partly fund our vessel acquisitions and increase financial returns for our shareholders. We actively assess the level of debt we incur in light of our ability to repay that debt based on the level of cash flow generated from our balanced chartering strategy and efficient operating cost structure. Our bank debt repayment schedule as of December 31, 2025 calls for a reduction of approximately 9% of our debt by the end of 2026 and an additional reduction of about 17% by the end of 2027 for a total of 26% reduction over the next two years, excluding any new debt that we assumed or may assume. As our debt is being repaid we expect that our ability to raise or borrow additional funds more cheaply in order to grow our fleet and generate better returns for our shareholders will increase. |
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| ● | Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Practices. We actively manage a broad range of ESG initiatives, taking into consideration their expected impact on the sustainability of our business over time, and the potential impact of our business on society and the environment. Regarding environmental initiatives, in 2023, 2024 and 2025 we implemented technical and operational measures that we expect will result in energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint for our vessels. Moreover, we pay considerable attention to our human resources both on our vessels and ashore, proven by a variety of practices, including worldwide training on safety and management systems, and medical insurance for all employees. |
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Our Customers
We have well-established relationships with major containership charterers, which we serve by carrying a variety of cargoes over a multitude of routes around the globe. We are a relationship driven company, and our top five customers in 2025 include three of our top five customers from 2024 and three from 2023. Our top five customers accounted for approximately 87% of our revenues in 2025, 76% of our revenues in 2024 and 82% of our revenues in 2023. In 2025, OOCL, Maersk, ASYAD, CMA and ZIM accounted for 32%, 23%, 15%, 10% and 7% of our revenues respectively. In 2024, Maersk, ASYAD, ZIM, OOCL and Hapag-Lloyd accounted for 22%, 17%, 15%, 12% and 10% of our revenues, respectively. In 2023, ZIM, Maersk, Sealand, ASYAD and CMA accounted for 23%, 23%, 15%, 11% and 10% of our revenues, respectively. We believe that our dependence on our key charter customers is moderate, because in the event of a charterer default our vessels can generally be re-chartered at the market rate, in the spot or charter market, although it is likely that such rate will be lower than the charter rate agreed with the charterer. In addition, as of the date of this report, none of our charterers have reported any inability to pay their obligations to us as a result of the ongoing conflicts such as the war in Iran, Ukraine, Palestine and events in the Red Sea region.
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The Containership Industry
Containership shipping refers to the transport of containerized trade which encompasses mainly the carriage of finished goods, but an increasing number of other cargoes in container boxes. Containerized trade has been the fastest growing sector of seaborne trade, although in the last three years the rate of growth has slowed. Containerships are categorized by their size measured in terms of twenty-foot equivalent unit (“teu”) capacity and whether they have their own gearing (cranes). The different categories of containerships are as follows: (i) Post-Panamax vessels are generally vessels with carrying capacity of more than 4,000 teu; (ii) Panamax vessels are vessels with carrying capacity from 3,000 to 4,000 teu, and, in some designs, even up to 5,000 teu; these vessels are called such because the measurements of their beam and draft are the maximum allowable through the original Panama Canal; and (iii) Feeder containerships are vessels with carrying capacity from 500 to 3,000 teu and are usually equipped with cargo loading and unloading gear. Containerships are primarily employed in time charter contracts with liner companies, which in turn employ them as part of the scheduled liner operations. Feeder containerships are put in liner schedules feeding containers to and from central regional ports (hubs) where larger containerships provide cross ocean or longer haul service. The length of the time charter contract can range from several months to years.
Our Competitors
We operate in markets that are highly competitive and based primarily on supply and demand. We compete for charters on the basis of price, vessel location, size, age and vessel condition, as well as on reputation. Eurobulk arranges our charters (whether spot charters, time charters or shipping pools) through Eurochart S.A. (“Eurochart”), an affiliated brokering company which negotiates the terms of the charters based on market conditions. We compete with other shipowners of carriers primarily in the Feeder and Panamax containership sectors. Ownership of containerships is highly fragmented and is divided among state controlled and independent shipowners. Some of our publicly listed competitors include Danaos Corporation (NYSE: DAC), Costamare Inc. (NASDAQ: CMRE) and Global Ship Lease Inc. (NYSE: GSL).
Seasonality
The containership shipping industry’s seasonal trends are driven by the import patterns of manufactured goods and refrigerated cargoes by the major importers, such as the United States, Europe and Japan. The volume of containerized trade is usually higher in the fall in preparation for the holiday season. During this period, container shipping rates are higher and, as a result, so are charter rates.
Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry
Government regulation and laws significantly affect the ownership and operation of our fleet. We are subject to international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the countries in which our vessels may operate or are registered relating to safety and health and environmental protection including the storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and the remediation of contamination and liability for damage to natural resources. Compliance with such laws, regulations and other requirements entails significant expense, including vessel modifications and implementation of certain operating procedures.
A variety of government and private entities subject our vessels to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. These entities include the local port authorities (applicable national authorities such as the USCG, harbor master or equivalent), classification societies, flag state administrations (countries of registry) and charterers, particularly terminal operators. Certain of these entities require us to obtain permits, licenses, certificates and other authorizations for the operation of our vessels. Failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur substantial costs or result in the temporary suspension of the operation of one or more of our vessels.
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Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for vessels that conform to stricter environmental standards. We are required to maintain operating standards for all of our vessels that emphasize operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with United States and international regulations. We believe that the operation of our vessels is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that our vessels have all material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations necessary for the conduct of our operations. However, because such laws and regulations frequently change and may impose increasingly stricter requirements, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. In addition, a future serious marine incident that causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our profitability.
While we do not carry oil as cargo, we do carry fuel oil (bunkers) in our containerships. We currently maintain, for each of our vessels, pollution liability insurance coverage of $1.0 billion per incident. If the damages from a catastrophic spill exceeded our insurance coverage, that would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating cash flows.
International Maritime Organization
The International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency for maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by vessels (the “IMO”), has adopted the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, collectively referred to as MARPOL 73/78 and herein as “MARPOL,” the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974 (“SOLAS Convention”), and the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966 (the “LL Convention”). MARPOL establishes environmental standards relating to oil leakage or spilling, garbage management, sewage, air emissions, handling and disposal of noxious liquids and the handling of harmful substances in packaged forms. MARPOL is applicable to drybulk, tanker and LNG carriers, among other vessels, and is broken into six Annexes, each of which regulates a different source of pollution. Annex I relates to oil leakage or spilling; Annexes II and III relate to harmful substances carried in bulk in liquid or in packaged form, respectively; Annexes IV and V relate to sewage and garbage management, respectively; and Annex VI, lastly, relates to air emissions. Annex VI was separately adopted by the IMO in September of 1997; new emissions standards, titled IMO-2020, took effect on January 1, 2020.
Air Emissions
In September of 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to MARPOL to address air pollution from vessels. Effective May 2005, Annex VI sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from all commercial vessel exhausts and prohibits “deliberate emissions” of ozone depleting substances (such as halons and chlorofluorocarbons), emissions of volatile compounds from cargo tanks and the shipboard incineration of specific substances. Annex VI also includes a global cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions, as explained below. Emissions of “volatile organic compounds” from certain vessels, and the shipboard incineration (from incinerators installed after January 1, 2000) of certain substances (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, or “PCBs”) are also prohibited. We believe that all our vessels are currently compliant in all material respects with these regulations.
The Marine Environment Protection Committee, or “MEPC,” adopted amendments to Annex VI regarding emissions of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and ozone depleting substances, which entered into force on July 1, 2010. The amended Annex VI seeks to further reduce air pollution by, among other things, implementing a progressive reduction of the amount of sulfur contained in any fuel oil used on board ships. On October 27, 2016, MEPC 70 agreed to implement a global 0.5% m/m sulfur oxide emissions limit (reduced from 3.50%) starting from January 1, 2020. This limitation can be met by using low-sulfur compliant fuel oil, alternative fuels or certain exhaust gas cleaning systems. Ships are now required to obtain bunker delivery notes and International Air Pollution Prevention (“IAPP”) Certificates from their flag states that specify sulfur content. Additionally, at MEPC 73, amendments to Annex VI to prohibit the carriage of bunkers above 0.5% sulfur on ships were adopted and took effect on March 1, 2020, with the exception of vessels fitted with exhaust gas cleaning equipment (“scrubbers”) which can carry fuel of higher sulfur content. These regulations subject ocean-going vessels to stringent emissions controls, and may cause us to incur substantial costs.
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Sulfur content standards are even stricter within certain “Emission Control Areas,” or (“ECAs”). As of January 1, 2015, ships operating within an ECA were not permitted to use fuel with sulfur content in excess of 0.1% m/m. Currently, the IMO has designated five ECAs, including specified portions of the Baltic Sea area, Mediterranean Sea area, North Sea area, North American area and United States Caribbean area. Ocean-going vessels in these areas will be subject to stringent emission controls and may cause us to incur additional costs. Other areas in China are subject to local regulations that impose stricter emission controls. In July 2023, MEPC 80 announced three new ECA proposals, including the Canadian Arctic waters and the Norwegian Sea, which should take effect in March 2027. MEPC 83 also approved the Northeast Atlantic Ocean as an ECA and is expected to take effect in 2028. If the other ECAs are approved by the IMO, or other new or more stringent requirements relating to emissions from marine diesel engines or port operations by vessels are adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or the states where we operate, compliance with these regulations could entail significant capital expenditures or otherwise increase the costs of our operations.
The amended Annex VI also established new tiers of stringent nitrogen oxide emissions standards for marine diesel engines, depending on their date of installation. Tier III NOx standards were designed for the control of NOx produced by vessels and apply to ships that operate in the North American and U.S. Caribbean Sea ECAs with marine diesel engines installed and constructed on or after January 1, 2016. At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, the MEPC approved the North Sea and Baltic Sea as ECAs for nitrogen oxide for ships built on or after January 1, 2021. The Canadian-Arctic ECA for NOx will also be effective starting from March 1, 2026 for ships built on or after January 1, 2025. For the Norwegian Sea ECA, the NOx Tier III engine certification requirement will apply to ships (i) with building contracts placed on or after March 1, 2026, (ii) in the absence of a building contract, constructed on or after September 1, 2026, or (iii) delivered on or after March 1, 2030. For the North-East Atlantic ECA, the requirement is expected to apply to ships (i) contracted on or after January 1, 2027, (ii) in the absence of a building contract, constructed on or after July 1, 2027, or (iii) delivered on or after January 1, 2031.The EPA promulgated equivalent (and in some senses stricter) emissions standards in 2010. Tier III requirements could apply to additional areas designated for Tier III NOx in the future. In April 2025, MEPC 83 also adopted amendments (expected to enter into force late 2026 and early 2027) to the NOx Technical Code 2008, which allows ships to optimize fuel consumption based on their operational profile, thus improving energy efficiency, while ensuring compliance with NOx emission requirements. As a result of these designations or similar future designations, we may be required to incur additional operating or other costs.
At the MEPC 70, Regulation 22A of MARPOL Annex VI became effective as of March 1, 2018 and requires ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to collect and report annual data on fuel oil consumption to an IMO database, with the first year of data collection having commenced on January 1, 2019. The IMO used such data as part of its initial roadmap for developing its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, as discussed further below. MEPC 83 approved draft amendments to make the IMO’s data collection system more accessible to the public through an anonymized database.
As of January 1, 2013, MARPOL made mandatory certain measures relating to energy efficiency for ships. All ships are now required to develop and implement Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans (“SEEMPs”), and new ships must be designed in compliance with minimum energy efficiency levels per capacity mile as defined by the Energy Efficiency Design Index (“EEDI”). Additionally, MEPC 75 adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI which brings forward the effective date of the EEDI’s “phase 3” requirements from January 1, 2025 to April 1, 2022 for several ship types, including gas carriers, general cargo ships, and LNG carriers.
Additionally, in 2022, MEPC 75 amended Annex VI to impose new regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. These amendments introduce requirements to assess and measure the energy efficiency of all ships and set the required attainment values, with the goal of reducing the carbon intensity of international shipping. The requirements include (1) a technical requirement to reduce carbon intensity based on a new Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (“EEXI”), and (2) operational carbon intensity reduction requirements, based on a new operational carbon intensity indicator (“CII”). The attained EEXI is required to be calculated for ships of 400 gross tonnage and above, in accordance with different values set for ship types and categories. With respect to the CII, the draft amendments would require ships of 5,000 gross tonnage to document and verify their actual annual operational CII achieved against a determined required annual operational CII. All ships above 400 gross tonnage must also have an approved SEEMP on board. For ships above 5,000 gross tonnage, the SEEMP needs to include certain mandatory content. That same year, MEPC amended MARPOL Annex I to prohibit the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil (“HFO”) by ships in Arctic waters on and after July 1, 2024.
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In 2021, MEPC 77 adopted a non-binding resolution which urges Member States and ship operators to voluntarily use distillate or other cleaner alternative fuels or methods of propulsion that are safe for ships and could contribute to the reduction of Black Carbon emissions from ships when operating in or near the Arctic. MEPC 79 adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix IX to include the attained and required CII values, the CII rating and attained EEXI for existing ships in the required information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database. MEPC 79 also revised the EEDI calculation guidelines to include a CO2 conversion factor for ethane, a reference to the updated ITCC guidelines, and a clarification that in case of a ship with multiple load line certificates, the maximum certified summer draft should be used when determining the deadweight. These amendments entered into force on May 1, 2024. In July 2023, MEPC 80 approved the plan for reviewing CII regulations and guidelines, and in April 2025, MEPC 83 adopted amendments to 2021 Guidelines on operational carbon intensity reduction factors, which outline methods for determining CII reduction factors from 2023 and now includes newly defined factors from 2027 to 2030.
We may incur costs to comply with these revised standards. Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could require the installation of expensive emission control systems and could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Safety Management System Requirements
The SOLAS Convention was amended to address the safe manning of vessels and emergency training drills. The Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (the “LLMC”) sets limitations of liability for a loss of life or personal injury claim or a property claim against ship owners. We believe that our vessels are in substantial compliance with SOLAS and LLMC standards.
Under Chapter IX of the SOLAS Convention, or the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (the “ISM Code”), our operations are also subject to environmental standards and requirements. The ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and for responding to emergencies. We rely upon the safety management system that we and our technical management team have developed for compliance with the ISM Code. The failure of a vessel owner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject such party to increased liability, may decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel’s management with the ISM Code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a safety management certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code. We have obtained applicable documents of compliance for our offices and safety management certificates for all of our vessels for which the certificates are required by the IMO. The documents of compliance and safety management certificates are renewed as required.
Although all our vessels are currently ISM Code-certified, such certification may not be maintained by all our vessels at all times. Non-compliance with the ISM Code may subject such party to increased liability, invalidate existing insurance or decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard and E.U. authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and E.U. ports.
Amendments to the SOLAS Convention Chapter VII apply to vessels transporting dangerous goods and require those vessels be in compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (“IMDG Code”). Effective January 1, 2018, the IMDG Code includes (1) the provisions for radioactive material, reflecting the latest provisions from the International Atomic Energy Agency, (2) marking, packing and classification requirements for dangerous goods and (3) mandatory training requirements. Amendments which took effect on January 1, 2020 also reflect the latest material from the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, including (1) provisions regarding IMO type 9 tank, (2) abbreviations for segregation groups, and (3) special provisions for carriage of lithium batteries and of vehicles powered by flammable liquid or gas. Additional amendments, which came into force on June 1, 2022, include (1) addition of a definition of dosage rate, (2) additions to the list of high consequence dangerous goods, (3) new provisions for medical/clinical waste, (4) addition of various ISO standards for gas cylinders, (5) a new handling code, and (6) changes to stowage and segregation provisions. The newest edition of the IMDG Code took effect on January 1, 2024, although the changes are largely incremental.
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The IMO has also adopted the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (“STCW”). As of February 2017, all seafarers are required to meet the STCW standards and be in possession of a valid STCW certificate. Flag states that have ratified SOLAS and STCW generally employ the classification societies, which have incorporated SOLAS and STCW requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance.
The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee and MEPC, respectively, each adopted relevant parts of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Water (the “Polar Code”). The Polar Code, which entered into force on January 1, 2017, covers design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue as well as environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in the waters surrounding the two poles. It also includes mandatory measures regarding safety and pollution prevention as well as recommendatory provisions. The Polar Code applies to new ships constructed after January 1, 2017, and after January 1, 2018, ships constructed before January 1, 2017 are required to meet the relevant requirements by the earlier of their first intermediate or renewal survey.
Furthermore, cybersecurity guidance and regulations have been developed in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats. By IMO resolution, administrations are encouraged to ensure that cyber-risk management systems are incorporated by ship-owners and managers by their first annual Document of Compliance audit after January 1, 2021. In February 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard published guidance on addressing cyber risks in a vessel’s safety management system. For new ships and offshore installations contracted for construction on or after January 1, 2024, the International Association of Classification Societies (“IACS”) now requires vessel owners, yard and suppliers to build cybersecurity barriers into their systems and vessels, requiring compliance across the full spectrum of critical on-board control and navigation systems. On July 16, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard’s final rule, Cybersecurity in the Martine Transportation System, went into effect. Under this rule, all regulated entities are required to develop Cybersecurity and Cyber Incident Response Plans, designate a Cybersecurity Officer to implement plans, and to report certain cyber incidents to the National Response Center. This might cause companies to create additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional expenses and/or capital expenditures. To comply with these regulations, we developed a Cybersecurity Manual for all our vessels that was reviewed by IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee in March 2021.
In June 2022, SOLAS also set out new amendments that took effect January 1, 2024, which include new requirements for: (1) the design for safe mooring operations, (2) the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (“GMDSS”), (3) watertight integrity, (4) watertight doors on cargo ships, (5) fault-isolation of fire detection systems, (6) life-saving appliances, and (7) safety of ships using LNG as fuel. These new requirements may impact the cost of our operations.
Pollution Control and Liability Requirements
The IMO has negotiated international conventions that impose liability for pollution in international waters and the territorial waters of the signatories to such conventions. For example, the IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (the “BWM Convention”) in 2004. The BWM Convention entered into force on September 8, 2017. The BWM Convention requires ships to manage their ballast water to remove, render harmless or avoid the uptake or discharge of new or invasive aquatic organisms and pathogens within ballast water and sediments. The BWM Convention’s implementing regulations call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements, to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits, and require all ships to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate.
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The MEPC maintains guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8). Ships over 400 gross tons generally must comply with a “D-1 standard,” requiring the exchange of ballast water only in open seas and away from coastal waters. The “D-2 standard” specifies the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged, and compliance dates vary depending on the IOPP renewal dates. The standards have been in force since 2019, and for most ships, compliance with the D-2 standard involved installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms. Ballast water management systems, which include systems that make use of chemical, biocides, organisms or biological mechanisms, or which alter the chemical or physical characteristics of the ballast water, must be approved in accordance with IMO Guidelines (Regulation D-3). Since September 8, 2024, all ships have met the D-2 standard. Costs of compliance with these regulations may be substantial. Additionally, in November 2020, MEPC 75 adopted amendments to the BWM Convention which would require a commissioning test of the ballast water management system for the initial survey or when performing an additional survey for retrofits. This analysis will not apply to ships that already have an installed BWM system certified under the BWM Convention. These amendments have entered into force on June 1, 2022. In December 2022, MEPC 79 agreed that it should be permitted to use ballast tanks for temporary storage of treated sewage and grey water. MEPC 79 also established that ships are expected to return to D-2 compliance after experiencing challenging uptake water and bypassing a BWM system should only be used as a last resort.
Once mid-ocean exchange ballast water treatment requirements become mandatory under the BWM Convention, the cost of compliance could increase for ocean carriers and may have a material effect on our operations. However, many countries already regulate the discharge of ballast water carried by vessels from country to country to prevent the introduction of invasive and harmful species via such discharges. The U.S., for example, requires vessels entering its waters from another country to conduct mid-ocean ballast exchange, or undertake some alternate measure, and to comply with certain reporting requirements.
The IMO also adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (the “Bunker Convention”) to impose strict liability on ship owners (including the registered owner, bareboat charterer, manager or operator) for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel. The Bunker Convention requires registered owners of ships over 1,000 gross tons to maintain insurance for pollution damage in an amount equal to the limits of liability under the applicable national or international limitation regime (but not exceeding the amount calculated in accordance with the LLMC). With respect to non-ratifying states, liability for spills or releases of oil carried as fuel in ship’s bunkers typically is determined by the national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where the events or damages occur.
Ships are required to maintain a certificate attesting that they maintain adequate insurance to cover an incident. In jurisdictions, such as the United States where the Bunker Convention has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or on a strict-liability basis.
Anti‑Fouling Requirements
In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti‑fouling Systems on Ships, or the “Anti‑fouling Convention.” The Anti‑fouling Convention, which entered into force on September 17, 2008, prohibits the use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels. Vessels of over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages will also be required to undergo an initial survey before the vessel is put into service or before an International Anti‑fouling System Certificate is issued for the first time; and subsequent surveys when the anti‑fouling systems are altered or replaced. Vessels of 24 meters in length or more but less than 400 gross tonnage engaged in international voyages will have to carry a Declaration on Anti-fouling Systems signed by the owner or authorized agent. We have obtained Anti‑fouling System Certificates for all of our vessels that are subject to the Anti‑fouling Convention.
In November 2020, MEPC 75 approved draft amendments to the Anti-fouling Convention to prohibit anti-fouling systems containing cybutryne, which applied to ships from January 1, 2023, or, for ships already bearing such an anti-fouling system, at the next scheduled renewal of the system after that date, but no later than 60 months following the last application to the ship of such a system. In addition, the IAFS Certificate has been updated to address compliance options for anti-fouling systems to address cybutryne. Ships which are affected by this ban on cybutryne must receive an updated IAFS Certificate no later than two years after the entry into force of these amendments. Ships which are not affected (i.e. with anti-fouling systems which do not contain cybutryne) must receive an updated IAFS Certificate at the next Anti-fouling application to the vessel. These amendments were formally adopted at MEPC 76 in June 2021 and entered into force on January 1, 2023.
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Compliance Enforcement
Noncompliance with the ISM Code or other IMO regulations may subject the ship owner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The USCG and European Union authorities prohibit vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code by applicable deadlines from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively. As of the date of this annual report, each of our vessels is ISM Code certified. However, there can be no assurance that such certificates will be maintained in the future**.** The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulations might have on our operations.
United States Regulations
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA”) established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills. OPA affects all “owners and operators” whose vessels trade or operate within the U.S., its territories and possessions or whose vessels operate in U.S. waters, which includes the U.S.’s territorial sea and its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone around the U.S. The U.S. has also enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), which applies to the discharge of hazardous substances other than oil, except in limited circumstances, whether on land or at sea. OPA and CERCLA both define “owner and operator” in the case of a vessel as any person owning, operating or chartering by demise, the vessel. Both OPA and CERCLA impact our operations.
Under OPA, vessel owners and operators are “responsible parties” and are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war) for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages arising from discharges or threatened discharges of oil from their vessels, including bunkers (fuel). OPA defines these other damages broadly to include:
| (i) | injury to, destruction or loss of, or loss of use of, natural resources and related assessment costs; |
|---|---|
| (ii) | injury to, or economic losses resulting from, the destruction of real and personal property; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | loss of subsistence use of natural resources that are injured, destroyed or lost; |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees or net profit revenues resulting from injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property, or natural resources; |
| --- | --- |
| (v) | lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property or natural resources; and |
| --- | --- |
| (vi) | net cost of increased or additional public services necessitated by removal activities following a discharge of oil, such as protection from fire, safety or health hazards, and loss of subsistence use of natural resources. |
| --- | --- |
OPA contains statutory caps on liability and damages; such caps do not apply to direct cleanup costs. On December 23, 2023, the USCG issued a final rule to adjust the limitation of liability under the OPA. Effective March 23, 2023, the new adjusted limits of OPA liability for non-tank vessels, edible oil tank vessels, and any oil spill response vessels, amount to the greater of $1,300 per gross ton or $1,076,000 (previous limit was $1,200 per gross ton or $997,100). These limits of liability do not apply if an incident was proximately caused by the violation of an applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulation by a responsible party (or its agent, employee or a person acting pursuant to a contractual relationship) or a responsible party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The limitation on liability similarly does not apply if the responsible party fails or refuses to (i) report the incident as required by law where the responsible party knows or has reason to know of the incident; (ii) reasonably cooperate and assist as requested in connection with oil removal activities; or (iii) without sufficient cause, comply with an order issued under the Federal Water Pollution Act (Section 311 (c), (e)) or the Intervention on the High Seas Act.
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CERCLA contains a similar liability regime whereby owners and operators of vessels are liable for cleanup, removal and remedial costs, as well as damages for injury to, or destruction or loss of, natural resources, including the reasonable costs associated with assessing the same, and health assessments or health effects studies. There is no liability if the discharge of a hazardous substance results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war. Liability under CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5.0 million for vessels carrying a hazardous substance as cargo and the greater of $300 per gross ton or $500,000 for any other vessel. These limits do not apply (rendering the responsible person liable for the total cost of response and damages) if the release or threat of release of a hazardous substance resulted from willful misconduct or negligence, or the primary cause of the release was a violation of applicable safety, construction or operating standards or regulations. The limitation on liability also does not apply if the responsible person fails or refused to provide all reasonable cooperation and assistance as requested in connection with response activities where the vessel is subject to OPA.
OPA and CERCLA each preserve the right to recover damages under existing law, including maritime tort law. OPA and CERCLA both require owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the USCG evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the maximum amount of liability to which the particular responsible person may be subject. Vessel owners and operators may satisfy their financial responsibility obligations by providing a proof of insurance, a surety bond, qualification as a self-insurer or a guarantee. We comply and plan to comply going forward with the USCG’s financial responsibility regulations by providing applicable certificates of financial responsibility.
OPA specifically permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, provided they accept, at a minimum, the levels of liability established under OPA and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills and many U.S. states that border a navigable waterway have enacted environmental pollution laws that impose strict liability on a person for removal costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance. Moreover, some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within their waters, although in some cases, states which have enacted this type of legislation have not yet issued implementing regulations defining vessel owners’ responsibilities under these laws. These laws may be more stringent than U.S. federal law. We intend to comply with all applicable state regulations in the ports where the Company’s vessels call.
We currently maintain pollution liability coverage insurance in the amount of $1.0 billion per incident for each of our vessels. If the damages from a catastrophic spill were to exceed our insurance coverage, it could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Other United States Environmental Initiatives
The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970 (including its amendments of 1977 and 1990) (“CAA”) requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. The CAA requires states to adopt State Implementation Plans, or “SIPs,” some of which regulate emissions resulting from vessel loading and unloading operations which may affect our vessels.
The U.S. Clean Water Act (“CWA”) prohibits the discharge of oil, hazardous substances and ballast water in U.S. navigable waters unless authorized by a duly-issued permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for any unauthorized discharges. The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA and CERCLA.
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The EPA and the USCG have also enacted rules relating to ballast water discharge, compliance with which requires the installation of equipment on our vessels to treat ballast water before it is discharged or the implementation of other port facility disposal arrangements or procedures at potentially substantial costs, and/or otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. Waters. The EPA will regulate these ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain vessels within United States waters pursuant to the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (“VIDA”), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018 and replaces the 2013 Vessel General Permit (“VGP”) program (which authorizes discharges incidental to operations of commercial vessels and contains numeric ballast water discharge limits for most vessels to reduce the risk of invasive species in U.S. waters, stringent requirements for exhaust gas scrubbers, and requirements for the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants) and current Coast Guard ballast water management regulations adopted under the U.S. National Invasive Species Act (“NISA”), such as mid-ocean ballast exchange programs and installation of approved USCG technology for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks bound for U.S. ports or entering U.S. waters. VIDA establishes a new framework for the regulation of vessel incidental discharges under Clean Water Act (CWA), requires the EPA to develop performance standards for those discharges within two years of enactment, and requires the U.S. Coast Guard to develop implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations within two years of EPA’s promulgation of standards. In October 2024, the EPA finalized its rule on Vessel Incidental Discharge Standards of Performance, which means that the U.S. Coast Guard must now develop corresponding regulations regarding ballast water within two years of that date. Under VIDA, all provisions of the 2013 VGP and USCG regulations regarding ballast water treatment remain in force and effect until the EPA and U.S. Coast Guard regulations are finalized. Non-military, non-recreational vessels greater than 79 feet in length must continue to comply with the requirements of the VGP, including submission of a Notice of Intent (“NOI”) or retention of a PARI form and submission of annual reports. We have submitted NOIs for our vessels where required. Compliance with the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard and state regulations could require the installation of ballast water treatment equipment on our vessels or the implementation of other port facility disposal procedures at potentially substantial cost, or may otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. waters.
European Union Regulations
In October 2009, the European Union amended a directive to impose criminal sanctions for illicit ship-source discharges of polluting substances, including minor discharges, if committed with intent, recklessly or with serious negligence and the discharges individually or in the aggregate result in deterioration of the quality of water. Aiding and abetting the discharge of a polluting substance may also lead to criminal penalties. The directive applies to all types of vessels, irrespective of their flag, but certain exceptions apply to warships or where human safety or that of the ship is in danger. Criminal liability for pollution may result in substantial penalties or fines and increased civil liability claims.
Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 (amending EU Directive 2009/16/EC) governs the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport, and, subject to some exclusions, requires companies with ships over 5,000 gross tonnage to monitor and report carbon dioxide emissions annually, which may cause us to incur additional expenses.
The European Union has adopted several regulations and directives requiring, among other things, more frequent inspections of high-risk ships, as determined by type, age and flag as well as the number of times the ship has been detained. The European Union also adopted and extended a ban on substandard ships and enacted a minimum ban period and a definitive ban for repeated offenses. The regulation also provided the European Union with greater authority and control over classification societies, by imposing more requirements on classification societies and providing for fines or penalty payments for organizations that failed to comply. Furthermore, the EU has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines. The EU Directive 2005/33/EC (amending Directive 1999/32/EC) introduced requirements parallel to those in Annex VI relating to the sulfur content of marine fuels. In addition, the EU imposed a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in the Baltic, the North Sea and the English Channel (the so called “SOx-Emission Control Area”). As of January 2020, EU member states must also ensure that ships in all EU waters, except the SOx-Emission Control Area, use fuels with a 0.5% maximum sulfur content.
Effective January 1, 2024, the European Union Emissions Trading System (“EU ETS”) was extended to cover CO2 emissions from all ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above entering EU ports, regardless of the flag they fly. The system covers: a) 50% of emissions from voyages starting or ending outside of the EU (allowing the third country to decide on appropriate action for the remaining share of emissions) and b) 100% of emissions that occur between two EU ports and when ships are within EU ports. The EU ETS covers CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane) and N2O (nitrous oxide) emissions, but the two latter only as from 2026. Shipping companies will need to surrender to the relevant EU authorities the allowances that correspond to the emissions covered by the EU ETS. These allowances are normally purchased by the entity responsible for the purchase of bunkers, i.e. the charterers in the case of time charter agreements. In the case of voyage charter agreements, the cost of the allowances is normally included in the charter rate. There is a phase-in period requiring shipping companies to surrender allowances corresponding to 40% of their covered 2024 emissions in 2025; 70% of their covered 2025 emissions in 2026; and 100% of their covered 2026 emissions in 2027. In connection with the EU ETS regulation target CO2 emissions reductions, we are implementing and continuing to adopt measures to decarbonize our fleet and improve the Carbon Intensity Indicator (“CII”) and working to minimize the financial impact via the inclusion of a clause in our charter party agreements which imposes an obligation on the charterer to cover the cost associated with the CO2 emissions generated during voyages to and from and within the EU.
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The EU also adopted the FuelEU Maritime regulation, a proposal included in the "Fit-for-55" legislation. From January 2025, FuelEU Maritime sets requirements on the annual average GHG intensity of energy used by ships trading within the EU or European Economic Area (EEA). This intensity is measured as GHG emissions per energy unit (gCO2e/MJ) and, in turn, GHG emissions are calculated in a well-to-wake perspective. The calculation takes into account emissions related to the extraction, cultivation, production and transportation of fuel, in addition to emissions from energy used on board the ship. The baseline for the calculation is the average well-to-wake GHG intensity of the fleet in 2020: 91.16 gCO2e/MJ. This will start at a 2% reduction in 2025, increasing to 6% in 2030, and accelerating from 2035 to reach an 80% reduction by 2050.
Additional EU regulations which are part of the EU’s “Fit-for-55,” could also affect our financial position in terms of compliance and administration costs when they take effect.
International Labour Organization
The International Labour Organization (the “ILO”) is a specialized agency of the UN that has adopted the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 (“MLC 2006”). A Maritime Labor Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance is required to ensure compliance with the MLC 2006 for all ships that are 500 gross tonnage or over and are either engaged in international voyages or flying the flag of a Member and operating from a port, or between ports, in another country. We believe that all our vessels are in substantial compliance with and are certified to meet MLC 2006.
Greenhouse Gas Regulation
Currently, the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which entered into force in 2005 and pursuant to which adopting countries have been required to implement national programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. International negotiations are continuing with respect to a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, and restrictions on shipping emissions may be included in any new treaty. In December 2009, more than 27 nations, including the U.S. and China, signed the Copenhagen Accord, which includes a non-binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris resulted in the Paris Agreement, which entered into force on November 4, 2016 and does not directly limit greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The U.S. is not a party to the Paris Agreement.
At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, a draft outline of the structure of the initial strategy for developing a comprehensive IMO strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships was approved. In accordance with this roadmap, in April 2018, nations at the MEPC 72 adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The initial strategy identifies “levels of ambition” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and notes that technological innovation, alternative fuels and/or energy sources for international shipping will be integral to achieve the overall ambition. At MEPC 77, the Member States agreed to initiate the revision of the Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions from ships, recognizing the need to strengthen the “levels of ambition”.
In July 2023, MEPC 80 adopted the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (the “2023 IMO Strategy”), which builds upon the initial strategy’s levels of ambition. The revised levels of ambition include (1) further decreasing the carbon intensity from ships through improvement of energy efficiency; (2) reducing carbon intensity of international shipping; (3) increasing adoption of zero or near-zero emissions technologies, fuels, and energy sources; and (4) achieving net zero GHG emissions from international shipping. Furthermore, the following indicative checkpoints were adopted in order to reach net zero GHG emissions from international shipping: i) reduce the total annual greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, compared to 2008 levels; and ii) reduce the total annual greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040, compared to 2008 levels. As part of the 2023 IMO Strategy, MEPC also created the IMO Net-zero Framework, which will combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across the industry. The IMO Net-zero Framework was approved at MEPC 83 (Spring 2025) for potential adoption in Spring 2026 and will eventually be included in Annex VI. Under these draft regulations, ships will be required to reduce their
annual greenhouse gas fuel intensity (“GFI”) calculated using the well-to-wake approach and ships emitting above GFI thresholds will have to acquire remedial units to balance its deficit emissions, while those using zero or near-zero GHG technologies will be eligible for financial rewards. These regulations could cause us to incur additional substantial expenses.
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The EU made a unilateral commitment to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions from its member states from 20% of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU also committed to reduce its emissions by 20% under the Kyoto Protocol’s second period from 2013 to 2020. Starting in January 2018, large ships over 5,000 gross tonnage calling at EU ports are required to collect and publish data on carbon dioxide emissions and other information. Under the European Climate Law, the EU committed to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 through its “Fit-for-55” legislation package. As part of that initiative, the European Union’s carbon market, EU ETS, has been extended to cover CO2 emissions from all large ships entering EU ports starting January 2024.
In the United States, the EPA issued a finding that greenhouse gases endanger the public health and safety, adopted regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain mobile sources and proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary sources. However, in March 2017, the Trump administration issued an executive order to review and possibly eliminate the EPA’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and on August 13, 2020, the EPA released rules rolling back standards to control methane and volatile organic compound emissions from new oil and gas facilities. In early 2021, the Biden administration directed the EPA to publish a proposed rule suspending, revising, or rescinding certain of these rules, which was finalized in December 2023. However, the current administration is delaying these requirements limiting methane emissions and is considering repealing the measure altogether. Therefore, it is unclear how such regulations could affect our operations.
Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the EU, the U.S. or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level to succeed the Kyoto Protocol or Paris Agreement, that restricts emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures which we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Even in the absence of climate control legislation, our business may be indirectly affected to the extent that climate change may result in sea level changes or certain weather events.
Vessel Security Regulations
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, there have been a variety of initiatives intended to enhance vessel security such as the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (“MTSA”). To implement certain portions of the MTSA, the USCG issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and at certain ports and facilities, some of which are regulated by the EPA.
Similarly, Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention imposes detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities and mandates compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (“the ISPS Code”). The ISPS Code is designed to enhance the security of ports and ships against terrorism. To trade internationally, a vessel must attain an International Ship Security Certificate (“ISSC”) from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel’s flag state. Ships operating without a valid certificate may be detained, expelled from or refused entry at port until they obtain an ISSC.
The USCG regulations, intended to align with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from MTSA vessel security measures, provided such vessels have on board a valid ISSC that attests to the vessel’s compliance with the SOLAS Convention security requirements and the ISPS Code. Future security measures could have a significant financial impact on us. We intend to comply with the various security measures addressed by MTSA, the SOLAS Convention and the ISPS Code.
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The cost of vessel security measures has also been affected by the escalation in the frequency of acts of piracy against ships, notably off the coast of Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea area. Substantial loss of revenue and other costs may be incurred as a result of detention of a vessel or additional security measures, and the risk of uninsured losses could significantly affect our business. Costs are incurred in taking additional security measures in accordance with Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy, notably those contained in the BMP5 industry standard.
Inspection by Classification Societies
The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and SOLAS. Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage and lending that a vessel be certified “in class” by a classification society which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, the IACS. **** All of our vessels are certified as being “in class” by all the applicable Classification Societies (e.g., Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai).
A vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys, drydockings and special surveys. In lieu of a special survey, a vessel’s machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Every vessel is also required to have its underwater parts inspected by class every 30 to 36 months, but for vessels subject to enhanced survey requirements and above 15 years of age, its underwater parts must be inspected in dry-dock. If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, drydocking or special survey, the vessel will be unable to carry cargo between ports and will be unemployable and uninsurable which could cause us to be in violation of certain covenants in our loan agreements. Any such inability to carry cargo or be employed, or any such violation of covenants, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
The following table lists the upcoming intermediate or special survey for the vessels in our current fleet. Special surveys typically require drydocking of the vessels while intermediate surveys may not, depending on the age of the vessel and its condition. The intermediate surveys listed in the table below will not require drydocking of the vessels, unless otherwise specified below.
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| Vessel | Next | Type |
|---|---|---|
| EVRIDIKI G. | July 2026 | Special Survey |
| EM CORFU | October 2026 | Special Survey |
| EM SPETSES | October 2027 | Special Survey |
| EM KEA | September 2027 | Special Survey |
| EM HYDRA | June 2027 | Special Survey |
| SYNERGY BUSAN | January 2027 | Intermediate Survey |
| SYNERGY ANTWERP | November 2026 | Intermediate Survey |
| SYNERGY OAKLAND | February 2027 | Intermediate Survey |
| SYNERGY KEELUNG | May 2027 | Intermediate Survey |
| JONATHAN P. | September 2026 | Special Survey |
| EMMANUEL P. | August 2028 | Intermediate Survey |
| RENA P. | August 2027 | Special Survey |
| GREGOS | April 2026 | Intermediate Survey |
| TERATAKI | July 2026 | Intermediate Survey |
| TENDER SOUL | February 2027 | Intermediate Survey |
| LEONIDAS Z | April 2027 | Intermediate Survey |
| MONICA | May 2027 | Intermediate Survey |
| STEPHANIA K | June 2027 | Intermediate Survey |
| PEPI STAR | July 2027 | Intermediate Survey |
| DEAR PANEL | January 2028 | Intermediate Survey |
| SYMEON P | January 2028 | Intermediate Survey |
Risk of Loss and Liability Insurance
General
The operation of any cargo vessel includes risks such as mechanical failure, physical damage, collision, property loss, cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, piracy incidents, hostilities and labor strikes. In addition, there is always an inherent possibility of marine disaster, including oil spills and other environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating vessels in international trade. OPA, which imposes virtually unlimited liability upon shipowners, operators and bareboat charterers of any vessel trading in the exclusive economic zone of the United States for certain oil pollution accidents in the United States, has made liability insurance more expensive for shipowners and operators trading in the United States market. We carry insurance coverage as customary in the shipping industry. However, not all risks can be insured, specific claims may be rejected, and we might not be always able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates.
Hull and Machinery Insurance
We procure hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes environmental damage and pollution insurance and war risk insurance and freight, demurrage and defense insurance for our fleet. We generally maintain insurance against loss of hire (for certain charters for which we consider it appropriate), which covers business interruptions that result in the loss of use of a vessel.
Protection and Indemnity Insurance
Protection and indemnity insurance is provided by mutual protection and indemnity associations, or “P&I Associations,” and covers our third-party liabilities in connection with our shipping activities. This includes third-party liability and other related expenses of injury or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels, damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances and salvage, towing and other related costs, including wreck removal. Protection and indemnity insurance is a form of mutual indemnity insurance, extended by protection and indemnity mutual associations, or “clubs.”
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Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage for pollution is $1.0 billion per vessel per incident. The 12 P&I Associations that comprise the International Group insure approximately 90% of the world’s commercial tonnage and have entered into a pooling agreement to reinsure each association’s liabilities. The International Group’s website states that the Pool provides a mechanism for sharing all claims in excess of $10 million up to, currently, approximately $8.9 billion. As a member of a P&I Association, which is a member of the International Group, we are subject to calls payable to the associations based on our claim records as well as the claim records of all other members of the individual associations and members of the shipping pool of P&I Associations comprising the International Group.
| C. | Organizational structure |
|---|
Euroseas is the sole owner of all outstanding shares of the subsidiaries listed in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements under “Item 18. Financial Statements” and in Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report.
| D. | Property, plants and equipment |
|---|
We do not own any real estate property. As part of the management services provided by Eurobulk during the period in which we have conducted business to date, we have shared, at no additional cost, offices with Eurobulk. We do not have current plans to lease or purchase office space, although we may do so in the future.
Our interests in our vessels are owned through our wholly-owned vessel owning subsidiaries and these are our only material properties. Please refer to Note 1, “Basis of Presentation and General Information”, of the attached Financial Statements for a listing of our vessel owning subsidiaries. The majority of our vessels are subject to priority mortgages, which secure our obligations under our various credit facilities. For further details regarding our credit facilities, refer to “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Loans”
| Item 4A. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
|---|
None.
| Item 5. | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
|---|
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors”, “Item 4. Information on the Company— B. Business Overview”, and our financial statements and footnotes thereto contained in this annual report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements, which are based on our assumptions about the future of our business. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Please read “Forward-Looking Statements” for additional information regarding forward-looking statements used in this annual report. Reference in the following discussion to “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Euroseas and our subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise indicates or requires.
| A. | Operating results |
|---|
Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
We believe that the important measures for analysing trends in the results of our operations consist of the following:
Calendar days. We define calendar days as the total number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet was in our possession including off-hire days associated with major repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys or days of vessels in lay-up, or vessels that were committed for sale or suffered unrepaired damages. Calendar days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that we record during that period.
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Available days. We define available days as the total number of Calendar days in a period net of off-hire days associated with scheduled repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys, or days of vessels in lay-up, or vessels that were committed for sale or suffered unrepaired damages. The shipping industry uses available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels were available to generate revenues.
Voyage days. We define voyage days as the total number of Available days in a period net of off-hire days associated with unscheduled repairs or days waiting to find employment but including days our vessels were sailing for repositioning. The shipping industry uses voyage days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels actually generate revenues or are sailing for repositioning purposes. Our definition of voyage days may not be comparable to that used by other companies in the shipping industry.
Fleet utilization. We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of our voyage days during a period by the number of our available days during that period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company’s efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the amount of days that its vessels are off-hire either waiting to find employment, or commercial off-hire, or for reasons such as unscheduled repairs or other off-hire time related to the operation of the vessels, or operational off-hire. We distinguish our fleet utilization into commercial and operational. We calculate our commercial fleet utilization by dividing our available days net of commercial off-hire days during a period by our available days during that period. We calculate our operational fleet utilization by dividing our available days net of operational off-hire days during a period by our available days during that period.
Spot Charter Rates. We calculate spot charter rates on contracts made in the spot market for the use of a vessel for a specific voyage ("voyage charter") to transport a specified agreed upon cargo at a specified freight rate per ton or occasionally a lump sum amount. Under a voyage charter agreement, the charter party generally commits to a minimum amount of cargo and the charterer is liable for any short loading of cargo or "dead" freight. Spot charter rates are volatile and fluctuate on a seasonal and year to year basis. The fluctuations are caused by imbalances in the availability of cargoes for shipment and the number of vessels available at any given time to transport these cargoes.
Average Time Charter Equivalent (“Average TCE”). Average TCE is a measure of the average daily net revenue performance of our vessels. Our method of calculating average TCE is determined by dividing time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue, if any, gross of commissions, net of voyage expenses by voyage days for the relevant time period. Voyage expenses primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise be paid by the charterer under a time charter contract, are related to repositioning the vessel for the next charter, or incurred when a vessel is off hire/idle. Average TCE is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company's performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot voyage charters, time charters, pool agreements and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods) and provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with time charter revenue generated by our vessels. Our definition of TCE may not be comparable to that used by other companies in the shipping industry.
Basis of Presentation and General Information
We use the following measures to describe our financial performance:
Time charter revenue and Voyage charter revenue. Our charter revenues are driven primarily by the number of vessels in our fleet, the number of voyage days during which our vessels generate revenues and the amount of daily charter revenue that our vessels earn under charters, which, in turn, are affected by a number of factors, including our decisions relating to vessel acquisitions and disposals, the amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels, the amount of time that our vessels spend in drydock undergoing repairs, maintenance and upgrade work, the age, condition and specifications of our vessels, levels of supply and demand in the transportation market, the number of vessels on time charters, voyage charters and in pools and other factors affecting charter rates in the containership market.
Commissions. We pay commissions on all chartering arrangements of 1.25% to Eurochart, a company affiliated with our CEO, plus additional commission of usually up to 1.25% to other brokers involved in the transaction, plus address commission of usually up to 3.75% deducted from charter hire. These additional commissions, as well as changes to charter rates will cause our commission expenses to fluctuate from period to period.
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Voyage expenses. Voyage expenses primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage which would otherwise be paid by the charterer under a time charter contract or paid by the Company when the vessel is off hire or related to repositioning the vessel for the next charter. Under time charters, the charterer pays voyage expenses whereas under spot market voyage charters, we pay such expenses. The amounts of such voyage expenses are driven by the mix of charters undertaken during the period. Voyage expenses are also incurred, when our vessels are idle or are sailing for repositioning purposes or for drydocking, which we pay.
Vessel operating expenses. Vessel operating expenses include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance, the costs of spares and consumable stores, tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses. Our vessel operating expenses, which generally represent fixed costs, have historically changed in line with the size of our fleet. Other factors beyond our control, some of which may affect the shipping industry in general (including, for instance, developments relating to market prices for insurance or inflationary increases) may also cause these expenses to increase.
Related party management fees. These are the fees that we pay to our affiliated ship manager (Eurobulk) under our management agreements for the technical and commercial management that Eurobulk performs on our behalf.
Vessel depreciation. We depreciate our vessels on a straight-line basis with reference to the cost of the vessel, age and scrap value as estimated at the date of acquisition. Depreciation is calculated over the remaining useful life of the vessel. Remaining useful lives of property are periodically reviewed and revised, when necessary, to recognize changes in conditions, new regulations or other reasons. Revisions of estimated lives are recognized over current and future periods.
Dry-docking expenses. Dry-docking expenses relate to regularly scheduled intermediate survey or special survey necessary to preserve the quality of our vessels as well as to comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations. Our vessels are required to be drydocked approximately every 30 to 60 months for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while the vessels are trading. Dry-docking expenses are accounted for using the direct expense method as this method eliminates the significant amount of time and subjectivity to determine which costs and activities related to drydocking and special survey should be deferred.
General and administrative expenses. We incur expenses consisting mainly of executive compensation, share based compensation, professional fees, directors’ liability insurance and reimbursement of our directors’ and officers’ travel-related expenses. We acquire executive services of our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief administrative officer, investor relations officer, internal auditor and corporate secretary, through Eurobulk as part of our Master Management Agreement.
Net gain on sale of vessels . Net gain on sale of vessels represents net gains from the sale of our vessels concluded during the year.
Impairment loss. When indicators of impairment are present for the Company’s vessels and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those vessels are less than their carrying value, the carrying value of the respective vessel is reduced to its estimated fair value and the difference is recorded under “Impairment loss” in the consolidated statements of operations.
Interest and other financing costs. We traditionally finance vessel acquisitions partly with loan facilities and sale and leaseback financing transactions on which we incur interest expense. The interest rate we pay will generally be linked to SOFR, although from time to time we may utilize fixed rate loans or could use interest rate swaps to eliminate our interest rate exposure. Interest due is expensed in the period incurred. We also incur financing costs in connection with establishing those facilities, which are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the relevant debt liability and amortize them to interest and other financing costs over the term of the underlying obligation using the effective interest method; the un-amortized portion is written-off if the loan is prepaid early.
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Gain on derivatives, net. We enter into interest rate swap transactions to manage some of our interest costs and risk associated with changing interest rates with respect to our variable interest loans. Interest rate swaps are recorded in the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities, measured at their fair value (Level 2) with changes in such fair value recognized in earnings under Gain on derivatives, net, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.
Interest income. The interest income we earn on our cash deposits with our lenders and other financial institutions is dependant on the prevailing interest rates and the amount we deposit.
In evaluating our financial condition, we focus on the above measures to assess our historical operating performance and we use future estimates of the same measures to assess our future financial performance. In addition, we use the amount of cash at our disposal and our total indebtedness to assess our short-term liquidity needs and our ability to finance additional acquisitions with available resources (see also discussion under “Capital Expenditures” below). In assessing the future performance of our present fleet, the greatest uncertainty relates to the spot market performance which affects those of our vessels that are not employed under fixed time charter contracts as well as the level of the new charter rates for the charters that are to expire. Decisions about the acquisition of additional vessels or possible sales of existing vessels are based on financial and operational evaluation of such action and depend on the overall state of the containership vessel market, the availability of purchase candidates, available employment, anticipated drydocking cost and our general assessment of economic prospects for the sectors in which we operate.
Results from Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2025. This information should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report.
| Fleet Data (1) | 2024 | 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average number of vessels | 21.73 | 22.22 | ||||
| Calendar days | 7,932 | 8,109 | ||||
| Available days | 7,774 | 8,040 | ||||
| Voyage days | 7,750 | 8,018 | ||||
| Utilization Rate (percent) | 99.7 | % | 99.7 | % | ||
| (In U.S. Dollars per day per vessel) | ||||||
| Average TCE rate (1) | 28,054 | 29,107 | ||||
| Vessel Operating Expenses | 5,886 | 5,777 | ||||
| Management Fees | 891 | 986 | ||||
| G&A Expenses | 749 | 839 | ||||
| Total Operating Expenses excluding drydocking expenses (2) | 7,526 | 7,602 | ||||
| Drydocking expenses | 1,329 | 815 |
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| 2024 | 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statement of Operations Data | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Time charter revenue | 218,912,526 | 234,439,224 | ||||
| Voyage charter revenue | 473,055 | - | ||||
| Commissions | (6,488,268 | ) | (6,565,662 | ) | ||
| Net revenue | **** | 212,897,313 | **** | 227,873,562 | ||
| Voyage expenses | (1,975,569 | ) | (1,059,154 | ) | ||
| Vessel operating expenses | (46,685,920 | ) | (46,846,903 | ) | ||
| Dry-docking expenses | (10,537,928 | ) | (6,607,677 | ) | ||
| Vessel depreciation | (26,367,517 | ) | (28,612,080 | ) | ||
| Related party management fees | (7,067,408 | ) | (7,995,498 | ) | ||
| General and administrative expenses | (5,938,870 | ) | (6,802,563 | ) | ||
| Net gain on sale of vessels | 5,692,653 | 19,429,726 | ||||
| Other operating income | - | 120,000 | ||||
| Operating income | **** | 120,016,754 | **** | 149,499,413 | ||
| Interest and other financing costs | (10,620,703 | ) | (14,992,987 | ) | ||
| Gain/(loss) on derivatives, net | 1,001,754 | (238,624 | ) | |||
| Foreign exchange gain/(loss) | 18,633 | (119,655 | ) | |||
| Interest income | 2,359,240 | 2,819,232 | ||||
| Net income | **** | 112,775,678 | **** | 136,967,349 | ||
| Earnings per share - basic | **** | 16.25 | **** | 19.73 | ||
| Common stock dividends declared | 16,855,238 | 18,979,092 | ||||
| Cash dividends declared per common share | 2.40 | 2.70 | ||||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, basic | 6,938,204 | 6,943,682 | ||||
| Earnings per share - diluted | **** | 16.20 | **** | 19.72 | ||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, diluted | 6,961,266 | 6,947,139 |
(1) For the definition of calendar days, available days, voyage days, utilization rate and average TCE rate, see above in this Item.
(3) We calculate daily total operating expenses excluding drydocking expenses by dividing total operating expenses excluding drydocking expenses for the relevant period by calendar days for such period. We calculate total vessel operating expenses as the sum of vessel operating expenses, related party management fees and general and administrative expenses. This measure assists our management and investors by increasing the comparability of our performance from period to period. Drydocking expenses include costs of shipyard, paints and agent expenses, which costs may vary from period to period.
The following table reflects the reconciliation of TCE revenues to time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue, if any, as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations (see discussion above) and our calculation of average TCE rates for the periods presented.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||
| (In U.S. dollars, except for voyage days and TCE rates which are expressed in U.S. dollars per day) | ||||||
| Time charter revenue | 218,912,526 | 234,439,224 | ||||
| Voyage charter revenue | 473,055 | - | ||||
| Voyage expenses | (1,975,569 | ) | (1,059,154 | ) | ||
| Time Charter Equivalent or TCE Revenues | 217,410,012 | 233,380,070 | ||||
| Voyage days | 7,750 | 8,018 | ||||
| Average TCE rate | 28,054 | 29,107 |
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Year ended December 31, 2025 compared to year ended December 31, 2024
Time charter revenue & Voyage charter revenue. Time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue, collectively “Voyage revenue”, for 2025 amounted to $234.44 million, increasing by 6.9% compared to $219.39 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. In 2025, we operated an average of 22.22 vessels, a 2.3% increase over the average of 21.73 vessels we operated during the same period in 2024. In the year 2025, our fleet had 8,018 voyage days earning revenue as compared to 7,750 voyage days earning revenue in 2024. Market charter rates in 2025 were on average at higher levels for our containership vessels compared to the same period of 2024, which was reflected in the average earnings of our ships. While employed, our vessels generated a TCE rate of $29,107 per day per vessel in 2025 compared to a TCE rate of $28,054 per day per vessel in 2024, an increase of 3.8%. We had 69 scheduled off-hire days, including drydocking, nil commercial off-hire days and 22 operational off-hire days in 2025, compared to 158 scheduled off-hire days (including drydocking), 3 commercial off-hire days and 21 operational off-hire days in 2024. The average TCE rate our vessels achieve is a combination of the time charter rate earned by our vessels under time charter contracts, which is not influenced by market developments during the duration of the fixed term time charter (unless the two charter parties renegotiate the terms of the charter or the charterer is unable to make the contracted payments or we enter into new charter party agreements), and the TCE rate earned by our vessels employed under time charters linked to an index and voyage charters, which is influenced by market developments.
Commissions. We paid a total of $6.57 million in charter commissions for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing 2.8% of Voyage revenue, compared to commissions of $6.49 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, representing 3.0% of Voyage revenue.
Voyage expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2025, voyage expenses amounted to $1.06 million and mainly related to expenses incurred during repositioning voyages between time charter contracts and owner’s expenses at certain ports. Voyage expenses for the year 2024 were $1.98 million and related to expenses incurred by one of our vessels while employed under a voyage charter and vessels repositioning between charters, as well as owners’ expenses at certain ports. Our vessels are generally chartered under time charter contracts. Voyage expenses are dependent on the number of voyage charters, if any, the cost of fuel, port costs and canal tolls and the number of days our vessels sailed without a charter.
Vessel operating expenses. Vessel operating expenses were $46.85 million in 2025 compared to $46.69 million in 2024. In 2025, we operated an average of 22.22 vessels, compared to an average of 21.73 vessels in 2024. Further, daily vessel operating expenses per vessel amounted to $5,777 per day in 2025 versus $5,886 per day in 2024, mainly due to the significantly lower daily operating costs of the seven newbuilding vessels delivered to the Company gradually within the past two years.
Related party management fees. These are part of the fees we pay to Eurobulk under our Master Management Agreement. During 2025, Eurobulk charged us 840 Euros per day per vessel, totaling $8.0 million for the year, or $986 per day per vessel. During 2024, Eurobulk charged us 810 Euros per day per vessel, totaling $7.07 million for the year, or $891 per day per vessel. The increase in related party management fees is attributable to the increased average number of vessels in our fleet and the increase in daily vessel management fee due to inflation and the unfavorable movement in the euro/dollar exchange rate.
General and administrative expenses. These expenses include the fixed portion of our management fees, incentive awards, legal fees and fees to our independent auditors, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and other miscellaneous corporate expenses. In 2025, we had a total of $6.80 million of general and administrative expenses as compared to $5.94 million in 2024. The increase of $0.86 million in 2025 is mainly due to the increased cost of our stock incentive plan and increased professional fees during 2025 related to the spin-off of Euroholdings completed in the first quarter of 2025.
Dry-docking expenses. These are expenses we pay for our vessels to complete a drydocking as part of an intermediate or special survey or, in some cases, an in-water survey in lieu of a drydocking. In 2025, three vessels completed extensive repairs afloat and one of our vessels completed her special survey with drydock for a total of $6.61 million. In 2024, six vessels passed their special survey with drydock and three vessels passed their intermediate survey in water for a total cost of $10.54 million.
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Vessel depreciation. Vessel depreciation for 2025 was $28.61 million, compared to $26.37 million for 2024 due to the increased average number of vessels in our fleet.
Net gain on sale of vessels. In 2025, we recorded a $10.23 million gain on the sale of M/V “Diamantis” that was completed in January 2025 and a $9.20 million gain on the sale of M/V “Marcos V” that was completed in October 2025, for a total of $19.43 million. The results of the Company for 2024 include a $5.69 million gain on sale of M/V “Astoria” that was completed in June 2024.
Other operating income. Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 2025 amounted to $0.12 million relating to loss of hire insurance received for one our vessels. No such case existed in 2024.
Interest and other financing costs. Total interest and other financing costs for the twelve months of 2025 amount to $15.11 million, of which $0.12 million interest costs were capitalized in relation to our newbuilding program, compared to $14.80 million, of which $4.18 million interest costs were capitalized in relation to our newbuilding program for the same period of 2024. This increase is mainly due to the increased amount of debt in the current period compared to the same period of 2024.
Gain / (loss) on derivatives, net. In 2025, the Company recognized a $0.24 million loss on its interest rate swap contract, comprising a $0.39 million unrealized loss from the mark-to-market valuation of its outstanding interest swap and $0.15 million realized gain. In 2024, the Company recognized a $1.00 million gain on its interest rate swap contract, comprising a $0.61 million unrealized gain from the mark-to-market valuation of its outstanding interest rate swap, and a $0.39 million realized gain. We enter into interest rate swaps to mitigate our exposure to possible increases in interest rates. The performance of our derivative contracts depends on the movement of interest rates. A decline in interest rates increases our loss in our derivative contracts and vice versa.
Interest income. In 2025, we recognized $2.82 million of interest income, compared to an amount of $2.36 million for 2024. The increase of interest income is attributable to the higher cash balances maintained during the twelve months of 2025, compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
Net income. As a result of the above, net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $136.97 million, as compared to net income of $112.78 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Year ended December 31, 2024 compared to year ended December 31, 2023
For a discussion of our results of operations for 2024 compared with 2023, see Part A. Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283), filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025, and incorporated herein by reference (the "Annual Report 2024”).
| B. | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
|---|
Historically, our sources of funds have been equity provided by our shareholders, operating cash flows and long-term borrowings. Our principal use of funds has been capital expenditures to establish and expand our fleet, maintain the quality of our vessels during operations and the periodically required drydockings, comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations, fund working capital requirements and, if necessary, operating shortfalls, make principal repayments on outstanding debt facilities, and pay dividends.
In the Company’s opinion, the working capital is sufficient for the Company’s present requirements. Our short-term liquidity requirements include paying operating expenses, payment of dividends, funding working capital requirements, interest and short-term principal payments on outstanding debt, the equity portion of our newbuilding vessel installments, repurchasing common shares under our share repurchase program and maintaining cash reserves to strengthen our position against adverse fluctuations in operating cash flows. Our primary sources of short-term liquidity are cash generated from operating activities, available cash balances and portions from debt and equity financings.
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Our long-term liquidity requirements are funding the equity portion of vessel acquisitions and debt repayment. Sources of funding for our long-term liquidity requirements include cash flows from operations, bank borrowings or lease financing, issuance of debt and equity securities, and vessel sales.
Our total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as at December 31, 2025 were $183.32 million, an increase of $102.65 million from $80.67 million at December 31, 2024. We hold cash and cash equivalents primarily in U.S. Dollars, with a minor balance held in Euros. We conduct our funding and treasury activities based on corporate policies designed to minimize borrowing costs and maximize investment returns while maintaining the safety of the funds and appropriate levels of liquidity for our purposes.
We expect to rely on cash available, funds generated from operating cash flows, funds from our shareholders, equity offerings, and long-term borrowings to meet our liquidity needs going forward and to finance our capital expenditures and working capital needs in 2026 and beyond.
Summary of Contractual Obligations
Contractual obligations are set forth in the following table as of December 31, 2025:
| In U.S. dollars | Total | Less Than One Year | One to Three Years | Three to Five Years | More Than Five Years | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term debt | $ | 218,624,298 | 19,548,115 | 48,821,228 | 90,434,955 | 59,820,000 | ||||
| Interest Payments (1) | $ | 54,045,298 | 11,313,673 | 18,062,220 | 14,218,587 | 10,450,818 | ||||
| Vessel Management fees (2) | $ | 14,795,713 | 7,533,776 | 7,261,937 | - | - | ||||
| Other Management fees (3) | $ | 4,773,927 | 2,360,000 | 2,413,927 | - | - | ||||
| Advances for Vessels Under Construction (4) | $ | 295,844,900 | 27,344,100 | 268,500,800 | - | - | ||||
| Total | $ | 588,084,136 | **** | 68,099,664 | **** | 345,060,112 | **** | 104,653,542 | **** | 70,270,818 |
(1) Assuming the amortization of the loans as of December 31, 2025 described above, each loan’s interest rate margin over SOFR and average SOFR rates of about 3.36%, 2.99%, 3.56%, 4.24%, 5.06%, 6.14%, 7.26%, 8.33% and 9.55% per annum for the following nine years up to 2034, respectively, based on the SOFR yield curve as of December 31, 2025.
(2) Refers to our obligation for management fees we expect to incur under our Master Management Agreement and management agreements with the shipowning companies in effect as of December 31, 2025 and expiring on January 1, 2028. The management fees have been computed for 2026 based on the agreed rate of 875 Euros per day per vessel (approximately $1,024), which was adjusted from the previous level of 840 Euros to reflect Eurozone’s inflation over 2024. For the years after 2026, we have assumed an annual increase in the daily management fee of 2.0% to account for inflation. We assumed a Euro to US dollar exchange rate of 1.17. We further assume that we hold our vessels until they reach the end of their estimated useful life, after which they are considered to be scrapped.
(3) Refers to our obligation for management fees of $2,360,000 per year under our Master Management Agreement with Eurobulk for the cost of providing executive services to the Company, which was adjusted from the previous level of $2,300,000 to reflect reported inflation in Eurozone over 2025. For the years after 2026, we have assumed an annual increase in the annual management fees of 2.0% to account for inflation. The agreement expires on January 1, 2028.
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(4) Refers to our obligation as of December 31, 2025 towards our newbuilding program, which consists of four vessels under construction that are expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. The payments reflect the newbuilding orders that were placed within 2024 and 2025.
Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2025, we had a working capital surplus of $153.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we reported net income of $136.97 million and generated net cash from operating activities of $141.13 million. Our cash balance amounted to $176.46 million, while cash in restricted and retention accounts amounted to $6.86 million as of December 31, 2025.
We therefore believe that our current cash balance, and our operating cash flows to be generated over the short-term period will be sufficient to meet our 2026 liquidity needs and at least through the end of the first half of 2027, including funding the operations of our fleet, capital expenditure requirements and any other present financial requirements. However, we may seek additional indebtedness to finance future vessel acquisitions, including our newbuilding program, in order to maintain our cash position or to refinance our existing debt in more favorable terms. Our practice has been to fund the acquisition cost of container carriers using a combination of funds from operations and bank debt secured by mortgages on our container carriers held by the relevant lenders or lease financing with the title of ownership of the respective container carriers held by the relevant lenders.
Year ended December 31, 2025 compared to year ended December 31, 2024
Net cash from operating activities.
Our net surplus from cash flows provided by operating activities for 2024 was $141.13 million as compared to a surplus of $128.17 million in 2024.
The major drivers of the change of cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, are the increase in the average number of vessels in the twelve months of 2025 to 22.22 vessels from 21.73 vessels in the same period of 2024, as well as the increase of our TCE rates to $29,107 for the year ended December 31, 2025, from $28,054 for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Net cash from investing activities.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $15.20 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $168.77 million used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease in cash outflows used in investing activities of $153.57 million from 2024 is mainly attributable to the decrease in cash paid for vessels under construction by $99.27 million in the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the corresponding period in 2024, as well as the decrease in cash paid for vessel acquisitions including vessel improvements by $2.60 million and the $51.70 million increase in proceeds from the sale of M/V “Diamantis P” and M/V “Marcos V” in 2025 as compared to the proceeds from the sale of M/V “EM Astoria” the year before.
Net cash from financing activities.
Net cash flows used in financing activities were $23.28 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $56.96 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. This decrease in net cash flows from financing activities of $80.24 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, is attributable to the increase in repayment of long-term debt by $2.50 million in 2025 compared to the period of 2024, the decrease in proceeds from long-term bank loans by $62.40 million, the increase in cash paid for share repurchase by $1.06 million and the increase in dividends paid to our shareholders by $2.12 million. Loan arrangement fees paid decreased by $0.97 million. The decrease in net cash flows from financing activities was also attributed to the $13.13 million cash retained by Euroholdings as part of the Euroholdings Spin-off.
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Year ended December 31, 2024 compared to year ended December 31, 2023
For a discussion of our cash flows for 2024 compared with 2023, see Part A. Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283), filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025, and incorporated herein by reference (the "Annual Report 2024”).
Debt Financing
We operate in a capital-intensive industry which requires significant amounts of investment, and we fund a major portion of this investment through long term debt. We maintain debt levels we consider prudent based on our market expectations, cash flow, interest coverage and percentage of debt to capital.
As of December 31, 2025, we had seven outstanding loans and one sale and leaseback financing transaction, with a combined outstanding balance of $218.62 million. These loans mature between 2027 and 2034. Our long-term debt as of December 31, 2025 comprises bank loans and lease financing transactions of our vessel-owning subsidiaries with margins over SOFR ranging from 1.80% to 2.295%. A description of our loans as of December 31, 2025 is provided in Note 9 of our attached financial statements. As of December 31, 2025, we are scheduled to repay approximately $19.55 million of the above bank loans in 2026.
Our loan agreements contain covenants.
Our loans have various covenants such as minimum requirements regarding the security cover ratio (the ratio of fair value of vessel to outstanding loan less cash in retention accounts) and restrictions as to changes in management and ownership of the ship-owning companies, distribution of profits or assets (in effect not permitting dividend payment or other distributions in cases that an event of default has occurred or will occur), additional indebtedness and mortgage of vessels without the lender’s prior consent, sale of vessels, maximum fleet-wide leverage, sale of capital stock of our subsidiaries, ability to make investments and other capital expenditures, entering in mergers or acquisitions, minimum cash balance requirements and minimum cash retention accounts (restricted cash). When necessary, we do provide supplemental collateral in the form of restricted cash or cross-collateralize vessels to ensure compliance with security cover ratio (“loan-to-value” ratio). Increases in restricted cash required to satisfy loan covenants would reduce funds available for investment or working capital and could have a negative impact on our operations. If we cannot cure any violated covenants, we might be required to repay all or part of our loans, which, in turn, might require us to sell one or more of our vessels under distressed conditions.
Shelf Registration
On December 21, 2022, the SEC declared effective our shelf registration statement on Form F-3, originally filed on December 7, 2022, pursuant to which certain shareholders of the Company may offer and sell 4,041,943 common shares of the Company that were previously acquired in private transactions or in the open market or which were issued upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Shares or other convertible notes; this shelf registration does not have an expiration date.
Capital Expenditures
We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with our vessel acquisitions or capital enhancements to our vessels.
In 2021 and 2022, we entered into contracts for the construction of nine newbuilding feeder container carriers for a total cost of approximately $360.7 million. The final two of the nine newbuilding vessels were delivered to the company in January 2025. The two vessels were financed with a combination of debt and own funds. In 2024, we entered into two contracts for the construction of two newbuilding feeder container carriers to be delivered in the third and fourth quarters of 2027 for a total cost of approximately $120.5 million.
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On June 28, 2024, two subsidiaries, which were consolidated by the Company on July 28, 2025, entered into two contracts for the construction of two additional eco-design fuel-efficient containerships to be delivered in the first and second quarter of 2028 for a total cost of approximately $118.5 million. On December 16, 2025, the Company signed two contracts for the construction of two additional eco-design fuel efficient containerships scheduled to be delivered in the second and third quarter of 2028 for approximately $92.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company did not pay any installments to the shipyard for the construction of these two vessels.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we paid an amount of $104.1 million, $161.6 million and $72.8 respectively, as part of installments of the abovementioned shipbuilding contracts for all vessels under construction. An amount of $27.34 million is payable in the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2026.
We currently have ten vessels scheduled for drydocking over the next 12 months (refer to section above “B. Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Flows” for a discussion of how we plan to cover our working capital requirements and capital commitments).
Dividends
During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company decided to suspend the quarterly dividend on its common stock to focus all its resources in exploiting investment opportunities in the markets. In 2022, the Company reinstated our common stock dividend plan. In 2023, our Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.50 per share for each of the first, second and third quarters of 2023, and on February 21, 2024 our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share for the fourth quarter of 2023. These dividends were paid on June 16, 2023, September 16, 2023, December 16, 2023 and March 15, 2024, respectively. Within 2024, our Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.60 per share for each of the first, second and third quarters of 2024, while in February 2025, they declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024. These dividends were paid on June 19, 2024, September 17, 2024, December 17, 2024 and March 18, 2025. In 2025, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share for the first quarter of 2025, quarterly dividends of $0.70 per share for the second and third quarter of 2025, respectively, while in February 2026 our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share for the fourth quarter of 2025. These dividends were paid on July 16, 2025, September 16, 2025, December 15, 2025 and March 17, 2026, respectively.
| C. | Research and development, patents and licenses, etc. |
|---|
Not applicable.
| D. | Trend information |
|---|
Our results of operations depend primarily on the charter rates that we are able to realize. Charter rates paid for container vessels are primarily a function of the underlying balance between vessel supply and demand.
The demand for containership capacity is determined by the underlying demand for commodities transported in these vessels, which in turn is influenced by trends in the global economy. One of the main drivers of the containerized trade has been the growth in exports of finished goods. Demand for containership capacity is also affected by the operating efficiency of the global fleet, i.e., the average speed the fleet operates, and port congestion. A factor affecting mainly the containership sector, especially during periods of high fuel prices and/or low charter rates, is slow-steaming (i.e., the practice of running a vessel at lower speeds to economize on fuel costs). Slow-steaming increases the number of ships required to carry a given amount of trade volume and thus increases demand for ships as do higher levels of port congestion, leading to higher charter rates if all other factors influencing rates are unchanged.
The supply of containerships is dependent on the delivery of new vessels and the removal of vessels from the global fleet, either through scrapping or loss. According to industry sources, as of April 15, 2026, the capacity of the fully cellular worldwide container vessel fleet was approximately 33.29 million teu with approximately another 12.18 million teu, or, about 36.58% of the present fleet capacity on order. If the supply of vessel capacity increases but the demand for vessel capacity does not increase correspondingly, charter rates and vessel values could materially decline. The level of scrapping activity is generally a function of scrapping prices in relation to current and prospective charter market conditions, as well as operating, repair and survey costs. The average age at which a vessel is scrapped over the last ten years has been between 25 and 27 years, with smaller vessels scrapped at a later age. During strong markets, the average age at which the vessels are scrapped increases; in 2022, due to the exceptional positive increase in the containership market, there were only 10 containerships accounting for 14,140 teu reported as sold for scrap within the year. Recycling activity picked up in 2023, with 82 containerships accounting for 156,420 teu sent to the scrapyard, while in 2024, only 58 containerships accounting for 82,670 teu were sent to the scrapyard. In 2025, only 11 vessels accounting for 6,000 teu were recycled due to another year of exceptional containership earnings. Scrap markets are expected to increase in 2026, amid supply pressure from fleet growth.
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Declining shipping charter rates have a negative impact on our earnings when our vessels are employed in the spot market or when they are to be re-chartered after completing a time charter contract. The extent to which, trade wars, tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration, the wars in Ukraine and Palestine and the events in the Red Sea region will impact our future results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. As of April 15, 2026, approximately 86% of our ship capacity days in the remainder of 2026, 65% of our ship capacity days in 2027, 44% of our ship capacity days in 2028, 22% of our ship capacity days in 2029, 16% of our ship capacity days in 2030, 13% of our ship capacity days in 2031 and 4% of our ship capacity days in 2032, are under time charter contracts. If the market rates decrease from current levels or the supply of vessels increases, our vessels may have difficulty securing employment and, if so, may be employed at rates lower than their present charters.
The continuing war in Ukraine led to increased economic uncertainty amidst fears of a more generalized military conflict or significant inflationary pressures, due to the increases in fuel and grain prices following the sanctions imposed on Russia. Whether the present dislocation in the markets and resultant inflationary pressures will transition to a long-term inflationary environment is uncertain, and the effects of such a development on charter rates, vessel demand and operating expenses in the sector in which we operate are uncertain. As described above, the initial effect of the invasion in Ukraine on the tanker freight market was positive, despite the short-term volatility in charter rates and increases on specific items of operating costs. If these conditions are sustained, the longer-term net impact on the tanker market and our business would be difficult to predict. However, such events may have unpredictable consequences, and contribute to instability in the global economy, a decrease in supply or cause a decrease in worldwide demand for certain goods and, thus, shipping. Regarding the possible impact of supply chain disruptions that have or may emanate from the military conflict in Ukraine, our operations have not been affected materially, and we do not expect them to be in the future. Currently, the Company’s charter contracts have not been affected by the events in Russia and Ukraine; however, it is possible that in the future third parties with whom the Company has or will have charter contracts may be impacted by such events. While in general much uncertainty remains regarding the global impact of the conflict in Ukraine, it is possible that such tensions could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows
Since November 2023, vessels in and around the Red Sea have faced an increasing number of attempted hijackings and attacks by drones and projectiles launched from Yemen which armed Houthi groups have claimed responsibility for and which have resulted in casualties and sunken or damaged vessels. Under a May 2025 agreement, the Houthi militant group declared that it would stop targeting most commercial ships crossing the Red Sea, although in July 2025 the Houthis pledged to target ships belonging to any company that conducts business with Israeli ports, and in September 2025 used a cruise missile and two drones to target a container ship. On October 9, 2025, Israel, Hamas, the United States and other countries in the region agreed to a framework for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, which, if sustained, could reduce regional instability in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, whether the ceasefire will be sustained or will result in a lasting de-escalation of tensions in the region is unknown. Such events may have unpredictable consequences and contribute to instability in the global economy or cause a decrease in worldwide demand for certain goods and, thus, shipping. Heightened security risks because of attacks on merchant vessels transiting through the Red Sea to or from the Suez Canal has led to an increase in ton-mile demand for vessels as more vessel owners are opting to re-route their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. Following attacks on merchant vessels in the region of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden at the southern end of the Red Sea, there is disruption in the maritime trade towards Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. As a result, we have diverted our fleet from sailing in the specific region. While our vessels currently do not sail in the Red Sea, we will continue to monitor the situation to assess whether the trade disruption could have any impact on our operations or financial performance. Any dramatic escalation of the trade disruptions could lead to increased operational costs incurred by our business, or otherwise harm our financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.
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On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei. In retaliation, Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israel and a number of countries that host US military bases—including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia—and Hezbollah fired projectiles at Israel. There is significant uncertainty about the duration of the war in Iran, however the United States and Iran are in discussions about a ceasefire. These events have destabilized the region and may lead to significant disruptions across all sectors of the shipping industry. Further, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz may experience prolonged disruption. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned vessels to avoid the passage. Increased electronic interference may affect navigational and tracking systems, which would heighten the risk of vessel collisions. Although it is impossible to predict exactly how this conflict will affect the shipping industry, it is very likely that a prolonged war will have significant impacts across the sector.
Iran has recently targeted ships in or near the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway essential to global trade, by mining the waterway and attacking vessels with drone and missile strikes, which has significantly compromised the safety of vessels and crew onboard in the region, and has resulted in the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic. Many shipping companies have therefore rerouted their vessels away from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly affected trading patterns, freight rates, and voyage expenses. While there is significant uncertainty about the duration of the armed conflict in Iran, these events have destabilized the region and may lead to further significant and prolonged disruptions across all sectors of the shipping industry. If any vessels are in the area and are unable or unwilling to transit due to security concerns then the relevant charter counterparty may try to claim that the owner has not complied with its charterparty contractual obligations, otherwise refuse to pay its charter hire or demand that the shipowner purchase additional insurance, among other things. In addition, vessels in the area are generally more at risk of attack.
In general, war and global conflicts can have direct and indirect impact on global trade. The effect, if any, of any particular war or conflict is hard to predict in consequences, severity and length of time, but could have an impact on shipping.
Significant changes or developments in U.S. laws and policies, such as laws and policies surrounding international trade, foreign affairs and investment in the territories and countries where we or our customers operate, or the perception that they may occur, can depress shipping demand and amplify volatility in the tanker market. In April 2025, the U.S. government announced a baseline tariff of 10% on products imported from all countries and an additional individualized reciprocal tariff on the countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits. Many of these reciprocal tariffs went into effect in August 2025. Some of these tariffs, including the 10% baseline tariff, were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or the IEEPA. In February 2026, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the tariffs imposed via the IEEPA. Although the IEEPA tariffs were ruled illegal, tariffs imposed through other measures remain in effect. Further, President Trump, using the Trade Act of 1974, has implemented temporary, 150-day 10% tariff on all imports. The tariff imposed under the Trade Act of 1974 are set to expire on July 24, 2026, and the Trump administration may increase the tariff to 15%. The scope and durability of current and future tariff measures are uncertain. Increased tariffs by the United States have led and may continue to lead to the imposition of retaliatory tariffs by foreign jurisdictions. Additionally, the U.S. government has announced and rescinded multiple tariffs on several foreign jurisdictions, which has increased uncertainty regarding the ultimate effect of the tariffs on economic conditions. Although we are continuing to monitor the economic effects of such announcements, as well as opportunities to mitigate their related impacts, costs and other effects associated with the tariffs remain uncertain.
| E. | Critical Accounting Estimates |
|---|
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. The preparation of those financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
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Critical accounting estimates are those that reflect significant judgments or uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We have described below what we believe are our most critical accounting estimates that involve a high degree of judgment and the methods of their application.
Impairment of vessels
We review our vessels held for use for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as vessel market values, vessel sales and purchases, business plans and overall market conditions) indicate that the carrying amount of the vessels, including any related intangible assets and liabilities, may not be recoverable. If indicators for impairment are present, we determine future undiscounted net operating cash flows for the related vessels and compare them to their carrying values. When the estimate of future undiscounted net operating cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to be generated by the use and eventual disposition of the vessel is less than its carrying amount, we record an impairment loss calculated by comparing the vessel’s carrying value to its estimated fair market value. We estimate fair market value primarily through the use of vessel valuations performed on an individual vessel basis, which are mainly based on recent sales and purchase transactions.
The carrying values of the Company’s vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time since the market prices of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of newbuildings.
As of December 31, 2025, we had no indicators of impairment for our vessels. Accordingly, no future undiscounted net operating cash flows were required to be determined for any of our vessels, and, as a result, this is not considered a critical accounting estimate as of December 31, 2025.
As of December 31, 2024, we had an indicator of impairment for four of our vessels. For the vessels with impairment indicators as of December 31, 2024, the Company determined the rates to be used in its impairment analysis based on the prevailing market charter rates for the first two years (based on the length of charters that can be secured at the time of the analysis, generally, one to two years) and on inflation-unadjusted historical average rates for similar vessels, from year three onwards. The Company calculated the historical average rates over a 15-year period for 2024, which starts in 2010 and takes into account complete market cycles, and which provides a more representative reference for the long-term rates. These rates are used for the period a vessel is not under a charter contract; if there is a contract, the fixed charter rate of the contract is used for the period of the contract.
Our impairment exercise is highly sensitive on variances in the time charter rates and it also requires assumptions for:
| ● | the effective fleet utilization rate; |
|---|---|
| ● | estimated scrap values; |
| ● | vessel operating costs; |
| ● | future drydocking costs; and |
| ● | probabilities of sale for each vessel. |
Vessel utilization estimates are based on the status of each vessel at the time of the assessment and the Company’s past experience in finding employment for its vessels at comparable market conditions. Cost estimates, like drydocking and operating costs, are based on the Company’s data for its own vessels; past estimates for such costs have generally been very close to the actual levels observed. Specifically, we use our budgeted operating expenses escalated by 2.0% per annum and our budgeted drydocking costs, assuming a five-year special survey cycle. Overall, the assumptions are based on historical trends as well as future expectations. The estimated salvage value of each vessel is $250 per light weight ton, in accordance with the Company’s vessel depreciation policy. We use a probability weighted approach for developing estimates of future cash flows used to test the vessels for recoverability when alternative uses are under consideration (i.e. sale or continuing operation of a vessel). Although management believes that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate, such assumptions are highly subjective.
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There can be no assurance as to how long-term charter rates and vessel values will increase as compared to their current levels and as compared to historical average levels for similarly aged vessels or whether they will improve by any significant degree. Charter rates, which improved significantly beginning in the second half of 2020 and declined again beginning in the second semester of 2022, but still remain above historical averages, may return to their previously very depressed levels which could adversely affect our revenue, profitability and future assessments of vessel impairment. The impairment analysis may determine that the carrying value of a vessel is recoverable if the vessel is held and operated to the end of its useful life, however, if the vessel is sold when the market is depressed, the Company might suffer a loss on the sale. Whether the Company realizes a gain or loss on the sale of a vessel is primarily a function of the relative market values of vessels at the time the vessel was acquired less the accumulated depreciation and impairment, if any, versus the relative market values on the date a vessel is sold.
For a discussion of the potential loss in the case of sale of all of our vessels with market value below their carrying value, we refer to the “Item 4.B. Business Overview – Our Fleet”.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Please refer to Note 2 of the financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report for a description of recent accounting pronouncements that may apply to us.
| Item 6. | Directors, Senior Management and Employees |
|---|---|
| A. | Directors and Senior Management |
| --- | --- |
The following sets forth the name and position of each of our directors and executive officers.
| Name | Age | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Aristides J. Pittas | 66 | Chairman, President and CEO; Class A Director |
| Dr. Anastasios Aslidis | 66 | CFO and Treasurer; Class A Director |
| Aristides P. Pittas | 74 | Vice Chairman; Class A Director |
| Stephania Karmiri | 58 | Secretary |
| Panagiotis Kyriakopoulos | 65 | Class B Director |
| George Taniskidis | 65 | Class C Director |
| Apostolos Tamvakakis | 68 | Class C Director |
Aristides J. Pittas has been a member of our Board of Directors and our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since our inception on May 5, 2005. He is also member of the Board of Directors and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EuroDry Ltd. and Euroholdings Ltd. (“Euroholdings”) since January 2018 and March 20, 2024, respectively, and a member of the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of Pyxis Tankers Inc. Since 1997, Mr. Pittas has also been the President of Eurochart, our affiliate. Eurochart is a shipbroking company specializing in chartering and selling and purchasing ships. Since January 1995, Mr. Pittas has been the President and Managing Director of Eurobulk, our affiliated ship management company. He resigned as Managing Director of Eurobulk in June 2005. Eurobulk is a ship management company that provides ocean transportation services. From September 1991 to December 1994, Mr. Pittas was the Vice President of Oceanbulk Maritime SA, a ship management company. From March 1990 to August 1991, Mr. Pittas served both as the Assistant to the General Manager and the Head of the Planning Department of Varnima International SA, a shipping company operating tanker vessels. From June 1987 until February 1990, Mr. Pittas was the head of the Central Planning department of Eleusis Shipyards S.A. From January 1987 to June 1987, Mr. Pittas served as Assistant to the General Manager of Chios Navigation Shipping Company in London, a company that provides ship management services. From December 1985 to January 1987, Mr. Pittas worked in the design department of Eleusis Shipyards S.A. where he focused on shipbuilding and ship repair. Mr. Pittas has a B.Sc. in Marine Engineering from University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and a MSc in both Ocean Systems Management and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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Dr. Anastasios Aslidis has been our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and member of our Board of Directors since September 2005. He is also member of the Board of Directors, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of EuroDry Ltd. since January 2018, a member of the Board of Directors, Chief Strategy Officer and Treasurer of Euroholdings since January 2025, a member of the Board of Directors and chairman of the Audit Committee of Cosmos Health Inc. and a member of the Board of Directors of Vianair Inc. Prior to joining Euroseas, Dr. Aslidis was a partner at Marsoft, an international consulting firm focusing on investment and risk management in the maritime industry. Dr. Aslidis has more than 25 years of experience in the maritime industry. He also served as consultant to the Boards of Directors of shipping companies (public and private) advising on strategy development, asset selection and investment timing. Dr. Aslidis holds a Ph.D. in Ocean Systems Management (1989) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.S. in Operations Research (1987) and M.S. in Ocean Systems Management (1984) also from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Diploma in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (1983).
Aristides P. Pittas has been a member of our Board of Directors since our inception on May 5, 2005 and our Vice Chairman since September 1, 2005. He is also member of the Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of EuroDry Ltd. since January 2018. Mr. Pittas is also a member of the Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of Euroholdings since July 2024. He has been a shareholder in over 100 oceangoing vessels during the last 20 years. Since February 1989, Mr. Pittas has been the Vice President of Oceanbulk Maritime SA, a ship management company. From November 1987 to February 1989, Mr. Pittas was employed in the supply department of Drytank SA, a shipping company. From November 1981 to June 1985, Mr. Pittas was employed at Trust Marine Enterprises, a brokerage house as a sale and purchase broker. From September 1979 to November 1981, Mr. Pittas worked at Gourdomichalis Maritime SA in the operation and Freight Collection department. Mr. Pittas has a B.Sc in Economics from Athens School of Economics.
Stephania Karmiri has been our Secretary since our inception on May 5, 2005. Mrs. Karmiri was a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry since its inception on January 8, 2018 until May 5, 2018 and has been EuroDry’s Secretary since May 5, 2018. She is also the Secretary of the Board of Directors of Euroholdings since March 2024. Since July 1995, Mrs. Karmiri has been the Administration Manager at Eurobulk, our affiliated ship management company. Eurobulk is a ship management company that provides ocean transportation services. At Eurobulk, Mrs. Karmiri is responsible for dealing with sale and purchase transactions, vessel registrations/deletions, bank loans, ensuring compliance of the company’s bank accounts, dealing with corporate matters of the entities, and supervising office administration. From May 1992 to June 1995, she was secretary to the technical department of Oceanbulk Maritime SA, a ship management company. From 1988 to 1992, Mrs. Karmiri served as an assistant to brokers at Allied Shipbrokers, a company that provides shipbroking services for sale and purchase transactions. Mrs. Stephania Karmiri has a BSc in Business Administration from the University of Patras.
Panagiotis Kyriakopoulos has been a member of our Board of Directors since our inception on May 5, 2005, a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry since May 5, 2018 and Euroholdings since July 31, 2024. Since July 2002, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of STAR INVESTMENTS S.A., one of the leading Mass Media Companies in Greece, running television and radio stations. From July 1997 to July 2002 he was the C.E.O. of the Hellenic Post Group, the Universal Postal Service Provider, having the largest retail network in Greece for postal and financial services products. From March 1996 until July 1997, Mr. Kyriakopoulos was the General Manager of ATEMKE SA, one of the leading construction companies in Greece listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. From December 1986 to March 1996, he was the Managing Director of Globe Group of Companies, a group active in the areas of shipowning and management, textiles and food and distribution. The company was listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. From June 1983 to December 1986, Mr. Kyriakopoulos was an assistant to the Managing Director of Armada Marine S.A., a company active in international trading and shipping, owning and managing a fleet of twelve vessels. Presently he is Chairman of the Hellenic Private Television Owners Association, BoD member of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) and BoD member of Digea S.A. He has also been an investor in the shipping industry for more than 20 years. Mr. Kyriakopoulos has a B.Sc. degree in Marine Engineering from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, a MSc. degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering with specialization in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Imperial College, London.
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George Taniskidis has been a member of our Board of Directors since our inception on May 5, 2005, a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry since May 5, 2018 and Euroholdings since July 31, 2024. He is the Chairman of Optima Bank and Chairman of Core Capital Partners, a consulting firm specializing in debt restructuring. He was Chairman and Managing Director of Millennium Bank and a member of the Board of Directors of BankEuropa (subsidiary bank of Millennium Bank in Turkey) until May 2010. He was also a member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Banks Association. From 2003 until 2005, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Visa International Europe, elected by the Visa issuing banks of Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Israel and Greece. From 1990 to 1998, Mr. Taniskidis worked at XIOSBANK (until its acquisition by Piraeus Bank in 1998) in various positions, with responsibility for the bank’s credit strategy and network. Mr. Taniskidis studied Law in the National University of Athens and in the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he received a L.L.M. After law school, he joined the law firm of Rogers & Wells in New York, where he worked until 1989 and was also a member of the New York State Bar Association. He is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization.
Apostolos Tamvakakis has been a member of our Board of Directors since June 25, 2013. Mr. Tamvakakis has also been a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry Ltd. since May 5, 2018 and Euroholdings since July 31, 2024. From January 2015 to February 2017 he was independent non-executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Piraeus Bank. Since July 2012 he participated as a Member of the Board of Directors and Committees in various companies. From December 2009 to June 2012, Mr. Tamvakakis was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Greece. From May 2004 to March 2009, he served as Chairman and Managing Director of Lamda Development, a real estate development company of the Latsis Group and from March 2009 to December 2009, he served on the management team of the Geneva-based Latsis Group, as Head of Strategy and Business Development. From October 1998 to April 2004, he served as Deputy CEO of National Bank of Greece. Prior to that, he worked as Deputy Governor of National Mortgage Bank of Greece, as Deputy General Manager of ABN AMRO Bank, as Manager of Corporate Finance at Hellenic Investment Bank and as Planning Executive at Mobil Oil Hellas. He also served as Vice-Chairman of Athens Stock Exchange, Chairman of the Steering Committee of Interalpha Group of Banks, Chairman of Ethnokarta, National Securities, AVIS (Greece), ETEVA and the Southeastern European Board of the Europay Mastercard Group. Mr. Tamvakakis has also served in numerous boards of directors and committees. He is the Chairman and Managing Partner of EOS Capital Partners Alternative Investment Fund Manager, the investment manager of a private equity fund “EOS Hellenic Renaissance Fund”. He holds the positions of Vice Chairman of Gek Terna, Member of the BoD of Quest Holdings, Chairman of the Liquidations Committee of PQH Single Special Liquidation S.A. and member of the Marketing Commission of the Hellenic Olympic Committee. He is a graduate of the Athens University of Economics and has an M.A. in Economics from the Saskatchewan University in Canada with major in econometrics and economics.
Family Relationships
Aristides P. Pittas, Vice Chairman, is the cousin of Aristides J. Pittas, our Chairman, President and CEO.
| B. | Compensation |
|---|
Executive Compensation
We have no direct employees. The services of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Investor Relations Officer, Internal Auditor and Secretary are provided by Eurobulk. See Item 7 – “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions”.
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Director Compensation
Our directors who are also our officers or have executive positions or beneficially own greater than 10% of the outstanding common stock receive no compensation for serving on our Board of Directors or its committees.
Directors who are not our officers, do not have any executive position or do not beneficially own greater than 10% of the outstanding common stock receive the following compensation: an annual retainer of $7,500, plus $1,875 for attending a quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors, plus an additional retainer of $3,750 if serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee. They also participate in the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan.
All directors are reimbursed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of our Board of Directors or any committee of our Board of Directors.
Equity Incentive Plan
In November 2021, our Board of Directors approved an equity incentive plan (the "2021 Equity Incentive Plan") to replace the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2021 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Board of Directors which can make awards totaling in aggregate up to 225,000 shares over 10 years after the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan's adoption date. In November 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new equity incentive plan (the “2024 Equity Incentive Plan”) to replace the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan after the shares of the 2021 Plan are awarded. The 2024 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors which can make awards totaling in aggregate up to 300,000 shares over 10 years after the 2024 Plan's adoption date. Officers, directors and employees (including any prospective officer or employee) of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and consultants and service providers to (including persons who are employed by or provide services to any entity that is itself a consultant or service provider to) the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the 2021 and 2024 Equity Incentive Plans. Awards may be made under the 2021 and 2024Equity Incentive Plan in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares and cash awards.
On November 3, 2022, the Board of Directors issued an award of 60,000 non-vested restricted shares to 31 key persons, of which 50% vested on November 16, 2023 and 50% vested on November 15, 2024; awards to officers and directors amounted to 31,000 shares and the remaining 29,000 were awarded to employees of Eurobulk.
On November 10, 2023, the Board of Directors issued an award of 60,500 non-vested restricted shares to 32 key persons, of which 50% vested on July 1, 2024 and 50% vested on July 1, 2025; awards to officers and directors amounted to 31,000 shares and the remaining 29,500 shares were awarded to employees of Eurobulk.
On November 12, 2024, the Board of Directors issued an award of 60,100 non-vested restricted shares to 32 key persons, of which 50% vested on November 14, 2025 and 50% will vest on November 13, 2026; awards to officers and directors amounted to 29,600 and the remaining 30,500 were awarded to employees of Eurobulk.
On November 6, 2025, the Board of Directors issued an award of 63,350 non-vested restricted shares to 37 key persons, of which 50% will vest on July 1, 2026 and 50% will vest on July 1, 2027; awards to officers and directors amounted to 29,600 and the remaining 33,750 were awarded to employees of Eurobulk.
Vesting of the awards is conditioned on continuous employment throughout the period to the vesting date.
| C. | Board Practices |
|---|
The current term of our Class A directors expires in 2026, the current term of our Class B directors expires in 2027 and the current term of our Class C directors expires in 2028.
There are no service contracts between us and any of our directors providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service.
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Our Board of Directors does not have separate compensation or nomination committees, and instead, the entire Board of Directors performs those responsibilities.
Audit Committee
We currently have an Audit Committee comprised of three independent members of our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is responsible for (1) the appointment, replacement, compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditors and approving any non-audit work performed by such auditor, (2) the appointment, replacement, compensation and oversight of the work of the internal auditor, (3) reviewing and approving the overall scope of the audit, (4) annually reviewing an independent auditors’ report describing the auditing firms’ internal quality control procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review or peer review of the auditing firm, (5) assisting the board in monitoring the integrity of our financial statements, the independent accountant’s qualifications and independence, the performance of the independent accountants and our internal audit function and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (6) discussing the annual audited financial and quarterly statements with management and the independent auditor, (7) discussing earnings press releases, as well as financial information and earning guidance, (8) discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, (9) meeting separately, periodically, with management, internal auditors and the independent auditor, (10) reviewing with the independent auditor any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response, (11) establishing hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors, (12) annually reviewing the adequacy of the audit committee’s written charter, (13) handling such other matters that are specifically delegated to the audit committee by the board of directors from time to time and (14) reporting regularly to the full board of directors. The members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Panos Kyriakopoulos (Chairman and “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Regulation S-K), Mr. Apostolos Tamvakakis and Mr. George Taniskidis.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that complies with the applicable guidelines issued by the SEC. Our code of ethics is posted on our website: http://www.euroseas.gr under “Corporate Governance.” We intend to disclose any waivers of the code of ethics on our website under “Corporate Governance.”
Corporate Governance
Our Company’s corporate governance practices are in compliance with, and are not prohibited by, the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. We are exempt from many of Nasdaq’s corporate governance practices other than the requirements regarding the disclosure of a going concern audit opinion, submission of a listing agreement, notification of material non-compliance with Nasdaq corporate governance practices, and the establishment and composition of an audit committee and a formal written audit committee charter. The practices that we follow in lieu of Nasdaq’s corporate governance rules are described below.
| ● | We are not required under Marshall Islands law to maintain a Board of Directors with a majority of independent directors, and we may not be able to maintain a Board of Directors with a majority of independent directors in the future. |
|---|---|
| ● | In lieu of a compensation committee comprised of independent directors, our Board of Directors will be responsible for establishing the executive officers’ compensation and benefits. Under Marshall Islands law, compensation of the executive officers is not required to be determined by an independent committee. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | In lieu of a nomination committee comprised of independent directors, our Board of Directors will be responsible for identifying and recommending potential candidates to become board members and recommending directors for appointment to board committees. Shareholders may also identify and recommend potential candidates to become board members in writing. No formal written charter has been prepared or adopted because this process is outlined in our bylaws. |
| --- | --- |
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| ● | In lieu of obtaining an independent review of related party transactions for conflicts of interests, consistent with Marshall Islands law requirements, a related party transaction will be permitted if: (i) the material facts as to his or her relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, or, if the votes of the disinterested directors are insufficient to constitute an act of the Board of Directors as defined in Section 55 of the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, by unanimous vote of the disinterested directors; or (ii) the material facts as to his relationship or interest are disclosed and the shareholders are entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by a simple majority vote of the shareholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Company as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the shareholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction. |
|---|---|
| ● | As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to solicit proxies or provide proxy statements to Nasdaq pursuant to Nasdaq corporate governance rules or Marshall Islands law. Consistent with Marshall Islands law, we will notify our shareholders of meetings between 15 and 60 days before the meeting. This notification will contain, among other things, information regarding business to be transacted at the meeting. In addition, our bylaws provide that shareholders must give us advance notice to properly introduce any business at a meeting of the shareholders. Our bylaws also provide that shareholders may designate in writing a proxy to act on their behalf. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | In lieu of holding regular meetings at which only independent directors are present, our entire Board of Directors, a majority of whom are independent, will hold regular meetings as is consistent with the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | The Board of Directors adopted a new Equity Incentive Plan in November 2021. Shareholder approval was not necessary since Marshall Islands law permits the Board of Directors to take such actions. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to obtain shareholder approval if any of our directors, officers, or 5% or greater shareholders has a 5% or greater interest (or such persons collectively have a 10% or greater interest), directly or indirectly, in the company, or assets to be acquired, or in the consideration to be paid in the transaction(s) and the present or potential issuance of common stock, or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock, could result in an increase in outstanding common stock or voting power of 5% or more. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | In lieu of obtaining shareholder approval prior to the issuance of designated securities, the Company will comply with provisions of the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, providing that the Board of Directors approves share issuances. |
| --- | --- |
Other than as noted above, we are in full compliance with all other applicable Nasdaq corporate governance standards.
| D. | Employees |
|---|
We have no salaried employees, although we pay Eurobulk for the services of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Investor Relations Officer, Internal Auditor and Secretary: Mr. Aristides J. Pittas, Dr. Anastasios Aslidis, Mr. Symeon Pariaros, Ms. Eirini Pitta and Ms. Stephania Karmiri, respectively. Eurobulk also ensures that all seamen have the qualifications and licenses required to comply with international regulations and shipping conventions, and that all of our vessels employ experienced and competent personnel. As of December 31, 2025, 190 officers and 290 crew members served on board the vessels in our fleet.
| E. | Share Ownership |
|---|
With respect to the ownership of our common stock by each of our directors and executive officers, and all of our directors and executive officers as a group, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions”.
All of the shares of our common stock have the same voting rights and are entitled to one vote per share.
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Equity Incentive Plan
See Item 6.B of this annual report, “Compensation”.
Options
No options were granted during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. There are currently no options outstanding to acquire any of our shares.
Warrants
We do not currently have any outstanding warrants.
| F. | Disclosure of a Registrant’s Action to Recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation |
|---|
Not Applicable.
| Item 7. | Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions |
|---|---|
| A. | Major Shareholders |
| --- | --- |
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our voting stock as of April 15, 2026 by each person or entity known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our voting stock, each of our directors and executive officers, and all of our directors and executive officers and 5% owners as a group. As of April 15, 2026, we had 13 shareholders of record, seven of which were located in the United States and held an aggregate of 4,308,335 shares of our common stock, representing 61.6% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Of these shares, 4,274,452 were held of record by CEDE & CO., a nominee of The Depository Trust Company. Accordingly, we believe that the shares registered in the name of CEDE & CO., include shares beneficially owned by both U.S. and non-U.S. holders. All of our shareholders, including the shareholders listed in this table, are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held.
| Name of Beneficial Owner (1) | Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (1) | Percent of common Stock (14) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Containers Shareholders Trinity Ltd. (2) | 2,744,012 | 38.9 | % | ||
| Friends Investment Company Inc. (3) | 547,522 | 7.7 | % | ||
| Eurobulk Marine Holdings Inc. (4) | 528,169 | 7.5 | % | ||
| Family United Navigation Co. (5) | 231,200 | 3.3 | % | ||
| Aristides J. Pittas(6) | 83,537 | 1.2 | % | ||
| Anastasios Aslidis (7) | 26,910 | * | |||
| Panagiotis Kyriakopoulos (8) | 14,500 | * | |||
| Aristides P. Pittas (9) | 22,898 | * | |||
| Apostolos Tamvakakis (10) | 11,842 | * | |||
| George Taniskidis (11) | 6,200 | * | |||
| Stephania Karmiri (12) | 1,000 | * | |||
| Symeon Pariaros (13) | 2,850 | * | |||
| All directors and officers and 5% owners as a group | **** | 4,220,640 | **** | 58.6 | % |
* Indicates less than 1.0%.
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| (1) | Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the Rule 13d-3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Except as subject to community property laws, where applicable, the person named above has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by him/her. There are no agreements in place for joint voting amongst the companies listed below. |
|---|---|
| (2) | Represents 2,744,012 shares of common stock held of record by Containers Shareholders Trinity Ltd. (“CST”). A majority of the shareholders of CST are members of the Pittas family. Investment power and voting control by CST resides in its Board of Directors which consists of three directors, affiliated with the Pittas family. Actions by CST may be taken by a majority of the members on its Board of Directors. |
| --- | --- |
| (3) | Represents 547,522 shares of common stock held of record by Friends. A majority of the shareholders of Friends are members of the Pittas family. Investment power and voting control by Friends resides in its Board of Directors which consists of five directors, a majority of whom are members of the Pittas family. Actions by Friends may be taken by a majority of the members on its Board of Directors. |
| --- | --- |
| (4) | Represents 528,169 shares of common stock held of record by Eurobulk Marine Holdings Inc. (“EMH”). A majority of the shareholders of EMH are members of the Pittas family. Investment power and voting control by EMH resides in its Board of Directors which consists of three directors, affiliated with the Pittas family. Actions by EMH may be taken by a majority of the members on its Board of Directors. |
| --- | --- |
| (5) | Represents 231,200 shares of common stock held of record by Family United Navigation Co. (“FUN”). A majority of the shareholders of FUN are members of the Pittas family. Investment power and voting control by FUN resides in its Board of Directors which consists of three directors, affiliated with the Pittas family. Actions by FUN may be taken by a majority of the members on its Board of Directors. |
| --- | --- |
| (6) | Does not include 1,273,766 shares of common stock held of record by CST, and Friends by virtue of ownership interest in above entities by Mr. Pittas. Mr. Pittas disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Includes 5,500 shares vesting on July 1, 2026, 5,500 shares of common stock vesting on November 13, 2026 and 5,500 shares vesting on July 1, 2027. |
| --- | --- |
| (7) | Does not include 7,344 shares of common stock held of record by CST by virtue of ownership interest in above entity by Mr. Aslidis. Mr. Aslidis disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Includes 3,750 shares vesting on July 1, 2026, 3,750 shares of common stock vesting on November 13, 2026 and 3,750 shares vesting on July 1, 2027. |
| --- | --- |
| (8) | Includes 700 shares vesting on July 1, 2026, 700 shares of common stock vesting on November 13, 2026 and 700 shares vesting on July 1, 2027. |
| --- | --- |
| (9) | Does not include 433,968 shares of common stock held of record by CST, Friends and Family United Navigation Co., by virtue of ownership interest in above entities by Mr. Pittas and members of his family. Mr. Pittas disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Includes 1,550 shares vesting on July 1, 2026, 1,550 shares of common stock vesting on November 13, 2026 and 1,550 shares vesting on July 1, 2027. |
| --- | --- |
| (10) | Includes 700 shares vesting on July 1, 2026, 700 shares of common stock vesting on November 13, 2026 and 700 shares vesting on July 1, 2027. |
| --- | --- |
| (11) | Does not include 45,410 shares held of record by Friends, by virtue of Mr. Taniskidis’ ownership in CST and Friends. Mr. Taniskidis disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Includes 700 shares vesting on July 1, 2026, 700 shares of common stock vesting on November 13, 2026 and 700 shares vesting on July 1, 2027. |
| --- | --- |
| (12) | Includes 250 shares vesting on July 1, 2026, 250 shares vesting on November 13, 2026 and 250 shares vesting on July 1, 2027. |
| --- | --- |
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| (13) | Includes 950 shares vesting on July 1, 2026, 950 shares of common stock vesting on November 13, 2026 and 950 shares vesting on July 1, 2027. |
|---|---|
| (14) | Voting stock includes 93,393 unvested shares for a total of 7,055,881 issued and outstanding shares of the Company as of April 15, 2026. |
| --- | --- |
| B. | Related Party Transactions |
| --- | --- |
The operations of our vessels are managed by Eurobulk, an affiliated ship management company owned by our Chairman and CEO and his family, under a Master Management Agreement with us and separate management agreements with each shipowning company. Under our Master Management Agreement, Eurobulk is responsible for all aspects of management and compliance for the Company, including the provision of the services of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Investor Relations Officer, Internal Auditor and Secretary. Eurobulk is also responsible for all commercial management services, which include obtaining employment for our vessels and managing our relationships with charterers. Eurobulk also performs technical management services, which include managing day-to-day vessel operations, performing general vessel maintenance, ensuring regulatory and classification society compliance, supervising the maintenance and general efficiency of vessels, arranging our hire of qualified officers and crew, arranging and supervising dry docking and repairs, arranging insurance for vessels, purchasing stores, supplies, spares and new equipment for vessels, appointing supervisors and technical consultants and providing technical support and shoreside personnel who carry out the management functions described above and certain accounting services.
Our Master Management Agreement with Eurobulk, which we initially entered in 2008, was amended and restated as of January 1, 2018 for an additional five-year term until January 1, 2023. It was then automatically extended for an additional five-year period until January 1, 2028. The Master Management Agreement can be terminated by Eurobulk only for cause or under other limited circumstances, such as sale of the Company or Eurobulk or the bankruptcy of either party. The Master Management Agreement will automatically be extended after each period for an additional five-year period unless terminated on or before the 90th day preceding the termination date. Each new vessel we may acquire in the future will enter into a separate management agreement with Eurobulk with a rate and term coinciding with the rate and remaining term of the Master Management Agreement effective at such time.
Under the amended and restated Master Management Agreement, starting January 1, 2025, the daily management fee per vessel was adjusted for inflation to 840 Euros per vessel(approximately $991, using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2025, which was $1.18 per Euro). This cost is reduced by half (420 Euros per vessel per day or approximately $496, using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2025, which was $1.18 per Euro) for any vessels that are laid up or under construction. Starting January 1, 2026, the daily management fee per vessel was adjusted to 875 Euros per vessel (approximately $1033, using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2025, which was $1.18 per Euro), to reflect further inflation. This cost is reduced by half (437.50 Euros per vessel per day or approximately $516, using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2025, which was $1.18 per Euro) for any vessels that are laid up or under construction. This fee will remain effective and adjusted for inflation every year until the expiration of the Master Management Agreement on January 1, 2028.
The fixed annual management fee cost was adjusted for inflation to $2,300,000 with effect from January 1, 2025 and from January 1, 2026 to $2,360,000 to account for further inflation. The fee will be adjusted for inflation every year until the expiration of the Master Management Agreement on January 1, 2028. For 2025, we also paid an additional special bonus of $1,050,000, respectively, to Eurobulk’s employees, affiliated subcontractors and consultants.
Eurobulk has received fees for management and executive compensation expenses of $11,345,498 during 2025.
We receive chartering and sale and purchase services from Eurochart, a company owned by certain members of the Pittas family, and pay a commission of 1.25% on charter revenue and 1% on vessel sale price. During 2025, the Company paid Eurochart $2,816,435 for chartering commissions and $631,500 for vessel sales.
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Technomar S.A., a crewing agent, and Sentinel Marine Services Inc., an insurance brokering company, are affiliates to whom we pay a fee of about $50 per crew member per month and a commission on insurance premiums not exceeding 5%, respectively. Total fees charged by Sentinel and Technomar were $181,061 and $360,141 in 2025, respectively.
Aristides J. Pittas is currently the Chairman of each of Eurochart and Eurobulk, both of which are our affiliates.
We have entered into a registration rights agreement with Friends, pursuant to which we granted Friends the right, under certain circumstances and subject to certain restrictions, to require us to register under the Securities Act shares of our common stock held by Friends. Under the registration rights agreement, Friends has the right to request us to register the sale of shares held by it on its behalf and may require us to make available shelf registration statements permitting sales of shares into the market from time to time over an extended period. In addition, Friends has the ability to exercise certain piggyback registration rights in connection with registered offerings initiated by us.
Eurobulk, Friends and Aristides J. Pittas, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, have granted us a right of first refusal to acquire any containership which any of them may consider for acquisition in the future. In addition, Mr. Pittas has granted us a right of first refusal to accept any chartering out opportunity for a containership which may be suitable for any of our vessels, provided that we have a suitable vessel, properly situated and available, to take advantage of the chartering out opportunity. Mr. Pittas has also agreed to use his best efforts to cause any entity he directly or indirectly controls to grant us this right of first refusal. We have granted to Euroholdings a right of first offer with respect to any vessel sales by us of vessels older than fifteen years of age and a right of first refusal over any employment opportunity for a containership vessel of older than fifteen years age pursuant to a charter presented or available to us with respect to any vessel owned or chartered in, directly or indirectly, by it.
| C. | Interests of Experts and Counsel |
|---|
Not Applicable.
| Item 8. | Financial Information |
|---|---|
| A. | Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information |
| --- | --- |
See Item 18.
Legal Proceedings
To our knowledge, there are no material legal proceedings to which we are a party or to which any of our properties are subject, other than routine litigation incidental to our business. In our opinion, the disposition of these lawsuits should not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Dividend Policy
We paid a quarterly dividend to our common stock for thirty-two consecutive quarters from our inception in 2005 until November 2013 when our Board of Directors decided to suspend our quarterly dividend in order to focus every resource available in exploiting investment opportunities in the market. In May 2022, our Board of Directors reinstated our common stock dividend plan. In 2023, our Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.50 per share for each of the first, second and third quarters and on February 21, 2024 our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share for the fourth quarter of 2023. These dividends were paid on June 16, 2023, September 16, 2023, December 16, 2023 and March 15, 2024, respectively. In 2024, our Board of Directors also declared quarterly dividends of $0.60 per share for each of the second and third quarters of 2024 and on February 27, 2025, they declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024. These dividends were paid on June 19, 2024, September 17, 2024, December 17, 2024, and March 18, 2025, respectively. In 2025, our Board of Directors also declared quarterly dividends of $0.65 per share for the first quarter of 2025 and $0.70 per share for the second and third quarter of 2025, respectively. A quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share was declared for the fourth quarter of 2025 on February 25, 2026. The above dividends were paid on July 16, 2025, September 16, 2025, December 15, 2025 and March 17, 2026, respectively. The exact timing and amount of any future dividend payments to our common stock will be determined by our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our earnings, financial condition, cash requirement and availability, restrictions in our loan agreements, growth strategy, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of distributions to shareholders and other factors, such as the acquisition of additional vessels.
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The payment of dividends to our common stock is not guaranteed or assured, and may again be discontinued at any time at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Because we are a holding company with no material assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries, our ability to pay dividends will depend on the earnings and cash flow of these subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends to us. If there is a substantial decline in the containership charter market, our earnings would be negatively affected, thus limiting our ability to pay dividends. Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent upon the payment of such dividends. Dividends may be declared in conformity with applicable law by, and at the discretion of, our Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be declared and paid in cash, stock or other property of the Company.
| B. | Significant Changes |
|---|
There have been no significant changes since the date of the annual consolidated financial statements included in this annual report, other than those described in Note 20 “Subsequent Events” of our annual consolidated financial statements.
| Item 9. | The Offer and Listing |
|---|---|
| A. | Offer and Listing Details |
| --- | --- |
The trading market for shares of our common stock is the Nasdaq Capital Market, on which our shares have traded under the symbol "ESEA" since June 26, 2015.
| B. | Plan of Distribution |
|---|
Not Applicable.
| C. | Markets |
|---|
The trading market for shares of our common stock is the Nasdaq Capital Market, on which our shares have traded under the symbol "ESEA" since June 26, 2015. Our shares began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market on January 31, 2007 and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on January 1, 2008, and have traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market since June 26, 2015. Prior thereto, our shares traded on the OTCBB under the symbol “ESEAF.OB” until October 5, 2006 and then under the symbol “EUSEF.OB” until January 30, 2007.
| D. | Selling Shareholders |
|---|
Not Applicable.
| E. | Dilution |
|---|
Not Applicable.
| F. | Expenses of the Issue |
|---|
Not Applicable.
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| Item 10. | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| A. | Share Capital |
| --- | --- |
Not Applicable.
| B. | Memorandum and Articles of Association |
|---|
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended
Our current amended and restated articles of incorporation were filed with the SEC as Exhibit 1.1 (Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation) to our Annual Report on Form 20-F on May 27, 2011, and our current bylaws, as amended, were filed with the SEC as Exhibits 1.2 (Bylaws) and 1.4 (Amendment to Bylaws) to our Annual Report on Form 20-F on May 28, 2010.
Purpose
Our purpose, as stated in our amended and restated articles of incorporation, is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the Business Corporations Act of the Marshall Islands, or the BCA.
Authorized Capitalization
Under our amended and restated articles of incorporation, our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.03 per share and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock par value $0.01 per share. There is no limitation on the right to own securities or the rights of non-resident shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our securities under Marshall Islands law or our articles of incorporation or bylaws. All of our shares of stock are in registered form.
Common Stock
As of December 31, 2025 and April 15, 2026, there were 7,055,881 shares issued and outstanding. Each outstanding share of common stock is entitled to one vote, either in person or by proxy, on all matters that may be voted upon by their holders at meetings of the shareholders. Holders of our common stock (i) have equal ratable rights to dividends from funds legally available therefore, if declared by the Board of Directors; (ii) are entitled to share ratably in all of our assets available for distribution upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; and (iii) do not have preemptive, subscription or conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions. All issued shares of our common stock when issued will be fully paid for and non-assessable.
Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2025 and April 15, 2026, there are no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
Directors
Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of the shareholders by the holders of shares entitled to vote in the election. Cumulative voting may not be used to elect directors.
Our Board of Directors must consist of at least three directors, such number to be determined by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of the entire Board of Directors from time to time. Shareholders may change the number of our directors only by an affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes as set out below in “Classified Board of Directors.” Each director is elected to serve until the third succeeding annual meeting after his election and until his successor shall have been elected and qualified, except in the event of his death, resignation or removal.
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Shareholder Meetings
Under our bylaws, as amended, annual shareholder meetings will be held at a time and place selected by our Board of Directors. The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands. Special meetings may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or by the President. Notice of every annual and special meeting of shareholders must be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at least 15 but no more than 60 days before such meeting.
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the BCA, our shareholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, including any merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual course of our business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares. In the event of any further amendment of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, a shareholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares. The dissenting shareholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment. In the event that we and any dissenting shareholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the institution of proceedings in the high court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or in any appropriate court in any jurisdiction in which the Company’s shares are primarily traded on a local or national securities exchange.
Shareholders Derivative Actions
Under the BCA, any of our shareholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the shareholder bringing the action is a holder of common stock both at the time the derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
The BCA authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors and officers to corporations and their shareholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties. Our bylaws, as amended, include a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Our bylaws, as amended, provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by law. We are also expressly authorized to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our bylaws, as amended, may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.
Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as Amended
Several provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, as amended, which are summarized below, may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change in control and enhance the ability of our Board of Directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also discourage, delay or prevent (1) the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise that a shareholder may consider in its best interest and (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
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Blank Check Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, our Board of Directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. Our Board of Directors may issue shares of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or the removal of our management.
Classified Board of Directors
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide for the division of our Board of Directors into three classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible, serving staggered, three-year terms. Approximately one-third of our Board of Directors will be elected each year. This classified board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of us. It could also delay shareholders who do not agree with the policies of our Board of Directors from removing a majority of our Board of Directors for two years.
Election and Removal of Directors
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors. Our bylaws, as amended, require parties other than the Board of Directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. Our bylaws, as amended, also provide that our directors may be removed only for cause and by either action of the Board of Directors or the affirmative vote of the holders of 51% of the issued and outstanding voting shares of the Company. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
Limited Actions by Shareholders
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our bylaws, as amended, provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by our shareholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of shareholders or by the unanimous written consent of our shareholders. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our bylaws, as amended, provide that, subject to certain exceptions, our Board of Directors, our Chairman of the Board or by the President and the business transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Accordingly, a shareholder may not call a special meeting and shareholder consideration of a proposal may be delayed until the next annual meeting.
Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations
Our bylaws, as amended, provide that shareholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. Generally, to be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 150 days nor more than 180 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders. Our bylaws, as amended, also specify requirements as to the form and content of a shareholder’s notice. These provisions may impede shareholders’ ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of shareholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of shareholders.
Certain Business Combinations
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation also prohibit us, subject to several exclusions, from engaging in any “business combination” with any interested shareholder for a period of three years following the date the shareholder became an interested shareholder.
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Shareholders’ Rights Plan
On May 10, 2019, we adopted a shareholder rights agreement effective as of May 27, 2019 and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right to purchase one one-thousandth of our Series C Participating Preferred Stock for each outstanding share of our common stock, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 27, 2019. Each right entitles the registered holder, upon the occurrence of certain events, to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of Series C Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $3.00, subject to adjustment. The rights will expire on the earliest of (i) May 31, 2029 or (ii) redemption or exchange of the rights. The shareholder rights agreement was designed to enable us to protect shareholder interests in the event that an unsolicited attempt is made for a business combination with or takeover of the Company. We believe that the shareholder rights agreement should enhance the board of directors' negotiating power on behalf of shareholders in the event of a coercive offer or proposal. We are not currently aware of any such offers or proposals and we adopted the plan as a matter of prudent corporate governance. This shareholder rights agreement replaced our existing, substantially similar shareholder rights agreement which expired on May 27, 2019.
| C. | Material Contracts |
|---|
We have a number of credit facilities with commercial banks and a leasing house. For a discussion of our facilities, please see the section of this annual report entitled “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Financing”, and Note 9 of our attached financial statements.
We are a party to a registration rights agreement with Friends. For a discussion of these agreements, please see the section of this annual report entitled “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions.”
There are no other material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party.
| D. | Exchange Controls |
|---|
Under Marshall Islands law, there are currently no restrictions on the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls or restrictions that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our shares.
| E. | Taxation |
|---|
The following is a discussion of the material Marshall Islands, Liberian and United States federal income tax considerations applicable to us and U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders, each as discussed below, of our common stock.
Marshall Islands Tax Considerations
We are incorporated in the Marshall Islands. Under current Marshall Islands law, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains, and no Marshall Islands withholding tax will be imposed upon payments of dividends by us to holders of our common stock that are not residents or domiciled or carrying any commercial activity in the Marshall Islands. The holders of our common stock will not be subject to Marshall Islands tax on the sale or other disposition of such common stock.
Liberian Tax Considerations
Certain of our subsidiaries are incorporated in the Republic of Liberia. Under the Consolidated Tax Amendments Act of 2010, our Liberian subsidiaries will be deemed non-resident Liberian corporations wholly exempted from Liberian taxation effective as of 1977, and distributions we make to our shareholders will be made free of any Liberian withholding tax.
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United States Federal Income Tax
The following are the material United States federal income tax consequences to us of our activities and to U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders, each as defined below, of our common stock. The following discussion of United States federal income tax matters is based on the Code, judicial decisions, administrative pronouncements, and existing and proposed regulations issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, or the Treasury Regulations, all as of the date of this Annual Report, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion is also based in part upon Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 883 of the Code. The discussion below is based, in part, on the description of our business as described in “Business” above and assumes that we conduct our business as described in that section. References in the following discussion to “we” and “us” are to Euroseas and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
United States Federal Income Taxation of Our Company
Taxation of Operating Income: In General
Unless exempt from United States federal income taxation under the rules discussed below, a foreign corporation is subject to United States federal income taxation in respect of any income that is derived from the use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time, voyage or bareboat charter basis, from the participation in a pool, partnership, strategic alliance, joint operating agreement, code sharing arrangement or other joint venture it directly or indirectly owns or participates in that generates such income, or from the performance of services directly related to those uses, which we refer to as “shipping income,” to the extent that the shipping income is derived from sources within the United States. For these purposes, 50% of shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States exclusive of certain U.S. territories and possessions constitutes income from sources within the United States, which we refer to as “U.S.-source shipping income.”
Shipping income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States. We are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that produces income which is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States.
Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-United States ports will be considered to be 100% derived from sources outside the United States. Shipping income derived from sources outside the United States will not be subject to any United States federal income tax.
In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code, our gross U.S.-source shipping income would be subject to a 4% tax imposed without allowance for deductions as described below.
Exemption of Operating Income from United States Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, we will be exempt from United States federal income taxation on our U.S.-source shipping income if:
| ● | we are organized in a foreign country, or our country of organization, that grants an “equivalent exemption” to corporations organized in the United States; and |
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either
| ● | more than 50% of the value of our stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by “qualified shareholders,” individuals who are “residents” of our country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to corporations organized in the United States, which we refer to as the “50% Ownership Test,” or |
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| ● | our stock is “primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market” in our country of organization, in another country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to United States corporations, or in the United States, which we refer to as the “Publicly-Traded Test.” |
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The Marshall Islands, Liberia and Panama, the jurisdictions where we and our ship-owning subsidiaries were incorporated, each grants an “equivalent exemption” to United States corporations. Therefore, we will be exempt from United States federal income taxation with respect to our U.S.-source shipping income if we satisfy either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test.
The Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that the stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be "primarily traded" on an established securities market in a country if the number of shares of each class of stock that is traded during the taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in each such class that is traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. Our common stock is "primarily traded" on the Nasdaq Capital Market, which is an established securities market for these purposes.
The Treasury Regulations also require that our stock be “regularly traded” on an established securities market. Under the Treasury Regulations, our common shares will be considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities market if one or more classes of our stock representing more than 50% of our outstanding stock, by both total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and total value, are listed on such market, to which we refer as the Listing Threshold. Our common stock, which is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and is our only class of publicly-traded stock, constituted more than 50% of our outstanding shares by value for the 2025 taxable year, and accordingly, we believe that we satisfied the listing threshold for the 2025 taxable year.
It is further required that with respect to each class of stock relied upon to meet the Listing Threshold, (i) such class of stock is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or one-sixth of the days in a short taxable year, or the Trading Frequency Test; and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of such class of stock traded on such market during the taxable year is at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of stock outstanding during such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year, or the Trading Volume Test. The Company currently satisfies and anticipates that it will continue to satisfy the Trading Frequency Test and Trading Volume Test. Even if this were not the case, the Treasury Regulations provide that the Trading Frequency Test and Trading Volume Tests will be deemed satisfied if, as is the case with our common shares, such class of stock is traded on an established securities market in the United States and such class of stock is regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that a class of stock will not be considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities market for any taxable year during which 50% or more of the vote and value of the outstanding shares of such class are owned, actually or constructively under specified attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of the vote and value of such class of outstanding shares, to which we refer as the "5% Override Rule."
For purposes of being able to determine the persons who actually or constructively own 5% or more of the vote and value of our common shares, or 5% Shareholders, the Treasury Regulations permit us to rely on those persons that are identified on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as owning 5% or more of our common shares. The Treasury Regulations further provide that an investment company which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, will not be treated as a 5% Shareholder for such purposes.
In the event the 5% Override Rule is triggered, the Treasury Regulations provide that the 5% Override Rule will nevertheless not apply if we can establish that within the group of 5% Shareholders, there are sufficient qualified shareholders for purposes of Section 883 to preclude non-qualified shareholders in such group from owning 50% or more of our common shares for more than half the number of days during the taxable year. In order to benefit from this exception to the 5% Override Rule, the Company must satisfy certain substantiation requirements in regards to the identity of its 5% Shareholders.
We believe that we were subject to the Five Percent Override Rule, but nonetheless satisfied the Publicly-Traded Test for the 2025 taxable year because our nonqualified 5% Shareholders did not own more than 50% of our common stock for more than half of the days during the taxable year. We intend to take this position on our 2025 U.S. federal income tax returns.
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Taxation in Absence of Exemption
To the extent that the benefits of Section 883 are unavailable for any taxable year, our U.S.-source shipping income, to the extent not considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described below, was subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of deductions which we refer to as the “4% gross basis tax regime”. Since under the sourcing rules described above, no more than 50% of our shipping income is treated as being derived from United States sources, the maximum effective rate of United States federal income tax on our shipping income will not exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax regime.
To the extent the benefits of the Section 883 of the Code are unavailable and our U.S.-source shipping income is considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described below, any such “effectively connected” U.S.-source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to the United States federal corporate income tax currently imposed at a rate of 21%. In addition, we may be subject to the 30% United States federal “branch profits” taxes on earnings effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid attributable to the conduct of such United States trade or business.
Our U.S.-source shipping income would be considered “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business only if:
| ● | We have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of shipping income; and |
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| ● | substantially all of our U.S.-source shipping income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation, such as the operation of a vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States. |
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We do not currently have, intend to have, or permit circumstances that would result in our having, any vessel sailing to or from the United States on a regularly scheduled basis. Based on the foregoing and on the expected mode of our shipping operations and other activities, it is anticipated that none of our United States source shipping income will be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business for any taxable year.
United States Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels
Regardless of whether we qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code, we will not be subject to United States federal income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under United States federal income tax principles. In general, a sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside of the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us will be considered to occur outside of the United States.
United States Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of common stock that is a United States citizen or resident, United States corporation or other United States entity taxable as a corporation, an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for United States federal income tax purposes.
This discussion does not purport to deal with the tax consequences of owning common stock to all categories of investors, some of which, such as dealers in securities, investors whose functional currency is not the United States dollar, persons subject to an alternative minimum tax, persons subject to the “base erosion and anti-avoidance” tax, persons required to recognize income for United States federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is reported on an “applicable financial statement” and investors that own, actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules, 10% or more of our common stock, may be subject to special rules. This discussion deals only with holders who hold the common stock as a capital asset. You are encouraged to consult your own tax advisors concerning the overall tax consequences arising in your own particular situation under United States federal, state, local or foreign law of the ownership of common stock. This discussion does not address the tax consequences of owning our preferred stock.
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If a partnership holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our common stock, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor.
Distributions
Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies below, any distributions made by us with respect to our common stock to a U.S. Holder will generally constitute dividends, which may be taxable as ordinary income or “qualified dividend income” as described in more detail below, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in his common stock on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain. Because we are not a United States corporation, U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividend received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from us. Dividends paid with respect to our common stock will generally be treated as “passive category income” or, in the case of certain types of U.S. Holders, “general category income” for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for United States foreign tax credit purposes.
Dividends paid on our common stock to a U.S. Holder who is an individual, trust or estate, or a U.S. Individual Holder, will generally be treated as “qualified dividend income” that is taxable to such U.S. Individual Holders at preferential tax rates provided that (1) we are not a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which we do not believe we are, have been or will be), (2) our common stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the Nasdaq Capital Market, on which our common stock is listed), (3) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the common stock for more than 60 days in the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common stock becomes ex-dividend, and (4) the U.S. Individual Holder is not under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make payments with respect to positions in similar or related property. There is no assurance that any dividends paid on our common stock will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder. Dividends paid on our stock prior to the date on which our common stock became listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market were not eligible for these preferential rates. Any dividends paid by us which are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a U.S. Individual Holder.
Special rules may apply to any “extraordinary dividend” generally, a dividend paid by us in an amount which is equal to or in excess of ten percent of a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis (or fair market value in certain circumstances) in a share of our common stock. If we pay an “extraordinary dividend” on our common stock that is treated as “qualified dividend income,” then any loss derived by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such common stock will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of such dividend.
Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Common Stock
Assuming we do not constitute a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such stock. Such gain or loss will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Such capital gain or loss will generally be treated as U.S.-source income or loss, as applicable, for United States foreign tax credit purposes. A U.S. Holder’s ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
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Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences
Special United States federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that holds stock in a foreign corporation classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which such holder held our common stock, either:
| ● | at least 75% of our gross income for such taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business); or |
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| ● | at least 50% of the average value of our assets during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income, which we refer to as “passive assets”. |
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For purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as earning and owning our proportionate share of the income and assets, respectively, of any of our subsidiary corporations in which we own at least 25% of the value of the subsidiary’s stock. Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income would generally constitute “passive income” unless we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business.
Based on our current operations and future projections, we do not believe that we are, nor do we expect to become, a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. Although there is no legal authority directly on point, and we are not relying upon an opinion of counsel on this issue, our belief is based principally on the position that, for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from the time chartering and voyage chartering activities of our wholly-owned subsidiaries should constitute services income, rather than rental income. Correspondingly, such income should not constitute passive income, and the assets that we or our wholly-owned subsidiaries own and operate in connection with the production of such income, in particular, the vessels, should not constitute passive assets for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. We believe there is substantial legal authority supporting our position consisting of case law and United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income for other tax purposes. However, there is also authority which characterizes time charter income as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes. Moreover, in the absence of any legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing PFICs, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, there can be no assurance that the nature of our operations will not change in the future.
As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year which included a U.S. Holder’s holding period in our common stock, then such U.S. Holder would be subject to different United States federal income taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a “qualified electing fund,” which election we refer to as a “QEF election”. As an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to our common stock, as discussed below. In addition, if we were to be treated as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of our common stock would be required to file annual information returns with the IRS.
In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our common stock and we are a PFIC, such U.S. Holder must generally file IRS Form 8621 with the IRS.
U.S. Holders Making a Timely QEF Election
A U.S. Holder who makes a timely QEF election with respect to our common stock, or an Electing Holder, would report for United States federal income tax purposes his pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and our net capital gain, if any, for our taxable year that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder. Our net operating losses or net capital losses would not pass through to the Electing Holder and will not offset our ordinary earnings or net capital gain reportable to the Electing Holder in subsequent years (although such losses would ultimately reduce the gain, or increase the loss, if any, recognized by the Electing Holder on the sale of his common stock). Distributions received from us by an Electing Holder are excluded from the Electing Holder’s gross income to the extent of the Electing Holder’s prior inclusions of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain. The Electing Holder’s tax basis in his common stock would be increased by any amount included in the Electing Holder’s income. Distributions received by an Electing Holder, which are not includible in income because they have been previously taxed, would decrease the Electing Holder’s tax basis in the common stock. An Electing Holder would generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or exchange of common stock.
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U.S. Holders Making a Timely Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder who makes a timely mark-to-market election with respect to our common stock would include annually in the U.S. Holder’s income, as ordinary income, any excess of the fair market value of the common stock at the close of the taxable year over the U.S. Holder’s then adjusted tax basis in the common stock. The excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis at the close of the taxable year over the then fair market value of the common stock would be deductible in an amount equal to the lesser of the amount of the excess or the net mark-to-market gains that the U.S. Holder included in income in previous years with respect to the common stock. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in his common stock would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss amount recognized pursuant to the mark-to-market election. A U.S. Holder would recognize ordinary income or loss on a sale, exchange or other disposition of the common stock; provided, however, that any ordinary loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition may not exceed the net mark-to-market gains that the U.S. Holder included in income in previous years with respect to the common stock.
U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF Election or Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder who does not make a timely QEF Election or a timely mark-to-market election, which we refer to as a “Non-Electing Holder”, would be subject to special rules with respect to (i) any “excess distribution” (generally, the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on the common stock in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the Non-Electing Holder’s holding period for the common stock), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the common stock. Under these rules, (i) the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder’s holding period for the common stock; (ii) the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, would be taxed as ordinary income; and (iii) the amount allocated to each of the other prior taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed tax deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year. If a Non-Electing Holder dies while owning the common stock, the Non-Electing Holder’s successor would be ineligible to receive a step-up in the tax basis of that common stock.
United States Federal Income Taxation of “Non-U.S. Holders”
A beneficial owner of common stock (other than a partnership) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to herein as a “Non-U.S. Holder.”
Dividends on Common Stock
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on dividends received from us with respect to our common stock, unless that income is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States. If the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a United States income tax treaty with respect to those dividends, that income is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Stock
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock, unless:
| ● | such gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States, if the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a United States income tax treaty with respect to that gain, that gain is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States; or |
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| ● | the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of disposition and other conditions are met. |
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If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a United States trade or business for United States federal income tax purposes, the income from the common stock, including dividends and the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the stock that is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business will generally be subject to regular United States federal income tax in the same manner as discussed in the previous section relating to the taxation of U.S. Holders. In addition, in the case of a corporate Non-U.S. Holder, its earnings and profits that are attributable to the effectively connected income, subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to an additional United States federal “branch profits” tax at a rate of 30%, or at a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable United States income tax treaty.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, dividend payments, or other taxable distributions, made within the United States to you will be subject to information reporting requirements. Such payments will also be subject to backup withholding tax if a U.S. Individual Holder:
| ● | fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number; |
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| ● | is notified by the IRS that he failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on your United States federal income tax returns; or |
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| ● | in certain circumstances, fails to comply with applicable certification requirements. |
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Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on an appropriate IRS Form W-8.
If a shareholder sells our common stock to or through a United States office of a broker, the payment of the proceeds is subject to both United States backup withholding and information reporting unless the shareholder certifies that it is a non-U.S. person, under penalties of perjury, or the shareholder otherwise establishes an exemption. If a shareholder sells our common stock through a non-United States office of a non-United States broker and the sales proceeds are paid outside the United States then information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to that payment. However, United States information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made outside the United States, if a shareholder sells our common stock through a non-United States office of a broker that is a United States person or has some other contacts with the United States.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a shareholder generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under backup withholding rules that exceed the shareholder’s United States federal income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.
Individuals who are U.S. Holders (and to the extent specified in the applicable Treasury Regulations, certain individuals who are Non-U.S. Holders and certain United States entities) who hold “specified foreign financial assets” (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations) are required to file IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) with information relating to each such asset for each taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds $75,000 at any time during the taxable year or $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year. Specified foreign financial assets would include, among other assets, our common stock, unless the common stock were held through an account maintained with a United States financial institution. Substantial penalties apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Additionally, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of United States federal income tax with respect to a taxable year for which the filing of IRS Form 8938 is required may not close until three years after the date on which IRS Form 8938 is filed. U.S. Holders (including United States entities) and Non-U.S. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations under Section 6038D of the Code.
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Changes in Global Tax Laws
Long-standing international tax initiatives that determine each country’s jurisdiction to tax cross-border international trade and profits are evolving as a result of, among other things, initiatives such as the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives, as well as the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting reporting requirements, mandated and/or recommended by the EU, G8, G20 and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, including the imposition of a minimum global effective tax rate for multinational businesses regardless of the jurisdiction of operation and where profits are generated (Pillar Two). As these and other tax laws and related regulations change (including changes in the interpretation, approach and guidance of tax authorities), our financial results could be materially impacted. Given the unpredictability of these possible changes and their potential interdependency, it is difficult to assess whether the overall effect of such potential tax changes would be cumulatively positive or negative for our earnings and cash flow, but such changes could adversely affect our financial results.
On December 12, 2022, the European Union member states agreed to implement the OECD’s Pillar Two global corporate minimum tax rate of 15% on companies with revenues of at least €750 million effective from 2024. Various countries have either adopted implementing legislation or are in the process of drafting such legislation. Any new tax law in a jurisdiction where we conduct business or pay tax could have a negative effect on our company.
We encourage each shareholder to consult with his, her or its own tax advisor as to particular tax consequences to it of holding and disposing of our common stock, including the applicability of any state, local or foreign tax laws and any proposed changes in applicable law.
| F. | Dividends and paying agents |
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Not Applicable.
| G. | Statement by experts |
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Not Applicable.
| H. | Documents on display |
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We file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual report and the accompanying exhibits, may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or from the SEC's website: http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling 1 (800) SEC-0330 and you may obtain copies at prescribed rates.
| I. | Subsidiary Information |
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Not Applicable.
| J. | Annual Report to Security Holders |
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Not Applicable.
| Item 11. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
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In the normal course of business, we face risks that are non-financial or non-quantifiable. Such risks principally include country risk, credit risk and legal risk. Our operations may be affected from time to time in varying degrees by these risks but their overall effect on us is not predictable. We have identified the following market risks as those which may have the greatest impact upon our operations:
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Interest Rate Fluctuation Risk
The international containership shipping industry is capital-intensive, requiring significant amounts of investment. Much of this investment is financed by long term debt. Our debt usually contains interest rates that fluctuate with SOFR. See Item 3.D: “Risk Factors” above for more information on risks related to volatility in SOFR.
We are subject to market risks relating to changes in interest rates because we have floating rate debt outstanding, which is based on the SOFR reference rate plus, in the case of each credit facility, a specified margin. Our objective is to manage the impact of interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flow in relation to our borrowings and to this effect, when we deem appropriate, we use derivative financial instruments. During 2025, we held one interest rate swap that was to expire in January 2028. We early terminated the interest rate swap in October 2025. As a result, the notional amount of our interest rate swap as of December 31, 2025 was nil. As of December 31, 2024 the notional amount of our interest rate swap was $20.0 million.
As at December 31, 2025, we had $218.62 million of floating rate debt outstanding with margins over SOFR ranging from 1.80% to 2.295%. Our interest expense is affected by changes in the general level of interest rates. As an indication of the extent of our sensitivity to interest rate changes, an increase of 100 basis points would have decreased our net income and increased our cash outflows in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2025 by approximately $2,246,544 assuming the same debt profile throughout the year.
The following table sets forth the sensitivity of our debt as of December 31, 2025 in U.S. dollars to a 100 basis points increase in the SOFR during the next five years. Specifically, the interest we will have to pay for our floating rate debt will increase.
| Year Ended December 31, | Amount in (floating rate debt) |
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| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 | |
| 2029 | |
| 2030 and thereafter |
All values are in US Dollars.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
The international containership shipping industry’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. We generate all of our revenues in U.S. dollars, but incurred approximately 23% of our vessel operating expenses and drydocking expenses in 2025 in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Comparatively, in 2024 approximately 19% of our vessel operating expenses and drydocking expenses were in currencies other than U.S. dollars. In addition, our vessel management fee is denominated in Euros and certain general and administrative expenses (about 7% in 2024 and 5% in 2025) are mainly in Euros and some other currencies. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 37% of our outstanding trade accounts payable were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, mainly in Euros. We do not use currency exchange contracts to reduce the risk of adverse foreign currency movements but we believe that our exposure from market rate fluctuations is unlikely to be material. Net foreign exchange gain for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $18,633, while the net foreign exchange loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $119,655.
A hypothetical 10% immediate and uniform adverse move in all currency exchange rates from the rates in effect as of December 31, 2025, would have increased our vessel operating expenses and dry-docking expenses by approximately $1.23 million and the fair value of our outstanding trade accounts payable by approximately $0.15 million.
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Item 12.
Not Applicable.
PART II
| Item 13. | Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies |
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None.
| Item 14. | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds |
|---|
On May 10, 2019, we adopted a shareholder rights agreement effective as of May 27, 2019 and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right to purchase one one-thousandth of our Series C Participating Preferred Stock for each outstanding share of our common stock, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 27, 2019. Each right entitles the registered holder, upon the occurrence of certain events, to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of Series C Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $3.00, subject to adjustment. The rights will expire on the earliest of (i) May 31, 2029 or (ii) redemption or exchange of the rights. The shareholder rights agreement was designed to enable us to protect shareholder interests in the event that an unsolicited attempt is made for a business combination with or takeover of the Company. We believe that the shareholder rights agreement should enhance the board of directors' negotiating power on behalf of shareholders in the event of a coercive offer or proposal. We are not currently aware of any such offers or proposals and we adopted the plan as a matter of prudent corporate governance. This shareholder rights agreement replaced our existing, substantially similar shareholder rights agreement which expired on May 27, 2019.
| Item 15. | Controls and Procedures |
|---|---|
| (a) | Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
| --- | --- |
Pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, the Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2025. The term disclosure controls and procedures is defined under SEC rules as controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2025, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC.
| (b) | Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting |
|---|
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is identified in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the issuer’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the issuer’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of its management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
102
Our management, with the participation of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025 using the criteria set forth in the “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, or COSO, (2013 Framework). As a result of its assessment, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting are effective as of December 31, 2025.
| (c) | Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm |
|---|
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025 has been audited by Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears below.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Euroseas Ltd.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Euroseas Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025, of the Company and our report dated April 29, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
103
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A.
Athens, Greece
April 29, 2026
| (d) | Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting |
|---|
No significant change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
| Item 16. | [Reserved] |
|---|---|
| Item 16A. | Audit Committee Financial Expert |
| --- | --- |
Our Board of Directors has determined that all the members of our Audit Committee qualify as financial experts and they are all considered to be independent according to Nasdaq and SEC rules. Mr. Panos Kyriakopoulos serves as the Chairman of our Audit Committee and as the Audit Committee’s financial expert with Mr. Apostolos Tamvakakis and Mr. George Taniskidis as members.
104
| Item 16B. | Code of Ethics |
|---|
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to officers and employees. Our code of ethics is posted in our website, http://www.euroseas.gr, under “Corporate Governance”.
| Item 16C. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
|---|---|
| (a) | Audit Fees |
| --- | --- |
Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A. (PCAOB ID No. 1163), an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our annual financial statements acting as our independent auditor for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2025. This table below sets forth the total amounts billed and accrued for Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A., the member firms of Deloitte and their respective affiliates (collectively, “Deloitte”):
| 2024<br><br> <br>(dollars in thousands) | 2025 (dollars in thousands) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audit Fees | $ | 428 | $ | 355 |
| Audit – Related Fees | - | - | ||
| Tax Fees | - | - | ||
| Other Fees | - | - | ||
| Total | $ | 428 | $ | 355 |
Audit fees relate to compensation for professional services rendered for the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the Company and for the review of the quarterly financial information as well as in connection with any other audit services required for SEC or other regulatory filings or offerings. For 2024, audit fees include fees related to the audit of Euroholdings Ltd. as of October 31, 2024, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company as of December 31, 2024, which was spun off as well as the audit of Euroholdings Ltd. Predecessor for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and interim review for the period ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 for inclusion in the Registration statement on Form 20-F and reading the Registration statement amendments. For 2025, audit fees include fees related to reading the Registration statement amendments of Euroholdings Ltd and to procedures to provide our consent to incorporate by reference in them our auditor’s reports relating to the abovementioned audits.
All services provided by Deloitte Certified Public Accountants, S.A., were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
| (b) | Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures |
|---|
The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, replacement, compensation, evaluation and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm. As part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee pre-approves the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm in order to assure that they do not impair the auditor's independence from the Company. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy which sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services proposed to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm may be pre-approved.
| (c) | Audit Work Performed by Other Than Principal Accountant if Greater Than 50% |
|---|
[Not applicable].
| Item 16D. | Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees |
|---|
Not Applicable.
105
| Item 16E. | Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers |
|---|
Share Repurchase Program
On May 23, 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (the “Program”) to purchase up to an aggregate of $20.0 million of our common shares, which was extended in May 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively for another year. The Board will review the Program after a period of twelve months. Share repurchases will be made from time to time for cash in open market transactions pursuant to Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act at prevailing market prices and/or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of purchase under the Program will be determined by management based upon market conditions and other factors. The Program does not require the Company to purchase any specific number or amount of shares and may be suspended or reinstated at any time at the Company’s discretion and without notice. We will cancel common shares repurchased as part of the Program. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we repurchased the following common shares:
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share (1) | Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 1-31, 2025 | 37,625 | $ | 31.731 | 463,079 | $ | 9,630,876 | ||
| April 1-30, 2025 | 3,300 | $ | 30.330 | 466,379 | $ | 9,530,787 | ||
| November 1-30, 2025 | 8,298 | $ | 57.488 | 474,677 | $ | 9,053,752 | ||
| December 1-31, 2025 | 5,783 | $ | 57.031 | 480,460 | $ | 8,723,941 | ||
| Total | **** | 55,006 | **** | N/A | **** | 480,460 | **** | N/A |
| (1) | The average price paid per share does not include commissions paid for each transaction. | |||||||
| --- | --- |
The repurchased shares were cancelled and removed from the Company’s share capital as of December 31, 2025. Subsequent to December 31, 2025, we have not repurchased any additional common shares.
| Item 16F. | Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant |
|---|
None.
| Item 16G. | Corporate Governance |
|---|
Please see Item 6.C. Board Practices - Corporate Governance.
OTHER THAN AS NOTED IN THE SECTION ABOVE, WE ARE IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH ALL OTHER APPLICABLE NASDAQ CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
| Item 16H. | Mine Safety Disclosure |
|---|
Not Applicable.
| Item 16I. | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections |
|---|
Not Applicable.
106
| Item 16J. | Insider Trading Policies |
|---|
(a) We have adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale, and other dispositions of our securities by directors, senior management, and employees that are reasonably designed to promote compliance with applicable insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and listing standards applicable to us.
(b) Please see our Insider Trading Policy of the Company, which has been filed as Exhibit 11.1 to this annual report.
| Item 16K. | Cybersecurity |
|---|
Risk Management and Strategy
We, via our Manager, have implemented a cybersecurity strategy involving various dedicated personnel and resources aimed at preventing, detecting and responding to cyberattacks, as well as being able to recover promptly in the event of material impact following a cyberattack. Additionally, we regularly update our cybersecurity processes to address cybersecurity trends and threats. Cybersecurity processes have been established to address material cybersecurity risks, including in connection with the following areas:
| ● | information technology and solution usage; |
|---|---|
| ● | access control; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | patch management; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | security on specific environments (i.e. cloud, virtualization, automated systems, etc.); |
| --- | --- |
| ● | log management; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | network security; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | systems security standards; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | remote access; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | cryptography; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | mobile devices; |
| --- | --- |
| ● | incident management. |
| --- | --- |
In particular, we deploy a variety of methods of defense such as endpoint security, email and web filtering, access and identity management and security monitoring to provide appropriate levels of protection against cybersecurity threats.
We, via our Manager actively monitor our systems to prevent and detect any future cybersecurity threats and separately, we monitor cybersecurity threats or incidents committed against other companies as such events become public. We have engaged outside consultants that perform penetration testing and other tests to identify and suggest improvements to minimize the risk of a future cyber incident. This allows us to remain current with the latest trends in cybersecurity and make improvements to our defense strategy to consider newly- identified and developing areas of cybersecurity threats. Our Manager has put in place response procedures for prompt cybersecurity incident identification, reporting and remediation if we are subject to an information system security breach. Our Manager utilizes security standards and has established cross-functional risk control capabilities to facilitate operational implementation aligned with our cybersecurity processes.
The employees of our Manager, who are the main users of our digital assets, are trained to face cybersecurity threats and attacks. The training covers areas such as personal digital footprint, privacy settings, phishing, information security at home and at work, ransomware, password hygiene and business email compromise.
In the event of a cyberattack, the Chief Technology Officer of our Manager uses the internal escalation channels to inform the management as further described below.
107
We closely monitor changes in data protection rules and guidance. This allows us to maintain compliance with applicable laws and to keep ahead of developments and regulatory shifts.
Ongoing risks from cybersecurity threats demand management vigilance, investment, and oversight. Although we have put in place the cybersecurity processes described above, cybersecurity attacks and incidents and misuse or manipulation of any of our IT systems could have a material adverse effect on our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition (see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Industry Risk Factors—We rely on our information technology, and if we are unable to protect against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, our operations could be disrupted and our business could be negatively affected.”)
The governance of cybersecurity risks is overseen by our board of directors, with the audit committee dedicated to this area. This group receives regular updates on cybersecurity matters from our Manager. This approach ensures that we are prepared to identify, assess, and respond to cybersecurity challenges, aligning our risk management with our organizational goals. For the year ended December 31, 2025 and up to the date of this report, we are not aware of any material risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
Governance
In 2024, our Manager appointed a Chief Information Security Officer who has been overseeing the information, cybersecurity, and technology security. The Chief Information Security Officer is informed about and monitors the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. He develops appropriate plans to mitigate such risks. Such plans are validated by the members of our Board. The Chief Information Security Officer belongs to the Safety & Quality division of our Manager and reports to our Chief Executive Officer. In March 2025 our Manager appointed a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) who overtook the role of the Chief Information Security Officer.
The CTO belongs to the Safety & Quality division of our Manager and reports to our Chief Executive Officer. She leverages 15 years of experience in the Information and Communication Technology sector within the maritime industry. She holds a PhD in Telecommunications and Networks from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), an MBA in Techno-Economics from NTUA and the University of Piraeus (UNIPI), and a Bachelor’s degree from ECE, NTUA. Currently, she is completing her MSc in Cybersecurity and Data Science at UNIPI. Our CTO is certified as an ISO27001 and ISO22301 TÜV Austria Lead Auditor and as a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) by ISACA. Additionally, she serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Association of Maritime Managers in Information Technology and Communications (AMMITEC).
The Audit Committee oversees that the cybersecurity risks are well managed and reports on such management to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is also informed of such risks, as well as other cybersecurity matters, through periodic reports from the Manager. Our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for overseeing the alignment of the cybersecurity strategy with the strategic plan of the Company. In the event of a cybersecurity incident, we have implemented a process in which the Chief Technology Officer would report such incident to our Chief Executive Officer and the Audit Committee if the incident is determined to present risk to us.
PART III
| Item 17. | Financial Statements |
|---|
See Item 18.
| Item 18. | Financial Statements |
|---|
The financial statements set forth on pages F-1 through F-45, together with the report of independent registered public accounting firm, are filed as part of this annual report.
108
| 4.22 | Loan Agreement dated 18 April 2024, as amended and restated by a Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement, between Leonidas Shipping Ltd. and Dear Panel Shipping Ltd., as Borrowers, and First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company as Lender, in respect of a loan of up to $48,000,000, dated January 28, 2025. |
|---|---|
| 4.23 | Euroseas Ltd. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan |
| 8.1 | Subsidiaries of the Registrant |
| 11.1 | Insider Trading Policy |
| 12.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
| 12.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
| 13.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| 13.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
| 15.1 | Consent of Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A. |
| 97.1 | Policy Regarding the Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. (16) |
| 101.INS^*^ | Inline XBRL Instance Document |
| 101.SCH^*^ | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| 101.CAL^*^ | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
| 101.DEF^*^ | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
| 101.LAB^*^ | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| 101.PRE^*^ | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| 104^*^ | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
| (1) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement (File No. 333-129145) on October 20, 2005. |
| --- | --- |
| (2) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement (File No. 333-138780) on January 29, 2007. |
| (3) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-152089) on July 2, 2008. |
| (4) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on May 18, 2009. |
| (5) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on April 25, 2019. |
| (6) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 6-K (File No. 001-33283) on May 28, 2019. |
| (7) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on April 30, 2020. |
| (8) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 6-K (File No. 001-33283) on May 29, 2020. |
| (9) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on April 28, 2021. |
| (10) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on April 22, 2022. |
| (11) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on April 28, 2023. |
| (12) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on May 27, 2011. |
| (13) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on May 28, 2010. |
| (14) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Amendment No.1 to Registration Statement (File No. 333-129145) on December 5, 2005. |
| (15) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 6-K (File No. 001-33283) on May 25, 2012. |
| (16) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on April 30, 2024. |
| (17) | Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-33283) on May 15, 2025. |
109
SIGNATURES
The Registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
| EUROSEAS LTD. |
|---|
| (Registrant) |
| By: /s/ Aristides J. Pittas |
| Aristides J. Pittas |
| Chairman, President and CEO |
Date: April 29, 2026
______________________________
^*^ Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
110
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated financial statements
Index to consolidated financial statements
Pages
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (“Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A.”) (PCAOB ID No. 1163) | F-2 |
|---|---|
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 | F-3 |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 | F-4 |
| Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 | F-5 |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 | F-6 |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | F-8 |
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Euroseas Ltd.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Euroseas Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 29, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A.
Athens, Greece
April 29, 2026
We have served as the Company's auditor since at least 2004, in connection with its initial public offering; however, an earlier year could not be reliably determined.
F-2
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts, except share data, expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Current assets | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 73,739,504 | 176,460,053 | |||
| Restricted cash | 9 | 926,823 | 564,027 | ||
| Trade accounts receivable, net | 4,551,077 | 10,159,572 | |||
| Other receivables | 775,793 | 1,365,550 | |||
| Inventories | 3 | 3,191,140 | 2,817,493 | ||
| Prepaid expenses | 1,338,031 | 984,394 | |||
| Derivative | 15,16 | 184,392 | - | ||
| Total current assets | **** | **** | 84,706,760 | **** | 192,351,089 |
| Long-term assets | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Vessels, net | 5 | 443,386,898 | 465,913,492 | ||
| Advances for vessels under construction | 4 | 56,924,663 | 35,890,936 | ||
| Restricted cash | 9 | 6,000,000 | 6,300,000 | ||
| Derivative | 15,16 | 200,636 | - | ||
| Total assets | **** | **** | 591,218,957 | **** | 700,455,517 |
| Liabilities and shareholders’ equity | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Current liabilities | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Long-term debt, current portion | 9 | 36,930,532 | 19,151,932 | ||
| Trade accounts payable | 5,735,830 | 3,907,792 | |||
| Accrued expenses | 6 | 4,482,282 | 9,035,452 | ||
| Accrued dividends | 12,17 | 121,030 | 143,510 | ||
| Deferred revenues | 8,237,629 | 5,291,870 | |||
| Due to related company | 8 | 1,662,306 | 1,821,723 | ||
| Total current liabilities | **** | **** | 57,169,609 | **** | 39,352,279 |
| Long-term liabilities | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Long-term debt, net of current portion | 9 | 168,473,386 | 197,659,451 | ||
| Fair value of below market time charters acquired | 7 | 2,626,130 | - | ||
| Total long-term liabilities | **** | **** | 171,099,516 | **** | 197,659,451 |
| Total liabilities | **** | **** | 228,269,125 | **** | 237,011,730 |
| Commitments and contingencies | 11 | ||||
| Shareholders’ equity | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Common stock (par value 0.03, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 7,047,537 and 7,055,881 issued and outstanding, respectively) | 17 | 211,426 | 211,676 | ||
| Additional paid-in capital | 258,887,424 | 258,724,564 | |||
| Retained earnings | 103,850,982 | 204,507,547 | |||
| Total shareholders’ equity | **** | **** | 362,949,832 | **** | 463,443,787 |
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | **** | **** | 591,218,957 | **** | 700,455,517 |
All values are in US Dollars.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of operations
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts, except for share data, expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| Notes | **** | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Time charter revenue | 195,779,495 | 218,912,526 | 234,439,224 | |||||||
| Voyage charter revenue | - | 473,055 | - | |||||||
| Commissions (including $2,350,919, $2,587,722 and $2,816,435, respectively, to related party) | 8 | (6,422,112 | ) | (6,488,268 | ) | (6,565,662 | ) | |||
| Net revenue | **** | **** | 189,357,383 | **** | 212,897,313 | **** | 227,873,562 | |||
| Operating expenses / (income) | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Voyage expenses | 14 | 1,284,375 | 1,975,569 | 1,059,154 | ||||||
| Vessel operating expenses (including $344,624, $432,409 and $541,202, respectively, to related party) | 8,14 | 42,004,155 | 46,685,920 | 46,846,903 | ||||||
| Dry-docking expenses | 3,373,648 | 10,537,928 | 6,607,677 | |||||||
| Vessel depreciation | 5 | 22,835,469 | 26,367,517 | 28,612,080 | ||||||
| Related party management fees | 8 | 5,720,831 | 7,067,408 | 7,995,498 | ||||||
| General and administrative expenses (including $2,650,000, $2,850,000 and $3,350,000, respectively, to related party) | 8,12 | 4,744,907 | 5,938,870 | 6,802,563 | ||||||
| Net gain on sale of vessels (including $142,266, $100,000 and $631,500, respectively, to related party) | 5,8 | (5,158,370 | ) | (5,692,653 | ) | (19,429,726 | ) | |||
| Impairment loss | 5 | 13,832,716 | - | - | ||||||
| Other operating income | 18 | (2,727,114 | ) | - | (120,000 | ) | ||||
| Gain on time charter agreements termination | 7 | (15,984,253 | ) | - | - | |||||
| Total operating expenses, net | **** | **** | 69,926,364 | **** | 92,880,559 | **** | 78,374,149 | |||
| Operating income | **** | **** | 119,431,019 | **** | 120,016,754 | **** | 149,499,413 | |||
| Other (expenses)/ income | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Interest and other financing costs | 9 | (6,431,007 | ) | (10,620,703 | ) | (14,992,987 | ) | |||
| Gain / (loss) on derivatives, net | 15 | 178,128 | 1,001,754 | (238,624 | ) | |||||
| Foreign exchange (loss)/ gain | (33,634 | ) | 18,633 | (119,655 | ) | |||||
| Interest income | 1,404,773 | 2,359,240 | 2,819,232 | |||||||
| Other expenses, net | **** | **** | (4,881,740 | ) | **** | (7,241,076 | ) | **** | (12,532,034 | ) |
| Net income | **** | **** | 114,549,279 | **** | 112,775,678 | **** | 136,967,379 | |||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, basic | 13 | 6,931,280 | 6,938,204 | 6,943,682 | ||||||
| Earnings per share, basic | 13 | 16.53 | 16.25 | 19.73 | ||||||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, diluted | 13 | 6,936,060 | 6,961,266 | 6,947,139 | ||||||
| Earnings per share, diluted | 13 | 16.52 | 16.20 | 19.72 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts, except share data, expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| Common Stock<br><br> <br>Amount | Additional Paid - in<br><br> <br>Capital | (Accumulated Deficit) / Retained Earnings | Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance January 1, 2023 | 7,116,206 | **** | 213,486 | **** | 260,539,222 | **** | (92,597,511 | ) | **** | 168,155,197 | ||||
| Net income | - | - | - | 114,549,279 | 114,549,279 | |||||||||
| Issuance of restricted shares for stock incentive award and share-based compensation | 60,500 | 1,815 | 1,081,599 | - | 1,083,414 | |||||||||
| Repurchase and cancellation of common shares | (162,375 | ) | (4,871 | ) | (3,140,564 | ) | - | (3,145,435 | ) | |||||
| Offering expenses paid | - | - | (46,020 | ) | - | (46,020 | ) | |||||||
| Dividends declared (2.00 per share) | - | - | - | (14,021,226 | ) | (14,021,226 | ) | |||||||
| Balance December 31, 2023 | 7,014,331 | **** | 210,430 | **** | 258,434,237 | **** | 7,930,542 | **** | 266,575,209 | |||||
| Net income | - | **** | - | **** | - | 112,775,678 | 112,775,678 | |||||||
| Issuance of restricted shares for stock incentive award and share-based compensation | 60,100 | 1,803 | 1,518,130 | - | 1,519,933 | |||||||||
| Repurchase and cancellation of common shares | (24,744 | ) | (742 | ) | (1,065,008 | ) | - | (1,065,750 | ) | |||||
| Shares forfeited | (2,150 | ) | (65 | ) | 65 | - | ||||||||
| Dividends declared (2.40 per share) | - | - | - | (16,855,238 | ) | (16,855,238 | ) | |||||||
| Balance December 31, 2024 | 7,047,537 | **** | 211,426 | **** | 258,887,424 | **** | 103,850,982 | **** | 362,949,832 | |||||
| Net income | - | **** | - | **** | - | 136,967,379 | 136,967,379 | |||||||
| Spin-off of Euroholdings Ltd. to shareholders (Note 1) | - | **** | - | **** | - | (17,331,722 | ) | (17,331,722 | ) | |||||
| Issuance of restricted shares for stock incentive award and share-based compensation | 63,350 | 1,900 | 1,957,664 | **** | - | 1,959,564 | ||||||||
| Repurchase and cancellation of common shares | (55,006 | ) | (1,650 | ) | (2,120,524 | ) | **** | - | (2,122,174 | ) | ||||
| Dividends declared (2.70 per share) | - | - | - | (18,979,092 | ) | (18,979,092 | ) | |||||||
| Balance December 31, 2025 | 7,055,881 | **** | 211,676 | **** | 258,724,564 | **** | 204,507,547 | **** | 463,443,787 |
All values are in US Dollars.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of cash flows
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities: | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Net income | 114,549,279 | 112,775,678 | 136,967,379 | ||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||
| Vessel depreciation | 22,835,469 | 26,367,517 | 28,612,080 | ||||||
| Impairment loss | 13,832,716 | - | - | ||||||
| Amortization and write off of deferred charges | 475,511 | 538,789 | 474,582 | ||||||
| Net gain on sale of vessels | (5,158,370 | ) | (5,692,653 | ) | (19,429,726 | ) | |||
| Amortization of fair value of below market time charters acquired | (11,368,879 | ) | (4,954,176 | ) | (2,626,130 | ) | |||
| Gain on time charter agreements termination | (15,984,253 | ) | - | ||||||
| Share-based compensation | 1,083,414 | 1,519,933 | 1,959,564 | ||||||
| Change in fair value of derivatives | 4,036,107 | (609,209 | ) | 385,028 | |||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||
| (Increase) / decrease in: | |||||||||
| Trade accounts receivable | (1,464,979 | ) | (2,513,137 | ) | (5,872,800 | ) | |||
| Prepaid expenses | (152,627 | ) | (835,198 | ) | 203,911 | ||||
| Other receivables | 3,239,195 | 1,500,143 | (639,182 | ) | |||||
| Inventories | 178,138 | (652,798 | ) | 165,970 | |||||
| Due from related company | 32,146 | - | (1,266,246 | ) | |||||
| Increase / (decrease) in: | |||||||||
| Due to related company | 1,298,941 | 363,365 | 159,417 | ||||||
| Trade accounts payable | (1,079,404 | ) | 779,251 | (395,089 | ) | ||||
| Accrued expenses | 109,232 | 2,616,667 | 5,036,266 | ||||||
| Deferred revenues | 3,545,489 | (3,038,282 | ) | (2,601,539 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | **** | 130,007,125 | **** | 128,165,890 | **** | 141,133,485 | |||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Cash paid for vessels under construction | (111,475,509 | ) | (173,719,072 | ) | (74,450,202 | ) | |||
| Cash paid for vessel acquisitions and vessel improvements | (817,740 | ) | (5,201,697 | ) | (2,601,808 | ) | |||
| Net proceeds from sale of vessels | 10,100,598 | 10,146,400 | 61,851,722 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | **** | (102,192,651 | ) | **** | (168,774,369 | ) | **** | (15,200,288 | ) |
(Consolidated statements of cash flows continue on the next page)
F-6
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of cash flows
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
(Continued)
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flows from financing activities: | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Cash paid for share repurchase | (3,145,435 | ) | (1,065,750 | ) | (2,122,174 | ) | |||
| Dividends paid | (13,982,351 | ) | (16,839,457 | ) | (18,956,612 | ) | |||
| Offering expenses paid | (102,896 | ) | - | ||||||
| Loan arrangement fees paid | (731,000 | ) | (1,398,700 | ) | (429,000 | ) | |||
| Proceeds from long-term debt | 92,000,000 | 114,400,000 | 52,000,000 | ||||||
| Repayment of long-term debt | (68,975,000 | ) | (38,137,585 | ) | (40,638,117 | ) | |||
| Cash retained by Euroholdings Ltd at spin-off | - | (13,129,541 | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities | **** | 5,063,318 | **** | 56,958,508 | **** | (23,275,444 | ) | ||
| Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 32,877,792 | 16,350,029 | 102,657,753 | ||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year | 31,438,506 | 64,316,298 | 80,666,327 | ||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year | **** | 64,316,298 | **** | 80,666,327 | **** | 183,324,080 | |||
| Cash breakdown | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 58,613,304 | 73,739,504 | 176,460,053 | ||||||
| Restricted cash, current | 2,994 | 926,823 | 564,027 | ||||||
| Restricted cash, long term | 5,700,000 | 6,000,000 | 6,300,000 | ||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows | **** | 64,316,298 | **** | 80,666,327 | **** | 183,324,080 | |||
| Supplemental cash flow information | **** | **** | **** | ||||||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | ||||||
| Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized expenses | 5,788,025 | 9,967,322 | 13,621,717 | ||||||
| Financing, and investing activities fees: | **** | **** | **** | ||||||
| Capital expenditures for vessels under construction, vessel acquisitions and vessel improvements included in liabilities | 2,371,700 | 1,147,540 | 207,328 | ||||||
| Dividends declared but not paid | 105,250 | 121,030 | 143,510 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 1. | Basis of Presentation and General Information |
|---|
Euroseas Ltd. (the “Company” or “Euroseas”) was formed on May 5, 2005 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to consolidate the beneficial owners of certain ship-owning companies. On June 28, 2005, the beneficial owners exchanged all their shares in the ship-owning companies for shares in Friends Investment Company Inc., a newly formed Marshall Islands company. On June 29, 2005, Friends Investment Company Inc. then exchanged all the shares in the ship-owning companies for shares in Euroseas Ltd., thus becoming the sole shareholder of Euroseas Ltd. at that time. In January 2007, the Company pursued a public offering and its common shares started trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “ESEA” on January 31, 2007 and since June 26, 2015, its common shares trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
The operations of the vessels are managed by Eurobulk Ltd. (“Eurobulk” or “Management Company” or “Manager”), a corporation controlled by members of the Pittas family. Eurobulk has an office in Greece located at 4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, Maroussi, Greece. The Manager provides the Company with a wide range of shipping services such as technical support and maintenance, insurance consulting, chartering, financial and accounting services and executive management services, in consideration for fixed and variable fees (see Note 8).
The Pittas family is the controlling shareholder of Friends Investment Company Inc., Containers Shareholders Trinity Ltd., Eurobulk Marine Holdings Inc. and Family United Navigation Co., which, in turn, own 59.1% of the Company’s shares as of December 31, 2025.
On January 3, 2025, the Company announced its intent to spin-off the Company’s older three vessels, M/V “Aegean Express”, M/V “Diamantis P” and M/V “Joanna”, into a separate company, Euroholdings Ltd. (“Euroholdings”), which applied for listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Company contributed the three vessel owning companies to Euroholdings on January 8, 2025 in exchange for 100% of the shares of Euroholdings, which it would then distribute to its shareholders upon the spin-off distribution. Shares of Euroholdings Ltd. were distributed on March 17, 2025 (the “Distribution Date”) to shareholders of record of the Company as of March 7, 2025 (the “Record Date”). The Company’s shareholders received one share of common stock of Euroholdings Ltd. for every two and a half shares of common stock of the Company they owned as of the Record Date. Beginning on March 18, 2025, the common shares of Euroholdings Ltd. began trading on NASDAQ under the symbol “EHLD".
F-8
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 1. | Basis of Presentation and General Information - continued |
|---|
The transaction was accounted for as a transfer of net assets between entities under common control in accordance with ASC 805-50. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities were transferred at their historical carrying amounts, and no gain or loss was recognized. The assets and liabilities that were transferred to Euroholdings Ltd. on March 17, 2025 at their recorded amounts (no impairment of value was required) were as follows:
| March 17, 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | 2,318 | |
| Due from former parent company (*) | 13,129,541 | |
| Due from related company | 1,266,246 | |
| Trade accounts receivable, net | 264,305 | |
| Prepaid expenses | 149,726 | |
| Other receivables | 49,425 | |
| Inventories | 207,677 | |
| Total current assets | **** | 15,069,238 |
| Vessels, net | 3,585,027 | |
| Total long-term assets | **** | 3,585,027 |
| Total assets | **** | 18,654,265 |
| Trade accounts payable | 495,227 | |
| Accrued expenses | 483,096 | |
| Deferred revenues | 344,220 | |
| Total current liabilities | **** | 1,322,543 |
| Total liabilities | **** | 1,322,543 |
| Distribution of net assets of Euroholdings Ltd. to the Company’s shareholders | **** | 17,331,722 |
(*) Subsequent to the Distribution Date and up to March 31, 2025, the Company transferred to a bank account of Euroholdings Ltd the proceeds from the sale of vessel Diamantis amounting to $13,129,541, settling the “Due from former parent company” balance presented above.
F-9
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 1. | Basis of Presentation and General Information - continued |
|---|
The Company is engaged in the ocean transportation of containers through ownership and operation of container carrier ship-owning companies. Details of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries as of December 31, 2025, are set out below:
| a) | Subsidiaries owning vessels in operation |
|---|---|
| ● | Noumea Shipping Ltd, incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on May 14, 2008, owner of the Marshall Islands flag 34,677 DWT / 2,556 TEU container carrier M/V “Evridiki G” (previously named “Maersk Noumea”), which was built in 2001 and acquired on May 22, 2008. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Corfu Navigation Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on September 18, 2017, owner of the Marshall Islands flag 34,654 DWT / 2,556 TEU container carrier M/V “EM Corfu”, which was built in 2001 and acquired on October 29, 2017. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Hydra Shipowners Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on June 3, 2019, owner of the Liberian flag 23,351 DWT / 1,740 TEU container carrier M/V “EM Hydra”, which was built in 2005 and acquired on August 2, 2019. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Spetses Shipowners Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on June 3, 2019, owner of the Liberian flag 23,224 DWT / 1,740 TEU container carrier M/V “EM Spetses”, which was built in 2007 and acquired on August 7, 2019. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Kea Shipowners Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on June 3, 2019, owner of the Liberian flag 42,165 DWT / 3,100 TEU container carrier M/V “EM Kea”, which was built in 2007 and acquired on August 7, 2019. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Antwerp Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on November 1, 2019, owner of the Marshall Islands flag 50,726 DWT / 4,253 TEU container carrier M/V “Synergy Antwerp”, which was built in 2008 and acquired on November 19, 2019. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Keelung Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on November 1, 2019, owner of the Cypriot flag 50,969 DWT / 4,253 TEU container carrier M/V “Synergy Keelung”, which was built in 2009 and acquired on November 18, 2019. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Oakland Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on November 1, 2019, owner of the Cypriot flag 50,787 DWT / 4,253 TEU container carrier M/V “Synergy Oakland”, which was built in 2009 and acquired on November 19, 2019. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Busan Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on November 1, 2019, owner of the Marshall Islands flag 50,726 DWT / 4,253 TEU container carrier M/V “Synergy Busan”, which was built in 2009 and acquired on November 21, 2019. |
| --- | --- |
F-10
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 1. | Basis of Presentation and General Information - continued |
|---|---|
| ● | Jonathan Shipowners Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on August 25, 2021, owner of the Liberian flag 23,357 DWT / 1,740 TEU container carrier M/V “Jonathan P”, which was built in 2006 and acquired on October 18, 2021. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Gregos Maritime Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on December 14, 2020, entered on June 29, 2021, into a shipbuilding contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 2,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 4201). The vessel was delivered to the Company on April 6, 2023. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Terataki Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on June 25, 2021, entered on June 29, 2021, into a shipbuilding contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 2,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 4202). The vessel was delivered to the Company on July 6, 2023. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Emmanuel Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on April 27, 2022, owner of the Marshall Islands flag 50,796 DWT / 4,250 TEU container carrier M/V “Emmanuel P”, which was built in 2005 and acquired on May 24, 2022. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Rena Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on April 27, 2022, owner of the Marshall Islands flag 50,796 DWT / 4,250 TEU container carrier M/V “Rena P”, which was built in 2007 and acquired on June 27, 2022. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Tender Soul Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on January 27, 2022, entered on January 28, 2022, into a shipbuilding contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 2,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 4236). The vessel was named M/V “Tender Soul” and was delivered to the Company on February 6, 2024. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Leonidas Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on January 27, 2022, entered on January 28, 2022, into a shipbuilding contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 2,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 4237). The vessel was named M/V “Leonidas Z” and was delivered to the Company on April 25, 2024. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Monica Shipowners Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on March 15, 2022, entered on March 18, 2022, into a shipbuilding contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 1,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 4248). The vessel was named M/V “Monica” and was delivered to the Company on May 13, 2024. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Stephania Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on March 15, 2022, entered on March 18, 2022, into a shipbuilding contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 1,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 4249). The vessel was named M/V “Stephania K” and was delivered to the Company on June 28, 2024. |
| --- | --- |
F-11
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 1. | Basis of Presentation and General Information - continued |
|---|---|
| ● | Pepi Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on March 15, 2022, entered on March 18, 2022, into a shipbuilding contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 1,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 4250). The vessel was named M/V “Pepi Star” and was delivered to the Company on July 19, 2024. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Dear Panel Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on May 20, 2022, entered on May 20, 2022, into a shipbuilding contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 2,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 4251). The vessel was named M/V “Dear Panel” and was delivered to the Company on January 7, 2025. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Symeon Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on May 20, 2022, entered on May 20, 2022, into a shipbuilding contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 2,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 4252). The vessel was named M/V “Symeon P” and was delivered to the Company on January 8, 2025. |
| --- | --- |
| b) | Subsidiaries owning vessels under construction |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Nikitas Shipping Ltd., previously named Waylon Consulting Co. and renamed on October 15, 2024, incorporated in the Republic of Marshall Islands on April 1, 2024, entered on June 28, 2024, into a shipbuilding contract with Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 4,484 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 1712). The vessel is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2027. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Elena Shipowners Ltd., previously named Impatien Finance S.A. and renamed on October 15, 2024, incorporated in the Republic of Marshall Islands on May 9, 2024, entered on June 28, 2024, into a shipbuilding contract with Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 4,484 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 1711). The vessel is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2027. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Thrylos Shipping Ltd., previously named Havasu Seaways Ltd., which was renamed and became a subsidiary of Euroseas on July 28, 2025, was incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on February 15, 2023, entered on June 28, 2024, into a shipbuilding contract with Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 4,484 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 1768). The vessel is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2028. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Socrates Shipping Ltd., previously named Janina Ltd., which was renamed and became a subsidiary of Euroseas on July 28, 2025, was incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on November 20, 2023, entered on June 28, 2024, into a shipbuilding contract with Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 4,484 TEU container carrier (Hull No. 1769). The vessel is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2028. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Danai Shipowners Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on November 12, 2025, entered on December 16, 2025, into a shipbuilding contract with Huanghai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 2,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. HCY-438). The vessel is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2028. |
| --- | --- |
F-12
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 1. | Basis of Presentation and General Information - continued |
|---|---|
| ● | Neni Shippping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on November 12, 2025, entered on December 16, 2025, into a shipbuilding contract with Huanghai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for the construction of a 2,800 TEU container carrier (Hull No. HCY-439). The vessel is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2028. |
| --- | --- |
| c) | Non-vessel owning subsidiaries |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Gregos Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on May 25, 2017, owner of the Liberian flag 35,600 DWT / 2,788 TEU container carrier M/V “EM Astoria”, which was built in 2004 and acquired on June 20, 2017. The vessel was sold on June 26, 2024. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Marcos Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on September 27, 2021, owner of the Panamanian flag 72,968 DWT / 6,350 TEU container carrier M/V “Marcos V”, which was built in 2005 and acquired on December 14, 2021. The vessel was sold on October 20, 2025. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Eurocon Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on September 18, 2017, owner of the Antwerp Shipping Ltd., Busan Shipping Ltd., Gregos Shipping Limited, Keelung Shipping Ltd. and Oakland Shipping Ltd. |
| --- | --- |
| ● | Argonaut Sponsor LLC and Argonaut Acquisition Corporation are dormant entities incorporated in the State of Delaware on February 11, 2022. |
| --- | --- |
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the following charterers individually accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenues as follows:
| Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charterer | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||
| Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd, Hong | - | 12 | % | 32 | % | ||||
| Maersk Line A/S | 23 | % | 22 | % | 23 | % | |||
| Asyad Line LLC | 11 | % | 17 | % | 15 | % | |||
| CMA CGM, Marseille | 10 | % | 10 | % | 10 | % | |||
| Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. | 23 | % | 15 | % | - | ||||
| Hapag-Lloyd AG, Hamburg | - | 10 | % | - | |||||
| Sealand Maersk Asia Pte. Ltd | 15 | % | - | - |
F-13
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 2. | Significant Accounting Policies |
|---|
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The following are the significant accounting policies adopted by the Company:
Principles of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Euroseas Ltd. and its subsidiaries. Inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated on consolidation.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the stated amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Other comprehensive income / (loss)
The Company has no other comprehensive income / (loss) and accordingly comprehensive income / (loss) equals net income / (loss) for all periods presented. As such, no statement of comprehensive income / (loss) has been presented.
Foreign currency translation
The Company’s functional currency as well as the functional currency of all its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. The resulting exchange gains and/or losses on settlement or translation are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are cash in bank accounts, time deposits or other certificates purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
Restricted cash
Restricted cash reflects deposits with certain banks that can only be used to pay the current loan installments or are required to be maintained as a certain minimum cash balance per mortgaged vessel and amounts that are pledged, blocked or held as cash collateral.
F-14
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 2. | Significant Accounting Policies - continued |
|---|
Trade accounts receivable
The amount shown as trade accounts receivable, at each balance sheet date, includes estimated recoveries from each voyage or time charter. At each balance sheet date, the Company provides for doubtful accounts on the basis of specific identified doubtful receivables. Bad debts are written off in the period in which they are identified. No allowance for doubtful accounts was recorded for any of the periods presented.
Inventories
Inventories consist of lubricants and bunkers, which are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price less reasonably predictable costs of disposal and transportation. Inventories are valued using the FIFO (First-In First-Out) method.
Vessels
Vessels are stated at cost, which comprises the vessel contract price, costs of major repairs and improvements upon acquisition, direct delivery and other acquisition expenses to prepare the vessel for her initial voyage, less accumulated depreciation and impairment, if any. Subsequent expenditures for conversions and major improvements are also capitalized when they appreciably extend the life, increase the earning capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels; otherwise these amounts are charged to expense as incurred. Vessels under construction are presented at cost, which includes shipyard installment payments and other vessel costs incurred during the construction period that are directly attributable to the construction of the vessels, including interest costs incurred during the construction period.
Expenditures for vessel repair and maintenance are charged against income in the period incurred.
Vessels Held for Sale
The Company may dispose of certain of its vessels when suitable opportunities occur, including prior to the end of their useful lives. The Company classifies a vessel as being held for sale when the following criteria are met: (i) management is committed to a plan to sell the vessel; (ii) the vessel is available for immediate sale in its present condition; (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the vessel have been initiated; (iv) the sale of the vessel is probable, and transfer of the vessel is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year; (v) the vessel is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (vi) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.
Vessels classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less the cost to sell. The resulting difference, if any, is recorded under “Loss on write-down of vessel held for sale” in the consolidated statements of operations. The vessels are no longer depreciated once they meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale.
F-15
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 2. | Significant Accounting Policies - continued |
|---|
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the vessel with reference to the cost of the vessel, and estimated scrap value. Remaining useful lives of vessels are periodically reviewed and revised to recognize changes in conditions and such revisions, if any, are recognized over current and future periods. The Company estimates that its vessels have a useful life of 25 years from the completion of their construction. On nearing the completion of such period, each vessel’s useful life is further assessed based on the Company’s intentions of future use of such vessel and may be increased for up to 3 additional years. Secondhand vessels are depreciated from the date of their acquisition through their remaining estimated useful life. When regulations place limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, its remaining useful life is adjusted at the date such regulations are adopted. The estimated salvage value of each vessel is $0.25 per light weight ton as of December 31, 2024 and 2025.
Insurance claims and insurance proceeds
Claims receivable are recorded on the accrual basis and represent the amounts to be received, net of deductibles incurred through each balance sheet date, for which recovery from insurance companies is probable and the claim is not subject to litigation. Any remaining costs to complete the claims are included in accrued liabilities. Insurance proceeds are recorded according to type of claim that gives rise to the proceeds in the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of cash flow.
Revenue and expense recognition
Revenues are generated from time charters or infrequently from voyage charter agreements. Under a time charter agreement a contract is entered into for the use of a vessel for a specific period of time and a specified fixed or index-linked daily charter hire rate, which is generally payable 15 or 30 days in advance as determined in the charter party agreement. Under a voyage charter agreement, a contract is made in the spot market for the use of a vessel for a specific voyage to transport a specified agreed upon cargo at a specified freight rate per ton or occasionally a lump sum amount. Under a voyage charter agreement, the charter party generally has a minimum amount of cargo and the charterer is liable for any short loading of cargo or “dead” freight.
The duration of the contracts that the Company enters into depends on the market conditions, with the duration decreasing during weak market conditions. During 2023, 2024 and 2025 the duration of the Company’s time charter contracts ranged from two months up to 4 years and certain time charter contracts included renewal options up to 12 months. Time charter revenue is recognized when a charter agreement exists, the vessel is made available to the charterer and collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured. A time charter generally provides typical warranties and owner protective restrictions. The Company’s time charter agreements are classified as operating leases pursuant to ASC 842, because (i) the vessel is an identifiable asset, (ii) the Company does not have substantive substitution rights and (iii) the charterer has the right to control the use of the vessel, during the term of the contract, and derives the economic benefits from such use. In a time charter contract, the Company is responsible for all the costs incurred for running the vessel such as crew costs, vessel insurance, repairs and maintenance and lubricants. The charterer bears the voyage related costs such as bunker expenses, port charges and canal tolls during the hire period.
F-16
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 2. | Significant Accounting Policies –continued |
|---|
The Company, making use of the practical expedient for lessors, elected not to separate the lease and non-lease components included in the time charter revenue because the pattern of revenue recognition for the lease and non-lease components (included in the daily hire rate) is the same and the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. The nature of the lease component and non-lease component that are combined as a result of applying the respective practical expedient are the hire rate for a bareboat charter as well as the compensation for expenses incurred running the vessel such as crewing expense, repairs, insurance, maintenance and lubricants, respectively. The lease component is the predominant component and the Company accounts for the combined component as an operating lease in accordance with ASC 842.
Both the lease component and non-lease component are earned by the passage of time. Revenues under a time charter contract are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective time charter agreements, beginning when the vessel is delivered to the charterer until it is redelivered back to the Company, and are recorded in “Time charter revenue” in the consolidated statements of operations. Time charter agreements may include ballast bonus payments made by the charterer which serve as compensation for the ballast trip of the vessel to the delivery port, which are deferred and also recognized on a straight-line basis over the charter period.
The Company has determined that its voyage charter agreements do not contain a lease because the charterer under such contracts does not have the right to control the use of the vessel since the Company, as the ship-owner, retains control over the operations of the vessel, and any change in the terms of the voyage charter requires the Company’s consent and are therefore considered service contracts that fall under the provisions of ASC 606 “Revenue from contracts with customers”. The Company accounts for a voyage charter when all the following criteria are met: (i) the parties to the contract have approved the contract in the form of a written charter agreement or fixture recap and are committed to perform their respective obligations, (ii) the Company can identify each party’s rights regarding the services to be transferred, (iii) the Company can identify the payment terms for the services to be transferred, (iv) the charter agreement has commercial substance (that is, the risk, timing, or amount of the future cash flows is expected to change as a result of the contract) and (v) it is probable that the Company will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the services that will be transferred to the charterer. The majority of revenue from voyage charter agreements is usually collected in advance. The Company has determined that there is one single performance obligation for each of its voyage contracts, which is to provide the charterer with an integrated transportation service within a specified time period. In addition, the Company has concluded that a contract for a voyage charter meets the criteria to recognize revenue over time because the charterer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the Company’s performance as the Company performs. Therefore, since the Company’s performance obligation under each voyage contract is met evenly as the voyage progresses, revenue is recognized on a straight line basis over the voyage days from the loading of cargo to its discharge.
Charter fees received in advance are recorded as a liability (deferred revenue) until charter services are rendered.
Vessel operating expenses are comprised of all expenses relating to the operation of the vessels, including crewing, insurance, repairs and maintenance, stores, lubricants, spares and consumables, professional and legal fees and miscellaneous expenses. Vessel operating expenses are recognized as incurred; payments in advance of services or use are recorded as prepaid expenses. Under time charter agreements, voyage expenses which are also recognized as incurred by the Company include costs for draft surveys, holds cleaning, postage, extra war risk insurance and other minor miscellaneous expenses related to the voyage. The charterer is responsible for paying the cost of bunkers and other voyage expenses whilst the vessel is on time charter. Certain voyage expenses paid by the Company, such as extra war risk insurance and holds cleaning may be recovered from the charterer; such amounts recovered are recorded as other income within “Time charter revenue” in the consolidated statements of operations.
F-17
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 2. | Significant Accounting Policies –continued |
|---|
Under voyage charter agreements, all voyage costs are borne and paid by the Company. Voyage expenses consist primarily of bunker consumption, port and canal expenses and agency fees related to the voyage. All voyage costs are expensed as incurred with the exception of the contract fulfilment costs that are incurred from the later of the end of the previous vessel employment and the contract date and until the commencement of loading the cargo on the relevant vessel, which are capitalized to the extent the Company, in its reasonable judgement, determines that they (i) are directly related to a contract, (ii) will be recoverable and (iii) enhance the Company’s resources by putting the Company’s vessel in a location to satisfy its performance obligation under a contract pursuant to the provisions of ASC 340-40 “Other assets and deferred costs”. These capitalized contract fulfilment costs are recorded under “Other receivables” and are amortized on a straight-line basis as the related performance obligations are satisfied.
Commissions (address and brokerage), regardless of charter type, are always paid by the Company, are deferred and amortized over the related charter period and are presented as a separate line item in revenues to arrive at net revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Dry-docking and special survey expenses
Dry-docking and special survey expenses are expensed as incurred.
Pension and retirement benefit obligations – crew
The ship-owning companies contract the crews on board the vessels under short-term contracts (usually up to 9 months). Accordingly, they are not liable for any pension or post-retirement benefits.
Dividends
Dividends, if any, are recorded in the Company’s financial statements in the period in which they are declared by the Company’s board of directors.
Financing costs
Fees paid to lenders and fees required to be paid to third parties on the lenders’ behalf for obtaining new loans or for refinancing or amending existing loans, are presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, similar to debt discounts. These costs are amortized as interest and other financing costs over the duration of the underlying loan using the effective interest method. Any unamortized balance of costs relating to debt repaid or refinanced that meet the criteria for Debt Extinguishment pursuant to the provisions of Subtopic 470-50 “Modifications and Extinguishments”, is expensed in the period in which the repayment is made or refinancing occurs. Any unamortized balance of costs relating to debt refinanced that do not meet the criteria for Debt Extinguishment, are amortized over the term of the refinanced debt.
Offering expenses
Expenses directly attributable to an equity offering are deferred and are either presented against paid-in capital when equity proceeds from the offering are received or are written-off and charged to “General and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations when it is probable that the offering will be aborted.
F-18
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 2. | Significant Accounting Policies –continued |
|---|
Share repurchases
The Company records the repurchase of its common shares at cost. Until their retirement these common shares are classified as treasury stock, which is a reduction to shareholders’ equity. Treasury shares are included in authorized and issued shares but excluded from outstanding shares.
Fair value of above/below market time charters acquired
The Company values any asset or liability arising from the market value of any time charter assumed when a vessel is acquired. Where vessels are acquired with existing time charters, the Company determines the present value of the difference between: (i) the contractual charter rate and (ii) the market rate for a charter of equivalent duration prevailing at the time the vessels are delivered. In discounting the charter rate differences in future periods, the Company uses its Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) adjusted to account for the credit quality of the counterparties, as deemed necessary. The cost of the acquisition is allocated to the vessel and the in-place time charter attached on the basis of their relative fair values. The capitalized above-market (assets) and below-market (liabilities) charters are amortized as a reduction and increase, respectively, to time charter revenues over the remaining term of the assumed time charter.
Stock incentive plan awards
Share-based compensation represents vested and non-vested restricted shares granted to officers and directors as well as to non-employees and are included in “General and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations. The shares to employees and directors as well as to non-employees are measured at their fair value equal to the market value of the Company's common stock on the grant date. The shares that do not contain any future service vesting conditions are considered vested shares and the total fair value of such shares is expensed on the grant date. The shares that contain a time-based service vesting condition are considered non-vested shares on the grant date and the total fair value of such shares is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Further, the Company accounts for restricted share award forfeitures upon occurrence.
Euroholdings Spin-off
The Company accounted for the Spin-Off transaction as a transfer of net assets between entities under common control in accordance with ASC 505-60, Spinoffs and Reverse Spinoffs, and ASC 805-50, Business Combinations—Transactions Between Entities Under Common Control. As there was no change in control over the transferred net assets from the perspective of the ultimate shareholders, the transaction was recorded at historical carrying amounts.
Accordingly, the assets and liabilities transferred were derecognized at their carrying values, and no gain or loss was recognized in the Company’s financial statements.
F-19
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 2. | Significant Accounting Policies –continued |
|---|
Impairment of vessels
The Company reviews its vessels held for use for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the vessels, including any related intangible assets and liabilities, may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, the Company performs an analysis of the future undiscounted net operating cash flows of the related vessels. When the estimate of future undiscounted net operating cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to be generated by the use and eventual disposition of the asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company records a charge under “Impairment loss” in the consolidated statement of operations, to reduce the vessel’s carrying value to its fair market value. In this respect, management regularly reviews the carrying amount of the vessels in connection with the estimated recoverable amount for each of the Company’s vessels.
In developing its estimates of future undiscounted net operating cash flows, the Company makes assumptions and estimates about vessels’ future performance, with the assumptions being related to charter rates, fleet utilization, vessel operating expenses, drydocking costs, vessels’ residual value and the estimated remaining useful lives of the vessels. These assumptions are based on historical trends as well as future expectations.
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative instruments are recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value with changes in the instruments' fair value recognized as either a component in other comprehensive income if specific hedge accounting criteria are met in accordance with guidance relating to “Derivatives and Hedging” or in earnings if hedging criteria are not met.
Evaluation of purchase transactions
When the Company enters into an acquisition transaction, it determines whether the acquisition transaction was the purchase of an asset or a business based on the facts and circumstances of the transaction. In accordance with Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired in an acquisition transaction are concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, then the set is not a business. To be considered a business, a set must include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create an output. All assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured at their acquisition-date fair values. For asset acquisitions, the cost of the acquisition is allocated to individual assets and liabilities on a relative fair value basis. Acquisition costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. Acquisition costs associated with asset acquisitions are capitalized.
Earnings / (loss) per common share
Basic earnings / (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income / (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding does not include any potentially dilutive securities or any non-vested restricted shares of common stock. These non-vested restricted shares, although classified as issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2025, are considered contingently returnable until the restrictions lapse and will not be included in the basic earnings / (loss) per share calculation until the shares are vested.
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share gives effect to all potentially dilutive securities to the extent that they are dilutive, using the treasury stock method. The Company uses the treasury stock method for non-vested restricted shares to assess the dilutive effect.
F-20
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 2. | Significant Accounting Policies –continued |
|---|
Sale and lease back transactions
Sale and lease back transactions which involve a purchase obligation (or a purchase option that is reasonably certain, at inception, that will be exercised) are treated as a failed sale or merely a financing arrangement, and therefore are not within the scope of sale and leaseback accounting under ASC 842. In such cases the Company does not derecognize the corresponding leased vessels and continues to present these at their net book values within “Vessels, net” on its consolidated balance sheets, while the financing liability is presented in “Long – term debt” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Depreciation attributable to the vessels that are subject to financing under sale and lease back transactions is included within “Vessel depreciation” in the consolidated statements of operations while the corresponding interest expense on the lease financing arrangement is included within “Interest and other financing costs” in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s lease financing arrangement as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 was of this type. Please refer to Note 9 for the description of the nature of the Company’s lease financing agreement, general terms, covenants included, any variable payments, if any, as well as the purchase options and/or obligations it provides for.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expenses Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”. The standard is intended to require more detailed disclosure about specified categories of expenses (including employee compensation, depreciation and amortization) included in certain expense captions presented on the face of the statement of operations. The amendments primarily affect disclosure requirements (and do not change expense recognition or income statement presentation) and generally require disaggregation, in the notes, of relevant expense captions into prescribed natural expense categories, as well as disclosures about selling expenses. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments may be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of this ASU or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2025, the FAS issued ASU 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements, which clarifies the navigability and applicability of interim reporting guidance under US GAAP and adds a new disclosure principle for interim periods. The amendments are not intended to change the fundamental nature of interim reporting or expand or reduce substantive interim disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027 for public business entities and after December 15, 2028 for entities other than public business entities, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adopting this update may have on its consolidated financial statement disclosures.
F-21
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 3. | Inventories |
|---|
Inventories consisted of the following:
| 2024 | 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lubricants | 2,820,330 | 2,817,493 | ||
| Bunkers | 370,810 | - | ||
| Total | **** | 3,191,140 | **** | 2,817,493 |
| 4. | Advances for vessels under construction | |||
| --- | --- |
On January 28, 2022, the Company signed a contract for the construction of two eco-design fuel efficient feeder containerships. The vessels have a carrying capacity of about 2,800 teu each and were built at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. in South Korea. The first vessel named M/V “Tender Soul” was delivered to the Company on February 6, 2024 and the second vessel named “Leonidas Z” was delivered to the Company on April 25, 2024. The total consideration paid for these two shipbuilding contracts amounted to $88.4 million. The Company paid another $5.2 million for costs relating to the construction and to make the vessels available for use, as well as capitalized interest costs. The cost of the two shipbuilding contracts was financed with a combination of own cash and a sale and leaseback financing transaction of $27 million for the first vessel and a bank loan of $22 million for the second vessel (refer to Note 9).
On March 18, 2022, the Company signed a contract for the construction of three 1,800 teu eco-design fuel efficient feeder containerships. The vessels have a carrying capacity of about 1,800 teu each and were built at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. in South Korea. The first vessel named M/V “Monica” was delivered to the Company on May 13, 2024, the second vessel named M/V “Stephania K” was delivered to the Company on June 28, 2024 and the third vessel named M/V “Pepi Star” was delivered to the Company on July 19, 2024. The total consideration paid for these three shipbuilding contracts amounted to $102.6 million. The Company paid another $6.7 million for costs relating to the construction and to make the vessels available for use, as well as capitalized interest costs. The cost of newbuilding contract of these three vessels was financed with a combination of own cash and bank loans of $22.5 million, $22.5 million and $20.4 million, respectively for each vessel (refer to Note 9).
On May 20, 2022, the Company exercised its option to proceed with the construction of two additional eco-design fuel efficient containerships. The vessels have a carrying capacity of about 2,800 teu each and were built at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. in South Korea. The total consideration paid for these two newbuilding contracts amounted to $89.3 million. The Company paid another $5.1 million for costs relating to the construction and to make the vessels available for use, as well as capitalized interest costs.. The first vessel named M/V “Dear Panel” was delivered to the Company on January 7, 2025 and the second vessel named “Symeon P.” was delivered to the Company on January 8, 2025. The cost of newbuilding contract of these two vessels was financed with a combination of own cash and bank loans of $26 million for each vessel (see Note 9).
On June 28, 2024, the Company signed two contracts for the construction of two additional eco-design fuel efficient containerships. The vessels will have a carrying capacity of about 4,300 teu each and will be built at Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding CO., Ltd., in China. The two newbuildings are scheduled to be delivered in the third and fourth quarter of 2027. The total contracted consideration for these two newbuilding contracts is approximately $120.5 million. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2025, the Company paid $18.1 million and nil, respectively, related to shipyard installments for the construction of these two vessels.
F-22
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 4. | Advances for vessels under construction –continued |
|---|
On June 28, 2024, two subsidiaries, which were consolidated by the Company on July 28, 2025, entered into two contracts for the construction of two additional eco-design fuel-efficient containerships. The vessels will have a carrying capacity of about 4,300 teu each and will be built at Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding CO., Ltd., in China. The two newbuildings are scheduled to be delivered in the first and second quarter of 2028. The total contracted consideration for these two newbuilding contracts is approximately $118.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company paid $17.8 million, related to shipyard installments for the construction of these two vessels.
On December 16, 2025, the Company signed two contracts for the construction of two additional eco-design fuel efficient containerships. The vessels will have a carrying capacity of about 2,800 teu each and will be built at Huanghai Shipbuilding CO., Ltd., in China. The two newbuildings are scheduled to be delivered in the second and third quarter of 2028. The total contracted consideration for these two newbuilding contracts is approximately $92.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company did not pay any installments to the shipyard for the construction of these two vessels.
Advances for vessels under construction of $56.9 million and $35.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively, are included in the consolidated balance sheets and relate mainly to progress payments according to the agreements entered into with the shipyards, capitalized interest as well as legal and other costs related to the construction. See Note 11 for the outstanding commitments to the shipyard. The Company intends to finance the cost of all newbuilding contracts with a combination of debt and own cash.
The amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
| Costs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance, January 1, 2024 | **** | 85,375,650 | |
| Advances for vessels under construction | 174,393,927 | ||
| Newbuilding vessel “Tender Soul” delivered during the period | (47,009,176 | ) | |
| Newbuilding vessel “Leonidas Z” delivered during the period | (46,605,050 | ) | |
| Newbuilding vessel “Monica” delivered during the period | (36,412,230 | ) | |
| Newbuilding vessel “Stephania K” delivered during the period | (36,505,480 | ) | |
| Newbuilding vessel “Pepi Star” delivered during the period | (36,312,978 | ) | |
| Balance, December 31, 2024 | **** | 56,924,663 | |
| Advances for vessels under construction | 73,406,960 | ||
| Newbuilding vessel “Symeon P” delivered during the period | (47,284,892 | ) | |
| Newbuilding vessel “Dear Panel” delivered during the period | (47,155,795 | ) | |
| Balance, December 31, 2025 | **** | 35,890,936 |
F-23
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 5. | Vessels, net |
|---|
The amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
| Cost | Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance, January 1, 2024 | **** | 326,454,863 | **** | (58,828,708 | ) | **** | 267,626,155 | ||
| - Depreciation for the year | - | (26,367,517 | ) | (26,367,517 | ) | ||||
| - Sale of vessel | (4,950,746 | ) | 931,410 | (4,019,336 | ) | ||||
| - Newbuilding vessels delivered during the year | 202,844,914 | - | 202,844,914 | ||||||
| - Vessel improvements | 3,302,682 | - | 3,302,682 | ||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2024 | **** | 527,651,713 | **** | (84,264,815 | ) | **** | 443,386,898 | ||
| - Depreciation for the year | **** | - | (28,612,080 | ) | (28,612,080 | ) | |||
| - Sale of vessels | (65,765,644 | ) | 23,343,820 | (42,421,824 | ) | ||||
| - Newbuilding vessels delivered during the year | 94,440,687 | **** | - | 94,440,687 | |||||
| - Vessel improvements | 2,704,838 | **** | - | 2,704,838 | |||||
| - Vessels contributed to spin-off (Note 1) | (9,808,854 | ) | 6,223,827 | (3,585,027 | ) | ||||
| Balance, December 31, 2025 | **** | 549,222,740 | **** | (83,309,248 | ) | **** | 465,913,492 |
During the year ended December 31, 2024, one vessel completed the installation of Water Ballast Treatment system for a total cost of $0.3 million. The Company also spent another $2.4 million retrofitting three vessels with a number of energy saving devices aiming to improve their efficiency and another $0.6 million installing smart monitoring systems and power limitation systems onboard certain of the Company’s vessels. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company spent $1.5 million retrofitting one vessel with a number of energy saving devices aiming to improve its efficiency and another $1.2 million installing smart monitoring systems and power limitation systems onboard certain of the Company’s vessels. All these installations qualified as vessel improvements and were therefore capitalized.
F-24
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 5. | Vessels, net |
|---|
Vessels acquired / delivered
During 2024, the Company took delivery of five newbuilding vessels (see Note 4). The total cost for the construction of these vessels amounts to $202,844,914 and is presented within "Vessels, net" in the consolidated balance sheet.
During 2025, the Company took delivery of two newbuilding vessels (see Note 4). The total cost for the construction of these vessels amounts to $94,440,687 and is presented within "Vessels, net" in the consolidated balance sheet.
Sale of vessels
The Company considers the potential sale of its vessels, for scrap or further trading, depending on a vessel’s age, any additional capital expenditures required, the expected revenues from continuing to own the vessel and the overall market prospects.
On March 27, 2024, Gregos Shipping Ltd. Signed a memorandum of agreement to sell M/V “EM Astoria”, a 35,600 DWT / 2,788 TEU 2004-built feeder container carrier, at a gross price of $10.0 million, following a strategy of disposing older vessels when more favorable sale opportunities arise. The vessel was delivered to her new owners on June 26, 2024. The gain on the sale of the vessel was $5.7 million and is presented in “Net gain on sale of vessel” line in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024.
On January 10, 2025, the Company entered into a memorandum of agreement to sell M/V “Diamantis”, a 30,360 DWT / 2,008 TEU 1998-built feeder container carrier, for further trading, at a gross price of $13.2 million, following a strategy of disposing older vessels and renewing its fleet. The vessel was delivered to her new owners on January 15, 2025. The gain on the sale of the vessel is $10.2 million and is presented in the “Net gain on sale of vessels” line in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025.
F-25
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 5. | Vessels, net - continued |
|---|
On May 14, 2025, Marcos Shipping Ltd. signed a memorandum of agreement to sell M/V “Marcos V”, a 72,968 DWT / 6,350 TEU 2005-built intermediate container carrier, for further trading, at a gross price of $50.0 million, following a strategy of disposing older vessels and renewing its fleet. The vessel was delivered to her new owners on October 20, 2025. The gain on the sale of the vessel is $9.2 million and is presented in the “Net gain on sale of vessels” line in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Impairment analysis
In light of the prevailing conditions in the shipping industry, as of December 31, 2024, the Company performed the analysis of the future undiscounted net operating cash flows for those operating vessels whose carrying values were above their respective market values and determined that the net book value of its vessels held for use was recoverable. As of December 31, 2025, there were no indications of impairment for any of Company’s vessels and no impairment was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2025.
As of December 31, 2025, twelve of the Company’s vessels with a carrying value of $349.5 million were subject to first-priority mortgages as collateral under the Company’s loan agreements (Note 9). Title of ownership is held by the relevant lender for another vessel with a carrying value of $43.7 million to secure the relevant sale and lease back financing transaction (Note 9). Eight of the Company’s vessels, M/V “EM Hydra”, M/V “EM Kea”, M/V “EM Spetses”, M/V “Evridiki”, M/V “EM Corfu”, M/V “Jonathan P”, M/V “Rena P” and M/V “Emmanuel P” are unencumbered.
| 6. | Accrued Expenses |
|---|
The accrued expenses consisted of:
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accrued payroll expenses | 491,971 | 184,728 | ||
| Accrued interest expense | 786,554 | 1,683,243 | ||
| Accrued general and administrative expenses | 96,957 | 177,686 | ||
| Accrued commissions | 165,464 | 142,726 | ||
| Accrued liability for emission allowances | 2,288,582 | 6,685,311 | ||
| Other accrued expenses | 652,754 | 161,758 | ||
| Total | **** | 4,482,282 | **** | 9,035,452 |
F-26
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 7. | Fair Value of Below Market Time Charters Acquired |
|---|
As part of the acquisition of M/V “Marcos V”, in December 2021, which was acquired by the Company with time charter agreement attached, expiring in July 2025, the Company recognized a liability of $17,691,698, included in “Fair value of below market time charters acquired” in the consolidated balance sheet, since it was determined that the respective charter rate was below market rates on the date of the transfer (Level 2).
As part of the acquisition of M/V “Emmanuel P”, in May 2022, which was acquired by the Company with time charter agreement attached, expiring in March 2025, the Company recognized a liability of $15,759,241, included in “Fair value of below market time charters acquired” in the consolidated balance sheet, since it was determined that the respective charter rate was below market rates on the date of the transfer (Level 2).
As part of the acquisition of M/V “Rena P”, in June 2022, which was acquired by the Company with time charter agreement attached, expiring in February 2025, the Company recognized a liability of $12,540,206, included in “Fair value of below market time charters acquired” in the consolidated balance sheet, since it was determined that the respective charter rate was below market rates on the date of the transfer (Level 2).
In the third quarter of 2023, a gain of $15,984,253 was recognized in connection with the write-off of the outstanding balance of the attached time charter liability recognized as part of the acquisitions of the two aforementioned vessels (M/V “Emmanuel P” and M/V “Rena P”), which was fully amortized in August 2023 due to the early termination of the respective attached time charter agreements and presented in “Gain on time charter agreements termination” in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the amortization of fair value of the below market acquired time charters analyzed above was $11,368,879, $4,954,176 and $2,626,130, respectively, and is included under “Time charter revenue” in the consolidated statements of operations.
The unamortized balance of this intangible liability as of December 31, 2025 was nil.
F-27
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 8. | Related Party Transactions |
|---|
The Company’s vessel owning companies are parties to management agreements with the Manager (see Note 1) which is controlled by members of the Pittas family, whereby the Manager provides technical and commercial vessel management for a fixed daily management fee (see below), under the Company’s Master Management Agreement (“MMA”) with Eurobulk. An additional fixed management fee (see below) is paid to the Manager for the provision of management executive services.
The Company’s MMA with Eurobulk provides for an annual adjustment of the daily vessel management fee due to inflation to take effect January 1 of each year. The vessel management fee for laid-up vessels is half of the daily fee for the period they are laid-up or under construction. The MMA can be terminated by Eurobulk only for cause or under other limited circumstances, such as sale of the Company or Eurobulk or the bankruptcy of either party. The MMA, as periodically amended and restated, will automatically be extended after each five-year period for an additional five-year period unless terminated on or before the 90th day preceding the termination date. Pursuant to the MMA, each ship owning company has signed – and each future ship owning company when a vessel is acquired will sign - with the Manager, a management agreement with the rate and term of these agreements set in the MMA effective at such time.
The MMA was renewed on January 1, 2018 for an additional five-year term until January 1, 2023. The MMA was further renewed on January 1, 2023 for an additional five-year term until January 1, 2028. From January 1, 2023, the vessel fixed management fee was adjusted for inflation at Euro 775 per day per vessel in operation and Euro 387.5 per day per vessel in lay-up or under construction. From January 1, 2024, the vessel fixed management fee was adjusted for inflation at Euro 810 per day per vessel in operation and Euro 405 per day per vessel in lay-up or under construction. From January 1, 2025, the vessel fixed management fee was adjusted for inflation at Euro 840 (approximately $991, using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2025, which was $1.18 per euro) per day per vessel in operation and Euro 420 (approximately $496, using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2025, which was $1.18 per euro) per day per vessel in lay-up or under construction. From January 1, 2026, the vessel fixed management fee was adjusted for inflation at Euro 875 (approximately $1,033, using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2025, which was $1.18 per euro) per day per vessel in operation and Euro 437.5 (approximately $516, using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2025, which was $1.18 per euro) per day per vessel in lay-up or under construction.
Vessel management fees paid to the Manager amounted to $5,720,831, $7,067,408 and $7,995,498 in 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively, and are recorded under “Related party management fees” in the consolidated statements of operations.
In addition to the vessel management services, the Manager provides executive services to the Company. The amount of executive compensation was set at $2,150,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, to $2,250,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, and to $2,300,000 for the year ended December 31, 2025, to account for inflation. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the Company paid an additional special bonus to the Manager’s employees and consultants of $500,000, $600,000 and $1,050,000, respectively, for a total amount of executive management fees of $2,650,000, $2,850,000 and $3,350,000, respectively. These amounts are recorded in “General and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations. The executive management fee will be adjusted annually for Eurozone inflation every January 1. For the year 2026 the amount for the executive compensation, before bonuses, was increased to $2,360,000 to account for inflation.
F-28
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 8. | Related Party Transactions - continued |
|---|
Amounts due to or from related company represent net disbursements and collections made on behalf of the vessel-owning companies by the Management Company during the normal course of operations for which a right of off-set exists. As of December 31, 2024, the amount due to related company was $1,662,306. As of December 31, 2025, the amount due to related company was $1,821,723. Based on the MMA, an estimate of the quarter’s operating expenses, expected dry-dock expenses, vessel management fee and fee for management executive services are to be advanced by the Company’s ship-owning subsidiaries at the beginning of each quarter to the Manager.
The Company uses brokers for various services, as is industry practice. Eurochart S.A. (“Eurochart”), an affiliated company controlled by certain members of the Pittas family, provides vessel sale and purchase services, and chartering services to the Company whereby the Company pays commission of 1% of the vessel sales price and 1.25% of charter revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2023 commission to Eurochart for the sale of M/V Akinada Bridge was $142,266, for the year ended December 31, 2024 the commission to Eurochart for the sale of M/V “EM Astoria” was $100,000 and for the year ended December 31, 2025 the commission to Eurochart for the sale of M/V “Diamantis P” was $131,500 and for the sale of M/V “Marcos V” was $500,000 and they were recorded in “Net gain on sale of vessels” in the consolidated statements of operations. A commission of 1% of the purchase price is also paid to Eurochart by the seller of the vessel for the acquisitions the Company makes using Eurochart’s services. Commissions to Eurochart for chartering services were $2,350,919, $2,587,722 and $2,816,435 in 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively, recorded in “Commissions” in the consolidated statements of operations.
Certain members of the Pittas family, together with another unrelated ship management company, have formed a joint venture with the insurance broker Sentinel Maritime Services Inc. (“Sentinel”). Technomar Crew Management Services Corp (“Technomar”) is a company owned by certain members of the Pittas family, together with another unrelated ship management company, which provides crewing services. Sentinel is paid a commission on insurance premiums not exceeding 5%; Technomar is paid a fee of about $50 per crew member per month. Total fees charged by Sentinel and Technomar were $108,208, and $236,416 in 2023, $132,541 and $299,868 in 2024 and $181,061 and $360,141 in 2025, respectively. These amounts are recorded in “Vessel operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations.
F-29
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 9. | Long-Term Debt |
|---|
This consists of bank loans and lease financing transactions of the ship-owning companies and are as follows:
| Borrower | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antwerp Shipping Ltd. / Busan Shipping Ltd. / Keelung Shipping Ltd. / Oakland Shipping Ltd. | (a) | 33,750,000 | 28,750,000 | ||||
| Marcos Shipping Ltd. | (b) | 10,000,000 | - | ||||
| Rena Shipping Ltd. / Emmanuel Shipping Ltd. | (c) | 10,250,000 | - | ||||
| Gregos Shipping Ltd. | (d) | 21,100,000 | 18,300,000 | ||||
| Terataki Shipping Ltd. | (e) | 21,200,000 | 18,000,000 | ||||
| Tender Soul Shipping Ltd. | (f) | 25,542,415 | 23,954,298 | ||||
| Leonidas Shipping Ltd. / Dear Panel Shipping Ltd | (g) | 21,400,000 | 44,250,000 | ||||
| Monica Shipowners Ltd. / Stephania Shipping Ltd. | (h) | 43,875,000 | 41,625,000 | ||||
| Pepi Shipping Ltd. | (i) | 20,145,000 | 19,125,000 | ||||
| Symeon Shipping Ltd. | (j) | - | 24,620,000 | ||||
| 207,262,415 | 218,624,298 | ||||||
| Less: Current portion | (37,308,115 | ) | (19,548,115 | ) | |||
| Long-term portion | **** | 169,954,300 | **** | 199,076,183 | |||
| Deferred charges, current portion | 377,583 | 396,183 | |||||
| Deferred charges, long-term portion | 1,480,914 | 1,416,732 | |||||
| Long-term debt, current portion net of deferred charges | **** | 36,930,532 | **** | 19,151,932 | |||
| Long-term debt, long-term portion net of deferred charges | **** | 168,473,386 | **** | 197,659,451 |
The future annual debt repayments are as follows:
| To December 31: | |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 19,548,115 |
| 2027 | 36,848,113 |
| 2028 | 11,973,115 |
| 2029 | 40,598,115 |
| 2030 | 49,836,840 |
| Thereafter | 59,820,000 |
| Total | 218,624,298 |
F-30
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 9. | Long-Term Debt - continued |
|---|---|
| (a) | On July 13, 2023, the Company signed and drew a new term loan facility with Piraeus Bank S.A. (“Piraeus”) of $40,000,000 in order to refinance the existing indebtedness of M/V “Synergy Antwerp”, M/V “Synergy Busan”, M/V “Synergy Keelung” and M/V “Synergy Oakland” with the same lender, amounting to $28,380,000 as of the date of refinancing and provide working capital to cover general corporate needs of the Company. The loan is payable in sixteen consecutive quarterly instalments in the amount of $1,250,000 each and a final balloon instalment of $20,000,000 to be paid together with the last instalment in July 2027. A margin of 0.9% above Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) is applicable to the portion of the loan equivalent to the Company’s aggregate deposits held in an account with the lender and pledged in favor of the lender, whereas the margin applicable on the remaining part of the loan outstanding amounts to 2.25% above SOFR. The loan is secured with the following: (i) first priority mortgages over M/V "Synergy Antwerp”, M/V "Synergy Busan”, M/V "Synergy Keelung” and M/V "Synergy Oakland”, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $250,000 within 2023 for this loan. The security cover ratio covenant for the facility was set to 125%, the same with the then existing facility. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | On December 14, 2021, the Company signed a term loan facility with Eurobank Ergasias S.A. (“Eurobank”), and a loan of $34,000,000 was drawn by Marcos Shipping Ltd. in order to finance part of the acquisition cost of M/V “Marcos V”. The loan was payable in sixteen consecutive quarterly installments, comprising twelve installments of $2,000,000 followed by four installments of $750,000 each and by a balloon payment of $7,000,000 payable together with the last installment in December 2025. The loan bore interest at SOFR plus a margin of 2.80%. On June 16, 2025, Marcos Shipping Ltd. prepaid the outstanding balance of $8,500,000 in connection also with its sale, by using the Company’s own funds and M/V “Marcos V” became unencumbered. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | On September 13, 2022, the Company signed a term loan facility with HSBC Bank Plc. (“HSBC”), and a loan of $19,250,000 was drawn by Rena Shipping Ltd. and Emmanuel Shipping Ltd., in order to finance general corporate purposes of the borrowers and the guarantor, being the Company. The loan was payable in ten consecutive quarterly installments of $1,000,000 each followed by a balloon payment of $9,250,000 payable together with the last installment in June 2025. The loan bore interest at SOFR plus a margin of 1.95%. On December 23, 2022, following an assignment agreement between HSBC Bank plc. and Piraeus Bank S.A., the remaining balance of the loan was transferred to Piraeus Bank S.A. with all other terms and conditions remaining unchanged. On March 17, 2025, the Company repaid the outstanding balance of $10,250,000, by using the Company’s own funds and M/V “Emmanuel P” and M/V “Rena P” became unencumbered. |
| --- | --- |
F-31
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 9. | Long-Term Debt –continued |
|---|---|
| (d) | On March 30, 2023, the Company signed a loan agreement with Eurobank for a loan up to the lesser of $26.0 million or up to 67% of the vessel’s market value, in order to finance part of the construction cost of M/V “Gregos”. A loan of $26,000,000 was drawn by Gregos Maritime Ltd. on March 31, 2023. The loan is payable in twenty-eight consecutive quarterly instalments, twelve in the amount of $700,000 and sixteen in the amount of $450,000, with a $10,400,000 balloon payment to be made with the last installment in March 2030. The interest rate margin is 2.15% over SOFR. A margin of 1% above SOFR is applicable to the portion of the loan equivalent to the Company’s aggregate deposits held in an account with the lender and pledged in favor of the lender, whereas the margin applicable on the remaining part of the loan outstanding amounts to 2.15% above SOFR. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $221,000 within 2023 for this loan. The security cover ratio covenant for this facility stands at 120%. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgage over M/V "Gregos", (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V "Gregos" and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | On June 29, 2023, the Company signed a loan agreement with the National Bank of Greece S.A., and a loan of $26,000,000 was drawn by Terataki Shipping Ltd., in order to finance part of the construction cost of M/V “Terataki”. The loan is payable in twenty-four consecutive quarterly instalments, twelve in the amount of $800,000 and twelve in the amount of $200,000, with a $14,000,000 balloon payment to be made with the last installment in June 2029. The interest rate margin is 2.15% over SOFR. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $260,000 within 2023 for this loan. The security cover ratio covenant for this facility stands at 125%. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgage over M/V "Terataki", (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V "Terataki" and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | On January 31, 2024, Tender Soul Shipping Ltd., entered into a sale and lease back transaction for the newbuild vessel, M/V “Tender Soul”, which was consummated upon its delivery on February 6, 2024, whereby it was sold to a third party and immediately leased back to the Company under a bareboat charter for seven years with a purchase obligation at the end of the bareboat period and with purchase options at predetermined dates and prices during the period of the bareboat charter. The proceeds from the transaction, $27.0 million, were used to finance the delivery installment of the relevant vessel. Due to the existence of a purchase obligation (at the end of the seventh year) and purchase options (at predetermined amounts from the second to the seventh year), the transaction is treated as a failed sale and is accounted for as a financing arrangement. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $378,200 within 2024 for this financing. Pursuant to the terms of the bareboat charter, the Company pays a daily bareboat charter hire rate monthly plus interest. The interest rate margin is 2.295% above SOFR. |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | On April 18, 2024, the Company signed a loan agreement with First – Citizens Bank & Trust Company and a loan of $22.0 million was drawn by Leonidas Shipping Ltd., in order to finance part of the construction cost of M/V “Leonidas Z”. The loan is payable in twenty consecutive quarterly instalments in the amount of $300,000, with a $16,000,000 balloon payment to be made with the last installment, due in the second quarter of 2029. The interest rate margin is 2.10% over SOFR. Interest rate margin can be reduced to 1.90% if the vessel is employed under eligible charters. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $220,000 within 2024 for this loan. The security cover ratio covenant for this facility stands at 130%. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgage over M/V "Leonidas Z", (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V "Leonidas Z" and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company. |
| --- | --- |
F-32
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 9. | Long-Term Debt –continued |
|---|
On January 28, 2025, the Company amended and restated the loan signed on April 18, 2024 of Leonidas Shipping Ltd. with First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. Dear Panel Shipping Ltd. was added as an additional borrower to the existing loan and made available a second tranche of $26.0 million with the purpose to finance part of the construction cost of M/V “Dear Panel”. The drawdown of $26.0 million took place on January 29, 2025. The second tranche is payable in 20 quarterly instalments, the first twelve of $650,000 each and the next eight of $275,000 each. A balloon instalment of $16,000,000 will be paid together with the last installment due in January 2030. The interest rate margin for the second tranche is 1.80% over SOFR. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $221,000 within 2025 for this loan. The security cover ratio covenant for this facility remains at 130%. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgage over M/V "Dear Panel", (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V "Dear Panel" and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company.
| (h) | On May 3, 2024, the Company signed a loan agreement with National Bank of Fujairah PJSC for a loan up to the lesser of $45.0 million and 70% of the vessel’s market value for the financing of part of the construction cost of M/V “Monica” and M/V “Stephania K”. The two drawdowns of $22.5 million each took place on May 8, 2024 and June 26, 2024, respectively. The loan is payable in forty consecutive quarterly instalments in the amount of $562,500, with a $22,500,000 balloon payment to be made with the last installment due in the second quarter of 2034. The loan bears interest at SOFR plus a margin of 1.95% per annum. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $637,500 within 2024 for this loan. The security cover ratio covenant for this facility stands at 120%. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgages over M/V “Monica” and M/V “Stephania K”, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of the abovementioned vessels and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company. |
|---|---|
| (i) | On July 11, 2024, the Company signed a loan agreement with Piraeus Bank S.A. for a loan up to the lesser of $20.4 million and 60% of the vessel’s market value for the financing of part of the construction cost of M/V “Pepi Star”. The drawdown of $20.4 million took place on July 18, 2024. The loan is payable in twenty-eight consecutive quarterly instalments in the amount of $255,000, with a $13,260,000 balloon payment to be made with the last installment due in July 2031. A margin of 0.90% above SOFR is applicable to the portion of the loan equivalent to the Company’s aggregate deposits held in an account with the lender and pledged in favor of the lender, whereas the margin applicable on the remaining part of the loan outstanding amounts to 1.80% above SOFR. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $163,000 within 2024 for this loan. The security cover ratio covenant for this facility stands at 125%. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgages over M/V “Pepi Star”, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of the vessel and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company. |
| --- | --- |
| (j) | On December 16, 2024, the Company signed a loan agreement with Eurobank S.A. for a loan up to the lesser of $26.0 million and 65% of the vessel’s market value for the financing of the delivery instalment of M/V “Symeon P”. The drawdown of $26.0 million took place on January 2, 2025. The loan is payable in twenty-eight consecutive quarterly instalments in the amount of $460,000, with a $13,120,000 balloon payment to be made with the last installment in January 2032. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $208,000 within 2025 for this loan. The interest rate margin is 1.80% over SOFR. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgage over M/V "Symeon P", (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V "Symeon P" and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company. |
| --- | --- |
In addition to the terms specific to each bank loan described above, all the above bank loans are secured with a pledge of all the issued shares of each borrower.
F-33
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 9. | Long-Term Debt –continued |
|---|
The bank loan agreements also contain covenants such as minimum requirements regarding the security cover ratio covenant (the ratio of fair value of vessel to outstanding loan less cash in retention accounts), restrictions as to changes in management and ownership of the ship-owning companies, distribution of profits or assets (i.e. not permitting dividend payment or other distributions in cases that an event of default has occurred), additional indebtedness and mortgage of vessels without the lender’s prior consent, sale of vessels, maximum fleet-wide leverage, sale of capital stock of the Company’s subsidiaries, ability to make investments and other capital expenditures, entering in mergers or acquisitions, minimum cash balance requirements and minimum cash retention accounts (restricted cash). The loan agreements also require the Company to make deposits in retention accounts with certain banks that can only be used to pay the current loan installments. Minimum cash balance requirements are in addition to cash held in retention accounts. These cash deposits amounted to $6,926,823 and $6,864,027 as of December 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively, and are included in “Restricted cash” under “Current assets” and “Long-term assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2025, all the debt covenants are satisfied.
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 amounted to $5,955,496, $10,081,914 and $14,518,405 respectively, after interest capitalized to the vessels under construction. Capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 amounted to $3,410,933, $4,183,514 and $115,788, respectively.
| 10. | Income Taxes |
|---|
Under the laws of the countries of the companies’ incorporation and/or vessels’ registration, the companies are not subject to tax on international shipping income, however, they are subject to registration and tonnage taxes, which have been included in “Vessel operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations.
Under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the U.S. source gross transportation income of a ship-owning or chartering corporation, such as the Company, is subject to a 4% U.S. Federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. U.S. source gross transportation income consists of 50% of the gross shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States.
Under the Code, a corporation will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax if its stock is primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market in its country of organization, in another country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to United States corporations, or in the United States, which is referred to as the “Publicly Traded Test”. Under IRS regulations, a Company’s shares will be considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market if (i) one or more classes of its shares representing 50% or more of its outstanding shares, by voting power of all classes of shares of the corporation entitled to vote and of the total value of the shares of the corporation, are listed on the market and (ii) (A) such class of shares is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or one sixth of the days in a short taxable year; and (B) the aggregate number of shares of such class of shares traded on such market during the taxable year must be at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of shares outstanding during such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the treasury regulations provide, in pertinent part, that a class of the Company’s shares will not be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market for any taxable year in which 50% or more of the vote and value of the outstanding shares of such class are owned, actually or constructively under specified share attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of the vote and value of such class of the Company’s outstanding shares (“5% Override Rule”).
F-34
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 10. | Income Taxes - continued |
|---|
For the taxable years 2023, 2024 and 2025 the Company believes that it was exempt from U.S. federal income tax of 4% on U.S. source shipping income, as it believes that it was subject to the 5% Override Rule, but nonetheless satisfied the Publicly Traded Test for the respective years, because the non-qualified 5% shareholders did not own more than 50% of the Company’s common stock for more than half of the days during the taxable years.
| 11. | Commitments and Contingencies |
|---|
There are no material legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or to which any of its properties are subject, other than routine litigation incidental to the Company’s business. In the opinion of the management, the disposition of these lawsuits should not have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
As of December 31, 2025, future gross minimum revenues under non-cancellable time charter agreements total $619.3 million. The amount of $192.6 million is due in the year ending December 31, 2026, $149.7 million due in the year ending December 31, 2027, $116.5 million due in the year ending December 31, 2028, $62.1 million due in the year ending December 31, 2029, $51.3 million due in the year ending December 31, 2030, and $47.1 million due after the end of 2030. In arriving at the future gross minimum revenues, the Company has deducted an estimated one off-hire day per quarter plus estimated off-hire time required for scheduled intermediate and special surveys of the vessels, if applicable. Such off-hire estimate may not be reflective of the actual off-hire in the future. In addition, the actual revenues could be affected by early delivery of the vessel by the charterers or any exercise of the charterers’ options to extend the terms of the charters, which however cannot be estimated and hence not reflected above.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company had under construction six container carriers with an outstanding amount of $295.8 million. The amount of $27.3 million is due within 2026. Another $137.1 million is due within 2027. The remaining balance of $131.4 million is due within 2028. The Company intends to finance these commitments with a combination of own cash and bank debt.
F-35
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 12. | Stock Incentive Plan |
|---|
In May 2018, the Board of Directors approved the Company’s 2018 equity incentive plan (the “2018 Plan”). The 2018 Plan was administered by the Board of Directors which could make awards totaling in aggregate up to 75,000 shares, over 10 years after the 2018 Plan’s adoption date. In November 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new equity incentive plan (the "2021 Plan") to replace the Company’s 2018 Plan. The 2021 Plan is also administered by the Board of Directors which can make awards totaling in aggregate up to 225,000 shares over 10 years after the 2021 Plan's adoption date. In November 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a subsequent equity incentive plan (the “2024 Plan”) after the shares of the November 2021 Plan were awarded. The 2024 Plan is also administered by the Board of Directors which can make awards totaling in aggregate up to 300,000 shares over 10 years after the 2024 Plan's adoption date. The persons eligible to receive awards under the Company’s equity incentive plans are officers, directors, and executive, managerial, administrative and professional employees of the Company or Eurobulk or Eurochart (collectively, “key persons”) as the Board, in its sole discretion, shall select based upon such factors as the Board shall deem relevant. Awards may be made under the 2018 Plan, the 2021 Plan and the 2024 Plan in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. Details of awards granted under the 2018 Plan, the 2021 Plan and the 2024 Plan during the three-year period ended December 31, 2025 are noted below.
| a) | On November 19, 2021 an award of 49,650 non-vested restricted shares, was made to 21 key persons of which 50% vested on July 1, 2022 and 50% vested on July 1, 2023; awards to officers and directors amounted to 27,700 shares and the remaining 21,950 shares were awarded to employees of Eurobulk. |
|---|---|
| b) | On November 3, 2022 an award of 60,000 non-vested restricted shares, was made to 31 key persons of which 50% vested on November 16, 2023 and 50% vested on November 15, 2024; awards to officers and directors amounted to 31,000 shares and the remaining 29,000 shares were awarded to employees of Eurobulk. |
| --- | --- |
| c) | On November 10, 2023 an award of 60,500 non-vested restricted shares, was made to 32 key persons of which 50% vested on July 1, 2024 and 50% vested on July 1, 2025; awards to officers and directors amounted to 31,000 shares and the remaining 29,500 shares were awarded to employees of Eurobulk. |
| --- | --- |
| d) | On November 12, 2024 an award of 60,100 non-vested restricted shares, was made to 32 key persons of which 50% vested on November 14, 2025 and 50% will vest on November 13, 2026; awards to officers and directors amounted to 29,600 shares and the remaining 30,500 shares were awarded to employees of Eurobulk. |
| --- | --- |
| e) | On November 6, 2025 an award of 63,350 non-vested restricted shares, was made to 37 key persons of which 50% will vest on July 1, 2026 and 50% will vest on July 1, 2027; awards to officers and directors amounted to 29,600 shares and the remaining 33,750 shares were awarded to employees of Eurobulk. |
| --- | --- |
All non-vested restricted shares are conditional upon the grantee’s continued service as an employee of the Company or Eurobulk or as a director of the Company until the applicable vesting date. The grantee does not have the right to vote on such non-vested restricted shares until they vest or exercise any right as a shareholder of these shares, however, the non-vested shares will accrue dividends as declared and paid which will be retained by the Company until the shares vest at which time they are payable to the grantee. As non-vested restricted share grantees accrue dividends on awards that are expected to vest, such dividends are charged to retained earnings.
F-36
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 12. | Stock Incentive Plan - continued |
|---|
The compensation cost that has been charged against income for awards was $1,083,414, $1,519,933 and $1,959,564, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively and is included within “General and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company has used the straight-line method to recognize the cost of the awards. There were no forfeitures of non-vested shares during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2025. For the year ended December 31, 2024 the Company forfeited 2,150 non-vested shares with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $21.74 per share.
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested shares as of December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and the movement during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, are presented below:
| Non-vested Shares | Number of shares | Weighted-Average<br><br> <br>Grant-Date Fair Value | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-vested on January 1, 2023 | 84,243 | 20.15 | |||
| Granted | 60,500 | 23.92 | |||
| Vested | (53,750 | ) | 22.26 | ||
| Non-vested on December 31, 2023 | 90,993 | 21.41 | |||
| Non-vested on January 1, 2024 | 90,993 | 21.41 | |||
| Granted | 60,100 | 39.92 | |||
| Forfeited | (2,150 | ) | 21.74 | ||
| Vested | (59,550 | ) | 21.51 | ||
| Non-vested on December 31, 2024 | 89,393 | 33.78 | |||
| Non-vested on January 1, 2025 | 89,393 | 33.78 | |||
| Granted | 63,350 | 56.92 | |||
| Vested | (59,350 | ) | 31.82 | ||
| Non-vested on December 31, 2025 | 93,393 | 50.72 |
As of December 31, 2025, there was $4,316,857 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2021 Plan and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.803 years. The total fair value at grant-date of shares granted during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 was $1,447,160, $2,399,192 and $3,605,882 respectively. The total fair value of shares vested based on the share price as of the date of vesting during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 was $1,282,185, $2,392,624 and $3,130,388, respectively.
The unvested shares will accrue dividends as declared which will be retained by the Company until the shares vest at which time they are payable to the grantee. As of December 31, 2024 and 2025 the unvested restricted shares accrued dividends of $121,030 and $143,510, respectively, presented as “Accrued dividends” in the consolidated balance sheets. As unvested restricted share grantees accrue dividends on awards that are expected to vest, such dividends are charged to retained earnings.
F-37
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 13. | Earnings Per Share |
|---|
Basic and diluted earnings per common share is computed as follows:
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income: | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Net income | 114,549,279 | 112,775,678 | 136,967,379 | |||
| Weighted average common shares –outstanding, basic | 6,931,280 | 6,938,204 | 6,943,682 | |||
| Basic earnings per share | **** | 16.53 | **** | 16.25 | **** | 19.73 |
| Effect of dilutive securities: | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Dilutive effect of non-vested shares | 4,780 | 23,062 | 3,457 | |||
| Weighted average common shares –outstanding, diluted | 6,936,060 | 6,961,266 | 6,947,139 | |||
| Diluted earnings per share | **** | 16.52 | **** | 16.20 | **** | 19.72 |
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the denominator of the diluted earnings per share calculation includes 4,780, 23,062 and 3,457 common shares, respectively, being the number of incremental shares assumed issued under the treasury stock method.
F-38
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 14. | Voyage Expenses and Vessel Operating Expenses |
|---|
These consisted of:
| Year ended December, 31 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||
| Voyage expenses | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Port charges and canal dues | 665,090 | 1,064,879 | 930,331 | |||
| Bunkers | 619,285 | 910,690 | 128,823 | |||
| Total | **** | 1,284,375 | **** | 1,975,569 | **** | 1,059,154 |
| Vessel operating expenses | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
| Crew wages and related costs | 20,700,810 | 24,826,395 | 25,358,457 | |||
| Insurance | 4,788,264 | 5,323,900 | 5,099,051 | |||
| Repairs and maintenance | 1,607,116 | 1,812,873 | 1,729,350 | |||
| Lubricants | 3,916,827 | 3,762,845 | 3,344,972 | |||
| Spares and consumable stores | 8,625,958 | 8,432,764 | 8,340,595 | |||
| Professional and legal fees | 585,336 | 340,273 | 441,437 | |||
| Other | 1,779,844 | 2,186,870 | 2,533,041 | |||
| Total | **** | 42,004,155 | **** | 46,685,920 | **** | 46,846,903 |
| 15. | Derivative Financial Instruments | |||||
| --- | --- |
Interest rate swaps
On October 12, 2021, the Company entered into one interest rate swap contract with Eurobank for a notional amount of $10.0 million, with inception date on November 1, 2021 and maturity date on November 1, 2025. Under the terms of the swap, Eurobank made quarterly payments to the Company equal to the 3-month LIBOR while the Company paid a fixed rate of 1.09% based on the relevant notional amount. The Company terminated this contract on June 26, 2023, before its maturity date, due to the significant increase in the interest rates, realizing a gain at the date of the termination of $846.
On June 16, 2022, the Company entered into one interest rate swap contract with Piraeus for a notional amount of $20.0 million, with inception date on January 3, 2023 and maturity date on January 3, 2028. Under the terms of the swap, on a quarterly basis, Piraeus makes a payment, to the Company equal to the daily SOFR index while the Company pays a fixed rate of 3.41% based on the relevant notional amount. The Company terminated this contract on October 2, 2025, before its maturity date, realizing a loss at the date of the termination of $13.
F-39
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 15. | Derivative Financial Instruments - continued |
|---|
The interest rate swap contract did not qualify for hedge accounting as of December 31, 2024 and 2025.
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Balance Sheet Location | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest rate swap contract | Current assets – Derivative | 184,392 | - | ||||||
| Interest rate swap contract | Long - term assets – Derivative | 200,636 | - | ||||||
| Total derivative assets | **** | 385,028 | - | ||||||
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Location of (loss) / gain recognized | Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Year Ended December 31, 2024 | Year Ended December 31, 2025 | |||||
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Interest rate swap contracts– Change in fair value of derivatives | Gain / (loss) on derivatives, net | (4,036,107 | ) | 609,209 | (385,028 | ) | |||
| Interest rate swap contracts- Realized gain / (loss) | Gain / (loss) on derivatives, net | 4,214,235 | 392,545 | 146,404 | |||||
| Total net gain / (loss) on interest rate swap contracts | **** | 178,128 | **** | 1,001,754 | **** | (238,624 | ) |
F-40
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 16. | Financial Instruments |
|---|
The principal financial assets of the Company consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade accounts receivable, net, other receivables. The principal financial liabilities of the Company consist of long-term debt, trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and amount due to related company.
Interest rate risk
The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts as economic hedges to manage some of its exposure to variability in its floating rate long-term bank loans. Under the terms of the interest rate swaps the Company and the bank agreed to exchange, at specified intervals the difference between a paying fixed rate and receiving floating rate interest amount calculated by reference to the agreed principal amounts and maturities. Interest rate swaps allow the Company to convert long-term bank loans issued at floating rates into equivalent fixed rates. Even though the interest rate swaps were entered into for economic hedging purposes, as noted in Note 15 they do not qualify for hedge accounting, under the guidance relating to Derivatives and Hedging, as the Company does not have currently written contemporaneous documentation identifying the risk being hedged and, both on a prospective and retrospective basis, performing an effectiveness test to support that the hedging relationship is highly effective. Consequently, the Company recognizes the change in fair value of these derivatives in the “Gain / (loss) on derivatives, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had no open swap contracts and hence, the Company is exposed to increases in interest rates on its interest-bearing debt.
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its temporary cash investments, consisting mostly of deposits, with high credit quality financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluation of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions that are considered in the Company’s investment strategy. The Company limits its credit risk with trade accounts receivable by performing ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral for its trade accounts receivable as the Company in most cases gets paid in advance. The Company may be exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by its counterparties to derivative instruments; however, the Company limits its exposure by transacting with counterparties with high credit ratings.
Fair value of financial instruments
The Company follows guidance relating to “Fair value measurements”, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. This statement enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The statement requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data;
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
F-41
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 16. | Financial Instruments - continued |
|---|
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, trade accounts receivable, other receivables, trade account payable, accrued expenses and amount due to related company approximate their individual carrying amounts as of December 31, 2024 and 2025, due to their short-term maturity. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are considered Level 1 items as they represent liquid assets with short-term maturities. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, bearing interest at variable interest rates approximates its recorded value as of December 31, 2024 and 2025, due to the variable interest rate nature thereof. SOFR rates are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full terms of the debt agreements and hence fair value of the long-term debt is considered Level 2 item in accordance with the fair value hierarchy due to their variable interest rate.
The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreement is determined using a discounted cash flow approach based on market-based SOFR swap rates. SOFR swap rates are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full terms of the swap and therefore are considered Level 2 items. The fair value of the interest rate swap determined through Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in guidance relating to "Fair value measurements" is derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets, liabilities (risk adjusted) and market-corroborated inputs, such as market comparables, interest rates, yield curves and other items that allow value to be determined. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had no open swap contracts.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
| Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2024 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | |||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Interest rate swap contract, current portion | $ | 184,392 | - | $ | 184,392 | - | ||
| Interest rate swap contract, long-term portion | $ | 200,636 | - | $ | 200,636 | - |
F-42
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 17. | Common Stock |
|---|
As per the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.03 per share.
Each outstanding share of common stock is entitled to one vote, either in person or by proxy, on all matters that may be voted upon by their holders at meetings of the shareholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred shares, holders of the Company’s common stock (i) have equal ratable rights to dividends from funds legally available therefore, if declared by the Board of Directors; (ii) are entitled to share ratably in all of the Company’s assets available for distribution upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; and (iii) do not have preemptive, subscription or conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions. All issued shares of the Company’s common stock when issued will be fully paid for and non-assessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common shares are subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred shares which the Company has issued or may issue in the future.
In May 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program for up to a total of $20 million of the Company's common stock. The original repurchase program approved in May 2022 had an initial duration of 12 months. It was extended in May 2023 for an additional 12-month period then in May 2024 for another 12-month period and again in May 2025 for another year. Share repurchases will be made from time to time for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of purchases under the program will be determined by management based upon market conditions and other factors. The program does not require the Company to purchase any specific number or amount of shares and may be suspended or reinstated at any time at the Company's discretion and without notice. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased under its share repurchase program and cancelled 162,375 shares of common stock, in open market transactions, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $3.15 million. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased under its share repurchase program and cancelled 24,744 shares of common stock, in open market transactions, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $1.07 million. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company repurchased under its share repurchase program and cancelled 55,006 shares of common stock, in open market transactions, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $2.12 million.
In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the Company issued 60,500 common shares, 60,100 common shares and 63,350 common shares, respectively, to the Company’s directors and officers and employees of the Manager in connection with its equity incentive plans (Note 12).
In May 2022, the Board of Directors reinstated the Company’s common stock dividend plan. In the year ended December 31, 2023 the Company declared a dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock in each of February, May, August and November that were respectively paid in March, June, September and December 2023, amounting to $14.02 million. In the year ended December 31, 2024 the Company declared a dividend of $0.60 per share of common stock in each of February, May, August and November that were respectively paid in March, June, September and December 2024, amounting to $16.86 million. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company declared dividends on its common stock totaling $18.98 million. Dividends of $0.65 per share were declared in February and June 2025 and paid in March and July 2025, respectively. Additionally, dividends of $0.70 per share were declared in August and November 2025 and paid in September and December 2025, respectively.
F-43
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 18. | Other operating income |
|---|
In the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized “Other operating income” of $2.73 million. The amount relates to loss of hire insurance in relation to M/V “Akinada Bridge” and M/V “Aegean Express”.
In the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company recognized “Other operating income” of $0.12 million. The amount relates to loss of hire insurance in relation to M/V “EM Hydra”.
All these amounts are included under “Other operating income” in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2025. No such case existed in 2024.
| 19. | Segment reporting |
|---|
The Company reports financial information and evaluates its operations and operating results by total consolidated net income and not by the type of vessel, length of vessel employment, customer or type of charter. Although revenue can be identified for these types of charters or vessels, management cannot and does not identify expenses, profitability or other financial information for these various types of charters or vessels.
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Aristides J. Pittas, is the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources based on consolidated net income, which represents the Company’s measure of segment profit or loss. Net income is used to monitor budget versus actual results of the Company. The Company’s consolidated financial results are used in assessing the performance of the segment and in deciding whether to reinvest profits in the Company. As a result, management, including the CODM, reviews operating results solely by consolidated net income of the fleet, and thus the Company has determined that it operates under one operating and one reportable segment, that of operating container carriers. When the Company charters a vessel to a charterer, the charterer is free to trade the vessel worldwide and, as a result, the disclosure of geographical information is impracticable.
The following table summarizes the Company’s significant segment information:
| Year ended December, 31 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| Net revenue | 189,357,383 | 212,897,313 | 227,873,562 | ||||||
| Voyage expenses | (1,284,375 | ) | (1,975,569 | ) | (1,059,154 | ) | |||
| Vessel operating expenses | (42,004,155 | ) | (46,685,920 | ) | (46,846,903 | ) | |||
| Dry-docking expenses | (3,373,648 | ) | (10,537,928 | ) | (6,607,677 | ) | |||
| Related party management fees | (5,720,831 | ) | (7,067,408 | ) | (7,995,498 | ) | |||
| General and administrative expenses | (4,744,907 | ) | (5,938,870 | ) | (6,802,563 | ) | |||
| Interest and other financing costs | (6,431,007 | ) | (10,620,703 | ) | (14,992,987 | ) | |||
| Other segment items (1) | (11,249,181 | ) | (17,295,237 | ) | (6,601,401 | ) | |||
| Total | **** | 114,549,279 | **** | 112,775,678 | **** | 136,967,379 | |||
| (1) | Other segment items of the segment include vessel depreciation, net gain on sale of vessels, impairment loss, other operating income, gain on time charter agreements termination, gain / (loss) on derivatives, net, foreign exchange (loss)/ gain and interest income. | ||||||||
| --- | --- |
F-44
Euroseas Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 2024 and 2025 and for the
years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
| 20. | Subsequent Events |
|---|---|
| a) | In February 2026, the Company declared a dividend of $0.75 per share of common stock, which was paid on March 17, 2026, to holders of record on March 10, 2026. |
| --- | --- |
| b) | On March 20, 2026, the Company paid the amount of $9,270,000 referring to the first installment for the construction of the two 2,800 teu eco-design fuel efficient containerships (M/V “Danai” & M/V “Neni P.”) under the shipbuilding contract signed on December 16, 2025. |
| --- | --- |
| c) | On April 3, 2026, the Company signed two contracts for the construction of two eco-design fuel efficient container carriers. The vessels will have a carrying capacity of 1,800 TEU each and will be built at a Chinese shipyard. The vessels are scheduled to be delivered in the second and third quarter of 2028. The total consideration for the construction is approximately $64.5 million, which the Company intends to finance with a combination of debt and equity. These ship building contracts effectiveness is subject to the issuance of a customary refund guarantee. |
| --- | --- |
| d) | On April 15, 2026, the Company signed two additional contracts for the construction of two eco-design fuel efficient container carriers. The vessels will have a carrying capacity of 2,800 TEU each and will be built at a Chinese shipyard. The vessels are scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2028 and the first quarter of 2029. The total consideration for the construction is approximately $92.7 million, which the Company intends to finance with a combination of debt and equity. These ship building contracts effectiveness is subject to the issuance of a customary refund guarantee. |
| --- | --- |
ex_948286.htm
Exhibit 4.16
ADDENDUM NO 17
To
MASTER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT dated February 7 ^th^ , 2008 between Euroseas Ltd and Eurobulk Ltd
This Addendum is made as of 10^th^ February 2026 between Euroseas Ltd. (the “Company”), in its own capacity and as agent for each of its vessel owning subsidiaries identified in Shedule A hereto together with any additional subsidiaries that may acquire vessels in the future (the “Subsidiaries”) and Eurobulk Ltd. (the “Manager”).
REMUNERATION
Fees payable to Eurobulk were adjusted based in reported inflation for Greece (Dec 24 - Dec 25). Daily management fees were rounded at Euro 875/day/vessel while the executive services fees were rounded at US$2,360,000 per annum. Both with effect of 1^st^ January 2026.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Addendum to the Management Agreement as of the date first written above.
| Euroseas Ltd.<br><br> <br><br><br> <br>By:__/s/ Aristeides J. Pittas__<br><br> <br>Name: Aristeides J. Pittas<br><br> <br>Title: Chairman of the Board,<br><br> <br>President, CEO<br><br> <br><br><br> <br>EuroBulk Ltd.<br><br> <br><br><br> <br>By:__/s/ Nikolaos Pittas__<br><br> <br>Name: Nikolaos Pittas<br><br> <br>Title: Director |
|---|
Schedule A
to addendum no 17 to
Master Management Agreement dated February 7 ^th^ , 2008
Antwerp Shipping Ltd, Marshall Islands-m/v Synergy Antwerp
Busan Shipping Ltd, Marshall Islands-m/v Synergy Busan
Oakland Shipping Ltd, Marshal\ Islands-m/v Synergy Oakland
Keelung Shipping Ltd, Marshall Islands-m/v Synergy Keelung
Gregos Shipping Limited, Marshall Islands - m/v ΕΜ Astoria
Noumea Shipping Limited, Liberia - m/v Evrid iki G
Joanna Maritime Ltd, Liberia -m/v Joanna
Corfu Navigation Ltd - m/v ΕΜ Corfu
Kea Shipowners Ltd, Liberia-m/v Em Kea
Spetses Shipowners Ltd, Liberia-m/v Em Spetses
Hydra Shipowners Ltd, Liberia-m/v Em Hydra
Gregos Maritime Ltd., Marshal\ Islands- m/v Gregos (Hul l Νο. 4201 )
Terataki Shipping Ltd., Marshall lslands - m/v Terataki (Hull Νο. 4202)
Marcos Shipping Ltd, Marshall Islands - Marcos V
Emmanuel Shipping Ltd, Marshall lslands - m/v Emmanuel Ρ
Rena Shipping Ltd, Marshal\ Islands - m/v Rena Ρ
Tender Soul Shipping Ltd, Marshall lslands - m/v Tender Soul (Hull Νο. 4236)
Leonidas Shipping Ltd, Marshal Islands - m/v Leonidas Ζ (Hull Νο. 4237)
Monica Shipowners Ltd, Liberia - m/v Monica (Hull Νο. 4248)
Stephania Shipping Ltd, Liberia - m/v Stephania Κ (Hull Νο. 4249)
Pepi Shipping Ltd, Liberia - m/v Pepi Star (Hull Νο. 4250)
Dear Panel Shipping Ltd, Liberia -m/v Dear Panel (Hull Νο. 4251)
Symeon Shipping Ltd, Liberia - m/v Symeon Ρ (Hull Νο. 4252)
Elena Shipowners Ltd, Marshall lslands - m/v Elena (Hull Νο. YZJ2024- 1711)
Nikitas Shipping Ltd, Marshall Islands - m/v Nikitas G (Hull Νο. YZJ2024-1 712)
Thrylos Shipping Ltd, Liberia - m/v Thrylos (Hull Νο. YZJ2024-1 768)
Socrates Shipping Ltd, Liberia - m/v Socrates Ch (Hull Νο. YZJ2024- l 769)
Danai Shipowners Ltd, Liberia - m/v Danai (Hull Νο. HC438)
Neni Shipping Ltd, Liberia -Neni (Hull Νο. HC439)
Last update January 10, 2026
EXHIBIT 4.22
Dated 18 April 2024 (as amended and restated by a Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement dated 28 January 2025)
Up to US$48,000,000
TERM LOAN FACILITY
LEONIDAS SHIPPING LTD
DEAR PANEL SHIPPING LTD
as joint and several Borrowers
EUROSEAS LTD.
as Guarantor
FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY
as Facility Agent
and
FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY
as Security Agent
FACILITY AGREEMENT
relating to
(i) a facility of up to US$22,000,000 for the financing of part of the acquisition cost m.v. "LEONIDAS Z" and (ii) a top-up facility of up to $26,000,000 for the financing of part of the acquisition cost of hull no. 4251 (tbn "DEAR PANEL")
Index
| Clause | Page | |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 Interpretation | 2 | |
| 1 | Definitions and Interpretation | 2 |
| Section 2 The Facility | 31 | |
| 2 | The Facility | 31 |
| 3 | Purpose | 31 |
| 4 | Conditions of Utilisation | 32 |
| Section 3 Utilisation | 33 | |
| 5 | Utilisation | 33 |
| Section 4 Repayment, Prepayment and Cancellation | 35 | |
| 6 | Repayment | 35 |
| 7 | Prepayment and Cancellation | 36 |
| Section 5 Costs of Utilisation | 40 | |
| 8 | Interest | 40 |
| 9 | Interest Periods | 41 |
| 10 | Changes to the Calculation of Interest | 42 |
| 11 | Fees | 44 |
| Section 6 Additional Payment Obligations | 46 | |
| 12 | Tax Gross Up and Indemnities | 46 |
| 13 | Increased Costs | 51 |
| 14 | Other Indemnities | 52 |
| 15 | Mitigation by the Finance Parties | 55 |
| 16 | Costs and Expenses | 56 |
| Section 7 Guarantee and joint and several liability of the Borrowers | 57 | |
| 17 | Guarantee and Indemnity | 57 |
| 18 | Joint and Several Liability of the Borrowers | 60 |
| Section 8 Representations, Undertakings and Events of Default | 62 | |
| 19 | Representations | 62 |
| 20 | Information Undertakings | 69 |
| 21 | Financial Covenants | 72 |
| 22 | General Undertakings | 74 |
| 23 | Insurance Undertakings | 82 |
| 24 | Ship Undertakings | 88 |
| 25 | Security Cover | 95 |
| 26 | Accounts and Application of Earnings | 97 |
| 27 | Events of Default | 98 |
| Section 9 Changes to Parties | 104 | |
| 28 | Changes to the Lenders | 104 |
| 29 | Changes to the Transaction Obligors | 109 |
| Section 10 The Finance Parties | 111 | |
| 30 | The Facility Agent | 111 |
| 31 | The Security Agent | 122 |
| 32 | Conduct of Business by the Finance Parties | 136 |
| 33 | Sharing among the Finance Parties | 137 |
| Section 11 Administration | 139 | |
| 34 | Payment Mechanics | 139 |
| 35 | Set-Off | 142 |
| 36 | Bail-In | 142 |
| 37 | Notices | 143 |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | Calculations and Certificates | 145 |
| 39 | Partial Invalidity | 145 |
| 40 | Settlement or Discharge Conditional | 145 |
| 41 | Remedies and Waivers | 145 |
| 42 | Entire Agreement | 146 |
| 43 | Irrevocable Payment | 146 |
| 44 | Amendments and Waivers | 146 |
| 45 | Confidential Information | 152 |
| 46 | Counterparts | 156 |
| Section 12 Governing Law and Enforcement | 157 | |
| 47 | Governing Law | 157 |
| 48 | Enforcement | 157 |
| 49 | Patriot Act Notice | 157 |
Schedules
| Schedule 1 The Parties | 159 |
|---|---|
| Part A The Obligors | 159 |
| Part B The Original Lenders | 160 |
| Part C The Servicing Parties | 161 |
| Schedule 2 Conditions Precedent | 162 |
| Part A Conditions Precedent to Initial Utilisation Request | 162 |
| Part B Conditions Precedent to Utilisation Request in respect of a Tranche | 165 |
| Schedule 3 Requests | 167 |
| Part A Utilisation Request | 167 |
| Part B Selection Notice | 169 |
| Schedule 4 Form of Transfer Certificate | 170 |
| Schedule 5 Form of Assignment Agreement | 172 |
| Schedule 6 Form of Compliance Certificate | 175 |
| Schedule 7 Timetables | 176 |
Execution
| Execution Pages | 177 |
|---|
THIS AGREEMENT is made on 18 April 2024 as amended and restated by the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement dated 28 January 2025
PARTIES
| (1) | LEONIDAS SHIPPING LTD, a corporation incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered address is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, MH96960, Majuro, Marshall Islands as borrower ("Borrower A") |
|---|---|
| (2) | DEAR PANEL SHIPPING LTD, a corporation incorporated in the Republic of Liberia whose registered address is at **** 80 Broad Street, Monrovia, Liberia as borrower ("Borrower B") |
| --- | --- |
| (3) | EUROSEAS LTD., a corporation incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered address is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, MH96960, Majuro, Marshall Islands and whose common shares are currently listed on the "Nasdaq Capital Market" under the trading symbol "ESEA" as guarantor (the "Guarantor") |
| --- | --- |
| (4) | THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Part C of Schedule 1 (The Parties) as lenders (the "Original Lenders") |
| --- | --- |
| (5) | FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY as agent of the other Finance Parties (the "Facility Agent") |
| --- | --- |
| (6) | FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY as security agent for the Secured Parties (the "Security Agent") |
| --- | --- |
BACKGROUND
| (A) | The Lenders made available on 25 April 2024 to Borrower A a facility of up to the lesser of (originally) (i) $22,000,000 and (ii) 55 per cent. of the Initial Market Value of Ship A for the purpose of financing part of the Contract Price of Ship A. |
|---|---|
| (B) | The Lenders have already advanced to Borrower A the amount of $22,000,000 of which an amount of $21,100,000 is outstanding as at the date of this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| (C) | By the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement, the Finance Parties agreed to certain amendments to this Agreement and the other Finance Documents, including but not limited to the following: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | Borrower B acceding to this Agreement as additional borrower; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the increase of the maximum loan facility from $22,000,000 (originally) to $48,000,000 in an amount of up to the lesser of (i) $26,000,000 and (ii) 55 per cent. of the Initial Market Value of Ship B to be made available to the Borrowers in one additional Tranche for the purpose of financing part of the Contract Price of Ship B; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | amending the repayment terms of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
| (D) | This Agreement sets out the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement as amended and restated by the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement. |
| --- | --- |
OPERATIVE PROVISIONS
SECTION 1
INTERPRETATION
| 1 | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | Definitions |
| --- | --- |
In this Agreement:
"Account Bank" means First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, acting through its office at 75 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, California 91103, United States of America or any replacement bank or other financial institution as may be approved by the Facility Agent acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders.
"Accounts" means the Earnings Accounts and the Cash Reserve Accounts.
"Account Security" means a document creating Security over any Account in agreed form.
"Advance" means a borrowing of all or part of a Tranche under this Agreement.
"Affiliate" means, in relation to any person, a Subsidiary of that person or a Holding Company of that person or any other Subsidiary of that Holding Company.
"Approved Brokers" means any firm or firms of insurance brokers approved in writing by the Facility Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders.
"Approved Classification" means the Approved Classification Society or the equivalent classification with another Approved Classification Society.
"Approved Classification Society" means any classification society which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies and which is approved in writing by the Facility Agent acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders.
"Approved Flag" means, in relation to a Ship, the flag of the Republic of Marshall Islands, Liberia or such other flag and, if applicable, port of registry approved in writing by the Facility Agent acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders and a reference to "the Approved Flag" in respect of a Ship shall be a reference to the flag and, if applicable port of registry, under which that Ship is then flagged with the agreement of the Facility Agent acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders.
"Approved Manager" means, in relation to a Ship, Eurobulk Ltd. a corporation incorporated in the Republic of Liberia, whose registered address is at 80 Broad Street, Monrovia, Liberia and having a place of business at 4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, Maroussi, 151 -24, Greece, or any other person approved in writing by the Facility Agent acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders as the commercial and technical manager of that Ship.
"Approved Valuer" means Howe Robinson, Clarksons, Braemar, Compass and Barry Rogliano Salles (BRS) (or any Affiliate of such person through which valuations are commonly issued) and any other firm or firms of independent sale and purchase shipbrokers approved in writing by the Facility Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders, and by the Borrower.
2
"Article 55 BRRD" means Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms.
"Assignable Charter" **** means any Charter of a duration (or capable of having or exceeding a duration) of 11 months or longer (including any extension or option of extension) entered or to be entered into between a Borrower (as owner) and the Charterer (as charterer).
"Assignment Agreement" means an agreement substantially in the form set out in Schedule 5 (Form of Assignment Agreement) or any other form agreed between the relevant assignor and assignee.
"Authorisation" means an authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, notarisation, legalisation or registration.
"Availability Period" means:
| (a) | in relation to Tranche A, the period from and including the date of this Agreement and including 15 June 2024; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to Tranche B, the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on 31 January 2025, |
| --- | --- |
or in each case, such later date as may be agreed by the Borrowers and the Facility Agent.
"Available Commitment" means in relation to a Tranche, a Lender's Commitment under that Tranche minus:
| (a) | the amount of its participation in any outstanding Utilisation under that Tranche; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to any proposed Utilisation, the amount of its participation in any other Utilisation that is due to be made under that Tranche on or before the proposed Utilisation Date. |
| --- | --- |
"Available Facility" means the aggregate for the time being of each Lender's Available Commitment.
"Bail-In Action" means the exercise of any applicable Write-down and Conversion Powers.
"Bail-In Legislation" means, to the extent applicable:
| (a) | in relation to an EEA Member Country which has implemented, or which at any time implements, Article 55 BRRD, the relevant implementing law or regulation as described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule from time to time; |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to any state other than such an EEA Member Country and the United Kingdom, any applicable analogous law or regulation from time to time which requires contractual recognition of any Write-down and Conversion Powers contained in that law or regulation; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | in relation to the United Kingdom, the UK Bail-In Legislation. |
| --- | --- |
"Balloon Instalment" means each of Balloon Instalment A and Balloon Instalment B.
3
"Base Rate" means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of:
| (a) | the Federal Funds Rate plus half of one per cent.; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its "prime rate" in effect for such day. |
| --- | --- |
The Base Rate is not necessarily the lowest rate of interest charged by Lenders in connection with extensions of credit. Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the "prime rate" announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or the Federal Funds Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the "prime rate" announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or the Federal Funds Rate respectively. For the avoidance of doubt, the Base Rate will in no event be less than zero per cent. per annum.
"Borrower" means Borrower A or Borrower B.
"Break Costs" means the amount (if any) by which:
| (a) | the interest which a Lender should have received for the period from the date of receipt of all or any part of its participation in the Loan or an Unpaid Sum to the last day of the current Interest Period in relation to the Loan, the relevant part of the Loan or that Unpaid Sum, had the principal amount or Unpaid Sum received been paid on the last day of that Interest Period |
|---|
exceeds
| (b) | the amount which that Lender would be able to obtain by placing an amount equal to the principal amount or Unpaid Sum received by it on deposit with a leading bank for a period starting on the Business Day following receipt or recovery and ending on the last day of the current Interest Period. |
|---|
"Builder" means HD Hyundai Mipo Co., Ltd., a company organised and existing under the laws of the Republic of Korea and having its principal office at 100, Bangeojinsunhwan-Doro, Dong-Gu, Ulsan 682-712, Korea.
"Business Day" means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for general business in New York, Athens and, in connection with any payments to be made to the Builder, Seoul, and includes in relation to the fixing of an interest rate, a day which is a US Government Securities Business Day.
"Cash Reserve Account" means, in relation to a Borrower:
| (a) | an account in the name of that Borrower with the Account Bank designated "[Name of that Borrower] - Cash Reserve Account"; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any other account in the name of that Borrower with the Account Bank which may, with the prior written consent of the Facility Agent, be opened in the place of the account referred to in paragraph (a) above, irrespective of the number or designation of such replacement account; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any sub-account of any account referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above. |
| --- | --- |
4
"Change of Control" has the meaning set out under Clause 27.10 (Change of Control) of this Agreement.
"Charter" means, in relation to a Ship, any charter relating to that Ship (including, without limitation, any Assignable Charter), or other contract for its employment, whether or not already in existence.
"Charterer" means any charterer that has entered into a charter with the Borrower in relation to a Ship.
"Charter Guarantee" means any guarantee, bond, letter of credit or other instrument (whether or not already issued) supporting a Charter.
"Charterparty Assignment" means the specific assignment creating Security over any Assignable Charter in the agreed form.
"Code" means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
"Commitment" means a Tranche A Commitment or a Tranche B Commitment.
"Compliance Certificate" means a certificate in the form set out in Schedule 6 (Form of Compliance Certificate) or in any other form agreed between the Guarantor and the Facility Agent.
"Confidential Information" means all information relating to any Transaction Obligor, any Approved Manager, the Group, the Finance Documents or the Facility of which a Finance Party becomes aware in its capacity as, or for the purpose of becoming, a Finance Party or which is received by a Finance Party in relation to, or for the purpose of becoming a Finance Party under, the Finance Documents or the Facility from either:
| (a) | any member of the Group or any of its advisers; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | another Finance Party, if the information was obtained by that Finance Party directly or indirectly from any member of the Group or any of its advisers, |
| --- | --- |
in whatever form, and includes information given orally and any document, electronic file or any other way of representing or recording information which contains or is derived or copied from such information but excludes:
| (i) | information that: |
|---|---|
| (A) | is or becomes public information other than as a direct or indirect result of any breach by that Finance Party of Clause 45 (Confidential Information); or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | is identified in writing at the time of delivery as non-confidential by any member of the Group or any of its advisers; and |
| --- | --- |
| (C) | is known by that Finance Party before the date the information is disclosed to it in accordance with paragraphs (a) or (b) above or is lawfully obtained by that Finance Party after that date, from a source which is, as far as that Finance Party is aware, unconnected with the Group and which, in either case, as far as that Finance Party is aware, has not been obtained in breach of, and is not otherwise subject to, any obligation of confidentiality. |
| --- | --- |
5
"Confidentiality Undertaking" means a confidentiality undertaking in substantially the appropriate form recommended by the LMA from time to time or in any other form agreed between the Borrowers and the Facility Agent.
"Contract Price" means:
| (a) | in relation to Ship A, the price payable for that Ship under article II of the relevant Shipbuilding Contract, subject to adjustment in article III of the relevant Shipbuilding Contract; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to Ship B, the price payable for that Ship under article II of the relevant Shipbuilding Contract, subject to adjustment in article III of the relevant Shipbuilding Contract. |
| --- | --- |
"Corresponding Debt" means any amount, other than any Parallel Debt, which an Obligor owes to a Secured Party under or in connection with the Finance Documents to which it is a party, in accordance with their terms.
"Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement" means the deed of accession, amendment and restatement dated ____ January 2025 and made among (i) Borrower A as original borrower (ii) Borrower B as acceding borrower, (iii) the Original Lenders, (iv) the Facility Agent and (v) the Security Agent, amending and restating this Agreement.
"Default" means an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default.
"Delegate" means any delegate, agent, attorney or co-trustee appointed by the Security Agent.
"Disruption Event" means either or both of:
| (a) | a material disruption to those payment or communications systems or to those financial markets which are, in each case, required to operate in order for payments to be made in connection with the Facility (or otherwise in order for the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents to be carried out) which disruption is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, any of the Parties or, if applicable, any Obligor; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | the occurrence of any other event which results in a disruption (of a technical or systems-related nature) to the treasury or payments operations of a Party or, if applicable, any Obligor preventing that, or any other, Party or, if applicable, any Obligor: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | from performing its payment obligations under the Finance Documents; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | from communicating with other Parties or, if applicable, any Obligor in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents, |
| --- | --- |
and which (in either such case) is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, the Party or, if applicable, any Obligor whose operations are disrupted.
6
"Dividend Payment" means, in relation to an Obligor, any of the following:
| (a) | a declaration, making or payment of any dividend, charge, fee or other distribution (or interest on any unpaid dividend, charge, fee or other distribution) (whether in cash or in kind) on or in respect of its issued shares (or any Clause of its issued shares); |
|---|---|
| (b) | a repayment or distribution of any dividend or share premium reserve; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | a payment of any management, advisory or other fee (other than any management fee payable by the Guarantor to the Approved Manager under the Master Management Agreement); or |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | a redemption, repurchase, defeasance, retirement or repayment of any of its issued shares or a resolution to do any of the foregoing. |
| --- | --- |
"Document of Compliance" has the meaning given to it in the ISM Code.
"dollars" and "$" mean the lawful currency, for the time being, of the United States of America.
"Earnings" means, in relation to a Ship, all moneys whatsoever which are now, or later become, payable (actually or contingently) to a Borrower or the Security Agent and which arise out of or in connection with or relate to the use or operation of that Ship, including (but not limited to):
| (a) | the following, save to the extent that any of them is, with the prior written consent of the Facility Agent, pooled or shared with any other person: |
|---|---|
| (i) | all freight, hire and passage moneys including, without limitation, all moneys payable under, arising out of or in connection with a Charter or a Charter Guarantee; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the proceeds of the exercise of any lien on sub-freights; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | compensation payable to a Borrower or the Security Agent in the event of requisition of that Ship for hire or use; |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | remuneration for salvage and towage services; |
| --- | --- |
| (v) | demurrage and detention moneys; |
| --- | --- |
| (vi) | without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (i) above, damages for breach (or payments for variation or termination) of any charterparty or other contract for the employment of that Ship; |
| --- | --- |
| (vii) | all moneys which are at any time payable under any Insurances in relation to loss of hire; |
| --- | --- |
| (viii) | all monies which are at any time payable to the Borrower in relation to general average contribution; and |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | if and whenever that Ship is employed on terms whereby any moneys falling within sub-paragraphs (i) to (viii) of paragraph (a) above are pooled or shared with any other person, that proportion of the net receipts of the relevant pooling or sharing arrangement which is attributable to that Ship. |
| --- | --- |
7
"Earnings Account" means, in relation to a Borrower:
| (a) | an account in the name of that Borrower with the Account Bank designated "[Name of that Borrower] - Earnings Account"; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any other account in the name of that Borrower with the Account Bank which may, with the prior written consent of the Facility Agent, be opened in the place of the account referred to in paragraph (a) above, irrespective of the number or designation of such replacement account; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any sub-account of any account referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above. |
| --- | --- |
"EEA Member Country" means any member state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
"Effective Date" has the meaning given to the term "Effective Date" in the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement.
"Eligible Charter" means, in relation to a Ship:
| (a) | in relation to Ship A, a Charter in respect of that Ship having a duration of more than 11 months with a fixed rate hire over $16,000/day gross, including the relevant Initial Charter; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to Ship B, a Charter in respect of that Ship having a duration of more than 11 months with a fixed rate hire over $14,000/day gross, including the relevant Initial Charter. |
| --- | --- |
"Environmental Approval" means any present or future permit, ruling, variance or other Authorisation required under Environmental Law.
"Environmental Claim" means any claim by any governmental, judicial or regulatory authority or any other person which arises out of an Environmental Incident or an alleged Environmental Incident or which relates to any Environmental Law and, for this purpose, "claim" includes a claim for damages, compensation, contribution, injury, fines, losses and penalties or any other payment of any kind, including in relation to clean-up and removal, whether or not similar to the foregoing; an order or direction to take, or not to take, certain action or to desist from or suspend certain action; and any form of enforcement or regulatory action, including the arrest or attachment of any asset.
"Environmental Incident" means:
| (a) | any release, emission, spill or discharge of Environmentally Sensitive Material whether within a Ship or from a Ship into any other vessel or into or upon the air, water, land or soils (including the seabed) or surface water; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | any incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released, emitted, spilled or discharged into or upon the air, water, land or soils (including the seabed) or surface water from a vessel other than any Ship and which involves a collision between any Ship and such other vessel or some other incident of navigation or operation, in either case, in connection with which a Ship is actually or potentially liable to be arrested, attached, detained or injuncted and/or a Ship and/or any Transaction Obligor and/or an Approved Manager and/or any operator or manager of a Ship is at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action; or |
| --- | --- |
8
| (c) | any other incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released, emitted, spilled or discharged into or upon the air, water, land or soils (including the seabed) or surface water otherwise than from a Ship and in connection with which a Ship is actually or potentially liable to be arrested and/or where any Transaction Obligor and/or an Approved Manager and/or any operator or manager of a Ship is at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action, other than in accordance with an Environmental Approval. |
|---|
"Environmental Law" means any present or future law relating to vessel disposal, energy efficiency, carbon reduction, emissions, emissions trading, pollution or protection of human health or the environment, to conditions in the workplace, to the carriage, generation, handling, storage, use, release or spillage of Environmentally Sensitive Material or to actual or threatened releases of Environmentally Sensitive Material.
"Environmentally Sensitive Material" means and includes all contaminants, oil, oil products, toxic substances and any other substance (including any chemical, gas or other hazardous or noxious substance) which is (or is capable of being or becoming) polluting, toxic or hazardous.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor thereto.
"ERISA Affiliate" means each person (and defined in Section 3(9) of ERISA) which together with any Transaction Obligor would be deemed to be a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.
"EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule" means the document described as such and published by the LMA from time to time.
"EU ETS" means the European Union Emissions Trading System specifically applicable to shipping pursuant to the European Directive 2023/959 amending European Directive 2003/87/EC and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2599 of 22 November 2023 laying down rules for the application of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the administration of shipping companies by administering authorities in respect of a shipping company.
"EU MRV" means the European Regulation 2023/957 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of 29 April 2015 in order to provide for the inclusion of maritime transport activities in the EU ETS and for the monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions of additional greenhouse gases and emissions from additional ship types.
"EU Ship Recycling Regulation" means Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on ship recycling and amending Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 and Directive 2009/16/EC.
"Event of Default" means any event or circumstance specified as such in Clause 27 (Events of Default).
9
"Facility" means the term loan facility made available under this Agreement as described in Clause 2 (The Facility).
"Facility Office" means the office or offices notified by a Lender to the Facility Agent in writing on or before the date it becomes a Lender (or, following that date, by not less than 5 Business Days' written notice) as the office or offices through which it will perform its obligations under this Agreement.
"FATCA" means:
| (a) | sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code or any associated regulations; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any treaty, law or regulation of any other jurisdiction, or relating to an intergovernmental agreement between the US and any other jurisdiction, which (in either case) facilitates the implementation of any law or regulation referred to in paragraph (a) above; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any agreement pursuant to the implementation of any treaty, law or regulation referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above with the US Internal Revenue Service, the US government or any governmental or taxation authority in any other jurisdiction. |
| --- | --- |
"FATCA Application Date" means:
| (a) | in relation to a "withholdable payment" described in section 1473(1)(A)(i) of the Code (which relates to payments of interest and certain other payments from sources within the US), 1 July 2014; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to a "passthru payment" described in section 1471(d)(7) of the Code not falling within paragraph (a) above, the first date from which such payment may become subject to a deduction or withholding required by FATCA. |
| --- | --- |
"FATCA Deduction" means a deduction or withholding from a payment under a Finance Document required by FATCA.
"FATCA Exempt Party" means a Party that is entitled to receive payments free from any FATCA Deduction.
"Federal Funds Rate" means, for any day, the greater of:
| (a) | the rate calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on such day's Federal funds transactions by depositary institutions (as determined in such manner as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the Federal funds effective rate; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | zero per cent. |
| --- | --- |
"Finance Document" means:
| (a) | this Agreement; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement; |
| --- | --- |
10
| (c) | any Utilisation Request; |
|---|---|
| (d) | any Security Document; |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | the Manager's Undertaking; or |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | any other document designated as such by the Facility Agent and the Borrower. |
| --- | --- |
"Finance Party" means the Facility Agent, the Security Agent, the Account Bank and/or a Lender.
"Financial Indebtedness" means any indebtedness for or in relation to:
| (a) | moneys borrowed; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any amount raised by acceptance under any acceptance credit facility or dematerialised equivalent; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any amount raised pursuant to any note purchase facility or the issue of bonds, notes, debentures, loan stock or any similar instrument; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | the amount of any liability in relation to any lease or hire purchase contract which would, in accordance with GAAP, be treated as a balance sheet liability (other than any liability in respect of a lease or hire purchase contract which would, in accordance with GAAP in force prior to 1 January 2019, have been treated as an operating lease); |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | receivables sold or discounted (other than any receivables to the extent they are sold on a non-recourse basis); |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | any amount raised under any other transaction (including any forward sale or purchase agreement) of a type not referred to in any other paragraph of this definition having the commercial effect of a borrowing; |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | any derivative transaction entered into in connection with protection against or benefit from fluctuation in any rate or price (and, when calculating the value of any derivative transaction, only the marked to market value (or, if any actual amount is due as a result of the termination or close-out of that derivative transaction, that amount) shall be taken into account); |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | any counter-indemnity obligation in relation to a guarantee, indemnity, bond, standby or documentary letter of credit or any other instrument issued by a bank or financial institution; and |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the amount of any liability in relation to any guarantee or indemnity for any of the items referred to in paragraphs (a) to (h) above. |
| --- | --- |
"Fiscal Quarter" means any of the quarterly accounting periods ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.
"Fleet Vessel" shall have the meaning set out in Clause 21.2 (Guarantor's financial covenants).
11
"Fuel EU Maritime" means Fuel EU Maritime Regulation 2023/1805 dated 13 September 2023 on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, and amending Directive 2009/16/EC.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the US.
"General Assignment" means, in relation to a Ship the general assignment creating Security over:
| (a) | that Ship's Earnings, its Insurances and any Requisition Compensation in relation to that Ship; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any Charter and any Charter Guarantee in relation to that Ship; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | the benefit of any warranties of quality in favour of the relevant Borrower under the Shipbuilding Contract relating to that Ship, |
| --- | --- |
in agreed form and, in relation to Ship A, as amended and supplemented by the Supplemental General Assignment.
"Greek Account" means, in relation to Borrower B, the account with Eurobank S.A. with account number 0026.0029.20.1200666962 and IBAN GR3402600290000201200666962.
"Group" means the Guarantor and its Subsidiaries from time to time (including the Borrower).
"Historic Term SOFR" means, in relation to the Loan or any part of the Loan, the most recent applicable Term SOFR for a period equal in length to the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan and which is as of a day which is no more than three US Government Securities Business Days before the Quotation Day.
"Holding Company" means, in relation to a person, any other person in relation to which it is a Subsidiary.
"Indemnified Person" has the meaning given to it in Clause 14.2 (Other indemnities).
"Initial Charter" means Initial Charter A and Initial Charter B.
"Initial Charter A" means a time charterparty dated 27 March 2024 and made between Borrower A and Initial Charterer B having a duration of 24 months with an option of extension commencing on and from the delivery of Ship A to Initial Charterer A.
"Initial Charter B" means a time charterparty dated 18 October 2024, as evidenced by a recap dated 24 December 2024 and made between Borrower B and Initial Charterer B having a duration of 34-36 months with an option of extension commencing on and from the delivery of Ship B to Initial Charterer B.
"Initial Charterer" means Initial Charterer A or Initial Charterer B.
"Initial Charterer A" means **** Hapag-Lloyd AG, of Hamburg.
"Initial Charterer B" means Orient Overseas Container Line Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong whose office is at 31/F, Harbour Centre 25 Harbour Road Wanchai Hong Kong.
12
"Initial Market Value" means, in relation to a Ship, the Market Value of that Ship determined pursuant to paragraph 2.5 of Part B of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent).
"Insurances" means, in relation to a Ship:
| (a) | all policies and contracts of insurance, including entries of that Ship in any protection and indemnity or war risks association, effected in relation to that Ship, that Ship's Earnings or otherwise in relation to that Ship whether before, on or after the date of this Agreement; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | all rights and other assets relating to, or derived from, any of such policies, contracts or entries, including any rights to a return of premium and any rights in relation to any claim whether or not the relevant policy, contract of insurance or entry has expired on or before the date of this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
"Interest Payment Date" has the meaning given to it in paragraph (a) of Clause 8.2 (Payment of interest).
"Interest Period" means, in relation to the Loan or any part of the Loan, each period determined in accordance with Clause 9 (Interest Periods) and, in relation to an Unpaid Sum, each period determined in accordance with Clause 8.3 (Default interest).
"Interpolated Historic Term SOFR" means, in relation to the Loan or any part of the Loan, the rate which results from interpolating on a linear basis between:
| (a) | either |
|---|---|
| (i) | the most recent applicable Term SOFR (as of a day which is not more than three US Government Securities Business Days before the Quotation Day) for the longest period (for which Term SOFR is available) which is less than the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | if no such Term SOFR is available for a period which is less than the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan, the most recent Term SOFR for a tenor of one month (as of a day which is not more than three US Government Securities Business Days before the Quotation Day); and |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | the most recent applicable Term SOFR (as of a day which is not more than three US Government Securities Business Days before the Quotation Day) for the shortest period (for which Term SOFR is available) which exceeds the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
"Interpolated Term SOFR" means, in relation to the Loan or any part of the Loan, the rate which results from interpolating on a linear basis between:
| (a) | either |
|---|---|
| (i) | the applicable Term SOFR (as of the Specified Time) for the longest period (for which Term SOFR is available) which is less than the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan; or |
| --- | --- |
13
| (ii) | if no such Term SOFR is available for a period which is less than the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan, Term SOFR for a tenor of one month (as of the Specified Time); and |
|---|---|
| (b) | the applicable Term SOFR (as of the Specified Time) for the shortest period (for which Term SOFR is available) which exceeds the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
"Inventory of Hazardous Materials" means, in relation to a Ship, an inventory certificate or statement of compliance (as applicable) issued by the relevant classification society or shipyard authority which is supplemented by a list of any and all materials known to be potentially hazardous utilised in the construction of, or otherwise installed on, that Ship, pursuant to the requirements of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.
"ISM Code" means the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (including the guidelines on its implementation), adopted by the International Maritime Organisation, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
"ISPS Code" means the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code as adopted by the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Diplomatic Conference of December 2002, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
"ISSC" means an International Ship Security Certificate issued under the ISPS Code.
"Lender" means:
| (a) | any Original Lender; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | any bank, financial institution, trust, fund or other entity which has become a Party in accordance with Clause 28 (Changes to the Lenders), |
| --- | --- |
which in each case has not ceased to be a Party in accordance with this Agreement.
"LMA" means the Loan Market Association or any successor organisation.
"Loan" means the aggregate amount of Tranches made or to be made available under the Facility or the aggregate principal amount outstanding for the time being of the borrowings under the Facility and a "part of the Loan" means an Advance, a Tranche or a part of a Tranche as the context may require.
"Major Casualty" means, in relation to a Ship, any casualty to that Ship in relation to which the claim or the aggregate of the claims against all insurers, before adjustment for any relevant franchise or deductible, exceeds $750,000 or the equivalent in any other currency.
"Majority Lenders" means:
| (a) | if the Loan has not yet been advanced, a Lender or Lenders whose Commitments aggregate more than 66⅔ per cent. of the Total Commitments; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | at any other time, a Lender or Lenders whose participations in the Loan aggregate more than 66⅔ per cent. of the amount of the Loan then outstanding or, if the Loan has been repaid or prepaid in full, a Lender or Lenders whose participations in the Loan immediately before repayment or prepayment in full aggregate more than 66⅔ per cent. of the Loan immediately before such repayment. |
| --- | --- |
14
"Management Agreement" means Management Agreement A or Management Agreement B.
"Management Agreement A" means the commercial and technical management agreement dated 26 April 2024 (as amended and/or supplemented from time to time) entered into between Borrower A and the Approved Manager regarding the commercial and technical management of Ship A.
"Management Agreement B" means the commercial and technical management agreement entered or to be entered into between Borrower B and the Approved Manager regarding the commercial and technical management of Ship B.
"Manager's Undertaking" means, in relation to a Ship, the letter of undertaking from its Approved Manager subordinating the rights of that Approved Manager against that Ship, the relevant Borrower and the Guarantor to the rights of the Finance Parties in agreed form.
"Margin" means:
| (a) | in respect of Tranche A: |
|---|---|
| (i) | if, as of the date of this Agreement, Ship A is employed under an Eligible Charter, 1.90 per cent. per annum; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | if, as of the date of this Agreement, Ship A is not employed under an Eligible Charter, 2.10 per cent. per annum, and |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | in respect of Tranche B: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | if, as at the Effective Date, Ship B is employed under an Eligible Charter or failing this if the Margin Security Cover Ratio is equal to or exceeds 182 per cent., 1.80 per cent. per annum; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | if, as at the Effective Date, Ship B is not employed under an Eligible Charter and the Margin Security Cover Ratio is less than 182 per cent, 2.10 per cent. per annum, |
| --- | --- |
and, in each case, as the same may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to Clause 10.5 (Calculation of Margin).
"Margin Security Cover Ratio" means, at any relevant time, the Market Value of Ship B and the net realisable value of any additional Security provided by Borrower B under Clause 25.2 (Provision of additional security; prepayment) plus any cash in the Cash Reserve Account of Borrower B in respect of Ship B, expressed as a percentage of Tranche B.
"Market Value" means, in relation to a Ship or any other vessel, at any date, an amount determined by the Facility Agent as being an amount equal to the market value of that Ship or vessel shown by a valuation prepared:
| (a) | as at a date not more than 14 days previously; |
|---|---|
| (b) | by an Approved Valuer selected by the Facility Agent; |
| --- | --- |
15
| (c) | with or without physical inspection of that Ship or vessel (as the Facility Agent may require); and |
|---|---|
| (d) | on the basis of a sale for prompt delivery for cash on normal arm's length commercial terms as between a willing seller and a willing buyer, free of any Charter. |
| --- | --- |
"Master Management Agreement" means the master management agreement dated 7 February 2008 entered into between the Guarantor and the Approved Manager.
"Material Adverse Effect" means in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders a material adverse effect on:
| (a) | the business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of an Obligor; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | the ability of an Obligor to perform its obligations under any Finance Document to which it is a party, in accordance with its terms; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | the validity or enforceability of, or the effectiveness or ranking of any Security granted or intended to be granted pursuant to any of, the Finance Documents or the rights or remedies of any Finance Party under any of the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
"Month" means a period starting on one day in a calendar month and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the next calendar month, except that:
| (a) | (subject to paragraph (c) below) if the numerically corresponding day is not a Business Day, that period shall end on the next Business Day in that calendar month in which that period is to end if there is one, or if there is not, on the immediately preceding Business Day; |
|---|---|
| (b) | if there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month in which that period is to end, that period shall end on the last Business Day in that calendar month; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | if an Interest Period begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month, that Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day in the calendar month in which that Interest Period is to end. |
| --- | --- |
The above rules will only apply to the last Month of any period.
"Mortgage" means:
| (a) | in relation to Ship A, the first preferred Marshall Islands mortgage on that Ship (as amended and supplemented by the Mortgage Addendum); and |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to Ship B, the first preferred Liberian mortgage on that Ship, |
| --- | --- |
in each case, in agreed form or any replacement first preferred or first priority ship mortgage on that Ship under the laws of an Approved Flag in agreed form.
"Mortgage Addendum" means, in relation to the Mortgage over Ship A, a first addendum to the Mortgage over Ship A in agreed form.
16
"Nominated Family" means the family disclosed in writing to the Facility Agent prior to the date of this Agreement and "members of the Nominated Family" shall be construed accordingly.
"Obligor" means a Borrower or the Guarantor.
"Original Financial Statements" means the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Guarantor and its subsidiaries (including the Borrowers) for the financial year ended 31 December 2023.
"Original Jurisdiction" means, in relation to an Obligor, the jurisdiction under whose laws that Obligor is incorporated as at the date of this Agreement.
"Overseas Regulations" means the Overseas Companies Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/1801).
"Parallel Debt" means any amount which an Obligor owes to the Security Agent under Clause 31.2 (Parallel Debt (Covenant to pay the Security Agent)) or under that clause as incorporated by reference or in full in any other Finance Document to which it is a party, in accordance with its terms.
"PATRIOT Act" means the United States Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R. 3199).
"Party" means a party to this Agreement.
"Permitted Charter" means, in relation to a Ship, a Charter:
| (a) | which is a time, voyage or consecutive voyage charter; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the duration of which does not exceed and is not capable of exceeding, by virtue of any optional extensions, 11 months plus a redelivery allowance of not more than 30 days; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | which is entered into on bona fide arm's length terms at the time at which that Ship is fixed; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | in relation to which not more than two months' hire is payable in advance, |
| --- | --- |
and any other Charter which is approved in writing by the Facility Agent acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders which authorisation no Lender shall unreasonably withhold or delay.
"Permitted Financial Indebtedness" means:
| (a) | any Financial Indebtedness incurred under the Finance Documents; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to the Borrowers, any Financial Indebtedness that is subordinated to all Financial Indebtedness incurred under the Finance Documents pursuant to a subordination agreement in a form and substance acceptable to the Facility Agent and which is assigned in favour of the Security Agent in such form acceptable to it; and |
| --- | --- |
17
| (c) | in relation to the Guarantor, any Financial Indebtedness necessary for it to promote its business, including but not limited to, in relation to its subsidiaries or its Fleet Vessels. |
|---|
"Permitted Security" means:
| (a) | Security created by the Finance Documents; |
|---|---|
| (b) | liens for unpaid master's and crew's wages in accordance with the usual maritime practice; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | liens for salvage or collision; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | liens for master's disbursements incurred in the ordinary course of trading; and |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | any other lien arising by operation of law or otherwise in the ordinary course of the operation, repair or maintenance of any Ship: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | not as a result of any default or omission by any Borrower; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | subject, in the case of liens for repair or maintenance, to Clause 24.16 (Restrictions on chartering, appointment of managers etc.), |
| --- | --- |
and provided such lien does not secure amounts more than 45 days overdue (unless the overdue amount is being contested in good faith by appropriate steps and for the payment of which adequate reserves are held and provided further that such proceedings do not give rise to a Material Adverse Effect).
"Plan" means any "employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA that is subject to Title IV of ERISA which is or was sponsored, maintained or contributed to by, or required to be contributed to by any Transaction Obligor or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates.
"Potential Event of Default" means any event or circumstance specified in Clause 27 (Events of Default) which would (with the expiry of a grace period, the giving of notice, the making of any determination under the Finance Documents or any combination of any of the foregoing) be an Event of Default.
"Prohibited Person" means any person, whether designated by name or by reason of being included in a class of persons, that is, or that is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by persons that are, or any vessel that is:
| (a) | listed on a Sanctions List; |
|---|---|
| (b) | resident in, or incorporated or organised under the laws of a Sanctioned Country; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | otherwise a target of Sanctions ("target of Sanctions", for the purpose of this paragraph (c), signifying a person with whom a person organised or resident in the US or any other national of a Sanctions Authority would be prohibited or restricted by law from engaging in trade, business or other activities, or against whom Sanctions are otherwise directed); or |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | acting or purporting to act on behalf of any of the persons listed in paragraphs (a) to (c) above. |
| --- | --- |
18
"Protected Party" has the meaning given to it in Clause 12.1 (Definitions).
"PSC" means port state control.
"Quotation Day" means, in relation to any period for which an interest rate is to be determined, two US Government Securities Business Days before the first day of that period unless market practice differs in the relevant syndicated loan market in which case the Quotation Day will be determined by the Facility Agent in accordance with that market practice (and if quotations would normally be given on more than one day, the Quotation Day will be the last of those days).
"Receiver" means a receiver or receiver and manager or administrative receiver of the whole or any part of the Security Assets.
"Reference Rate" means in relation to the Loan or any part of the Loan:
| (a) | the applicable Term SOFR as of the Specified Time and for a period equal in length to the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | as otherwise determined pursuant to Clause 10.1 (Unavailability of Term SOFR). |
| --- | --- |
And if in either case such rate is less than zero, the Reference Rate shall be deemed to be zero.
"Related Fund" in relation to a fund (the "first fund"), means a fund which is managed or advised by the same investment manager or investment adviser as the first fund or, if it is managed by a different investment manager or investment adviser, a fund whose investment manager or investment adviser is an Affiliate of the investment manager or investment adviser of the first fund.
"Relevant Jurisdiction" means, in relation to a Transaction Obligor and an Approved Manager:
| (a) | its Original Jurisdiction; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any jurisdiction where any asset subject to, or intended to be subject to, any of the Transaction Security created, or intended to be created, by it is situated; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any jurisdiction where it conducts its business; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | the jurisdiction whose laws govern the perfection of any of the Finance Documents to which it is a party, in accordance with their respective terms. |
| --- | --- |
"Relevant Market" means the market for overnight cash borrowing collateralised by US Government Securities.
"Repayment Date" means each date on which a Repayment Instalment is required to be paid under Clause 6.1 (Repayment of Loan).
"Repayment Instalment" has the meaning given to it in Clause 6.1 (Repayment of Loan).
"Repeating Representation" means each of the representations set out in Clause 19 (Representations) except Clause 19.10 (Insolvency), Clause 19.11 (No filing or stamp taxes) and Clause 19.12 (Deduction of Tax) and any representation of any Obligor made in any other Finance Document that is expressed to be a "Repeating Representation" or is otherwise expressed to be repeated.
19
"Representative" means any delegate, agent, manager, administrator, nominee, attorney, trustee or custodian.
"Requisition" means, in relation to a Ship:
| (a) | any expropriation, confiscation, requisition (excluding a requisition for hire or use which does not involve a requisition for title) or acquisition of that Ship, whether for full consideration, a consideration less than its proper value, a nominal consideration or without any consideration, which is effected (whether de jure or de facto) by any government or official authority or by any person or persons claiming to be or to represent a government or official authority; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | any capture or seizure of that Ship (including any hijacking or theft) by any person whatsoever. |
| --- | --- |
"Requisition Compensation" includes all compensation or other moneys payable to a Borrower by reason of any Requisition or any arrest or detention of a Ship by any government or official authority or by any person or persons claiming to be or to represent a government or official authority in the exercise or purported exercise of any lien or claim.
"Resolution Authority" means any competent body which has authority to exercise any Write-down and Conversion Powers.
"Safety Management Certificate" has the meaning given to it in the ISM Code.
"Safety Management System" has the meaning given to it in the ISM Code.
"Sanctioned Country" means any country or territory that is subject to comprehensive country-wide or territory-wide Sanctions (currently, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and the Crimea, Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic regions of Ukraine).
"Sanctioned Ship" means a ship which is the subject of Sanctions.
"Sanctions" means any trade, economic or financial sanctions laws, regulations, embargoes, freezing provisions, prohibitions or other restrictive measures (including "secondary" or "extraterritorial" sanctions), imposed, administered, enacted or enforced from time to time by any Sanctions Authority. To the extent that any Sanctions applicable to and/or binding on a Finance Party are not applicable to and/or binding to a Transaction Obligor and/or an Approved Manager, such Sanctions shall be deemed to be applicable to and binding on such Transaction Obligor and such Approved Manager.
"Sanctions Advisory" means the Sanctions Advisory for the Maritime Industry, Energy and Metals Sectors, and Related Communities issued 14 May 2020 by the US Department of the Treasury, Department of State and Coast Guard, as may be amended or supplemented, and any similar future advisory.
"Sanctions Authority" means the US, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or any of its member states, the United Kingdom, the respective governmental institutions and agencies of any of the foregoing, including the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, His Majesty's Treasury of the United Kingdom, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, or any other relevant sanctions authority enacting, administering or imposing Sanctions applicable by law to a Finance Party, a Transaction Obligor and/or an Approved Manager.
20
"Sanctions List" means the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, the Sectoral Sanctions Identification List, the Foreign Sanctions Evaders List, in each case, published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury, or any similar list maintained by a Sanctions Authority as a measure of imposing, administering, enacting or enforcing Sanctions, in each case as amended, supplemented or substituted from time to time.
"Sectoral Sanctions Identification List" means a list identifying certain countries and/or certain persons operating in certain sectors of activity which are the subject of Sanctions (e.g. the sectoral sanctions identifications list published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury).
"Secured Liabilities" means all present and future obligations and liabilities, (whether actual or contingent and whether owed jointly or severally or in any other capacity whatsoever) of each Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager to any Secured Party under or in connection with each Finance Document to which it is a party, in accordance with its terms.
"Secured Party" means each Finance Party from time to time party to this Agreement, a Receiver or any Delegate.
"Security" means a mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, assignment, hypothecation or security interest or any other agreement or arrangement having the effect of conferring security.
"Security Assets" means all of the assets of the Transaction Obligors and an Approved Manager (but only with respect to the assignment of the relevant Insurances) which from time to time are, or are expressed to be, the subject of the Transaction Security in accordance with its terms.
"Security Cover Ratio" means, at any relevant time, the aggregate Market Value of the Ships and the net realisable value of any additional Security provided under Clause 25.2 (Provision of additional security; prepayment) plus any cash in the Cash Reserve Accounts expressed as a percentage of the Loan.
"Security Document" means:
| (a) | any Shares Security; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any Mortgage; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any General Assignment; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | any Charterparty Assignment; |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | any Account Security; |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | any Supplemental Security Document; or |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | any other document designated as such by the Facility Agent and the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
21
"Security Period" means the period starting on the date of this Agreement and ending on the date on which the Facility Agent is satisfied that there is no outstanding Commitment in force and that the Secured Liabilities have been irrevocably and unconditionally paid and discharged in full.
"Security Property" means:
| (a) | the Transaction Security expressed to be granted in favour of the Security Agent as trustee for the Secured Parties and all proceeds of that Transaction Security; |
|---|---|
| (b) | all obligations expressed to be undertaken by a Transaction Obligor and/or an Approved Manager in accordance with any of the Finance Documents to which it is a party and in accordance with their terms to pay amounts in relation to the Secured Liabilities to the Security Agent as trustee for the Secured Parties and secured by the Transaction Security together with all representations and warranties expressed to be given by a Transaction Obligor and/or an Approved Manager in accordance with any of the Finance Documents to which it is a party and in accordance with their terms in favour of the Security Agent as trustee for the Secured Parties; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | the Security Agent's interest in any turnover trust created under the Finance Documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | any other amounts or property, whether rights, entitlements, choses in action or otherwise, actual or contingent, which the Security Agent is required by the terms of the Finance Documents to hold as trustee on trust for the Secured Parties in connection with the Secured Liabilities, |
| --- | --- |
except:
| (i) | rights intended for the sole benefit of the Security Agent; and |
|---|---|
| (ii) | any moneys or other assets which the Security Agent has transferred to the Facility Agent or (being entitled to do so) has retained in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
"Selection Notice" means a notice substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 3 (Requests) given in accordance with Clause 9 (Interest Periods).
"Servicing Party" means the Facility Agent or the Security Agent.
"Shareholder" means the Guarantor, in its capacity as the holder of all shares in the Borrowers.
"Shares Security" means, in relation to a Borrower, a document creating Security over the share capital in that Borrower in agreed form.
"Ship" means Ship A or Ship B.
"Ship A" means m.v. "LEONIDAS Z", 2800 TEU class container carrier type of vessel, registered in the ownership of Borrower A under the laws and flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands as an Approved Flag with IMO Number 9963528.
"Ship B" means 2800 TEU class container carrier type of vessel, having Builder's hull number 4251, which is which is to be constructed by the Builder, and purchased by, Borrower A under the Shipbuilding Contract and which, on delivery, is to be named "DEAR PANEL" and registered in the name of Borrower B under the laws and flag of the Republic of Liberia as an Approved Flag.
22
"Shipbuilding Contract" means:
| (a) | in relation to Ship A, the shipbuilding contract dated 28 January 2022 and made between (i) the Builder and (ii) Borrower A for the construction by the Builder of Ship A and its purchase by Borrower A; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to Ship B, the shipbuilding contract dated 20 May 2022 and made between (i) the Builder and (ii) Borrower B for the construction by the Builder of Ship B and its purchase by Borrower B. |
| --- | --- |
"SOFR" means the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate).
"Specified Time" means, in relation to when a Reference Rate is fixed, the Quotation Day and otherwise a day or time determined in accordance with Schedule 7 (Timetables).
"Subsidiary" means a subsidiary within the meaning of section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006.
"Supplemental Charterparty Assignment" means, in relation to Ship A, the second priority charterparty assignment creating Security over any Assignable Charter in the agreed form.
"Supplemental General Assignment" means, in relation to Ship A, the second priority general assignment creating Security over:
| (a) | the Earnings, the Insurances and any Requisition Compensation; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any Charter and any Charter Guarantee; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | the benefit of any warranties of quality in favour of Borrower A under the Shipbuilding Contract, |
| --- | --- |
in agreed form.
"Supplemental Security Documents" means together:
| (a) | the Supplemental General Assignment; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the Supplemental Charterparty Assignment; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | the Supplemental Shares Security; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | the Mortgage Addendum. |
| --- | --- |
"Tax" means any tax, levy, impost, duty or other charge or withholding of a similar nature (including any penalty or interest payable in connection with any failure to pay or any delay in paying any of the same).
"Tax Credit" has the meaning given to it in Clause 12.1 (Definitions).
23
"Tax Deduction" has the meaning given to it in Clause 12.1 (Definitions).
"Tax Payment" has the meaning given to it in Clause 12.1 (Definitions).
"Termination Date" means the date falling five years after the Utilisation Date of each Tranche.
"Testing Date" means each date falling on December 31 and June 30 throughout the Security Period, at which time the Security Cover Ratio shall be tested pursuant to Clause 25.1 (Minimum required security cover).
"Term SOFR" means the rate per annum determined by the Facility Agent as the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR as administered by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant period published by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (or any other person which takes over the publication of that rate) and obtained by the Facility Agent through the Bloomberg Data License Service or a comparable service acceptable to the Facility Agent.
"Third Parties Act" has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.5 (Third party rights).
"Total Commitments" means the aggregate of the Commitments, being up to $48,000,000 at the date of this Agreement.
"Total Loss" means, in relation to a Ship:
| (a) | actual, governmental, constructive, compromised, agreed or arranged total loss of that Ship; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | any Requisition of that Ship unless that Ship is returned to the full control of the Relevant Borrower within 60 days of such Requisition. |
| --- | --- |
"Total Loss Date" means, in relation to the Total Loss of a Ship:
| (a) | in the case of an actual loss of that Ship, the date on which it occurred or, if that is unknown, the date when that Ship was last heard of; |
|---|---|
| (b) | in the case of a constructive, compromised, agreed or arranged total loss of that Ship, the earlier of: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the date on which a notice of abandonment is given (or deemed or agreed to be given) to the insurers; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the date of any compromise, arrangement or agreement made by or on behalf of relevant Borrower with that Ship's insurers in which the insurers agree to treat that Ship as a total loss; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | in the case of a Requisition of a Ship, the date on which that Requisition occurs; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | in the case of any other type of Total Loss, the date (or the most likely date) on which it appears to the Facility Agent that the event constituting the total loss occurred. |
| --- | --- |
"Tranche" means Tranche A or Tranche B.
"Tranche A" means that part of the Loan made or to be made available to the Borrowers to finance the Contract Price of Ship A in an original principal amount not exceeding the lesser of (i) $22,00,000 and (ii) 55 per cent. of the Initial Market Value of Ship A, of which the amount of $21,100,000 is currently outstanding.
24
"Tranche A Commitment" means:
| (a) | in relation to an Original Lender, the amount set opposite its name under the heading "Tranche A" in Part A of Schedule 1 (The Parties) and the amount of any other Tranche A Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to any other Lender, the amount of any Tranche A Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement, |
| --- | --- |
to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.
"Tranche B" means that part of the Loan made or to be made available to the Borrowers to finance the Contract Price of Ship B in a principal amount not exceeding the lesser of (i) $26,000,000 and (ii) 55 per cent. of the Initial Market Value of Ship B.
"Tranche B Commitment" means:
| (a) | in relation to an Original Lender, the amount set opposite its name under the heading "Tranche B" in Part A of Schedule 1 (The Parties) and the amount of any other Tranche B Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to any other Lender, the amount of any Tranche B Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement, |
| --- | --- |
to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.
"Transaction Document" means:
| (a) | a Finance Document; |
|---|---|
| (b) | a Shipbuilding Contract; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any Assignable Charter; or |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | any other document designated as such by the Facility Agent and the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
"Transaction Obligor" means an Obligor and the Shareholder.
"Transaction Security" means the Security created or evidenced or expressed to be created or evidenced under the Finance Documents, in accordance with their respective terms.
"Transfer Certificate" means a certificate substantially in the form set out in Schedule 4 (Form of Transfer Certificate) or any other form agreed between the Facility Agent and the Borrowers.
"Transfer Date" means, in relation to an assignment or a transfer, the later of:
| (a) | the proposed Transfer Date specified in the relevant Assignment Agreement or Transfer Certificate; and |
|---|
25
| (b) | the date on which the Facility Agent executes the relevant Assignment Agreement or Transfer Certificate. |
|---|
"UK Bail-In Legislation" means Part 1 of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 and any other law or regulation applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutes or their affiliates (otherwise than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).
"UK Establishment" means a UK establishment as defined in the Overseas Regulations.
"Unpaid Sum" means any sum due and payable but unpaid by an Obligor under the Finance Documents.
"US" means the United States of America.
"US Government Securities Business Day" means any day other than:
| (a) | a Saturday or a Sunday; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (or any successor organisation) recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in US Government securities. |
| --- | --- |
"US Tax Obligor" means:
| (a) | a person which is resident for tax purposes in the US; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | a person some or all of whose payments under the Finance Documents are from sources within the US for US federal income tax purposes. |
| --- | --- |
"Utilisation" means a utilisation of a Tranche.
"Utilisation Date" means the date of a Utilisation, being the date on which a Tranche is to be advanced.
"Utilisation Request" means a notice substantially in the relevant form set out in Part A of Schedule 3 (Requests).
"VAT" means:
| (a) | any value added tax imposed by the Value Added Tax Act 1994; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any tax imposed in compliance with the Council Directive of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax (EC Directive 2006/112); and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any other tax of a similar nature, whether imposed in the United Kingdom or a member state of the European Union in substitution for, or levied in addition to, such tax referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) above, or imposed elsewhere. |
| --- | --- |
"Write-down and Conversion Powers" means:
26
| (a) | in relation to any Bail-In Legislation described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule from time to time, the powers described as such in relation to that Bail-In Legislation in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule; |
|---|---|
| (b) | in relation to the UK Bail-In Legislation, any powers under that UK Bail-In Legislation to cancel, transfer or dilute shares issued by a person that is a bank or investment firm or other financial institution or affiliate of a bank, investment firm or other financial institution, to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of such a person or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that UK Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | in relation to any other applicable Bail-In Legislation: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any powers under that Bail-In Legislation to cancel, transfer or dilute shares issued by a person that is a bank or investment firm or other financial institution or affiliate of a bank, investment firm or other financial institution, to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of such a person or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any similar or analogous powers under that Bail-In Legislation. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.2 | Construction |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Unless a contrary indication appears, a reference in this Agreement to: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the "Account Bank", the "Facility Agent", any "Finance Party", any "Lender", any "Obligor", any "Party", any "Secured Party", the "Security Agent", any "Transaction Obligor" or any other person shall be construed so as to include its successors in title, permitted assigns and permitted transferees to, or of, its rights and/or obligations under the Finance Documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | "assets" includes present and future properties, revenues and rights of every description; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | a liability which is "contingent" means a liability which is not certain to arise and/or the amount of which remains unascertained; |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | "document" includes a deed and also a letter, fax, email or telex; |
| --- | --- |
| (v) | a Lender's "cost of funds" in relation to its participation in the Loan or any part of the Loan is a reference to the average cost (determined either on an actual or a notional basis) which that Lender would incur if it were to fund, from whatever source(s) it may reasonably select, an amount equal to the amount of that participation in the Loan or that part of the Loan for a period equal in length to the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
27
| (vi) | "expense" means any kind of cost, charge or expense (including all legal costs, charges and expenses) and any applicable Tax including VAT; |
|---|---|
| (vii) | a "Finance Document", a "Security Document" or "Transaction Document" or any other agreement or instrument is a reference to that Finance Document, Security Document or Transaction Document or other agreement or instrument as amended, replaced, novated, supplemented, extended or restated; |
| --- | --- |
| (viii) | a "group of Lenders" includes all the Lenders; |
| --- | --- |
| (ix) | "indebtedness" includes any obligation (whether incurred as principal or as surety) for the payment or repayment of money, whether present or future, actual or contingent; |
| --- | --- |
| (x) | "law" includes any order or decree, any form of delegated legislation, any treaty or international convention and any regulation or resolution of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the United Nations or its Security Council; |
| --- | --- |
| (xi) | "proceedings" means, in relation to any enforcement provision of a Finance Document, proceedings of any kind, including an application for a provisional or protective measure; |
| --- | --- |
| (xii) | a "person" includes any individual, firm, company, corporation, government, state or agency of a state or any association, trust, joint venture, consortium, partnership or other entity (whether or not having separate legal personality); |
| --- | --- |
| (xiii) | a "regulation" includes any regulation, rule, official directive, request or guideline (whether or not having the force of law) of any governmental, intergovernmental or supranational body, agency, department or regulatory, self-regulatory or other authority or organisation; |
| --- | --- |
| (xiv) | a reference to the "Ship", its name, its flag and, if applicable, its port of registry shall include any replacement name, flag and, if applicable, replacement port of registry, in each case, as may be approved in writing from time to time by the Facility Agent acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders; |
| --- | --- |
| (xv) | a provision of law is a reference to that provision as amended or re-enacted from time to time; |
| --- | --- |
| (xvi) | a time of day is a reference to London time; |
| --- | --- |
| (xvii) | any English legal term for any action, remedy, method of judicial proceeding, legal document, legal status, court, official or any legal concept or thing shall, in respect of a jurisdiction other than England, be deemed to include that which most nearly approximates in that jurisdiction to the English legal term; |
| --- | --- |
| (xviii) | words denoting the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa; and |
| --- | --- |
| (xix) | "including" and "in particular" (and other similar expressions) shall be construed as not limiting any general words or expressions in connection with which they are used. |
| --- | --- |
28
| (b) | The determination of the extent to which a rate is "for a period equal in length" to an Interest Period shall disregard any inconsistency arising from the last day of that Interest Period being determined pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. |
|---|---|
| (c) | Section, Clause and Schedule headings are for ease of reference only and are not to be used for the purposes of construction or interpretation of the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Unless a contrary indication appears, a term used in any other Finance Document or in any notice given under, or in connection with, any Finance Document has the same meaning in that Finance Document or notice as in this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | An Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default is "continuing" if it has not been remedied or waived Provided that, following the exercise by the Facility Agent of any right pursuant to Clause 27.20 (Acceleration), an Event of Default is "continuing" only if it has not been waived. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.3 | Construction of insurance terms |
| --- | --- |
In this Agreement:
"approved" means, for the purposes of Clause 23 (Insurance Undertakings), approved in writing by the Facility Agent.
"excess risks" means, in respect of a Ship, the proportion of claims for general average, salvage and salvage charges not recoverable under the hull and machinery policies in respect of the Ship in consequence of its insured value being less than the value at which that Ship is assessed for the purpose of such claims.
"obligatory insurances" means all insurances effected, or which any Borrower is obliged to effect, under Clause 23 (Insurance Undertakings) or any other provision of this Agreement or of another Finance Document.
"policy" includes a slip, cover note, certificate of entry or other document evidencing the contract of insurance or its terms.
"protection and indemnity risks" means the usual risks covered by a protection and indemnity association, including pollution risks and the proportion (if any) of any sums payable to any other person or persons in case of collision which are not recoverable under the hull and machinery policies by reason of the incorporation in them of clause 6 of the International Hull Clauses (1/11/02) (1/11/03), clause 8 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls) (1/10/83) (1/11/95) or the Institute Amended Running Down Clause (1/10/71) or any equivalent provision.
"war risks" includes the risk of mines and all risks excluded by clauses 29, 30 or 31 of the International Hull Clauses (1/11/02), clauses 29 or 30 of the International Hull Clauses (1/11/03), clauses 24, 25 or 26 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls) (1/11/95) or clauses 23, 24 or 25 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls)(1/10/83) or any equivalent provisions.
| 1.4 | Agreed forms of Finance Documents |
|---|
References in Clause 1.1 (Definitions) to any Finance Document being in "agreed form" are to that Finance Document:
| (a) | in a form attached to a certificate dated the same date as this Agreement (and signed by the Borrowers and the Facility Agent); or |
|---|
29
| (b) | in any other form agreed in writing between the Borrowers and the Facility Agent acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders or, where Clause 44.2 (All Lender matters) applies, all the Lenders. |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | Third party rights |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Unless expressly provided to the contrary in a Finance Document, a person who is not a Party has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 (the "Third Parties Act") to enforce or to enjoy the benefit of any term of this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Subject to Clause 44.3 (Other exceptions) but otherwise notwithstanding any term of any Finance Document, the consent of any person who is not a Party is not required to rescind or vary this Agreement at any time. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Any Receiver, Delegate, Affiliate or any other person described in paragraph (d) of Clause 14.2 (Other indemnities), paragraph (b) of Clause 30.10 (Exclusion of liability), or paragraph (b) of Clause 31.11 (Exclusion of liability) may, subject to this Clause 1.5 (Third party rights) and the Third Parties Act, rely on any Clause of this Agreement which expressly confers rights on it. |
| --- | --- |
30
SECTION 2
THE FACILITY
| 2 | THE FACILITY |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | The Facility |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Lenders have already made available to the Borrowers on 25 April 2024 a dollar term loan facility in an amount of (originally) up to $22,000,000, of which the amount of $21,100,000 is outstanding by way of principal as at the date of the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Lenders shall also make available to the Borrowers a top up facility (being Tranche B) in the amount equal to Tranche B. |
| --- | --- |
| 2.2 | Finance Parties' rights and obligations |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The obligations of each Finance Party under the Finance Documents are several. Failure by a Finance Party to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents does not affect the obligations of any other Party under the Finance Documents. No Finance Party is responsible for the obligations of any other Finance Party under the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The rights of each Finance Party under or in connection with the Finance Documents are separate and independent rights and any debt of an Obligor to a Finance Party, arising under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms, is a separate and independent debt in respect of which a Finance Party shall be entitled to enforce its rights in accordance with paragraph (c) below. The rights of each Finance Party include any debt owing to that Finance Party under the Finance Documents and, for the avoidance of doubt, any part of the Loan or any other amount owed by an Obligor under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms and which relates to a Finance Party's participation in the Facility or its role under a Finance Document (including any such amount payable to the Facility Agent on its behalf) is a debt owing to that Finance Party by that Obligor under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | A Finance Party may, except as specifically provided in the Finance Documents, separately enforce its rights under or in connection with the Finance Documents subject to and in accordance with their respective terms. |
| --- | --- |
| 3 | PURPOSE |
| --- | --- |
| 3.1 | Purpose |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall apply or, in the case of Borrower A has applied, all amounts borrowed by it under the Facility only for the purpose stated in the preamble (Background) to this Agreement.
| 3.2 | Monitoring |
|---|
No Finance Party is bound to monitor or verify the application of any amount borrowed pursuant to this Agreement.
31
| 4 | CONDITIONS OF UTILISATION |
|---|---|
| 4.1 | Initial conditions precedent |
| --- | --- |
The Borrowers may not deliver a Utilisation Request unless the Facility Agent has received all of the documents and other evidence listed in Part A of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Facility Agent.
| 4.2 | Further conditions precedent |
|---|
The Lenders will only be obliged to comply with Clause 5.4 (Lenders' participation) if:
| (a) | on the date of the relevant Utilisation Request and on the proposed Utilisation Date and before the relevant Advance is made available: |
|---|---|
| (i) | no Default is continuing or would result from the proposed Utilisation; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the Repeating Representations to be made by each Obligor (as the case may be) are true; |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | in respect of the Advance under each Tranche, the Facility Agent has received on or before the relevant Utilisation Date, or is satisfied it will receive when the Advance is made available, all of the documents and other evidence listed in Part B of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent) relating to that Tranche in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| 4.3 | Notification of satisfaction of conditions precedent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Facility Agent shall notify the Borrowers and the Lenders promptly upon being satisfied as to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent referred to in Clause 4.1 (Initial conditions precedent) and Clause 4.2 (Further conditions precedent). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Other than to the extent that the Majority Lenders notify the Facility Agent in writing to the contrary before the Facility Agent gives the notification described in paragraph (a) above, the Lenders authorise (but do not require) the Facility Agent to give that notification. The Facility Agent shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses whatsoever as a result of giving any such notification. |
| --- | --- |
| 4.4 | Waiver of conditions precedent |
| --- | --- |
If the Majority Lenders, at their discretion, permit the Loan to be borrowed before any of the conditions precedent referred to in Clause 4.1 (Initial conditions precedent) or Clause 4.2 (Further conditions precedent) has been satisfied, the Borrowers shall ensure that that condition is satisfied within ten Business Days after the relevant Utilisation Date or such later date as the Facility Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders, may agree in writing with the Borrowers.
32
SECTION 3
UTILISATION
| 5 | UTILISATION |
|---|---|
| 5.1 | Delivery of a Utilisation Request |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Borrowers may utilise the Facility by delivery to the Facility Agent of a duly completed Utilisation Request not later than the Specified Time. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Borrowers may not deliver more than one Utilisation Request in respect of each Tranche and only one Advance shall be drawn in respect of each Tranche. |
| --- | --- |
| 5.2 | Completion of a Utilisation Request |
| --- | --- |
Each Utilisation Request is irrevocable and will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:
| (a) | the proposed Utilisation Date is a Business Day within the relevant Availability Period; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the currency and amount of a Utilisation comply with Clause 5.3 (Currency and amount); |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | all agreed applicable deductible items have been completed; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | the proposed Interest Period complies with Clause 9 (Interest Periods). |
| --- | --- |
| 5.3 | Currency and amount |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The currency specified in a Utilisation Request must be dollars. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The amount of each Tranche must be an amount which is: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | in respect of Tranche A, up to the lower of (i) $22,000,000 and (ii) 55 per cent. of the Initial Market Value of Ship A; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | in respect of Tranche B, up to the lower of (i) $26,000,000 and (ii) 55 per cent. of the Initial Market Value of Ship B. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | The amount of the proposed Loan must be an amount which is not more than the Available Facility. |
| --- | --- |
| 5.4 | Lenders' participation |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | If the conditions set out in this Agreement have been met, each Lender shall make its participation in each Advance available by the relevant Utilisation Date through its Facility Office. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The amount of each Lender's participation in the Loan will be equal to the proportion borne by its Available Commitment to the Available Facility immediately before making the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | The Facility Agent shall notify each Lender of the amount of the Loan and the amount of its participation in the Loan by the Specified Time. |
| --- | --- |
33
| 5.5 | Cancellation of Commitments |
|---|
The Commitments in respect of any Tranche which are unutilised at the end of the Availability Period for such Tranche shall then be cancelled.
| 5.6 | Retention and payment to Builder or otherwise |
|---|
The Borrowers irrevocably authorise the Facility Agent:
| (a) | To deduct from the proceeds of the Loan any agreed fees then payable to the Finance Parties in accordance with Clause 11 (Fees), any agreed solicitors fees and disbursements together with any applicable VAT and any other items listed as deductible items in the relevant Utilisation Request and to apply them in payment of the items to which they relate; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | On the relevant Utilisation Date to pay to, or for the account of, the Borrowers which are to utilise the relevant Advance, the balance (after any deduction made in accordance with paragraph (a) above) of the amounts which the Facility Agent receives from the Lenders in respect of the relevant Advance. That payment shall be made, in respect of the relevant Advance: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | with respect to Tranche A to the account of the Builder and with respect to Tranche B to any other account of the Borrowers or the Guarantor, which in any case that Borrower specifies in the relevant Utilisation Request; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | in like funds as the Facility Agent received from the Lenders in respect of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
| 5.7 | Disbursement of Advance to third party |
| --- | --- |
Payment by the Facility Agent under Clause 5.6 (Retention and payment to Builder) to a person other than a Borrowers shall constitute the making of the relevant Advance and the Borrowers shall at that time become indebted, as principal and direct obligor, to each Lender in an amount equal to that Lender's participation in that Advance.
| 5.8 | Prepositioning of funds |
|---|
If the Lenders, at the request of the Borrowers and on terms acceptable to all the Lenders and in their absolute discretion, preposition funds with the Builder's or any other bank, the Borrowers and the Guarantor:
| (a) | agree to pay interest on the amount of the funds so prepositioned at the rate described in Clause 8.1 (Calculation of interest) on the basis of successive interest periods of one day and so that interest shall be paid together with the first payment of interest on such Advance after the relevant Utilisation Date in respect of it or, if such Utilisation Date does not occur, within three Business Days of demand by the Facility Agent; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | shall, without duplication, indemnify each Finance Party against any costs, loss or liability it may incur in connection with such arrangement. |
| --- | --- |
34
SECTION 4
REPAYMENT, PREPAYMENT AND CANCELLATION
| 6 | REPAYMENT |
|---|---|
| 6.1 | Repayment of Loan |
| --- | --- |
Other than as already paid or prepaid, the Borrowers shall repay the outstanding amount of the Loan as of the Effective Date (being $47,100,000 in the aggregate, or more specifically $21,100,000 for Tranche A and $26,000,000 for Tranche B, following the Utilisation Date of Tranche B) as follows:
| (a) | Having previously paid three quarterly instalments under Tranche A, by 17 additional equal consecutive quarterly instalments, each in an amount of $300,000 (each a "Tranche A Instalment"), the first of which have been repaid on the date falling three (3) Months after the relevant Utilisation Date, each subsequent Tranche A Instalment shall be repaid at quarterly intervals thereafter and the last Tranche A Instalment; together with a balloon instalment in an amount of $16,000,000 (the "Tranche A Balloon Instalment" and together with the Tranche A Instalments, the "Tranche A Repayment Instalments") shall be repaid on the applicable Termination Date; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | Tranche B by 20 quarterly instalments (each a "Tranche B Instalment") the first 12 (1st to 12th inclusive) each in an amount of $650,000, the next 8 (13th to 20th inclusive) each in an amount of $275,000 the first of which shall be repaid on the date falling three (3) Months after the relevant Utilisation date, each subsequent Tranche B Instalment shall be repaid at quarterly intervals thereafter and the last Tranche B Instalment, together with a balloon instalment in an amount of $16,000,0000 (the "Tranche B Balloon Instalment" and together with the Tranche A Repayment Instalments and Tranche B Instalments, the "Repayment Instalments") shall be repaid on the applicable Termination Date. |
| --- | --- |
| 6.2 | Effect of cancellation and prepayment on scheduled repayments |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | If the Borrowers cancel the whole or any part of any Available Commitment in accordance with Clause 7.5 (Right of repayment and cancellation in relation to a single Lender) or if the Available Commitment of any Lender is cancelled under Clause 7.1 (Illegality and Sanctions affecting a Lender) then the Repayment Instalments falling after that cancellation will be reduced pro rata (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Tranche A Balloon Instalment and Tranche B Balloon Instalments (together, the "Balloon Instalments" and each a Balloon Instalment)) by the amount of the Available Commitments so cancelled. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If the whole or any part of any Available Commitment is cancelled in accordance with Clause 7.2 (Voluntary and automatic cancellation) or if the whole or part of any Commitment is cancelled pursuant to Clause 5.5 (Cancellation of Commitments), the Repayment Instalments for each Repayment Date falling after that cancellation will reduce pro rata (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Balloon Instalments) by the amount of the Commitments so cancelled. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | If any part of the Loan is repaid or prepaid in accordance with Clause 7.5 (Right of repayment and cancellation in relation to a single Lender) or Clause 7.1 (Illegality and Sanctions affecting a Lender) then the Repayment Instalments for the relevant Tranche for each Repayment Date falling after that repayment or prepayment will be reduced pro rata (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Balloon Instalments) by the amount of the Loan repaid or prepaid. |
| --- | --- |
35
| (d) | If any part of the Loan is prepaid in accordance with Clause 7.3 (Voluntary prepayment of Loan) then the amount of the Repayment Instalments for the relevant Tranche for each Repayment Date falling after that repayment or prepayment will be reduced pro rata (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Balloon Instalments) by the amount of the Loan repaid or prepaid. |
|---|---|
| 6.3 | Termination Dates |
| --- | --- |
On each Termination Date, the Borrowers shall additionally pay to the Facility Agent for the account of the Finance Parties all other sums then accrued and owing under the Finance Documents.
| 6.4 | Reborrowing |
|---|
No Borrower may reborrow any part of the Facility which is repaid.
| 7 | PREPAYMENT AND CANCELLATION |
|---|---|
| 7.1 | Illegality and Sanctions affecting a Lender |
| --- | --- |
If, in any applicable jurisdiction:
| (a) | it is or becomes unlawful or contrary to any regulation for a Lender to perform any of its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement or to fund or maintain its participation in the Loan or it is or becomes unlawful or contrary to any regulation for any Affiliate of a Lender for that Lender to do so; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | it would be unlawful for any Affiliate of a Lender to perform any of its obligations contemplated by this Agreement or to fund or maintain its participation in any Loan if that Affiliate were a Lender under this Agreement; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | either: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | in the sole discretion of a Lender any Sanction applies to or otherwise affects the performance by that Lender of any; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | it is or becomes contrary to, or declared by any Sanctions Authority to be contrary to, Sanctions for a Lender to perform any, |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | of its obligations as contemplated by any Finance Document or its funding or participation in the Loan or if, in the sole discretion of a Lender, its Affiliate may be in breach of any Sanctions as a result of that Lender doing so (including in each case, without limitation, due to (x) the non-existence or cessation of legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of a provision of a Finance Document; or (y) the presence of any circumstances resulting in the imposition of any civil, administrative or criminal measures on a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender); or |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | without prejudice to the generality of the preceding paragraphs and also without prejudice to any of the express obligations of the Transaction Obligors or an Approved Manager under the Transaction Documents to which they are a party in accordance with their respective terms, any Transaction Obligor or any other member of the Group or any Approved Manager being or becoming a Prohibited Person which would result in a breach of Sanctions by a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or, in the opinion of a Lender acting reasonably, anything whatsoever is done or omitted to be done by a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager which would result in that Lender or an Affiliate of that Lender being in breach of or made subject to Sanctions, or at risk of being in breach of or made subject to Sanctions: |
| --- | --- |
36
| (i) | to the extent permitted by applicable law, that Lender shall promptly notify the Borrowers through the Facility Agent upon becoming aware of that event; |
|---|---|
| (ii) | upon the Facility Agent notifying the Borrowers, the Available Commitment of that Lender will be immediately cancelled; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | the Borrowers shall repay that Lender's participation in the Loan on the last day of the Interest Period for the Loan occurring after the Facility Agent has notified the Borrowers or, if earlier, the date specified by the Lender in the notice delivered to the Facility Agent (being no earlier than the last day of any applicable grace period permitted by law and, in any event, not earlier than 5 Business Days after giving such notice to the Borrowers) and that Lender's corresponding Commitment shall be cancelled in the amount of the participation prepaid; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | accrued interest and all other amounts accrued for that Lender under the Finance Documents shall be immediately due and payable. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | For the purposes of this clause, any "anti-blocking" or "anti-boycott" or other similar legislation to which a Lender or its Affiliates may be subject, shall not be considered. |
| --- | --- |
| 7.2 | Voluntary and automatic cancellation |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Borrowers may, if they give the Facility Agent not less than 5 Business Days' (or such shorter period as the Majority Lenders may agree) prior notice, cancel the whole or any part (being a minimum amount of $300,000) of the Loan. Any cancellation under this Clause 7.2 (Voluntary and automatic cancellation) shall reduce the Commitments of the Lenders rateably and the amount of the relevant Tranche(s). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The unutilised Commitment (if any) of each Lender shall be automatically cancelled at close of business on the date on which the Loan is made available. |
| --- | --- |
| 7.3 | Voluntary prepayment of Loan |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to paragraph (b) below, the Borrowers may, if they give the Facility Agent not less than 5 Business Days' (or such shorter period as the Majority Lenders may agree) prior notice, prepay the whole or any part of the Loan (but, if in part, being an amount that reduces the amount of the Loan by a minimum amount of $300,000 or a multiple of that amount). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Loan may only be prepaid after the last day of the relevant Availability Period (or, if earlier, the day on which the Available Facility is zero). |
| --- | --- |
| 7.4 | Mandatory prepayment on sale or Total Loss |
| --- | --- |
If a Ship is sold (without prejudice to paragraph (a) of Clause 22.11 (Disposals)) or becomes a Total Loss, the Borrowers shall repay on the Relevant Date an amount equal to the Relevant Amount together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued under the Finance Documents, Provided that if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any remaining proceeds after the sale or Total Loss of that Ship, following the prepayment referred to in paragraph (a) or, as the case may be, (b) of Clause 7.3 (Voluntary prepayment of Loan), together with accrued interest and all other amounts that are due and payable on any such prepayment pursuant to the Finance Documents, shall be repaid to Borrower owning that Ship or, as the Borrowers may direct, to the Guarantor.
37
| (a) | In this Clause 7.4 (Mandatory prepayment on sale, Total Loss, refinancing or a release of a Mortgage over a Ship): |
|---|
"Relevant Amount" means, in relation to a Ship that has been sold or has become a Total Loss or is being refinanced or whose Mortgage is being released, an amount equal to the aggregate of an amount equal to the higher of:
| (a) | the Tranche in relation to that Ship; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | an amount of the Loan which, after giving effect to the prepayment required to be made pursuant to this Clause 7.4 (Mandatory prepayment on sale or Total Loss), results in the Security Cover Ratio determined pursuant to Clause 25.1 (Minimum required security cover) being equal to the higher of (A) the Security Cover Ratio maintained immediately prior to the prepayment made pursuant to this Clause 7.4 (Mandatory prepayment on sale or Total Loss) and (B) the Security Cover Ratio required to be maintained pursuant to Clause 25 (Security Cover). |
| --- | --- |
"Relevant Date" means:
| (a) | in the case of a sale of a Ship, the date on which the sale is completed by delivery of that Ship to its buyer; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | in the case of a Total Loss of a Ship, on the earlier of: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the date falling 120 days after the Total Loss Date; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the date of receipt by the Security Agent of the proceeds of insurance relating to such Total Loss. |
| --- | --- |
| 7.5 | Right of repayment and cancellation in relation to a single Lender |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | If: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any sum payable to any Lender by an Obligor under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms, is required to be increased under paragraph (c) of Clause 12.2 (Tax gross-up) or under that clause as incorporated by reference or in full in any other Finance Document; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any Lender claims indemnification from the Borrowers under Clause 12.3 (Tax indemnity) or Clause 13.1 (Increased costs), |
| --- | --- |
the Borrowers may whilst in the case of sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) above the circumstance giving rise to the requirement for that increase or indemnification continues, give the Facility Agent notice of cancellation of the Commitment of that Lender and its intention to procure the repayment of that Lender's participation in the Loan.
| (b) | On receipt of a notice of cancellation referred to in paragraph (a) above, the Commitment of that Lender shall immediately be reduced to zero. |
|---|
38
| (c) | On the last day of each Interest Period which ends after the Borrowers have given notice of cancellation under paragraph (a) above in relation to a Lender (or, if earlier, the date specified by the Borrowers in that notice), the Borrowers shall repay that Lender's participation in the Loan. |
|---|---|
| 7.6 | Restrictions |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Any notice of cancellation or prepayment given by any Party under this Clause 7 (Prepayment and Cancellation) shall be irrevocable and, unless a contrary indication appears in this Agreement, shall specify the date or dates upon which the relevant cancellation or prepayment is to be made and the amount of that cancellation or prepayment and, if relevant, the part of the Loan to be prepaid or cancelled. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Any prepayment under this Agreement shall be made together with accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, subject to the fee provided for in Clause 11.3 (Prepayment fee), if applicable, and any Break Costs, without premium or penalty. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | No Borrower may reborrow any part of the Facility which is prepaid. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | No Borrower shall repay or prepay all or any part of the Loan or cancel all or any part of the Commitments except at the times and in the manner expressly provided for in this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | No amount of the Total Commitments cancelled under this Agreement may be subsequently reinstated. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | If the Facility Agent receives a notice under this Clause 7 (Prepayment and Cancellation) it shall promptly forward a copy of that notice to either the Borrowers or the affected Lenders. |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | If all or part of any Lender's participation in the Loan is repaid or prepaid, an amount of that Lender's Commitment (equal to the amount of the participation which is repaid or prepaid) will be deemed to be cancelled on the date of repayment or prepayment. |
| --- | --- |
| 7.7 | Application of prepayments |
| --- | --- |
Any prepayment of any part of the Loan other than a prepayment pursuant to Clause 7.1 (Illegality and Sanctions affecting a Lender) or Clause 7.5 (Right of repayment and cancellation in relation to a single Lender) shall be applied pro rata to each Lender's participation in that part of the Loan.
39
SECTION 5
COSTS OF UTILISATION
| 8 | INTEREST |
|---|---|
| 8.1 | Calculation of interest |
| --- | --- |
The rate of interest on the Loan or any part of the Loan for each Interest Period is the percentage rate per annum which is the aggregate of the applicable:
| (a) | Margin; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | Reference Rate. |
| --- | --- |
| 8.2 | Payment of interest |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Borrowers shall pay accrued interest on the Loan or any part of the Loan on the last day of each Interest Period (each an "Interest Payment Date"). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If an Interest Period is longer than 3 Months, the Borrowers shall also pay interest then accrued on the Loan or the relevant part of the Loan on the dates falling at three Monthly intervals after the first day of the Interest Period. |
| --- | --- |
| 8.3 | Default interest |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | If an Obligor fails to pay any amount payable by it under a Finance Document to which it is a party in accordance with its terms on its due date (after taking into account any grace periods, if applicable), interest shall accrue on the Unpaid Sum from the due date up to the date of actual payment (both before and after judgment) at a rate which, subject to paragraph (b) below, is two per cent. per annum higher than the rate which would have been payable if the Unpaid Sum had, during the period of non-payment, constituted part of the Loan in the currency of the Unpaid Sum for successive Interest Periods, each of a duration selected by the Facility Agent. Any interest accruing under this Clause 8.3 (Default interest) shall be immediately payable by the Obligor on demand by the Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If an Unpaid Sum consists of all or part of the Loan which became due on a day which was not the last day of an Interest Period relating to the Loan or that part of the Loan: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the first Interest Period for that Unpaid Sum shall have a duration equal to the unexpired portion of the current Interest Period relating to the Loan or that part of the Loan; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the rate of interest applying to that Unpaid Sum during that first Interest Period shall be two per cent. per annum higher than the rate which would have applied if that Unpaid Sum had not become due. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Default interest (if unpaid) arising on an Unpaid Sum will be compounded with the Unpaid Sum at the end of each Interest Period applicable to that Unpaid Sum but will remain immediately due and payable. |
| --- | --- |
40
| 8.4 | Notification of rates of interest |
|---|
The Facility Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders and the Borrowers of the determination of a rate of interest under this Agreement.
| 9 | INTEREST PERIODS |
|---|---|
| 9.1 | Selection of Interest Periods |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Borrowers may select the Interest Period for the Loan in the Utilisation Request for the first Advance. Subject to paragraph (f) below and Clause 9.2 (Changes to Interest Periods), the Borrowers may select each subsequent Interest Period in respect of the Loan in a Selection Notice. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Selection Notice is irrevocable and must be delivered to the Facility Agent by the Borrowers not later than the Specified Time. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | If the Borrowers fail to select an Interest Period in a Utilisation Request or fail to deliver a Selection Notice to the Facility Agent in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (b) above, the relevant Interest Period will, subject to paragraph (f) below and Clause 9.2 (Changes to Interest Periods), be three Months. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Subject to this Clause 9 (Interest Periods), the Borrowers may select an Interest Period of one, three or six Months or any other period agreed between the Borrowers and the Facility Agent (acting on the instructions of all the Lenders). |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | An Interest Period in respect of a Tranche shall not extend beyond the final Termination Date. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | In respect of a Repayment Instalment, the Borrowers may request in the relevant Selection Notice that an Interest Period for a part of the Loan equal to such Repayment Instalment shall end on the Repayment Date relating to it and, subject to paragraph (d) above, select a longer Interest Period for the remaining part of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | The first Interest Period for each Tranche shall start on the Utilisation Date relevant to that Tranche and each subsequent Interest Period shall start on the last day of the preceding Interest Period. |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | The first Interest Period for the Tranches which will be utilised on the second Utilisation Date shall end on the last day of the Interest Period then current in relation to the Tranches utilised on the first Utilisation Date. |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | Except for the purposes of paragraph (f) above and Clause 9.2 (Changes to Interest Periods), each Tranche shall have one Interest Period only at any time. |
| --- | --- |
| (j) | No Interest Period can be selected in respect of a tenor that has ceased to be available in accordance with Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting). |
| --- | --- |
| 9.2 | Changes to Interest Periods |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | In respect of a Repayment Instalment, prior to determining the interest rate for the Loan, the Facility Agent may establish an Interest Period for a part of the Loan equal to such Repayment Instalment to end on the Repayment Date relating to it and the remaining part of the Loan shall have the Interest Period selected in the relevant Selection Notice, subject to paragraph (d) of Clause 9.1 (Selection of Interest Periods). |
| --- | --- |
41
| (b) | If the Facility Agent makes any change to an Interest Period referred to in this Clause 9.2 (Changes to Interest Periods), it shall promptly notify the Borrowers and the Lenders. |
|---|---|
| 9.3 | Non-Business Days |
| --- | --- |
If an Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, that Interest Period will instead end on the next Business Day in that calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not).
| 10 | CHANGES TO THE CALCULATION OF INTEREST |
|---|---|
| 10.1 | Unavailability of Term SOFR |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Interpolated Term SOFR: If no Term SOFR is available for the Interest Period of the Loan or any part of the Loan, the applicable Reference Rate shall be the Interpolated Term SOFR for a period equal in length to the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Historic Term SOFR: If no Term SOFR is available for the Interest Period of the Loan or any part of the Loan and it is not possible to calculate the Interpolated Term SOFR by 17:00 New York time on the relevant Quotation Day, the applicable Reference Rate shall be the Historic Term SOFR for the Loan or that part of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Interpolated Historic Term SOFR: If paragraph (b) above applies but no Historic Term SOFR is available for the Interest Period of the Loan or any part of the Loan, the applicable Reference Rate shall be the Interpolated Historic Term SOFR for a period equal in length to the Interest Period of the Loan or that part of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Base Rate: If paragraph (c) above applies but it is not possible to calculate the Interpolated Historic Term SOFR, there shall be no Reference Rate for the Loan or that part of the Loan (as applicable) and Clause 10.3 (Base Rate) shall apply to the Loan or that part of the Loan for that Interest Period. |
| --- | --- |
| 10.2 | Market disruption |
| --- | --- |
If before close of business in New York on the Quotation Day for the relevant Interest Period, the Facility Agent receives notification from a Lender or Lenders (whose participations in the Loan or the relevant part of the Loan exceed 40 per cent. of the Loan or that part of the Loan as appropriate) that its cost of funds relating to its participation in the Loan or that part of the Loan would be in excess of the applicable Reference Rate then Clause 10.3 (Base Rate) shall apply to the Loan or that part of the Loan (as applicable) for the relevant Interest Period.
| 10.3 | Base Rate |
|---|---|
| (a) | If this Clause 10.3 (Base Rate) applies, the rate of interest on the Loan or the relevant part of the Loan for the relevant Interest Period shall be the percentage rate per annum which is the sum of: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the applicable Margin; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the Base Rate from time to time. |
| --- | --- |
42
| (b) | If this Clause 10.3 (Base Rate) applies and the Facility Agent or the Borrowers so require, the Facility Agent and the Borrowers shall enter into negotiations (for a period of not more than 30 days) with a view to agreeing a substitute basis for determining the rate of interest or (as the case may be) an alternative basis for funding. |
|---|---|
| (c) | Subject to Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting), any substitute or alternative basis agreed pursuant to paragraph (b) above shall, with the prior consent of all the Lenders and the Borrowers, be binding on all Parties. |
| --- | --- |
| 10.4 | Break Costs |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Borrowers shall, within three Business Days of demand by a Finance Party, pay to that Finance Party its Break Costs attributable to all or any part of the Loan or Unpaid Sum being paid by a Borrower on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period for the Loan, the relevant part of the Loan or that Unpaid Sum. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Lender shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after a demand by the Facility Agent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its Break Costs for any Interest Period in which they accrue. |
| --- | --- |
| 10.5 | Calculation of Margin |
| --- | --- |
The "Margin" for purposes of this Agreement shall be calculated from time to time as of the first day of each Interest Period of each Tranche:
| (a) | In relation to Tranche A: |
|---|---|
| (i) | in the event that, on the first day of that Interest Period, Ship A is employed under an Eligible Charter the interest shall be 1.90 per cent. per annum ("Reduced Margin A") for the duration of such Eligible Charter until the end of that Interest Period following the expiration of that Eligible Charter; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | in the event that, on the first day of that Interest Period, Ship A is not employed under an Eligible Charter, the interest shall be 2.10 per cent. per annum. |
| --- | --- |
For the avoidance of doubt, if in respect to Ship A there is an option for extension that results in such Eligible Charter having a fixed rate of hire of over $16,000/day gross, Reduced Margin A shall continue to be maintained for the duration of such optional extension period.
| (b) | In relation to Tranche B, |
|---|---|
| (i) | in the event that, on the first day of that Interest Period, Ship B is employed under an Eligible Charter or failing this if the Margin Security Cover Ratio is equal to or exceeds 182 per cent., the interest shall be 1.80 per cent. per annum ("Reduced Margin B" and together with Reduced Margin A, the "Reduced Margin") for the duration of such Eligible Charter until the end of that Interest Period following the expiration of that Eligible Charter; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | in the event that, on the first day of that Interest Period, Ship B is not employed under an Eligible Charter and the Margin Security Cover Ratio is less than 182 per cent, the interest shall be 2.10 per cent. per annum. |
| --- | --- |
43
For the avoidance of doubt, if in respect to Ship B there is an option for extension that results in such Eligible Charter having a fixed rate of hire of over $14,000/day gross, Reduced Margin B shall continue to be maintained for the duration of such optional extension period.
| 11 | FEES |
|---|---|
| 11.1 | Commitment fee |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Borrowers shall pay to the Facility Agent (for the account of each Lender) a non-refundable fee computed at the rate of 0.25 per cent. per annum on that Lender's Available Commitment from time to time on and from (i) in relation to Tranche A, the date of this Agreement and (ii) in relation to Tranche B, from the date of the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement until and including the earlier of (i) the Utilisation Date of the relevant Tranche and (ii) the last day of the relevant Availability Period. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The accrued commitment fee is payable on the last day of each successive period of three Months which ends during the relevant Availability Period, on the last day of that Availability Period and, if cancelled, on the cancelled amount of the relevant Lender's Commitment at the time the cancellation is effective. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | The commitment fee referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Clause 11.1 (Commitment Fee) shall not be payable by the Borrowers if the Utilisation Date of a Tranche occurs within 5 Business Days: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | in relation to Tranche A, from the date of this Agreement; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | in relation to Tranche B, from the date of the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | The parties confirm that no commitment fee was or is payable for Tranche A. |
| --- | --- |
| 11.2 | Upfront fee |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Borrower A has paid to the Facility Agent a non-refundable upfront fee in the amount equal to 1.00 per cent. of the Total Commitments in respect of Tranche A. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Borrowers shall pay to the Facility Agent on the earlier of (i) the Utilisation Date of Tranche B and (ii) the last day of the relevant Availability Period, a non-refundable upfront fee in an amount equal to 0.85 per cent. of the Tranche B. |
| --- | --- |
| 11.3 | Prepayment fee |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to paragraph (b) below, the Borrowers must pay to the Facility Agent for each Lender (pro rata in accordance with their Commitments) a non-refundable prepayment fee on the date of prepayment of all or any part of the Loan (by way of a re-financing, including, any sale and lease back financing). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The amount of the prepayment fee is, in relation to each Tranche: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | if the prepayment occurs on or before the first anniversary of the Utilisation Date of such Tranche, 2 per cent. of the amount prepaid; and |
| --- | --- |
44
| (ii) | if the prepayment occurs after the first anniversary on or before the second anniversary of the Utilisation Date of such Tranche, 1 per cent. of the amount prepaid; and |
|---|---|
| (iii) | if the prepayment occurs after the second anniversary of the Utilisation Date of such Tranche, no prepayment fee is payable. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | No prepayment fee shall be payable under this Clause if the prepayment is made under Clause 7.1 (Illegality and Sanctions affecting a Lender), Clause 7.4 (Mandatory Prepayment on Sale or Total Loss) and Clause 7.5 (Right of repayment and cancellation in relation to a single Lender), Clause 25.2 (Provision of additional security; prepayment) or Clause 25.6 (Prepayment mechanism). |
| --- | --- |
45
SECTION 6
ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS
| 12 | TAX GROSS UP AND INDEMNITIES |
|---|---|
| 12.1 | Definitions |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | In this Agreement: |
| --- | --- |
"Protected Party" means a Finance Party which is or will be subject to any liability, or required to make any payment, for or on account of Tax in relation to a sum received or receivable (or any sum deemed for the purposes of Tax to be received or receivable) under a Finance Document.
"Tax Credit" means a credit against, relief or remission for, or repayment of any Tax.
"Tax Deduction" means a deduction or withholding for or on account of Tax from a payment under a Finance Document, other than a FATCA Deduction.
"Tax Payment" means either the increase in a payment made by an Obligor to a Finance Party under Clause 12.2 (Tax gross-up) or a payment under Clause 12.3 (Tax indemnity).
| (b) | Unless a contrary indication appears, in this Clause 12 (Tax Gross Up and Indemnities) reference to "determines" or "determined" means a determination made in the reasonable discretion of the person making the determination. |
|---|---|
| 12.2 | Tax gross-up |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Obligor shall make all payments to be made by it under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms without any Tax Deduction, unless a Tax Deduction is required by law. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Borrowers shall promptly upon becoming aware that an Obligor must make a Tax Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of a Tax Deduction) notify the Facility Agent accordingly. Similarly, a Lender shall notify the Facility Agent on becoming so aware in respect of a payment payable to that Lender. If the Facility Agent receives such notification from a Lender it shall notify the Borrowers and that Obligor. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | If a Tax Deduction is required by law to be made by an Obligor under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms, the amount of the payment due from that Obligor shall be increased to an amount which (after making any Tax Deduction) leaves an amount equal to the payment which would have been due if no Tax Deduction had been required. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | If an Obligor is required to make a Tax Deduction, that Obligor shall make that Tax Deduction and any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction within the time allowed and in the minimum amount required by law. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | Within 30 days of making either a Tax Deduction or any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction, the Obligor making that Tax Deduction shall deliver to the Facility Agent for the Finance Party entitled to the payment evidence reasonably satisfactory to that Finance Party that the Tax Deduction has been made or (as applicable) any appropriate payment paid to the relevant taxing authority. |
| --- | --- |
46
| 12.3 | Tax indemnity |
|---|---|
| (a) | The relevant Obligor shall (within five Business Days of written demand by the Facility Agent) pay to a Protected Party an amount equal to the loss, liability or cost which that Protected Party determines will be or has been (directly or indirectly) suffered for or on account of Tax by that Protected Party in respect of a Finance Document to which it is a party. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Paragraph (a) above shall not apply: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | with respect to any Tax assessed on a Finance Party: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | under the law of the jurisdiction in which that Finance Party is incorporated or, if different, the jurisdiction (or jurisdictions) in which that Finance Party is treated as resident for tax purposes; or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | under the law of the jurisdiction in which that Finance Party's Facility Office is located in respect of amounts received or receivable in that jurisdiction, |
| --- | --- |
if that Tax is imposed on or calculated by reference to the net income received or receivable (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) by that Finance Party; or
| (ii) | to the extent a loss, liability or cost: |
|---|---|
| (A) | is compensated for by an increased payment under Clause 12.2 (Tax gross-up); or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | relates to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | A Protected Party making, or intending to make, a claim under paragraph (a) above shall promptly notify the Facility Agent of the event which will give, or has given, rise to the claim, following which the Facility Agent shall notify the Obligors. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | A Protected Party shall, on receiving a payment from an Obligor under this Clause 12.3 (Tax indemnity), notify the Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| 12.4 | Tax Credit |
| --- | --- |
If an Obligor makes a Tax Payment and the relevant Finance Party determines that:
| (a) | a Tax Credit is attributable to an increased payment of which that Tax Payment forms part, to that Tax Payment or to a Tax Deduction in consequence of which that Tax Payment was received; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | that Finance Party has obtained and utilised that Tax Credit, |
| --- | --- |
the Finance Party shall pay an amount to the relevant Obligor which that Finance Party determines will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the relevant Obligor.
47
| 12.5 | Stamp taxes |
|---|
The relevant Obligor shall pay and, within five Business Days of written demand, indemnify each Secured Party against any cost, loss or liability which that Secured Party incurs in relation to all stamp duty, registration and other similar Taxes payable in respect of any Finance Document to which it is a party.
| 12.6 | VAT |
|---|---|
| (a) | To the extent applicable, all amounts expressed to be payable under a Finance Document by any Party to a Finance Party which (in whole or in part) constitute the consideration for any supply for VAT purposes are deemed to be exclusive of any VAT which is chargeable on that supply, and accordingly, subject to paragraph (b) below, if VAT is or becomes chargeable on any supply made by any Finance Party to any Party under a Finance Document and such Finance Party is required to account to the relevant tax authority for the VAT, that Party must pay to such Finance Party (in addition to and at the same time as paying any other consideration for such supply) an amount equal to the amount of the VAT (and such Finance Party must promptly provide an appropriate VAT invoice to that Party). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If VAT is or becomes chargeable on any supply made by any Finance Party (the "Supplier") to any other Finance Party (the "Recipient") under a Finance Document, and any Party other than the Recipient (the "Relevant Party") is required by the terms of any Finance Document to pay an amount equal to the consideration for that supply to the Supplier (rather than being required to reimburse or indemnify the Recipient in respect of that consideration): |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | (where the Supplier is the person required to account to the relevant tax authority for the VAT) the Relevant Party must also pay to the Supplier (at the same time as paying that amount) an additional amount equal to the amount of the VAT (if applicable). The Recipient must (where this sub-paragraph (i) applies) promptly pay to the Relevant Party an amount equal to any credit or repayment the Recipient receives from the relevant tax authority which the Recipient reasonably determines relates to the VAT (if applicable) chargeable on that supply; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | (where the Recipient is the person required to account to the relevant tax authority for the VAT) the Relevant Party must promptly, following demand from the Recipient, pay to the Recipient an amount equal to the VAT chargeable on that supply (if applicable) but only to the extent that the Recipient reasonably determines that it is not entitled to credit or repayment from the relevant tax authority in respect of that VAT. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Where a Finance Document requires any Party to reimburse or indemnify a Finance Party for any cost or expense, that Party shall reimburse or indemnify (as the case may be) such Finance Party for the full amount of such cost or expense, including such part of it as represents VAT (if applicable), save to the extent that such Finance Party reasonably determines that it is entitled to credit or repayment in respect of such VAT (if any) from the relevant tax authority. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Any reference in this Clause 12.6 (VAT) to any Party shall, at any time when that Party is treated as a member of a group or unity (or fiscal unity) for VAT purposes (if applicable), include (where appropriate and unless the context otherwise requires) a reference to the person who is treated at that time as making the supply, or (as appropriate) receiving the supply, under the grouping rules provided for in Article 11 of Council Directive 2006/112/EC (or as implemented by the relevant member state of the European Union or equivalent provisions imposed elsewhere) so that a reference to a Party shall be construed as a reference to that Party or the relevant group or unity (or fiscal unity) of which that Party is a member for VAT purposes (if applicable) at the relevant time or the relevant representative member (or representative or head) of that group or unity at the relevant time (as the case may be). |
| --- | --- |
48
| (e) | In relation to any supply made by a Finance Party to any Party under a Finance Document, if reasonably requested by such Finance Party, that Party must promptly provide such Finance Party with details of that Party's VAT registration (if applicable) and such other information as is reasonably requested in connection with such Finance Party's VAT reporting requirements (if applicable) in relation to such supply. |
|---|---|
| (f) | For the avoidance of doubt, no VAT is chargeable by a Finance Party in connection with any Instalment, any payment of interest or any of the fees set out under Clause 11 (Fees). |
| --- | --- |
| 12.7 | FATCA Information |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to paragraph (c) below, each Party shall, within ten Business Days of a reasonable request by another Party: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | confirm to that other Party whether it is: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | a FATCA Exempt Party; or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | not a FATCA Exempt Party; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status under FATCA as that other Party reasonably requests for the purposes of that other Party's compliance with FATCA; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status as that other Party reasonably requests for the purposes of that other Party's compliance with any other law, regulation, or exchange of information regime. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If a Party confirms to another Party pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (a) above that it is a FATCA Exempt Party and it subsequently becomes aware that it is not, or has ceased to be a FATCA Exempt Party, that Party shall notify that other Party reasonably promptly. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Paragraph (a) above shall not oblige any Finance Party to do anything and sub-paragraph (iii) of paragraph (a) above shall not oblige any other Party to do anything which would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any law or regulation; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any fiduciary duty; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | any duty of confidentiality. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | If a Party fails to confirm whether or not it is a FATCA Exempt Party or to supply forms, documentation or other information requested in accordance with sub-paragraphs (i) or (ii) of paragraph (a) above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where paragraph (c) above applies), then such Party shall be treated for the purposes of the Finance Documents (and payments under them) as if it is not a FATCA Exempt Party until such time as the Party in question provides the requested confirmation, forms, documentation or other information. |
| --- | --- |
49
| 12.8 | FATCA Deduction |
|---|---|
| (a) | Each Party may make any FATCA Deduction it is required to make by FATCA, and any payment required in connection with that FATCA Deduction, and no Party shall be required to increase any payment in respect of which it makes such a FATCA Deduction or otherwise compensate the recipient of the payment for that FATCA Deduction. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Party shall promptly, upon becoming aware that it must make a FATCA Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such FATCA Deduction), notify the Party to whom it is making the payment and, in addition, shall notify each Obligor and the Facility Agent and the Facility Agent shall notify the other Finance Parties. |
| --- | --- |
| 12.9 | Withholding certificate etc. |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Lender shall: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | where that Lender is an Original Lender, on the date of this Agreement; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | where that Lender is a New Lender (as defined in Clause 29.1 (Assignment or transfer by Transaction Obligors)), on the relevant Transfer Date; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | within ten Business Days of the date of a request from the Facility Agent, supply to the Facility Agent: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | a withholding certificate on IRS Form W-8, IRS Form W-9 or any other relevant form (including, for the avoidance of doubt, forms required in connection with tax laws other than in the US); or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | any withholding statement or other document, authorisation or waiver as the Facility Agent may require to certify or establish the status of such Lender under FATCA or that other law or regulation. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Facility Agent shall provide any withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver it receives from a Lender pursuant to paragraph (a) above to the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | If any withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver provided to the Facility Agent by a Lender pursuant to paragraph (a) above is or becomes materially inaccurate or incomplete, that Lender shall promptly update it and provide such updated withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver to the Facility Agent unless it is unlawful for that Lender to do so (in which case such Lender shall promptly notify the Facility Agent). The Facility Agent shall provide any such updated withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver to the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | The Facility Agent may rely on any withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver it receives from a Lender pursuant to paragraph (a) or (c) above without further verification. The Facility Agent shall not be liable for any action taken by it under or in connection with paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) above. |
| --- | --- |
50
| 13 | INCREASED COSTS |
|---|---|
| 13.1 | Increased costs |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to Clause 13.3 (Exceptions), the Borrowers shall, within five Business Days of written demand by the Facility Agent, pay for the account of a Finance Party the amount of any Increased Costs (to the extent applicable) incurred by that Finance Party or13 any of its Affiliates as a result of: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the introduction of or any change in (or in the interpretation, administration or application of) any law or regulation; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | compliance with any law or regulation made, |
| --- | --- |
in each case after the date of this Agreement; or
| (iii) | the implementation, application of or compliance with Basel III or CRD IV or any law or regulation that implements or applies Basel III or CRD IV. |
|---|---|
| (b) | In this Agreement: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | "Basel III" means: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | the agreements on capital requirements, a leverage ratio and liquidity standards contained in "Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems", "Basel III: International framework for liquidity risk measurement, standards and monitoring" and "Guidance for national authorities operating the countercyclical capital buffer" published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010, each as amended, supplemented or restated; |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | the rules for global systemically important banks contained in "Global systemically important banks: assessment methodology and the additional loss absorbency requirement - Rules text" published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in November 2011, as amended, supplemented or restated; and |
| --- | --- |
| (C) | any further guidance or standards published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision relating to "Basel III". |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | "CRD IV" means: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending regulation (EU) No. 648/2012, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/876; |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC, as amended by Directive (EU) 2019/878; and |
| --- | --- |
51
| (C) | any other law or regulation which implements Basel III. |
|---|---|
| (iii) | "Increased Costs" means, to the extent applicable: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | a reduction in the rate of return from the Facility or on a Finance Party's (or its Affiliate's) overall capital; |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | an additional or increased cost; or |
| --- | --- |
| (C) | a reduction of any amount due and payable under any Finance Document, |
| --- | --- |
which is incurred or suffered by a Finance Party or any of its Affiliates to the extent that it is attributable to that Finance Party having entered into its Commitment or funding or performing its obligations under any Finance Document.
| (c) | Notwithstanding anything in this Clause above to the contrary, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and all requests, rules, guidelines and directives promulgated thereunder, are deemed to have been introduced or adopted after the date of this Agreement, regardless of the date enacted or adopted. |
|---|---|
| 13.2 | Increased cost claims |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | A Finance Party intending to make a claim pursuant to Clause 13.1 (Increased costs) shall notify the Facility Agent of the event giving rise to the claim, following which the Facility Agent shall promptly notify the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Finance Party shall, as soon as practicable after a demand by the Facility Agent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its Increased Costs. |
| --- | --- |
| 13.3 | Exceptions |
| --- | --- |
Clause 13.1 (Increased costs) does not apply to the extent any Increased Cost is:
| (a) | attributable to a Tax Deduction required by law to be made by an Obligor; |
|---|---|
| (b) | attributable to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | compensated for by Clause 12.3 (Tax indemnity) (or would have been compensated for under Clause 12.3 (Tax indemnity) but was not so compensated solely because any of the exclusions in paragraph (b) of Clause 12.3 (Tax indemnity) applied); or |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | attributable to the wilful breach by the relevant Finance Party or its Affiliates of any law or regulation. |
| --- | --- |
| 14 | OTHER INDEMNITIES |
| --- | --- |
| 14.1 | Currency indemnity |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | If any sum due from an Obligor under the Finance Documents (a "Sum") to which it is a party in accordance with their terms or any order, judgment or award given or made in relation to a Sum, has to be converted from the currency (the "First Currency") in which that Sum is payable into another currency (the "Second Currency") for the purpose of: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | making or filing a claim or proof against that Obligor; or |
| --- | --- |
52
| (ii) | obtaining or enforcing an order, judgment or award in relation to any litigation or arbitration proceedings, |
|---|
that Obligor shall, as an independent obligation, on demand, indemnify each Secured Party to which that Sum is due against any cost, loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (A) the rate of exchange used to convert that Sum from the First Currency into the Second Currency and (B) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that Sum.
| (b) | Each Obligor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms in a currency or currency unit other than that in which it is expressed to be payable. |
|---|---|
| 14.2 | Other indemnities |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Obligor shall, on written demand, indemnify each Secured Party against any cost, loss or liability incurred by it as a result of: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the occurrence of any Event of Default; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | a failure by an Obligor to pay any amount due under a Finance Document to which it is a party in accordance with their terms on its due date; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | funding, or making arrangements to fund, its participation in the Loan requested by the Borrowers in a Utilisation Request but not made by reason of the operation of any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement (other than by reason of default or negligence by that Secured Party alone); or |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | the Loan (or part of the Loan) not being prepaid in accordance with a notice of prepayment given by the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Obligor shall, on written demand, indemnify each Finance Party, each Affiliate of a Finance Party and each officer or employee of a Finance Party or its Affiliate (each such person for the purposes of this Clause 14.2 (Other indemnities) an "Indemnified Person"), against any cost, loss or liability (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) incurred by that Indemnified Person pursuant to or in connection with any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings or regulatory enquiry, in connection with or arising out of the entry into and the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents in accordance with their terms, having the benefit of any Security constituted by the Finance Documents or which relates to the condition or operation of, or any incident occurring in relation to, any Ship unless such cost, loss or liability is caused by the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of that Indemnified Person. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Without limiting, but subject to any limitations set out in paragraph (b) above, the indemnity in paragraph (b) above shall cover any cost, loss or liability incurred by each Indemnified Person in any jurisdiction: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | arising or asserted under or in connection with any law relating to safety at sea, the ISM Code, any Environmental Law or any Sanctions; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | in connection with any Environmental Claim. |
| --- | --- |
53
Any Affiliate or any officer or employee of a Finance Party or of any of its Affiliates may rely on this Clause 14.2 (Other indemnities) subject to Clause 1.5 (Third party rights) and the provisions of the Third Parties Act.
| (d) | Each Obligor agrees that no Finance Party shall have any liability to any Obligor whether in tort, contract or otherwise for losses suffered by any Obligor in connection with, arising out of or in any way related to the transactions contemplated and the relationship established by any of the Finance Documents in accordance with their terms, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection therewith, unless it is determined in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of a competent jurisdiction that such losses resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the party from which recovery is sought. No Finance Party shall be liable for any damages arising from the use of others of any information or other materials obtained through 'intralinks' or other similar information transmission systems in connection with any of the Finance Documents in accordance with their terms and in no event shall any Finance Party be liable for any loss of profits, goodwill, reputation, business opportunity or anticipated saving, or for special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages, whether or not that Finance Party has been advised of the possibility of such loss or damages. |
|---|---|
| 14.3 | Indemnity to the Facility Agent |
| --- | --- |
Each Obligor shall, on written demand, indemnify the Facility Agent against:
| (a) | any reasonably incurred cost, loss or liability incurred by the Facility Agent (acting reasonably) as a result of: |
|---|---|
| (i) | investigating any event which it reasonably believes is a Default; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | acting or relying on any notice, request or instruction which it reasonably believes to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | instructing lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, surveyors or other professional advisers or experts as permitted under the Finance Documents; and |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | any reasonably incurred cost, loss or liability (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) incurred by the Facility Agent (otherwise than by reason of the Facility Agent's gross negligence or wilful misconduct) but not including any claim based on the fraud of the Facility Agent in acting as Facility Agent under the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
| 14.4 | Indemnity to the Security Agent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Obligor shall, on written demand, indemnify the Security Agent and every Receiver and Delegate against any reasonably incurred cost, loss or liability (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) incurred by any of them: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | in relation to or as a result of: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | any failure by a Borrower to comply with its obligations under Clause 16 (Costs and Expenses); |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | acting or relying on any notice, request or instruction which it reasonably believes to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised; |
| --- | --- |
54
| (C) | the taking, holding, protection or enforcement of the Finance Documents and the Transaction Security; |
|---|---|
| (D) | the exercise of any of the rights, powers, discretions, authorities and remedies vested in the Security Agent and each Receiver and Delegate by the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms or by law; |
| --- | --- |
| (E) | any default by any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager in the performance of any of the obligations expressed to be assumed by it in the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms; |
| --- | --- |
| (F) | any action by any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager which vitiates, affects its validity or is otherwise prejudicial to, the Transaction Security; and |
| --- | --- |
| (G) | instructing lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, surveyors or other professional advisers or experts as permitted under the Finance Documents, |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | acting as Security Agent, Receiver or Delegate under the Finance Documents or which otherwise relates to any of the Security Property or the performance of the terms of this Agreement or the other Finance Documents in accordance with their terms (otherwise, in each case, than by reason of the relevant Security Agent's, Receiver's or Delegate's gross negligence or wilful misconduct). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Security Agent and every Receiver and Delegate may, in priority to any payment to the Secured Parties, indemnify itself out of the Security Assets in respect of, and pay and retain, all sums necessary to give effect to the indemnity in this Clause 14.4 (Indemnity to the Security Agent) and shall have a lien on the Transaction Security and the proceeds of the enforcement of the Transaction Security for all monies payable to it. |
| --- | --- |
| 15 | MITIGATION BY THE FINANCE PARTIES |
| --- | --- |
| 15.1 | Mitigation |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Finance Party shall, in consultation with the Borrowers, take all reasonable steps to mitigate any circumstances which arise and which would result in any amount becoming payable under or pursuant to, or cancelled pursuant to, any of Clause 7.1 (Illegality and Sanctions affecting a Lender), Clause 12 (Tax Gross Up and Indemnities), Clause 13 (Increased Costs) including (but not limited to) transferring its rights and obligations under the Finance Documents to another Affiliate or Facility Office. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Paragraph (a) above does not in any way limit the obligations of any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager under the Finance Documents to which it is a party, in accordance with their respective terms. |
| --- | --- |
| 15.2 | Limitation of liability |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Obligor shall, on demand, indemnify each Finance Party for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by that Finance Party as a result of steps taken by it under Clause 15.1 (Mitigation). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | A Finance Party is not obliged to take any steps under Clause 15.1 (Mitigation) if either: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | a Default has occurred and is continuing; or |
| --- | --- |
55
| (ii) | in the opinion of that Finance Party (acting reasonably), to do so might be prejudicial to it. |
|---|---|
| 16 | COSTS AND EXPENSES |
| --- | --- |
| 16.1 | Transaction expenses |
| --- | --- |
The Obligors shall, on demand, pay the Facility Agent, the Security Agent the amount of all costs and expenses (including any agreed legal fees) reasonably incurred by any Secured Party in connection with the negotiation, preparation, printing, execution, syndication (but excluding any syndication costs Provided that there is no Event of Default which is continuing at the relevant time of such syndication) and perfection of:
| (a) | this Agreement and any other documents referred to in this Agreement or in a Finance Document; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | any other Finance Documents executed after the date of this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| 16.2 | Amendment costs |
| --- | --- |
If:
| (a) | a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager requests an amendment, waiver or consent under or in connection with this Agreement or any Finance Document to which it is a party; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | an amendment is required either pursuant to Clause 34.9 (Change of currency) or as contemplated in Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting); or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager requests, and the Security Agent agrees to, the release of all or any part of the Security Assets from the Transaction Security, |
| --- | --- |
the Obligors shall, on demand, reimburse each of the Facility Agent and the Security Agent for the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) reasonably incurred by each Secured Party in responding to, evaluating, negotiating or complying with that request or requirement, if such request or requirement is granted or such amendment, waiver, consent or release are effected or, in the case that any external advisors are reasonably required by the Facility Agent or the Security Agent in order to consider such request, amendment, waiver, consent or release or at any time when such request, amendment, waiver, consent or release is related to Clause 25 (Security Cover) or when an Event of Default has occurred.
| 16.3 | Enforcement and preservation costs |
|---|
The Obligors shall, on demand, pay to each Secured Party the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred by that Secured Party in connection with the enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights under, any Finance Document or the Transaction Security, in accordance with their respective terms, and with any proceedings instituted by or against that Secured Party as a consequence of it entering into a Finance Document, taking or holding the Transaction Security, or enforcing those rights, always in accordance with their terms.
56
SECTION 7
GUARANTEE AND JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY OF THE BORROWERS
| 17 | GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY |
|---|---|
| 17.1 | Guarantee and indemnity |
| --- | --- |
The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally:
| (a) | guarantees to each Finance Party punctual performance by each Borrower of all that Borrower's obligations under the Finance Documents; |
|---|---|
| (b) | undertakes with each Finance Party that whenever a Borrower does not pay any amount when due under or in connection with any Finance Document to which it is a party in accordance with their terms, the Guarantor shall immediately on demand pay that amount as if it were the principal obligor; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | agrees with each Finance Party that if any obligation guaranteed by it is or becomes unenforceable, invalid or illegal, it will, as an independent and primary obligation, indemnify that Finance Party immediately on demand against any cost, loss or liability it incurs as a result of a Borrower not paying any amount which would, but for such unenforceability, invalidity or illegality, have been payable by it under any Finance Document to which it is a party in accordance with their terms on the date when it would have been due. The amount payable by the Guarantor under this indemnity will not exceed the amount it would have had to pay under this Clause 17 (Guarantee and Indemnity) if the amount claimed had been recoverable on the basis of a guarantee. |
| --- | --- |
| 17.2 | Continuing guarantee |
| --- | --- |
This guarantee is a continuing guarantee and will extend to the ultimate balance of sums payable by each Borrower under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms, regardless of any intermediate payment or discharge in whole or in part.
| 17.3 | Reinstatement |
|---|
If any discharge, release or arrangement (whether in respect of the obligations of a Borrower or an Approved Manager or any security for those obligations or otherwise) is made by a Secured Party in whole or in part on the basis of any payment, security or other disposition which is avoided or must be restored in insolvency, liquidation, administration or otherwise, without limitation, then the liability of the Guarantor under this Clause 17 (Guarantee and Indemnity) will continue or be reinstated as if the discharge, release or arrangement had not occurred.
| 17.4 | Waiver of defences |
|---|
The obligations of the Guarantor under this Clause 17 (Guarantee and Indemnity) and in respect of any Transaction Security will not be affected or discharged by an act, omission, matter or thing which, but for this Clause 17.4 (Waiver of defences), would reduce, release or prejudice any of its obligations under this Clause 17 (Guarantee and Indemnity) or in respect of any Transaction Security (without limitation and whether or not known to it or any Secured Party) including:
57
| (a) | any time, waiver or consent granted to, or composition with, the Borrowers or other person; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the release of the Borrowers or any other person under the terms of any composition or arrangement with any creditor of any member of the Group; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | the taking, variation, compromise, exchange, renewal or release of, or refusal or neglect to perfect or delay in perfecting, or refusal or neglect to take up or enforce, or delay in taking or enforcing any rights against, or security over assets of, the Borrowers or other person or any non-presentation or non-observance of any formality or other requirement in respect of any instrument or any failure to realise the full value of any security; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | any incapacity or lack of power, authority or legal personality of or dissolution or change in the members or status of the Borrowers or any other person; |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | any amendment, novation, supplement, extension, restatement (however fundamental and whether or not more onerous) or replacement of any Finance Document or any other document or security including, without limitation, any change in the purpose of, any extension of or any increase in any facility or the addition of any new facility under any Finance Document or other document or security; |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | any unenforceability, illegality or invalidity of any obligation of any person under any Finance Document or any other document or security; or |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | any insolvency or similar proceedings. |
| --- | --- |
| 17.5 | Immediate recourse |
| --- | --- |
The Guarantor waives any right it may have of first requiring any Secured Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) to proceed against or enforce any other rights or security or claim payment from any person (including without limitation to commence any proceedings under any Finance Document or to enforce any Transaction Security) before claiming or commencing proceedings under this Clause 17 (Guarantee and Indemnity). This waiver applies irrespective of any law or any provision of a Finance Document to the contrary.
| 17.6 | Appropriations |
|---|
Following the occurrence of a Potential Event of Default which is continuing, each Secured Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) may:
| (a) | refrain from applying or enforcing any other moneys, security or rights held or received by that Secured Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) in respect of those amounts, or apply and enforce the same in such manner and order as it sees fit (whether against those amounts or otherwise) and the Guarantor shall not be entitled to the benefit of the same; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | hold in an interest-bearing suspense account any moneys received from the Guarantor or on account of the Guarantor's liability under this Clause 17 (Guarantee and Indemnity). |
| --- | --- |
58
| 17.7 | Deferral of Guarantor's rights |
|---|
All rights which the Guarantor at any time has (whether in respect of this guarantee, a mortgage or any other transaction) against the Borrowers or its respective assets shall be fully subordinated to the rights of the Secured Parties under the Finance Documents and until the end of the Security Period and unless the Facility Agent otherwise directs, the Guarantor will not exercise any rights which it may have (whether in respect of any Finance Document to which it is a Party or any other transaction) by reason of performance by it of its obligations under the Finance Documents or by reason of any amount being payable, or liability arising, under this Clause 17 (Guarantee and Indemnity):
| (a) | to be indemnified by the Borrowers; |
|---|---|
| (b) | to claim any contribution from any third party providing security for, or any other guarantor of, each Borrower's obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | to take the benefit (in whole or in part and whether by way of subrogation or otherwise) of any rights of the Secured Parties under the Finance Documents or of any other guarantee or security taken pursuant to, or in connection with, the Finance Documents by any Secured Party; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | to bring legal or other proceedings for an order requiring a Borrower to make any payment, or perform any obligation, in respect of which the Guarantor has given a guarantee, undertaking or indemnity under Clause 17.1 (Guarantee and indemnity); |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | to exercise any right of set-off against the Borrowers; and/or |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | to claim or prove as a creditor of the Borrowers in competition with any Secured Party. |
| --- | --- |
If the Guarantor receives any benefit, payment or distribution in relation to such rights it shall hold that benefit, payment or distribution to the extent necessary to enable all amounts which may be or become payable to the Secured Parties by the Borrowers under or in connection with the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms to be repaid in full on trust for the Secured Parties and shall promptly pay or transfer the same to the Facility Agent or as the Facility Agent may direct for application in accordance with Clause 34 (Payment Mechanics).
| 17.8 | Additional security |
|---|
This guarantee and any other Security given by the Guarantor is in addition to and is not in any way prejudiced by, and shall not prejudice, any other guarantee or Security or any other right of recourse now or subsequently held by any Secured Party or any right of set-off or netting or right to combine accounts in connection with the Finance Documents in accordance with their terms.
| 17.9 | Applicability of provisions of Guarantee to other Security |
|---|
Clauses 17.2 (Continuing guarantee), 17.3 (Reinstatement), 17.4 (Waiver of defences), 17.5 (Immediate recourse), 17.6 (Appropriations), 17.7 (Deferral of Guarantor's rights) and 17.8 (Additional security) shall apply, with any necessary modifications, to any additional Security which the Guarantor agrees to provide (whether at the time at which it signs this Agreement or at any later time) to secure the Secured Liabilities or any part of them.
59
| 17.10 | Release |
|---|
At the end of the Security Period, the Lenders shall release the Guarantor from this guarantee and indemnity and any of the Guarantor's obligations arising hereunder, with the exception of any indemnities contained in this Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents to which it is a party which are intended to survive Provided that such surviving indemnities shall survive only for a period of 12 months from the date of the relevant deed of release to be entered into by and between the relevant parties at that time.
| 18 | JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY OF THE BORROWERS |
|---|---|
| 18.1 | Joint and several liability |
| --- | --- |
All liabilities and obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement shall, whether expressed to be so or not, be joint and several.
| 18.2 | Waiver of defences |
|---|
The liabilities and obligations of a Borrower shall not be impaired by:
| (a) | this Agreement being or later becoming void, unenforceable or illegal as regards any other Borrower; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any Lender or the Security Agent entering into any rescheduling, refinancing or other arrangement of any kind with any other Borrower; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any Lender or the Security Agent releasing any other Borrower or any Security created by a Finance Document; or |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | any time, waiver or consent granted to, or composition with any other Borrower or other person; |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | the release of any other Borrower or any other person under the terms of any composition or arrangement with any creditor of any member of the Group; |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | the taking, variation, compromise, exchange, renewal or release of, or refusal or neglect to perfect, take up or enforce, any rights against, or security over assets of, any other Borrower or other person or any non-presentation or non-observance of any formality or other requirement in respect of any instrument or any failure to realise the full value of any security; |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | any incapacity or lack of power, authority or legal personality of or dissolution or change in the members or status of any other Borrower or any other person; |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | any amendment, novation, supplement, extension, restatement (however fundamental, and whether or not more onerous) or replacement of a Finance Document or any other document or security including, without limitation, any change in the purpose of, any extension of or any increase in any facility or the addition of any new facility under any Finance Document or other document or security; |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any unenforceability, illegality or invalidity of any obligation or any person under any Finance Document or any other document or security; or |
| --- | --- |
| (j) | any insolvency or similar proceedings. |
| --- | --- |
60
| 18.3 | Principal Debtor |
|---|
Each Borrower declares that it is and will, throughout the Security Period, remain a principal debtor for all amounts owing under this Agreement and the Finance Documents and no Borrower shall, in any circumstances, be construed to be a surety for the obligations of any other Borrower under this Agreement.
| 18.4 | Borrower restrictions |
|---|---|
| (a) | Subject to paragraph (b) below, during the Security Period no Borrower shall: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | claim any amount which may be due to it from any other Borrower whether in respect of a payment made under, or matter arising out of, this Agreement or any Finance Document, or any matter unconnected with this Agreement or any Finance Document; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | take or enforce any form of security from any other Borrower for such an amount, or in any way seek to have recourse in respect of such an amount against any asset of any other Borrower; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | set off such an amount against any sum due from it to any other Borrower; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | prove or claim for such an amount in any liquidation, administration, arrangement or similar procedure involving any other Borrower; or |
| --- | --- |
| (v) | exercise or assert any combination of the foregoing. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If during the Security Period, the Facility Agent, by notice to a Borrower, requires it to take any action referred to in paragraph (a) above in relation to any other Borrower, that Borrower shall take that action as soon as practicable after receiving the Facility Agent's notice. |
| --- | --- |
| 18.5 | Deferral of Borrowers' rights |
| --- | --- |
Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Borrowers under or in connection with the Finance Documents have been irrevocably paid in full and unless the Facility Agent otherwise directs, no Borrower will exercise any rights which it may have by reason of performance by it of its obligations under the Finance Documents:
| (a) | to be indemnified by any other Borrower; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | to claim any contribution from any other Borrower in relation to any payment made by it under the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
61
SECTION 8
REPRESENTATIONS, UNDERTAKINGS AND EVENTS OF DEFAULT
| 19 | REPRESENTATIONS |
|---|---|
| 19.1 | General |
| --- | --- |
Each Obligor makes the representations and warranties set out in this Clause 19 (Representations) to each Finance Party on the date of this Agreement, or as the case may be in respect of Borrower B, on the Effective Date.
| 19.2 | Status |
|---|---|
| (a) | It is a corporation, duly incorporated and validly existing in good standing under the law of its Original Jurisdiction. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | It has the power to own its assets and carry on its business as it is being conducted. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.3 | Share capital and ownership |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Borrower is authorised to issue 500 registered shares of $0.01 par value each, all of which shares have been issued fully paid. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The legal title to and beneficial interest in the shares in each Borrower is held by the Guarantor free of any Security (other than Permitted Security) or any other claim it being acknowledged however that the Guarantor is a US Nasdaq listed company. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | None of the shares in any Borrower is subject to any option to purchase, pre-emption rights or similar rights. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.4 | Binding obligations |
| --- | --- |
The obligations expressed to be assumed by it in each Transaction Document to which it is a party are, subject to any general principles of law limiting its obligations which are specifically referred to in any legal opinion delivered pursuant to Clause 4 (Conditions of Utilisation), legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations in accordance with their terms.
| 19.5 | Validity, effectiveness and ranking of Security |
|---|---|
| (a) | Each Finance Document to which it is a party does now or, as the case may be, will upon execution and delivery create, the Security it purports to create over any assets to which such Security, by its terms, relates, and such Security will, when created or intended to be created, be valid and effective. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | No third party has or will have any Security (except for Permitted Security) over any assets that are the subject of any Transaction Security granted by it under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with its terms. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | The Transaction Security granted by it to the Security Agent or any other Secured Party has or will when created or intended to be created have first ranking priority or such other priority it is expressed to have in the Finance Documents and is not subject to any prior ranking or pari passu ranking Security. |
| --- | --- |
62
| (d) | No concurrence, consent or authorisation of any person that is not party to this Agreement is required for the creation of or otherwise in connection with any Transaction Security. |
|---|---|
| 19.6 | Non-conflict with other obligations |
| --- | --- |
The entry into and performance by it of, and the transactions contemplated by, each Transaction Document to which it is a party do not and will not conflict with:
| (a) | any law or regulation applicable to it; |
|---|---|
| (b) | its constitutional documents; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any agreement or instrument binding upon it or any of its assets or constitute a default or termination event (however described) under any such agreement or instrument. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.7 | Power and authority |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | It has the power to enter into, perform and deliver, and has taken all necessary action to authorise: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | its entry into, performance and delivery of, each Transaction Document to which it is or will be a party and the transactions contemplated by those Transaction Documents; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | in the case of its Borrower, its registration of its Ship under the Approved Flag. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | No limit on its powers will be exceeded as a result of the borrowing, granting of security or giving of guarantees or indemnities contemplated by the Transaction Documents to which it is a party. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.8 | Validity and admissibility in evidence |
| --- | --- |
To the best of its knowledge and belief after having made due enquiries, all Authorisations required or desirable:
| (a) | to enable it lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights and comply with its obligations in the Transaction Documents to which it is a party; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | to make the Transaction Documents to which it is a party admissible in evidence in its Relevant Jurisdictions, |
| --- | --- |
have been obtained or effected and are in full force and effect.
| 19.9 | Governing law and enforcement |
|---|---|
| (a) | To the best of its knowledge and belief, the choice of governing law of each Transaction Document to which it is a party will be recognised and enforced in its Relevant Jurisdictions. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | To the best of its knowledge and belief, any judgment obtained in relation to a Transaction Document to which it is a party in the jurisdiction of the governing law of that Transaction Document will be recognised and enforced in its Relevant Jurisdictions. |
| --- | --- |
63
| 19.10 | Insolvency |
|---|
No:
| (a) | corporate action, legal proceeding or other procedure or step described in paragraph (a) of Clause 27.8 (Insolvency proceedings); or |
|---|---|
| (b) | creditors' process described in Clause 27.9 (Creditors' process), |
| --- | --- |
has been taken or, to its knowledge, threatened in relation to any Transaction Obligor, an Approved Manager or any member of the Group; and none of the circumstances described in Clause 27.7 (Insolvency) applies to any Transaction Obligor, an Approved Manager or any member of the Group.
| 19.11 | No filing or stamp taxes |
|---|
Under the laws of its Relevant Jurisdictions it is not necessary that the Finance Documents to which it is a party be registered, filed, recorded, notarised or enrolled with any court or other authority in that jurisdiction or that any stamp, registration, notarial or similar Taxes or fees be paid on or in relation to the Finance Documents to which it is a party or the transactions contemplated by those Finance Documents except the registration of a Mortgage at the applicable ship registry of the relevant Approved Flag; which registration will be made promptly after the date of the relevant Finance Documents.
| 19.12 | Deduction of Tax |
|---|
It is not required to make any Tax Deduction from any payment it may make under any Finance Document to which it is a party in accordance with its terms.
| 19.13 | No default |
|---|---|
| (a) | On the date of this Agreement and on the relevant Utilisation Date, no Event of Default has occurred which is continuing or might reasonably be expected to result from the making of any Utilisation or the entry into, the performance of, or any transaction contemplated by, any Transaction Document. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | No other event or circumstance is outstanding which constitutes a default or a termination event (however described) under any other agreement or instrument which is binding on it or to which its assets are subject which could have a Material Adverse Effect. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.14 | No misleading information |
| --- | --- |
To the best of its knowledge and belief, after having made due enquiries:
| (a) | any factual information provided by any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager for the purposes of this Agreement was true and accurate in all material respects as at the date it was provided or as at the date (if any) at which it is stated. |
|---|---|
| (b) | any budget contained in such information has been prepared on the basis of recent historical information and on the basis of reasonable assumptions. |
| --- | --- |
64
| (c) | Nothing has occurred or been omitted from any such information and no information has been given or withheld that results in any such information being untrue or misleading in any material respect. |
|---|---|
| 19.15 | Financial Statements |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Original Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the Guarantor's financial condition as at the end of the relevant financial year and its results of operations during the relevant financial year (consolidated and inclusive of the Guarantor's subsidiaries). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | There has been no event having a Material Adverse Effect since 31 December 2023. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Its most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Clause 20.2 (Financial statements): |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | have been prepared in accordance with Clause 20.4 (Requirements as to financial statements); and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | give a true and fair view of (if audited) or fairly represent (if unaudited) its financial condition as at the end of the relevant financial year and operations during the relevant financial year (consolidated in the case of the Guarantor). |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Since the date of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Clause 20.2 (Financial statements) there has been no event having a Material Adverse Effect. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.16 | Pari passu ranking |
| --- | --- |
Its payment obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with its terms rank at least pari passu with the claims of all its other unsecured and unsubordinated creditors, except for obligations mandatorily preferred by law applying to companies generally.
| 19.17 | No proceedings pending or threatened |
|---|---|
| (a) | No litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings or investigations (including proceedings or investigations relating to any alleged or actual breach of the ISM Code or of the ISPS Code) of or before any court, arbitral body or agency which, if adversely determined, might reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect have (to the best of its knowledge and belief (having made due and careful enquiry)) been started or threatened against it or any other Transaction Obligor, an Approved Manager or any member of the Group. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | No judgment or order of a court, arbitral tribunal or other tribunal or any order or sanction of any governmental or other regulatory body which might reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect has (to the best of its knowledge and belief (having made due and careful enquiry)) been made against it or any other Transaction Obligor, an Approved Manager or any member of the Group. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.18 | Validity and completeness of the Shipbuilding Contracts |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Shipbuilding Contract constitutes legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Builder. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Shipbuilding Contract delivered to the Facility Agent before the date of this Agreement is a true and complete copy. |
| --- | --- |
65
| (c) | No amendments or additions to any Shipbuilding Contract have been agreed nor has any Borrower or the Builder waived any of their respective rights under the relevant Shipbuilding Contract, other than as disclosed to the Facility Agent in writing on or before the date of this Agreement. |
|---|---|
| 19.19 | No rebates etc. |
| --- | --- |
There is no agreement or understanding to allow or pay any rebate, premium, inducement, commission, discount or other benefit to any Borrower or any other member of the Group, the Builder or a third party in connection with the purchase by a Borrower of a Ship, other than as disclosed to the Facility Agent in writing on or before the date of this Agreement.
| 19.20 | Valuations |
|---|---|
| (a) | All information supplied by it or on its behalf to an Approved Valuer for the purposes of a valuation delivered to the Facility Agent in accordance with this Agreement was true and accurate as at the date it was supplied or (if appropriate) as at the date (if any) at which it is stated to be given. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | It has not omitted to supply any information to an Approved Valuer which, if disclosed, would adversely affect any valuation prepared by such Approved Valuer. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | There has been no change to the factual information provided pursuant to paragraph (a) above in relation to any valuation between the date such information was provided and the date of that valuation which, in either case, renders that information untrue or misleading in any material respect. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.21 | No breach of laws |
| --- | --- |
It has not (and no other member of the Group has) breached any applicable law or regulation which breach has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
| 19.22 | No Charter |
|---|
No Ship is subject to any Charter other than a Permitted Charter.
| 19.23 | Compliance with Environmental Laws |
|---|
All applicable Environmental Laws relating to the ownership, operation and management of each Ship and the business of each member of the Group and the terms of all applicable Environmental Approvals have been complied with.
| 19.24 | No Environmental Claim |
|---|
No Environmental Claim has been made or threatened against any member of the Group or any Ship which might reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
| 19.25 | No Environmental Incident |
|---|
No Environmental Incident has occurred and no person has claimed that an Environmental Incident has occurred.
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| 19.26 | ISM and ISPS Code compliance |
|---|
All requirements of the ISM Code and the ISPS Code as they relate to each Borrower, an Approved Manager and each Ship have been complied with.
| 19.27 | Taxes paid |
|---|---|
| (a) | It is not and no other member of the Group is materially overdue in the filing of any applicable Tax returns and it is not (and no other member of the Group is) overdue in the payment of any amount in respect of applicable Tax. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | No claims or investigations are being, or are reasonably likely to be, made or conducted against it (or any other member of the Group) with respect to Taxes. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.28 | Financial Indebtedness |
| --- | --- |
No Borrower has any Financial Indebtedness outstanding other than Permitted Financial Indebtedness.
| 19.29 | Good title to assets |
|---|
It has good, valid and marketable title to, or valid leases or licences of, and all appropriate Authorisations to use, the assets necessary to carry on its business as presently conducted.
| 19.30 | Ownership |
|---|---|
| (a) | Each Borrower is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Ship owned by it, its Earnings and its Insurances it being acknowledged however that the Guarantor, in its capacity as Shareholder, is a US Nasdaq listed company. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | With effect on and from the date of its creation or intended creation, each Transaction Obligor has been or will be the sole legal and beneficial owner of any asset that is the subject of any Transaction Security created or intended to be created by such Transaction Obligor under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | The constitutional documents of each Obligor do not and could not restrict or inhibit any transfer of the shares of Borrowers on enforcement, following, for the avoidance of doubt, an Event of Default which is continuing, conferred by the Finance Documents in accordance with their terms. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.31 | Place of business |
| --- | --- |
Each Obligor will maintain its place of business and keep its corporate documents and records at the address stated in Clause 37 (Notices) and will not establish or do anything as a result of which it would be deemed to have a place of business in the United States or in the United Kingdom, it being acknowledged however that the Guarantor is a US NASDAQ Stock listed entity.
| 19.32 | No employee or pension arrangements |
|---|---|
| (a) | No Borrower has any employees (other than the master and crew members of the Ship owned by it) or any outstanding liabilities under any pension scheme. |
| --- | --- |
67
| (b) | To the extent applicable, within the last six years, no Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager nor any ERISA Affiliate has sponsored, maintained or was obligated to contribute to any Plan. |
|---|---|
| (c) | To the extent applicable, no Transaction Obligor nor an Approved Manager is deemed to be an entity whose underlying assets constitute "plan assets" within the meaning of 29 C.F.R. Section 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA. |
| --- | --- |
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions hereunder will not involve any non-exempt "prohibited transaction" for purposes of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
| 19.33 | Sanctions |
|---|---|
| (a) | Neither any Approved Manager nor any other Transaction Obligor nor any of their respective Subsidiaries, directors or officers (nor to the Borrowers' best knowledge, none of any such person's employees or agents acting within the scope of their agency): |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | is a Prohibited Person; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | has violated or is violating any Sanctions; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | has received notice of or is aware of any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation against it with respect to Sanctions by any Sanctions Authority; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | is knowingly engaged in any activity that would reasonably be expected to result in such person being designated as a Prohibited Person. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each of the Transaction Obligors and the Approved Manager has implemented and maintains in effect a Sanctions compliance policy or internal procedure, which is designed to ensure compliance by each such Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Sanctions. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | No Ship is a Sanctioned Ship. |
| --- | --- |
| 19.34 | US Tax Obligor |
| --- | --- |
No Transaction Obligor is a US Tax Obligor.
| 19.35 | Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act |
|---|---|
| (a) | No Obligor is not engaged, nor will it engage in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States), and no proceeds of the Loan will be used to buy or carry any margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of buying or carrying any margin stock. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | No Transaction Obligor is required to be registered as an "investment company" under the United States of America Investment Company Act of 1940. |
| --- | --- |
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| 19.36 | Anti-bribery |
|---|
No part of the proceeds of the Loan will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any government official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
| 19.37 | PATRIOT Act |
|---|
To the extent applicable each Obligor is in compliance with (i) the Trading with the Enemy Act, and each of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V) and any other enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto and (ii) the PATRIOT Act.
| 19.38 | Repetition |
|---|
The Repeating Representations are deemed to be made by each Obligor by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing on the date of each Utilisation Request and the first day of each Interest Period.
| 20 | INFORMATION UNDERTAKINGS |
|---|---|
| 20.1 | General |
| --- | --- |
The undertakings in this Clause 20 (Information Undertakings) remain in force from the date of this Agreement or, as the case may be in respect of Borrower B, on and from the Effective Date and throughout the Security Period unless the Facility Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders (or, where specified, all the Lenders), may otherwise permit.
| 20.2 | Financial statements |
|---|
The Obligors shall supply to the Facility Agent in sufficient copies for all the Lenders:
| (a) | as soon as they become available, but in any event within 180 days after the end of each of the Guarantor's financial years, the audited consolidated financial statements of the Guarantor and its subsidiaries (including the Borrowers) for that financial year; |
|---|---|
| (b) | as soon as they become available, but in any event within 75 days after the end of each of the Borrowers' respective financial years, the unaudited financial statements of the Borrowers for that financial year; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | as soon as they become available, but in any event within 75 days after the end of the Guarantor's and each Borrower's Fiscal Quarter, the management accounts for that Fiscal Quarter of each Borrower and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Guarantor and its subsidiaries (including the Borrowers) for that Fiscal Quarter, unless such information in respect of the financial statements of the Guarantor is otherwise publicly available to the Facility Agent; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | as soon as possible, but in any event within 60 days after the end of each financial year of each Borrower, a budget in a format reasonably approved by the Facility Agent which shows the anticipated expenditure in respect of each Ship during the next financial year of each Borrower (including, if applicable, an estimate of the first special survey of each Ship). |
| --- | --- |
69
| 20.3 | Compliance Certificate |
|---|---|
| (a) | The Guarantor shall supply to the Facility Agent, with each set of financial statements delivered pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) of Clause 20.2 (Financial statements), a Compliance Certificate setting out (in reasonable detail) computations as to compliance with Clause 21.2 (Guarantor's financial covenants) as at the date as at which those financial statements were drawn up. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Compliance Certificate shall be signed by an officer of the Guarantor and shall be reported on by the Guarantor's auditors **** in the form agreed by the Obligors and all the Lenders before the date of this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| 20.4 | Requirements as to financial statements |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each set of financial statements delivered by an Obligor pursuant to Clause 20.2 (Financial statements) shall be certified by an officer of the relevant Obligor as giving a true and fair view (if audited) or fairly representing (if unaudited) its financial condition and operations as at the date as at which those financial statements were drawn up. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Guarantor shall procure that each set of financial statements delivered pursuant to Clause 20.2 (Financial statements) is prepared using GAAP accounting practices unless, in relation to any set of financial statements, it notifies the Facility Agent that there has been a change in GAAP, the accounting practices or reference periods and its auditors deliver to the Facility Agent: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | a description of any change necessary for those financial statements to reflect the current GAAP, accounting practices and reference periods; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | sufficient information, in form and substance as may be reasonably required by the Facility Agent, to enable the Lenders to determine whether Clause 21 (Financial Covenants) has been complied with. |
| --- | --- |
| 20.5 | Information: miscellaneous |
| --- | --- |
Each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor and an Approved Manager shall, supply to the Facility Agent (in sufficient copies for all the Lenders, if the Facility Agent so requests):
| (a) | all documents dispatched by it to its shareholders (or any class of them) or its creditors generally at the same time as they are dispatched; |
|---|---|
| (b) | promptly upon becoming aware of them, the details of any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings or investigations (including proceedings or investigations relating to any alleged or actual breach of the ISM Code or of the ISPS Code) which are current, threatened or pending against any member of the Group, and which might, if adversely determined, have a Material Adverse Effect; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | promptly upon becoming aware of them, the details of any judgment or order of a court, arbitral body or agency which is made against any member of the Group and which might have a Material Adverse Effect; |
| --- | --- |
70
| (d) | as soon as practicable upon becoming aware of any fact indicating that it or any other member of the Group or an Approved Manager may be in breach, or be exposed to a breach, of Sanctions, Provided that the notification as such does not constitute a breach of mandatory law applicable to it; |
|---|---|
| (e) | promptly, its constitutional documents where these have been amended or varied; |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | promptly, such further information and/or documents regarding: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | each Ship, its Earnings or its Insurances; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the Security Assets; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | compliance of the Transaction Obligors and an Approved Manager with the terms of the Finance Documents to which they are a party in accordance with their terms; |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | the financial condition, business and operations of any member of the Group, |
| --- | --- |
as any Finance Party (through the Facility Agent) may reasonably request;
| (g) | promptly after the end of each Fiscal Quarter, the bank account statements in relation to the Greek Account evidencing all transactions during that Fiscal Quarter; and |
|---|---|
| (h) | promptly, such further information and/or documents as any Finance Party (through the Facility Agent) may reasonably request so as to enable such Finance Party to comply with any laws applicable to it or as may be required by any regulatory authority. |
| --- | --- |
| 20.6 | Notification of Default |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Obligor shall notify the Facility Agent of any Default which is continuing (and the steps, if any, being taken to remedy it) promptly upon becoming aware of its occurrence (unless that Obligor is aware that a notification has already been provided by another Obligor). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Promptly upon a request by the Facility Agent, each Borrower shall supply to the Facility Agent a certificate signed by one of its senior officers on its behalf certifying that no Default has occurred and is continuing (or if a Default is continuing, specifying the Default and the steps, if any, being taken to remedy it). |
| --- | --- |
| 20.7 | "Know your customer" checks |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | If (considering that the Guarantor is listed at the US Nasdaq): |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the introduction of or any change in (or in the interpretation, administration or application of) any law or regulation made after the date of this Agreement; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any change in the status of a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager (or of a Holding Company of that Transaction Obligor or that Approved Manager) (including, without limitation, a change of ownership of a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager or of a Holding Company of a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager) after the date of this Agreement; or |
| --- | --- |
71
| (iii) | a proposed assignment or transfer by a Lender of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a party that is not a Lender prior to such assignment or transfer, obliges a Finance Party (or, in the case of sub-paragraph (iii) above, any prospective new Lender) to comply with "know your customer" or similar identification procedures in circumstances where the necessary information is not already available to it, each Obligor shall promptly upon the request of any Finance Party supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by a Servicing Party (for itself or on behalf of any other Finance Party) or any Lender (for itself or, in the case of the event described in sub-paragraph (iii) above, on behalf of any prospective new Lender) in order for such Finance Party or, in the case of the event described in sub-paragraph (iii) above, any prospective new Lender, to carry out and be satisfied it has complied with all necessary "know your customer" or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations, including without limitation Sanctions, pursuant to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents including, without limitation, obtaining, verifying and recording certain information and documentation that will allow the Facility Agent and each of the Lenders to identify each Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager in accordance with the requirements of the PATRIOT Act. |
|---|---|
| (b) | Each Lender shall promptly upon the request of a Servicing Party supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Servicing Party (for itself) in order for that Servicing Party to carry out and be satisfied it has complied with all necessary "know your customer" or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations, including without limitation Sanctions, pursuant to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents including, without limitation, obtaining, verifying and recording certain information and documentation that will allow the Facility Agent and each of the Lenders to identify each Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager in accordance with the requirements of the PATRIOT Act. |
| --- | --- |
| 21 | FINANCIAL COVENANTS |
| --- | --- |
| 21.1 | Minimum Cash Reserve |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall maintain in its Cash Reserve Account on and from Utilisation Date relevant to each Tranche, a credit balance of:
| (a) | $300,000, at any time when the Ship owned by it is employed under an Assignable Charter and for the duration of such Assignable Charter; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | $500,000, at any time when the Ship owned by it is not employed under an Assignable Charter, |
| --- | --- |
and in each case throughout the duration of the Security Period,
(the "Minimum Cash Reserve").
| 21.2 | Guarantor's financial covenants |
|---|---|
| (a) | At all times during the Security Period the Guarantor shall: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | maintain Net Worth of not less than $15,000,000; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | ensure that the Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 75 per cent; and |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The financial covenants set out in paragraphs (i) and (ii) above shall apply at all times throughout the duration of the Security Period and shall be tested (A) annually by reference to the financial statements of the Guarantor delivered pursuant to paragraph (a) of Clause 20.2 (Financial Statements) together with the Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Clause 20.3 (Compliance Certificate) and (B) at any other time that the Facility Agent may reasonably require, by reference to the financial statements of the Guarantor most recently provided pursuant to Clause 20.2 (Financial Statements), commencing with the first relevant quarter test period following the first Utilisation Date. |
| --- | --- |
72
| (c) | Definitions |
|---|
In this Clause 21 (Financial Covenants):
"Fleet Vessels" means all of the vessels from time to time owned by any member of the Group or, as the case may be, of which any member of the Group is a disponent owner (each a "Fleet Vessel").
"Fleet Book Value" means, at the end of a relevant period, the aggregate book value of the Fleet Vessels less depreciation as stated in the most recent financial statements of the Group delivered pursuant to Clause 20.2(a) (Financial statements).
"Fleet Market Value" means, at the date of calculation, the aggregate of the Market Values of the Fleet Vessels.
"Leverage Ratio" means, at any relevant time, the ratio of:
| (a) | the Total Liabilities; to |
|---|---|
| (b) | the Market Value Adjusted Total Assets. |
| --- | --- |
"Market Value" means, in relation to each Fleet Vessel (other than the Ships), the market value thereof as obtained by the Guarantor for purposes of Clause 20.2(a) (Financial statements) and, in relation to a Ship, its most recent Market Value obtained for purposes of Clause 25.1 (Minimum required security cover).
"Market Value Adjusted Total Assets" **** means, at any relevant time, the Total Assets as adjusted by replacing the Fleet Book Value with the Fleet Market Value.
"Net Worth" means, at any relevant time, the amount obtained by deducting from the Market Value Adjusted Total Assets the amount of the Total Liabilities.
"Total Assets" means, at any relevant time, the total assets (including cash and cash equivalents) of the Group as stated in the most recent financial statements provided under Clause 20.2(a) (Financial statements).
"Total Liabilities" means, at any relevant time, the total liabilities of the Group as stated in the most recent financial statements provided under Clause 20.2(a) (Financial statements).
| (d) | The Borrowers shall provide the valuations (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be desktop valuations) required to determine the Fleet Market Value for the purpose of this Clause 21.2 (Guarantor's financial covenants) together with each Compliance Certificate to be provided pursuant to Clause 20.3 (Compliance certificate). |
|---|
In the event that the Facility Agent obtains valuations to test the financial covenants set out under Clause 21.2 (Guarantor's financial covenants) at any other time it so reasonably requires, such valuations (whether desktop or, as the case may be at the Facility Agent's discretion, by an Approved Valuer) shall be at the expense of the Facility Agent unless that testing determines that the Guarantor is not in compliance with Clause 21.2 (Guarantor's financial covenants), in which case, such valuations shall be at the expense of the Borrowers.
73
| 21.3 | Most favoured Nations |
|---|
The Guarantor shall ensure at all times during the Security period that the financial covenants described in Clause 21.2 (Guarantor's financial covenants) are no less favourable to the financial covenants granted or to be granted by the Guarantor under any existing or, as the case may be, future credit or loan facility or indenture agreement (or guarantee thereof) creating Financial Indebtedness to which the Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or any amendment or supplement to that credit, loan facility or indenture agreement (or guarantee thereof) or any agreement creating Financial Indebtedness to refinance or otherwise substitute any existing Financial Indebtedness of, or guarantee by, the Guarantor,
Provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, for the purpose of this Clause any covenant regarding the provision of cash collateral or restricted cash of any sort granted to other banks, financiers or other financial institutions shall not constitute a financial covenant for the purposes of this Clause.
Notwithstanding this Clause 21.3 (Most favoured Nations) above, the Guarantor shall promptly advise the Facility Agent of those arrangements and covenants in advance and shall, upon the Facility Agent's request (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders), enter into such documentation which amends and supplements this Agreement and the other Finance Documents, as the Majority Lenders may require in order to achieve parity with other banks, financiers or other financial institutions under the relevant financing of the Guarantor.
| 22 | GENERAL UNDERTAKINGS |
|---|---|
| 22.1 | General |
| --- | --- |
The undertakings in this Clause 22 (General Undertakings) remain in force from the date of this Agreement or, as the case may be in respect of Borrower B, on and from the Effective Date and throughout the Security Period except as the Facility Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders (or, where specified, all the Lenders) may otherwise permit.
| 22.2 | Authorisations |
|---|
Each Obligor shall promptly:
| (a) | obtain, comply with and do all that is necessary to maintain in full force and effect; |
|---|---|
| (b) | supply certified copies to the Facility Agent of, |
| --- | --- |
any applicable Authorisation required under any law or regulation of a Relevant Jurisdiction or the state of the Approved Flag at any time of each Ship to enable it to:
| (i) | perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party in accordance with its terms; |
|---|---|
| (ii) | ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence in any Relevant Jurisdiction and in the state of the Approved Flag at any time of each Ship of any Transaction Document to which it is a party in accordance with its terms; |
| --- | --- |
74
| (iii) | own and operate each Ship (in the case of the Borrowers); and |
|---|---|
| (c) | without prejudice to the generality of the above, ensure that if, but for the obtaining of an applicable Authorisation, an Obligor would be in breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement which relate to Sanctions or, by reason of Sanctions, would be prohibited from performing any provision of this Agreement, such an Authorisation is obtained so as to avoid such breach or to enable such performance. |
| --- | --- |
| 22.3 | Compliance with laws |
| --- | --- |
Each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor and an Approved Manager will, comply in all respects with all applicable laws and regulations to which it may be subject, if failure so to comply has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect including (i) the Trading with the Enemy Act and each of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V) and any other enabling legislation or executive order thereto and (ii) the PATRIOT Act.
| 22.4 | Environmental compliance |
|---|
Each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager will, and the Guarantor shall ensure that each other member of the Group will:
| (a) | comply with all applicable Environmental Laws; |
|---|---|
| (b) | obtain, maintain and ensure compliance with all requisite and applicable Environmental Approvals; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | implement procedures to monitor compliance with and to prevent liability under any applicable Environmental Law, |
| --- | --- |
where failure to do so has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
| 22.5 | Environmental Claims |
|---|
Each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager will, (through the Guarantor), promptly upon becoming aware of the same, inform the Facility Agent in writing of:
| (a) | any Environmental Claim which is current, pending or threatened against it or any member of the Group or the Approved Manager; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | any facts or circumstances which are reasonably likely to result in any Environmental Claim being commenced or threatened against it or any member of the Group or the Approved Manager, where the claim, if determined against it or any member of the Group or, as the case may be, the Approved Manager, has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. |
| --- | --- |
75
| 22.6 | Taxation |
|---|---|
| (a) | Each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor will, pay and discharge all applicable Taxes imposed upon it or its assets within the time period allowed without incurring penalties unless and only to the extent that: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | such payment is being contested in good faith; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | adequate reserves are maintained for those Taxes and the costs required to contest them and both have been disclosed in its latest financial statements delivered to the Facility Agent under Clause 20.2 (Financial statements); and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | such payment can be lawfully withheld and failure to pay those Taxes does not have or is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | No Obligor shall, and the Obligors shall procure that no other Transaction Obligor will, change its residence for Tax purposes without a prior written notification to the Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| 22.7 | No change to centre of main interests |
| --- | --- |
No Obligor shall have any place of business in the US or the UK without prior written notice to the Facility Agent.
| 22.8 | Pari passu ranking |
|---|
Each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor will, ensure that at all times any unsecured and unsubordinated claims of a Finance Party against it under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with its terms rank at least pari passu with the claims of all its other unsecured and unsubordinated creditors except those creditors whose claims are mandatorily preferred by laws of general application to companies.
| 22.9 | Title |
|---|---|
| (a) | Each Borrower shall hold the legal title to and own the entire beneficial interest in (with effect on and from its creation or intended creation), any other assets the subject of any Transaction Security created or intended to be created by that Borrower under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Borrower shall hold the legal title to and own the entire beneficial interest in the Ship owned by it, its Earnings and its Insurances. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | The Guarantor shall hold the legal title to, and own the entire beneficial interest in with effect on and from its creation or intended creation, any assets that are the subject of any Transaction Security created under the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
| 22.10 | Negative pledge |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | No Obligor shall, and the Obligors shall procure that no other Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager will, create or permit to subsist any Security over any of its assets which are, in the case of a Transaction Obligor other than the Borrowers, the subject of the Security created or intended to be created by the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms. |
| --- | --- |
76
| (b) | No Borrower shall: |
|---|---|
| (i) | sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets on terms whereby they are or may be leased to or re-acquired by a Transaction Obligor, an Approved Manager or any other member of the Group; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its receivables on recourse terms; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | enter into any arrangement under which money or the benefit of a bank or other account may be applied, set-off or made subject to a combination of accounts; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | enter into any other preferential arrangement having a similar effect, |
| --- | --- |
in circumstances where the arrangement or transaction is entered into primarily as a method of raising Financial Indebtedness or of financing the acquisition of an asset.
| (c) | Paragraphs (a) and (b) above do not apply to any Permitted Security. |
|---|---|
| 22.11 | Disposals |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Unless otherwise permitted under this Agreement, no Borrower shall, enter into a single transaction or a series of transactions (whether related or not) and whether voluntary or involuntary to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any asset (including without limitation any Ship, its Earnings or its Insurances or any sale or transfer or other arrangement pursuant to Clause 22.10 (b) (Negative Pledge)) without the prior consent of the Facility Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Paragraph (a) above does not apply to any Charter as all Charters are subject to Clause 24.16 (Restrictions on chartering, appointment of managers etc.), to any withdrawals from the relevant Earnings Account which are governed by Clause 26 (Accounts and application of Earnings) or any sale of a Ship Provided that each Borrower is in compliance with Clause 7.4 (Mandatory prepayment on sale or Total Loss) and Clause 7.6 (Restrictions). |
| --- | --- |
| 22.12 | Merger |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | No Obligor shall, and the Obligors shall procure that no other Transaction Obligor will, enter into any amalgamation, demerger, merger, corporate reconstruction or consolidation. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Paragraph (a) above shall not apply to any amalgamation, demerger, merger, corporate reconstruction or consolidation entered into by the Guarantor with the prior written consent of the Facility Agent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, if: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the Guarantor is the surviving legal entity; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the Guarantor continues to comply with the provisions of Clause 21.2 (Guarantor's Financial Covenants) following such amalgamation, demerger, merger, corporate reconstruction or consolidation; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | at the time of such amalgamation, demerger, merger, corporate reconstruction or consolidation there is no Event of Default that is continuing and no Change of Control will result from such amalgamation, demerger, merger, corporate reconstruction or consolidation; and |
| --- | --- |
77
| (iv) | such amalgamation, demerger, merger, corporate reconstruction or consolidation or does not have or is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. |
|---|---|
| 22.13 | Change of type of business |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Guarantor shall not change the type of its business from that carried on at the date of this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | No Borrower shall engage in any type of business other than the ownership, chartering, trading and operation of its Ship. |
| --- | --- |
| 22.14 | Financial Indebtedness |
| --- | --- |
No Obligor shall incur or permit to be outstanding any Financial Indebtedness except Permitted Financial Indebtedness.
| 22.15 | Expenditure |
|---|
No Borrower shall incur any expenditure, except for expenditure reasonably incurred in the ordinary course of its business of ship-owning, operating, maintaining and repairing its Ship.
| 22.16 | Share capital |
|---|
No Borrower shall:
| (a) | purchase, cancel, redeem or retire any of its issued shares; |
|---|---|
| (b) | increase or reduce the number of shares that it is authorised to issue or change the par value of such shares or create any new class of shares; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | issue any further shares except to the Shareholder and provided such new shares are made subject to the terms of the Shares Security immediately upon the issue of such new shares in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Security Agent and the terms of the Shares Security applicable to that Borrower are complied with; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | appoint any further director or officer of that Borrower (unless the provisions of the Shares Security applicable to that Borrower are complied with). |
| --- | --- |
| 22.17 | Dividends |
| --- | --- |
Unless otherwise permitted by the Facility Agent:
| (a) | a Borrower shall only be entitled to make a semi-annual Dividend Payment to the Guarantor Provided that: |
|---|---|
| (i) | no Event of Default has occurred at the time of such Dividend Payment nor would an Event of Default occur as a result of such Dividend Payment; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the Security Cover Ratio is at least 150 per cent. before the making of the relevant Dividend Payment and will remain at least 150 per cent. after the making of the relevant Dividend Payment. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | the Guarantor may only make a quarterly Dividend Payment Provided that no Event of Default has occurred or would result from such Guarantor's Dividend Payment. |
| --- | --- |
78
For the purposes of this Clause 22.17 (Dividends), "Security Cover Ratio" means, at any relevant time, the aggregate Market Value of the Ships plus any cash in the Cash Reserve Accounts and the Earnings Accounts in respect of a Ship subject to a Mortgage, expressed as a percentage of the Loan.
| 22.18 | Other transactions |
|---|
No Borrower shall:
| (a) | be the creditor in respect of any loan or any form of credit to any person other than another any member of the Group or an Approved Manager and where such loan or form of credit is Permitted Financial Indebtedness; |
|---|---|
| (b) | give or allow to be outstanding any guarantee or indemnity to or for the benefit of any person in respect of any obligation of any other person or enter into any document under which that Borrower assumes any liability of any other person other than any guarantee or indemnity given under the Finance Documents or permitted in the ordinary course of its business for operating its Ship up to the maximum amount of $500,000 per Ship. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | enter into any material agreement other than: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the Transaction Documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any other agreement expressly allowed under any other term of this Agreement or required in the ordinary course of its business Provided that it is not otherwise restricted from entering into such agreement pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | enter into any transaction on terms which are, in any respect, less favourable to that Borrower than those which it could obtain in a bargain made at arms' length; or |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | acquire any shares or other securities other than US or UK Treasury bills and certificates of deposit issued by major North American or European banks. |
| --- | --- |
| 22.19 | Unlawfulness, invalidity and ranking; Security imperilled |
| --- | --- |
No Obligor shall, and the Obligors shall procure that no other Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager will, do (or fail to do) or cause or permit another person to do (or omit to do) anything which is likely to:
| (a) | make it unlawful or contrary to Sanctions for a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager to perform any of its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms; |
|---|---|
| (b) | cause any obligation of a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party to cease to be legal, valid, binding or enforceable in accordance with their terms; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | cause any Transaction Document to which it is a party to cease to be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | cause any Transaction Security to rank after, or lose its priority to, any other Security; and |
| --- | --- |
79
| (e) | imperil or jeopardise the Transaction Security. |
|---|---|
| 22.20 | Sanctions |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | No Obligor shall, and shall not suffer, permit or authorize any other Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager or any other member of the Group to, directly or indirectly, use, lend, make payments of, contribute or otherwise make available, all or any part of the proceeds of the Loan or other transaction(s) contemplated by this Agreement to fund any trade, business or other activities: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | involving or for the benefit of any Prohibited Person or any subsidiary or joint venture partner of any Prohibited Person (whether at the time of such funding or otherwise); |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | in any country or territory, that at the time of such funding is a Sanctioned Country; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions by any Transaction Obligor, any Approved Manager, any other member of the Group or any Finance Party. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Obligor will, and will ensure that any other Transaction Obligor and Approved Manager and any other member of the Group will: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | ensure that no person that is a Prohibited Person will have any legal or beneficial interest in any funds repaid or remitted by that Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager to a Lender in connection with the Loan or any part of the Loan; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | not fund all or any part of any payment or repayment under the Loan out of proceeds derived from any activity with a Prohibited Person or in or with a Sanctioned Country; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | not fund all or any part of any payment or repayment under the Loan out of proceeds derived from transactions which would be prohibited by Sanctions or would otherwise cause any Finance Party, any Transaction Obligor, the Approved Manager or any other member of the Group to be in breach of Sanctions; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | procure that no proceeds from activities or business with a Prohibited Person or in or with a Sanctioned Country are credited to any Earnings Account or any other Account. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Each Obligor shall (and shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor and each other member of the Group shall) maintain in effect a Sanctions compliance policy or internal procedure, which is designed to ensure compliance by each such person and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Sanctions and any changes to any Sanctions compliance policy or internal procedure shall be promptly communicated to the Facility Agent upon its request. Without limitation on the foregoing, such Sanctions compliance policy or internal procedure shall procure that each Transaction Obligor, each other member of the Group and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall, where applicable: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | conduct their activities in a manner consistent with Sanctions; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | have sufficient resources in place to ensure execution of and compliance with their own Sanctions policies by their personnel, e.g., direct hires, contractors, and staff; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | ensure Subsidiaries and Affiliates comply with the relevant policies, as applicable; |
| --- | --- |
80
| (iv) | have relevant controls in place to monitor automatic identification system (AIS) transponders; |
|---|---|
| (v) | have controls in place to screen and assess onboarding or offloading cargo in areas they determine to present a high risk; |
| --- | --- |
| (vi) | have controls to assess authenticity of bills of lading, as necessary; and |
| --- | --- |
| (vii) | have controls in place consistent with the Sanctions Advisory. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Each Obligor shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager and each other member of the Group will comply in all respects with Sanctions. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | No Obligor, no other Transaction Obligor, no Approved Manager nor any other member of the Group shall be a Prohibited Person. |
| --- | --- |
| 22.21 | Further assurance |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor and Approved Manager will, promptly, and in any event within the time period specified by the Security Agent do all such acts (including procuring or arranging any registration, notarisation or authentication or the giving of any notice) or execute or procure execution of all such documents (including assignments, transfers, mortgages, charges, notices, instructions, acknowledgments, proxies and powers of attorney), as the Security Agent may specify (and in such form as the Security Agent may require in favour of the Security Agent or its nominee(s)): |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | to create, perfect, vest in favour of the Security Agent or protect the priority of the Security or any right of any kind created or intended to be created under or evidenced by the Finance Documents to which they are a party in accordance with their terms (which may include the execution of a mortgage, charge, assignment or other Security over all or any of the assets which are, or are intended to be, the subject of the Transaction Security) or for the exercise of any rights, powers and remedies of any of the Secured Parties provided by or pursuant to the Finance Documents or by law; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | to facilitate or expedite the realisation and/or sale of, the transfer of title to or the grant of, any interest in or right relating to the assets which are, or are intended to be, the subject of the Transaction Security or to exercise any power specified in any Finance Document to which it is a party in respect of which the Security has become enforceable in accordance with its terms; and/or |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | to enable or assist the Security Agent to enter into any transaction to commence, defend or conduct any proceedings and/or to take any other action relating to any item of the Security Property. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Obligor shall, and shall procure that each other Transaction Obligor and an Approved Manager will, take all such action as is available to it (including making all filings and registrations) as may be necessary for the purpose of the creation, perfection, protection or maintenance of any Security conferred or intended to be conferred on the Security Agent or the Secured Parties by or pursuant to the Finance Documents to which they are a party, in accordance with their terms. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | At the same time as an Obligor delivers to the Security Agent any document executed by itself or another Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager pursuant to this Clause 22.21 (Further assurance), that Obligor shall deliver, or shall procure that such other Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager will deliver, to the Security Agent a certificate signed by two directors or an officer (as applicable) of that Obligor or Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager which shall: |
| --- | --- |
81
| (i) | set out the text of a resolution of that Obligor's or Transaction Obligor's or Approved Manager's directors specifically authorising the execution of the document specified by the Security Agent; and |
|---|---|
| (ii) | state that either the resolution was duly passed at a meeting of the directors validly convened and held, throughout which a quorum of directors entitled to vote on the resolution was present, or that the resolution has been signed by all the directors and is valid under that Obligor's or Transaction Obligor's or Approved Manager's articles of association or other constitutional documents. |
| --- | --- |
| 22.22 | Employees and ERISA compliance |
| --- | --- |
To the extent that ERISA is applicable, no Borrower shall employ any individuals (other than the master and crew members of the Ship owned by it). Neither a Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate shall sponsor, maintain or become obligated to contribute to any Plan. Each Borrower shall provide prompt written notice to the Facility Agent in the event that that Borrower becomes aware that that Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has incurred or is reasonably likely to incur any liability with respect to any Plan, that, individually or in the aggregate with any other such liability, would be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
| 22.23 | Books and records |
|---|
The Guarantor will keep proper records and accounts which will be accurate in all material respects and in which full, true and correct entries in accordance with GAAP will be made of all dealings or transactions in relation to its business and activities.
| 23 | INSURANCE UNDERTAKINGS |
|---|---|
| 23.1 | General |
| --- | --- |
The undertakings in this Clause 23 (Insurance Undertakings) remain in force:
| (a) | with respect to Borrower A, from the date of this Agreement; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | with respect to Borrower B, on and from the Effective Date, |
| --- | --- |
and in each case throughout the rest of the Security Period except as the Facility Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders (or, where specified, all the Lenders) may otherwise permit.
| 23.2 | Maintenance of obligatory insurances |
|---|
Each Borrower shall keep the Ship owned by it insured at its expense against:
| (a) | fire and usual marine risks (including hull and machinery and excess risks) against all perils of the seas; |
|---|---|
| (b) | war risks including, but not limited to, violent theft, terrorism and piracy; |
| --- | --- |
82
| (c) | protection and indemnity risks including crew liability, cargo liability, pollution liability, removal of wreck and customary war risks; and |
|---|---|
| (d) | any other risks against which that Borrower (acting reasonably) is required to insure in light of its Ship's trading pattern and are from time to time required by any competent public body, the Approved Classification Society or any other competent public body having authority over that Borrower, that Ship or an Approved Manager and any other usual insurances that a prudent shipowner would take out in the ordinary course of business or that a reasonable lender would require on the basis of the above. |
| --- | --- |
| 23.3 | Terms of obligatory insurances |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall effect such insurances:
| (a) | in dollars; |
|---|---|
| (b) | in the case of fire and usual marine risks and war risks, in an amount on an agreed value basis at least the greater of: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | 120 per cent. of the Tranche relating to the Ship owned by it and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the Market Value of that Ship; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | in the case of oil pollution liability risks, for an aggregate amount equal to the highest level of cover from time to time available under basic protection and indemnity club entry and in the international marine insurance market but not less than $1,000,000,000; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | in the case of protection and indemnity risks, in respect of the full tonnage of its Ship; |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | on approved terms; and |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | through Approved Brokers and with approved insurance companies and/or underwriters or, in the case of war risks and protection and indemnity risks, in approved war risks and protection and indemnity risks associations. |
| --- | --- |
| 23.4 | Further protections for the Finance Parties |
| --- | --- |
In addition to the terms set out in Clause 23.3 (Terms of obligatory insurances), each Borrower shall procure that the obligatory insurances effected by it shall:
| (a) | subject always to paragraph (b), name that Borrower as the sole named insured unless the interest of every other named insured is limited: |
|---|---|
| (i) | in respect of any obligatory insurances for hull and machinery and war risks; |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | to any provable out-of-pocket expenses that it has incurred and which form part of any recoverable claim on underwriters; and |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | to any third party liability claims where cover for such claims is provided by the policy (and then only in respect of discharge of any claims made against it); and |
| --- | --- |
83
| (ii) | in respect of any obligatory insurances for protection and indemnity risks, to any recoveries it is entitled to make by way of reimbursement following discharge of any third party liability claims made specifically against it; |
|---|
and that it shall do all things necessary and provide all documents, evidence and information to enable the Security Agent to collect or recover any moneys which at any time become payable in respect of the obligatory insurances;
| (b) | whenever the Facility Agent requires, name (or be amended to name) the Security Agent as additional named insured for its rights and interests, warranted no operational interest and with full waiver of rights of subrogation against the Security Agent, but without the Security Agent being liable to pay (but having the right to pay) premiums, calls or other assessments in respect of such insurance; |
|---|---|
| (c) | name the Security Agent as loss payee with such directions for payment as per the agreed loss payable clause; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | provide that all payments by or on behalf of the insurers under the obligatory insurances to the Security Agent shall be made without set off, counterclaim or deductions or condition whatsoever; |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | provide that the obligatory insurances shall be primary without right of contribution from other insurances which may be carried by the Security Agent or any other Finance Party; and |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | provide that the Security Agent may make proof of loss if that Borrower fails to do so. |
| --- | --- |
| 23.5 | Renewal of obligatory insurances |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall:
| (a) | at least 21 days before the expiry of any obligatory insurance effected by it: |
|---|---|
| (i) | notify the Facility Agent of the Approved Brokers (or other insurers) and any protection and indemnity or war risks association through or with which it proposes to renew that obligatory insurance and of the proposed terms of renewal; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | obtain the Facility Agents' approval to the matters referred to in sub-paragraph (i) above; |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | at least 14 days before the expiry of any obligatory insurance, renew that obligatory insurance in accordance with the Facility Agent's approval pursuant to paragraph (a) above; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | procure that the Approved Brokers and/or the approved war risks and protection and indemnity associations with which such a renewal is effected shall promptly after the renewal notify the Facility Agent in writing of the terms and conditions of the renewal. |
| --- | --- |
| 23.6 | Copies of policies; letters of undertaking |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall ensure that the Approved Brokers provide the Security Agent with:
| (a) | pro forma copies of all policies relating to the obligatory insurances which they are to effect or renew; and |
|---|
84
| (b) | a letter or letters of undertaking in a form required by the Facility Agent and including undertakings by the Approved Brokers that: |
|---|---|
| (i) | they will have endorsed on each policy, immediately upon issue, a loss payable clause and a notice of assignment complying with the provisions of Clause 23.4 (Further protections for the Finance Parties); |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | they will hold such policies, and the benefit of such insurances, to the order of the Security Agent in accordance with such loss payable clause; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | they will advise the Security Agent immediately of any material change to the terms of the obligatory insurances and at least (14) days' prior to any policy cancellation for non-payment of premium; |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | they will, if they have not received notice of renewal instructions from the relevant Borrower or its agents, notify the Security Agent not less than 14 days before the expiry of the obligatory insurances; |
| --- | --- |
| (v) | if they receive instructions to renew the obligatory insurances, they will promptly notify the Facility Agent of the terms of the instructions; |
| --- | --- |
| (vi) | they will not set off against any sum recoverable in respect of a claim relating to the Ship owned by that Borrower under such obligatory insurances any premiums or other amounts due to them or any other person whether in respect of that Ship or otherwise, they waive any lien on the policies, or any sums received under them, which they might have in respect of such premiums or other amounts and they will not cancel such obligatory insurances by reason of non-payment of such premiums or other amounts; and |
| --- | --- |
| (vii) | they will arrange for a separate policy to be issued in respect of the Ship owned by that Borrower forthwith upon being so requested by the Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| 23.7 | Copies of certificates of entry |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall ensure that any protection and indemnity and/or war risks associations in which the Ship owned by it is entered provide the Security Agent with:
| (a) | a certified copy of the certificate of entry for that Ship; |
|---|---|
| (b) | a letter or letters of undertaking in such form as may be reasonably required by the Facility Agent acting on the instructions of Majority Lenders; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | a certified copy of each certificate of financial responsibility for pollution by oil or other Environmentally Sensitive Material issued by the relevant certifying authority in relation to that Ship. |
| --- | --- |
| 23.8 | Deposit of original policies |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall ensure that all policies relating to obligatory insurances effected by it are deposited with the Approved Brokers through which the insurances are effected or renewed.
85
| 23.9 | Payment of premiums |
|---|
Each Borrower shall punctually pay all premiums or other sums payable in respect of the obligatory insurances effected by it and produce all relevant receipts when so required by the Facility Agent or the Security Agent.
| 23.10 | Guarantees |
|---|
Each Borrower shall ensure that any guarantees required by a protection and indemnity or war risks association are promptly issued and remain in full force and effect.
| 23.11 | Compliance with terms of insurances |
|---|---|
| (a) | No Borrower shall do or omit to do (nor permit to be done or not to be done) any act or thing which would or might render any obligatory insurance invalid, void, voidable or unenforceable or render any sum payable under an obligatory insurance repayable in whole or in part. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Without limiting paragraph (a) above, each Borrower shall: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | take all necessary action and comply with all requirements which may from time to time be applicable to the obligatory insurances, and (without limiting the obligation contained in sub-paragraph (iii) of paragraph (b) of Clause 23.6 (Copies of policies; letters of undertaking)) ensure that the obligatory insurances are not made subject to any exclusions or qualifications to which the Facility Agent has not given its prior approval; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | not make any changes relating to the classification or classification society or manager or operator of the Ship owned by it approved by the underwriters of the obligatory insurances; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | make (and promptly supply copies to the Facility Agent of) all quarterly or other voyage declarations which may be required by the protection and indemnity risks association in which the Ship owned by it is entered to maintain cover for trading to the United States of America and Exclusive Economic Zone (as defined in the United States Oil Pollution Act 1990 or any other applicable legislation); and |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | not employ the Ship owned by it, nor allow it to be employed, otherwise than in conformity with the terms and conditions of the obligatory insurances, without first obtaining the consent of the insurers and complying with any requirements (as to extra premium or otherwise) which the insurers specify. |
| --- | --- |
| 23.12 | Alteration to terms of insurances |
| --- | --- |
No Borrower shall make or agree to any material alteration to the terms of any obligatory insurance or waive any right relating to any obligatory insurance without the prior written consent of the Facility Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld). For the avoidance of doubt, "material alteration" shall include any amendments as a result of which a Borrower would not be in compliance with the required insured value of Ship owned by it or any other requirements under this Clause 23 (Insurance Undertakings).
86
| 23.13 | Settlement of claims |
|---|
Each Borrower shall:
| (a) | not settle, compromise or abandon any claim under any obligatory insurance for Total Loss or for a Major Casualty without the prior written consent of the Facility Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld); and |
|---|---|
| (b) | do all things necessary and provide all documents, evidence and information to enable the Security Agent to collect or recover any moneys which at any time become payable in respect of the obligatory insurances. |
| --- | --- |
| 23.14 | Provision of copies of communications |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall provide the Security Agent, following the Security Agent's written request to this effect, with copies of all written communications between that Borrower and:
| (a) | the Approved Brokers; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the approved protection and indemnity and/or war risks associations; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | the approved insurance companies and/or underwriters, |
| --- | --- |
which relate directly or indirectly to:
| (i) | that Borrower's obligations relating to the obligatory insurances including, without limitation, all requisite declarations and payments of additional premiums or calls; and |
|---|---|
| (ii) | any credit arrangements made between that Borrower and any of the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above relating wholly or partly to the effecting or maintenance of the obligatory insurances. |
| --- | --- |
| 23.15 | Provision of information |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall promptly provide the Facility Agent (or any persons which it may designate) with any information which the Facility Agent (or any such designated person) requests for the purpose of:
| (a) | obtaining or preparing any report from an independent marine insurance broker as to the adequacy of the obligatory insurances effected or proposed to be effected; and/or |
|---|---|
| (b) | effecting, maintaining or renewing any such insurances as are referred to in Clause 23.16 (Mortgagee's interest and additional perils insurances) or dealing with or considering any matters relating to any such insurances, |
| --- | --- |
and the Borrowers shall, forthwith upon demand, indemnify the Security Agent in respect of all fees and other documented expenses incurred by or for the account of the Security Agent in connection with any such report as is referred to in paragraph (a) above Provided that unless there is an Event of Default which is continuing, the Borrowers shall only bear the cost of such insurance report once per year.
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| 23.16 | Mortgagee's interest and additional perils insurances |
|---|---|
| (a) | The Security Agent shall be entitled from time to time to effect, maintain and renew a mortgagee's interest marine insurance and a mortgagee's interest additional perils insurance each in an amount of 120 per cent. of the Loan, on such terms, through such insurers and generally in such manner as the Security Agent acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders may from time to time consider appropriate. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Borrowers shall, upon demand, fully indemnify the Security Agent in respect of all premiums and other documented expenses which are incurred in connection with or with a view to effecting, maintaining or renewing any insurance referred to in paragraph (a) above or dealing with, or considering, any matter arising out of any such insurance. |
| --- | --- |
| 24 | SHIP UNDERTAKINGS |
| --- | --- |
| 24.1 | General |
| --- | --- |
The undertakings in this Clause 24 (Ship Undertakings) remain in force:
| (a) | with respect to Borrower A, from the date of this Agreement; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | with respect to Borrower B, on and from the Effective Date, |
| --- | --- |
and in each case throughout the rest of the Security Period except as the Facility Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders (or, where specified, all the Lenders) may otherwise permit (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed in relation to Clause 24.16(b) (Restrictions on chartering, appointment of managers etc.)).
| 24.2 | Ships' names and registration |
|---|
Each Borrower shall, in respect of the Ship owned by it:
| (a) | keep that Ship registered in its name under the Approved Flag from time to time at its port of registration; |
|---|---|
| (b) | not do or allow to be done anything as a result of which such registration might be suspended, cancelled or imperilled; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | not enter into any dual flagging arrangement in respect of that Ship; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | not change the name of that Ship, |
| --- | --- |
provided that any agreed change of name or flag of the Ship shall be subject to:
| (i) | that Ship remaining subject to Security securing the Secured Liabilities created by a first priority or preferred ship mortgage on that Ship and, if appropriate, a first priority deed of covenant collateral to that mortgage (or equivalent first priority Security) on substantially the same terms as the Mortgage on that Ship and on such other terms and in such other form as the Facility Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders, shall approve or require; and |
|---|
88
| (ii) | the execution of such other documentation amending and supplementing the Finance Documents as the Facility Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders, shall approve or require. |
|---|---|
| 24.3 | Repair and classification |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall keep the Ship owned by it in a good and safe condition and state of repair:
| (a) | consistent with first class ship ownership and management practice; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | so as to maintain the Approved Classification free of overdue recommendations and conditions affecting that Ship's class. |
| --- | --- |
| 24.4 | Classification society undertaking |
| --- | --- |
If required by the Facility Agent in writing each Borrower shall, in respect of the Ship owned by it, instruct the relevant Approved Classification Society (and procure that the Approved Classification Society undertakes with the Security Agent):
| (a) | to send to the Security Agent, following receipt of a written request from the Security Agent, certified true copies of all original class records held by the Approved Classification Society in relation to that Ship; |
|---|---|
| (b) | to allow the Security Agent (or its agents), at any time and from time to time, to inspect the original class and related records of that Borrower and that Ship at the offices of the Approved Classification Society and to take copies of them; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | to notify the Security Agent immediately in writing if the Approved Classification Society: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | receives notification from that Borrower or any person that that Ship's Approved Classification Society is to be changed; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | becomes aware of any facts or matters which may result in or have resulted in a change, suspension, discontinuance, withdrawal or expiry of that Ship's class under the rules or terms and conditions of that Borrower or that Ship's membership of the Approved Classification Society; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | following receipt of a written request from the Security Agent: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | to confirm that that Borrower is not in default of any of its contractual obligations or liabilities to the Approved Classification Society, including confirmation that it has paid in full all fees or other charges due and payable to the Approved Classification Society; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | to confirm that that Borrower is in default of any of its contractual obligations or liabilities to the Approved Classification Society, to specify to the Security Agent in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances of such default, the consequences of such default, and any remedy period agreed or allowed by the Approved Classification Society. |
| --- | --- |
89
| 24.5 | Modifications |
|---|
No Borrower shall make any modification or repairs to, or replacement of, any Ship or equipment installed on it which would or might materially and adversely alter the structure, type or performance characteristics of that Ship, subject to that Ship maintaining at all times the requirements of the relevant Approved Classification Society and its Approved Classification. For the avoidance of doubt, the installation of a scrubber on that Ship does not constitute such modification.
| 24.6 | Removal and installation of parts |
|---|---|
| (a) | Subject to paragraph (b) below, no Borrower shall remove any material part of any Ship, or any item of equipment installed on any Ship unless: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the part or item so removed is forthwith replaced by a suitable part or item which is in the same condition as or better condition than the part or item removed; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the replacement part or item is free from any Security in favour of any person other than the Security Agent; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | the replacement part or item becomes, on installation on that Ship, the property of that Borrower and subject to the security constituted by the Mortgage on that Ship. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | A Borrower may install equipment owned by a third party if the equipment can be removed without any risk of damage to the Ship owned by that Borrower. |
| --- | --- |
| 24.7 | Surveys |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall submit the Ship owned by it regularly to all periodic or other surveys which may be required for classification purposes and, if so required by the Facility Agent acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders, provide the Facility Agent, with copies of all survey reports.
| 24.8 | Inspection |
|---|---|
| (a) | Each Borrower shall permit the Security Agent (acting through surveyors or other persons appointed by it for that purpose) to board the Ship owned by it at once annually (unless an Event of Default or a Major Casualty has occurred, in which case, at any time), with prior notice reasonably in advance, without delaying or interfering with that Ship's operation and/or loading or unloading schedule, to inspect its condition or to satisfy themselves about proposed or executed repairs and shall afford all proper facilities for such inspections. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The reasonable cost of one (1) inspection annually in respect of each Ship shall be for the account of the Borrowers only after the third anniversary of the Utilisation Date relevant to that Ship (unless an Event of Default or a Major Casualty has occurred, in which case, the cost shall, at all such times, be for the account of the Borrowers). |
| --- | --- |
| 24.9 | Prevention of and release from arrest |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Borrower shall, in respect of the Ship owned by it, promptly discharge: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | all liabilities which give or may give rise to maritime or possessory liens on or claims enforceable against that Ship, its Earnings or its Insurances; |
| --- | --- |
90
| (ii) | all Taxes, dues and other amounts charged in respect of that Ship, its Earnings or its Insurances; and |
|---|---|
| (iii) | all other outgoings whatsoever in respect of that Ship, its Earnings or its Insurances. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Borrower shall promptly upon receiving notice of the arrest of the Ship owned by it or of its detention in exercise or purported exercise of any lien or claim, take all steps necessary to procure its release within 48 hours upon receipt of such notice by providing bail or otherwise as the circumstances may require. |
| --- | --- |
| 24.10 | Compliance with laws etc. |
| --- | --- |
Each Borrower shall:
| (a) | comply, or procure compliance with all applicable laws or regulations: |
|---|---|
| (i) | relating to its business generally; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | relating to the Ship owned by it, its ownership, employment, operation, management and registration, |
| --- | --- |
including, but not limited to:
| (A) | the ISM Code; |
|---|---|
| (B) | the ISPS Code; |
| --- | --- |
| (C) | all applicable Environmental Laws; |
| --- | --- |
| (D) | all applicable Sanctions; and |
| --- | --- |
| (E) | the laws of the Approved Flag; and |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | obtain, comply with and do all that is necessary to maintain in full force and effect any Environmental Approvals. |
| --- | --- |
| 24.11 | ISPS Code |
| --- | --- |
Without limiting paragraph (a) of Clause 24.10 (Compliance with laws etc.), each Borrower shall:
| (a) | procure that the Ship owned by it and the company responsible for that Ship's compliance with the ISPS Code comply with the ISPS Code; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | maintain an ISSC for that Ship; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | notify the Facility Agent immediately in writing of any actual or threatened withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of the ISSC. |
| --- | --- |
91
| 24.12 | Sanctions and Ship trading |
|---|
Without limiting Clause 24.10 (Compliance with laws etc.), each Borrower shall procure:
| (a) | that the Ship owned by it shall not be used by or for the benefit of a Prohibited Person or in trading to or from a Sanctioned Country; |
|---|---|
| (b) | that the Ship owned by it shall not otherwise be used to or from a Sanctioned Country or otherwise in any manner contrary to Sanctions, or in a manner that creates a risk that a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager will become a Prohibited Person or in any manner which would cause any Finance Party to be in breach of or made subject to Sanctions, or at risk of being in breach of or made subject to Sanctions; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | that the Ship owned by it shall not be used in trading in any manner that creates a risk that the Ship will become a Sanctioned Ship; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | that the Ship owned by it shall not be traded in any manner which would trigger the operation of any sanctions limitation or exclusion clause (or similar) in the Insurances; and |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | without prejudice to the above provisions of this Clause 24.12 (Sanctions and Ship trading), that each time charterparty in respect of the Ship owned by it shall contain, for the benefit of that Borrower, the BIMCO Sanctions Clause and the BIMCO Non Designated Entities Clause. |
| --- | --- |
| 24.13 | Trading in war zones or excluded areas |
| --- | --- |
No Borrower shall, and shall procure that any Approved Manager shall not, cause or permit any Ship to enter or trade to any zone which is declared a war zone by any government or by that Ship's war risks insurers or which is otherwise excluded from the scope of coverage of the obligatory insurances unless:
| (a) | it has provided prior written notice to the Facility Agent of its intention to do so; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the prior written consent of that Ship's insurers has been given; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | that Borrower has (at its expense) effected any special, additional or modified insurance cover which its Ship's insurers may require and has provided evidence thereof satisfactory to the Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| 24.14 | Provision of information |
| --- | --- |
Without prejudice to Clause 20.5 (Information: miscellaneous) each Borrower shall, in respect of the Ship owned by it, promptly provide the Facility Agent with any information which it reasonably requests regarding:
| (a) | that Ship, its employment, position and engagements; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the Earnings and payments and amounts due to its master and crew; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any expenditure incurred, or likely to be incurred, in connection with the operation, maintenance or repair of that Ship and any payments made by it in respect of that Ship; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | any towages and salvages; and |
| --- | --- |
92
| (e) | its compliance, the Approved Manager's compliance and the compliance of that Ship with the ISM Code and the ISPS Code, and |
|---|---|
| (f) | annual EU ETS, EU MRV and Fuel EU Maritime emissions data and evidence of compliance with EU ETS, EU MRV and Fuel EU Maritime and timely surrender of EU ETS allowances, |
| --- | --- |
and, upon the Facility Agent's request, promptly provide copies of any current Charter relating to that Ship, of any current guarantee of any such Charter, that Ship's Safety Management Certificate, any relevant Document of Compliance and any Fuel EU Maritime document of compliance.
| 24.15 | Notification of certain events |
|---|
Each Borrower shall, in respect of the Ship owned by it, immediately notify the Facility Agent by email of:
| (a) | any casualty to that Ship which is or is likely to be or to become a Major Casualty; |
|---|---|
| (b) | any occurrence as a result of which that Ship has become or is, by the passing of time or otherwise, likely to become a Total Loss; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any requisition of that Ship for hire; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | any requirement, condition or recommendation made in relation to that Ship by any insurer, or classification society, Approved Flag or PSC or by any competent authority which is not complied with in accordance with its terms; |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | any arrest or detention of that Ship or any exercise or purported exercise of any lien on that Ship or its Earnings; |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | any intended dry docking of that Ship; |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | any Environmental Claim made against that Borrower or in connection with that Ship, or any Environmental Incident; |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | any claim for breach of the ISM Code or the ISPS Code being made against that Borrower, an Approved Manager or otherwise in connection with that Ship; |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any other matter, event or incident, actual or threatened, the effect of which will or could lead to the ISM Code or the ISPS Code not being complied with; |
| --- | --- |
| (j) | any notice, or such Borrower becoming aware, of any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation against any Transaction Obligor, any member of the Group or any Approved Manager or any of their respective directors, officers or employees with respect to Sanctions; or |
| --- | --- |
| (k) | any circumstances which could give rise to a breach of any representation or undertaking in this Agreement, or any Event of Default, relating to Sanctions, |
| --- | --- |
and each Borrower shall keep the Facility Agent advised in writing on a regular basis and in such detail as the Facility Agent shall require as to that Borrower's, any such Approved Manager's or any other person's response to any of those events or matters.
93
| 24.16 | Restrictions on chartering, appointment of managers etc. |
|---|
No Borrower shall, in relation to the Ship owned by it, without the prior consent of the Facility Agent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed with respect to paragraphs (b), (c) or (d)):
| (a) | let that Ship on demise charter for any period; |
|---|---|
| (b) | enter into any time, voyage or consecutive voyage charter in respect of that Ship other than a Permitted Charter; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | materially amend any terms of a Management Agreement or any Assignable Charter (such "material" amendment to include (as applicable), without limitation, any terms relating to any commissions, management fees, duration of the contract, sanctions, change of control or merger in respect of the relevant Approved Manager or, as the case may be, Charterer); |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | amend, supplement or terminate a Management Agreement (other than as set out in paragraph (c) above); |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | appoint a manager of that Ship other than an Approved Manager or agree to any alteration to the terms of an Approved Manager's appointment (other than as set out in paragraph (c) above); |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | de activate or lay up that Ship; or |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | put that Ship into the possession of any person for the purpose of work being done upon it in an amount exceeding or likely to exceed $750,000 (or the equivalent in any other currency) unless that person has first given to the Security Agent and in terms satisfactory to it a written undertaking not to exercise any lien on that Ship or its Earnings for the cost of such work or for any other reason. |
| --- | --- |
| 24.17 | Charterparty Assignment |
| --- | --- |
If a Borrower enters into any Assignable Charter and subject to obtaining the prior consent of the Facility Agent in accordance with paragraph (b) of Clause 24.16 (Restrictions on chartering, appointment of managers etc.), that Borrower shall promptly after the date of entry into such Assignable Charter:
| (a) | provide the Facility Agent with a certified true copy of such Assignable Charter (or, alternatively if a copy is not then available, a copy of a binding and unconditional recapitulation of charterparty terms); |
|---|---|
| (b) | execute in favour of the Security Agent a Charterparty Assignment in respect of that Assignable Charter (such Charterparty Assignment to be notified to the relevant Charterer and any charter guarantor and that Borrower shall use its best efforts to procure that an executed acknowledgment of such notice from the relevant Charterer and charter guarantor is obtained); and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | shall deliver to the Facility Agent such other documents as it may reasonably require in connection with that Borrower entering into such Charterparty Assignment (including, without limitation, documents equivalent to those referred to at paragraphs 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, 6.6 of Part A of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent) and paragraph 2.1 of Part B of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent)). |
| --- | --- |
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| 24.18 | Notice of Mortgage |
|---|
Each Borrower shall keep the relevant Mortgage registered against the Ship owned by it as a valid first preferred mortgage, carry on board that Ship a certified copy of the relevant Mortgage and place and maintain in a conspicuous place in the navigation room and the master's cabin of that Ship a framed printed notice stating that that Ship is mortgaged by that Borrower to the Security Agent.
| 24.19 | Sharing of Earnings |
|---|
No Borrower shall enter into any agreement or arrangement for the sharing of any Earnings, other than, subject to the prior written consent of the Facility Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), customary profit-sharing arrangements under a Charter.
| 24.20 | Inventory of Hazardous Materials |
|---|
Each Borrower shall maintain an Inventory of Hazardous Materials in respect of the Ship owned by it.
| 24.21 | Ship tracking |
|---|
Each Borrower hereby acknowledges the Finance Parties' right to track the Ship owned by it.
| 24.22 | Notification of compliance |
|---|
Each Borrower shall promptly provide the Facility Agent from time to time with evidence (in such form as the Facility Agent requires) that it is complying with this Clause 24 (Ship Undertakings).
| 25 | SECURITY COVER |
|---|---|
| 25.1 | Minimum required security cover |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Clause 25.2 (Provision of additional security; prepayment) applies if, the Facility Agent at any time from the date of this Agreement notifies the Borrowers that the Security Cover Ratio is below 130 per cent. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Facility Agent shall test the minimum required security cover under this Clause 25.1 (Minimum required security cover) on each Testing Date and at any other time as the Facility Agent may require at the Finance Parties' expense (unless, as a result of such test, the Facility Agent determines that a Default has occurred and is continuing, in which case, at the expense of the Borrowers). |
| --- | --- |
| 25.2 | Provision of additional security; prepayment |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | If the Facility Agent serves a notice on the Borrowers under Clause 25.1 (Minimum required security cover), the Borrowers shall, on or before the date falling one Month after the date on which the Facility Agent's notice is served (the "Prepayment Date"), prepay such part of the Loan as shall eliminate the shortfall. |
| --- | --- |
95
| (b) | A Borrower may, instead of making a prepayment as described in paragraph (a) above, provide, or ensure that a third party has provided, additional security which, in the opinion of the Facility Agent acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders: |
|---|---|
| (i) | has a net realisable value at least equal to the shortfall; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | is documented in such terms as the Facility Agent may approve or require, |
| --- | --- |
before the Prepayment Date; and conditional upon such security being provided in such manner, it shall satisfy such prepayment obligation.
| 25.3 | Value of additional vessel security |
|---|
The net realisable value of any additional security which is provided under Clause 25.2 (Provision of additional security; prepayment) which constitutes a first preferred or first priority mortgage over a vessel shall be the Market Value of the vessel concerned.
| 25.4 | Valuations binding |
|---|
Any valuation under this Clause 25 (Security Cover) shall (absent manifest error) be binding and conclusive as regards the Borrower.
| 25.5 | Provision of information |
|---|---|
| (a) | Each Borrower shall promptly provide the Facility Agent and any shipbroker acting under this Clause 25 (Security Cover) with any information which the Facility Agent or the shipbroker may request for the purposes of the valuation. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If a Borrower fails to provide the information referred to in paragraph (a) above by the date specified in the request, the valuation may be made on any basis and assumptions which the shipbroker or the Facility Agent considers prudent. |
| --- | --- |
| 25.6 | Prepayment mechanism |
| --- | --- |
Any prepayment pursuant to Clause 25.2 (Provision of additional security; prepayment) shall be made in accordance with the relevant provisions of Clause 7 (Prepayment and Cancellation) and shall be treated as a voluntary prepayment pursuant to Clause 7.3 (Voluntary prepayment of Loan).
| 25.7 | Provision of valuations |
|---|---|
| (a) | The Facility Agent may, at any time obtain a valuation of each Ship and any other vessel over which additional Security has been created in accordance with Clause 25.3 (Value of additional vessel security), from an Approved Valuer, addressed to the Finance Parties, to enable the Facility Agent to determine the Market Value of that Ship or that vessel. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The cost of the valuations obtained under sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) below shall be borne or reimbursed by the Borrowers: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | not more than 10 Business Days before each Utilisation Date; |
| --- | --- |
96
| (ii) | following each Utilisation Date, on one of the two Testing Dates during the Security Period (which shall include for the purposes of allowing a Dividend Payment to be made under Clause 22.17 (Dividends)); and |
|---|---|
| (iii) | at any time after a Default has occurred and is continuing. |
| --- | --- |
The Facility Agent may also obtain such a valuation evidencing the Market Value of a Ship or any other vessel over which additional Security has been created in accordance with Clause 25.3 (Value of additional vessel security) at any other time at the Finance Parties' expense (unless, as a result of such test, the Facility Agent determines that a Default has occurred and is continuing, in which case, at the expense of the Borrowers).
| 25.8 | Release of Security |
|---|
If, at any time, after the Borrowers have provided additional security in accordance with the Facility Agent's request under this Clause 25 (Security Cover), the Facility Agent determines (at the cost and the request of the Borrowers) that the required Security Cover Ratio under this Clause 25 (Security Cover) has been maintained for the duration of at least three (3) months and that all or any part of that additional security may be released without resulting in a shortfall in such Security Cover Ratio and Provided that no Event of Default has occurred which is continuing, the Facility Agent shall instruct the Security Agent to release all or any part of that additional security in accordance with the Facility Agent's instructions (at the Borrowers' cost), subject to the Facility Agent being satisfied that, immediately following such release, the Security Cover Ratio will be in line with the requirements of this Clause 25 (Security Cover).
| 26 | ACCOUNTS AND APPLICATION OF EARNINGS |
|---|---|
| 26.1 | Accounts |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to paragraph (b) below, no Borrower may, without the prior consent of the Facility Agent, maintain any bank account other than the Accounts and the Greek Account. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Borrower B undertakes that it may only maintain the Greek Account subject to: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | providing the bank account statements referred to in Clause 20.5(h) (Information: miscellaneous); and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | such bank account statements evidencing that (subject to Clause 26.2) no Earnings in respect of Ship B have been paid in to the Greek Account from the date of the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement and while Ship B is subject to a Mortgage. |
| --- | --- |
| 26.2 | Payment of Earnings |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to paragraph (b) below, each Borrower shall ensure that subject only to the provisions of the General Assignment and the Supplemental General Assignment to which it is a party, all the Earnings in respect of the Ship owned by it are paid in to its Earnings Account. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If any Earnings are inadvertently paid in to the Greek Account by Initial Charterer B within 90 days from the date of the Deed of Accession, Amendment and Restatement or any other period as may be approved by the Security Agent, Borrower B undertakes to promptly transfer any such Earnings to its Earnings Account. |
| --- | --- |
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| 26.3 | Application of Earnings |
|---|
Any sums standing to the credit of an Earnings Account may be applied by the relevant Borrower from time to time in connection with:
| (a) | any payments required under this Agreement; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the supply, crewing, management, maintenance, repair, insurance, operation and trading of the Ship owned that Borrower; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any payment of management fees, administration and legal expenses; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | any Dividend Payment, |
| --- | --- |
Provided that, in each case, no Event of Default has occurred which is continuing.
| 26.4 | Interest accrued on the Cash Reserve Account |
|---|
Any credit balance on the Cash Reserve Accounts shall bear interest at the rate from time to time offered by the Account Bank to its customers for dollars deposits of similar amounts and for periods similar to those for which such balances appear to the Account Bank likely to remain on the Cash Reserve Accounts.
| 26.5 | Release of accrued interest |
|---|
Interest accruing under Clause 26.4 (Interest accrued on the Cash Reserve Accounts) shall be credited respectively to any Cash Reserve Accounts and, to the extent not applied previously pursuant to Clause 26.3 (Application of earnings), shall be released to the Borrowers at the end of the Security Period.
| 26.6 | Location of Accounts |
|---|
Each Borrower shall promptly:
| (a) | comply with any requirement of the Facility Agent as to the location or relocation of the Accounts; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | execute any documents which the Facility Agent specifies to create or maintain in favour of the Security Agent, Security over (and/or rights of set-off, consolidation or other rights in relation to) the Accounts. |
| --- | --- |
| 27 | EVENTS OF DEFAULT |
| --- | --- |
| 27.1 | General |
| --- | --- |
Each of the events or circumstances set out in this Clause 27 (Events of Default) is an Event of Default except for Clause 27.20 (Acceleration) and Clause 27.21 (Enforcement of security).
| 27.2 | Non-payment |
|---|
An Obligor does not pay on the due date any amount payable pursuant to a Finance Document at the place at and in the currency in which it is expressed to be payable unless:
| (a) | its failure to pay is caused by: |
|---|
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| (i) | administrative or technical error; or |
|---|---|
| (ii) | a Disruption Event; and |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | payment is made within three Business Days of its due date. |
| --- | --- |
| 27.3 | Specific obligations |
| --- | --- |
A breach occurs of Clause 4.4 (Waiver of conditions precedent), Clause 21 (Financial Covenants), Clause 22 (General Undertakings), Clause 22.9 (Title), Clause 22.10 (Negative pledge), Clause 22.19 (Unlawfulness, invalidity and ranking; Security imperilled), Clause 23.2 (Maintenance of obligatory insurances), Clause 23.3 (Terms of obligatory insurances), Clause 23.5 (Renewal of obligatory insurances), Clause 24.12 (Sanctions and Ship trading) or, save to the extent such breach is a failure to pay and therefore subject to Clause 27.2 (Non-payment), Clause 25 (Security Cover).
| 27.4 | Other obligations |
|---|---|
| (a) | A Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager does not comply with any provision of the Finance Documents to which it is a party (other than those referred to in Clause 27.2 (Non-payment) and Clause 27.3 (Specific obligations)). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | No Event of Default under paragraph (a) above will occur if the failure to comply is capable of remedy and is remedied within 3 Business Days of the Facility Agent giving notice to the Borrowers or (if earlier) any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager becoming aware of the failure to comply. |
| --- | --- |
| 27.5 | Misrepresentation |
| --- | --- |
Any representation or statement made or deemed to be made by a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager in the Finance Documents to which it is a party or any other document delivered by or on behalf of any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager under or in connection with any Finance Document to which it is a party is or proves to have been incorrect or misleading when made or deemed to be made, unless the relevant representation or statement can be repeated within 3 Business Days of the date on which the Facility Agent notifies the Borrowers of its not being true and accurate and on the date of such repetition it is not incorrect or misleading in any respect.
| 27.6 | Cross default |
|---|---|
| (a) | Any Financial Indebtedness of any Obligor is not paid when due nor within any originally applicable grace period. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Any Financial Indebtedness of any Obligor is declared to be or otherwise becomes due and payable prior to its specified maturity as a result of an event of default (however described). |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Any commitment for any Financial Indebtedness of any Obligor is cancelled or suspended by a creditor of any Obligor as a result of an event of default (however described). |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Any creditor of any Obligor becomes entitled to declare any Financial Indebtedness of any Obligor due and payable prior to its specified maturity as a result of an event of default (however described). |
| --- | --- |
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| (e) | No Event of Default will occur under this Clause 27.6 (Cross default) in respect of the Guarantor if the aggregate amount of Financial Indebtedness or commitment for Financial Indebtedness falling within paragraphs (a) to (d) above does not exceed $1,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency). |
|---|---|
| 27.7 | Insolvency |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | An Obligor: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | is unable or admits inability to pay its debts as they fall due; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | is deemed to, or is declared to, be unable to pay its debts under applicable law; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | suspends or threatens to suspend making payments on any of its debts; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | by reason of actual or anticipated financial difficulties, commences negotiations with one or more of its creditors (excluding any Finance Party in its capacity as such) with a view to rescheduling any of its indebtedness. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | A moratorium is declared in respect of any indebtedness of any Obligor. If a moratorium occurs, the ending of the moratorium will not remedy any Event of Default caused by that moratorium, unless if otherwise agreed by the Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| 27.8 | Insolvency proceedings |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Any corporate action, legal proceedings or other procedure or step is taken in relation to: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the suspension of payments, a moratorium of any indebtedness, winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation (by way of voluntary arrangement, scheme of arrangement or otherwise) of any Obligor; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | a composition, compromise, assignment or arrangement with any creditor of any Obligor; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, compulsory manager or other similar officer in respect of any Obligor or any of its assets; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | enforcement of any Security over any assets of any Obligor, |
| --- | --- |
or any analogous procedure or step is taken in any jurisdiction.
| (b) | Paragraph (a) above shall not apply to any winding-up petition which is frivolous or vexatious and is discharged, stayed or dismissed within 21 days of commencement. |
|---|---|
| 27.9 | Creditors' process |
| --- | --- |
Any expropriation, attachment, sequestration, distress or execution (or any analogous process in any jurisdiction) affects any asset or assets of an Obligor (other than an arrest or detention of the Ship referred to in Clause 7.4 (Mandatory prepayment on sale or Total Loss)).
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| 27.10 | Change of Control |
|---|---|
| (a) | The shares (or any part thereof) of the Guarantor cease to be quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market or any other Nasdaq Market Tier or any other internationally recognised stock exchange acceptable to the Facility Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | A Borrower is not or ceases to be a 100 per cent. directly owned Subsidiary of the Guarantor. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | After the date of this Agreement, there is a Change of Control without the prior written consent of the Facility Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld). |
| --- | --- |
For the purpose of paragraph (c) above "Change of Control" means:
| (i) | the members of the Nominated Family cease to own directly or indirectly more than 10 per cent. of the shares (and the voting rights attaching to those shares) in the Guarantor; or |
|---|---|
| (ii) | the members of the Nominated Family own between 10.1 per cent. to 19.9 per cent. (inclusive) of the shares (and the voting rights attaching to those shares) in the Guarantor and the aggregate Market Value of a Ship plus the net realisable value of additional Security previously provided under Clause 25 (Security Cover) plus the Minimum Cash Reserve, is equal to or less than 143 per cent. of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
| 27.11 | Unlawfulness, invalidity and ranking |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | It is or becomes unlawful for a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager to perform any of its obligations under the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Any obligation of a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager under the Finance Documents to which it is a party is not or ceases to be legal, valid, binding or enforceable in accordance with their terms. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Any Finance Document ceases to be in full force and effect or to be continuing or is or purports to be determined or any Transaction Security is alleged by a party to it (other than a Finance Party) to be ineffective. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Any Transaction Security proves to have ranked after, or loses its priority to, any other Security. |
| --- | --- |
| 27.12 | Security imperilled |
| --- | --- |
Any Security created or intended to be created by a Finance Document is in any way imperilled or in jeopardy.
| 27.13 | Cessation of business |
|---|
Any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager suspends or ceases to carry on (or threatens to suspend or cease to carry on) all or a material part of its business.
| 27.14 | Expropriation |
|---|
The authority or ability of a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager to conduct its business is limited or wholly or substantially curtailed by any seizure, expropriation, nationalisation, intervention, restriction or other action by or on behalf of any governmental, regulatory or other authority or other person in relation to that Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager or any of its assets other than:
101
| (a) | any arrest or detention of a Ship referred to in Clause 27.18 (Arrest) below; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | any Requisition. |
| --- | --- |
| 27.15 | Repudiation and rescission of agreements |
| --- | --- |
A Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager (or any other relevant party) rescinds or purports to rescind or repudiates or purports to repudiate a Transaction Document to which it is a party or any of the Transaction Security or evidences an intention to rescind or repudiate a Transaction Document or any Transaction Security.
| 27.16 | Litigation |
|---|
Any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings or investigations of, or before, any court, arbitral body or agency are started or threatened, or any judgment or order of a court, arbitral body or agency is made, in relation to any of the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated in any of the Transaction Documents or against any member of the Group or its assets which has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
| 27.17 | Sanctions |
|---|---|
| (a) | Any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager or any of their respective Subsidiaries, directors, officers or employees is designated a Prohibited Person or any Ship is designated a Sanctioned Ship. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | This Clause 27.17 (Sanctions) is without prejudice to any other Event of Default which may occur by reason of breach of, or non-compliance with, any of the other provisions of this Agreement which relate to Sanctions. |
| --- | --- |
| 27.18 | Arrest |
| --- | --- |
Any arrest of a Ship or its detention in the exercise or the purported exercise of any lien or claim, unless it is redelivered to the full control of the relevant Borrower within 45 days of such arrest or detention.
| 27.19 | Material adverse change |
|---|
Any event or circumstance occurs which has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
| 27.20 | Acceleration |
|---|
On and at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing the Facility Agent may, and shall if so directed by the Majority Lenders:
| (a) | by notice to the Borrowers: |
|---|---|
| (i) | cancel the Available Commitment of each Lender, whereupon they shall immediately be cancelled; |
| --- | --- |
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| (ii) | declare that all or part of the Loan, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued or outstanding under the Finance Documents be immediately due and payable, whereupon it shall become immediately due and payable; and/or |
|---|---|
| (iii) | declare that all or part of the Loan be payable on demand, whereupon it shall immediately become payable on demand by the Facility Agent acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders; and/or |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | exercise or direct the Security Agent to exercise any or all of its rights, remedies, powers or discretions under the Finance Documents, |
| --- | --- |
and the Facility Agent may serve notices under sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (a) above simultaneously or on different dates and any Servicing Party may take any action referred to in paragraph (b) above or Clause 27.21 (Enforcement of security) if no such notice is served or simultaneously with or at any time after the service of any of such notice.
| 27.21 | Enforcement of security |
|---|
On and at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing, the Security Agent may, and shall if so directed by the Majority Lenders, take any action which, as a result of the Event of Default or any notice served under Clause 27.20 (Acceleration), the Security Agent is entitled to take under any Finance Document or any applicable law or regulation.
| 27.22 | Exceptions for Approved Manager |
|---|
Other than in respect of Clause 27.4 (Other obligations), no Event of Default will occur under any other provision of Clause 27 (Events of Default) in respect of any event or circumstance related to an Approved Manager if the Borrowers replaces the Approved Manager with another Approved Manager and delivers to the Facility Agent the documents referred to under paragraphs 1, 5 and 6 of Part A of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent) and paragraph 2.3 of Part B of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent) and any other documents reasonably required by the Facility Agent, applicable to the replacement Approved Manager, within 10 days (or any such longer time period agreed by the Facility Agent) from the date of the relevant event or circumstance.
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SECTION 9
CHANGES TO PARTIES
| 28 | CHANGES TO THE LENDERS |
|---|---|
| 28.1 | Assignments and transfers by the Lenders |
| --- | --- |
Subject to this Clause 28 (Changes to the Lenders), a Lender (the "Existing Lender") may:
| (a) | assign any of its rights; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | transfer by novation any of its rights and obligations, |
| --- | --- |
under the Finance Documents to another bank or financial institution or to a trust, fund or other entity which is regularly engaged in or established for the purpose of making, purchasing or investing in loans, securities or other financial assets (the "New Lender") without the Obligors' consent.
For the avoidance of doubt, no Obligor shall have any responsibility for any fees and/or expenses and/costs for such assignments and transfers which shall solely be for the Lenders to bear Provided that there is no Event of Default that is continuing.
| 28.2 | Conditions of assignment or transfer or sub-participation |
|---|---|
| (a) | Prior notice of assignment or transfer pursuant to Clause 28.1 (Assignments and transfers by the Lenders) stating the assignment or transfer consideration agreed between the Existing Lender and the New Lender (the "Loan Transfer Price") shall be given by the relevant Existing Lender or (as the case may be) the relevant Lender to the Obligors and the Obligors may within 10 Business Days of such notification irrevocably exercise a right of first refusal ("ROFR") by sending a notice to the Facility Agent, following which the Borrowers shall, within 30 days of such notification to the Facility Agent prepay to the relevant Existing Lender an amount equal to the Loan Transfer Price and following such prepayment shall extinguish the Borrowers' obligations with respect to such part of the Loan. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Paragraphs (a) of this Clause 28.2 (Conditions of assignment or transfer or sub-participation) shall not apply if: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | such assignment or transfer pursuant to Clause 28.1 (Assignments and transfers by the Lenders) is: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | to another Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender; or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | made at a time when an Event of Default has occurred which is continuing; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | a Borrower has exercised its ROFR but either (A) does not proceed with the prepayment of the Loan within 30 days of the Facility Agent's notification or (B) an Event of Default occurs at any time prior to its prepayment. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Unless otherwise provided in this Clause 28.2 (Conditions of assignment or transfer or sub-participation), any prepayment made pursuant to paragraph (b) above shall be made in accordance with the relevant provisions of Clause 7 (Prepayment and Cancellation) and shall be treated as a voluntary prepayment pursuant to Clause 7.3 (Voluntary prepayment of Loan). For the avoidance of doubt, any prepayment made under this Clause 28.2 (Conditions of assignment or transfer or sub-participation): |
| --- | --- |
104
| (i) | shall not be subject to Break Costs; and |
|---|---|
| (ii) | the provisions of Clause 7.3 (Voluntary prepayment of Loan) and 11.3 (Prepayment fee) shall not apply. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Should a Borrower not make the prepayment in accordance with paragraph (a) above then the remaining provisions of this Clause 28 (Changes to the Lenders) shall apply. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | An assignment will only be effective on: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | receipt by the Facility Agent (whether in the Assignment Agreement or otherwise) of written confirmation from the New Lender (in form and substance satisfactory to the Facility Agent) that the New Lender will assume the same obligations to the other Secured Parties as it would have been under if it were an Original Lender; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | performance by the Facility Agent of all necessary "know your customer" or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to such assignment to a New Lender, the completion of which the Facility Agent shall promptly notify to the Existing Lender and the New Lender. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | Each Obligor on behalf of itself and each other Transaction Obligor and any Approved Manager agrees that all rights and interests (present, future or contingent) which the Existing Lender has under or by virtue of the Finance Documents to which it is a party are assigned to the New Lender absolutely, free of any defects in the Existing Lender's title and of any rights or equities which a Borrower, any other Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager had against the Existing Lender. |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | A transfer will only be effective if the procedure set out in Clause 28.5 (Procedure for transfer) is complied with. |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | If: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | a Lender assigns or transfers any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents or changes its Facility Office; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | as a result of circumstances existing at the date the assignment, transfer or change occurs, an Obligor would be obliged to make a payment to the New Lender or Lender acting through its new Facility Office under Clause 12 (Tax Gross Up and Indemnities) or under that clause as incorporated by reference or in full in any other Finance Document to which it is a party in accordance with its terms or Clause 13 (Increased Costs), |
| --- | --- |
then the New Lender or Lender acting through its new Facility Office is only entitled to receive payment under those Clauses to the same extent as the Existing Lender or Lender acting through its previous Facility Office would have been if the assignment, transfer or change had not occurred. This paragraph (h) shall not apply in respect of an assignment or transfer made in the ordinary course of the primary syndication of the Facility.
| (i) | Each New Lender, by executing the relevant Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement, confirms, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Facility Agent has authority to execute on its behalf any amendment or waiver that has been approved by or on behalf of the requisite Lender or Lenders in accordance with this Agreement on or prior to the date on which the transfer or assignment becomes effective in accordance with this Agreement and that it is bound by that decision to the same extent as the Existing Lender would have been had it remained a Lender. |
|---|
105
| 28.3 | Assignment or transfer fee |
|---|
The New Lender shall, on the date upon which an assignment or transfer takes effect, pay to the Facility Agent (for its own account) a fee of $5,000.
| 28.4 | Limitation of responsibility of Existing Lenders |
|---|---|
| (a) | Unless expressly agreed to the contrary, an Existing Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility to a New Lender for: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of the Transaction Documents, the Transaction Security or any other documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the financial condition of any Obligor; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | the performance and observance by any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager of its obligations under the Transaction Documents or any other documents; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | the accuracy of any statements (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with any Transaction Document or any other document, |
| --- | --- |
and any representations or warranties implied by law are excluded.
| (b) | Each New Lender confirms to the Existing Lender and the other Finance Parties and the Secured Parties that it: |
|---|---|
| (i) | has made (and shall continue to make) its own independent investigation and assessment of the financial condition and affairs of each Transaction Obligor, any Approved Manager and its related entities in connection with its participation in this Agreement and has not relied exclusively on any information provided to it by the Existing Lender or any other Finance Party in connection with any Transaction Document or the Transaction Security; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | will continue to make its own independent appraisal of the creditworthiness of each Obligor and its related entities throughout the Security Period. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Nothing in any Finance Document obliges an Existing Lender to: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | accept a re-transfer or re-assignment from a New Lender of any of the rights and obligations assigned or transferred under this Clause 28 (Changes to the Lenders); or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | support any losses directly or indirectly incurred by the New Lender by reason of the non-performance by any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager of its obligations under the Transaction Documents or otherwise. |
| --- | --- |
106
| 28.5 | Procedure for transfer |
|---|---|
| (a) | Subject to the conditions set out in Clause 28.2 (Conditions of assignment or transfer or sub-participation), a transfer is effected in accordance with paragraph (c) below when the Facility Agent executes an otherwise duly completed Transfer Certificate delivered to it by the Existing Lender and the New Lender. The Facility Agent shall, subject to paragraph (b) below as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by it of a duly completed Transfer Certificate appearing on its face to comply with this Agreement and delivered in accordance with this Agreement, execute that Transfer Certificate. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Facility Agent shall only be obliged to execute a Transfer Certificate delivered to it by the Existing Lender and the New Lender once it is satisfied it has complied with all necessary "know your customer" or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the transfer to such New Lender. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Subject to Clause 28.9 (Pro rata interest settlement), on the Transfer Date: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | to the extent that in the Transfer Certificate the Existing Lender seeks to transfer by novation its rights and obligations under the Finance Documents and in respect of the Transaction Security, each of the Transaction Obligors, any Approved Manager and the Existing Lender shall be released from further obligations towards one another under the Finance Documents to which they are a party and in respect of the Transaction Security and their respective rights against one another under the Finance Documents and in respect of the Transaction Security shall be cancelled (being the "Discharged Rights and Obligations"); |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | each of the Transaction Obligors, any Approved Manager and the New Lender shall assume obligations towards one another and/or acquire rights against one another which differ from the Discharged Rights and Obligations only insofar as that Transaction Obligor, that Approved Manager and the New Lender have assumed and/or acquired the same in place of that Transaction Obligor, that Approved Manager and the Existing Lender; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | the Facility Agent, the Security Agent, the New Lender and other Lenders shall acquire the same rights and assume the same obligations between themselves and in respect of the Transaction Security as they would have acquired and assumed had the New Lender been an Original Lender with the rights and/or obligations acquired or assumed by it as a result of the transfer and to that extent the Facility Agent, the Security Agent and the Existing Lenders shall each be released from further obligations to each other under the Finance Documents; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | the New Lender shall become a Party as a "Lender". |
| --- | --- |
| 28.6 | Procedure for assignment |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to the conditions set out in Clause 28.2 (Conditions of assignment or transfer or sub-participation) an assignment may be effected in accordance with paragraph (c) below when the Facility Agent executes an otherwise duly completed Assignment Agreement delivered to it by the Existing Lender and the New Lender. The Facility Agent shall, subject to paragraph (b) below, as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by it of a duly completed Assignment Agreement appearing on its face to comply with the terms of this Agreement and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, execute that Assignment Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
107
| (b) | The Facility Agent shall only be obliged to execute an Assignment Agreement delivered to it by the Existing Lender and the New Lender once it is satisfied it has complied with all necessary "know your customer" or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the assignment to such New Lender. |
|---|---|
| (c) | Subject to Clause 28.9 (Pro rata interest settlement), on the Transfer Date: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the Existing Lender will assign absolutely to the New Lender its rights under the Finance Documents and in respect of the Transaction Security expressed to be the subject of the assignment in the Assignment Agreement; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the Existing Lender will be released from the obligations (the "Relevant Obligations") expressed to be the subject of the release in the Assignment Agreement (and any corresponding obligations by which it is bound in respect of the Transaction Security); and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | the New Lender shall become a Party as a "Lender" and will be bound by obligations equivalent to the Relevant Obligations. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Lenders may utilise procedures other than those set out in this Clause 28.6 (Procedure for assignment) to assign their rights under the Finance Documents (but not, without the consent of the relevant Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager or unless in accordance with Clause 28.5 (Procedure for transfer), to obtain a release by that Transaction Obligor or that Approved Manager from the obligations owed to that Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager by the Lenders nor the assumption of equivalent obligations by a New Lender) provided that they comply with the conditions set out in Clause 28.2 (Conditions of assignment or transfer or sub-participation). |
| --- | --- |
| 28.7 | Copy of Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement to Borrowers |
| --- | --- |
The Facility Agent shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after it has executed a Transfer Certificate or an Assignment Agreement, send to the Borrowers a copy of that Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement.
| 28.8 | Security over Lenders' rights |
|---|
In addition to the other rights provided to Lenders under this Clause 28 (Changes to the Lenders), each Lender may without consulting with or obtaining consent from any Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager, at any time charge, assign or otherwise create Security in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document to secure obligations of that Lender including, without limitation:
| (a) | any charge, assignment or other Security to secure obligations to a federal reserve or central bank; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | any charge, assignment or other Security granted to any holders (or trustee or representatives of holders) of obligations owed, or securities issued, by that Lender as security for those obligations or securities, |
| --- | --- |
108
except that no such charge, assignment or Security shall:
| (i) | release a Lender from any of its obligations under the Finance Documents or substitute the beneficiary of the relevant charge, assignment or Security for the Lender as a party to any of the Finance Documents; or |
|---|---|
| (ii) | require any payments to be made by an Obligor other than or in excess of, or grant to any person any more extensive rights than, those required to be made or granted to the relevant Lender under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms. |
| --- | --- |
| 28.9 | Pro rata interest settlement |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | If the Facility Agent has notified the Lenders that it is able to distribute interest payments on a "pro rata basis" to Existing Lenders and New Lenders then (in respect of any transfer pursuant to Clause 28.5 (Procedure for transfer) or any assignment pursuant to Clause 28.6 (Procedure for assignment) the Transfer Date of which, in each case, is after the date of such notification and is not on the last day of an Interest Period): |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any interest or fees in respect of the relevant participation which are expressed to accrue by reference to the lapse of time shall continue to accrue in favour of the Existing Lender up to but excluding the Transfer Date ("Accrued Amounts") and shall become due and payable to the Existing Lender (without further interest accruing on them) on the last day of the current Interest Period (or, if the Interest Period is longer than six Months, on the next of the dates which falls at six Monthly intervals after the first day of that Interest Period); and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | The rights assigned or transferred by the Existing Lender will not include the right to the Accrued Amounts, so that, for the avoidance of doubt: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | when the Accrued Amounts become payable, those Accrued Amounts will be payable to the Existing Lender; and |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | the amount payable to the New Lender on that date will be the amount which would, but for the application of this Clause 28.9 (Pro rata interest settlement), have been payable to it on that date, but after deduction of the Accrued Amounts. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | In this Clause 28.9 (Pro rata interest settlement) references to "Interest Period" shall be construed to include a reference to any other period for accrual of fees. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | An Existing Lender which retains the right to the Accrued Amounts pursuant to this Clause 28.9 (Pro rata interest settlement) but which does not have a Commitment shall be deemed not to be a Lender for the purposes of ascertaining whether the agreement of any specified group of Lenders has been obtained to approve any request for a consent, waiver, amendment or other vote of Lenders under the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
| 29 | CHANGES TO THE TRANSACTION OBLIGORS |
| --- | --- |
| 29.1 | Assignment or transfer by Transaction Obligors |
| --- | --- |
Neither any Transaction Obligor nor any Approved Manager may assign any of its rights or transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is a party.
109
| 29.2 | Release of security |
|---|---|
| (a) | If a disposal of any asset subject to security created by a Finance Document is made in the following circumstances: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the disposal is permitted by the terms of any Finance Document; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the Majority Lenders agree to the disposal; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | the disposal is being made at the request of the Security Agent in circumstances where any security created by the Finance Documents has become enforceable, following the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | the disposal is being effected by enforcement of a Finance Document, following the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing, |
| --- | --- |
the Security Agent may release the asset(s) being disposed of from any security over those assets created by a Finance Document, in accordance with its terms. However, the proceeds of any disposal (or an amount corresponding to them) must be applied in accordance with the requirements of the Finance Documents (if any).
| (b) | If the Security Agent is satisfied that a release is allowed under this Clause 29.2 (Release of security) (at the request and expense of the Borrowers) each Finance Party must enter into any document and do all such other things which are reasonably required to achieve that release. Each other Finance Party irrevocably authorises the Security Agent to enter into any such document. Any release will not affect the obligations of any other Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager (as the case may be) under the Finance Documents to which it is a party. |
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SECTION 10
THE FINANCE PARTIES
| 30 | THE FACILITY AGENT |
|---|---|
| 30.1 | Appointment of the Facility Agent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each of the Lenders appoints the Facility Agent to act as its agent under and in connection with the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each of the Lenders authorises the Facility Agent to perform the duties, obligations and responsibilities and to exercise the rights, powers, authorities and discretions specifically given to the Facility Agent under, or in connection with, the Finance Documents together with any other incidental rights, powers, authorities and discretions. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.2 | Instructions |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Facility Agent shall: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, exercise or refrain from exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it as Facility Agent in accordance with any instructions given to it by: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | all Lenders if the relevant Finance Document stipulates the matter is an all Lender decision; and |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | in all other cases, the Majority Lenders; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | not be liable for any act (or omission) if it acts (or refrains from acting) in accordance with sub-paragraph (i) above (or, if this Agreement stipulates the matter is a decision for any other Finance Party or group of Finance Parties, in accordance with instructions given to it by that Finance Party or group of Finance Parties). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Facility Agent shall be entitled to request instructions, or clarification of any instruction, from the Majority Lenders (or, if the relevant Finance Document stipulates the matter is a decision for any other Finance Party or group of Finance Parties, from that Finance Party or group of Finance Parties) as to whether, and in what manner, it should exercise or refrain from exercising any right, power, authority or discretion and the Facility Agent may refrain from acting unless and until it receives any such instructions or clarification that it has requested. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Save in the case of decisions stipulated to be a matter for any other Finance Party or group of Finance Parties under the relevant Finance Document and unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, any instructions given to the Facility Agent by the Majority Lenders shall override any conflicting instructions given by any other Parties and will be binding on all Finance Parties. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Paragraph (a) above shall not apply: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | where a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | where a Finance Document requires the Facility Agent to act in a specified manner or to take a specified action; |
| --- | --- |
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| (iii) | in respect of any provision which protects the Facility Agent's own position in its personal capacity as opposed to its role of Facility Agent for the relevant Finance Parties. |
|---|---|
| (e) | If giving effect to instructions given by the Majority Lenders would in the Facility Agent's opinion have an effect equivalent to an amendment or waiver referred to in Clause 44 (Amendments and Waivers), the Facility Agent shall not act in accordance with those instructions unless consent to it so acting is obtained from each Party (other than the Facility Agent) whose consent would have been required in respect of that amendment or waiver. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | In exercising any discretion to exercise a right, power or authority under the Finance Documents where it has not received any instructions as to the exercise of that discretion the Facility Agent shall do so having regard to the interests of all the Finance Parties. |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | The Facility Agent may refrain from acting in accordance with any instructions of any Finance Party or group of Finance Parties until it has received any indemnification and/or security that it may in its discretion require (which may be greater in extent than that contained in the Finance Documents and which may include payment in advance) for any cost, loss or liability (together with any applicable VAT) which it may incur in complying with those instructions. |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | Without prejudice to the remainder of this Clause 30.2 (Instructions), in the absence of instructions, the Facility Agent shall not be obliged to take any action (or refrain from taking action) even if it considers acting or not acting to be in the best interests of the Finance Parties. The Facility Agent may act (or refrain from acting) as it considers to be in the best interest of the Finance Parties. |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | The Facility Agent is not authorised to act on behalf of a Finance Party (without first obtaining that Finance Party's consent) in any legal or arbitration proceedings relating to any Finance Document. This paragraph (i) shall not apply to any legal or arbitration proceeding relating to the perfection, preservation or protection of rights under the Finance Documents or enforcement of the Transaction Security or Finance Documents, following the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.3 | Duties of the Facility Agent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Facility Agent's duties under the Finance Documents are solely mechanical and administrative in nature. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Subject to paragraph (c) below, the Facility Agent shall promptly forward to a Party the original or a copy of any document which is delivered to the Facility Agent for that Party by any other Party. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Without prejudice to Clause 28.7 (Copy of Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement to Borrowers), paragraph (b) above shall not apply to any Transfer Certificate or any Assignment Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Except where a Finance Document specifically provides otherwise, the Facility Agent is not obliged to review or check the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any document it forwards to another Party. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | If the Facility Agent receives notice from a Party referring to any Finance Document, describing a Default and stating that the circumstance described is a Default, it shall promptly notify the other Finance Parties. |
| --- | --- |
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| (f) | If the Facility Agent is aware of the non-payment of any principal, interest, commitment fee or other fee payable to a Finance Party (other than the Facility Agent or the Security Agent) under this Agreement, it shall promptly notify the other Finance Parties. |
|---|---|
| (g) | The Facility Agent shall have only those duties, obligations and responsibilities expressly specified in the Finance Documents to which it is expressed to be a party (and no others shall be implied). |
| --- | --- |
| 30.4 | No fiduciary duties |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Nothing in any Finance Document constitutes the Facility Agent as a trustee or fiduciary of any other person. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Facility Agent shall not be bound to account to other Finance Party for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by it for its own account. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.5 | Application of receipts |
| --- | --- |
Except as expressly stated to the contrary in any Finance Document, any moneys which the Facility Agent receives or recovers in its capacity as Facility Agent shall be applied by the Facility Agent in accordance with Clause 34.5 (Application of receipts; partial payments).
| 30.6 | Business with the Group |
|---|
The Facility Agent may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with, any member of the Group.
| 30.7 | Rights and discretions |
|---|---|
| (a) | The Facility Agent may: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | rely on any representation, communication, notice or document believed by it to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | assume that: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | any instructions received by it from the Majority Lenders, any Finance Parties or any group of Finance Parties are duly given in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents; and |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | unless it has received notice of revocation, that those instructions have not been revoked; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | rely on a certificate from any person: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | as to any matter of fact or circumstance which might reasonably be expected to be within the knowledge of that person; or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | to the effect that such person approves of any particular dealing, transaction, step, action or thing, |
| --- | --- |
as sufficient evidence that that is the case and, in the case of sub-paragraph (A) above, may assume the truth and accuracy of that certificate.
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| (b) | The Facility Agent may assume (unless it has received notice to the contrary in its capacity as agent for the Finance Parties) that: |
|---|---|
| (i) | no Default has occurred (unless it has actual knowledge of a Default arising under Clause 27.2 (Non-payment)); |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any right, power, authority or discretion vested in any Party or any group of Finance Parties has not been exercised; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | any notice or request made by any Borrower (other than the relevant Utilisation Request or a Selection Notice) is made on behalf of and with the consent and knowledge of all the Transaction Obligors and any Approved Manager. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | The Facility Agent may engage and pay for the advice or services of any lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, surveyors or other professional advisers or experts and the reimbursement by an Obligor of such costs shall be subject to Clause 16.2 (Amendment costs). |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (c) above or paragraph (e) below, the Facility Agent may at any time engage and pay for the services of any lawyers to act as independent counsel to the Facility Agent (and so separate from any lawyers instructed by the Lenders) if the Facility Agent in its reasonable opinion deems this to be desirable. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | The Facility Agent may rely on the advice or services of any lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, surveyors or other professional advisers or experts (whether obtained by the Facility Agent or by any other Party) and shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value or any liability whatsoever arising as a result of its so relying. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | The Facility Agent may act in relation to the Finance Documents and the Security Property through its officers, employees and agents and shall not: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | be liable for any error of judgment made by any such person; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | be bound to supervise, or be in any way responsible for any loss incurred by reason of misconduct, omission or default on the part of any such person, |
| --- | --- |
unless such error or such loss was directly caused by the Facility Agent's gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
| (g) | Unless a Finance Document expressly provides otherwise the Facility Agent may disclose to any other Party any information it reasonably believes it has received as agent under the Finance Documents. |
|---|---|
| (h) | Notwithstanding any other provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, the Facility Agent is not obliged to do or omit to do anything if it would or might, in its reasonable opinion, constitute a breach of any law or regulation or a breach of a fiduciary duty or duty of confidentiality. |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | Notwithstanding any provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, the Facility Agent is not obliged to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of its duties, obligations or responsibilities or the exercise of any right, power, authority or discretion if it has grounds for believing the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against, or security for, such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. |
| --- | --- |
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| 30.8 | Responsibility for documentation |
|---|
The Facility Agent is not responsible or liable for:
| (a) | the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information (whether oral or written) supplied by the Facility Agent, the Security Agent, a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager or any other person in, or in connection with, any Transaction Document or the transactions contemplated in the Transaction Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Transaction Document; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Transaction Document or the Security Property or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with, any Transaction Document or the Security Property; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any determination as to whether any information provided or to be provided to any Finance Party or Secured Party is non-public information the use of which may be regulated or prohibited by applicable law or regulation relating to insider dealing or otherwise. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.9 | No duty to monitor |
| --- | --- |
The Facility Agent shall not be bound to enquire:
| (a) | whether or not any Default has occurred; |
|---|---|
| (b) | as to the performance, default or any breach by any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager of its obligations under any Transaction Document; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | whether any other event specified in any Transaction Document has occurred. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.10 | Exclusion of liability |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Without limiting paragraph (b) below (and without prejudice to paragraph (e) of Clause 34.11 (Disruption to Payment Systems etc.) or any other provision of any Finance Document excluding or limiting the liability of the Facility Agent), the Facility Agent will not be liable (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) for: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value, or any liability whatsoever arising as a result of taking or not taking any action under or in connection with any Transaction Document or the Security Property, unless directly caused by its gross negligence or wilful misconduct; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | exercising, or not exercising, any right, power, authority or discretion given to it by, or in connection with, any Transaction Document, the Security Property or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with, any Transaction Document or the Security Property; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | any shortfall which arises on the enforcement or realisation of the Security Property; or |
| --- | --- |
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| (iv) | any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value, or any other liability whatsoever arising as a result of: |
|---|---|
| (A) | any Benchmark Replacement implemented pursuant to Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting); or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | the selection and implementation of any Conforming Changes, |
| --- | --- |
| (v) | including, without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any Benchmark Replacement will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of the relevant Benchmark or have the same volume or liquidity as did the relevant Benchmark before its discontinuance or unavailability; |
| --- | --- |
| (vi) | without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraphs (i) to (iv) above, any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value or any liability whatsoever arising as a result of: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | any act, event or circumstance not reasonably within its control; or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | the general risks of investment in, or the holding of assets in, any jurisdiction, |
| --- | --- |
including (in each case and without limitation) such damages, costs, losses, diminution in value or liability arising as a result of nationalisation, expropriation or other governmental actions; any regulation, currency restriction, devaluation or fluctuation; market conditions affecting the execution or settlement of transactions or the value of assets (including any Disruption Event); breakdown, failure or malfunction of any third party transport, telecommunications, computer services or systems; natural disasters or acts of God; war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or strikes or industrial action.
| (b) | No Party other than the Facility Agent may take any proceedings against any officer, employee or agent of the Facility Agent in respect of any claim it might have against the Facility Agent or in respect of any act or omission of any kind by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any Transaction Document or any Security Property and any officer, employee or agent of the Facility Agent may rely on this paragraph (b) subject to Clause 1.5 (Third party rights) and the provisions of the Third Parties Act. |
|---|---|
| (c) | The Facility Agent will not be liable for any delay (or any related consequences) in crediting an account with an amount required under the Finance Documents to be paid by the Facility Agent if the Facility Agent has taken all necessary steps as soon as reasonably practicable to comply with the regulations or operating procedures of any recognised clearing or settlement system used by the Facility Agent for that purpose. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Nothing in this Agreement shall oblige the Facility Agent to carry out: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any "know your customer" or other checks in relation to any person; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any check on the extent to which any transaction contemplated by this Agreement might be unlawful for any Finance Party, |
| --- | --- |
on behalf of any Finance Party and each Finance Party confirms to the Facility Agent that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by the Facility Agent.
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| (e) | Without prejudice to any provision of any Finance Document excluding or limiting the Facility Agent's liability, any liability (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) of the Facility Agent arising under or in connection with any Transaction Document or the Security Property shall be limited to the amount of actual loss which has been finally judicially determined to have been suffered (as determined by reference to the date of default of the Facility Agent or, if later, the date on which the loss arises as a result of such default) but without reference to any special conditions or circumstances known to the Facility Agent at any time which increase the amount of that loss. In no event shall the Facility Agent be liable for any loss of profits, goodwill, reputation, business opportunity or anticipated saving, or for special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages, whether or not the Facility Agent has been advised of the possibility of such loss or damages. |
|---|---|
| (f) | The Facility Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain the Base Rate, Reference Rate, Term SOFR, or any other Benchmark, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrowers, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.11 | Lenders' indemnity to the Facility Agent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Lender shall (in proportion to its share of the Total Commitments or, if the Total Commitments are then zero, to its share of the Total Commitments immediately prior to their reduction to zero) indemnify the Facility Agent, within three Business Days of demand, against any cost, loss or liability (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) incurred by the Facility Agent (otherwise than by reason of the Facility Agent's gross negligence or wilful misconduct) (or, in the case of any cost, loss or liability pursuant to Clause 34.11 (Disruption to Payment Systems etc.) notwithstanding the Facility Agent's negligence, gross negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever but not including any claim based on the fraud of the Facility Agent) in acting as Facility Agent under the Finance Documents (unless the Facility Agent has been reimbursed by a Transaction Obligor pursuant to a Finance Document to which it is a party). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Subject to paragraph (c) below, the Borrowers shall immediately on demand reimburse any Lender for any payment that Lender makes to the Facility Agent pursuant to paragraph (a) above. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Paragraph (b) above shall not apply to the extent that the indemnity payment in respect of which the Lender claims reimbursement relates to a liability of the Facility Agent to an Obligor. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.12 | Resignation of the Facility Agent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Facility Agent may resign and appoint one of its Affiliates as successor by giving notice to the other Finance Parties and the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Alternatively, the Facility Agent may resign by giving 30 days' notice to the other Finance Parties and the Borrowers, in which case the Majority Lenders may appoint a successor Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | If the Majority Lenders have not appointed a successor Facility Agent in accordance with paragraph (b) above within 20 days after notice of resignation was given, the retiring Facility Agent may appoint a successor Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
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| (d) | If the Facility Agent wishes to resign because (acting reasonably) it has concluded that it is no longer appropriate for it to remain as agent and the Facility Agent is entitled to appoint a successor Facility Agent under paragraph (c) above, the Facility Agent may (if it concludes (acting reasonably) that it is necessary to do so in order to persuade the proposed successor Facility Agent to become a party to this Agreement as Facility Agent) agree with the proposed successor Facility Agent amendments to this Clause 30 (The Facility Agent) and any other term of this Agreement dealing with the rights or obligations of the Facility Agent consistent with then current market practice for the appointment and protection of corporate trustees together with any reasonable amendments to the agency fee payable under this Agreement which are consistent with the successor Facility Agent's normal fee rates and those amendments will bind the Parties. |
|---|---|
| (e) | The retiring Facility Agent shall make available to the successor Facility Agent such documents and records and provide such assistance as the successor Facility Agent may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as Facility Agent under the Finance Documents. The Borrowers shall, within three Business Days of demand, reimburse the retiring Facility Agent for the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) properly incurred by it in making available such documents and records and providing such assistance. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | The Facility Agent's resignation notice shall only take effect upon the appointment of a successor. |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | Upon the appointment of a successor, the retiring Facility Agent shall be discharged from any further obligation in respect of the Finance Documents (other than its obligations under paragraph (e) above) but shall remain entitled to the benefit of Clause 14.3 (Indemnity to the Facility Agent) and this Clause 30 (The Facility Agent) and any other provisions of a Finance Document which are expressed to limit or exclude its liability (or to indemnify it) in acting as Facility Agent. Any fees for the account of the retiring Facility Agent shall cease to accrue from (and shall be payable on) that date. Any successor and each of the other Parties shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor had been an original Party. |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | The Majority Lenders may, by notice to the Facility Agent, require it to resign in accordance with paragraph (b) above. In this event, the Facility Agent shall resign in accordance with paragraph (b) above but the cost referred to in paragraph (e) above shall be for the account of the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | The consent of the Borrowers (or any other Transaction Obligor or any Approved Manager) is not required for an assignment or transfer of rights and/or obligations by the Facility Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.13 | Confidentiality |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | In acting as Facility Agent for the Finance Parties, the Facility Agent shall be regarded as acting through its agency division which shall be treated as a separate entity from any other of its divisions or departments. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If information is received by a division or department of the Facility Agent other than the division or department responsible for complying with the obligations assumed by it under the Finance Documents, that information may be treated as confidential to that division or department, and the Facility Agent shall not be deemed to have notice of it nor shall it be obliged to disclose such information to any Party. |
| --- | --- |
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| (c) | Notwithstanding any other provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, the Facility Agent is not obliged to disclose to any other person (i) any confidential information or (ii) any other information if the disclosure would, or might in its reasonable opinion, constitute a breach of any law or regulation or a breach of a fiduciary duty. |
|---|---|
| 30.14 | Relationship with the other Finance Parties |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to Clause 28.9 (Pro rata interest settlement), the Facility Agent may treat the person shown in its records as Lender at the opening of business (in the place of the Facility Agent's principal office as notified to the Finance Parties from time to time) as a Lender acting through its Facility Office: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | entitled to or liable for any payment due under any Finance Document on that day; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | entitled to receive and act upon any notice, request, document or communication or make any decision or determination under any Finance Document made or delivered on that day, |
| --- | --- |
unless it has received not less than five Business Days' prior notice from that Lender to the contrary in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
| (b) | Each Finance Party shall supply the Facility Agent with any information that the Security Agent may reasonably specify (through the Facility Agent) as being necessary or desirable to enable the Security Agent to perform its functions as Security Agent. |
|---|---|
| (c) | Any Lender may by notice to the Facility Agent appoint a person to receive on its behalf all notices, communications, information and documents to be made or despatched to that Lender under the Finance Documents. Such notice shall contain the address, fax number and (where communication by electronic mail or other electronic means is permitted under Clause 37.5 (Electronic communication)) electronic mail address and/or any other information required to enable the transmission of information by that means (and, in each case, the department or officer, if any, for whose attention communication is to be made) and be treated as a notification of a substitute address, fax number, electronic mail address (or such other information), department and officer by that Lender for the purposes of Clause 37.2 (Addresses) and sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of Clause 37.5 (Electronic communication) and the Facility Agent shall be entitled to treat such person as the person entitled to receive all such notices, communications, information and documents as though that person were that Lender. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.15 | Credit appraisal by the Finance Parties |
| --- | --- |
Without affecting the responsibility of any Transaction Obligor or any Approved Manager for information supplied by it or on its behalf in connection with any Transaction Document to which it is a party, each Finance Party confirms to the Facility Agent that it has been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under, or in connection with, any Transaction Document including but not limited to:
| (a) | the financial condition, status and nature of each member of the Group; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Transaction Document, the Security Property and any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Transaction Document or the Security Property; |
| --- | --- |
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| (c) | whether that Finance Party has recourse, and the nature and extent of that recourse, against any Party or any of its respective assets under, or in connection with, any Transaction Document, the Security Property, the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Transaction Document or the Security Property; |
|---|---|
| (d) | the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information provided by the Facility Agent, any Party or by any other person under, or in connection with, any Transaction Document, the transactions contemplated by any Transaction Document or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Transaction Document; and |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | the right or title of any person in or to or the value or sufficiency of any part of the Security Assets, the priority of any of the Transaction Security or the existence of any Security affecting the Security Assets. |
| --- | --- |
| 30.16 | Deduction from amounts payable by the Facility Agent |
| --- | --- |
If any Party owes an amount to the Facility Agent under the Finance Documents, the Facility Agent may, after giving notice to that Party, deduct an amount not exceeding that amount from any payment to that Party which the Facility Agent would otherwise be obliged to make under the Finance Documents and apply the amount deducted in or towards satisfaction of the amount owed. For the purposes of the Finance Documents that Party shall be regarded as having received any amount so deducted.
| 30.17 | Reliance and engagement letters |
|---|
Each Secured Party confirms that the Facility Agent has authority to accept on its behalf (and ratifies the acceptance on its behalf of any letters or reports already accepted by the Facility Agent) the terms of any reliance letter or engagement letters or any reports or letters provided by accountants, auditors or providers of due diligence reports in connection with the Finance Documents or the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents and to bind it in respect of those, reports or letters and to sign such letters on its behalf and further confirms that it accepts the terms and qualifications set out in such letters.
| 30.18 | Full freedom to enter into transactions |
|---|
Without prejudice to Clause 31.7 (Business with the Group) or any other provision of a Finance Document and notwithstanding any rule of law or equity to the contrary, the Facility Agent shall be absolutely entitled:
| (a) | to enter into and arrange banking, derivative, investment and/or other transactions of every kind with or affecting any Transaction Obligor or any Approved Manager or any person who is party to, or referred to in, a Finance Document (including, but not limited to, any interest or currency swap or other transaction, whether related to this Agreement or not, and acting as syndicate agent and/or security agent for, and/or participating in, other facilities to such Transaction Obligor or any Approved Manager or any person who is party to, or referred to in, a Finance Document); |
|---|
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| (b) | to deal in and enter into and arrange transactions relating to: |
|---|---|
| (i) | any securities issued or to be issued by any Transaction Obligor or any Approved Manager or any other person; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any options or other derivatives in connection with such securities; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | to provide advice or other services to the Borrowers or any person who is a party to, or referred to in, a Finance Document; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | to engage in transactions that may affect the calculation of any Benchmark Replacement and/or any relevant adjustments to it without any consideration of the interests of, or liability to, any Transaction Obligor or any Approved Manager or any other Party, |
| --- | --- |
and, in particular, the Facility Agent shall be absolutely entitled, in proposing, evaluating, negotiating, entering into and arranging all such transactions and in connection with all other matters covered by paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above, to use (subject only to insider dealing legislation) any information or opportunity, howsoever acquired by it, to pursue its own interests exclusively, to refrain from disclosing such dealings, transactions or other matters or any information acquired in connection with them and to retain for its sole benefit all profits and benefits derived from the dealings transactions or other matters.
| 30.19 | Amounts paid in error |
|---|---|
| (a) | If the Facility Agent pays an amount to another Party and the Facility Agent notifies that Party that such payment was an Erroneous Payment then the Party to whom that amount was paid by the Facility Agent shall on demand refund the same to the Facility Agent together with interest on that amount from the date of payment to the date of receipt by the Facility Agent, calculated by the Facility Agent to reflect its cost of funds. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Neither: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the obligations of any Party to the Facility Agent; nor |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the remedies of the Facility Agent, |
| --- | --- |
(whether arising under this Clause 30.19 (Amounts paid in error) or otherwise) which relate to an Erroneous Payment will be affected by any act, omission, matter or thing which, but for this paragraph (b), would reduce, release or prejudice any such obligation or remedy (whether or not known by the Facility Agent or any other Party).
| (c) | All payments to be made by a Party to the Facility Agent (whether made pursuant to this Clause 30.19 (Amounts paid in error) or otherwise) which relate to an Erroneous Payment shall be calculated and be made without (and free and clear of any deduction for) set-off or counterclaim. |
|---|---|
| (d) | In this Agreement, "Erroneous Payment" means a payment of an amount by the Facility Agent to another Party which the Facility Agent determines (in its sole discretion) was made in error. |
| --- | --- |
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| 31 | THE SECURITY AGENT |
|---|---|
| 31.1 | Trust |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Security Agent declares that it holds the Security Property on trust for the Secured Parties on the terms contained in this Agreement and shall deal with the Security Property in accordance with this Clause 31 (The Security Agent) and the other provisions of the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each other Finance Party authorises the Security Agent to perform the duties, obligations and responsibilities and to exercise the rights, powers, authorities and discretions specifically given to the Security Agent under, or in connection with, the Finance Documents together with any other incidental rights, powers, authorities and discretions. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.2 | Parallel Debt (Covenant to pay the Security Agent) |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Each Obligor irrevocably and unconditionally undertakes to pay to the Security Agent its Parallel Debt which shall be amounts equal to, and in the currency or currencies of, its Corresponding Debt. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Parallel Debt of an Obligor: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | shall become due and payable at the same time as its Corresponding Debt; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | is independent and separate from, and without prejudice to, its Corresponding Debt. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | For the purposes of this Clause 31.2 (Parallel Debt (Covenant to pay the Security Agent)), the Security Agent: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | is the independent and separate creditor of each Parallel Debt; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | acts in its own name and not as agent, representative or trustee of the Finance Parties and its claims in respect of each Parallel Debt shall not be held on trust; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | shall have the independent and separate right to demand payment of each Parallel Debt in its own name (including, without limitation, through any suit, execution, enforcement of security, recovery of guarantees and applications for and voting in any kind of insolvency proceeding). |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | The Parallel Debt of an Obligor shall be: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | decreased to the extent that its Corresponding Debt has been irrevocably and unconditionally paid or discharged; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | increased to the extent that its Corresponding Debt has increased, |
| --- | --- |
and the Corresponding Debt of an Obligor shall be decreased to the extent that its Parallel Debt has been irrevocably and unconditionally paid or discharged,
in each case provided that the Parallel Debt of an Obligor shall never exceed its Corresponding Debt to avoid any double recovery whatsoever from any Obligor.
| (e) | All amounts received or recovered by the Security Agent in connection with this Clause 31.2 (Parallel Debt (Covenant to pay the Security Agent)) to the extent permitted by applicable law, shall be applied in accordance with Clause 34.5 (Application of receipts; partial payments) so to avoid any double recovery whatsoever from any Obligor. |
|---|
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| (f) | This Clause 31.2 (Parallel Debt (Covenant to pay the Security Agent)) shall apply, with any necessary modifications, to each Finance Document. |
|---|---|
| 31.3 | Enforcement through Security Agent only |
| --- | --- |
The Secured Parties shall not have any independent power to enforce, or have recourse to, any of the Transaction Security or to exercise any right, power, authority or discretion arising under the Finance Documents except through the Security Agent.
| 31.4 | Instructions |
|---|---|
| (a) | The Security Agent shall: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, exercise or refrain from exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it as Security Agent in accordance with any instructions given to it by: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | all Lenders (or the Facility Agent on their behalf) if the relevant Finance Document stipulates the matter is an all Lender decision; and |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | in all other cases, the Majority Lenders (or the Facility Agent on their behalf); and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | not be liable for any act (or omission) if it acts (or refrains from acting) in accordance with sub-paragraph (i) above (or if this Agreement stipulates the matter is a decision for any other Finance Party or group of Finance Parties, in accordance with instructions given to it by that Finance Party or group of Finance Parties). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Security Agent shall be entitled to request instructions, or clarification of any instruction, from the Majority Lenders (or the Facility Agent on their behalf) (or, if the relevant Finance Document stipulates the matter is a decision for any other Finance Party or group of Finance Parties, from that Finance Party or group of Finance Parties) as to whether, and in what manner, it should exercise or refrain from exercising any right, power, authority or discretion and the Security Agent may refrain from acting unless and until it receives any such instructions or clarification that it has requested. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Save in the case of decisions stipulated to be a matter for any other Finance Party or group of Finance Parties under the relevant Finance Document and unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, any instructions given to the Security Agent by the Majority Lenders shall override any conflicting instructions given by any other Parties and will be binding on all Finance Parties. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Paragraph (a) above shall not apply: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | where a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | where a Finance Document requires the Security Agent to act in a specified manner or to take a specified action; |
| --- | --- |
123
| (iii) | in respect of any provision which protects the Security Agent's own position in its personal capacity as opposed to its role of Security Agent for the relevant Secured Parties. |
|---|---|
| (iv) | in respect of the exercise of the Security Agent's discretion to exercise a right, power or authority under any of: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | Clause 31.27 (Application of receipts); |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | Clause 31.28 (Permitted Deductions); and |
| --- | --- |
| (C) | Clause 31.29 (Prospective liabilities). |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | If giving effect to instructions given by the Majority Lenders would in the Security Agent's opinion have an effect equivalent to an amendment or waiver referred to in Clause 44 (Amendments and Waivers), the Security Agent shall not act in accordance with those instructions unless consent to it so acting is obtained from each Party (other than the Security Agent) whose consent would have been required in respect of that amendment or waiver. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | In exercising any discretion to exercise a right, power or authority under the Finance Documents where either: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | it has not received any instructions as to the exercise of that discretion; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the exercise of that discretion is subject to sub-paragraph (iv) of paragraph (d) above, |
| --- | --- |
the Security Agent shall do so having regard to the interests of all the Secured Parties.
| (g) | The Security Agent may refrain from acting in accordance with any instructions of any Finance Party or group of Finance Parties until it has received any indemnification and/or security that it may in its discretion require (which may be greater in extent than that contained in the Finance Documents and which may include payment in advance) for any cost, loss or liability (together with any applicable VAT) which it may incur in complying with those instructions. |
|---|---|
| (h) | Without prejudice to the remainder of this Clause 31.4 (Instructions), in the absence of instructions, the Security Agent may (but shall not be obliged to) take such action in the exercise of its powers and duties under the Finance Documents as it considers in its discretion to be appropriate. |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | The Security Agent is not authorised to act on behalf of a Finance Party (without first obtaining that Finance Party's consent) in any legal or arbitration proceedings relating to any Finance Document. This paragraph (i) shall not apply to any legal or arbitration proceeding relating to the perfection, preservation or protection of rights under the Finance Documents or enforcement of the Transaction Security or Finance Documents, following the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.5 | Duties of the Security Agent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Security Agent's duties under the Finance Documents are solely mechanical and administrative in nature. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Security Agent shall promptly forward to a Party the original or a copy of any document which is delivered to the Security Agent for that Party by any other Party. |
| --- | --- |
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| (c) | Except where a Finance Document specifically provides otherwise, the Security Agent is not obliged to review or check the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any document it forwards to another Party. |
|---|---|
| (d) | If the Security Agent receives notice from a Party referring to any Finance Document, describing a Default and stating that the circumstance described is a Default, it shall promptly notify the other Finance Parties. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | The Security Agent shall have only those duties, obligations and responsibilities expressly specified in the Finance Documents to which it is expressed to be a party (and no others shall be implied). |
| --- | --- |
| 31.6 | No fiduciary duties |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Nothing in any Finance Document constitutes the Security Agent as an agent, trustee or fiduciary of any Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Security Agent shall not be bound to account to any other Secured Party for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by it for its own account. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.7 | Business with the Group |
| --- | --- |
The Security Agent may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with, any member of the Group.
| 31.8 | Rights and discretions |
|---|---|
| (a) | The Security Agent may: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | rely on any representation, communication, notice or document believed by it to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | assume that: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | any instructions received by it from the Majority Lenders, any Finance Parties or any group of Finance Parties are duly given in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | unless it has received notice of revocation, that those instructions have not been revoked; |
| --- | --- |
| (C) | if it receives any instructions to act in relation to the Transaction Security, that all applicable conditions under the Finance Documents for so acting have been satisfied; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | rely on a certificate from any person: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | as to any matter of fact or circumstance which might reasonably be expected to be within the knowledge of that person; or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | to the effect that such person approves of any particular dealing, transaction, step, action or thing, |
| --- | --- |
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as sufficient evidence that that is the case and, in the case of sub-paragraph (A) above, may assume the truth and accuracy of that certificate.
| (b) | The Security Agent shall be entitled to carry out all dealings with the other Finance Parties through the Facility Agent and may give to the Facility Agent any notice or other communication required to be given by the Security Agent to any Finance Party. |
|---|---|
| (c) | The Security Agent may assume (unless it has received notice to the contrary in its capacity as security agent for the Secured Parties) that: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | no Default has occurred; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any right, power, authority or discretion vested in any Party or any group of Finance Parties has not been exercised; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | any notice or request made by any Borrower (other than a Utilisation Request or a Selection Notice) is made on behalf of and with the consent and knowledge of all the Transaction Obligors and the Approved Manager. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | The Security Agent may engage and pay for the advice or services of any lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, surveyors or other professional advisers or experts and the reimbursement by an Obligor of such costs shall be subject to Clause 16.2 (Amendment costs). |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (c) above or paragraph (f) below, the Security Agent may at any time engage and pay for the services of any lawyers to act as independent counsel to the Security Agent (and so separate from any lawyers instructed by the Facility Agent or the Lenders) if the Security Agent in its reasonable opinion deems this to be desirable. |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | The Security Agent may rely on the advice or services of any lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, surveyors or other professional advisers or experts (whether obtained by the Security Agent or by any other Party) and shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value or any liability whatsoever arising as a result of its so relying. |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | The Security Agent may act in relation to the Finance Documents and the Security Property through its officers, employees and agents and shall not: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | be liable for any error of judgment made by any such person; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | be bound to supervise, or be in any way responsible for any loss incurred by reason of misconduct, omission or default on the part of any such person, |
| --- | --- |
unless such error or such loss was directly caused by the Security Agent's gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
| (h) | Unless a Finance Document expressly provides otherwise the Security Agent may disclose to any other Party any information it reasonably believes it has received as security agent under the Finance Documents. |
|---|---|
| (i) | Notwithstanding any other provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, the Security Agent is not obliged to do or omit to do anything if it would or might, in its reasonable opinion, constitute a breach of any law or regulation or a breach of a fiduciary duty or duty of confidentiality. |
| --- | --- |
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| (j) | Notwithstanding any provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, the Security Agent is not obliged to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of its duties, obligations or responsibilities or the exercise of any right, power, authority or discretion if it has grounds for believing the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against, or security for, such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. |
|---|---|
| 31.9 | Responsibility for documentation |
| --- | --- |
None of the Security Agent, any Receiver or Delegate is responsible or liable for:
| (a) | the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information (whether oral or written) supplied by the Facility Agent, the Security Agent, any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager any other person in, or in connection with, any Transaction Document or the transactions contemplated in the Transaction Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Transaction Document; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Transaction Document or the Security Property or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with, any Transaction Document or the Security Property; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | any determination as to whether any information provided or to be provided to any Secured Party is non-public information the use of which may be regulated or prohibited by applicable law or regulation relating to insider dealing or otherwise. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.10 | No duty to monitor |
| --- | --- |
The Security Agent shall not be bound to enquire:
| (a) | whether or not any Default has occurred; |
|---|---|
| (b) | as to the performance, default or any breach by any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager of its obligations under any Transaction Document to which it is a party; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | whether any other event specified in any Transaction Document has occurred. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.11 | Exclusion of liability |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Without limiting paragraph (b) below (and without prejudice to any other provision of any Finance Document excluding or limiting the liability of the Security Agent or any Receiver or Delegate), none of the Security Agent nor any Receiver or Delegate will be liable (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) for: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value, or any liability whatsoever arising as a result of taking or not taking any action under or in connection with any Transaction Document or the Security Property, unless directly caused by its gross negligence or wilful misconduct; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | exercising, or not exercising, any right, power, authority or discretion given to it by, or in connection with, any Transaction Document, the Security Property or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with, any Transaction Document or the Security Property; or |
| --- | --- |
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| (iii) | any shortfall which arises on the enforcement or realisation of the Security Property; or |
|---|---|
| (iv) | without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) above, any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value or any liability whatsoever arising as a result of: |
| --- | --- |
| (A) | any act, event or circumstance not reasonably within its control; or |
| --- | --- |
| (B) | the general risks of investment in, or the holding of assets in, any jurisdiction, |
| --- | --- |
including (in each case and without limitation) such damages, costs, losses, diminution in value or liability arising as a result of nationalisation, expropriation or other governmental actions; any regulation, currency restriction, devaluation or fluctuation; market conditions affecting the execution or settlement of transactions or the value of assets (including any Disruption Event); breakdown, failure or malfunction of any third party transport, telecommunications, computer services or systems; natural disasters or acts of God; war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or strikes or industrial action.
| (b) | No Party other than the Security Agent, that Receiver or that Delegate (as applicable) may take any proceedings against any officer, employee or agent of the Security Agent, a Receiver or a Delegate in respect of any claim it might have against the Security Agent, a Receiver or a Delegate or in respect of any act or omission of any kind by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any Transaction Document or any Security Property and any officer, employee or agent of the Security Agent, a Receiver or a Delegate may rely on this paragraph (b) subject to Clause 1.5 (Third party rights) and the provisions of the Third Parties Act. |
|---|---|
| (c) | The Security Agent will not be liable for any delay (or any related consequences) in crediting an account with an amount required under the Finance Documents to be paid by the Security Agent if the Security Agent has taken all necessary steps as soon as reasonably practicable to comply with the regulations or operating procedures of any recognised clearing or settlement system used by the Security Agent for that purpose. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Nothing in this Agreement shall oblige the Security Agent to carry out: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any "know your customer" or other checks in relation to any person; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any check on the extent to which any transaction contemplated by this Agreement might be unlawful for any Finance Party, |
| --- | --- |
on behalf of any Finance Party and each Finance Party confirms to the Security Agent that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by the Security Agent.
| (e) | Without prejudice to any provision of any Finance Document excluding or limiting the liability of the Security Agent or any Receiver or Delegate, any liability (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) of the Security Agent or any Receiver or Delegate arising under or in connection with any Transaction Document or the Security Property shall be limited to the amount of actual loss which has been finally judicially determined to have been suffered (as determined by reference to the date of default of the Security Agent. Receiver or Delegate or, if later, the date on which the loss arises as a result of such default) but without reference to any special conditions or circumstances known to the Security Agent, any Receiver or Delegate at any time which increase the amount of that loss. In no event shall the Security Agent, any Receiver or Delegate be liable for any loss of profits, goodwill, reputation, business opportunity or anticipated saving, or for special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages, whether or not the Security Agent, the Receiver or Delegate has been advised of the possibility of such loss or damages. |
|---|
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| 31.12 | Lenders' indemnity to the Security Agent |
|---|---|
| (a) | Each Lender shall (in proportion to its share of the Total Commitments or, if the Total Commitments are then zero, to its share of the Total Commitments immediately prior to their reduction to zero) indemnify the Security Agent and every Receiver and every Delegate, within three Business Days of demand, against any cost, loss or liability (including, without limitation, for negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever) incurred by any of them (otherwise than by reason of the Security Agent's, Receiver's or Delegate's gross negligence or wilful misconduct) in acting as Security Agent, Receiver or Delegate under the Finance Documents (unless the Security Agent, Receiver or Delegate has been reimbursed by an Obligor pursuant to a Finance Document). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Subject to paragraph (c) below, the Borrowers shall immediately on demand reimburse any Lender for any payment that Lender makes to the Security Agent pursuant to paragraph (a) above. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Paragraph (b) above shall not apply to the extent that the indemnity payment in respect of which a Lender claims reimbursement relates to a liability of the Security Agent to an Obligor. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.13 | Resignation of the Security Agent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Security Agent may resign and appoint one of its Affiliates acting through an office as successor by giving notice to the other Finance Parties and the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Alternatively, the Security Agent may resign by giving 30 days' notice to the other Finance Parties and the Borrowers, in which case the Majority Lenders may appoint a successor Security Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | If the Majority Lenders have not appointed a successor Security Agent in accordance with paragraph (b) above within 20 days after notice of resignation was given, the retiring Security Agent may appoint a successor Security Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | The retiring Security Agent shall make available to the successor Security Agent such documents and records and provide such assistance as the successor Security Agent may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as Security Agent under the Finance Documents. The Borrowers, within three Business Days of demand, reimburse the retiring Security Agent for the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) properly incurred by it in making available such documents and records and providing such assistance. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | The Security Agent's resignation notice shall only take effect upon: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the appointment of a successor; and |
| --- | --- |
129
| (ii) | the transfer, by way of a document expressed as a deed, of all the Security Property to that successor. |
|---|---|
| (f) | Upon the appointment of a successor, the retiring Security Agent shall be discharged, by way of a document executed as a deed, from any further obligation in respect of the Finance Documents (other than its obligations under paragraph (b) of Clause 31.24 (Winding up of trust) and paragraph (d) above) but shall remain entitled to the benefit of Clause 14.4 (Indemnity to the Security Agent) and this Clause 31 (The Security Agent) and any other provisions of a Finance Document which are expressed to limit or exclude its liability (or to indemnify it) in acting as Security Agent. Any fees for the account of the retiring Security Agent shall cease to accrue from (and shall be payable on) that date. Any successor and each of the other Parties shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor had been an original Party. |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | The Majority Lenders may, by notice to the Security Agent, require it to resign in accordance with paragraph (b) above. In this event, the Security Agent shall resign in accordance with paragraph (b) above but the cost referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be for the account of the Borrowers. |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | The consent of the Borrowers (or any other Transaction Obligor) is not required for an assignment or transfer of rights and/or obligations by the Security Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.14 | Confidentiality |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | In acting as Security Agent for the Finance Parties, the Security Agent shall be regarded as acting through its trustee division which shall be treated as a separate entity from any other of its divisions or departments. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If information is received by a division or department of the Security Agent other than the division or department responsible for complying with the obligations assumed by it under the Finance Documents, that information may be treated as confidential to that division or department, and the Security Agent shall not be deemed to have notice of it nor shall it be obliged to disclose such information to any Party. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Notwithstanding any other provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, the Security Agent is not obliged to disclose to any other person (i) any confidential information or (ii) any other information if the disclosure would, or might in its reasonable opinion, constitute a breach of any law or regulation or a breach of a fiduciary duty. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.15 | Credit appraisal by the Finance Parties |
| --- | --- |
Without affecting the responsibility of any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager for information supplied by it or on its behalf in connection with any Transaction Document, each Finance Party confirms to the Security Agent that it has been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under, or in connection with, any Transaction Document including but not limited to:
| (a) | the financial condition, status and nature of each member of the Group; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Transaction Document, the Security Property and any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Transaction Document or the Security Property; |
| --- | --- |
130
| (c) | whether that Finance Party has recourse, and the nature and extent of that recourse, against any Party or any of its respective assets under, or in connection with, any Transaction Document, the Security Property, the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Transaction Document or the Security Property; |
|---|---|
| (d) | the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information provided by the Security Agent, any Party or by any other person under, or in connection with, any Transaction Document, the transactions contemplated by any Transaction Document or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Transaction Document; and |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | the right or title of any person in or to or the value or sufficiency of any part of the Security Assets, the priority of any of the Transaction Security or the existence of any Security affecting the Security Assets. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.16 | Reliance and engagement letters |
| --- | --- |
Each Secured Party confirms that the Security Agent has authority to accept on its behalf (and ratifies the acceptance on its behalf of any letters or reports already accepted by the Security Agent) the terms of any reliance letter or engagement letters or any reports or letters provided by accountants, auditors or providers of due diligence reports in connection with the Finance Documents or the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents and to bind it in respect of those, reports or letters and to sign such letters on its behalf and further confirms that it accepts the terms and qualifications set out in such letters.
| 31.17 | No responsibility to perfect Transaction Security |
|---|
The Security Agent shall not be liable for any failure to:
| (a) | require the deposit with it of any deed or document certifying, representing or constituting the title of any Transaction Obligor to any of the Security Assets; |
|---|---|
| (b) | obtain any licence, consent or other authority for the execution, delivery, legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of any Finance Document or the Transaction Security; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | register, file or record or otherwise protect any of the Transaction Security (or the priority of any of the Transaction Security) under any law or regulation or to give notice to any person of the execution of any Finance Document or of the Transaction Security; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | take, or to require any Transaction Obligor to take, any step to perfect its title to any of the Security Assets or to render the Transaction Security effective or to secure the creation of any ancillary Security under any law or regulation; or |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | require any further assurance in relation to any Finance Document. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.18 | Insurance by Security Agent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Security Agent shall not be obliged: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | to insure any of the Security Assets; |
| --- | --- |
131
| (ii) | to require any other person to maintain any insurance; or |
|---|---|
| (iii) | to verify any obligation to arrange or maintain insurance contained in any Finance Document, |
| --- | --- |
and the Security Agent shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses to any person as a result of the lack of, or inadequacy of, any such insurance.
| (b) | Where the Security Agent is named on any insurance policy as an insured party, it shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses to any person as a result of its failure to notify the insurers of any material fact relating to the risk assumed by such insurers or any other information of any kind, unless the Majority Lenders request it to do so in writing and the Security Agent fails to do so within 14 days after receipt of that request. |
|---|---|
| 31.19 | Custodians and nominees |
| --- | --- |
The Security Agent may appoint and pay any person to act as a custodian or nominee on any terms in relation to any asset of the trust as the Security Agent may determine, including for the purpose of depositing with a custodian this Agreement or any document relating to the trust created under this Agreement and the Security Agent shall not be responsible for any loss, liability, expense, demand, cost, claim or proceedings incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of any person appointed by it under this Agreement or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any person.
| 31.20 | Delegation by the Security Agent |
|---|---|
| (a) | Each of the Security Agent, any Receiver and any Delegate may, at any time, delegate by power of attorney or otherwise to any person for any period, all or any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it in its capacity as such. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | That delegation may be made upon any terms and conditions (including the power to sub delegate) and subject to any restrictions that the Security Agent, that Receiver or that Delegate (as the case may be) may, in its discretion, think fit in the interests of the Secured Parties. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | No Security Agent, Receiver or Delegate shall be bound to supervise, or be in any way responsible for any damages, costs or losses incurred by reason of any misconduct, omission or default on the part of any such delegate or sub delegate. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.21 | Additional Security Agents |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Security Agent may at any time appoint (and subsequently remove) any person to act as a separate trustee or as a co-trustee jointly with it: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | if it considers that appointment to be in the interests of the Secured Parties; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | for the purposes of conforming to any legal requirement, restriction or condition which the Security Agent deems to be relevant; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | for obtaining or enforcing any judgment in any jurisdiction, |
| --- | --- |
and the Security Agent shall give prior notice to the Borrowers and the Finance Parties of that appointment.
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| (b) | Any person so appointed shall have the rights, powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those given to the Security Agent under or in connection with the Finance Documents) and the duties, obligations and responsibilities that are given or imposed by the instrument of appointment. |
|---|---|
| (c) | The remuneration that the Security Agent may pay to that person, and any costs and expenses (together with any applicable VAT) incurred by that person in performing its functions pursuant to that appointment shall, for the purposes of this Agreement, be treated as costs and expenses incurred by the Security Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.22 | Acceptance of title |
| --- | --- |
The Security Agent shall be entitled to accept without enquiry, and shall not be obliged to investigate, any right and title that any Transaction Obligor may have to any of the Security Assets and shall not be liable for or bound to require any Transaction Obligor to remedy any defect in its right or title.
| 31.23 | Releases |
|---|
Upon a disposal of any of the Security Assets pursuant to the enforcement of the Transaction Security by a Receiver, a Delegate or the Security Agent, the Security Agent is irrevocably authorised (at the cost of the Obligors and without any consent, sanction, authority or further confirmation from any other Secured Party) to release, without recourse or warranty, that property from the Transaction Security and to execute any release of the Transaction Security or other claim over that asset and to issue any certificates of non-crystallisation of floating charges that may be required or desirable.
| 31.24 | Winding up of trust |
|---|
If the Security Agent, with the approval of the Facility Agent determines that:
| (a) | all of the Secured Liabilities and all other obligations secured by the Finance Documents have been fully and finally discharged; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | no Secured Party is under any commitment, obligation or liability (actual or contingent) to make advances or provide other financial accommodation to any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager pursuant to the Finance Documents, |
| --- | --- |
then
| (i) | the trusts set out in this Agreement shall be wound up and the Security Agent shall release, without recourse or warranty, all of the Transaction Security and the rights of the Security Agent under each of the Finance Documents; and |
|---|---|
| (ii) | any Security Agent which has resigned pursuant to Clause 31.13 (Resignation of the Security Agent) shall release, without recourse or warranty, all of its rights under each Finance Document. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.25 | Powers supplemental to Trustee Acts |
| --- | --- |
The rights, powers, authorities and discretions given to the Security Agent under or in connection with the Finance Documents shall be supplemental to the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000 and in addition to any which may be vested in the Security Agent by law or regulation or otherwise.
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| 31.26 | Disapplication of Trustee Acts |
|---|
Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to the duties of the Security Agent in relation to the trusts constituted by this Agreement and the other Finance Documents. Where there are any inconsistencies between (i) the Trustee Acts 1925 and 2000 and (ii) the provisions of this Agreement and any other Finance Document, the provisions of this Agreement and any other Finance Document shall, to the extent permitted by law and regulation, prevail and, in the case of any inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000, the provisions of this Agreement and any other Finance Document shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of the Trustee Act 2000.
| 31.27 | Application of receipts |
|---|
All amounts from time to time received or recovered by the Security Agent pursuant to the terms of any Finance Document, under Clause 31.2 (Parallel Debt (Covenant to pay the Security Agent)) or in connection with the realisation or enforcement of all or any part of the Security Property (for the purposes of this Clause 31 (The Security Agent), the "Recoveries") shall be held by the Security Agent on trust to apply them at any time as the Security Agent (in its discretion) sees fit, to the extent permitted by applicable law (and subject to the remaining provisions of this Clause 31 (The Security Agent)), in the following order of priority:
| (a) | in discharging any sums owing to the Security Agent (in its capacity as such) other than pursuant to Clause 31.2 (Parallel Debt (Covenant to pay the Security Agent)) or any Receiver or Delegate; |
|---|---|
| (b) | in payment or distribution to the Facility Agent, on its behalf and on behalf of the other Secured Parties, for application towards the discharge of all sums due and payable by any Obligor under any of the Finance Documents in accordance with Clause 34.5 (Application of receipts; partial payments); |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | if none of the Transaction Obligors is under any further actual or contingent liability under any Finance Document, in payment or distribution to any person to whom the Security Agent is obliged to pay or distribute in priority to any Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager; and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | the balance, if any, in payment or distribution to the relevant Transaction Obligor. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.28 | Permitted Deductions |
| --- | --- |
The Security Agent may, in its discretion:
| (a) | set aside by way of reserve amounts required to meet, and to make and pay, any deductions and withholdings (on account of Taxes or otherwise) which it is or may be required by any applicable law to make from any distribution or payment made by it under this Agreement; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | pay all Taxes which may be assessed against it in respect of any of the Security Property, or as a consequence of performing its duties, or by virtue of its capacity as Security Agent under any of the Finance Documents or otherwise (other than in connection with its remuneration for performing its duties under this Agreement). |
| --- | --- |
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| 31.29 | Prospective liabilities |
|---|
Following enforcement of any of the Transaction Security, the Security Agent may, in its discretion, or at the request of the Facility Agent, hold any Recoveries in an interest bearing suspense or impersonal account(s) in the name of the Security Agent with such financial institution (including itself) and for so long as the Security Agent shall think fit (the interest being credited to the relevant account) for later payment to the Facility Agent for application in accordance with Clause 31.27 (Application of receipts) in respect of:
| (a) | any sum to the Security Agent, any Receiver or any Delegate; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | any part of the Secured Liabilities, |
| --- | --- |
that the Security Agent or, in the case of paragraph (b) only, the Facility Agent, reasonably considers, in each case, might become due or owing at any time in the future.
| 31.30 | Investment of proceeds |
|---|
Prior to the payment of the proceeds of the Recoveries to the Facility Agent for application in accordance with Clause 31.27 (Application of receipts) the Security Agent may, in its discretion, hold all or part of those proceeds in an interest bearing suspense or impersonal account(s) in the name of the Security Agent with such financial institution (including itself) and for so long as the Security Agent shall think fit (the interest being credited to the relevant account) pending the payment from time to time of those moneys in the Security Agent's discretion in accordance with the provisions of Clause 31.27 (Application of receipts).
| 31.31 | Currency conversion |
|---|---|
| (a) | For the purpose of, or pending the discharge of, any of the Secured Liabilities the Security Agent may convert any moneys received or recovered by the Security Agent from one currency to another, at a market rate of exchange. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The obligations of any Transaction Obligor to pay in the due currency shall only be satisfied to the extent of the amount of the due currency purchased after deducting the costs of conversion. |
| --- | --- |
For the avoidance of doubt, this provision **** shall in no way alter the currency and the repayment of the Facility, which shall always be in dollars.
| 31.32 | Good discharge |
|---|---|
| (a) | Any payment to be made in respect of the Secured Liabilities by the Security Agent may be made to the Facility Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties and any payment made in that way shall be a good discharge, to the extent of that payment, by the Security Agent. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Security Agent is under no obligation to make the payments to the Facility Agent under paragraph (a) above in the same currency as that in which the obligations and liabilities owing to the relevant Finance Party are denominated. |
| --- | --- |
| 31.33 | Amounts received by Obligors |
| --- | --- |
If any of the Obligors receives or recovers any amount which, under the terms of any of the Finance Documents, should have been paid to the Security Agent, that Obligor will hold the amount received or recovered on trust for the Security Agent and promptly pay that amount to the Security Agent for application in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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| 31.34 | Application and consideration |
|---|
In consideration for the covenants given to the Security Agent by each Obligor in relation to Clause 31.2 (Parallel Debt (Covenant to pay the Security Agent)), the Security Agent agrees with each Obligor to apply all moneys from time to time paid by such Obligor to the Security Agent in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Clause 31 (The Security Agent).
| 31.35 | Full freedom to enter into transactions |
|---|
Without prejudice to any other provision of a Finance Document and notwithstanding any rule of law or equity to the contrary, the Security Agent shall be absolutely entitled:
| (a) | to enter into and arrange banking, derivative, investment and/or other transactions of every kind with or affecting any Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager or any person who is party to, or referred to in, a Finance Document (including, but not limited to, any interest or currency swap or other transaction, whether related to this Agreement or not, and acting as syndicate agent and/or security agent for, and/or participating in, other facilities to such Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager or any person who is party to, or referred to in, a Finance Document); |
|---|---|
| (b) | to deal in and enter into and arrange transactions relating to: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any securities issued or to be issued by any Transaction Obligor or any other person; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any options or other derivatives in connection with such securities; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | to provide advice or other services to the Borrowers or any person who is a party to, or referred to in, a Finance Document, |
| --- | --- |
and, in particular, the Security Agent shall be absolutely entitled, in proposing, evaluating, negotiating, entering into and arranging all such transactions and in connection with all other matters covered by paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above, to use (subject only to insider dealing legislation) any information or opportunity, howsoever acquired by it, to pursue its own interests exclusively, to refrain from disclosing such dealings, transactions or other matters or any information acquired in connection with them and to retain for its sole benefit all profits and benefits derived from the dealings transactions or other matters.
| 32 | CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY THE FINANCE PARTIES |
|---|
No provision of this Agreement will:
| (a) | interfere with the right of any Finance Party to arrange its affairs (tax or otherwise) in whatever manner it thinks fit; |
|---|---|
| (b) | oblige any Finance Party to investigate or claim any credit, relief, remission or repayment available to it or the extent, order and manner of any claim; or |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | oblige any Finance Party to disclose any information relating to its affairs (tax or otherwise) or any computations in respect of Tax. |
| --- | --- |
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| 33 | SHARING AMONG THE FINANCE PARTIES |
|---|---|
| 33.1 | Payments to Finance Parties |
| --- | --- |
If a Finance Party (a "Recovering Finance Party") receives or recovers any amount from an Obligor other than in accordance with Clause 34 (Payment Mechanics) (a "Recovered Amount") and applies that amount to a payment due to it under the Finance Documents then:
| (a) | the Recovering Finance Party shall, within three Business Days, notify details of the receipt or recovery, to the Facility Agent; |
|---|---|
| (b) | the Facility Agent shall determine whether the receipt or recovery is in excess of the amount the Recovering Finance Party would have been paid had the receipt or recovery been received or made by the Facility Agent and distributed in accordance with Clause 34 (Payment Mechanics), without taking account of any Tax which would be imposed on the Facility Agent in relation to the receipt, recovery or distribution; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | the Recovering Finance Party shall, within three Business Days of demand by the Facility Agent, pay to the Facility Agent an amount (the "Sharing Payment") equal to such receipt or recovery less any amount which the Facility Agent determines may be retained by the Recovering Finance Party as its share of any payment to be made, in accordance with Clause 34.5 (Application of receipts; partial payments). |
| --- | --- |
| 33.2 | Redistribution of payments |
| --- | --- |
The Facility Agent shall treat the Sharing Payment as if it had been paid by the relevant Obligor and distribute it among the Finance Parties (other than the Recovering Finance Party) (the "Sharing Finance Parties") in accordance with Clause 34.5 (Application of receipts; partial payments) towards the obligations of that Obligor to the Sharing Finance Parties.
| 33.3 | Recovering Finance Party's rights |
|---|
On a distribution by the Facility Agent under Clause 33.2 (Redistribution of payments) of a payment received by a Recovering Finance Party from an Obligor, as between the relevant Obligor and the Recovering Finance Party, an amount of the Recovered Amount equal to the Sharing Payment will be treated as not having been paid by that Obligor.
| 33.4 | Reversal of redistribution |
|---|
If any part of the Sharing Payment received or recovered by a Recovering Finance Party becomes repayable and is repaid by that Recovering Finance Party, then:
| (a) | each Sharing Finance Party shall, upon request of the Facility Agent, pay to the Facility Agent for the account of that Recovering Finance Party an amount equal to the appropriate part of its share of the Sharing Payment (together with an amount as is necessary to reimburse that Recovering Finance Party for its proportion of any interest on the Sharing Payment which that Recovering Finance Party is required to pay) (the "Redistributed Amount"); and |
|---|---|
| (b) | as between the relevant Obligor and each relevant Sharing Finance Party, an amount equal to the relevant Redistributed Amount will be treated as not having been paid by that Obligor. |
| --- | --- |
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| 33.5 | Exceptions |
|---|---|
| (a) | This Clause 33 (Sharing among the Finance Parties) shall not apply to the extent that the Recovering Finance Party would not, after making any payment pursuant to this Clause, have a valid and enforceable claim against the relevant Obligor. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | A Recovering Finance Party is not obliged to share with any other Finance Party any amount which the Recovering Finance Party has received or recovered as a result of taking legal or arbitration proceedings, if: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | it notified that other Finance Party of the legal or arbitration proceedings; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | that other Finance Party had an opportunity to participate in those legal or arbitration proceedings but did not do so as soon as reasonably practicable having received notice and did not take separate legal or arbitration proceedings. |
| --- | --- |
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SECTION 11
ADMINISTRATION
| 34 | PAYMENT MECHANICS |
|---|---|
| 34.1 | Payments to the Facility Agent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | On each date on which an Obligor or a Lender is required to make a payment under a Finance Document to which it is a party in accordance with its terms, that Obligor or Lender shall make an amount equal to such payment available to the Facility Agent (unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document) for value on the due date at the time and in such funds specified by the Facility Agent as being customary at the time for settlement of transactions in the relevant currency in the place of payment. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Payment shall be made to such account in the principal financial centre of the country of that currency and with such bank as the Facility Agent, in each case, specifies. |
| --- | --- |
| 34.2 | Distributions by the Facility Agent |
| --- | --- |
Each payment received by the Facility Agent under the Finance Documents for another Party shall, subject to Clause 34.3 (Distributions to an Obligor) and Clause 34.4 (Clawback and pre-funding) be made available by the Facility Agent as soon as practicable after receipt to the Party entitled to receive payment in accordance with this Agreement (in the case of a Lender, for the account of its Facility Office), to such account as that Party may notify to the Facility Agent by not less than five Business Days' notice with a bank specified by that Party in the principal financial centre of the country of that currency, as specified by that Party or, in the case of the Loan, to such account of such person as may be specified by the Borrowers in a Utilisation Request.
| 34.3 | Distributions to an Obligor |
|---|
The Facility Agent may (with the consent of the Obligors or in accordance with Clause 35 (Set-Off)) apply any amount received by it for that Obligor in or towards payment (on the date and in the currency and funds of receipt) of any amount due from that Obligor under the Finance Documents or in or towards purchase of any amount of any currency to be so applied.
| 34.4 | Clawback and pre-funding |
|---|---|
| (a) | Where a sum is to be paid to the Facility Agent under the Finance Documents for another Party, the Facility Agent is not obliged to pay that sum to that other Party (or to enter into or perform any related exchange contract) until it has been able to establish to its satisfaction that it has actually received that sum. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Unless paragraph (c) below applies, if the Facility Agent pays an amount to another Party and it proves to be the case that the Facility Agent had not actually received that amount, then the Party to whom that amount (or the proceeds of any related exchange contract) was paid by the Facility Agent shall on demand refund the same to the Facility Agent together with interest on that amount from the date of payment to the date of receipt by the Facility Agent, calculated by the Facility Agent to reflect its cost of funds. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | If the Facility Agent has notified the Lenders that it is willing to make available amounts for the account of the Borrowers before receiving funds from the Lenders then if and to the extent that the Facility Agent does so but it proves to be the case that it does not then receive funds from a Lender in respect of a sum which it paid to the Borrowers: |
| --- | --- |
139
| (i) | the Facility Agent shall notify the Borrowers of that Lender's identity and the Borrowers shall on demand refund it to the Facility Agent; and |
|---|---|
| (ii) | the Lender by whom those funds should have been made available or, if that Lender fails to do so, the Borrowers, shall on demand pay to the Facility Agent the amount (as certified by the Facility Agent) which will indemnify the Facility Agent against any funding cost incurred by it as a result of paying out that sum before receiving those funds from that Lender. |
| --- | --- |
| 34.5 | Application of receipts; partial payments |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | If the Facility Agent receives a payment that is insufficient to discharge all the amounts then due and payable by an Obligor under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms, the Facility Agent shall apply that payment towards the obligations of that Obligor under the Finance Documents in the following order: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | first, in or towards payment pro rata of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses of, and any other amounts owing to, the Facility Agent, the Security Agent, any Receiver or any Delegate under the Finance Documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | secondly, in or towards payment pro rata of any accrued interest and fees due but unpaid to the Lenders under this Agreement; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | thirdly, in or towards payment pro rata of any principal due but unpaid to the Lenders under this Agreement; |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | fourthly, in or towards payment pro rata of any other sum due but unpaid under the Finance Documents. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Facility Agent shall, if so directed by the Majority Lenders, vary, or instruct the Security Agent to vary (as applicable) the order set out in sub-paragraphs (ii) to (iv) of paragraph (a) above. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Paragraphs (a) and (b) above will override any appropriation made by an Obligor. |
| --- | --- |
| 34.6 | No set-off by Transaction Obligors |
| --- | --- |
All payments to be made by an Obligor under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms shall be calculated and be made without (and free and clear of any deduction for) set-off or counterclaim.
| 34.7 | Business Days |
|---|---|
| (a) | Any payment under the Finance Documents which is due to be made on a day that is not a Business Day shall be made on the next Business Day in the same calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | During any extension of the due date for payment of any principal or an Unpaid Sum under this Agreement interest is payable on the principal or Unpaid Sum at the rate payable on the original due date. |
| --- | --- |
140
| 34.8 | Currency of account |
|---|---|
| (a) | Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) below, dollars is the currency of account and payment for any sum due from an Obligor under any Finance Document to which it is a party. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each payment in respect of costs, expenses or Taxes shall be made in the currency in which the costs, expenses or Taxes are incurred. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Any amount expressed to be payable in a currency other than dollars shall be paid in that other currency. |
| --- | --- |
| 34.9 | Change of currency |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Unless otherwise prohibited by law, if more than one currency or currency unit are at the same time recognised by the central bank of any country as the lawful currency of that country, then: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any reference in the Finance Documents to, and any obligations arising under the Finance Documents in, the currency of that country shall be translated into, or paid in, the currency or currency unit of that country designated by the Facility Agent (after consultation with the Borrowers); and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | any translation from one currency or currency unit to another shall be at the official rate of exchange recognised by the central bank for the conversion of that currency or currency unit into the other, rounded up or down by the Facility Agent (acting reasonably). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If a change in any currency of a country occurs, this Agreement will, to the extent the Facility Agent (acting reasonably and after consultation with the Borrowers) specifies to be necessary, be amended to comply with any generally accepted conventions and market practice in the Relevant Market and otherwise to reflect the change in currency. |
| --- | --- |
| 34.10 | Currency Conversion |
| --- | --- |
To the extent applicable and subject to Clause 31.31 (Currency conversion):
| (a) | for the purpose of, or pending any payment to be made by any Servicing Party under any Finance Document, such Servicing Party may convert any moneys received or recovered by it from one currency to another, at a market rate of exchange; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | the obligations of any Obligor to pay in the due currency shall only be satisfied to the extent of the amount of the due currency purchased after deducting the costs of conversion. |
| --- | --- |
| 34.11 | Disruption to Payment Systems etc. |
| --- | --- |
If either the Facility Agent determines (in its reasonable discretion) that a Disruption Event has occurred, or the Facility Agent is notified by a Borrower that a Disruption Event has occurred:
| (a) | the Facility Agent may, and shall if requested to do so by a Borrower, consult with the Borrowers with a view to agreeing with the Borrowers such changes to the operation or administration of the Facility as the Facility Agent may deem necessary in the circumstances; |
|---|
141
| (b) | the Facility Agent shall not be obliged to consult with the Borrowers in relation to any changes mentioned in paragraph (a) above if, in its opinion, it is not practicable to do so in the circumstances and, in any event, shall have no obligation to agree to such changes; |
|---|---|
| (c) | the Facility Agent may consult with the Finance Parties in relation to any changes mentioned in paragraph (a) above but shall not be obliged to do so if, in its opinion, it is not practicable to do so in the circumstances; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | any such changes agreed upon by the Facility Agent and the Borrowers shall (whether or not it is finally determined that a Disruption Event has occurred) be binding upon the Parties and any Obligor as an amendment to (or, as the case may be, waiver of) the terms of the Finance Documents notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 44 (Amendments and Waivers); |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | the Facility Agent shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value or any liability whatsoever (including, without limitation for negligence, gross negligence or any other category of liability whatsoever but not including any claim based on the fraud of the Facility Agent) arising as a result of its taking, or failing to take, any actions pursuant to or in connection with this Clause 34.11 (Disruption to Payment Systems etc.); and |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | the Facility Agent shall notify the Finance Parties of all changes agreed pursuant to paragraph (d) above. |
| --- | --- |
| 35 | SET-OFF |
| --- | --- |
A Finance Party may set off any matured obligation due from an Obligor under the Finance Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their terms (to the extent beneficially owned by that Finance Party) against any matured obligation owed by that Finance Party to that Obligor, regardless of the place of payment, booking branch or currency of either obligation. If the obligations are in different currencies, the Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off.
| 36 | BAIL-IN |
|---|
Notwithstanding any other term of any Finance Document or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding between the parties to a Finance Document, each Party acknowledges and accepts that any liability of any party to a Finance Document under or in connection with the Finance Documents may be subject to Bail-In Action by the relevant Resolution Authority and acknowledges and accepts to be bound by the effect of:
| (a) | any Bail-In Action in relation to any such liability, including (without limitation): |
|---|---|
| (i) | a reduction, in full or in part, in the principal amount, or outstanding amount due (including any accrued but unpaid interest) in respect of any such liability; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | a conversion of all, or part of, any such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership that may be issued to, or conferred on, it; and |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | a cancellation of any such liability; and |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | a variation of any term of any Finance Document to the extent necessary to give effect to any Bail-In Action in relation to any such liability. |
| --- | --- |
142
| 37 | NOTICES |
|---|---|
| 37.1 | Communications in writing |
| --- | --- |
Any communication to be made under or in connection with the Finance Documents shall be made in writing and, unless otherwise stated, may be made by electronic mail or letter.
| 37.2 | Addresses |
|---|
The postal address and email address (and the department or officer, if any, for whose attention the communication is to be made) of each Party for any communication or document to be made or delivered under or in connection with the Finance Documents are:
| (a) | in the case of the Borrowers, that specified in Schedule 1 (The Parties); |
|---|---|
| (b) | in the case of each Lender or any other Obligor, that specified in Schedule 1 (The Parties) or, if it becomes a Party after the date of this Agreement, that notified in writing to the Facility Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a Party; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | in the case of the Facility Agent, that specified in Schedule 1 (The Parties); and |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | in the case of the Security Agent, that specified in Schedule 1 (The Parties), |
| --- | --- |
or any substitute postal address, email address or department or officer as the Party may notify to the Facility Agent (or the Facility Agent may notify to the other Parties, if a change is made by the Facility Agent) by not less than five Business Days' notice.
| 37.3 | Delivery |
|---|---|
| (a) | Any communication or document made or delivered by one person to another under or in connection with the Finance Documents will only be effective: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | if by way of letter, when it has been left at the relevant address or five Business Days after being deposited in the post postage prepaid in an envelope addressed to it at that address; or, |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | if by way of electronic mail, in accordance with Clause 37.5 (Electronic communication), |
| --- | --- |
and, if a particular department or officer is specified as part of its address details provided under Clause 37.2 (Addresses), if addressed to that department or officer.
| (b) | Any communication or document to be made or delivered to a Servicing Party will be effective only when actually received by that Servicing Party and then only if it is expressly marked for the attention of the department or officer of that Servicing Party specified in Schedule 1 (The Parties) (or any substitute department or officer as that Servicing Party shall specify for this purpose). |
|---|---|
| (c) | All notices from or to a Transaction Obligor or any Approved Manager shall be sent through the Facility Agent unless otherwise specified in any Finance Document. |
| --- | --- |
143
| (d) | Any communication or document made or delivered to the Borrowers in accordance with this Clause will be deemed to have been made or delivered to each of the Transaction Obligors or the Approved Manager (as applicable). |
|---|---|
| (e) | Any communication or document which becomes effective, in accordance with paragraphs (a) to (d) above, after 5.00 p.m. in the place of receipt shall be deemed only to become effective on the following day. |
| --- | --- |
| 37.4 | Notification of address |
| --- | --- |
Promptly upon receipt of notification of a postal address and email address or change of postal address or email address pursuant to Clause 37.2 (Addresses) or changing its own postal address or email address, the Facility Agent shall notify the other Parties.
| 37.5 | Electronic communication |
|---|---|
| (a) | Any communication to be made or document to be delivered by one Party to another under or in connection with the Finance Documents may be made or delivered by electronic mail or other electronic means (including, without limitation, by way of posting to a secure website) if those two Parties: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | notify each other in writing of their electronic mail address and/or any other information required to enable the transmission of information by that means; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | notify each other of any change to their address or any other such information supplied by them by not less than five Business Days' notice. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Any such electronic communication or delivery as specified in paragraph (a) above to be made between an Obligor and a Finance Party may only be made in that way to the extent that those two Parties agree that, unless and until notified to the contrary, this is to be an accepted form of communication or delivery. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Any such electronic communication or document as specified in paragraph (a) above made or delivered by one Party to another will be effective only when actually received (or made available) in readable form and in the case of any electronic communication or document made or delivered by a Party to the Facility Agent or the Security Agent only if it is addressed in such a manner as the Facility Agent or the Security Agent shall specify for this purpose. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Any electronic communication or document which becomes effective, in accordance with paragraph (c) above, after 5.00 p.m. in the place in which the Party to whom the relevant communication or document is sent or made available has its address for the purpose of this Agreement shall be deemed only to become effective on the following day. |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | Any reference in a Finance Document to a communication being sent or received or a document being delivered shall be construed to include that communication or document being made available in accordance with this Clause 37.5 (Electronic communication). |
| --- | --- |
| 37.6 | English language |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Any notice given under or in connection with any Finance Document must be in English. |
| --- | --- |
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| (b) | All other documents provided under or in connection with any Finance Document must be: |
|---|---|
| (i) | in English; or |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | if not in English, and if so required by the Facility Agent, accompanied by a certified English translation prepared by a translator approved by the Facility Agent and, in this case, the English translation will prevail unless the document is a constitutional, statutory or other official document. |
| --- | --- |
| 38 | CALCULATIONS AND CERTIFICATES |
| --- | --- |
| 38.1 | Accounts |
| --- | --- |
In any litigation or arbitration proceedings arising out of or in connection with a Finance Document, the entries made in the accounts maintained by a Finance Party are prima facie evidence of the matters to which they relate subject to absence of a manifest error.
| 38.2 | Certificates and determinations |
|---|
Any certification or determination by a Finance Party of a rate or amount under any Finance Document is, in the absence of manifest error, conclusive evidence of the matters to which it relates.
| 38.3 | Day count convention |
|---|
Any interest, commission or fee accruing under a Finance Document will accrue from day to day and is calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a year of 360 days (except that interest computed by reference to paragraph (b) of the definition "Base Rate" shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year)) or, in any case where the practice in the Relevant Market differs, in accordance with that market practice.
| 39 | PARTIAL INVALIDITY |
|---|
If, at any time, any provision of a Finance Document is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under any law of any jurisdiction, neither the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions under the law of that jurisdiction nor the legality, validity or enforceability of such provision under the law of any other jurisdiction will in any way be affected or impaired.
| 40 | SETTLEMENT OR DISCHARGE CONDITIONAL |
|---|
Any settlement or discharge under any Finance Document between any Finance Party and any Transaction Obligor or any Approved Manager (as the case may be) shall be conditional upon no security or payment to any Finance Party by any Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager (as the case may be) or any other person being set aside, adjusted or ordered to be repaid, whether under any insolvency law or otherwise.
| 41 | REMEDIES AND WAIVERS |
|---|---|
| (a) | No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of any Secured Party, any right or remedy under a Finance Document shall operate as a waiver of any such right or remedy or constitute an election to affirm any Finance Document. No election to affirm any Finance Document on the part of a Secured Party shall be effective unless it is in writing. No single or partial exercise of any right or remedy shall prevent any further or other exercise or the exercise of any other right or remedy. The rights and remedies provided in each Finance Document are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law. |
| --- | --- |
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| (b) | No variation or amendment of a Finance Document shall be valid unless in writing and signed by or on behalf of all the relevant Finance Parties in accordance with the provisions of Clause 44 (Amendments and Waivers). |
|---|---|
| 42 | ENTIRE AGREEMENT |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | This Agreement, in conjunction with the other Finance Documents, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all previous agreements, understandings and arrangements between them, whether in writing or oral, in respect of its subject matter. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Each Obligor acknowledges that it has not entered into this Agreement or any other Finance Document in reliance on, and shall have no remedies in respect of, any representation or warranty that is not expressly set out in this Agreement or in any other Finance Document. |
| --- | --- |
| 43 | IRREVOCABLE PAYMENT |
| --- | --- |
If the Facility Agent reasonably considers that an amount paid or discharged by, or on behalf of, an Obligor or by any other person in purported payment or discharge of an obligation of that Obligor to a Secured Party under the Finance Documents is capable of being avoided or otherwise set aside on the liquidation or administration of that Obligor or otherwise, then that amount shall not be considered to have been unconditionally and irrevocably paid or discharged for the purposes of the Finance Documents.
| 44 | AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS |
|---|---|
| 44.1 | Required consents |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Subject to Clause 44.2 (All Lender matters) and Clause 44.3 (Other exceptions) any term of the Finance Documents may be amended or waived only with the consent of the Majority Lenders and, in the case of an amendment, the Obligors and any such amendment or waiver will be binding on all Parties. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Facility Agent may effect, on behalf of any Finance Party, any amendment or waiver permitted by this Clause 44 (Amendments and Waivers). |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Without prejudice to the generality of Clause 30.7 (Rights and discretions), the Facility Agent may engage, pay for and rely on the services of lawyers in determining the consent level required for and effecting any amendment, waiver or consent under this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Paragraph (c) of Clause 28.9 (Pro rata interest settlement) shall apply to this Clause 44 (Amendments and Waivers). |
| --- | --- |
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| 44.2 | All Lender matters |
|---|
Subject to Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting), an amendment of or waiver or consent in relation to any term of any Finance Document that has the effect of changing or which relates to:
| (a) | the definition of "Majority Lenders" in Clause 1.1 (Definitions); |
|---|---|
| (b) | a postponement to or extension of the date of payment of any amount under the Finance Documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | a reduction in the Margin or the amount of any payment of principal, interest, fees or commission payable; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | a change in currency of payment of any amount under the Finance Documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | an increase in any Commitment or the Total Commitments, an extension of any Availability Period or any requirement that a cancellation of Commitments reduces the Commitments rateably under the Facility; |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | a change to any Transaction Obligor or any Approved Manager other than in accordance with Clause 29 (Changes to the Transaction Obligors); |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | any provision which expressly requires the consent of all the Lenders; |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | this Clause 44 (Amendments and Waivers); |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | any change to the preamble (Background), Clause 2 (The Facility), Clause 3 (Purpose), Clause 5 (Utilisation), Clause 6.2 (Effect of cancellation and prepayment on scheduled repayments), Clause 7.4 (Mandatory prepayment on sale or Total Loss), Clause 8 (Interest), Clause 24.10 (Compliance with laws etc.), Clause 24.12 (Sanctions and Ship trading), Clause 26 (Accounts and Application of Earnings), Clause 28 (Changes to the Lenders), Clause 33 (Sharing among the Finance Parties), Clause 47 (Governing Law) or Clause 48 (Enforcement); |
| --- | --- |
| (j) | (other than as expressly permitted by the provisions of any Finance Document) the nature or scope of: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | the guarantee and indemnity granted under Clause 17 (Guarantee and Indemnity) or any other guarantee and indemnity forming part of the Finance Documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | the Security Assets; or |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | the manner in which the proceeds of enforcement of the Transaction Security are distributed, |
| --- | --- |
(except in the case of sub-paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, insofar as it relates to a sale or disposal of an asset which is the subject of the Transaction Security where such sale or disposal is expressly permitted under this Agreement or any other Finance Document);
| (k) | the release or any material variation of the guarantee and indemnity granted under Clause 17 (Guarantee and Indemnity) or of any Transaction Security or any guarantee, indemnity or subordination arrangement set out in a Finance Document unless permitted under this Agreement or any other Finance Document or relating to a sale or disposal of an asset which is the subject of the Transaction Security where such sale or disposal is expressly permitted under this Agreement or any other Finance Document, shall not be made, or given, without the prior consent of all the Lenders. |
|---|
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| 44.3 | Other exceptions |
|---|
An amendment or waiver which relates to the rights or obligations of a Servicing Party (each in their capacity as such) may not be effected without the consent of that Servicing Party, as the case may be.
| 44.4 | Benchmark Replacement setting |
|---|---|
| (a) | Benchmark Replacement: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Finance Document, upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, the Facility Agent and the Borrowers may amend this Agreement to replace the then-current Benchmark with a Benchmark Replacement. Any such amendment with respect to a Benchmark Transition Event will become effective at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders and the Borrowers so long as the Facility Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such amendment from Lenders comprising the Majority Lenders. No replacement of a Benchmark with a Benchmark Replacement pursuant to this paragraph will occur prior to the applicable Benchmark Transition Start Date. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | Conforming Changes: In connection with the use or administration of Term SOFR, or the use, administration, adoption or implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Facility Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Finance Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Finance Document. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Notices: Standards for Decisions and Determinations: The Facility Agent will promptly notify the Borrowers and the Lenders of (i) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement and (ii) the effectiveness of any Conforming Changes. The Facility Agent will promptly notify the Borrowers of the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to paragraph (d) below. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Facility Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting), including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Finance Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting). |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Finance Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Facility Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the administrator of such Benchmark or the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is not or will not be representative or in compliance with or aligned with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks, then the Facility Agent may modify the definition of "Interest Period" (or any similar or analogous definition or related provisions) for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable, non-representative, non-compliant or non-aligned tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is not or will not be representative or in compliance with or aligned with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Facility Agent may modify the definition of "Interest Period" (or any similar or analogous definition or related provisions) for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor. |
| --- | --- |
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| (e) | Benchmark Unavailability Period: Upon the Borrowers' receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrowers may revoke any pending request for a borrowing of the Loan to be made during any Benchmark Unavailability Period. |
|---|---|
| (f) | The following terms shall have the following meanings: |
| --- | --- |
"Available Tenor" means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, (i) if such Benchmark is a term rate, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining the length of an interest period pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) otherwise, any payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof) that is or may be used for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, in each case, as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of "Interest Period" or related provisions pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting).
"Benchmark" means, initially, Term SOFR; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event has occurred with respect to Term SOFR or the then-current Benchmark, then "Benchmark" means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting).
"Benchmark Replacement" means with respect to any Benchmark Transition Event, the sum of:
| (a) | the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Facility Agent and the Borrowers giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement to the then-current Benchmark for Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
| --- | --- |
provided that, if such Benchmark Replacement as so determined would be less than zero, such Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Finance Documents.
"Benchmark Replacement Adjustment" means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Facility Agent and the Borrowers giving due consideration to:
149
| (a) | any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body; or |
|---|---|
| (b) | any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities. |
| --- | --- |
"Benchmark Replacement Date" means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
| (a) | in the case of paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of the definition of "Benchmark Transition Event", the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or |
|---|---|
| (b) | in the case of paragraph (c) of the definition of "Benchmark Transition Event", the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) or the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be non-representative or non-compliant with or non-aligned with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks; provided that such non-representativeness, non-compliance or non-alignment will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such paragraph (c) and even if any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date. |
| --- | --- |
For the avoidance of doubt, the "Benchmark Replacement Date" will be deemed to have occurred in the case of paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) above with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
"Benchmark Transition Event" means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
| (a) | a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); |
|---|
150
| (b) | a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the FRB, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or |
|---|---|
| (c) | a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) or the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are not, or as of a specified future date will not be, representative or in compliance with or aligned with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Principles for Financial Benchmarks. |
| --- | --- |
For the avoidance of doubt, a "Benchmark Transition Event" will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
"Benchmark Transition Start Date" means, in the case of a Benchmark Transition Event, the earlier of:
| (a) | the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | if such Benchmark Transition Event is a public statement or publication of information of a prospective event, the 90th day prior to the expected date of such event as of such public statement or publication of information (or if the expected date of such prospective event is fewer than 90 days after such statement or publication, the date of such statement or publication). |
| --- | --- |
"Benchmark Unavailability Period" means, the period (if any):
| (a) | beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Finance Document in accordance with this Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting); and |
|---|---|
| (b) | ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Finance Document in accordance with this Clause 44.4 (Benchmark Replacement setting). |
| --- | --- |
"Conforming Changes" means, with respect to either the use or administration of Term SOFR or the use, administration, adoption or implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of "Base Rate", "Business Day", "U.S. Government Securities Business Day," or "Interest Period" or any similar or analogous definition (or the addition of a concept of "interest period"), timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, the applicability and length of lookback periods and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Facility Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of any such rate or to permit the use and administration thereof by the Facility Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Facility Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or determines that no market practice for the administration of any such rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Facility Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Finance Documents).
151
"Relevant Governmental Body" means any applicable central bank, regulator or other supervisory authority or a group of them, or any working group or committee sponsored or chaired by, or constituted at the request of, any of them or the Financial Stability Board.
"Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement" means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
| 44.5 | Obligor Intent |
|---|
Without prejudice to the generality of Clauses 1.2 (Construction), each Borrower expressly confirms that it intends that any guarantee contained in this Agreement or any other Finance Document and any Security created by any Finance Document shall extend from time to time to any (however fundamental) variation, increase, extension or addition of or to any of the Finance Documents and/or any facility or amount made available under any of the Finance Documents for the purposes of any of the following (including, without limitation): business acquisitions of any nature; increasing working capital; enabling investor distributions to be made; carrying out restructurings; refinancing existing facilities; refinancing any other indebtedness; making facilities available to new borrowers; any other variation or extension of the purposes for which any such facility or amount might be made available from time to time; and any fees, costs and/or expenses associated with any of the foregoing.
| 45 | CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| 45.1 | Confidentiality |
| --- | --- |
Each Finance Party agrees to keep all Confidential Information confidential and not to disclose it to anyone, save to the extent permitted by Clause 45.2 (Disclosure of Confidential Information) and Clause 45.3 (Disclosure to numbering service providers) or as the case may be required by the U.S. Securities as Exchange Commissions in relation to the Guarantor, and to ensure that all Confidential Information is protected with security measures and a degree of care that would apply to its own confidential information.
| 45.2 | Disclosure of Confidential Information |
|---|
Any Finance Party may disclose:
| (a) | to any of its Affiliates and Related Funds and any of its or their officers, directors, employees, professional advisers, auditors, insurers, insurance advisors, insurance brokers, partners and Representatives such Confidential Information as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if any person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given pursuant to this paragraph (a) is informed in writing of its confidential nature and that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no such requirement to so inform if the recipient is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of the information or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to the Confidential Information; |
|---|
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| (b) | to any person: |
|---|---|
| (i) | to (or through) whom it assigns or transfers (or may potentially assign or transfer) all or any of its rights and/or obligations under one or more Finance Documents or which succeeds (or which may potentially succeed) it as Facility Agent or Security Agent and, in each case, to any of that person's Affiliates, Related Funds, Representatives and professional advisers; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | with (or through) whom it enters into (or may potentially enter into), whether directly or indirectly, any sub-participation in relation to, or any other transaction under which payments are to be made or may be made by reference to, one or more Finance Documents and/or one or more Transaction Obligors or any Approved Manager and to any of that person's Affiliates, Related Funds, Representatives and professional advisers; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | appointed by any Finance Party or by a person to whom sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) of paragraph (b) above applies to receive communications, notices, information or documents delivered pursuant to the Finance Documents on its behalf (including, without limitation, any person appointed under paragraph (c) of Clause 30.14 (Relationship with the other Finance Parties)); |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | who invests in or otherwise finances (or may potentially invest in or otherwise finance), directly or indirectly, any transaction referred to in sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) of paragraph (b) above; |
| --- | --- |
| (v) | to whom information is required or requested to be disclosed by any court of competent jurisdiction or any governmental, banking, taxation or other regulatory authority or similar body, the rules of any relevant stock exchange or pursuant to any applicable law or regulation; |
| --- | --- |
| (vi) | to whom information is required to be disclosed in connection with, and for the purposes of, any litigation, arbitrations, administrative or other investigations, proceedings or disputes; |
| --- | --- |
| (vii) | to whom or for whose benefit that Finance Party charges, assigns or otherwise creates Security (or may do so) pursuant to Clause 28.8 (Security over Lenders' rights); |
| --- | --- |
| (viii) | who is a Party, a member of the Group or any related entity of an Obligor; |
| --- | --- |
| (ix) | as a result of the registration of any Finance Document as contemplated by any Finance Document or any legal opinion obtained in connection with any Finance Document; or |
| --- | --- |
| (x) | with the consent of the Borrowers; |
| --- | --- |
in each case, such Confidential Information as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if:
| (A) | in relation to sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (b) above, the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking except that there shall be no requirement for a Confidentiality Undertaking if the recipient is a professional adviser and is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information; |
|---|
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| (B) | in relation to sub-paragraph (iv) of paragraph (b) above, the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to the Confidential Information they receive and is informed that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information; |
|---|---|
| (C) | in relation to sub-paragraphs (v) and (vi) of paragraph (b) above, the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given is informed of its confidential nature and that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no requirement to so inform if, in the opinion of that Finance Party, it is not practicable so to do in the circumstances; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | to any person appointed by that Finance Party or by a person to whom sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) of paragraph (b) above applies to provide administration or settlement services in respect of one or more of the Finance Documents including without limitation, in relation to the trading of participations in respect of the Finance Documents, such Confidential Information as may be required to be disclosed to enable such service provider to provide any of the services referred to in this paragraph (c) if the service provider to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered in to a confidentiality agreement substantially in the form of the LMA Master Confidentiality Undertaking for Use With Administration/Settlement Service Providers or such other form of confidentiality undertaking agreed between the Borrowers and the relevant Finance Party; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | to any rating agency (including its professional advisers) such Confidential Information as may be required to be disclosed to enable such rating agency to carry out its normal rating activities in relation to the Finance Documents and/or the Transaction Obligors and/or any Approved Manager. |
| --- | --- |
| 45.3 | Disclosure to numbering service providers |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Any Finance Party may disclose to any national or international numbering service provider appointed by that Finance Party to provide identification numbering services in respect of this Agreement, the Facility and/or one or more Transaction Obligors and/or any Approved Manager the following information: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | names of Transaction Obligors or Approved Managers; |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | country of domicile of Transaction Obligors or Approved Managers; |
| --- | --- |
| (iii) | place of incorporation of Transaction Obligors or Approved Managers; |
| --- | --- |
| (iv) | date of this Agreement; |
| --- | --- |
| (v) | Clause 47 (Governing Law); |
| --- | --- |
| (vi) | the names of the Facility Agent; |
| --- | --- |
154
| (vii) | date of each amendment and restatement of this Agreement; |
|---|---|
| (viii) | amount of Total Commitments; |
| --- | --- |
| (ix) | currency of the Facility; |
| --- | --- |
| (x) | type of Facility; |
| --- | --- |
| (xi) | ranking of Facility; |
| --- | --- |
| (xii) | Termination Date for Facility; |
| --- | --- |
| (xiii) | changes to any of the information previously supplied pursuant to sub-paragraphs (i) to (xii) above; and |
| --- | --- |
| (xiv) | such other information agreed between such Finance Party and the Borrowers, |
| --- | --- |
to enable such numbering service provider to provide its usual syndicated loan numbering identification services.
| (b) | The Parties acknowledge and agree that each identification number assigned to this Agreement, the Facility and/or one or more Transaction Obligors or Approved Managers by a numbering service provider and the information associated with each such number may be disclosed to users of its services in accordance with the standard terms and conditions of that numbering service provider. |
|---|---|
| (c) | Each Obligor represents, on behalf of itself and the other Transaction Obligors and Approved Managers, that none of the information set out in sub-paragraphs (i) to (xiv) of paragraph (a) above is, nor will at any time be, unpublished price-sensitive information. |
| --- | --- |
| 45.4 | Entire agreement |
| --- | --- |
This Clause 45 (Confidential Information) constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties in relation to the obligations of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents regarding Confidential Information and supersedes any previous agreement, whether express or implied, regarding Confidential Information.
| 45.5 | Inside information |
|---|
Each of the Finance Parties acknowledges that some or all of the Confidential Information is or may be price-sensitive information and that the use of such information may be regulated or prohibited by applicable legislation including securities law relating to insider dealing and market abuse and each of the Finance Parties undertakes not to use any Confidential Information for any unlawful purpose.
| 45.6 | Notification of disclosure |
|---|
Each of the Finance Parties agrees (to the extent permitted by law and regulation) to inform the Borrowers:
| (a) | of the circumstances of any disclosure of Confidential Information made pursuant to sub-paragraph (v) of paragraph (b) of Clause 45.2 (Disclosure of Confidential Information) except where such disclosure is made to any of the persons referred to in that paragraph during the ordinary course of its supervisory or regulatory function; and |
|---|
155
| (b) | upon becoming aware that Confidential Information has been disclosed in breach of this Clause 45 (Confidential Information). |
|---|---|
| 45.7 | Continuing obligations |
| --- | --- |
The obligations in this Clause 45 (Confidential Information) are continuing and, in particular, shall survive and remain binding on each Finance Party for a period of 12 months from the earlier of:
| (a) | the date on which all amounts payable by the Obligors under or in connection with this Agreement have been paid in full and all Commitments have been cancelled or otherwise cease to be available; and |
|---|---|
| (b) | the date on which such Finance Party otherwise ceases to be a Finance Party. |
| --- | --- |
| 46 | COUNTERPARTS |
| --- | --- |
Each Finance Document may be executed in any number of counterparts, and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of the Finance Document.
156
SECTION 12
GOVERNING LAW AND ENFORCEMENT
| 47 | GOVERNING LAW |
|---|
This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law.
| 48 | ENFORCEMENT |
|---|---|
| 48.1 | Jurisdiction |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Unless specifically provided in another Finance Document in relation to that Finance Document, the courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising out of or in connection with any Finance Document (including a dispute regarding the existence, validity or termination of any Finance Document or any non-contractual obligation arising out of or in connection with any Finance Document) (a "Dispute"). |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Obligors accept that the courts of England are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle Disputes and accordingly no Obligor will argue to the contrary. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | To the extent allowed by law, this Clause 48.1 (Jurisdiction) is for the benefit of the Secured Parties only. As a result, no Secured Party shall be prevented from taking proceedings relating to a Dispute in any other courts with jurisdiction. To the extent allowed by law, the Secured Parties may take concurrent proceedings in any number of jurisdictions. |
| --- | --- |
| 48.2 | Service of process |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Without prejudice to any other mode of service allowed under any relevant law, each Obligor (other than an Obligor incorporated in England and Wales): |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | irrevocably appoints Shoreside Agents Ltd of 11, the Timber Yard, Drysdale Street, London N1 6ND, England, as its agent for service of process in relation to any proceedings before the English courts in connection with any Finance Document; and |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | agrees that failure by a process agent to notify the relevant Obligor of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | If any person appointed as an agent for service of process is unable for any reason to act as agent for service of process, the Borrowers (on behalf of all the Obligors) must immediately (and in any event within five days of such event taking place) appoint another agent on terms acceptable to the Facility Agent. Failing this, the Facility Agent may appoint another agent for this purpose. |
| --- | --- |
| 49 | PATRIOT ACT NOTICE |
| --- | --- |
Each of the Secured Parties notifies the Borrowers that pursuant to the requirements of the PATRIOT Act and the policies and practices of the Secured Parties, each of the Secured Parties is required to obtain, verify and record certain information and documentation that identifies the Borrowers, which information includes the name and address of the Borrowers and such other information that will allow the Facility Agent and each of the Lenders to identify the Borrowers in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.
157
This Agreement has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.
158
SCHEDULE 1
THE PARTIES
PART A
THE OBLIGORS
| Name of Obligor | Place of Incorporation | Registration number (or equivalent, if any) | Address for Communication |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEONIDAS SHIPPING LTD | Marshall Islands | 112879 | c/o Eurobulk Ltd.<br><br> <br>4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, Maroussi, 151 -24,<br><br> <br>Greece<br><br> <br>e-mail: njp@euroltd.gr<br><br> <br>sih@eurobulk.gr |
| DEAR PANEL SHIPPING LTD | Liberia | C-124217 | c/o Eurobulk Ltd.<br><br> <br>4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, Maroussi, 151 -24,<br><br> <br>Greece<br><br> <br>e-mail: njp@euroltd.gr<br><br> <br>sih@eurobulk.gr |
| EUROSEAS LTD. | Marshall Islands | 14606 | c/o Eurobulk Ltd.<br><br> <br>4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, Maroussi, 151 -24,<br><br> <br>Greece<br><br> <br>e-mail: njp@euroltd.gr<br><br> <br>sih@eurobulk.gr |
| EUROBULK LTD. | Liberia | C-76744 | c/o Eurobulk Ltd.<br><br> <br>4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, Maroussi, 151 -24,<br><br> <br>Greece<br><br> <br>e-mail: njp@euroltd.gr<br><br> <br>sih@eurobulk.gr |
159
PART B
THE ORIGINAL LENDERS
| Name of Original Lender | Commitment | Address for Communication |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY | $48,000,000 | 11 West 42^nd^ Street<br> New York<br> New York 10036<br> USA<br> <br> Email: Christos.Giannopoulos@firstcitizens.com<br><br> <br>Attention: FCB Maritime Finance |
160
PART C
THE SERVICING PARTIES
| Name of Facility Agent | Address for Communication |
|---|---|
| FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY | 11 West 42^nd^ Street<br> New York<br> New York 10036<br> USA<br> <br> Email: Christos.Giannopoulos@firstcitizens.com<br><br> <br>Attention: FCB Maritime Finance |
| Name of Security Agent | Address for Communication |
| FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY | 11 West 42^nd^ Street<br> New York<br> New York 10036<br> USA<br> <br> Email: Christos.Giannopoulos@firstcitizens.com<br><br> <br>Attention: FCB Maritime Finance |
161
SCHEDULE 2
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
PART A
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO INITIAL UTILISATION REQUEST
| 1 | Transaction Obligors |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | A copy of the constitutional documents of each Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.2 | A copy of a resolution of the board of directors of each Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager: |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents to which it is a party and resolving that it execute the Finance Documents to which it is a party; |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | authorising a specified person or persons to execute the Finance Documents to which it is a party on its behalf; and |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | authorising a specified person or persons, on its behalf, to sign and/or despatch all documents and notices (including, if relevant, any Utilisation Request and each Selection Notice) to be signed and/or despatched by it under, or in connection with, the Finance Documents to which it is a party. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.3 | An original of the power of attorney of any Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager authorising a specified person or persons to execute the Finance Documents to which it is a party. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.4 | A specimen of the signature of each person authorised by the resolution referred to in paragraph 1.2 above. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.5 | A copy of a resolution signed by the board of directors of the Shareholder as the holder of the issued shares in each Borrower, approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents to which each Borrower is a party. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.6 | A certificate of each Obligor (signed by a director or an officer, as applicable) confirming that borrowing or guaranteeing, as appropriate, the Total Commitments would not cause any borrowing, guaranteeing or similar limit binding on that Obligor to be exceeded. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.7 | A certificate of each Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager that is incorporated outside the UK (signed by a director or an officer, as applicable) certifying either that (i) it has not delivered particulars of any UK Establishment to the Registrar of Companies as required under the Overseas Regulations or (ii) it has a UK Establishment and specifying the name and registered number under which it is registered with the Registrar of Companies. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.8 | A certificate of an authorised signatory of the relevant Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager certifying that each copy document relating to it specified in this Part A of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent) is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at a date no earlier than the date of this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
162
| 2 | Shipbuilding Contracts |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | Copies of the Shipbuilding Contracts and of all documents signed or issued by the Borrowers or the Builder (or both of them) under or in connection with the Shipbuilding Contract to which each is a party. |
| --- | --- |
| 2.2 | Such documentary evidence as the Facility Agent and its legal advisers may require in relation to the due authorisation and execution by the Borrowers and the Builder of the Shipbuilding Contract to which is a party and of all documents to be executed by the Borrowers and the Builder. |
| --- | --- |
| 3 | Finance Documents |
| --- | --- |
| 3.1 | A duly executed original of any Finance Document not otherwise referred to in this Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent). |
| --- | --- |
| 3.2 | A duly executed original of any other document required to be delivered by each Finance Document if not otherwise referred to this Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent). |
| --- | --- |
| 4 | Security |
| --- | --- |
A duly executed original of each Account Security and of the Shares Security (and of each document to be delivered under each of them).
| 5 | Legal opinions |
|---|---|
| 5.1 | A legal opinion of Watson, Farley & Williams, Greece, legal advisers to the Facility Agent and the Security Agent in England, substantially in the form distributed to the Original Lenders before signing this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| 5.2 | If a Transaction Obligor or an Approved Manager is incorporated in a jurisdiction other than England and Wales, a legal opinion of the legal advisers to the Facility Agent and the Security Agent in the relevant jurisdiction, substantially in the form distributed to the Original Lenders before signing this Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| 6 | Other documents and evidence |
| --- | --- |
| 6.1 | Evidence that any process agent referred to in Clause 48.2 (Service of process), if not an Obligor, has accepted its appointment. |
| --- | --- |
| 6.2 | A copy of any other Authorisation or other document, opinion or assurance which the Facility Agent considers to be necessary or desirable (if it has notified the Borrowers accordingly) in connection with the entry into and performance of the transactions contemplated by any Transaction Document or for the validity and enforceability of any Transaction Document. |
| --- | --- |
| 6.3 | The Original Financial Statements of the Guarantor. |
| --- | --- |
| 6.4 | The original of any mandates or other documents required in connection with the opening or operation of the Accounts. |
| --- | --- |
| 6.5 | Evidence that the fees, costs and expenses then due from the Borrowers pursuant to Clause 11 (Fees) and Clause 16 (Costs and Expenses) have been paid or will be paid by the Utilisation Date of the relevant Tranche. |
| --- | --- |
163
| 6.6 | Such evidence as the Facility Agent may require for the Finance Parties to be able to satisfy each of their "know your customer" or similar identification procedures in relation to the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents. |
|---|
164
PART B
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO UTILISATION REQUEST IN RESPECT OF A TRANCHE
In this Part B of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent and Subsequent), "relevant Ship" means the Ship in respect of which the Advance is being utilised and "relevant Borrower" means the Borrower which owns that Ship.
| 1 | Borrowers |
|---|
A certificate of an authorised signatory of the relevant Borrower certifying that each copy document which it is required to provide under this Part B of Schedule 2 (Conditions Precedent) is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at the Utilisation Date for the relevant Tranche.
| 2 | Ship and other security |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | A duly executed original of the Mortgage, the General Assignment and any Charterparty Assignment in respect of the relevant Borrower or the relevant Ship and of each document to be delivered under or pursuant to each of them together with documentary evidence that the Mortgage of that Ship has been duly recorded or will be duly recorded simultaneously or shortly after delivery of that Ship from the Builder as a valid first preferred ship mortgage in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction of the Approved Flag of that Ship. |
| --- | --- |
| 2.2 | Documentary evidence that the relevant Ship: |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | has been unconditionally delivered or will be delivered by the Builder to, and accepted by, the relevant Borrower under the relevant Shipbuilding Contract (including, without limitation, evidence of completion of all relevant trials) and that the full contract price payable and all other sums due to the Builder under the relevant Shipbuilding Contract, other than the sums to be financed pursuant to the Utilisation of the Loans, have been paid to the Builder; |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | is definitively and provisionally registered in the name of the relevant Borrower under the Approved Flag; |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | is in the absolute and unencumbered ownership of the relevant Borrower save as contemplated by the Finance Documents; |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | maintains the Approved Classification with the Approved Classification Society free of overdue recommendations and conditions of the Approved Classification Society affecting class; and |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | is insured in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and all requirements in this Agreement in respect of insurances have been complied with. |
| --- | --- |
| 2.3 | Documents establishing that the relevant Ship will, as from the Utilisation Date of the relevant Tranche, be managed commercially and technically (as the case may be) by an Approved Manager on terms acceptable to the Facility Agent acting with the authorisation of all of the Lenders, together with: |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | a Manager's Undertaking by each Approved Manager; and |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | copies of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, the relevant Approved Manager's Document of Compliance and of the relevant Ship's Safety Management Certificate (together with any other details of the applicable Safety Management System which the Facility Agent requires) and of any other documents required under the ISM Code and the ISPS Code in relation to the Ship including without limitation an ISSC. |
| --- | --- |
165
| 2.4 | An opinion from an independent insurance consultant acceptable to the Facility Agent on such matters relating to the Insurances as the Facility Agent may require. |
|---|---|
| 2.5 | A valuation of the relevant Ship, obtained by the Facility Agent at the cost of the relevant Borrower and addressed to the Facility Agent on behalf of the Finance Parties, stated to be for the purposes of this Agreement and dated not earlier than 10 Business Days before the Utilisation Date of the relevant Tranche from an Approved Valuer. |
| --- | --- |
| 2.6 | Where the relevant Borrower has mandated the relevant Ship's Approved Manager to register the relevant Ship under EU ETS, open a maritime operator holding account for the purposes of compliance with EU ETS and surrender EU ETS allowances, a copy of the mandate letter which contractually assigns responsibility for such tasks under EU ETS to the Approved Manager. |
| --- | --- |
| 2.7 | Documentary evidence that the party responsible for compliance with EU ETS in respect of the relevant Ship has opened a maritime operator holding account for the purposes of such compliance. |
| --- | --- |
| 3 | Legal opinions |
| --- | --- |
Legal opinions of the legal advisers to the Facility Agent and the Security Agent in the jurisdiction of the Approved Flag of the relevant Ship, Liberia, Marshall Islands and New York and such other relevant jurisdictions as the Facility Agent may require.
| 4 | Other documents and evidence |
|---|---|
| 4.1 | Evidence that the fees, costs and expenses then due from the Borrowers pursuant to Clause 11 (Fees) and Clause 16 (Costs and Expenses) have been paid or will be paid by the Utilisation Date of the relevant Tranche. |
| --- | --- |
| 4.2 | Evidence satisfactory to the Facility Agent that the Minimum Cash Reserve is standing to the credit of the Cash Reserve Account on the Utilisation Date of the relevant Tranche. |
| --- | --- |
| 4.3 | A copy of any other Authorisation or other document, opinion or assurance which the Lenders consider to be necessary or desirable (if it has notified the Borrowers accordingly) in connection with the entry into and performance of the transactions contemplated by any Transaction Document referred to in paragraph 2 (Ship and other security) above or for the validity and enforceability of any such Transaction Document. |
| --- | --- |
166
SCHEDULE 3
REQUESTS
PART A
UTILISATION REQUEST
From: Leonidas Shipping Ltd
Dear Panel Shipping Ltd
To: First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company
Dated: [●]
Leonidas Shipping Ltd et al – Up to $48,000,000 Facility Agreement dated 18 April 2024 (as amended and restated by a deed of accession, amendment and restatement dated [●] January 2025, the "Agreement")
| 1 | We refer to the Agreement. This is a Utilisation Request. Terms defined in the Agreement have the same meaning in this Utilisation Request unless given a different meaning in this Utilisation Request. |
|---|---|
| 2 | We wish to borrow an Advance on the following terms: |
| --- | --- |
Proposed Utilisation Date: [●] (or, if that is not a Business Day, the next Business Day)
Amount: [●] or, if less, the Available Facility
Interest Period for the Loan: [●]
| 3 | [You are authorised and requested to deduct from the Advance prior to funds being remitted the following amounts set out against the following items: |
|---|
Deductible Items $
Arrangement Fee
Net proceeds of the Advance _____________]
| 4 | We confirm that each condition specified in Clause 4.1 (Initial conditions precedent) and Clause 4.2 (Further conditions precedent) of the Agreement is satisfied on the date of this Utilisation Request. |
|---|---|
| 5 | The [net] proceeds of this Advance should be credited to [account]. |
| --- | --- |
| 6 | This Utilisation Request is irrevocable. |
| --- | --- |
167
Yours faithfully
____________________
Name:
Title:
authorised signatory for
Leonidas Shipping Ltd
____________________
Name:
Title:
authorised signatory for
Dear Panel Shipping Ltd
168
PART B
SELECTION NOTICE
From: [●]
To: FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY
Dated: [●] 2025
[●] – Up to $48,000,000 Facility Agreement dated 18 April 2024 (as amended and restated by a deed of accession, amendment and restatement dated [●] January 2025, the "Agreement")
| 1 | We refer to the Agreement. This is a Selection Notice. Terms defined in the Agreement have the same meaning in this Selection Notice unless given a different meaning in this Selection Notice. |
|---|---|
| 2 | We request [that the next Interest Period for the Loan be [●]] OR [an Interest Period for a part of the Loan in an amount equal to [●] (which is the amount of the Repayment Instalment next due) ending on [●] (which is the Repayment Date relating to that Repayment Instalment) and that the Interest Period for the remaining part of the Loan shall be [●]]. |
| --- | --- |
| 3 | This Selection Notice is irrevocable. |
| --- | --- |
Yours faithfully
____________________
Name:
Title:
authorised signatory for
Leonidas Shipping Ltd
____________________
Name:
Title:
authorised signatory for
Dear Panel Shipping Ltd
169
SCHEDULE 4
FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE
To: FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY as Facility Agent
From: [The Existing Lender] (the "Existing Lender") and [The New Lender] (the "New Lender")
Dated: [●]
[●] – Up to $48,000,000 Facility Agreement dated 18 April 2024 (as amended and restated by a deed of accession, amendment and restatement dated [●] 2025, the "Agreement")
| 1 | We refer to the Agreement. This is a Transfer Certificate. Terms defined in the Agreement have the same meaning in this Transfer Certificate unless given a different meaning in this Transfer Certificate. |
|---|---|
| 2 | We refer to Clause 28.5 (Procedure for transfer) of the Agreement: |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Existing Lender and the New Lender agree to the Existing Lender transferring to the New Lender by novation all of the Existing Lender's rights and obligations under the Agreement and the other Finance Documents which relate to that portion of the Existing Lender's Commitment and participation in the Loan under the Agreement as specified in the Schedule in accordance with Clause 28.5 (Procedure for transfer) of the Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The proposed Transfer Date is [●]. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | The Facility Office and address, fax number and attention details for notices of the New Lender for the purposes of Clause 37.2 (Addresses) of the Agreement are set out in the Schedule. |
| --- | --- |
| 3 | The New Lender expressly acknowledges the limitations on the Existing Lender's obligations set out in paragraph (c) of Clause 28.4 (Limitation of responsibility of Existing Lenders) of the Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| 4 | This Transfer Certificate may be executed in any number of counterparts and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Transfer Certificate. |
| --- | --- |
| 5 | This Transfer Certificate and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law. |
| --- | --- |
| 6 | This Transfer Certificate has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Transfer Certificate. |
| --- | --- |
Note: The execution of this Transfer Certificate may not transfer a proportionate share of the Existing Lender's interest in the Transaction Security in all jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of the New Lender to ascertain whether any other documents or other formalities are required to perfect a transfer of such a share in the Existing Lender's Transaction Security in any jurisdiction and, if so, to arrange for execution of those documents and completion of those formalities.
170
THE SCHEDULE
Commitment/rights and obligations to be transferred
[insert relevant details]
[Facility Office address, fax number and attention details
for notices and account details for payments.]
[Existing Lender] [New Lender]
By: [●] By: [●]
This Transfer Certificate is accepted by the Facility Agent and the Transfer Date is confirmed as [●].
FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY
By: [●]
171
SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
To: FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY as Facility Agent and [●] as Borrowers, for and on behalf of each Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager
From: [the Existing Lender] (the "Existing Lender") and [the New Lender] (the "New Lender")
Dated: [●]
[●] – Up to $48,000,000 Facility Agreement dated 18 April 2024 (as amended and restated by a deed of accession, amendment and restatement dated [●] 2025, the "Agreement")
| 1 | We refer to the Agreement. This is an Assignment Agreement. Terms defined in the Agreement have the same meaning in this Assignment Agreement unless given a different meaning in this Assignment Agreement. |
|---|---|
| 2 | We refer to Clause 28.6 (Procedure for assignment) of the Agreement: |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The Existing Lender assigns absolutely to the New Lender all the rights of the Existing Lender under the Agreement, the other Finance Documents and in respect of the Transaction Security which correspond to that portion of the Existing Lender's Commitment and participations in the Loan under the Agreement as specified in the Schedule. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Existing Lender is released from all the obligations of the Existing Lender which correspond to that portion of the Existing Lender's Commitments and participations in the Loan under the Agreement specified in the Schedule. |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | The New Lender becomes a Party as a Lender and is bound by obligations equivalent to those from which the Existing Lender is released under paragraph (b) above. |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | All rights and interests (present, future or contingent) which the Existing Lender has under or by virtue of the Finance Documents are assigned to the New Lender absolutely, free of any defects in the Existing Lender's title and of any rights or equities which the Borrowers or any other Transaction Obligor or Approved Manager had against the Existing Lender. |
| --- | --- |
| 3 | The proposed Transfer Date is [●]. |
| --- | --- |
| 4 | On the Transfer Date the New Lender becomes Party to the Finance Documents as a Lender. |
| --- | --- |
| 5 | The Facility Office and address, fax, number and attention details for notices of the New Lender for the purposes of Clause 37.2 (Addresses) of the Agreement are set out in the Schedule. |
| --- | --- |
| 6 | The New Lender expressly acknowledges the limitations on the Existing Lender's obligations set out in paragraph (c) of Clause 28.4 (Limitation of responsibility of Existing Lenders) of the Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
| 7 | This Assignment Agreement acts as notice to the Facility Agent (on behalf of each Finance Party) and, upon delivery in accordance with Clause 28.7 (Copy of Transfer Certificate or Assignment Agreement to Borrower) of the Agreement, to the Borrowers (on behalf of each Transaction Obligor and the Approved Manager) of the assignment referred to in this Assignment Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
172
| 8 | This Assignment Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Assignment Agreement. |
|---|---|
| 9 | This Assignment Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law. |
| --- | --- |
| 10 | This Assignment Agreement has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Assignment Agreement. |
| --- | --- |
Note: The execution of this Assignment Agreement may not transfer a proportionate share of the Existing Lender's interest in the Transaction Security in all jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of the New Lender to ascertain whether any other documents or other formalities are required to perfect a transfer of such a share in the Existing Lender's Transaction Security in any jurisdiction and, if so, to arrange for execution of those documents and completion of those formalities.
173
THE SCHEDULE
Commitment rights and obligations to be transferred by assignment, release and accession
[insert relevant details]
[Facility office address, fax number and attention details for notices
and account details for payments]
[Existing Lender] [New Lender]
By: [●] By: [●]
This Assignment Agreement is accepted by the Facility Agent and the Transfer Date is confirmed as [●].
Signature of this Assignment Agreement by the Facility Agent constitutes confirmation by the Facility Agent of receipt of notice of the assignment referred to herein, which notice the Facility Agent receives on behalf of each Finance Party.
FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY
By:
174
SCHEDULE 6
FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
To: FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY as Facility Agent
From: [●]
Dated: [●]
[●] – Up to $48,000,000 Facility Agreement dated 18 April 2024 (as amended and restated by a deed of accession, amendment and restatement dated [●] 2025, the "Agreement")
| 1 | We refer to the Agreement. This is a Compliance Certificate. Terms defined in the Agreement have the same meaning when used in this Compliance Certificate unless given a different meaning in this Compliance Certificate. |
|---|---|
| 2 | We confirm that: |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | The credit balance of the Cash Reserve Account is $[●]. |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | The Market Value Adjusted Total Assets [●] minus Total Liabilities [●] = [●] (Net Worth). |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | Leverage Ratio: |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | Total Liabilities [●]; to |
| --- | --- |
| (ii) | Market Value Adjusted Total Assets [●]. |
| --- | --- |
= [●].
| 3 | [We confirm that no Default is continuing.] |
|---|
Signed: ________________________
[Officer title]
of
[●]
________________________
for and on behalf of
[ name of Auditors of the Guarantor ]
175
SCHEDULE 7
TIMETABLES
| Delivery of a duly completed Utilisation Request (Clause 5.1 (Delivery of a Utilisation Request)) or a Selection Notice (Clause 9.1 (Selection of Interest Periods)) | Five Business Days before the intended Utilisation Date (Clause 5.1 (Delivery of a Utilisation Request)) of each Tranche or the expiry of the preceding Interest Period (Clause 9.1 (Selection of Interest Periods)) |
|---|---|
| Facility Agent notifies the Lenders of the Advance in accordance with Clause 5.4 (Lenders' participation) | Three Business Days before the intended Utilisation Date of each Tranche. |
176
EXECUTION PAGES
BORROWERS
SIGNED by )
as attorney-in-fact )
for and on behalf of )
LEONIDAS SHIPPING LTD )
)
)
in the presence of: )
Witness' signature: )
Witness' name: )
Witness' address: )
SIGNED by )
as attorney-in-fact )
for and on behalf of )
DEAR PANEL SHIPPING LTD )
in the presence of: )
)
)
Witness' signature: )
Witness' name: )
Witness' address: )
GUARANTOR
SIGNED by )
as attorney-in-fact )
for and on behalf of )
EUROSEAS LTD. )
in the presence of: )
)
)
Witness' signature: )
Witness' name: )
Witness' address: )
177
ORIGINAL LENDERS
SIGNED by )
duly authorised attorney-in-fact )
for and on behalf of )
FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY )
in the presence of: )
)
)
Witness' signature: )
Witness' name: )
Witness' address: )
FACILITY AGENT
SIGNED by )
duly authorised attorney-in-fact )
for and on behalf of )
FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY )
in the presence of: )
)
)
Witness' signature: )
Witness' name: )
Witness' address: )
SECURITY AGENT
SIGNED by )
duly authorised attorney-in-fact )
for and on behalf of )
FIRST-CITIZENS BANK & TRUST COMPANY )
in the presence of: )
)
)
Witness' signature: )
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178
ex_948285.htm
EXHIBIT 4.23
EUROSEAS LTD.
2024 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE I
General
| 1.1. | Purpose |
|---|
The Euroseas Ltd. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") is designed to provide certain Key Persons (as defined below), whose initiative and efforts are deemed to be important to the successful conduct of the business of Euroseas Ltd. (the "Company"), with incentives to (a) acquire a proprietary interest in the success of the Company, (b) maximize their performance in respect of the provision of their services to the Company, a Subsidiary (as defined below) and/or an Affiliate (as defined below) and (c) enhance the long-term performance of the Company.
| 1.2. | Administration |
|---|
(a) Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Company's Board of Directors (referred to herein as the "Board") or such committee of the Board as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan (the Board or such committee, as applicable, being referred to herein as the "Administrator"); provided that (i) in the event the Company is subject to Section 16 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the Administrator shall be composed of two or more directors, each of whom is a "Non-Employee Director" (a "Non-Employee Director") under Rule 16b-3 (as promulgated and interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the 1934 Act, or any successor rule or regulation thereto as in effect from time to time ("Rule 16b-3")), and (ii) the Administrator shall be composed solely of two or more directors who are "independent directors" under the rules of any stock exchange on which the Company's Common Stock (as defined below) is traded; provided further, however, that, (A) the requirement in the preceding clause (i) shall apply only when required to exempt an Award (as defined below) intended to qualify for an exemption under the applicable provisions referenced therein, (B) the requirement in the preceding clause (ii) shall apply only when required pursuant to the applicable rules of the applicable stock exchange and (C) if at any time the Administrator is not so composed as required by the preceding provisions of this sentence, that fact will not invalidate any grant made, or action taken, by the Administrator hereunder that otherwise satisfies the terms of the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Plan, applicable law and the applicable rules and regulations of any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is listed for trading, and in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Administrator by the Plan, the Administrator shall have the full power and authority to: (1) designate the Key Persons to receive Awards under the Plan; (2) determine the types of Awards granted to a participant under the Plan; (3) determine the number of shares to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights or other matters are to be calculated with respect to, Awards; (4) determine the terms and conditions of any Awards; (5) determine whether, and to what extent, and under what circumstances, Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or cancelled, forfeited or suspended, and the methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, cancelled, forfeited or suspended; (6) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances cash, shares, other securities, other Awards, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred, either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or the Administrator; (7) construe, interpret and implement the Plan and any Award Agreement (as defined below); (8) prescribe, amend, rescind or waive rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules governing its operation, and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; (9) correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award Agreement; and (10) make any other determination and take any other action that the Administrator deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any Award shall be within the sole discretion of the Administrator, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all Persons (as defined below).
(b) General Right of Delegation. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, the applicable rules of a stock exchange or any charter, by-laws or other agreement governing the Administrator, the Administrator may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities to any Person or Persons selected by it; provided, however, that in no event shall an officer of the Company be delegated the authority to grant Awards to, or amend Awards held by, the following individuals: (i) individuals who are subject to Section 16 of the 1934 Act, to the extent applicable, or (ii) officers of the Company to whom authority to grant or amend Awards has been delegated hereunder or directors of the Company; provided, further, that any delegation of administrative authority shall only be permitted to the extent it is permissible under applicable securities laws (including, without limitation, Rule 16b-3, to the extent applicable) and the rules of any applicable stock exchange. Any delegation hereunder shall be subject to the restrictions and limits that the Administrator specifies at the time of such delegation, and the Administrator may at any time rescind the authority so delegated or appoint a new delegatee. At all times, the delegatee appointed under this Section 1.2(b) shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Administrator.
(c) Indemnification. No member of the Board, the Administrator or any officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary or any Affiliate or any of their agents (each such Person, a "Covered Person") shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken, or any determination made in good faith, on behalf of the Company with respect to the Plan or any Award hereunder. Each Covered Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from (i) any loss, cost, liability or expense (including attorneys' fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Covered Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Covered Person may be a party or in which such Covered Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Plan or any Award Agreement and (ii) any and all amounts paid by such Covered Person, with the Company's approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Covered Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Covered Person; provided that the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit or proceeding and, once the Company gives notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company's choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to a Covered Person to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment or other final adjudication, in either case not subject to further appeal, determines that the acts or omissions of such Covered Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Covered Person's bad faith, fraud or willful criminal act or omission or that such right of indemnification is otherwise prohibited by law or by the Company's articles of incorporation or bylaws, in each case as may amended and/or restated from time to time. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which Covered Persons may be entitled under the Company's articles of incorporation or bylaws, in each case as may be amended and/or restated from time to time, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such Persons or hold them harmless.
(d) Delegation of Authority to Senior Officers. The Administrator may, in accordance with and subject to the terms of Section 1.2(b), delegate, on such terms and conditions as it determines, to one or more senior officers of the Company the authority to make grants of Awards to Key Persons who are employees of the Company or any Subsidiary (including any such prospective employee) and consultants or service providers to (including Persons who are employed by or provide services to any entity that is itself a consultant or service provider to) the Company or any Subsidiary.
(e) Awards to Non-Employee Directors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Board may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, grant Awards to Non-Employee Directors or administer the Plan with respect to such Awards. In any such case, the Board shall have all the authority and responsibility granted to the Administrator herein with respect to such Awards.
| 1.3. | Persons Eligible for Awards |
|---|
The Persons eligible to receive Awards under the Plan are those directors, officers and employees (including any prospective officer or employee) of the Company or a Subsidiary or an Affiliate and consultants and service providers to (including Persons who are employed by or provide services to any entity that is itself a consultant or service provider to) the Company or a Subsidiary or an Affiliate (collectively, "Key Persons") as the Administrator shall select.
| 1.4. | Types of Awards |
|---|
Awards may be made under the Plan in the form of (a) non-qualified stock options (i.e., stock options that are not “incentive stock options” for purposes of Sections 421 and 422 of the Code (as defined below)), (b) stock appreciation rights, (c) restricted stock, (d) restricted stock units, (e) phantom stock units, (f) unrestricted stock, (g) dividend equivalents, (h) other equity-based or equity-related awards and (i) cash awards, all as more fully set forth in the Plan. The term "Award" means any of the foregoing that are granted under the Plan.
| 1.5. | Shares Available for Awards; Adjustments for Changes in Capitalization |
|---|
(a) Maximum Number. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 1.5(c):
(i) the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 ("Common Stock"), that may be delivered pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall be 300,000. The following shares of Common Stock shall again become available for Awards under the Plan: (A) any shares that are subject to an Award under the Plan and that remain unissued upon the cancellation or termination of such Award for any reason whatsoever; (B) any shares of restricted stock forfeited pursuant to the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement; provided that any dividend equivalent rights with respect to such shares that have not theretofore been directly remitted to the grantee are also forfeited; and (C) any shares in respect of which an Award is settled for cash without the delivery of shares to the grantee. Any shares used to pay the exercise price or tax withholding obligation related to an Award shall again become available to be delivered pursuant to Awards under the Plan. Awards that are payable solely in cash shall not be counted against the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for Awards under the Plan; and
(ii) no non-employee director of the Company may be granted options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, phantom stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted stock or other equity-based or equity-related Awards for more than 5,000 shares of Common Stock during any calendar year or cash Awards under the Plan in excess of $200,000 during any calendar year, inclusive of Board, committee or other service fees.
(b) Source of Shares. Shares issued pursuant to the Plan may be authorized but unissued Common Stock or treasury shares. The Administrator may direct that any stock certificate or book entry interest evidencing shares issued pursuant to the Plan shall bear a legend setting forth such restrictions on transferability as may apply to such shares.
(c) Adjustments.
(i) In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Company shares, other securities or other property), stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, combination, repurchase or exchange of Company shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Company shares or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event, affects the Company shares such that an adjustment is determined by the Administrator to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to an Award, then, subject to the provisions of Section 1.5(c)(iv) below, the Administrator shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of the number of shares or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan.
(ii) The Administrator shall make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or infrequently occurring events (including the events described in Section 1.5(c)(i) or the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined below), subject to the provisions of Section 1.5(c)(iv) below) affecting the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate, or of changes in applicable rules, rulings, regulations or other requirements of any governmental body or securities exchange, accounting principles or law, whenever the Administrator determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to an Award, including providing for (A) adjustment to (1) the number of shares or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards or to which outstanding Awards relate and (2) the Exercise Price (as defined below) with respect to any Award and (B) a substitution or assumption of Awards, accelerating the exercisability or vesting of, or lapse of restrictions on, Awards, or accelerating the termination of Awards by providing for a period of time for exercise prior to the occurrence of such event, or, if deemed appropriate or desirable, providing for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Award in consideration for the cancellation of such Award (it being understood that, in such event, any option or stock appreciation right having a per share Exercise Price equal to, or in excess of, the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a share subject to such option or stock appreciation right may be cancelled and terminated without any payment or consideration therefor); provided*,* however, that with respect to options and stock appreciation rights, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, such adjustment shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 424(h) of the Code.
(iii) In the event of (A) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (B) a sale of all or substantially all the Company's assets or (C) a merger, reorganization or consolidation involving the Company or a Subsidiary, the Administrator shall have the power to:
(1) provide that outstanding options, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock units and/or restricted stock units (including any related dividend equivalent right) and/or other Awards granted under the Plan shall either continue in effect, be assumed or an equivalent award shall be substituted therefor by the successor entity or a parent or subsidiary entity;
(2) cancel, effective immediately prior to the occurrence of such event, options, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock units and/or restricted stock units (including each dividend equivalent right related thereto) and/or other Awards granted under the Plan outstanding immediately prior to such event (whether or not then exercisable) and, in full consideration of such cancellation, pay to the holder of such Award a cash payment in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value (as of a date specified by the Administrator) of the shares subject to such Award (or the value of such Award, as determined by the Administrator, if not based on the Fair Market Value of shares) over the aggregate Exercise Price of such Award (or the grant price of such Award, if any, if applicable)(it being understood that, in such event, (x) any option or stock appreciation right having a per share Exercise Price equal to, or in excess of, the Fair Market Value of a share subject to such option or stock appreciation right may be cancelled and terminated without any payment or consideration therefor and (y) any phantom stock unit that by its terms may be cancelled without payment therefor may be cancelled and terminated without any payment or consideration therefor to the extent so provided in the applicable Award Agreement); or
(3) notify the holder of an option or stock appreciation right in writing or electronically that each option and stock appreciation right shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of 30 days from the date of such notice, or such shorter period as the Administrator may determine to be reasonable, and the option or stock appreciation right shall terminate upon the expiration of such period (which period shall expire no later than immediately prior to the consummation of the corporate transaction).
(iv) In connection with the occurrence of any Equity Restructuring (as defined below), and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 1.5(c):
| (A) | The number and type of securities or other property subject to each outstanding Award and the Exercise Price or grant price thereof, if applicable, shall be equitably adjusted; and |
|---|---|
| (B) | The Administrator shall make such equitable adjustments, if any, as the Administrator may deem appropriate to reflect such Equity Restructuring with respect to the aggregate number and kind of shares that may be issued under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustment of the limitation set forth in Section 1.5(a)). The adjustments provided under this Section 1.5(c)(iv) shall be nondiscretionary and shall be final and binding on the affected participant and the Company. |
| --- | --- |
| 1.6. | Definitions of Certain Terms |
|---|
(a) "Affiliate" shall mean (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by, controls or is under common control with, the Company and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, in each case as determined by the Administrator.
(b) Unless otherwise specifically set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, in connection with a termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship, for purposes of the Plan, the term "for Cause" shall be defined as follows:
(i) if there is an employment, severance, consulting, service, change in control or other agreement governing the relationship between the grantee, on the one hand, and the Company or a Subsidiary or an Affiliate, on the other hand, that contains a definition of "cause" (or similar phrase or phrase of similar meaning), for purposes of the Plan, the term "for Cause" shall mean those acts or omissions that would constitute "cause" (or similar phrase or phrase of similar meaning) under such agreement; or
(ii) if the preceding clause (i) is not applicable to the grantee, for purposes of the Plan, the term "for Cause" shall mean any of the following:
| (A) | any failure by the grantee substantially to perform the grantee's employment or consulting/service or Board membership duties; |
|---|---|
| (B) | any excessive unauthorized absenteeism by the grantee; |
| --- | --- |
| (C) | any refusal by the grantee to obey the lawful orders of the Board or any other Person to whom the grantee reports; |
| --- | --- |
| (D) | any act or omission by the grantee that is or may be injurious to the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, whether monetarily, reputationally or otherwise; |
| --- | --- |
| (E) | any act by the grantee that is inconsistent with the best interests of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate; |
| --- | --- |
| (F) | the grantee's gross negligence that is injurious to the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, whether monetarily, reputationally or otherwise; |
| --- | --- |
| (G) | the grantee's material violation of any of the policies of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, as applicable, including, without limitation, those policies relating to discrimination or sexual harassment; |
| --- | --- |
| (H) | the grantee's material breach of his or her employment or service contract with the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate; |
| --- | --- |
| (I) | the grantee's unauthorized (1) removal from the premises of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any document (in any medium or form) relating to the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate or the customers or clients of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate or (2) disclosure to any Person of any of the Company's, any Subsidiary's or any Affiliate's, confidential or proprietary information; |
| --- | --- |
| (J) | the grantee's being convicted of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any crime that constitutes a felony or involves moral turpitude; and |
|---|---|
| (K) | the grantee's commission of any act involving dishonesty or fraud. |
| --- | --- |
Any rights the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate may have under the Plan in respect of the events giving rise to a termination "for Cause" shall be in addition to any other rights the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate may have under any other agreement with a grantee or at law or in equity. Any determination of whether a grantee's employment or consultancy/service relationship is (or is deemed to have been) terminated "for Cause" shall be made by the Administrator. If, subsequent to a grantee's voluntary termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship or involuntary termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship without Cause, it is discovered that the grantee's employment or consultancy/service relationship could have been terminated "for Cause", the Administrator may deem such grantee's employment or consultancy/service relationship to have been terminated "for Cause" upon such discovery and determination by the Administrator.
(c) "Code" shall mean the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) Unless otherwise specifically set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, "Disability" shall mean the grantee's being unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or the grantee's, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the grantee's employer. The existence of a Disability shall be determined by the Administrator.
(e) "Equity Restructuring" shall mean a non-reciprocal transaction between the Company and its shareholders, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, rights offering or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, that affects the shares of Common Stock (or other securities of the Company) or the share price thereof and causes a change in the per share value of the shares underlying outstanding Awards.
(f) "Exercise Price" shall mean (i) in the case of options, the price specified in the applicable Award Agreement as the price-per-share at which such share can be purchased pursuant to the option or (ii) in the case of stock appreciation rights, the price specified in the applicable Award Agreement as the reference price-per-share used to calculate the amount payable to the grantee.
(g) The "Fair Market Value" of a share of Common Stock on any day shall be the closing price on the Nasdaq Capital Market (or the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board or such other market on which the Common Stock is trading, if not trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market), as reported for such day in The Wall Street Journal (or, if not reported in The Wall Street Journal, such other reliable source as the Administrator may determine), or, if no such price is reported for such day, the average of the high bid and low asked price of Common Stock as reported for such day. If no quotation is made for the applicable day, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on such day shall be determined in the manner set forth in the preceding sentence for the next preceding trading day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there is no reported closing price or high bid/low asked price that satisfies the preceding sentences, or if otherwise deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on any day shall be determined by such methods and procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Administrator. The "Fair Market Value" of any property other than Common Stock shall be the fair market value of such property determined by such methods and procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Administrator.
(h) Unless otherwise specifically set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, in connection with a termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship, for purposes of the Plan, the term “Good Reason” shall be defined as follows:
(i) if there is an employment, severance, consulting, service, change in control or other agreement governing the relationship between the grantee, on the one hand, and the Company or a Subsidiary or an Affiliate, on the other hand, that contains a definition of “good reason” (or similar phrase or phrase of similar meaning, including “constructive termination” by the Company, Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable), for purposes of the Plan, the term “Good Reason” shall mean those acts or omissions that would constitute “good reason” (or similar phrase or phrase of similar meaning) under such agreement; or
(ii) if the preceding clause (i) is not applicable to the grantee, for purposes of the Plan, the term "Good Reason" shall mean any of the following subsequent to a Change in Control:
| (A) | a material diminution in the grantee's base compensation; |
|---|---|
| (B) | a material diminution in the grantee's authority, duties, or responsibilities; |
| --- | --- |
| (C) | a relocation of the grantee’s primary office location beyond a fifty (50) mile radius of the grantee’s primary office prior to such relocation; or |
| --- | --- |
| (D) | any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate (or the acquiror or successor thereof, as applicable) of the employment, severance, consulting, service, change in control or other agreement governing the relationship between the grantee, on the one hand, and the Company or a Subsidiary or an Affiliate (or the acquiror or successor thereof, as applicable), on the other hand; |
| --- | --- |
provided that, for purposes of this clause (ii), in order for the grantee’s termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship to be deemed to be for “Good Reason”, (x) such termination must occur within six months of the initial existence of the applicable condition arising without the consent of the grantee, (y) the grantee must provide notice to the Company (or its acquiror or successor, as applicable) of the existence of the applicable condition no later than 90 days following the initial existence of the condition, and (z) the Company (or its acquiror or successor, as applicable) must have failed to remedy the condition within 30 days of its receipt of the notice from the grantee of the existence of such condition.
(i) "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, governmental body or other entity of any kind.
(j) "Repricing" shall mean (i) lowering the Exercise Price of an option or a stock appreciation right after it has been granted, (ii) the cancellation of an option or a stock appreciation right in exchange for cash or another Award when the Exercise Price exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares subject to the Award and (iii) any other action with respect to an option or a stock appreciation right that is treated as a repricing under (A) generally accepted accounting principles or (B) any applicable stock exchange rules.
(k) "Subsidiary" shall mean any entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, has a 50% or more equity interest.
ARTICLE II
Awards Under The Plan
| 2.1. | Agreements Evidencing Awards |
|---|
Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written agreement or certificate ("Award Agreement"), which shall contain such provisions as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable and which may, but need not, require execution or acknowledgment by a grantee. The Award shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.
| 2.2. | Grant of Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights |
|---|
(a) Stock Option Grants. The Administrator may grant non-qualified stock options ("options") to purchase shares of Common Stock from the Company to such Key Persons, and in such amounts and subject to such vesting and forfeiture provisions and other terms and conditions, as the Administrator shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan. No option will be treated as an "incentive stock option" for purposes of the Code. It shall be the intent of the Administrator to not grant an Award in the form of stock options to any Key Person who is then subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code with respect to such Award if the Common Stock underlying such Award does not then qualify as "service recipient stock" for purposes of Section 409A. Furthermore, it shall be the intent of the Administrator, in granting options to Key Persons who are subject to Sections 409A and/or 457A of the Code, to structure such options so as to comply with the requirements of Sections 409A and/or 457A of the Code, to the extent applicable.
(b) Option Exercise Price. Each Award Agreement with respect to an option shall set forth the Exercise Price of such Award and, unless otherwise specifically provided in the Award Agreement, the Exercise Price of an option shall equal the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant; provided that in no event may such Exercise Price be less than the greater of (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant and (ii) the par value of a share of Common Stock. Repricing of options granted under the Plan shall not be permitted (1) to the extent such action could cause adverse tax consequences to the grantee under Section 409A or 457A of the Code, to the extent applicable, or (2) without prior shareholder approval, to the extent such approval would be required to be obtained by the Company pursuant to the applicable rules of any applicable stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed, and any action that would be deemed to result in a Repricing of an option shall be deemed null and void if it would cause such adverse tax consequences or if any requisite shareholder approval related thereto is not obtained prior to the effective time of such action.
(c) Stock Appreciation Right Grants; Types of Stock Appreciation Rights. The Administrator may grant stock appreciation rights to such Key Persons, and in such amounts and subject to such vesting and forfeiture provisions and other terms and conditions, as the Administrator shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan. The terms of a stock appreciation right may provide that it shall be automatically exercised for a payment upon the happening of a specified event that is outside the control of the grantee and that it shall not be otherwise exercisable. Stock appreciation rights may be granted in connection with all or any part of, or independently of, any option granted under the Plan. It shall be the intent of the Administrator to not grant an Award in the form of stock appreciation rights to any Key Person (i) who is then subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code with respect to such Award if the Common Stock underlying such Award does not then qualify as "service recipient stock" for purposes of Section 409A or (ii) if such Award would create adverse tax consequences for such Key Person under Section 457A of the Code. Furthermore, it shall be the intent of the Administrator, in granting stock appreciation rights to Key Persons who are subject to Sections 409A and/or 457A of the Code, to structure such stock appreciation rights so as to comply with the requirements of Sections 409A and/or 457A of the Code, to the extent applicable.
(d) Nature of Stock Appreciation Rights. The grantee of a stock appreciation right shall have the right, subject to the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, to receive from the Company an amount equal to (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise of the stock appreciation right over the Exercise Price of the stock appreciation right, multiplied by (ii) the number of shares with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. Each Award Agreement with respect to a stock appreciation right shall set forth the Exercise Price of such Award and, unless otherwise specifically provided in the Award Agreement, the Exercise Price of a stock appreciation right shall equal the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant; provided that in no event may such Exercise Price be less than the greater of (A) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant and (B) the par value of a share of Common Stock. Payment upon exercise of a stock appreciation right shall be in cash or in shares of Common Stock (valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of the stock appreciation right) or any combination of both, all as the Administrator shall determine. Repricing of stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan shall not be permitted (1) to the extent such action could cause adverse tax consequences to the grantee under Section 409A or 457A of the Code, to the extent applicable, or (2) without prior shareholder approval, to the extent such approval would be required to be obtained by the Company pursuant to the applicable rules of any applicable stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed, and any action that would be deemed to result in a Repricing of a stock appreciation right shall be deemed null and void if it would cause such adverse tax consequences or if any requisite shareholder approval related thereto is not obtained prior to the effective time of such action. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right granted in connection with an option, the number of shares subject to the option shall be reduced by the number of shares with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. Upon the exercise of an option in connection with which a stock appreciation right has been granted, the number of shares subject to the stock appreciation right shall be reduced by the number of shares with respect to which the option is exercised.
| 2.3. | Exercise of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights |
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Subject to the other provisions of this Article II and the Plan, each option and stock appreciation right granted under the Plan shall be exercisable as follows:
(a) Timing and Extent of Exercise. Options and stock appreciation rights shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the corresponding Award Agreement, but in no event shall any portion of such Award be exercisable subsequent to the tenth anniversary of the date on which such Award was granted. Unless the applicable Award Agreement otherwise specifically provides, an option or stock appreciation right may be exercised from time to time as to all or part of the shares as to which such Award is then exercisable.
(b) Notice of Exercise. An option or stock appreciation right shall be exercised by the filing of a written notice with the Company or the Company's designated exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent"), if any, on such form and in such manner as the Administrator shall prescribe.
(c) Payment of Exercise Price. Any written notice of exercise of an option shall be accompanied by payment for the shares being purchased. Such payment shall be made: (i) by certified or official bank check (or the equivalent thereof acceptable to the Company or its Exchange Agent) for the full option Exercise Price; (ii) with the consent of the Administrator, which consent shall be given or withheld in the sole discretion of the Administrator, by withholding of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value (determined as of the exercise date) equal to all or part of the option Exercise Price and a certified or official bank check (or the equivalent thereof acceptable to the Company or its Exchange Agent) for any remaining portion of the full option Exercise Price; or (iii) at the sole discretion of the Administrator and to the extent permitted by law, by such other provision, consistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator may from time to time prescribe (whether directly or indirectly through the Exchange Agent), or by any combination of the foregoing payment methods.
(d) Delivery of Shares Upon Exercise. Subject to Sections 3.2, 3.4 and 3.13, promptly after receiving payment of the full option Exercise Price, or after receiving notice of the exercise of a stock appreciation right for which the Administrator determines payment will be made partly or entirely in shares, the Company or its Exchange Agent shall (i) deliver to the grantee, or to such other Person as may then have the right to exercise the Award, a certificate or certificates for the shares of Common Stock for which the Award has been exercised or, in the case of stock appreciation rights, for which the Administrator determines will be made in shares or (ii) establish an account evidencing ownership of the stock in uncertificated form for the shares of Common Stock for which the Award has been exercised or, in the case of stock appreciation rights, for which the Administrator determines will be made in shares. If the method of payment employed upon an option exercise so requires, and if applicable law permits, an optionee may direct the Company or its Exchange Agent, as the case may be, to deliver the stock certificate(s) to the optionee's stockbroker.
(e) No Shareholder Rights. No grantee of an option or stock appreciation right (or other Person having the right to exercise such Award) shall have any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company with respect to shares subject to such Award until the issuance of a stock certificate to such Person for such shares or an account in the name of the grantee evidences ownership of stock in uncertificated form. Except as otherwise provided in Section 1.5(c), no adjustment shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights (whether ordinary or extraordinary, and whether in cash, securities or other property) for which the record date is prior to the date such stock certificate is issued or the date an account evidencing ownership of the stock in uncertificated form notes receipt of such stock.
(f) Nonexempt Employees. If an option or stock appreciation right is granted to an employee who is a nonexempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, such option or stock appreciation right shall not be scheduled to be first exercisable for any share of Common Stock until at least six months following the date of grant of the option or stock appreciation right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event an option or stock appreciation right granted to such an employee becomes first exercisable during such six-month period pursuant to the terms of the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement as a result of the grantee’s death, Disability or retirement, or as a result of a change in corporate ownership, then the restriction set forth in the foregoing sentence shall not apply. The foregoing provisions in this Section 2.3(f) are intended to operate so that any income derived by a nonexempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of an option or stock appreciation right will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay.
| 2.4. | Termination of Employment/Service; Death Subsequent to a Termination of Employment/Service |
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(a) General Rule. Except to the extent otherwise provided in paragraphs (b), (c), (d) or (e) of this Section 2.4 or Section 3.5(b)(iii), a grantee who incurs a termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates may exercise any outstanding option or stock appreciation right on the following terms and conditions: (i) exercise may be made only to the extent that the grantee was entitled to exercise the Award on the date of termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship, as applicable; and (ii) exercise must occur within three months after termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship but in no event after the original expiration date of the Award; it being understood that then outstanding options and stock appreciation rights shall not be affected by a change of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates so long as the grantee continues to be a director, officer or employee of, or a consultant or service provider to (or a Person employed by or providing services to any entity that is itself a consultant or service provider to), the Company or any Subsidiary or any Affiliate.
(b) Termination "for Cause". If a grantee incurs a termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates “for Cause”, all options and stock appreciation rights not theretofore exercised (whether vested or unvested) shall immediately terminate upon such termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship.
(c) Disability. If a grantee incurs a termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates by reason of a Disability, then any outstanding option or stock appreciation right shall, to the extent exercisable at the time of such termination, remain exercisable for a period of one year after such termination; provided that in no event may such option or stock appreciation right be exercised following the original expiration date of the Award.
(d) Death.
(i)Termination of Employment/Service as a Result of Grantee's Death. If a grantee incurs a termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates as the result of his or her death, then any outstanding option or stock appreciation right shall, to the extent exercisable at the time of such death, remain exercisable for a period of one year after such death; provided that in no event may such option or stock appreciation right be exercised following the original expiration date of the Award.
(ii)Restrictions on Exercise Following Death. Any exercise of an Award following a grantee's death shall be made only by the grantee's executor or administrator or other duly appointed representative reasonably acceptable to the Administrator, unless the grantee's will specifically disposes of such Award, in which case such exercise shall be made only by the recipient of such specific disposition. If a grantee's personal representative or the recipient of a specific disposition under the grantee's will shall be entitled to exercise any Award pursuant to the preceding sentence, such representative or recipient shall be bound by all the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement which would have applied to the grantee.
(e) Administrator Discretion. The Administrator may, in writing, waive or modify the application of the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.4, subject to Section 3.1(c).
| 2.5. | Transferability of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights |
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Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Plan or the applicable Award Agreement evidencing an option or stock appreciation right, during the lifetime of a grantee, each such Award granted to a grantee shall be exercisable only by the grantee, and no such Award may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Administrator may, in any applicable Award Agreement evidencing an option or stock appreciation right, permit a grantee to transfer all or some of the options or stock appreciation rights to (a) the grantee's spouse, children or grandchildren ("Immediate Family Members"), (b) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of such Immediate Family Members or (c) other parties approved by the Administrator. Following any such transfer, any transferred options and stock appreciation rights shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to the transfer.
| 2.6. | Grant of Restricted Stock |
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(a) Restricted Stock Grants. The Administrator may grant restricted shares of Common Stock to such Key Persons, in such amounts and subject to such vesting and forfeiture provisions and other terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan. A grantee of a restricted stock Award shall have no rights with respect to such Award unless such grantee accepts the Award within such period as the Administrator shall specify by accepting delivery of a restricted stock Award Agreement in such form as the Administrator shall determine.
(b) Issuance of Stock. Promptly after a grantee accepts a restricted stock Award in accordance with Section 2.6(a), subject to Sections 3.2, 3.4 and 3.13, the Company or its Exchange Agent shall issue to the grantee a stock certificate or stock certificates for the shares of Common Stock covered by the Award or shall establish an account evidencing ownership of the stock in uncertificated form. Upon the issuance of such stock certificates, or establishment of such account, the grantee shall have the rights of a shareholder with respect to the restricted stock, subject to: (i) the nontransferability restrictions and forfeiture provisions described in the Plan (including paragraphs (d) and (e) of this Section 2.6); (ii) in the Administrator's sole discretion, a requirement, as set forth in the Award Agreement, that any dividends paid on such shares shall be held in escrow and , unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, shall remain forfeitable until all restrictions on such shares have lapsed; and (iii) any other restrictions and conditions contained in the applicable Award Agreement.
(c) Custody of Stock Certificate. Unless the Administrator shall otherwise determine, any stock certificates issued evidencing shares of restricted stock shall remain in the possession of the Company (or such other custodian as may be designated by the Administrator) until such shares are free of any restrictions specified in the applicable Award Agreement. The Administrator may direct that such stock certificates bear a legend setting forth the applicable restrictions on transferability.
(d) Non-transferability. Shares of restricted stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of prior to the lapsing of all restrictions thereon, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Plan or the applicable Award Agreement. The Administrator at the time of grant shall specify the date or dates (which may depend upon or be related to the attainment of performance goals and other conditions) on which the nontransferability of the restricted stock shall lapse.
(e) Consequence of Termination of Employment/Service. Unless otherwise specifically set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, (i) a grantee's termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates for any reason other than death or Disability shall cause the immediate forfeiture of all shares of restricted stock that have not yet vested as of the date of such termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship and (ii) if a grantee incurs a termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates as the result of his or her death or Disability, all shares of restricted stock that have not yet vested as of the date of such termination shall immediately vest as of such date; it being understood that then outstanding restricted stock Awards shall not be affected by a change of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates so long as the grantee continues to be a director, officer or employee of, or a consultant or service provider to (or a Person employed by or providing services to any entity that is itself a consultant or service provider to), the Company or any Subsidiary or any Affiliate. All dividends paid on shares forfeited under this Section 2.6(e) that have not theretofore been directly remitted to the grantee shall also be forfeited, whether by termination of any escrow arrangement under which such dividends are held or otherwise. The Administrator may, in writing, waive or modify the application of the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.6(e), subject to Section 3.1(c).
| 2.7. | Grant of Restricted Stock Units |
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(a) Restricted Stock Unit Grants. The Administrator may grant restricted stock units to such Key Persons, and in such amounts and subject to such vesting and forfeiture provisions and other terms and conditions, as the Administrator shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan. A restricted stock unit granted under the Plan shall confer upon the grantee a right to receive from the Company, conditioned upon the occurrence of such vesting event as shall be determined by the Administrator and specified in the Award Agreement, the number of such grantee's restricted stock units that vest upon the occurrence of such vesting event multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of vesting. Payment upon vesting of a restricted stock unit shall be in cash or in shares of Common Stock (valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of vesting) or both, all as the Administrator shall determine, and such payments shall be made to the grantee at such time as provided in the Award Agreement, which the Administrator shall intend to be (i) if Section 409A of the Code is applicable with respect to Awards granted to the grantee, within the period required by Section 409A such that it qualifies as a "short-term deferral" pursuant to Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder, unless the Administrator shall provide for deferral of the Award intended to comply with Section 409A, (ii) if Section 457A of the Code is applicable with respect to Awards granted to the grantee, within the period required by Section 457A(d)(3)(B) such that it qualifies for the exemption thereunder, or (iii) if Sections 409A and 457A of the Code are not applicable with respect to Awards granted to the grantee, at such time as determined by the Administrator.
(b) Dividend Equivalents. The Administrator may include in any Award Agreement with respect to a restricted stock unit a dividend equivalent right entitling the grantee to receive amounts equal to the ordinary dividends that would be paid, during the time such Award is outstanding and unvested, and/or, if payment of the vested Award is deferred, during the period of such deferral following such vesting event, on the shares of Common Stock underlying such Award if such shares were then outstanding. In the event such a provision is included in a Award Agreement, the Administrator shall determine whether such payments shall be (i) paid to the holder of the Award, as specified in the Award Agreement, either (A) at the same time as the underlying dividends are paid, regardless of the fact that the restricted stock unit has not theretofore vested, (B) at the time at which the Award's vesting event occurs, conditioned upon the occurrence of the vesting event, (C) once the Award has vested, at the same time as the underlying dividends are paid, regardless of the fact that payment of the vested restricted stock unit has been deferred, and/or (D) at the time at which the corresponding vested restricted stock units are paid, (ii) made in cash, shares of Common Stock or other property and (iii) subject to such other vesting and forfeiture provisions and other terms and conditions as the Administrator shall deem appropriate and as shall be set forth in the Award Agreement.
(c) No Shareholder Rights. No grantee of a restricted stock unit shall have any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company with respect to such Award unless and until a stock certificate is issued with respect to such Award upon the vesting of such Award or an account in the name of the grantee evidences ownership of stock in uncertificated form (it being understood that the Administrator shall determine whether to pay any vested restricted stock unit in the form of cash or Company shares or both), which issuance shall be subject to Sections 3.2, 3.4 and 3.13. Except as otherwise provided in Section 1.5(c), no adjustment to any restricted stock unit shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights (whether ordinary or extraordinary, and whether in cash, securities or other property) for which the record date is prior to the date such stock certificate, if any, is issued or the date an account evidencing ownership of the stock in uncertificated form notes receipt of such stock.
(d) Nontransferability. No restricted stock unit granted under the Plan may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Plan or the applicable Award Agreement.
(e) Consequence of Termination of Employment/Service. Unless otherwise specifically set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, (i) a grantee's termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates for any reason other than death or Disability shall cause the immediate forfeiture of all restricted stock units that have not yet vested as of the date of such termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship and (ii) if a grantee incurs a termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates as the result of his or her death or Disability, all restricted stock units that have not yet vested as of the date of such termination shall immediately vest as of such date; it being understood that then outstanding restricted stock units shall not be affected by a change of employment or consultancy/service relationship with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates so long as the grantee continues to be a director, officer or employee of, or a consultant or service provider to (or a Person employed by or providing services to any entity that is itself a consultant or service provider to), the Company or any Subsidiary or any Affiliate. All dividend equivalent rights on any restricted stock units forfeited under this Section 2.7(e) that have not theretofore been directly remitted to the grantee shall also be forfeited, whether by termination of any escrow arrangement under which such dividends are held or otherwise. The Administrator may, in writing, waive or modify the application of the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.7(e), subject to Section 3.1(c).
| 2.8. | Grant of Unrestricted Stock |
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The Administrator may grant (or sell at a purchase price at least equal to par value) shares of Common Stock free of restrictions under the Plan to such Key Persons and in such amounts and subject to such terms, conditions and forfeiture provisions as the Administrator shall determine and subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions in this Plan. Shares may be granted or sold in respect of past services or other valid consideration.
| 2.9. | Grant of Phantom Stock Units |
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(a) Phantom Stock Unit Grants. The Administrator may grant phantom stock units to such Key Persons, in such amounts, and subject to such vesting and forfeiture provisions and other terms and conditions, as the Administrator shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan. Each phantom stock unit shall represent a notional share of Common Stock. No grantee of a phantom stock unit shall have any rights of shareholder of the Company with respect to such Award unless and until the Award is cancelled in exchange for shares of Common Stock, which issuance of shares shall be subject to Sections 3.2, 3.4 and 3.13. Holders of phantom stock units shall not (i) be entitled to any voting rights with respect to any phantom stock units and (ii) be entitled, by reason of holding any phantom stock unit, to any distributions payable to shareholders of Common Stock; provided, however, that the Administrator may provide that the phantom stock unit shall be entitled to receive dividend equivalent rights, on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine. The Administrator may determine that the phantom stock unit may be cancelled on such terms and conditions as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, including (1) for no payment, (2) in exchange for a cash payment or (3) in exchange for shares of Common Stock.
(b) Other Provisions. Phantom stock units may be made independently of or in connection with any other Award under the Plan. A grantee of a phantom stock unit Award shall have no rights with respect to such Award unless such grantee accepts the Award within such period as the Administrator shall specify by accepting delivery of a phantom stock unit Award Agreement in such form as the Administrator shall determine.
(c) Nontransferability. Phantom stock units may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of except as otherwise specifically provided in this Plan or the applicable Award Agreement.
(d) Grants to U.S. Taxpayers. No grant of a phantom stock unit Award to an individual who is then subject to the requirements of Sections 409A and/or 457A of the Code shall be made under the Plan unless the Award, by its terms, is exempt from Sections 409A and/or 457A of the Code, as applicable, or otherwise complies with such sections of the Code.
| 2.10. | Other Equity-Based or Equity-Related Awards |
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Subject to the provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, Section 3.16), the Administrator shall have the sole and complete authority to grant to Key Persons other equity-based or equity-related Awards in such amounts and subject to such terms, conditions, restrictions and forfeiture provisions as the Administrator shall determine; provided that any such Awards must comply with applicable law and, to the extent deemed desirable by the Administrator, Rule 16b-3.
| 2.11. | Dividend Equivalents |
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Subject to the provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, Section 3.16), in the discretion of the Administrator, an Award, other than an option or stock appreciation right, may provide the Award recipient with dividends or dividend equivalents, payable in cash, shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, on a current or deferred basis, on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Administrator, including, without limitation, payment directly to the Award recipient, withholding of such amounts by the Company subject to vesting of the Award, or reinvestment in additional shares, restricted shares or other Awards.
| 2.12. | Grant of Cash Awards |
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The Administrator may grant Awards that are payable solely in cash to such Key Persons and in such amounts and subject to such terms, conditions, restrictions and forfeiture provisions as the Administrator shall determine and subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions in this Plan. Cash Awards may be thus granted in respect of past services or other valid consideration.
ARTICLE III
Miscellaneous
| 3.1. | Amendment of the Plan; Modification of Awards |
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(a) Amendment of the Plan. The Board may from time to time suspend, discontinue, revise or amend the Plan in any respect whatsoever, except that no such suspension, discontinuation, revision or amendment shall materially impair any rights or materially increase any obligations under any Award theretofore made under the Plan without the consent of the grantee (or, upon the grantee's death, the Person having the rights to the Award). For purposes of this Section 3.1, any action of the Board or the Administrator that in any way alters or affects the tax treatment of any Award shall not be considered to materially impair any rights of any grantee.
(b) Shareholder Approval Requirement. If required by applicable rules or regulations of a national securities exchange or the SEC, the Company shall obtain shareholder approval with respect to any amendment to the Plan that (i) expands the types of Awards available under the Plan, (ii) materially increases the aggregate number of shares which may be issued under the Plan, except as permitted pursuant to Section 1.5(c), (iii) materially increases the benefits to participants under the Plan, including any material change to (A) permit, or that has the effect of, a Repricing of any outstanding Award, (B) reduce the price at which shares or options to purchase shares may be offered or (C) extend the duration of the Plan, or (iv) materially expands the class of Persons eligible to receive Awards under the Plan.
(c) Modification of Awards. The Administrator may cancel any Award under the Plan. The Administrator also may amend any outstanding Award Agreement, including, without limitation, by amendment which would: (i) accelerate the time or times at which the Award becomes unrestricted, vested or may be exercised; (ii) waive or amend any goals, restrictions or conditions set forth in the Award Agreement; or (iii) waive or amend the operation of Section 2.4, 2.6(e) or 2.7(e) with respect to the termination of the Award upon termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship; provided, however, that no such amendment shall be made without shareholder approval if such approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement applicable to the Award. However, any such cancellation or amendment (other than an amendment pursuant to Section 1.5, 3.5 or 3.16) that materially impairs the rights or materially increases the obligations of a grantee under an outstanding Award shall be made only with the consent of the grantee (or, upon the grantee's death, the Person having the rights to the Award). In making any modification to an Award (e.g., an amendment resulting in a direct or indirect reduction in the Exercise Price or a waiver or modification under Section 2.4(e), 2.6(e) or 2.7(e)), the Administrator may consider the implications, if any, of such modification under the Code with respect to Sections 409A and 457A of the Code in respect of Awards granted under the Plan to individuals subject to such provisions of the Code.
| 3.2. | Consent Requirement |
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(a) No Plan Action Without Required Consent. If the Administrator shall at any time determine that any Consent (as defined below) is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting of any Award under the Plan, the issuance or purchase of shares or other rights thereunder, or the taking of any other action thereunder (each such action being hereinafter referred to as a "Plan Action"), then such Plan Action shall not be taken, in whole or in part, unless and until such Consent shall have been effected or obtained to the full satisfaction of the Administrator.
(b) Consent Defined. The term "Consent" as used herein with respect to any Plan Action means (i) any and all listings, registrations or qualifications in respect thereof upon any securities exchange or under any Federal, state or local law, rule or regulation, (ii) any and all written agreements and representations by the grantee with respect to the disposition of shares, or with respect to any other matter, which the Administrator shall deem necessary or desirable to comply with the terms of any such listing, registration or qualification or to obtain an exemption from the requirement that any such listing, qualification or registration be made and (iii) any and all consents, clearances and approvals in respect of a Plan Action by any governmental or other regulatory bodies or any other Person.
| 3.3. | Nonassignability; Successors |
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Except as provided in Section 2.4(d), 2.5, 2.6(d), 2.7(d) or 2.9(c), (a) no Award or right granted to any Person under the Plan or under any Award Agreement shall be assignable or transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and (b) all rights granted under the Plan or any Award Agreement shall be exercisable during the life of the grantee only by the grantee or the grantee's legal representative or the grantee's permissible successors or assigns (as authorized and determined by the Administrator). The rights, duties and obligations under the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement shall be assignable by the Company to any successor entity, including any entity acquiring all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Company. All terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreements will be binding upon any permitted successors or assigns.
| 3.4. | Taxes |
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(a) Withholding. A grantee or other Award holder under the Plan shall be required to pay, in cash, to the Company, and the Company, its Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall have the right and are hereby authorized to withhold from any Award, from any cash or other payment due or transfer made under any Award or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to such grantee or other Award holder, the amount of any applicable withholding taxes in respect of an Award, its grant, its exercise, its vesting, or any payment or transfer under an Award or under the Plan, up to the maximum statutory rates in the applicable jurisdiction with respect to the Award, as determined by the Company, and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for payment of such taxes. Whenever shares of Common Stock are to be delivered pursuant to an Award under the Plan, with the approval of the Administrator, which the Administrator shall have sole discretion whether or not to give, the grantee may satisfy the foregoing condition by electing to have the Company withhold from delivery shares having a value equal to the amount of the applicable withholding taxes as determined in accordance with this Section 3.4(a). Such shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value as of the date on which the amount of tax to be withheld is determined. Fractional share amounts shall be settled in cash. Such a withholding election may be made with respect to all or any portion of the shares to be delivered pursuant to an Award as may be approved by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
(b) Liability for Taxes. Grantees and holders of Awards are solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may arise in connection with Awards (including, without limitation, any taxes arising under Sections 409A and 457A of the Code) and the Company shall not have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold any such Person harmless from any or all of such taxes. The Administrator shall have the discretion to organize any deferral program, to require deferral election forms, and to grant or, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or any Award Agreement, to unilaterally modify any Award in a manner that (i) conforms with the requirements of Sections 409A and 457A of the Code (to the extent applicable), (ii) voids any participant election to the extent it would violate Section 409A or 457A of the Code (to the extent applicable) and (iii) for any distribution event or election that could be expected to violate Section 409A of the Code, make the distribution only upon the earliest of the first to occur of a "permissible distribution event" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code or a distribution event that the participant elects in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, all in such a way so as to retain, to the maximum extent feasible, the originally intended economic and tax benefits under the Award. The Administrator shall have the sole discretion to interpret the requirements of the Code, including, without limitation, Sections 409A and 457A, for purposes of the Plan and all Awards.
| 3.5. | Change in Control |
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(a) Change in Control Defined. Unless otherwise specifically set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, for purposes of the Plan, "Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) any "person" (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act), company or other entity acquires "beneficial ownership" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of the capital stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the Company; provided, however, that no Change in Control shall have occurred in the event of such an acquisition by (A) the Company, (B) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate, (C) any company or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the holders of the voting stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the aggregate voting power of the capital stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or (D) Aristides J. Pittas or the Pittas family or any entity which Aristides J. Pittas or the Pittas family directly or indirectly "controls" (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the 1934 Act);
(ii) the sale of all or substantially all the Company's assets in one or more related transactions to any "person" (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act), company or other entity; provided, however, that no Change in Control shall have occurred in the event of such a sale (A) to a Subsidiary which does not involve a material change in the equity holdings of the Company, (B) to an entity (the "Acquiring Entity") which has acquired all or substantially all the Company's assets if, immediately following such sale, 50% or more of the aggregate voting power of the capital stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the Acquiring Entity (or, if applicable, the ultimate parent entity that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of the capital stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the Acquiring Entity) is beneficially owned by the holders of the voting stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the Company immediately prior to such sale in substantially the same proportions as the aggregate voting power of the capital stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the Company immediately prior to such sale or (C) to Aristides J. Pittas or the Pittas family or an entity which Aristides J. Pittas or the Pittas family directly or indirectly "controls" (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the 1934 Act);
(iii) any merger, consolidation, reorganization or similar event of the Company; provided, however, that no Change in Control shall have occurred in the event 50% or more of the aggregate voting power of the capital stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the surviving entity (or, if applicable, the ultimate parent entity that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of the capital stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the surviving entity) is beneficially owned by the holders of the voting stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the Company immediately prior to such event in substantially the same proportions as the aggregate voting power of the capital stock ordinarily entitled to elect directors of the Company immediately prior to such event;
(iv) the approval by the Company's shareholders of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or
(v) during any period of 12 consecutive calendar months, individuals:
| (A) | who were directors of the Company on the first day of such period, or |
|---|---|
| (B) | whose election or nomination for election to the Board was recommended or approved by at least a majority of the directors then still in office who were directors of the Company on the first day of such period, or whose election or nomination for election were so approved, |
| --- | --- |
shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board.
A Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred for purpose of the Plan as a result of an Exempted Transaction (as such term is defined in that certain Shareholders Rights Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2019, between Euroseas Ltd., a Marshall Islands corporation, and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (at the time, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company), as rights agent, as amended from time to time).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise specifically set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, for each Award subject to Section 409A of the Code, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred under this Plan with respect to such Award only if a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company shall also be deemed to have occurred under Section 409A of the Code, provided that such limitation shall apply to such Award only to the extent necessary to avoid adverse tax effects under Section 409A of the Code.
(b) Effect of a Change in Control. Unless the Administrator specifically provides otherwise in an Award Agreement, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control:
(i) any Award outstanding as of immediately prior to the time of such Change in Control shall become fully vested and any forfeiture provisions thereon imposed pursuant to the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement shall lapse and any Award in the form of an option or stock appreciation right shall be immediately exercisable;
(ii) to the extent permitted by law and not otherwise limited by the terms of the Plan, the Administrator may amend any Award Agreement in such manner as it deems appropriate; and
(iii) a grantee who incurs a termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship for any reason, other than a voluntary termination or resignation by the grantee without Good Reason or a termination "for Cause", concurrent with or within one year following the Change in Control may exercise any outstanding option or stock appreciation right, but only to the extent that the grantee was entitled to exercise the Award on the date of his or her termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship, until the earlier of (A) the original expiration date of the Award and (B) the later of (x) the date provided for under the terms of Section 2.4 without reference to this Section 3.5(b)(iii) and (y) the first anniversary of the grantee's termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship.
(c) Miscellaneous. Whenever deemed appropriate by the Administrator, any action referred to in paragraph (b)(ii) of this Section 3.5 may be made conditional upon the consummation of the applicable Change in Control transaction.
| 3.6. | Operation and Conduct of Business |
|---|
Nothing in the Plan or any Award Agreement shall be construed as limiting or preventing the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate from taking any action with respect to the operation and conduct of its business that it deems appropriate or in its best interests, including any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations, exchanges or other changes in the capital structure of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, any issuance of Company shares or other securities or subscription rights, any issuance of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Common Stock or other securities or rights thereof, any dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, any sale or transfer of all or any part of the assets or business of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise.
| 3.7. | No Rights to Awards |
|---|
No Key Person or other Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan.
| 3.8. | Right of Discharge Reserved; Service Relationship |
|---|
(a) Right of Discharge Reserved. Nothing in the Plan or in any Award Agreement shall confer upon any grantee the right to continue his or her employment with the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, his or her consultancy/service relationship with the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, or his or her position as an officer or director of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, or affect any right that the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate may have to terminate such employment or consultancy/service relationship.
(b) Service Relationship. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of the Plan, reference to (i) a service relationship shall include service as a director or officer and (ii) a termination of a service relationship shall include a removal or resignation as a director or officer.
| 3.9. | Non-Uniform Determinations |
|---|
The Administrator's determinations and the treatment of Key Persons and grantees and their beneficiaries under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made and determined by the Administrator selectively among Persons who receive, or who are eligible to receive, Awards under the Plan (whether or not such Persons are similarly situated). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator shall be entitled, among other things, to make non-uniform and selective determinations, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award Agreements, as to (a) the Persons to receive Awards under the Plan, (b) the types of Awards granted under the Plan, (c) the number of shares to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights or other matters are to be calculated with respect to, Awards and (d) the terms and conditions of Awards.
| 3.10. | Other Payments or Awards |
|---|
Nothing contained in the Plan shall be deemed in any way to limit or restrict the Company or any Subsidiary from making any award or payment to any Person under any other plan, arrangement or understanding, whether now existing or hereafter in effect.
| 3.11. | Headings |
|---|
Any section, subsection, paragraph or other subdivision headings contained herein are for the purpose of convenience only and are not intended to expand, limit or otherwise define the contents of such section, subsection, paragraph or subdivision.
| 3.12. | Effective Date and Term of Plan |
|---|
(a) Adoption; Shareholder Approval. The Plan was approved and adopted by the Board on November 3, 2022. The Board may, but need not, make the granting of any Awards under the Plan subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders.
(b) Termination of Plan. The Board may terminate the Plan at any time. All Awards made under the Plan prior to its termination shall remain in effect until such Awards have been satisfied or terminated in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreements. No Awards may be granted under the Plan following the tenth anniversary of the date on which the Plan was adopted by the Board.
| 3.13. | Restriction on Issuance of Stock Pursuant to Awards |
|---|
The Company shall not permit any shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan unless such shares of Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable under applicable law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or any Award Agreement, at the time of the exercise of any Award, at the time of vesting of any Award, at the time of payment of shares of Common Stock in exchange for, or in cancellation of, any Award, or at the time of grant of any unrestricted shares under the Plan, the Company and the Administrator may, if either shall deem it necessary or advisable for any reason, require the holder of an Award (a) to represent in writing to the Company that it is the Award holder's then-intention to acquire the shares with respect to which the Award is granted for investment and not with a view to the distribution thereof or (b) to postpone the date of exercise until such time as the Company has available for delivery to the Award holder a prospectus meeting the requirements of all applicable securities laws; and no shares shall be issued or transferred in connection with any Award unless and until all legal requirements applicable to the issuance or transfer of such shares have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and the Administrator. The Company and the Administrator shall have the right to condition any issuance of shares to any Award holder hereunder on such Person's undertaking in writing to comply with such restrictions on the subsequent transfer of such shares as the Company or the Administrator shall deem necessary or advisable as a result of any applicable law, regulation or official interpretation thereof, and all share certificates delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Company or the Administrator may deem advisable under the Plan, the applicable Award Agreement or the rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC, any stock exchange upon which such shares are listed, and any applicable securities or other laws, and certificates representing such shares may contain a legend to reflect any such restrictions. The Administrator may refuse to issue or transfer any shares or other consideration under an Award if it determines that the issuance or transfer of such shares or other consideration might violate any applicable law or regulation or entitle the Company to recover the same under Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act, and any payment tendered to the Company by a grantee or other Award holder in connection with the exercise of such Award shall be promptly refunded to the relevant grantee or other Award holder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no Award granted under the Plan shall be construed as an offer to sell securities of the Company, and no such offer shall be outstanding, unless and until the Administrator has determined that any such offer, if made, would be in compliance with all applicable requirements of any applicable securities laws.
| 3.14. | Requirement of Notification of Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code |
|---|
If an Award recipient, in connection with the acquisition of Company shares under the Plan, makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code (to include in gross income in the year of transfer the amounts specified in Section 83(b) of the Code), the grantee shall notify the Administrator of such election within ten days of filing notice of the election with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to regulations issued under Section 83(b) of the Code.
| 3.15. | Severability |
|---|
If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Administrator, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable laws or, if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Administrator, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
| 3.16. | Sections 409A and 457A |
|---|
To the extent applicable, the Plan and Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Sections 409A and 457A of the Code and U.S. Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or any applicable Award Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Administrator determines that any Award may be subject to Section 409A or 457A of the Code, the Administrator may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate to (i) exempt the Plan and Award from Sections 409A and 457A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Award, or (ii) comply with the requirements of Sections 409A and 457A of the Code and related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance and thereby avoid the application of penalty taxes under Sections 409A and 457A of the Code, all in such a way so as to retain, to the maximum extent feasible, the originally intended economic and tax benefits under the Award.
| 3.17. | Forfeiture; Clawback |
|---|
The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, specify in the applicable Award Agreement that any realized gain with respect to options or stock appreciation rights and any realized value with respect to other Awards shall be subject to forfeiture or clawback, in the event of (a) a grantee's breach of any non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality or other restrictive covenants with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, (b) a grantee's breach of any employment or consulting agreement with the Company or any Subsidiary or any Affiliate, (c) a grantee's termination of employment or consultancy/service relationship for Cause or (d) a financial restatement that reduces the amount of compensation under the Plan previously awarded to a grantee that would have been earned had results been properly reported. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Award Agreement, all Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to clawback to the extent required to comply with applicable law, the applicable rules of any stock exchange on which the Company’s shares are traded, and/or any clawback policy adopted by the Company in connection with any such applicable law or any such applicable stock exchange rules, including, without limitation, in connection with an accounting restatement and/or Rule 10D-1 of the 1934 Act.
| 3.18. | No Trust or Fund Created |
|---|
Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate and an Award recipient or any other Person. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company, Subsidiary or Affiliate.
| 3.19. | No Fractional Shares |
|---|
No fractional shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Administrator shall determine whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated.
| 3.20. | Governing Law |
|---|
The Plan will be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws.
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EXHIBIT 8.1
List of Subsidiaries
| Subsidiary | Country of Incorporation |
|---|---|
| Noumea Maritime Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Gregos Shipping Ltd. | Liberia |
| Corfu Navigation Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Hydra Shipowners Ltd. | Liberia |
| Spetses Shipowners Ltd. | Liberia |
| Kea Shipowners Ltd. | Liberia |
| Antwerp Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Keelung Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Oakland Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Busan Shipping Ltd | Marshall Islands |
| Jonathan Shipowners Ltd. | Liberia |
| Marcos Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Gregos Maritime Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Terataki Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Emmanuel Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Rena Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Tender Soul Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Leonidas Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Monica Shipowners Ltd. | Liberia |
| Stephania Shipping Ltd. | Liberia |
| Pepi Shipping Ltd. | Liberia |
| Dear Panel Shipping Ltd. | Liberia |
| Symeon Shipping Ltd. | Liberia |
| Eurocon Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Nikitas Shipping Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Elena Shipowners Ltd. | Marshall Islands |
| Argonaut Sponsor LLC | USA |
| Thrylos Shipping Ltd. | Liberia |
| Socrates Shipping Ltd. | Liberia |
| Danai Shipowners Ltd. | Liberia |
| Neni Shipping Ltd. | Liberia |
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EXHIBIT 12.1
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Aristides J. Pittas, certify that:
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Euroseas Ltd. (the “Company”);
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
The Company's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:
| a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
|---|---|
| b) | designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| --- | --- |
| c) | evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| --- | --- |
| d) | disclosed in this report any change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting; and |
| --- | --- |
- The Company's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company's auditors and the audit committee of the Company's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
| a) | all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
|---|---|
| b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's internal control over financial reporting. |
| --- | --- |
Date: April 29, 2026
/s/ Aristides J. Pittas
Aristides J. Pittas
Chief Executive Officer
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EXHIBIT 12.2
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Anastasios Aslidis, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Euroseas Ltd. (the “Company”); |
|---|---|
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| --- | --- |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| --- | --- |
| 4. | The Company's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have: |
| --- | --- |
| a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| --- | --- |
| b) | designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| --- | --- |
| c) | evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| --- | --- |
| d) | disclosed in this report any change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting; and |
| --- | --- |
| 5. | The Company's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company's auditors and the audit committee of the Company's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): |
| --- | --- |
| a) | all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| --- | --- |
| b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's internal control over financial reporting. |
| --- | --- |
Date: April 29, 2026
/s/ Anastasios Aslidis
Anastasios Aslidis
Chief Financial Officer
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EXHIBIT 13.1
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with this Annual Report of Euroseas Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on or about the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Aristides J. Pittas, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
| 1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
|---|---|
| 2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
| --- | --- |
A signed original of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.
Date: April 29, 2026
/s/ Aristides J. Pittas
Chief Executive Officer
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EXHIBIT 13.2
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Annual Report of Euroseas Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on or about the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Anastasios Aslidis, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
| 1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
|---|---|
| 2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
| --- | --- |
A signed original of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.
Date: April 29, 2026
/s/ Anastasios Aslidis
Chief Financial Officer
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Exhibit 15.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-268708 on Form F-3 of our reports dated April 29, 2026, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Euroseas Ltd. and the effectiveness of Euroseas Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025.
/s/ Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A.
Athens, Greece
April 29, 2026