-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, HGHguLmk4PKj2Oo2etw8m7ghC8l/sI+x2XIzrhMRpRWY/SrV1wKg4fo0dcLN3BNP 0EEu/JPBsiL0Bb6Af73rpA== 0000919574-10-001944.txt : 20100226 0000919574-10-001944.hdr.sgml : 20100226 20100226165116 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000919574-10-001944 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: F-3/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 20100226 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100226 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KNIGHTSBRIDGE TANKERS LTD CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001029145 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: WATER TRANSPORTATION [4400] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-3/A SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-164007 FILM NUMBER: 10640148 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: PAR LA VILLE PLACE, 4TH FLOOR STREET 2: 14 PAR LA VILLE ROAD CITY: HAMILTON HM 08 STATE: D0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 4412956935 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: PAR LA VILLE PLACE, 4TH FLOOR STREET 2: 14 PAR LA VILLE ROAD CITY: HAMILTON HM 08 STATE: D0 ZIP: 00000 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KTL HAMPSTEAD, INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001475580 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-3/A SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-164007-04 FILM NUMBER: 10640151 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 441 295 6935 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KTL KENSINGTON, INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001475581 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-3/A SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-164007-05 FILM NUMBER: 10640150 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 441 295 6935 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KTL CAMDEN, INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001475582 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-3/A SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-164007-06 FILM NUMBER: 10640152 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 441 295 6935 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KTL BELGRAVIA II INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001475583 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-3/A SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-164007-01 FILM NUMBER: 10640153 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 441 295 6935 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KTL BELGRAVIA I INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001475584 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-3/A SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-164007-02 FILM NUMBER: 10640147 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 441 295 6935 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KTL MAYFAIR, INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001475585 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: F-3/A SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-164007-03 FILM NUMBER: 10640149 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 441 295 6935 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 80 BROAD STREET CITY: MONROVIA STATE: N0 ZIP: 00000 F-3/A 1 d1072823_f-3a.htm d1072823_f-3a.htm

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2010


Registration Statement No. 333 - 164007
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

     
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
FORM F-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

     
KNIGHTSBRIDGE TANKERS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
N/A
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Knightsbridge Tankers Limited
Par-la-Ville Place
14 Par-la-Ville Road
Hamilton, HM 08
Bermuda
+1 (441) 295 6935
(Address and telephone number of Registrant's principal executive offices)
 
Seward & Kissel LLP
Attention:  Gary J. Wolfe, Esq.
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004
(212) 574-1200
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)


 
 
 
Copies to:
 
Gary J. Wolfe, Esq.
Seward & Kissel LLP
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004
(212) 574-1200
 
 
 
 
 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective as determined by market conditions and other factors.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  o

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  x

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o



 
 

 


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of Each Class of
Securities to be
Registered
Amount to be
Registered (1)
Proposed Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price (1)(2)
Amount of
Registration Fee (3)
Common Shares, par
value $0.01 per share
 
 
 
Preferred Shares, par
value $0.01 per share
 
 
 
Debt Securities
(4)
     
Guarantees
(5)
     
Warrants
(6)
     
Purchase Contracts
(7)
     
Units
(8)
     
Total
 
$120,000,000
$8,556*

*
Previously paid.

(1)
Such amount in U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies as shall result in an aggregate initial public offering price for all securities of $120,000,000.  Also includes such indeterminate amount of debt securities and common shares and preferred shares as may be issued upon conversion or exchange for any other debt securities or preferred shares that provide for conversion or exchange into other securities.
(2)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.  Pursuant to General Instruction II(C) of Form F-3, the table does not specify by each class information as to the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.  Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder.  In no event will the aggregate offering price of all securities sold by Knightsbridge Tankers Limited pursuant to this registration statement exceed $120,000,000.
(3)
Calculated in accordance with Rule 457 (r) under the Securities Act of 1933.
(4)
If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering may be in such greater principal amount as shall result in a maximum aggregate offering price not to exceed $120,000,000.
(5)
The debt securities may be guaranteed pursuant to guarantees by the subsidiaries of Knightsbridge Tankers Limited.  No separate compensation will be received for the guarantees.  Pursuant to Rule 457(n), no separate fees for the guarantees are payable.
(6)
There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of warrants as may from time to time be sold at indeterminate prices not to exceed an aggregate offering price of $120,000,000.
(7)
There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of purchase contracts as may from time to time be sold at indeterminate prices not to exceed an aggregate offering price of $120,000,000.
(8)
There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of units as may from time to time be sold at indeterminate prices not to exceed an aggregate offering price of $120,000,000.  Units may consist of any combination of the securities registered hereunder.

 
The Registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.



 
 

 

TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS

 
Exact Name of Registrant as
Specified in its Charter
 
Country of
Incorporation
 
 
IRS Employer I.D. No.
Primary Standard
Industrial
Classification Code No.
 
 
 
 
KTL Camden, Inc.
Republic of Liberia
98-0496993
4412
KTL Kensington, Inc.
Republic of Liberia
98-0496691
4412
KTL Hampstead, Inc.
Republic of Liberia
98-0496996
4412
KTL Mayfair, Inc.
Republic of Liberia
98-0496988
4412
KTL Belgravia I Inc.
Republic of Liberia
N/A
4412
KTL Belgravia II Inc.
Republic of Liberia
N/A
4412


 
 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy or sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective.

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

Subject to completion, dated February 26, 2010

$120,000,000




 
KNIGHTSBRIDGE TANKERS LIMITED

Through this prospectus, we may periodically offer:

(1) our common shares,

(2) our preferred shares,

(3) our debt securities, which may be guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries,

(4) our warrants,

(5) our purchase contracts, and

(6) our units.

We may also offer securities of the types listed above that are convertible or exchangeable into one or more of the securities listed above.

The aggregate offering price of all securities issued under this prospectus may not exceed $120.0 million.  The securities issued under this prospectus may be offered directly or through underwriters, agents or dealers.  The names of any underwriters, agents or dealers will be included in a supplement to this prospectus.

The prices and other terms of the securities that we will offer will be determined at the time of their offering and will be described in a supplement to this prospectus.

Our common shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "VLCCF."

An investment in these securities involves risks.  See the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 4 of this prospectus, and other risk factors contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is              , 2010




 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
1
RISK FACTORS
4
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
8
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
9
USE OF PROCEEDS
10
CAPITALIZATION
10
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
10
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
10
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
12
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
14
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
23
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS
24
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
24
EXPENSES
25
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
25
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
26
LEGAL MATTERS
33
EXPERTS
33
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
34
 
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "dollars" and "$" in this prospectus are to, and amounts presented in, United States dollars and financial information presented in this prospectus that is derived from financial statements incorporated by reference is prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission, using a shelf registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may sell the common shares, preferred shares, debt securities and related guarantees, warrants, purchase contracts and units described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $120,000,000.  This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide you with a supplement to this prospectus that will describe the specific information about the securities being offered and the specific terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change the information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the prospectus supplement. Before purchasing any securities, you should read carefully both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described below.

This prospectus and any prospectus supplement are part of a registration statement we filed with the Commission and do not contain all the information in the registration statement.  Forms of the indenture and other documents establishing the terms of the offered securities are filed as exhibits to the registration statement.  Statements in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement about these documents are summaries and each statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the document to which it refers.  You should refer to the actual documents for a more complete description of the relevant matters.  For further information about us or the securities offered hereby, you should refer to the registration statement, which you can obtain from the Commission as described below under "Where You Can Find Additional Information."

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement.  We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information.  If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.  We will not make any offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.  You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and the applicable supplement to this prospectus is accurate as of the date on its respective cover, and that any information incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, unless we indicate otherwise.  Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 
 
i

 


PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This section summarizes some of the information that is contained later in this prospectus or in other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus.  As an investor or prospective investor, you should review carefully the risk factors and the more detailed information that appears later in this prospectus or is contained in the documents that we incorporate by reference into this prospectus.

Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this prospectus, the terms "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Knightsbridge Tankers Limited and all of its subsidiaries.  "Knightsbridge Tankers Limited" refers only to Knightsbridge Tankers Limited and not its subsidiaries.

We use the term deadweight, 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.

Our Company

We are a Bermuda exempted company with our principal executive offices located in Hamilton, Bermuda. We are engaged in the seaborne transportation of crude oil and drybulk cargoes.  As of February 26, 2010, we own and operate, through our subsidiaries, a fleet of six vessels, consisting of four double-hull Very Large Crude Carrier oil tankers, or VLCCs, and two Capesize drybulk carriers, with a total carrying capacity of 1.53 million dwt. As of February 26, 2010, the vessels in our fleet have an average age of approximately nine years.

We operate a diversified fleet in order to capitalize on opportunities for upside potential in both the drybulk and tanker markets.  As of February 26, 2010, our fleet is comprised of the following vessels:

Vessel Name
Vessel Type
Year Built
Deadweight
Employment
Expiration Date
     
(in metric tons)
   
 
Tanker Vessels
         
Camden (1)
VLCC
1995
298,000
Spot
--
Mayfair
VLCC
1995
298,000
Time Charter
March 2010
Hampstead
VLCC
1996
298,000
Time Charter
May 2012
Kensington
VLCC
1995
298,000
Time Charter
May 2011
DryBulk Carriers
         
Battersea (2)
Capesize
2009
170,500
Time Charter
August 2014
Belgravia (3)
Capesize
2009
170,500
Time Charter
October 2014
Total
   
1,533,000
   
 
________________________

(1)
We have entered into a 30-month bareboat charter contract for the vessel which is scheduled to commence in March 2010.

(2)
The vessel was delivered to us in August 2009.

(3)
The vessel was delivered to us in October 2009.

Our Business Strategy

Our business strategy is to operate a diversified fleet of VLCCs and Capesize drybulk carriers with flexibility to adjust our exposure to the tanker and drybulk markets depending on existing factors such as charter rates, newbuilding costs, vessel resale and scrap values and vessel operating expenses resulting from, among other things, changes in the supply of and demand for tanker and drybulk capacity. We may adjust our exposure through time charters, bareboat charters, sale and leasebacks, straight sales and purchases of vessels, newbuilding contracts and acquisitions.
 
 
1


 
Our goal is to generate competitive returns for our shareholders with quarterly dividend payments.  In February 2010, our board of directors determined to resume the payment of quarterly dividend distributions and declared a dividend of $0.30 per share with respect to the fourth quarter of 2009.  We did not declare a dividend with respect to the first, second or third quarter of 2009 and we cannot guarantee that we will pay a dividend in any future quarters.  The level of any future dividend will be guided by present earnings, market prospects, current capital expenditure programs as well as investment opportunities.

Corporate Structure

Knightsbridge Tankers Limited was incorporated in Bermuda on September 18, 1996.  Our registered and principal executive offices are located at Par-la-Ville Place, 14 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda. Our telephone number at that address is +1 (441) 295-6935. Our website is www.knightsbridgetankers.com.  The information on our website shall not be deemed a part of this prospectus.

Recent Developments

Since December 31, 2008, the following significant events occurred that affected our fleet and our business:

 
·
In August 2009, we took delivery of the Capesize drybulk carrier newbuilding, Battersea, following which it commenced its employment under a five-year time charter agreement at a net daily rate of $40,000.

 
·
The aggregate contractual purchase price for our two drybulk carrier newbuildings was $162.0 million.  We financed a total of $33.6 million of installments through a short term bank facility, which was repaid upon delivery of the vessels.  We refinanced the short term bank facility and funded the remaining installments with a new $60 million credit facility that we entered into on August 21, 2009.

 
·
At the Company's annual general meeting of shareholders held on September 25, 2009, the Company's shareholders voted to approve an increase in our authorized share capital to 35,000,000 common shares, par value $0.01 per share.

 
·
In October 2009, we took delivery of the Capesize drybulk carrier newbuilding, the Belgravia, following which it commenced its employment under a five-year time charter agreement at a net daily rate of $52,012.

 
·
On February 8 2010, our board of directors determined to resume the payment of quarterly dividend distributions and declared a cash dividend of $0.30 per common share with respect to the fourth quarter of 2009, payable on or around March 4, 2010, to shareholders of record as of February 19, 2010.

 
·
In January 2010, we entered into a 30-month bareboat charter contract for the VLCC, the Camden, which is scheduled to commence in March 2010 at a rate deemed by us to be equivalent to at least $32,000 per day on a time charter basis, which was calculated based on the actual bareboat charter rate and estimated daily operating costs.

For the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company reported operating revenues of $23.4 million, total operating expenses of $13.4 million, net operating income of $9.9 million, total other expenses of $1.0 million, net income of $9.0 million and earnings per share of $0.53.  For the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company reported net cash provided by operating activities of $12.0 million, net cash used in investing activities of $16.6 million and net cash provided by financing activities of $11.0 million.


2


The Securities We May Offer

We may use this prospectus to offer up to $120.0 million of our:

 
·
common shares,

 
·
preferred shares,

 
·
debt securities, which may be guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries,

 
·
warrants,

 
·
purchase contracts, and

 
·
units.

We may also offer securities of the types listed above that are convertible or exchangeable into one or more of the securities listed above.

A prospectus supplement will describe the specific types, amounts, prices, and detailed terms of any of these offered securities and may describe certain risks in addition to those set forth below associated with an investment in the securities. Terms used in the prospectus supplement will have the meanings described in this prospectus, unless otherwise specified.


 
3

 

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk.  You should carefully consider the risks set forth below and the risks and discussion of risks under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the other documents we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus that summarize the risks that may materially affect our business before making an investment in our securities.  Please see "Where You Can Find Additional Information – Information Incorporated by Reference." In addition, you should also consider carefully the risks set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in any prospectus supplement before investing in any securities offered by this prospectus. The occurrence of one or more of those risk factors could adversely impact our results of operations or financial condition.

Risks Related to the Drybulk Shipping Industry

A continued downturn in the drybulk carrier charter market may have an adverse effect on our earnings and our ability to comply with our loan covenants.

The Baltic Exchange Capesize Index, or CS4TC, a daily equally weighted average of the four main Capesize routes declined from a high of approximately $222,800 per day in May 2008 to a low of approximately $2,400 per day in November 2008, which represents a decline of 99%. Since November 2008 it has risen to approximately $52,700 per day in October 2009, which emphasizes the volatility of this market. The general decline in the drybulk carrier charter market has resulted in lower charter rates for vessels exposed to the spot market and time charters linked to the CS4TC. Our ability to obtain renewal charters upon the expiration of our current charters or charters for new vessels that we may acquire in the future will be directly impacted by prevailing CS4TC charter rates.

Drybulk carrier values have also declined both as a result of a slowdown in the availability of global credit and the significant deterioration in charter rates. Charter rates and vessel values have been affected in part by the lack of availability of credit to finance both vessel purchases and purchases of commodities carried by sea, resulting in a decline in cargo shipments, and the excess supply of iron ore in China which resulted in falling iron ore prices and increased stockpiles in Chinese ports. There can be no assurance as to how long charter rates and vessel values will remain at their currently low levels or whether the recent improvement will continue. Charter rates may remain at low levels for some time which will adversely affect our revenue and profitability and could affect compliance with the covenants in our loan agreements.

In addition, because the market value of our vessels may fluctuate significantly, we may incur losses when we sell vessels, which may adversely affect our earnings. If we sell vessels at a time when vessel prices have fallen and before we have recorded an impairment adjustment to our financial statements, the sale may be at less than the vessel's carrying amount in our financial statements, resulting in a loss and a reduction in earnings.

An over-supply of drybulk carrier capacity may prolong or further depress the current low charter rates and, in turn, adversely affect our profitability

The market supply of drybulk carriers has been increasing, and the number of drybulk carriers on order is near historic highs. These newbuildings were delivered in significant numbers starting at the beginning of 2006 and continued to be delivered in significant numbers through 2008. As of September 30, 2009, Capesize newbuilding orders had been placed for an aggregate of more than 77% of the current global Capesize fleet, with deliveries expected during the next 36 months. According to market sources, approximately 60% is contracted at established yards, while the other 40% is contracted at yards that are less established and whose viability may be uncertain. Due to lack of financing many analysts expect significant cancellations and/ or slippage of newbuilding orders. While vessel supply will continue to be affected by the delivery of new vessels and the removal of vessels from the global fleet, either through scrapping or accidental losses, an over-supply of drybulk carrier capacity, particularly in conjunction with the currently low level of demand, could exacerbate the recent decrease in charter rates or prolong the period during which low charter rates prevail. If the current low charter rate environment persists, or a further reduction occurs, during a period when the current charters for our drybulk carriers expire or are terminated, we may only be able to recharter those vessels at reduced rates or we may not be able to charter our vessels at all.
 

 
4

 
Risks Related to Our Business

A drop in spot charter rates may provide an incentive for some charterers to default on their charters.

When we enter into a time charter, charter rates under that charter are fixed for the term of the charter. If the spot charter rates in the tanker or drybulk shipping industry, as applicable, become 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. If our charterers fail to pay their obligations, we would have to attempt to re-charter our vessels at lower charter rates, which would affect our ability to comply with our loan covenants and operate our vessels profitably. If we are not able to comply with our loan covenants and our lenders choose to accelerate our indebtedness and foreclose their liens, we could be required to sell vessels in our fleet and our ability to continue to conduct our business would be impaired.

The operation of drybulk carriers and tankers each involve certain unique operational risks.

The operation of drybulk carriers has certain unique operational risks. With a drybulk carrier, the cargo itself and its interaction with the ship can be a risk factor. By their nature, drybulk cargoes are often heavy, dense, easily shifted, and react badly to water exposure. In addition, drybulk carriers are often subjected to battering treatment during unloading operations with grabs, jackhammers (to pry encrusted cargoes out of the hold), and small bulldozers. This treatment may cause damage to the drybulk carrier. Drybulk carriers damaged due to treatment during unloading procedures may be more susceptible to a breach to the sea. Hull breaches in drybulk carriers may lead to the flooding of their holds. If a drybulk carrier suffers flooding in its forward holds, the bulk cargo may become so dense and waterlogged that its pressure may buckle the drybulk carrier's bulkheads leading to the loss of the drybulk carrier.

The operation of tankers has unique operational risks associated with the transportation of oil. An oil spill may cause significant environmental damage, and a catastrophic spill could exceed the insurance coverage available. Compared to other types of vessels, tankers are exposed to a higher risk of damage and loss by fire, whether ignited by a terrorist attack, collision, or other cause, due to the high flammability and high volume of the oil transported in tankers.

If we are unable to adequately maintain or safeguard our vessels we may be unable to prevent these events. Any of these circumstances or events could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations. In addition, the loss of any of our vessels could harm our reputation as a safe and reliable vessel owner and operator.

Purchasing and operating previously owned, or secondhand, vessels may result in increased drydocking costs and vessels off-hire, which could adversely affect our earnings.

Even following a physical inspection of secondhand vessels prior to purchase, we do not have the same knowledge about their condition and cost of any required (or anticipated) repairs that we would have had if these vessels had been built for and operated exclusively by us. Accordingly, we may not discover defects or other problems with such vessels prior to purchase. Defects or problems discovered after purchase may be expensive to repair, and if not detected, may result in accidents or other incidents for which we may become liable to third parties. We may not receive the benefit of warranties on secondhand vessels. Increased drydocking costs or vessels off-hire may adversely affect our earnings.

The volatility in both drybulk and tanker charter rates, and vessel values, may affect our ability to comply with various covenants in our loan agreements.

Our loan agreements for our borrowings, which are secured by liens on our vessels, contain various financial covenants.  Among those covenants are requirements that relate to our financial position, operating performance and liquidity. For example, there are financial covenants that require us to maintain (i) a minimum value adjusted equity that is based, in part, upon the market value of the vessels securing the loans, (ii) minimum levels of free cash, and (iii) a positive working capital. The market value of drybulk and tanker vessels is sensitive, among other things, to changes in the drybulk and tanker charter markets, respectively, with vessel values deteriorating in times when drybulk and tanker charter rates, as applicable, are falling and improving when charter rates are anticipated to rise.  Such conditions may result in our not being in compliance with these loan covenants. In such a situation, unless our lenders were willing to provide waivers of covenant compliance or modifications to our covenants, or would be willing to refinance our indebtedness, we may have to sell vessels in our fleet and/or seek to raise additional capital in the equity markets in order to comply with our loan covenants. Furthermore, if the value of our vessels deteriorates significantly, we may have to record an impairment adjustment in our financial statements, which would adversely affect our financial results and further hinder our ability to raise capital.
 
 
5


 
If we are not in compliance with our covenants and are not able to obtain covenant waivers or modifications, our lenders could require us to post additional collateral, enhance our equity and liquidity, increase our interest payments or pay down our indebtedness to a level where we are in compliance with our loan covenants, sell vessels in our fleet, or they could accelerate our indebtedness, which would impair our ability to continue to conduct our business. In such an event, our auditors may give either an unqualified opinion with an explanatory paragraph relating to the disclosure in the notes to our financial statements as to the substantial doubt of our ability to continue as a going concern, or a qualified, adverse or disclaimer of opinion, which could lead to additional defaults under our loan agreements.  If our indebtedness is accelerated, we might not be able to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing and could lose our vessels if our lenders foreclose their liens. In addition, if we find it necessary to sell our vessels at a time when vessel prices are low, we will recognize losses and a reduction in our earnings, which could affect our ability to raise additional capital necessary for us to comply with our loan agreements.

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 materially affect our ability to obtain the additional capital resources required to purchase additional vessels or may significantly increase our costs of obtaining such capital. Our inability to obtain additional financing at anticipated costs or at all may materially affect our results of operation and our ability to implement our business strategy.

United States tax authorities could treat the Company 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.

Prior to its 2004 taxable year, the Company was treated as a PFIC.  As a result in a change in its operations, the Company should not be a PFIC with respect to any taxable year beginning with its 2004 taxable year.  In the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, based upon the Company's operations as described herein, its income from time charters should not be treated as passive income for purposes of determining whether it is a passive foreign investment company.  Accordingly, the Company's income from its time chartering activities should not constitute "passive income," and the assets that the Company owns and operates 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 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, 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, 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 the Company is a PFIC.  Moreover, no assurance can be given that the Company would not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if the nature and extent of the Company's operations changed.
 
 
6


 
If the IRS were to find that the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year, United States shareholders of the Company who held shares during such taxable year would face adverse United States federal income tax consequences.  Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders make an election available under the Code (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such shareholders, as discussed below under "Tax Considerations – United States Federal Income Taxation – United States Federal Income Taxation of United States Holders"), such shareholders would be liable to pay 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 their common shares, as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the shareholder's holding period of the common shares.  See "Tax Considerations – United States Federal Income Taxation – United States Federal Income Taxation of United States Holders" for a more comprehensive discussion of the United States federal income tax consequences to United States shareholders if the Company is treated as a PFIC.

The Company may have to pay tax on United States source income, which would reduce its earnings.

Under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation, such as the Company and its 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 and the applicable Treasury Regulations recently promulgated thereunder.

Both before and after this offering, in the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, the Company and its subsidiaries should qualify for this statutory tax exemption.  The Company will take this position for United States federal income tax return reporting purposes.  However, there are factual circumstances beyond the Company's control that could cause it to lose the benefit of this tax exemption after the offering and thereby become subject to United States federal income tax on its United States source income.  For example, the Company would no longer qualify for exemption under Code section 883 for a particular taxable year if shareholders with a five percent or greater interest in the Company's stock owned, in the aggregate, 50% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock 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 the tax-exempt status of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

If the Company or its subsidiaries were not entitled to exemption under Section 883 for any taxable year, they could be subject for those years to an effective 2% United States federal income tax on the shipping income these companies derive during the year which is attributable to the transport or cargoes to or from the United States.  The imposition of this taxation would have a negative effect on the Company's business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to the Company's shareholders.

Investors may experience significant dilution as a result of future offerings.

We may have to attempt to sell shares in the future in order to satisfy our capital needs; however there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. If we are able to sell shares in the future, the prices at which we sell these future shares will vary, and these variations may be significant and our existing shareholders may experience significant dilution if we sell these future shares to other than existing shareholders pro rata at prices significantly below the price at which such existing shareholders invested.
 


 
7

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Matters discussed in this document may constitute forward-looking statements.  The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business.  Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

We desire to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation.  This document and any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance.  The words "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "project", "plan", "potential", "may", "should", "expect" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this document are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties.  Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors and matters discussed elsewhere in this prospectus, and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charterhire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the drybulk carrier and tanker markets, changes in the company's operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities including those that may limit the commercial useful lives of drybulk carriers and tankers, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, and other important factors described from time to time in the reports we file with the Commission and the NASDAQ Global Market.  We caution readers of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.  These forward looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and actual results and future developments may vary materially from those projected in the forward looking statements.


 
8

 

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

The following table sets forth our unaudited ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 (1).
 
   
Years ended December 31,
   
Nine-month period ended September 30,
 
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
 
In thousands of U.S. dollars
                                   
Earnings
                                   
   Net Income
   
85,839
     
43,967
     
45,717
     
84,836
     
48,054
     
12,694
 
   Add: Fixed charges
   
7,987
     
5,376
     
6,951
     
7,475
     
4,800
     
1,520
 
   Less: Interest Capitalized
 
   
   
     
(1,049
)
   
(1,436
)
   
(401
)
Total Earnings
   
93,826
     
49,343
     
52,668
     
91,262
     
51,418
     
13,813
 
Fixed Charges
                                               
Interest Expensed
   
7,877
     
5,310
     
6,881
     
6,373
     
3,216
     
1,021
 
Interest Capitalized
 
   
   
     
1,049
     
1,436
     
401
 
Amortization of deferred charges
   
110
     
66
     
70
     
53
     
148
     
98
 
Total Fixed Charges
   
7,987
     
5,376
     
6,951
     
7,475
     
4,800
     
1,520
 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
   
11.7
     
9.2
     
7.6
     
12.2
     
10.7
     
9.1
 


(1) We have not issued any preferred shares as of the date of this prospectus.

For purposes of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of net income available to common shareholders plus interest expensed and any amortization and write-off of capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness. Fixed charges consist of interest expensed and capitalized, the interest portion of rental expense and amortization and write-off of capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness.

 

 
9

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we specify otherwise in any prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of securities that we may offer by this prospectus for capital expenditures; working capital; to make vessel acquisitions if market conditions warrant; and for general corporate purposes.


CAPITALIZATION

Each prospectus supplement will include information on our consolidated capitalization.


ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

There is no treaty in force between the U.S. and Bermuda providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. As a result, whether a U.S. judgment would be enforceable in Bermuda against us or our directors and officers depends on whether the U.S. court that entered the judgment is recognized by the Bermuda court as having jurisdiction over us or our directors and officers, as determined by reference to Bermuda conflict of law rules. A judgment debt from a U.S. court that is final and for a sum certain based on U.S. federal securities laws will not be enforceable in Bermuda unless the judgment debtor had submitted to the jurisdiction of the U.S. court, and the issue of submission and jurisdiction is a matter of Bermuda (not U.S.) law.

In addition, and irrespective of jurisdictional issues, the Bermuda courts will not enforce a U.S. federal securities law that is either penal or contrary to the public policy of Bermuda. An action brought pursuant to a public or penal law, the purpose of which is the enforcement of a sanction, power or right at the instance of the state in its sovereign capacity, may not be entertained by a Bermuda court to the extent it is contrary to Bermuda public policy. Certain remedies available under the laws of U.S. jurisdictions, including certain remedies under U.S. federal securities laws, may not be available under Bermuda law or enforceable in a Bermuda court, to the extent they are contrary to Bermuda public policy. Further, no claim may be brought in Bermuda against us or our directors and officers in the first instance for violations of U.S. federal securities laws because these laws have no extraterritorial jurisdiction under Bermuda law and do not have force of law in Bermuda. A Bermuda court may, however, impose civil liability on us or our directors and officers if the facts alleged in a complaint constitute or give rise to a cause of action under Bermuda law.


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell or distribute the securities included in this prospectus through underwriters, through agents, to dealers, in private transactions, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices.

In addition, we may sell some or all of our securities included in this prospectus through:

 
·
a block trade in which a broker-dealer may resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to facilitate the transaction;

 
·
purchases by a broker-dealer, as principal, and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; or

 
·
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers.

In addition, we may enter into option or other types of transactions that require us or them to deliver our securities to a broker-dealer, who will then resell or transfer the securities under this prospectus. We may enter into hedging transactions with respect to our securities. For example, we may:
 
 
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·
enter into transactions involving short sales of our common shares by broker-dealers;

 
·
sell common shares short and deliver the shares to close out short positions;

 
·
enter into option or other types of transactions that require us to deliver common shares to a broker-dealer, who will then resell or transfer the common shares under this prospectus; or

 
·
loan or pledge the common shares to a broker-dealer, who may sell the loaned shares or, in the event of default, sell the pledged shares.

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). In addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities short using this prospectus. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.

Any broker-dealers or other persons acting on our behalf that participates with us in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters and any commissions received or profit realized by them on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. As of the date of this prospectus, we are not a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding between any broker or dealer and us with respect to the offer or sale of the securities pursuant to this prospectus.

At the time that any particular offering of securities is made, to the extent required by the Securities Act, a prospectus supplement will be distributed, setting forth the terms of the offering, including the aggregate number of securities being offered, the purchase price of the securities, the initial offering price of the securities, the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other items constituting compensation from us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

Underwriters or agents could make sales in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an at-the-market offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes sales made directly on or through the NASDAQ Global Market, the existing trading market for our common shares, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange.

We will bear costs relating to all of the securities being registered under this Registration Statement.

As a result of requirements of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., the maximum commission or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker/dealer may not be greater than eight percent (8%) of the gross proceeds received by us for the sale of any securities being registered pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act.



 
11

 

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following is a description of the material terms of our amended Memorandum of Association and Bye-Laws.

Purpose

The Memorandum of Association of the Company is filed as Exhibit 3.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

The purposes and powers of the Company are set forth in Items 6 and 7(a) through (h) of our Memorandum of Association and in the Second Schedule of the Bermuda Companies Act of 1981, or the Companies Act.  These purposes include exploring, drilling, moving, transporting and refining petroleum and hydro-carbon products, including oil and oil products; acquiring, owning, chartering, selling, managing and operating ships and aircraft; the entering into of any guarantee, contract, indemnity or suretyship to assure, support, secure, with or without the consideration or benefit, the performance of any obligations of any person or persons; and the borrowing and raising of money in any currency or currencies to secure or discharge any debt or obligation in any manner.

Our Bye-Laws

At the 2005 annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company, our shareholders voted to amend the Company's Bye-Laws 83 and 85 by removing the restrictions that limited the Company's business activities.  The amended Bye-Laws of the Company, as adopted on June 27, 2005, have been filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on June 15, 2006, and are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Bermuda law permits the Bye-Laws of a Bermuda company to contain provisions excluding personal liability of a director, alternate director, officer, member of a committee authorized under Bye-Law 92, resident representative or their respective heirs, executors or administrators to the company for any loss arising or liability attaching to him by virtue of any rule of law in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which the officer or person may be guilty.  Bermuda law also grants companies the power generally to indemnify directors, alternate directors and officers of the company and any members authorized under Bye-Law 92, resident representatives or their respective heirs, executors or administrators if any such person was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, alternate director or officer of the company or member of a committee authorized under Bye-Law 92, resident representative or their respective heirs, executors or administrators or was serving in a similar capacity for another entity at the company's request.

Our shareholders have no pre-emptive, subscription, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights.  Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders.  Shareholders have no cumulative voting rights.  Shareholders are entitled to dividends if and when they are declared by our Board of Directors, subject to any preferred dividend right of holders of any preferred shares.  Directors to be elected by shareholders require a simple majority of votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present.  For all other matters, unless a different majority is required by law or our Bye-Laws, resolutions to be approved by shareholders require approval by a simple majority of votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shareholders will be entitled under Bermuda law to receive, pro rata, our net assets available after the payment of all our debts and liabilities and any preference amount owed to any preference shareholders.  The rights of shareholders, including the right to elect directors, are subject to the rights of any series of preference shares we may issue in the future.

Under our Bye-Laws, annual general meetings of shareholders will be held at a time and place selected by our Board of Directors each calendar year.  Special general meetings of shareholders may be called by our Board of Directors at any time and, pursuant to Bermuda law, special general meetings must be called at the request of shareholders holding at least 10% of our paid-up share capital carrying the right to vote at general meetings.  Under our Bye-Laws, five days' notice of an annual general meeting or any special general meeting must be given to each shareholder entitled to vote at that meeting.  Under Bermuda law and our Bye-Law 47, accidental failure to give notice will not invalidate proceedings at a meeting.  Our Board of Directors may set a record date at any time before or after any date on which such notice is dispatched.
 

 
12

 
Special rights attaching to any class of our shares may be altered or abrogated with the consent in writing of not less than 75% of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of such shares voting in person or by proxy.

Our Bye-Laws do not prohibit a director from being a party to, or otherwise having an interest in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested.  Our Bye-Laws provide our Board of Directors the authority to exercise all of the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part of our property and assets as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation.  Our directors are not required to retire because of their age, and our directors are not required to be holders of our common shares.  Directors serve for one-year terms, and shall serve until re-elected or until their successors are appointed at the next annual general meeting.

Our Bye-Laws provide that every director, officer and member of a committee constituted under Bye-Law 92, which we refer to collectively as an indemnitee, shall be indemnified out of our funds against all liabilities, loss, damage or expense (including, but not limited to liabilities under contract, tort and statute or any applicable foreign law or regulation and all reasonable legal and other costs and expenses properly payable) incurred or suffered by him as such director, officer or committee member, and that such indemnity shall extend to any person acting as a director, officer or committee member in the reasonable belief that he has been so appointed or elected notwithstanding any defect in such appointment or election, provided always, that the indemnity contained in Bye-Law 124 shall not extend to any matter which would render it void pursuant to the Companies Act.  Each indemnitee shall be indemnified out of our funds against all liabilities incurred by such indemnitee in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is given in such indemnitee's favor, or in which he is acquitted, or in connection with any application under the Companies Act in which relief from liability is granted to him by the court.  In addition, to the extent that any indemnitee is entitled to claim an indemnitee pursuant to our Bye-Laws in respect of amounts paid or discharged by such indemnitee, the relative indemnity shall take effect as our obligation to reimburse the person making such payment or effecting such discharge.

Authorized Capitalization

Under our amended Memorandum of Association, our authorized share capital consists of 35,000,000 shares, par value $0.01 per share, of which 17,100,000 shares were issued and outstanding as of the date of this prospectus.

Share History

Knightsbridge Tankers Limited was formed on September 18, 1996 with an authorized share capital of 1,200,000 shares, par value $0.01 per share.  In February 1997, upon the exercise by the underwriters of their overallotment option, we offered and sold to the public 16,100,000 common shares at the initial public offering price of $20 per share.  Simultaneously with that offering, we sold 1,000,000 common shares in a private placement for the price of $20 per share.  Immediately following the issuance of these shares, our total outstanding shares were 17,100,000.

At the Company's annual general meeting of shareholders held on September 25, 2009, our shareholders voted to approve an increase in our authorized share capital from 20,000,000 shares, par value $0.01 per share, to 35,000,000 shares, par value $0.01 per share.

Common Shares

Each outstanding common share entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders.  Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preference shares, holders of common shares are entitled to receive ratably cash dividends, if any, declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for dividends.  Upon our dissolution or liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preference shares having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common shares will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution.  Holders of common shares do not have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities.  The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common shares are subject to the rights of the holders of any preference shares, which we may issue in the future.
 
 
13


 
Preferred Shares

The material terms of any series of preferred shares that we may offer through a prospectus supplement will be described in that prospectus supplement.  Our Board of Directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of preferred shares in one or more series with designations as may be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such preferred shares.  Our Board of Directors will authorize the issuance of preferred shares only for a proper purpose and in our best interests.  At the time that any series of our preferred shares is authorized, our Board of Directors will fix the dividend rights, any conversion rights, any voting rights, redemption provisions, liquidation preferences and any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of that series, as well as the number of shares constituting that series and their designation.  Our Board of Directors could, without shareholder approval cause us to issue preferred shares, which has voting, conversion and other rights that could adversely affect the holders of our common shares or make it more difficult to effect a change in control.  Our preferred shares, depending on the specific terms pursuant to which they are issued, could have the effect of diluting the share ownership of shareholders, including persons seeking to obtain control of us, thereby hindering a possible takeover attempt.  In addition, our preferred shares could be issued with voting, conversion and other rights and preferences, which would adversely affect the voting power and other rights of holders of our common shares.


DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, under one or more indentures, each dated as of a date on or prior to the issuance of the debt securities to which it relates.  We may issue senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities pursuant to separate indentures, a senior indenture and a subordinated indenture, respectively, in each case between us and the trustee named in the indenture.  These indentures will be filed either as exhibits to an amendment to this Registration Statement, or as an exhibit to a Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act, report that will be incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement or a prospectus supplement.  We will refer to any or all of these reports as "subsequent filings."  The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, are sometimes referred to individually as an "indenture" and collectively as the "indentures."  Each indenture will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act.  The aggregate principal amount of debt securities which may be issued under each indenture will be unlimited and each indenture will contain the specific terms of any series of debt securities or provide that those terms must be set forth in or determined pursuant to, an authorizing resolution, as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement, and/or a supplemental indenture, if any, relating to such series.

Certain of our subsidiaries may guarantee the debt securities we offer.  Those guarantees may or may not be secured by liens, mortgages, and security interests in the assets of those subsidiaries.  The terms and conditions of any such subsidiary guarantees, and a description of any such liens, mortgages or security interests, will be set forth in the prospectus supplement that will accompany this prospectus.

The following description of the terms of the debt securities sets forth certain general terms and provisions.  The statements below are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the applicable indenture. The specific terms of any debt securities that we may offer, including any modifications of, or additions to, the general terms described below as well as any applicable material U.S. federal income tax considerations concerning the ownership of such debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement or supplemental indenture.  Accordingly, for a complete description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities, the general description of the debt securities set forth below should be read in conjunction with the applicable prospectus supplement and indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
 
 
14


 
General

Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities which may be issued, and each indenture provides that debt securities may be issued up to the aggregate principal amount from time to time.  The debt securities may be issued in one or more series.  The senior debt securities will be unsecured and will rank on parity with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  Each series of subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and subordinated to all present and future senior indebtedness of debt securities will be described in an accompanying prospectus supplement.

You should read the subsequent filings relating to the particular series of debt securities for the following terms of the offered debt securities:

 
·
the designation, aggregate principal amount and authorized denominations;

 
·
the issue price, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount;

 
·
the maturity date;

 
·
the interest rate per annum, if any;

 
·
if the offered debt securities provide for interest payments, the date from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable, the date on which payment of interest will commence and the regular record dates for interest payment dates;

 
·
any optional or mandatory sinking fund provisions or conversion or exchangeability provisions;

 
·
the date, if any, after which and the price or prices at which the offered debt securities may be optionally redeemed or must be mandatorily redeemed and any other terms and provisions of optional or mandatory redemptions;

 
·
if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which offered debt securities of the series will be issuable;

 
·
if other than the full principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of offered debt securities of the series which will be payable upon acceleration or provable in bankruptcy;

 
·
any events of default not set forth in this prospectus;

 
·
the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which principal, premium and interest will be payable, if other than the currency of the United States of America;

 
·
if principal, premium or interest is payable, at our election or at the election of any holder, in a currency other than that in which the offered debt securities of the series are stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, the election may be made;

 
·
whether interest will be payable in cash or additional securities at our or the holder's option and the terms and conditions upon which the election may be made;

 
·
if denominated in a currency or currencies other than the currency of the United States of America, the equivalent price in the currency of the United States of America for purposes of determining the voting rights of holders of those debt securities under the applicable indenture;
 
 
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·
if the amount of payments of principal, premium or interest may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method based on a coin or currency other than that in which the offered debt securities of the series are stated to be payable, the manner in which the amounts will be determined;

 
·
any restrictive covenants or other material terms relating to the offered debt securities, which may not be inconsistent with the applicable indenture;

 
·
whether the offered debt securities will be issued in the form of global securities or certificates in registered form;

 
·
any terms with respect to subordination;

 
·
any listing on any securities exchange or quotation system;

 
·
additional provisions, if any, related to defeasance and discharge of the offered debt securities; and

 
·
the applicability of any guarantees.

Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the Commission relating to the indenture, principal, premium and interest will be payable and the debt securities will be transferable at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee.  Unless other arrangements are made or set forth in subsequent filings or a supplemental indenture, principal, premium and interest will be paid by checks mailed to the holders at their registered addresses.

Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the Commission, the debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof.  No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with these debt securities.

Some or all of the debt securities may be issued as discounted debt securities, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates, to be sold at a substantial discount below the stated principal amount.  United States federal income consequences and other special considerations applicable to any discounted securities will be described in subsequent filings with the Commission relating to those securities.

We refer you to applicable subsequent filings with respect to any deletions or additions or modifications from the description contained in this prospectus.

Senior Debt

We may issue senior debt securities under a senior debt indenture.  These senior debt securities would rank on an equal basis with all our other unsecured debt except subordinated debt.

Subordinated Debt

We may issue subordinated debt securities under a subordinated debt indenture.  Subordinated debt would rank subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the subordinated debt indenture, to all our senior debt (both secured and unsecured).

In general, the holders of all senior debt are first entitled to receive payment of the full amount unpaid on senior debt before the holders of any of the subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive a payment on account of the principal or interest on the indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities in certain events.

If we default in the payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any senior debt when it becomes due and payable after any applicable grace period, then, unless and until the default is cured or waived or ceases to exist, we cannot make a payment on account of or redeem or otherwise acquire the subordinated debt securities.
 
 
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If there is any insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation or other similar proceeding relating to us or our property, then all senior debt must be paid in full before any payment may be made to any holders of subordinated debt securities.

Furthermore, if we default in the payment of the principal of and accrued interest on any subordinated debt securities that is declared due and payable upon an event of default under the subordinated debt indenture, holders of all our senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash before holders of such subordinated debt can receive any payments.

Senior debt means:

 
·
the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other amounts owing in respect of our indebtedness for money borrowed and indebtedness evidenced by securities, notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by us, including the senior debt securities or letters of credit;

 
·
all capitalized lease obligations;

 
·
all hedging obligations;

 
·
all obligations representing the deferred purchase price of property; and

 
·
all deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of obligations of the type referred to above;

but senior debt does not include:

 
·
subordinated debt securities; and

 
·
any indebtedness that by its terms is subordinated to, or ranks on an equal basis with, our subordinated debt securities.

Covenants

Any series of offered debt securities may have covenants in addition to or differing from those included in the applicable indenture which will be described in subsequent filings prepared in connection with the offering of such securities, limiting or restricting, among other things:

 
·
the ability of us or our subsidiaries to incur either secured or unsecured debt, or both;

 
·
the ability to make certain payments, dividends, redemptions or repurchases;

 
·
our ability to create dividend and other payment restrictions affecting our subsidiaries;

 
·
our ability to make investments;

 
·
mergers and consolidations by us or our subsidiaries;

 
·
sales of assets by us;

 
·
our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates;

 
·
our ability to incur liens; and

 
·
sale and leaseback transactions.
 
 
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Modification of the Indentures

Each indenture and the rights of the respective holders may be modified by us only with the consent of holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series under the respective indenture affected by the modification, taken together as a class.  But no modification that:

(1)  changes the amount of securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2)  reduces the rate of or changes the interest payment time on any security or alters its redemption provisions (other than any alteration to any such section which would not materially adversely affect the legal rights of any holder under the indenture) or the price at which we are required to offer to purchase the securities;

(3)  reduces the principal or changes the maturity of any security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;

(4)  waives a default or event of default in the payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any security (except a rescission of acceleration of the securities of any series by the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

(5)  makes the principal of or interest, if any, on any security payable in any currency other than that stated in the security;

(6)  makes any change with respect to holders' rights to receive principal and interest, the terms pursuant to which defaults can be waived, certain modifications affecting shareholders or certain currency-related issues; or

(7)  waives a redemption payment with respect to any security or change any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of any securities;

will be effective against any holder without his consent.  Other terms as specified in subsequent filings may be modified without the consent of the holders.

Events of Default

Each indenture defines an event of default for the debt securities of any series as being any one of the following events:

 
·
default in any payment of interest when due which continues for 30 days;

 
·
default in any payment of principal or premium when due;

 
·
default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment when due;

 
·
default in the performance of any covenant in the debt securities or the applicable indenture which continues for 60 days after we receive notice of the default;

 
·
default under a bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for borrowed money by us or our subsidiaries (to the extent we are directly responsible or liable therefor) having a principal amount in excess of a minimum amount set forth in the applicable subsequent filing, whether such indebtedness now exists or is hereafter created, which default shall have resulted in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled or cured within 30 days after we receive notice of the default; and

 
·
events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.
 
 
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An event of default of one series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities.

There may be such other or different events of default as described in an applicable subsequent filing with respect to any class or series of offered debt securities.

In case an event of default occurs and continues for the debt securities of any series, the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding of that series may declare the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable.  Any event of default for the debt securities of any series which has been cured may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding.

Each indenture requires us to file annually after debt securities are issued under that indenture with the applicable trustee a written statement signed by two of our officers as to the absence of material defaults under the terms of that indenture.  Each indenture provides that the applicable trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any default if it considers it in the interest of the holders to do so, except notice of a default in payment of principal, premium or interest.

Subject to the duties of the trustee in case an event of default occurs and continues, each indenture provides that the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under that indenture at the request, order or direction of holders unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity.  Subject to these provisions for indemnification and the rights of the trustee, each indenture provides that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series then outstanding have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee as long as the exercise of that right does not conflict with any law or the indenture.

Defeasance and Discharge

The terms of each indenture provide us with the option to be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities issued thereunder upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal, premium and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of the payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing the debt securities.  This right may only be exercised if, among other things, we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that such a discharge will not be deemed, or result in, a taxable event with respect to holders.  This discharge would not apply to our obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities, to maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust.

Defeasance of Certain Covenants

The terms of the debt securities provide us with the right to omit complying with specified covenants and that specified events of default described in a subsequent filing will not apply. In order to exercise this right, we will be required to deposit with the trustee money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing such debt securities. We will also be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that we have received from, or there has been published by, the IRS a ruling to the effect that the deposit and related covenant defeasance will not cause the holders of such series to recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.

A subsequent filing may further describe the provisions, if any, of any particular series of offered debt securities permitting a discharge defeasance.
 
 
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Subsidiary Guarantees

Certain of our subsidiaries may guarantee the debt securities we offer.  In that case, the terms and conditions of the subsidiary guarantees will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Unless we indicate differently in the applicable prospectus supplement, if any of our subsidiaries guarantee any of our debt securities that are subordinated to any of our senior indebtedness, then the subsidiary guarantees will be subordinated to the senior indebtedness of such subsidiary to the same extent as our debt securities are subordinated to our senior indebtedness.

Global Securities

The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository identified in an applicable subsequent filing and registered in the name of the depository or a nominee for the depository.  In such a case, one or more global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of the series to be represented by the global security or securities.  Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive certificated form, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depository for the global security to a nominee of the depository or by a nominee of the depository to the depository or another nominee of the depository or by the depository or any nominee to a successor depository for that series or a nominee of the successor depository and except in the circumstances described in an applicable subsequent filing.

We expect that the following provisions will apply to depository arrangements for any portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by a global security.  Any additional or different terms of the depository arrangement will be described in an applicable subsequent filing.

Upon the issuance of any global security, and the deposit of that global security with or on behalf of the depository for the global security, the depository will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the principal amounts of the debt securities represented by that global security to the accounts of institutions that have accounts with the depository or its nominee. The accounts to be credited will be designated by the underwriters or agents engaging in the distribution of the debt securities or by us, if the debt securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participating institutions or persons that may hold interest through such participating institutions.  Ownership of beneficial interests by participating institutions in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of the beneficial interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depository for the global security or by its nominee.  Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security by persons that hold through participating institutions will be shown on, and the transfer of the beneficial interests within the participating institutions will be effected only through, records maintained by those participating institutions. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in certificated form.  The foregoing limitations and such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global securities.

So long as the depository for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of that global security, the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture.  Unless otherwise specified in an applicable subsequent filing and except as specified below, owners of beneficial interests in the global security will not be entitled to have debt securities of the series represented by the global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities of the series in certificated form and will not be considered the holders thereof for any purposes under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the global security must rely on the procedures of the depository and, if such person is not a participating institution, on the procedures of the participating institution through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.

The depository may grant proxies and otherwise authorize participating institutions to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture. We understand that, under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or any owner of a beneficial interest in the global security desires to give any notice or take any action a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, the depository would authorize the participating institutions to give the notice or take the action, and participating institutions would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participating institutions to give the notice or take the action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
 
 
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Unless otherwise specified in applicable subsequent filings, payments of principal, premium and interest on debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depository or its nominee will be made by us to the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security.

We expect that the depository for any debt securities represented by a global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest, will credit participating institutions' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the records of the depository.  We also expect that payments by participating institutions to owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through those participating institutions will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in street names, and will be the responsibility of those participating institutions. None of us, the trustees or any agent of ours or the trustees will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in a global security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial interests.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable subsequent filings, a global security of any series will be exchangeable for certificated debt securities of the same series only if:

 
·
the depository for such global securities notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository or such depository ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor depository is not appointed by us within 90 days after we receive the notice or become aware of the ineligibility;

 
·
we in our sole discretion determine that the global securities shall be exchangeable for certificated debt securities; or

 
·
there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default under the applicable indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series.

Upon any exchange, owners of beneficial interests in the global security or securities will be entitled to physical delivery of individual debt securities in certificated form of like tenor and terms equal in principal amount to their beneficial interests, and to have the debt securities in certificated form registered in the names of the beneficial owners, which names are expected to be provided by the depository's relevant participating institutions to the applicable trustee.

In the event that the Depository Trust Company, or DTC, acts as depository for the global securities of any series, the global securities will be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co., DTC's partnership nominee.

DTC is a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, a limited-purpose trust company under New York State banking law and a registered clearing agency with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission. Established in 1973, DTC was created to reduce costs and provide clearing and settlement efficiencies by immobilizing securities and making "book-entry" changes to ownership of the securities. DTC provides securities movements for the net settlements of the National Securities Clearing Corporation, or NSCC, and settlement for institutional trades (which typically involve money and securities transfers between custodian banks and broker/dealers), as well as money market instruments.

DTC is a subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Company, or DTCC. DTCC is a holding company established in 1999 to combine DTC and NSCC. DTCC, through its subsidiaries, provides clearing, settlement and information services for equities, corporate and municipal bonds, government and mortgage backed securities, money market instruments and over the-counter derivatives. In addition, DTCC is a leading processor of mutual funds and insurance transactions, linking funds and carriers with their distribution networks. DTCC's customer base extends to thousands of companies within the global financial services industry. DTCC serves brokers, dealers, institutional investors, banks, trust companies, mutual fund companies, insurance carriers, hedge funds and other financial intermediaries – either directly or through correspondent relationships.
 
 
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DTCC is industry-owned by its customers who are members of the financial community, such as banks, broker/dealers, mutual funds and other financial institutions. DTCC operates on an at-cost basis, returning excess revenue from transaction fees to its member firms. All services provided by DTC are regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The 2009 DTCC Board of Directors is composed of 18 directors serving one-year terms. Fourteen directors are representatives of clearing agency participants, including international broker/dealers, custodian and clearing banks, and investment institutions. Two directors are designated by DTCC's preferred shareholders, which are  NYSE Euronext and FINRA, and the remaining two are the chairman and chief executive officer and the president and chief operating officer of DTCC. All of the Board members except those designated by the preferred shareholders are elected annually.

To facilitate subsequent transfers, the debt securities may be registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co.  The deposit of the debt securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. will effect no change in beneficial ownership.  DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the debt securities.  DTC's records reflect only the identity of the direct participating institutions to whose accounts debt securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners.  The participating institutions remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

Delivery of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participating institutions, by direct participating institutions to indirect participating institutions, and by direct participating institutions and indirect participating institutions to beneficial owners of debt securities are governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect.

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. consents or votes with respect to the debt securities.  Under its usual procedures, DTC mails a proxy to the issuer as soon as possible after the record date.  The proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those direct participating institution to whose accounts the debt securities are credited on the record date.

If applicable, redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co.  If less than all of the debt securities of a series represented by global securities are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participating institutions in that issue to be redeemed.

To the extent that any debt securities provide for repayment or repurchase at the option of the holders thereof, a beneficial owner shall give notice of any option to elect to have its interest in the global security repaid by us, through its participating institution, to the applicable trustee, and shall effect delivery of the interest in a global security by causing the direct participating institution to transfer the direct participating institution's interest in the global security or securities representing the interest, on DTC's records, to the applicable trustee. The requirement for physical delivery of debt securities in connection with a demand for repayment or repurchase will be deemed satisfied when the ownership rights in the global security or securities representing the debt securities are transferred by direct participating institutions on DTC's records.

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository for the debt securities at any time.  Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not appointed, debt security certificates are required to be printed and delivered as described above.

We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through the securities depository.  In that event, debt security certificates will be printed and delivered as described above.
 
 
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The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for its accuracy.


DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase our debt or equity securities or securities of third parties or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of any warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

 
·
the title of such warrants;

 
·
the aggregate number of such warrants;

 
·
the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;

 
·
the currency or currencies, in which the price of such warrants will be payable;

 
·
the securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;

 
·
the price at which and the currency or currencies, in which the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;

 
·
the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;

 
·
if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

 
·
if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;

 
·
if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;

 
·
information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 
·
if applicable, a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations; and

 
·
any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.
 
 
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DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

We may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of:

 
·
debt or equity securities issued by us or securities of third parties, a basket of such securities, an index or indices of such securities or any combination of the above as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement;

 
·
currencies; or

 
·
commodities.

Each purchase contract will entitle the holder thereof to purchase or sell, and obligate us to sell or purchase, on specified dates, such securities, currencies or commodities at a specified purchase price, which may be based on a formula, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may, however, satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the property otherwise deliverable or, in the case of purchase contracts on underlying currencies, by delivering the underlying currencies, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also specify the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities, currencies or commodities and any acceleration, cancellation or termination provisions, provisions relating to U.S. federal income tax considerations, if any, or other provisions relating to the settlement of a purchase contract.

The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders thereof or vice versa, which payments may be deferred to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and those payments may be unsecured or pre-funded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require the holders thereof to secure their obligations in a specified manner to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Alternatively, purchase contracts may require holders to satisfy their obligations thereunder when the purchase contracts are issued. Our obligation to settle such pre-paid purchase contracts on the relevant settlement date may constitute indebtedness. Accordingly, pre-paid purchase contracts will be issued under either the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture.


DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more purchase contracts, warrants, debt securities, preferred shares, common shares or any combination of such securities.  The applicable prospectus supplement will describe:

 
·
the terms of the units and of the purchase contracts, warrants, debt securities, preferred shares and common shares comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately;

 
·
a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units;

 
·
if applicable, a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations; and

 
·
a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units.
 
 
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EXPENSES

The following are the estimated expenses of the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, all of which will be paid by us.

 
Commission registration fee
$8,556
 
 
FINRA Fees
$12,500
 
 
Legal fees and expenses
$_[______]*
 
 
Accounting fees and expenses
$_[______]*
 
 
Miscellaneous
$_[______]*
 
 
Total
$  [______]*
 

* To be provided by a prospectus supplement or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 6-K that is incorporated by reference into this registration statement.

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a discussion of the material Bermuda, Liberian, and United States federal income tax considerations relevant to an investment decision by a United States Holder and a Non-United States Holder, each as defined below, with respect to the common stock. 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 and investors that own, actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules, 10% or more of the Company's common stock, may be subject to special rules. This discussion deals only with holders who purchase common stock in connection with this offering and 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.

Any material tax considerations relevant to an investment decision by a United States Holder or Non-United States Holder, each as defined below, with respect to securities registered under this registration statement other than the common stock, will be described in a prospectus supplement issued in connection with the offering of such securities.

Bermuda Taxation
 
Bermuda currently imposes no tax (including a tax in the nature of an income, estate duty, inheritance, capital transfer or withholding tax) on profits, income, capital gains or appreciations derived by, or dividends or other distributions paid to U.S. Shareholders of Ordinary Shares. Bermuda has undertaken not to impose any such Bermuda taxes on U.S. Shareholders of Ordinary Shares prior to the year 2016 except in so far as such tax applies to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda. The Company is not eligible for the benefits of any tax treaty between the United States and Bermuda.

Liberian Taxation
 
The Republic of Liberia enacted a new income tax act effective as of January 1, 2001, or the New Act.  In contrast to the income tax law previously in effect since 1977, or the Prior Law, which the New Act repealed in its entirety, the New Act does not distinguish between the taxation of a non-resident Liberian corporation, such as the Company's Liberian subsidiaries, which conduct no business in Liberia and were wholly exempted from tax under the Prior Law, and the taxation of ordinary resident Liberian corporations.

In 2004, the Liberian Ministry of Finance issued regulations pursuant to which a non-resident domestic corporation engaged in international shipping, such as the Company's Liberian subsidiaries, will not be subject to tax under the New Act retroactive to January 1, 2001, or the New Regulations.  In addition, the Liberian Ministry of Justice issued an opinion that the New Regulations were a valid exercise of the regulatory authority of the Ministry of Finance.  Therefore, assuming that the New Regulations are valid, the Company's Liberian subsidiaries will be wholly exempt from Liberian income tax as under the Prior Law.
 

 
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If the Company's Liberian subsidiaries were subject to Liberian income tax under the New Act, the Company's Liberian subsidiaries would be subject to tax at a rate of 35% on their worldwide income.  As a result, their, and subsequently the Company's, net income and cash flow would be materially reduced by the amount of the applicable tax.  In addition, the Company, as shareholder of the Liberian subsidiaries, would be subject to Liberian withholding tax on dividends paid by the Liberian subsidiaries at rates ranging from 15% to 20%.


UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

In the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, the Company's United States counsel, the following are the material United States federal income tax consequences to the Company of its activities and to United States Holders and Non-United States Holders, each as defined below, of the common stock. The following discussion of United States federal income tax matters is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, judicial decisions, administrative pronouncements, and existing and proposed regulations issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion below is based, in part, on the description of the Company's business as described in its annual report and assumes that the Company conducts its business as described therein. References in the following discussion to the "Company" are to Knightsbridge Tankers Limited and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

United States Federal Income Taxation of the Company

Taxation of Operating Income: In General

The Company currently earns, and anticipates that it will continue to earn, substantially all its income from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time charter basis or from the performance of services directly related to those uses, all of which we refer to as ''shipping income.''

Unless exempt from United States federal income taxation under the rules of Section 883 of the Code, or Section 883, as discussed below, a foreign corporation such as the Company will be subject to United States federal income taxation on its ''shipping income'' that is treated as derived from sources within the United States, to which we refer as ''United States source shipping income.'' For tax purposes, ''United States source shipping income'' includes 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.

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.

Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between United States ports is considered to be 100% derived from United States sources. However, the Company is not permitted by United States law to engage in the transportation of cargoes that produces 100% United States source income.

Unless exempt from tax under Section 883, the Company's gross United States 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 and the regulations thereunder, a foreign corporation will be exempt from United States federal income taxation on its United States source shipping income if:
 
 
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(1)
it is organized in a qualified foreign country, which is one that grants an ''equivalent exemption'' from tax to corporations organized in the United States in respect of each category of shipping income for which exemption is being claimed under Section 883 and to which we refer as the ''Country of Organization Test''; and
     
 
(2)
one of the following tests is met:
 
 
(A)
more than 50% of the value of its shares is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by qualified shareholders, which as defined includes individuals who are ''residents'' of a qualified foreign country, to which we refer as the ''50% Ownership Test;" or
     
 
(B)
its shares are ''primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market'' in a qualified foreign country or in the United States, to which we refer as the ''Publicly-Traded Test.''
 
The U.S. Treasury Department has recognized each of Bermuda, the country of incorporation of the Company, and Liberia, the country of incorporation of the Company's vessel-owning subsidiaries, as a qualified foreign country that grants the requisite ''equivalent exemption'' from tax in respect of each category of shipping income the Company earns and currently expects to earn in the future. Therefore, the Company will be exempt from United States federal income taxation with respect to its United States source shipping income if it satisfies either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test.

Both before and after this offering, the Company should satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test, as discussed below. The Company does not currently anticipate a circumstance under which it would be able to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test before or after this offering.

Publicly-Traded Test

The regulations under Section 883 provide, in pertinent part, that shares 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 shares that are traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in each such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. The Company's common stock, which is its sole class of issued and outstanding shares, is, and will continue to be after this offering, ''primarily traded'' on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Under the regulations, the Company's common stock will be considered to be ''regularly traded'' on an established securities market if one or more classes of its shares representing more than 50% of its outstanding shares, by both total combined voting power of all classes of shares entitled to vote and total value, are listed on such market, to which we refer as the ''listing threshold.'' Since all the Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the Company should satisfy the listing threshold.

It is further required that with respect to each class of shares relied upon to meet the listing threshold, (i) 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 (ii) the aggregate number of shares of such class of shares traded on such market during the taxable year is 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. The Company has satisfied and anticipates that it will continue to satisfy the trading frequency and trading volume tests. Even if this were not the case, the regulations provide that the trading frequency and trading volume tests will be deemed satisfied if, as is the case with the Company's common stock, such class of shares is traded on an established market in the United States and such shares are regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such shares.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the regulations provide, in pertinent part, that a class of 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 outstanding shares, to which we refer as the ''5 Percent Override Rule.''
 
 
27


 
For purposes of being able to determine the persons who actually or constructively own 5% or more of the vote and value of the Company's common stock, or ''5% Shareholders,'' the regulations permit the Company to rely on those persons that are identified on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the Commission, as owning 5% or more of the Company's common stock. The 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 Percent Override Rule is triggered, the regulations provide that the 5 Percent Override Rule will nevertheless not apply if the Company 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 the Company's common stock for more than half the number of days during the taxable year.

Based upon filings made with the Commission, the Company is not currently subject to the 5 Percent Override Rule. Therefore, in the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, the Company should qualify for the Publicly-Traded Test and therefore be exempt from United States federal income tax on its United States source shipping income.  However, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test. For example, the Company's shareholders could change in the future, and thus the Company could become subject to the 5 Percent Override Rule.

Taxation In Absence of Section 883 Exemption

If the benefits of Section 883 are unavailable, the Company's United States source shipping income would be subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of deductions, to the extent that such income is not considered to be ''effectively connected'' with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described below. Since under the sourcing rules described above, no more than 50% of the Company's shipping income would be treated as being United States source shipping income, the maximum effective rate of United States federal income tax on the Company's shipping income would never exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax regime.

To the extent the Company's United States 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'' United States source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to United States federal income tax, currently imposed at rates of up to 35%. In addition, the Company may be subject to the 30% ''branch profits'' tax 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 the Company's United States trade or business.

The Company's United States source shipping income would be considered ''effectively connected'' with the conduct of a United States trade or business only if:

 
·
the Company has, or is considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of United States source shipping income; and

 
·
substantially all of the Company's United States 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.

The Company does not intend to have, or permit circumstances that would result in 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 the Company's shipping operations and other activities, it is anticipated that none of the Company's United States source shipping income will be ''effectively connected'' with the conduct of a United States trade or business.
 
 
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United States Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels

If the Company qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 in respect of the shipping income derived from the international operation of its vessels, then gain from the sale of any such vessel should likewise be exempt from tax under Section 883. If, however, the Company's shipping income from such vessels does not for whatever reason qualify for exemption under Section 883, then any gain on the sale of a vessel will be subject to United States federal income tax if such sale occurs in the United States.  To the extent possible, the Company intends to structure the sales of its vessels so that the gain therefrom is not subject to United States federal income tax.  However, there is no assurance the Company will be able to do so.

United States Federal Income Taxation of United States Holders

As used herein, the term ''United States Holder'' means a beneficial owner of common stock that is an individual United States citizen or resident, a 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 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.

If a partnership holds the 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 the 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 the Company with respect to its common stock to a United States Holder will generally constitute dividends to the extent of the Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the United States Holder's tax basis in his common stock on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain. Because the Company is not a United States corporation, United States Holders that are corporations will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from the Company. Dividends paid with respect to the Company's common stock will generally be treated as ''passive category income'' for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for United States foreign tax credit purposes.

Dividends paid on the Company's common stock to a United States Holder who is an individual, trust or estate (a ''United States Non-Corporate Holder'') will generally be treated as ''qualified dividend income'' that is taxable to such United States Non-Corporate Holder at preferential tax rates (through 2010) provided that (1) the common stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NASDAQ Global Select Market on which the Company's common stock is traded); (2) the Company is not a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which, as discussed below, the Company has not been beginning with its 2004 taxable year, is not and does not anticipate being in the future); (3) the United States Non-Corporate 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 United States Non-Corporate Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property.

There is no assurance that any dividends paid on the Company's common stock will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a United States Non-Corporate Holder, although, as described above, they should be so eligible. Legislation has been previously introduced in the United States Congress which, if enacted in its present form, would preclude the Company's dividends from qualifying for such preferential rates prospectively from the date of enactment. Any dividends out of earnings and profits the Company pays which are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a United States Non-Corporate Holder.
 
 
29


 
Special rules may apply to any ''extraordinary dividend''—generally, a dividend in an amount which is equal to or in excess of 10% of a shareholder's adjusted basis in a common share—paid by the Company. If the Company pays an ''extraordinary dividend'' on its common stock that is treated as ''qualified dividend income,'' then any loss derived by a United States Non-Corporate 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 the Company does not constitute a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, a United States Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of the Company's common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the United States Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the United States Holder's tax basis in such stock. Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the United States 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 United States source income or loss, as applicable, for United States foreign tax credit purposes. Long-term capital gains of United States Non-Corporate Holders are currently eligible for reduced rates of taxation. A United States Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences

Special United States federal income tax rules apply to a United States Holder that holds shares in a foreign corporation classified as a ''passive foreign investment company'' for United States federal income tax purposes. In general, the Company will be treated as a passive foreign investment company with respect to a United States Holder if, for any taxable year in which such holder holds the Company's common stock, either:

 
·
at least 75% of the Company's 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

 
·
at least 50% of the average value of the Company's assets during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.

For purposes of determining whether the Company is a passive foreign investment company, the Company will be treated as earning and owning its proportionate share of the income and assets, respectively, of any of its subsidiary corporations in which the Company owns at least 25% of the value of the subsidiary's stock.  Income earned, or deemed earned, by the Company in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income would generally constitute ''passive income'' unless the Company was treated under specific rules as deriving its rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business.

In the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, based upon the Company's operations as described herein, its income from time charters should not be treated as passive income for purposes of determining whether it is a passive foreign investment company.  Although there is no legal authority directly on point, this opinion is based principally on the position that the gross income the Company derives from its time chartering activities should constitute services income, rather than rental income.  Accordingly, such income should not constitute passive income, and the assets that the Company owns and operates in connection with the production of such income, in particular, the vessels, should not constitute passive assets for purposes of determining whether the Company is a passive foreign investment company.  There is substantial legal authority supporting this position consisting of case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time 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.  It should be noted that in the absence of any legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing passive foreign investment companies, the IRS or a court could disagree with this position.  Therefore, based on the Company's current operations and future projections, the Company should not be treated as a passive foreign investment company with respect to any taxable year after the offering.  However, although the Company intends to conduct its affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a passive foreign investment company with respect to any taxable year, the Company cannot assure you that the nature of its operations will not change in the future.
 
 
30


 
It should be noted that prior to its 2004 taxable year, the Company was treated as a PFIC.  As a result in a change in its operations, the Company should not be a PFIC with respect to any taxable year beginning with its 2004 taxable year.

As discussed more fully below, if the Company were to be treated as a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, a United States Holder would be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the United States Holder makes an election to treat the Company as a ''Qualified Electing Fund,'' which election we refer to as a ''QEF election.'' As an alternative to making a QEF election, a United States Holder should be able to make a ''mark-to-market'' election with respect to the Company's common stock, as discussed below.

Taxation of United States Holders Making a Timely QEF Election

If a United States Holder makes a timely QEF election, which United States Holder we refer to as an ''Electing Holder,'' the Electing Holder must report for United States federal income tax purposes its pro rata share of the Company's ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for each taxable year of the Company for which it is a passive foreign investment company that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder, regardless of whether or not distributions were received from the Company by the Electing Holder. No portion of any such inclusions of ordinary earnings will be treated as ''qualified dividend income.'' Net capital gain inclusions of United States Non-Corporate Holders would be eligible for preferential capital gains tax rates. The Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common stock will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that had been previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the adjusted tax basis in the common stock and will not be taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder would not, however, be entitled to a deduction for its pro rata share of any losses that the Company incurs with respect to any year. An Electing Holder would generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the Company's common stock. A United States Holder would make a timely QEF election for shares of the Company by filing one copy of IRS Form 8621 with his United States federal income tax return for the first year in which he held such shares when the Company was a passive foreign investment company. If the Company were to be treated as a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, the Company would provide each United States Holder with all necessary information in order to make the QEF election described above.

Taxation of United States Holders Making a ''Mark-to-Market'' Election

Alternatively, if the Company were to be treated as a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year and, as is currently the case, its shares are treated as ''marketable stock,'' a United States Holder would be allowed to make a ''mark-to-market'' election with respect to the Company's common stock, provided the United States Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury regulations. If that election is made, the United States Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common stock at the end of the taxable year over such holder's adjusted tax basis in the common stock. The United States Holder would also be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the United States Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common stock over its fair market value at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A United States Holder's tax basis in his common stock would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amount. Gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the Company's common stock would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included by the United States Holder.

Taxation of United States Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or Mark-to-Market Election

Finally, if the Company were to be treated as a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, a United States Holder who does not make either a QEF election or a ''mark-to-market'' election for that year, whom we refer to as a ''Non-Electing Holder,'' would be subject to special rules with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., 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 (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the Company's common stock. Under these special rules:
 
 
31


 
 
·
the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder's aggregate holding period for the common stock;

 
·
the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which the Company was a passive foreign investment company, would be taxed as ordinary income and would not be ''qualified dividend income''; and

 
·
the amount allocated to each of the other 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 deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.

These special rules would not apply to a qualified pension, profit sharing or other retirement trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow money or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of the Company's common stock. If the Company is a passive foreign investment company and a Non-Electing Holder who is an individual dies while owning the Company's common stock, such holder's successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to such shares.

United States Federal Income Taxation of ''Non-United States Holders''

A beneficial owner of common stock (other than a partnership) that is not a United States Holder is referred to herein as a ''Non-United States Holder.''

If a partnership holds the 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 the common stock, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor.

Dividends on Common Stock

Non-United States Holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on dividends received from the Company with respect to its common stock, unless that income is effectively connected with the Non-United States Holder's conduct of a trade or business in the United States. If the Non-United States 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-United States Holder in the United States.

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Stock

Non-United States 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 the Company's common stock, unless:

 
·
the gain is effectively connected with the Non-United States Holder's conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if the Non-United States Holder is entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with respect to that gain, that gain is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-United States Holder in the United States); or

 
·
the Non-United States 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.
 
 
32


 
If the Non-United States 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 shares, 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 United States Holders. In addition, if you are a corporate Non-United States Holder, your earnings and profits that are attributable to the effectively connected income, which are subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, or at a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable 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 if you are a non-corporate United States Holder. Such payments or distributions may also be subject to backup withholding tax if you are a non-corporate United States Holder and you:

 
·
fail to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;

 
·
are notified by the IRS that you have failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on your federal income tax returns; or

 
·
in certain circumstances, fail to comply with applicable certification requirements.

Non-United States Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8ECI or W-8IMY, as applicable.

If you are a Non-United States Holder and you sell your 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 you certify that you are a non-United States person, under penalties of perjury, or you otherwise establish an exemption. If you sell your common stock through a non-United States office of a non-United States broker and the sales proceeds are paid to you 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 to you outside the United States, if you sell your 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. Such information reporting requirements will not apply, however, if the broker has documentary evidence in its records that you are a non-United States person and certain other conditions are met, or you otherwise establish an exemption.

Backup withholding tax is not an additional tax.  Rather, you generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under backup withholding rules that exceed your income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.


LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Mello Jones & Martin, Hamilton, Bermuda, with respect to matters of Bermuda law and by Seward & Kissel LLP, New York, New York, with respect to matters of U.S. and New York law.


EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Knightsbridge Tankers Limited appearing in Knightsbridge Tankers Limited's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the effectiveness of Knightsbridge Tankers Limited's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, have been audited by MSPC, Certified Public Accountants and Advisors, P.C., an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference.  Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
 
33


 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, we filed a registration statement relating to the securities offered by this prospectus with the Commission.  This prospectus is a part of that registration statement, which includes additional information.

Government Filings

We file annual and special reports with the Commission.  You may read and copy any document that we file and obtain copies at prescribed rates from the Commission's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.  You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling 1 (800) SEC-0330.  The Commission maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission.  Further information about our company is available on our website at http://www.knightsbridgetankers.com.  The information on our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

Information Incorporated by Reference

The Commission allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those filed documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the Commission prior to the termination of this offering will also be considered to be part of this prospectus and will automatically update and supersede previously filed information, including information contained in this document.

We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the Commission under Section 13(a), 13(c) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 
·
Our Current Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on February 11, 2010, which contains the press release announcing our financial results for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2009, and enclosing our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 
·
Our Current Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on November 20, 2009, which contains Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related information and data of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 
·
Our Current Report on Form 6-K, furnished to the Commission on August 14, 2009, which contains the press release announcing our financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.

 
·
Our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Commission on June 30, 2009, which contains our audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent fiscal year for which those statements have been filed.

 
·
The description of our securities contained in our Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the Commission on December 13, 1996 and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating that description.

We are also incorporating by reference all subsequent annual reports on Form 20-F that we file with the Commission and certain current reports on Form 6-K that we furnish to the Commission after the date of this prospectus (if they state that they are incorporated by reference into this prospectus) until we file a post-effective amendment indicating that the offering of the securities made by this prospectus has been terminated.  In all cases, you should rely on the later information over different information included in this prospectus or the prospectus supplement.
 
 
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You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement.  We have not, and any underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information.  If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.  We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.  You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement as well as the information we previously filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the dates on the front cover of those documents only.  Our business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

You may request a free copy of the above mentioned filing or any subsequent filing we incorporated by reference to this prospectus by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

 
Knightsbridge Tankers Limited
 
Attn: Georgina Sousa
 
Par-la-Ville Place
14 Par-la-Ville Road
 
Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda
 
+1 (441) 295-6935

Information Provided by the Company

We will furnish holders of our common shares with annual reports containing audited financial statements and a report by our independent registered public accounting firm. The audited financial statements will be prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As a "foreign private issuer," we are exempt from the rules under the Securities Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders. While we furnish proxy statements to shareholders in accordance with the rules of the NASDAQ Global Market, those proxy statements do not conform to Schedule 14A of the proxy rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act. In addition, as a "foreign private issuer," our officers and directors are exempt from the rules under the Securities Exchange Act relating to short swing profit reporting and liability.

 

 
35

 

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 8.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Section 98 of the Companies Act of 1981 of the Islands of Bermuda, as amended, or the Companies Act, permits the Bye-Laws of a Bermuda company to contain a provision eliminating personal liability of a director or officer to the company for any loss arising or liability attaching to him by virtue of any rule of law in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, of which the officer or person may be guilty.

Section 98 of the Companies Act grants companies the power generally to indemnify directors and officers of the company if any such person was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director and officer of the company or was serving in a similar capacity for another entity at the company's request.

Section 98 of the Companies Act permits a company to purchase and maintain insurance or make other financial arrangements on behalf of an officer or director for any liability asserted against him or her and liability and expenses incurred in his or her capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the company has the power to indemnify him or her against such liability and expenses.

Bye-laws number 124 through 126 of Knightsbridge Tankers Limited, or the Company, provide as follows:

 
124.
Subject to the proviso below, every Director, officer of the Company and member of a committee constituted under Bye-Law 92 shall be indemnified out of the funds of the Company against all liabilities, loss, damage or expense (including but not limited to liabilities under contract, tort and statute or any applicable foreign law or regulation and all reasonable legal and other costs and expenses properly payable) incurred or suffered by him as such Director, officer or committee member and the indemnity contained in this Bye-Law shall extend to any person acting as a Director, officer or committee member in the reasonable belief that he has been so appointed or elected notwithstanding any defect in such appointment or election PROVIDED ALWAYS that the indemnity contained in this Bye-Law shall not extend to any matter which would render it void pursuant to the Companies Acts.

 
125.
Every Director, officer and member of a committee duly constituted under Bye-Law 92 of the Company shall be indemnified out of the funds of the Company against all liabilities incurred by him as such Director, officer or committee member in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is given in his favour, or in which he is acquitted, or in connection with any application under the Companies Acts in which relief from liability is granted to him by the court.

 
126.
To the extent that any Director, officer or member of a committee duly constituted under Bye-Law 92 is entitled to claim an indemnity pursuant to these Bye-Laws in respect of amounts paid or discharged by him, the relative indemnity shall take effect as an obligation of the Company to reimburse the person making such payment or effecting such discharge.


Item 9. Exhibits

A list of exhibits included as part of this registration statement is set forth in the Exhibit Index which immediately precedes such exhibits and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 10. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
 
II-1


 
(a)    Under Rule 415 of the Securities Act,

 
(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement unless the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of a prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement;

 
(i)
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

 
(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement.

 
(iii)
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

 
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 
(3)
To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 
(4)
To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A. of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering.  Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act need not be furnished, provided, that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 3-19 under the Securities Act of 1933 if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Form F-3.

 
(5)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchaser;

 
(i)
Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this Registration Statement; and
 
 
II-2


 
 
(ii)
Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 
(6)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchasers in initial distribution of securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 
(i)
 Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 
(ii)
 Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 
(iii)
 The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 
(iv)
 Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 
(b)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 
(c) – (d) Not applicable.

 
(e)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest annual report, to security holders that is incorporated by reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and, where interim financial information required to be presented by Article 3 of Regulation S-X is not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in the prospectus to provide such interim financial information.

 
(f) – (g) Not applicable.
 
 
II-3


 
 
(h)
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 
(i)
Not applicable.

 
(j)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 
(k) – (l) Not applicable.




 
 
II-4

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
Knightsbridge Tankers Limited
(Registrant)
   
Date: February 26, 2010
By /s/  Inger M. Klemp 
 
Name: Inger M. Klemp
Title:   Chief Financial Officer


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Gary J. Wolfe and Robert E. Lustrin his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
 
 
/s/ Ola Lorentzon__________________
Ola Lorentzon
 
 
Director and Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
February 26, 2010
     
 
/s/ Douglas C. Wolcott______________
Douglas C. Wolcott
 
 
Director
 
 
February 26, 2010

/s/ David M. White_________________
David M. White
 
Director
 
February 26, 2010
     
/s/ Hans Petter Aas_________________
Hans Petter Aas
 
Director
 
February 26, 2010
         
 
 
/s/ Inger M. Klemp_________________
Inger M. Klemp
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
February 26, 2010
         

 
 

 

AUTHORIZED UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE


Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the aforementioned Registrant, has signed this registration statement in the City of Newark, State of Delaware, on February 26, 2010.

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES



By: /s/ Donald J. Puglisi_______________________
Name:  Donald J. Puglisi
Title:    Authorized Representative in the United States

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hamilton, Country of Bermuda, on February 26, 2010.

KTL CAMDEN, INC.


By: /s/ Ola Lorentzon_______
Name: Ola Lorentzon
Title:   President and Director

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Gary J. Wolfe and Robert E. Lustrin his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
 
/s/ Ola Lorentzon 
 
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Ola Lorentzon
       
         
/s/ Kate Blankenship   
Vice-President and Director
 
February 26, 2010
Kate Blankenship
       
         
 
/s/ Georgina Sousa 
 
Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Georgina Sousa
       

AUTHORIZED UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the aforementioned Registrant, has signed this Registration Statement in the State of Delaware, on February 26, 2010.

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES


By: /s/ Donald J. Puglisi_______________________
Name:  Donald J. Puglisi
Title:    Authorized Representative in the United States

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hamilton, Country of Bermuda, on February 26, 2010.

KTL KENSINGTON, INC.


By: /s/ Ola Lorentzon________________
Name: Ola Lorentzon
Title:   President and Director

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Gary J. Wolfe and Robert E. Lustrin his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
 
/s/ Ola Lorentzon
 
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Ola Lorentzon
       
         
/s/ Kate Blankenship   
Vice-President and Director
 
February 26, 2010
Kate Blankenship
       
         
 
/s/ Georgina Sousa  
 
Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Georgina Sousa
       

AUTHORIZED UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the aforementioned Registrant, has signed this Registration Statement in the State of Delaware, on February 26, 2010.

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES


By: /s/ Donald J. Puglisi_______________________
Name:  Donald J. Puglisi
Title:    Authorized Representative in the United States

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hamilton, Country of Bermuda, on February 26, 2010.

KTL HAMPSTEAD, INC.


By: /s/ Ola Lorentzon_________
Name: Ola Lorentzon
Title:   President and Director

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Gary J. Wolfe and Robert E. Lustrin his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
 
/s/ Ola Lorentzon
 
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Ola Lorentzon
       
         
/s/ Kate Blankenship   
Vice-President and Director
 
February 26, 2010
Kate Blankenship
       
         
 
/s/ Georgina Sousa 
 
Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Georgina Sousa
       

 
AUTHORIZED UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the aforementioned Registrant, has signed this Registration Statement in the State of Delaware, on February 26, 2010.

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES


By: /s/ Donald J. Puglisi_______________________
Name:  Donald J. Puglisi
Title:    Authorized Representative in the United States

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hamilton, Country of Bermuda, on February 26, 2010.

KTL MAYFAIR, INC.


By: /s/ Ola Lorentzon____________
Name: Ola Lorentzon
Title:   President and Director

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Gary J. Wolfe and Robert E. Lustrin his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
 
/s/ Ola Lorentzon
 
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Ola Lorentzon
       
         
/s/ Kate Blankenship   
Vice-President and Director
 
February 26, 2010
Kate Blankenship
       
         
 
/s/ Georgina Sousa 
 
Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Georgina Sousa
       
 
AUTHORIZED UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the aforementioned Registrant, has signed this Registration Statement in the State of Delaware, on February 26, 2010.

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES


By: /s/ Donald J. Puglisi_______________________
Name:  Donald J. Puglisi
Title:    Authorized Representative in the United States

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hamilton, Country of Bermuda, on February 26, 2010.

KTL BELGRAVIA I INC.


By: /s/ Ola Lorentzon___________
Name: Ola Lorentzon
Title:   President and Director

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Gary J. Wolfe and Robert E. Lustrin his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
 
/s/ Ola Lorentzon
 
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Ola Lorentzon
       
         
/s/ Kate Blankenship   
Vice-President and Director
 
February 26, 2010
Kate Blankenship
       
         
 
/s/ Georgina Sousa  
 
Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Georgina Sousa
       
 
AUTHORIZED UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the aforementioned Registrant, has signed this Registration Statement in the State of Delaware, on February 26, 2010.

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES


By: /s/ Donald J. Puglisi_______________________
Name:  Donald J. Puglisi
Title:    Authorized Representative in the United States

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hamilton, Country of Bermuda, on February 26, 2010.

KTL BELGRAVIA II INC.


By: /s/ Ola Lorentzon_____________
Name: Ola Lorentzon
Title:   President and Director

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Gary J. Wolfe and Robert E. Lustrin his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
 
/s/ Ola Lorentzon
 
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Ola Lorentzon
       
         
/s/ Kate Blankenship   
Vice-President and Director
 
February 26, 2010
Kate Blankenship
       
         
 
/s/ Georgina Sousa 
 
Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
February 26, 2010
Georgina Sousa
       
 
AUTHORIZED UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the aforementioned Registrant, has signed this Registration Statement in the State of Delaware, on February 26, 2010.

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES


By: /s/ Donald J. Puglisi_______________________
Name:  Donald J. Puglisi
Title:    Authorized Representative in the United States


 
 

 

Exhibit Index

Exhibit Number
 
Description
   
1.1
Underwriting Agreement for Common Stock*
 
1.2
Underwriting Agreement (for debt securities)*
 
3.1
Memorandum of Association of the Company, as amended**
 
3.2
Amended Bye-laws of the Company(1)
 
4.1
Form of Common Share Certificate (2)
 
4.2
Preferred Share Certificate*
 
4.3
Form of Senior Debt Securities Indenture**
 
4.4
Form of Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture**
 
4.5
Form of Warrant Agreement*
 
4.6
Form of Purchase Contract*
 
4.7
Form of Unit Agreement*
 
5.1
Opinion of Mello Jones & Martin, Bermuda counsel to the Company**
 
5.2
Opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, U.S. counsel to the Company **
 
8.1
Opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, with respect to certain tax matters
 
23.1
Consent of Mello Jones & Martin (included in Exhibit 5.1)**
 
23.2
Consent of Seward & Kissel LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2 and Exhibit 8.1)
 
23.3
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
24.1
Power of Attorney (contained in signature page)
 
25.1
T-1 Statement of Eligibility (senior indenture)*
 
25.2
T-1 Statement of Eligibility (subordinated indenture)*
 
*
To be filed either as an amendment or as an exhibit to a report filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of the Registrant and incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement.
 
**
Previously filed.
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on June 15, 2006.
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the Commission on December 13, 1996.
   

SK 01655 0002 1072823

 
 

 

EX-8.1 2 d1065959_ex8-1.htm d1065959_ex8-1.htm

 
 
SEWARD & KISSEL LLP
ONE BATTERY PARK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
     
WRITER'S DIRECT DIAL
TELEPHONE: (212) 574-1200
FACSIMILE: (212) 480-8421
WWW.SEWKIS.COM
1200 G STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006
TELEPHONE: (202) 737-8833
FACSIMILE: (202) 737-5184
 
 

                   February 26, 2010



Knightsbridge Tankers Limited
Par-la-Ville Place
14 Par-la-Ville Road
Hamilton HM 08
Bermuda


Re:           Knightsbridge Tankers Limited

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested our opinion regarding certain United States federal income tax matters relating to Knightsbridge Tankers Limited (the "Company") and the holders of shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

In formulating our opinion as to these matters, we have examined such documents as we have deemed appropriate, including (i) the registration statement on Form F-3, as amended (the "Registration Statement"), as filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), relating to the registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of up to an aggregate of $120,000,000 of securities and (ii) the prospectus of the Company included in the Registration Statement (the "Prospectus").  We have also obtained such additional information as we have deemed relevant and necessary from representatives of the Company.

Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Registration Statement.

Based on the facts as set forth in the Registration Statement, and in particular, on the representations, covenants, assumptions, conditions and qualifications described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus under (i) the risk factors entitled "United States tax authorities could treat the Company as a 'passive foreign investment company,' which could have adverse United States federal income tax consequences to United States holders" and "The Company may have to pay tax on United States source income, which would reduce its earnings," and (ii) the section entitled "United States Federal Income Tax Considerations," we hereby confirm that the opinions with respect to United States federal income tax considerations expressed in the discussions in the headings listed in (i) and (ii) are the opinions of Seward & Kissel LLP and accurately state our view as to the tax matters discussed therein.

Our opinions and the tax discussion as set forth in the Prospectus are based on the current provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, published pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service, which may be cited or used as precedents, and case law, any of which may be changed at any time with retroactive effect.  No opinion is expressed on any matters other than those specifically referred to above by reference to the Prospectus.
 

 

Knightsbridge Tankers Limited
February 26, 2010
Page 2
 
 
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and to each reference to us and the discussions of advice provided by us in (i) the risk factors entitled "United States tax authorities could treat the Company as a 'passive foreign investment company,' which could have adverse United States federal income tax consequences to United States holders" and "The Company may have to pay tax on United States source income, which would reduce its earnings," and (ii) the sections entitled "United States Federal Income Tax Considerations" and "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus, without admitting we are "experts" within the meaning of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder with respect to any part of the Registration Statement.

             Very truly yours,
 
             /s/ Seward & Kissel LLP






SK 01655 0002 1065959

EX-23.3 3 d1072823_ex23-3.htm d1072823_ex23-3.htm
Exhibit 23.3







CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form F-3 (Registration No. 333-164007) of our report dated June 30, 2009, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Knightsbridge Tankers Limited and its subsidiaries (the "Company") and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement.





/s/ MSPC
Certified Public Accountants and Advisors
A Professional Corporation
 
New York, New York
February 26, 2010


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-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----