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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
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☐ | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| OR |
☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 |
| OR |
| |
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| |
| OR |
☐ | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| Date of event requiring this shell company report _________________ |
| For the transition period from _________________ to _________________ |
Commission file number: 001-36231
| | |
ENETI INC. |
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
|
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English) |
|
Republic of the Marshall Islands |
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
|
9, Boulevard Charles III Monaco 98000 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
|
Mr. Emanuele Lauro 377-9798-5715 Investor.Relations@Eneti-inc.com 9 Boulevard Charles III Monaco 98000 |
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile, and Address of Company Contact Person) |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
| | | | | | | | |
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share | NETI | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act.
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
As of December 31, 2020, there were 11,310,073 outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer | | Accelerated filer | x | Non-accelerated filer | | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. x
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
| | | | | | | | |
x | | U.S. GAAP |
| | |
| | International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the international Accounting Standards Board |
| | |
| | Other |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Eneti Inc. desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection therewith. This document and any other written or oral statements made by the Company or on its behalf may include forward-looking statements, which reflect its current views with respect to future events and financial performance. 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. This document includes assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events. These statements are intended as “forward-looking statements.” We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events may and often do vary from actual results and the differences can be material. When used in this document, the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “targets,” “projects,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “could” and similar expressions or phrases may identify forward-looking statements.
All statements in this document that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, such matters as:
•our future operating or financial results;
•statements about planned, pending or recent acquisitions, dispositions, business strategy and expected capital spending or operating expenses, including drydocking, surveys, upgrades and insurance costs;
•the strength of world economies;
•the length and severity of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including its impact on the demand for seaborne transportation of bulk goods;
•the stability of Europe and the Euro;
•fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates;
•the impact of the expected discontinuance of the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, after 2021 on interest rates of our credit facilities that reference LIBOR;
•changes in the supply of drybulk vessels, including when caused by new newbuilding vessel orders or changes to or terminations of existing orders, and vessel scrapping levels;
•general drybulk shipping market conditions, including fluctuations in charterhire rates and vessel values;
•changes in demand in the drybulk shipping industry, including the market for our vessels;
•changes in the value of our vessels;
•changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs;
•compliance with, and our liabilities under, governmental, tax, environmental and safety laws and regulations;
•changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities;
•potential liability from pending or future litigation;
•general domestic and international political conditions;
•potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events;
•our ability to procure or have access to financing, our liquidity and the adequacy of cash flows for our operations;
•our continued borrowing availability under our debt agreements and compliance with the covenants contained therein;
•our ability to successfully employ our drybulk vessels;
•our ability to fund future capital expenditures and investments in the construction, acquisition and refurbishment of our vessels (including the amount and nature thereof and the timing of completion thereof, the delivery and commencement of operations dates, expected downtime and lost revenue);
•potential exposure or loss from investment in derivative instruments or other equity investments in which we invest;
•potential conflicts of interest involving members of our board and senior management and our significant shareholders;
•our expectations regarding the availability of vessel acquisitions and our ability to complete acquisition transactions planned;
•vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hire;
•drybulk shipping market trends, charter rates and factors affecting supply and demand; and
•our plans for, and the timing of, our transition to the offshore energy sector, our ability to manage, complete or realize the benefits of such transition successfully and in a timely manner, and the short-term and long-term impacts of such transition on our financial results.
We have based these statements on assumptions and analyses formed by applying our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. All future written and verbal forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in or referred to in this section. We undertake no obligation, and specifically decline any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this annual report might not occur.
See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” for a more complete discussion of these risks and uncertainties and for other risks and uncertainties. These factors and the other risk factors described in this annual report are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, there can be no assurance that actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us. Given these uncertainties, current and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
PART I
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ITEM 1. | IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS |
Not applicable.
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ITEM 2. | OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE |
Not applicable.
Unless otherwise indicated, references to “Eneti,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or similar terms refer to the registrant, Eneti Inc., and its subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires. We use the term deadweight tons, or dwt, expressed in metric tons, each of which is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, in describing the size of our vessels.
On April 7, 2020, we effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. The par value was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split.
On August 3, 2020, we announced our intention to transition away from the business of drybulk commodity transportation and towards marine-based renewable energy, including investing in the next generation of wind turbine installation vessels. We intend to sell or have commitments to sell our remaining wholly-owned or finance leased drybulk vessels during the first quarter of 2021. Effective February 8, 2021, we changed our name to Eneti Inc. from Scorpio Bulkers Inc., following receipt of the approval of our shareholders at a special meeting held on February 3, 2021.
A.Selected Financial Data
Not applicable.
B.Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C.Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D.Risk Factors
The following risks relate principally to the industry in which we currently operate, our plans to transition to the offshore energy sector, and our business in general. Other risks relate principally to the securities market and ownership of our securities, including our common shares. The occurrence of any of the events described in this section could significantly and negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash available for the payment of dividends on our common shares, or the trading price of our securities.
DRYBULK INDUSTRY SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS
•Charterhire rates for drybulk vessels are volatile, which has in the past and may in the future, for so long as we remain in the drybulk sector, adversely affect our earnings, revenue and profitability and our ability to comply with the financial covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness.
•Global economic conditions may continue to negatively impact the drybulk shipping industry.
•If economic conditions throughout the world decline, particularly in China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, this could negatively affect our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and ability to obtain financing, and may adversely affect the market price of our common shares.
•The fair market values of our drybulk vessels have declined and may decline further, which could cause us to breach certain financial covenants in our credit facilities.
•We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.
•Regulations relating to ballast water discharge may adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
•Sulfur regulations to reduce air pollution from ships may cause us to incur significant costs.
•An over-supply of drybulk carrier capacity may prolong or further depress the current low charter rates, which may limit our ability to operate our drybulk carriers profitably for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector.
•Outbreaks of epidemic and pandemic diseases, including COVID-19, and governmental responses thereto could adversely affect our business.
•World events, including terrorist attacks and political conflicts, could affect our results of operations and financial condition.
•Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our business.
•If our vessels call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions, sanctions, or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the European Union, the United Nations, or other governments, it could lead to monetary fines or adversely affect our reputation and the market for our shares of common stock and their trading price.
•The U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union may have a negative effect on global economic conditions, financial markets and our business.
•Our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations, which could affect our operating results.
•We are subject to international safety regulations and requirements imposed by our classification societies and the failure to comply with these regulations and requirements may subject us to increased liability, may adversely affect our insurance coverage and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
•Increased inspection procedures and tighter import and export controls could increase costs and disrupt our business.
•The price of fuel, or bunkers, may affect our profits.
•We operate drybulk vessels worldwide and as a result, our business has inherent operational risks, which may reduce our revenue or increase our expenses, and we may not be adequately covered by insurance.
•Maritime claimants could arrest or attach one or more of our vessels, which could interrupt our cash flows.
•Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and available cash.
•Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could result in fines, criminal penalties, contract terminations and an adverse effect on our business.
COMPANY SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS
•We cannot assure you that our available liquidity will be sufficient to meet our ongoing capital and operating needs.
•We are subject to certain risks with respect to our counterparties on contracts, and failure of such counterparties to meet their obligations could cause us to suffer losses or negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
•We have been, and expect to continue to be, for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector, dependent on spot market-oriented pools and spot charters and currently low spot charter rates, or any further decrease in spot charter rates in the future will result in significant operating losses.
•We cannot assure you that our Board of Directors will continue to declare dividends.
•The aging of our drybulk fleet may result in increased operating costs for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector, which could adversely affect our earnings.
•For our remaining duration in the drybulk sector, technological innovation could reduce our charterhire income and the value of our vessels.
•Breakdowns in our information technology, including as a result of cyberattacks, may negatively impact our business, including our ability to service customers, and may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
•In the highly competitive international shipping industry, we may not be able to compete for charters with new entrants or established companies with greater resources, and as a result, we may be unable to employ our vessels profitably, insofar as we remain in the drybulk sector.
•We may be subject to litigation that, if not resolved in our favor and not sufficiently insured against, could have a material adverse effect on us.
•We are a holding company, and we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial obligations and to make dividend payments.
•Our costs of operating as a public company are significant, and our management is required to devote substantial time to complying with public company regulations. We cannot assure you that our internal controls and procedures over financial reporting will be sufficient.
•Because we are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands, it may be difficult to serve us with legal process or enforce judgments against us, our directors or our management.
•The international nature of our operations may make the outcome of any bankruptcy proceedings difficult to predict.
•We may have to pay tax on U.S. source income, which would reduce our earnings and cash flow.
•U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company,” which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to our U.S. shareholders.
•We rely on our information systems to conduct our business, and failure to protect these systems against security breaches could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, if these systems fail or become unavailable for any significant period of time, our business could be harmed.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR TRANSITION FROM THE DRYBULK INDUSTRY
•Our planned transition from the drybulk shipping sector to the offshore energy sector entails significant risks and uncertainties, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the transition.
•Past performance by our management team may not be indicative of future performance.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SCORPIO GROUP OF COMPANIES (“SCORPIO”) AND ITS AFFILIATES
•We are dependent on our managers and their ability to hire and retain key personnel, and there may be conflicts of interest between us and our managers that may not be resolved in our favor.
•Our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Secretary do not devote all of their time to our business, which may hinder our ability to operate successfully.
•Our commercial and technical managers are each privately held companies and there is little or no publicly available information about them.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDEBTEDNESS
•Servicing our current or future indebtedness limits funds available for other purposes and if we cannot service our debt, we may lose our vessels.
•We are exposed to volatility in the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR which can result in higher than market interest rates and charges against our income.
•We are leveraged, which could significantly limit our ability to execute our business strategy and we may be unable to comply with our covenants in our credit facilities that impose operating and financial restrictions on us, which could result in a default under the terms of these agreements.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMMON SHARES
•We are incorporated in the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law.
•The market price of our common shares has fluctuated widely and may fluctuate widely in the future, or there may be no continuing public market for you to resell our common shares.
•Future sales of our common shares could cause the market price of our common shares to decline.
•Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a merger or acquisition, or could make it difficult for our shareholders to replace or remove our current Board of Directors, which could adversely affect the market price of our common shares.
DRYBULK INDUSTRY SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS
Charterhire rates for drybulk vessels are volatile, which has in the past and may in the future, for so long as we remain in the drybulk sector, adversely affect our earnings, revenue and profitability and our ability to comply with the financial covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness.
The drybulk shipping industry is cyclical with high volatility in charterhire rates and profitability. The degree of charterhire rate volatility among different types of drybulk vessels has varied widely, and in recent years charterhire rates for drybulk vessels have declined significantly from historically high levels. In the past, time charter and spot market charter rates for drybulk carriers have declined below operating costs of vessels. The Baltic Dry Index, or the BDI, a daily average of charter
rates for key drybulk routes published by the Baltic Exchange Limited, which has long been viewed as the main benchmark to monitor the movements of the drybulk vessel charter market and the performance of the entire drybulk shipping market, declined from a high of 11,793 on May 20, 2008 to a low of 290 on February 10, 2016, which represents a decline of 98%. In 2020, the BDI ranged from a low of 407 on May 15, 2020 to a high of 2,020 on October 2, 2020.
Fluctuations in charter rates result from changes in the supply of and demand for vessel capacity and changes in the international supply of and demand for the seaborn transportation of major commodities. Because the factors affecting the supply of and demand for vessels are outside of our control and are unpredictable, the nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in industry conditions are also unpredictable. Since we primarily charter our vessels in the spot market we are exposed to the cyclicality and volatility of the spot market. Spot market charterhire rates may fluctuate significantly based upon available charters and the supply of and demand for seaborne shipping capacity, and we may be unable to keep our vessels fully employed in these short-term markets. Alternatively, charter rates available in the spot market may be insufficient to enable our vessels to operate profitably. A significant decrease in charter rates would affect asset values and adversely affect our profitability, cash flows and ability to pay dividends on our common shares. Furthermore, a continued decrease in charter rates may cause asset values to decline, and we may have to record an impairment charge in our consolidated financial statements which could adversely affect our financial results.
Factors that influence demand for drybulk vessel capacity include:
•supply of and demand for energy resources, commodities and industrial products;
•changes in the exploration or production of energy resources, commodities, consumer and industrial products;
•the location of regional and global production and manufacturing facilities;
•the location of consuming regions for energy resources, commodities, consumer and industrial products;
•the globalization of production and manufacturing;
•global and regional economic and political conditions, including armed conflicts and terrorist activities, embargoes, strikes and “trade wars”;
•natural disasters;
•disruptions and developments in international trade;
•changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns, including the distance cargo is transported by sea;
•environmental and other regulatory developments;
•currency exchange rates; and
•weather.
Factors that influence the supply of drybulk vessel capacity include:
•the number of newbuilding orders and deliveries, including slippage in deliveries;
•the number of shipyards and ability of shipyards to deliver vessels;
•port and canal congestion;
•the scrapping rate of older vessels;
•speed of vessel operation;
•vessel casualties; and
•the number of vessels that are out of service, namely those that are laid-up, drydocked, awaiting repairs or otherwise not available for hire, including those that are in drydock for the purpose of installing exhaust gas cleaning systems, known as scrubbers.
In addition to the prevailing and anticipated freight rates, factors that affect the rate of newbuilding, scrapping and laying-up include newbuilding prices, secondhand vessel values in relation to scrap prices, costs of bunkers and other operating costs, costs associated with classification society surveys, normal maintenance and insurance coverage costs, the efficiency and age profile of the existing drybulk fleet in the market and government and industry regulation of maritime transportation practices, particularly environmental protection laws and regulations. These factors influencing the supply of and demand for shipping capacity are outside of our control, and we may not be able to correctly assess the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions.
We anticipate that the demand for our drybulk vessels will be dependent upon economic growth in the world’s economies, including China and India, seasonal and regional changes in demand, changes in the capacity of the global drybulk fleet and the sources and supply of drybulk cargo to be transported by sea. Adverse economic, political, social or other developments could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Global economic conditions may continue to negatively impact the drybulk shipping industry.
Since the beginning of the calendar year 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and has resulted in numerous actions by governments and governmental agencies in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the virus. These measures have resulted in a significant reduction in global economic activity and extreme volatility in the global financial and commodities markets. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues on a prolonged basis or becomes more severe, and depending on the timing and efficacy of any available vaccines, the adverse impact on the global economy and the rate environment for drybulk and other cargo vessels may deteriorate further and our operations and cash flows may be negatively impacted. In addition, a prolonged negative rate environment could result in the value of our vessels being impaired which could in turn impair our ability to borrow money and to access credit and capital markets in the future. Even prior to the recent outbreak and resulting disruption of the COVID-19 virus, global financial markets and economic conditions have been, and continue to be, volatile. Relatively weak global economic conditions during periods of volatility have and may continue to have a number of adverse consequences for drybulk and other shipping sectors, including, among other things:
•low charter rates, particularly for vessels employed on short-term time charters or in the spot market;
•decreases in the market value of drybulk vessels and limited second-hand market for the sale of vessels;
•limited financing for vessels;
•widespread loan covenant defaults; and
•declaration of bankruptcy by certain vessel operators, vessel owners, shipyards and charterers.
The occurrence of one or more of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
If economic conditions throughout the world decline, particularly in China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, this could negatively affect our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and ability to obtain financing, and may adversely affect the market price of our common shares.
As a result of any renewed concerns about the stability of financial markets generally and the solvency of counterparties specifically, the cost of obtaining money from the credit markets may increase as lenders have increased interest rates, enacted tighter lending standards, refused to refinance existing debt at all or on terms similar to current debt and reduced, and in some cases, ceased to provide funding to borrowers. Due to these factors, we cannot be certain that financing will be available to the extent required, or that we will be able to refinance our credit facilities, on acceptable terms or at all. If financing or refinancing is not available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to meet our obligations as they come due or we may be unable to enhance our existing business, or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities as they arise.
We face risks attendant to changes in economic environments, changes in interest rates, and instability in the banking and securities markets around the world, among other factors. Major market disruptions may adversely affect our business or impair our ability to borrow amounts under credit facilities or any future financial arrangements.
Economic slowdown in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in China, may have a materially adverse effect on us, as we anticipate a significant number of the port calls made by our vessels will continue to involve the loading or discharging of drybulk commodities in ports in the Asia Pacific region. Our business, financial condition and results of operations, ability to pay dividends, as well as our future prospects, will likely be materially and adversely affected by an economic downturn in China or other countries in the Asia Pacific region. The International Monetary Fund has warned that continuing geopolitical tensions between the United States and China could derail recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Although the United States and China signed a trade agreement in early 2020, there is no assurance that the Chinese economy will not experience a significant contraction in the future. Our business, financial condition and results of operations, ability to pay dividends, as well as our future prospects, will likely be materially and adversely affected by an economic downturn in China or other countries in the Asia Pacific region.
The fair market values of our dry bulk vessels have declined and may decline further, which could cause us to breach certain financial covenants in our credit facilities.
The fair market values of drybulk vessels, including our vessels, have generally experienced high volatility and have declined in recent years. The fair market value of our vessels may continue to fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including:
•prevailing level of charter rates;
•general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry;
•types, sizes and ages of vessels;
•supply of and demand for vessels;
•other modes of transportation;
•cost of newbuildings;
•governmental or other regulations;
•the need to upgrade vessels as a result of charterer requirements, technological advances in vessel design or equipment or otherwise;
•technological advances; and
•competition from other shipping companies and other modes of transportation.
If the fair market values of our vessels decline further, we may not be in compliance with certain covenants contained in our secured credit facilities, which may result in an event of default. In such circumstances, we may not be able to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing. If we are not able to comply with the covenants in our secured credit facilities, and are unable to remedy the relevant breach, our lenders could accelerate our debt and foreclose on our fleet.
We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.
Our operations are subject to numerous international, national, state and local laws, regulations, treaties and conventions in force in international waters and the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate or are registered, which can significantly affect the ownership and operation of our vessels. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the U.S. Clean Air Act, the U.S. Clean Water Act, or the CWA, and the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, or the MTSA, and regulations of the International Maritime Organization, or IMO, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973 (as from time to time amended and generally referred to as MARPOL) including the designation of Emission Control Areas, or ECAs, thereunder, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974 (as from time to time amended and generally referred to as SOLAS), the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, and the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966 (as from time to time amended), or the LL Convention.
Compliance with such laws, regulations and standards, where applicable, may require installation of costly equipment or implementation of operational changes and may affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. These costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of our operations. Because such conventions, laws, and regulations are often revised, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with them or the impact thereof on the resale prices or useful lives of our vessels. Additional conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted which could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business and which may materially adversely affect our operations. For example, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention, which was adopted by the UN International Maritime Organization in February 2004 and entered into force on September 8, 2017, calls for the phased introduction of mandatory reducing living organism limits in ballast water over time (as discussed further below). In order to comply with these living organism limits, vessel owners must install expensive ballast water treatment systems or make port facility disposal arrangements and modify existing vessels to accommodate those systems.
Environmental laws often impose strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous substances, which could subject us to liability without regard to whether we were negligent or at fault. Under OPA, for example, owners, operators and bareboat charterers are jointly and severally strictly liable for the discharge of oil within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone around the United States.
We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses, and certificates with respect to our operations, and satisfy insurance and financial responsibility requirements for potential oil (including marine fuel) spills and other pollution incidents. Although we have insurance to cover certain environmental risks, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to cover all such risks or that any claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and our future ability to pay dividends on our common shares.
Regulations relating to ballast water discharge may adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
The IMO has imposed updated guidelines for ballast water management systems specifying the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged from a vessel’s ballast water. Depending on the date of the IOPP renewal survey,
existing vessels constructed before September 8, 2017 must comply with the updated D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2019. For most vessels, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms. Ships constructed on or after September 8, 2017 are to comply with the D-2 standards on or after September 8, 2017. Our vessels have been fitted with alternate management systems (“AMS”) (IMO-approved ballast water treatment systems) that comply with the updated guidelines and standards, and all but two of these have also been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. While we believe that our vessels have been fitted with systems that comply with the updated guidelines and standards, we cannot be assured that these systems will be approved by the regulatory bodies of every jurisdiction in which we may wish to conduct our business. If they are not approved it could have an adverse material impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations depending on the available ballast water treatment systems and the extent to which existing vessels must be modified to accommodate such systems.
Furthermore, United States regulations are currently changing. Although the 2013 Vessel General Permit (“VGP”) program and U.S. National Invasive Species Act (“NISA”) are currently in effect to regulate ballast discharge, exchange and installation, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (“VIDA”), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018, requires that the EPA develop national standards of performance for approximately 30 discharges, similar to those found in the VGP within two years. By approximately 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard must develop corresponding implementation, compliance and enforcement regulations regarding ballast water.
Sulfur regulations to reduce air pollution from ships may cause us to incur significant costs.
Effective January 1, 2020, the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency for maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by vessels requires vessels to comply with its low sulfur fuel oil requirement, which cuts sulfur levels from 3.5% to 0.5% (“IMO 2020”). The interpretation of "fuel oil used on board" includes use in main engines, auxiliary engines and boilers. Shipowners may comply with this regulation by (i) using 0.5% sulfur fuels on board, which is available around the world but at a higher cost due to increased market demand; (ii) installing exhaust gas cleaning systems, known as scrubbers for cleaning of the exhaust gas; or (iii) by retrofitting vessels to be powered by liquefied natural gas, which may not be a viable option for shipowners due to the lack of supply network and high costs involved in this process. Costs of compliance with these regulatory changes may be significant and may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
An over-supply of drybulk carrier capacity may prolong or further depress the current low charter rates, which may limit our ability to operate our drybulk carriers profitably for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector.
The supply of drybulk vessels has increased significantly since the beginning of 2006. According to SSY Consultancy & Research Ltd (“SSY”), as of December 2020, newbuilding orders have been placed for approximately 6.0% of the existing fleet capacity. Vessel supply growth has been outpacing vessel demand growth over the past few years causing downward pressure on charter rates. Until the new supply is fully absorbed by the market, charter rates may continue to be under pressure due to vessel supply in the near to medium term.
Outbreaks of epidemic and pandemic diseases, including COVID-19, and governmental responses thereto could adversely affect our business.
Global public health threats, such as COVID-19 (as described more fully below), influenza and other highly communicable diseases or viruses, outbreaks of which have from time to time occurred in various parts of the world in which we operate, including China, could adversely impact our operations, as well as the operations of our customers. The ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 that began in China and subsequently spread to other parts of the world has, among other things, caused delays and uncertainties relating to newbuildings, drydockings and scrubber installations at shipyards.
The ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a virus causing potentially deadly respiratory tract infections first identified in China, has already caused severe global disruptions and may negatively affect economic conditions regionally as well as globally and otherwise impact our operations and the operations of our customers and suppliers. Governments in affected countries are imposing travel bans, quarantines and other emergency public health measures. In response to the virus, many countries have implemented lockdown measures, and other countries and local governments may enact similar policies. Companies are also taking precautions, such as requiring employees to work remotely, imposing travel restrictions and temporarily closing businesses. These restrictions, and future prevention and mitigation measures, are likely to have an adverse impact on global economic conditions, which could materially and adversely affect our future operations. Uncertainties regarding the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is likely to result in sustained market turmoil, which could also negatively impact our business, financial condition and cash flows. As a result of these measures, our vessels may not be able to call on ports, or may be restricted from disembarking from ports, located in regions affected by the outbreak. In addition we may experience severe operational disruptions and delays, unavailability of normal port infrastructure and services including limited access to equipment, critical goods and personnel, disruptions to crew change, quarantine of ships and/or crew, counterparty solidity, closure of ports and custom offices, as well as disruptions in the supply chain and industrial production, which may lead to reduced cargo demand, amongst other potential consequences attendant to epidemic and pandemic diseases.
The COVID-19 pandemic and measures to contain its spread have negatively impacted regional and global economies and trade patterns in markets in which we operate, the way we operate our business, and the businesses of our charterers and suppliers. These negative impacts could continue or worsen, even after the pandemic itself diminishes or ends. Companies, including us, have also taken precautions, such as requiring employees to work remotely and imposing travel restrictions, while some other businesses have been required to close entirely. Moreover, we face significant risks to our personnel and operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our crews face risk of exposure to COVID-19 as a result of travel to ports in which cases of COVID-19 have been reported. Our shore-based personnel likewise face risk of such exposure, as we maintain offices in areas that have been impacted by the spread of COVID-19.
Measures against COVID-19 in a number of countries have restricted crew rotations on our vessels, which may continue or become more severe. As a result, in 2020, we experienced and may continue to experience disruptions to our normal vessel operations caused by increased deviation time associated with positioning our vessels to countries in which we can undertake a crew rotation in compliance with such measures. Delays in crew rotations have led to issues with crew fatigue and may continue to do so, which may result in delays or other operational issues. We have had and expect to continue to have increased expenses due to incremental fuel consumption and days in which our vessels are unable to earn revenue in order to deviate to certain ports on which we would ordinarily not call during a typical voyage. We may also incur additional expenses associated with testing, personal protective equipment, quarantines, and travel expenses such as airfare costs in order to perform crew rotations in the current environment. In 2020, delays in crew rotations have also caused us to incur additional costs related to crew bonuses paid to retain the existing crew members on board and may continue to do so.
The COVID-19 pandemic and measures in place against the spread of the virus have led to a highly difficult environment in which to dispose of vessels given difficulty to physically inspect vessels. The impact of COVID-19 has also resulted in reduced industrial activity in China with temporary closures of factories and other facilities, labor shortages and restrictions on travel. We believe these disruptions along with other seasonal factors, including lower demand for some of the cargoes we carry such as iron ore and coal, have contributed to lower drybulk rates in 2020.
Epidemics may also affect personnel operating payment systems through which we receive revenues from the chartering of our vessels or pay for our expenses, resulting in delays in payments. Organizations across industries, including ours, are rightly focusing on their employees’ well-being, whilst making sure that their operations continue undisrupted and at the same time, adapting to the new ways of operating. As such employees are encouraged or even required to operate remotely which significantly increases the risk of cyber security attacks.
At present, it is not possible to ascertain the overall impact of COVID-19 on our business. However, the occurrence of any of the foregoing events or other epidemics or an increase in the severity or duration of the COVID-19 or other epidemics could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, value of our vessels, and ability to pay dividends.
The extent of the COVID-19 outbreak’s effect on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration, spread and intensity of the outbreak, any resurgence or mutation of the virus, the availability of vaccines and their global deployment, the development of effective treatments, the imposition of effective public safety and other protective measures and the public’s response to such measures. There continues to be a high level of
uncertainty relating to how the pandemic will evolve, how governments and consumers will react and progress on the approval and distribution of vaccines, all of which are uncertain and difficult to predict considering the rapidly evolving landscape. As a result, although our operations have not been materially affected by the COVID-19 outbreak to date, the ultimate severity of the COVID-19 outbreak is uncertain at this time and therefore we cannot predict the impact it may have on our future operations, which impact could be material and adverse, particularly if the pandemic continues to evolve into a severe worldwide health crisis.
World events, including terrorist attacks and political conflicts, could affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Past terrorist attacks, as well as the threat of future terrorist attacks around the world, continue to cause uncertainty in the world’s financial markets and may affect our business, operating results and financial condition. Continuing conflicts, instability and other recent developments in the Middle East, North Korea and elsewhere and the presence of U.S. or other armed forces in the Middle East, may lead to additional acts of terrorism and armed conflict around the world, which may contribute to further economic instability in the global financial markets. These uncertainties could also adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. In the past, political conflicts have also resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways and other efforts to disrupt international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region. Acts of terrorism and piracy have also affected vessels trading in regions such as the South China Sea, the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia and West Africa. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our operating results, revenues and costs.
The world economy is currently facing a number of new challenges. Geopolitical events such as the withdrawal of the U.K. from the European Union, or "Brexit," and changes in U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs, as well as similar events in other jurisdictions, could impact global markets, including foreign exchange and securities markets; any resulting changes in currency exchange rates, tariffs, treaties and other regulatory matters could in turn adversely impact our business and operations.
Further, governments may turn and have turned to trade barriers to protect their domestic industries against foreign imports, thereby depressing shipping demand. In particular, in recent years there have been trade tensions, including significant tariff increases, between the United States and China, resulting in leaders of the United States and China implementing certain increasingly protective trade measures. These tensions have been somewhat mitigated by the recent trade deal (first phase trade agreement) between the United States and China in early 2020 which, among other things, requires China to purchase approximately $200 billion in American products and services over the next two years, and future phases may result in decreased tariffs. The results of the 2020 presidential election in the United States have created significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States, China and other exporting countries, including with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations and tariffs. However, it is not yet clear how the new United States administration under President Biden may deviate from the former administration’s protectionist foreign trade policies. Protectionist developments, or the perception that they may occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions, and may significantly reduce global trade. Moreover, increasing trade protectionism may cause an increase in (a) the cost of goods exported from regions globally, (b) the length of time required to transport goods and (c) the risks associated with exporting goods. Such increases may significantly affect the quantity of goods to be shipped, shipping time schedules, voyage costs and other associated costs, which could have an adverse impact on our charterers' business, operating results and financial condition and could thereby affect their ability to make timely charterhire payments to us and to renew and increase the number of their time charters with us. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and our ability to pay any cash distributions to our shareholders.
Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our business.
Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean and in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. Sea piracy incidents continue to occur with drybulk vessels particularly vulnerable to such attacks. If these piracy attacks result in regions in which our vessels are deployed being characterized as “war risk” zones by insurers or Joint War Committee “war and strikes” listed areas, premiums payable for such coverage could increase significantly and such insurance coverage may be more difficult to obtain. In addition, crew costs, including due to employing onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. Furthermore, while we believe the charterer remains liable for charter payments when a vessel is seized by pirates, the charterer may dispute this and withhold charterhire until the vessel is released. A charterer may also claim that a vessel seized by pirates was not “on-hire” for a certain number of days and is therefore entitled to cancel the charter party, a claim that we would dispute. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, any detention
hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or an increase in cost, or unavailability, of insurance for our vessels, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If our vessels call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions, sanctions, or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the European Union, the United Nations, or other governments, it could lead to monetary fines or adversely affect our reputation and the market for our shares of common stock and their trading price.
Although we do not expect that our vessels will call on ports located in countries or territories subject to country-wide or territory-wide sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and other authorities or countries identified by the U.S. government or other authorities as state sponsors of terrorism, and we endeavor to take precautions reasonably designed to mitigate such activities, including relevant provisions in charter agreements forbidding the use of our vessels in trade that would violate economic sanctions, on charterers’ instructions, and without our consent, our vessels may call on ports located in such countries or territories in the future.
The sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended, strengthened, or lifted over time. Primary sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury principally apply, with certain exceptions, to U.S. persons (defined as any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, or any person in the United States). The United States can, however, extend secondary sanctions liability to non-U.S. persons, including non-U.S. companies, such as our Company.
Although we believe that we have been in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in fines, penalties, or other sanctions that could severely impact our ability to access U.S. capital markets and conduct our business, and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. In addition, certain institutional investors may have investment policies or restrictions that prevent them from holding securities of companies that have contracts with countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. The determination by these investors not to invest in, or to divest from, our common stock may adversely affect the price at which our common stock trade. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of their actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation. In addition, our reputation and the market for our securities may be adversely affected if we engage in certain other activities, such as entering into charters with individuals or entities in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargo laws that are not controlled by the governments of those countries, or engaging in operations associated with those countries pursuant to contracts with third parties that are unrelated to those countries or entities controlled by their governments. Investor perception of the value of our common stock may be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries.
The U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union may have a negative effect on global economic conditions, financial markets and our business.
In June 2016, a majority of voters in the U.K. elected to withdraw from the EU in a national referendum (informally known as “Brexit”), a process that the government of the U.K. formally initiated in March 2017. Since then, the U.K. and the EU have been negotiating the terms of a withdrawal agreement, which was approved in October 2019 and ratified in January 2020. The U.K. formally exited the EU on January 31, 2020, although a transition period remained in place until December 2020, during which the U.K. was subject to the rules and regulations of the EU. On December 24, 2020, the U.K. and the EU entered into a trade and cooperation agreement (the “Trade and Cooperation Agreement”), which was applied on a provisional basis from January 1, 2021. While the new economic relationship does not match the relationship that existed during the time the U.K. was a member state of the EU, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement sets out preferential arrangements in certain areas such as trade in goods and in services, digital trade and intellectual property. Negotiations between the U.K. and the EU are expected to continue in relation to other areas which are not covered by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The long term effects of Brexit will depend on the effects of the implementation and application of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and any other relevant agreements between the U.K. and EU. Brexit has also given rise to calls for the governments of other EU member states to consider withdrawal. These developments and uncertainties, or the perception that any of them may occur, have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global market liquidity and restrict the ability of key market participants to operate in certain financial markets. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our access to capital, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and our ability to pay distributions. Additionally, Brexit or similar events in other jurisdictions, could impact global markets, including foreign
exchange and securities markets; any resulting changes in currency exchange rates, tariffs, treaties and other regulatory matters could in turn adversely impact our business and operations.
Brexit contributes to considerable uncertainty concerning the current and future economic environment. Brexit could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets.
Our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations, which could affect our operating results.
We operate our drybulk vessels in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, as a result, in charterhire rates. This seasonality may result in volatility in our operating results to the extent that we enter into new charter agreements or renew existing agreements during a time when charter rates are weaker or we operate our vessels on the spot market or index based time charters, which may result in quarter-to-quarter volatility in our operating results. The drybulk sector is typically stronger in the fall and winter months in anticipation of increased consumption of coal and other raw materials in the northern hemisphere. The celebration of Chinese New Year in the first quarter of each year, also results in lower volumes of seaborne trade into China during this period. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns in these months tend to disrupt vessel scheduling and supplies of certain commodities. As a result, our revenues from our drybulk carriers may be weaker during the fiscal quarters ended June 30 and September 30, and, conversely, our revenues from our drybulk carriers may be stronger in fiscal quarters ended December 31 and March 31.
We are subject to international safety regulations and requirements imposed by our classification societies and the failure to comply with these regulations and requirements may subject us to increased liability, may adversely affect our insurance coverage and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
The operation of our vessels is affected by the requirements set forth in the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or the ISM Code. The ISM Code requires ship owners, ship managers and bareboat charterers to develop and maintain an extensive “Safety Management System” that includes the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for safe operation of vessels and describing procedures for dealing with emergencies. In addition, vessel classification societies impose significant safety and other requirements on our vessels.
The failure of a shipowner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject it to increased liability, may invalidate existing insurance or decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports. Each of our vessels is ISM Code-certified. However, if we are subject to increased liability for non-compliance or if our insurance coverage is adversely impacted as a result of non-compliance, it may negatively affect our ability to pay dividends on our common shares. If any of our vessels are denied access to, or are detained in, certain ports as a result of non-compliance with the ISM Code, our revenues may be adversely impacted.
In addition, the hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and the Safety of Life at Sea Convention. The cost of maintaining our vessels’ classifications may be substantial. If any vessel does not maintain its class or fails any annual, intermediate or special survey, the vessel will be unable to trade between ports and will be unemployable and uninsurable, which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Increased inspection procedures and tighter import and export controls could increase costs and disrupt our business.
International shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin and destination and trans-shipment points. Inspection procedures may result in the seizure of contents of our vessels, delays in the loading, offloading, trans-shipment or delivery of cargo, and the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us.
It is possible that changes to inspection procedures could impose additional financial and legal obligations on us. Changes to inspection procedures could also impose additional costs and obligations on our customers and may, in certain cases, render the shipment of certain types of cargo uneconomical or impractical. Any such changes or developments may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The price of fuel, or bunkers, may affect our profits.
Despite the recent significant decline in the price of oil, since we primarily employ our vessels in the spot market or in spot market-oriented pools, we expect that fuel, or bunkers, will remain the largest expense in our shipping operations for our vessels. While we believe that we will experience a competitive advantage as a result of increased bunker prices due to the greater fuel efficiency of our vessels compared to the average global fleet, changes in the price of fuel may adversely affect our profitability. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns.
In addition, since the implementation of IMO 2020, we have been operating our vessels that have not yet been retrofitted with scrubbers using compliant low sulfur fuels, the price of which has increased as a result of increased demand. Fuel may become much more expensive in the future, which may reduce our profitability and the competitiveness of our business compared to other forms of transportation.
We operate drybulk vessels worldwide and as a result, our business has inherent operational risks, which may reduce our revenue or increase our expenses, and we may not be adequately covered by insurance.
The international shipping industry is an inherently risky business involving global operations. Our vessels and their cargoes are at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as marine disasters, bad weather, mechanical failures, human error, environmental accidents, war, terrorism, piracy and other circumstances or events. In addition, transporting cargoes across a wide variety of international jurisdictions creates a risk of business interruptions due to political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities, labor strikes and boycotts, the potential for changes in tax rates or policies, and the potential for government expropriation of our vessels. Any of these events may result in loss of revenues, increased costs and decreased cash flows to our customers, which could impair their ability to make payments to us under our charters.
Furthermore, the operation of certain vessel types, such as drybulk carriers, has certain unique risks. With a drybulk carrier, the cargo itself and its interaction with the vessel can be an operational risk. 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 vessel. Vessels damaged due to treatment during unloading procedures may be more susceptible to breach at sea. Hull breaches in drybulk carriers may lead to the flooding of the vessels’ 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 vessel’s bulkheads, leading to the loss of a vessel. If we are unable to adequately maintain our vessels, we may be unable to prevent these events. Any of these circumstances or events may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends on our common shares. In addition, the loss of any of our vessels could harm our reputation as a safe and reliable vessel owner and operator.
In the event of a casualty to a vessel or other catastrophic event, we will rely on our insurance to pay the insured value of the vessel or the damages incurred. We procure insurance for the vessels in our fleet against those risks that we believe the shipping industry commonly insures against. These insurances include marine hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes pollution risks and crew insurances, and war risk insurance. Currently, the amount of coverage for liability for pollution, spillage and leakage available to us on commercially reasonable terms through protection and indemnity associations and providers of excess coverage is $1.0 billion per vessel per occurrence.
We have procured hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage, and war risk insurance for our fleet. We do not maintain insurance against loss of hire for our vessels, which covers business interruptions that result from the loss of use of a vessel. We cannot assure you that we will be adequately insured against any or all risks, or that we will be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for our fleet in the future. For example, in the past more stringent environmental regulations have led to increased costs for, and in the future may result in the lack of availability of, insurance against risks of environmental damage or pollution. Additionally, our insurers may not pay particular claims, or may default on claims they are required to pay. Our insurance policies may contain deductibles for which we will be responsible and limitations and exclusions which may increase our costs or lower our revenue. Moreover, insurers may default on claims they are required to pay. Any significant loss or liability for which we are not insured could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Maritime claimants could arrest or attach one or more of our vessels, which could interrupt our cash flows.
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo, lenders, and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against a vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lien holder may enforce its lien by arresting or attaching a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt our cash flows and require us to pay large sums of money to have the arrest or attachment lifted. In addition, in some jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the “sister ship” theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both the vessel that is subject to the claimant’s maritime lien and any “associated” vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same owner. Claimants could attempt to assert “sister ship” liability against one vessel in our fleet for claims relating to another of our vessels.
Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and available cash.
A government could requisition one or more of our vessels for title or for hire. Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes its owner, while requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes its charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during periods of war or emergency, although governments may elect to requisition vessels in other circumstances. Although we would be entitled to compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our vessels, the amount and timing of payment would be uncertain. Government requisition of one or more of our vessels may negatively impact our revenues.
Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could result in fines, criminal penalties, contract terminations and an adverse effect on our business.
We operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which is consistent and in full compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or FCPA. We are subject, however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or our or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA. Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties and curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business. Furthermore, detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and can consume significant time and attention of our senior management.
COMPANY SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS
We cannot assure you that our available liquidity will be sufficient to meet our ongoing capital and operating needs.
For as long as we remain in the drybulk sector, we are exposed to the cyclicality and volatility of spot market charterhire rates, which have fluctuated, and may continue to fluctuate, significantly based upon available charters and the supply of and demand for seaborne shipping capacity. If charter rates available in the spot market are insufficient to enable our vessels to operate profitably it could adversely affect our available liquidity, profitability, cash flows, and financial results. Furthermore, a prolonged period of depressed charter rates or a significant decrease in charter rates may negatively impact our liquidity position and may cause our vessel values to decline, which could, among other things, affect our ability to comply with the financial covenants in our loan agreements. Please see “The fair market values of our vessels have declined and may decline further, which could limit the amount of funds that we can borrow, cause us to breach certain financial covenants in our credit facilities, or result in an impairment charge, and we may incur a loss if we sell vessels following a decline in their market value” and “We are leveraged, which could significantly limit our ability to execute our business strategy, and we may be unable to comply with our covenants in our credit facilities that impose operating and financial restrictions on us, which could result in a default under the terms of these agreements.”
We are subject to certain risks with respect to our counterparties on contracts, and failure of such counterparties to meet their obligations could cause us to suffer losses or negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
We have entered, and for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector may enter, into various contracts, including pooling arrangements, time charters, spot voyage charters, bareboat charters, shipbuilding contracts, scrubber installation contracts, credit facilities and other agreements. Such agreements subject us to counterparty risks. The ability and willingness of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the maritime and offshore industries, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, and various expenses. Should a counterparty fail to honor its obligations under agreements with us, we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, in depressed market conditions, our charterers may no longer need a vessel that is then under charter or may be able to obtain a comparable vessel at lower rates. As a result, charterers may seek to renegotiate the terms of their existing charter agreements or avoid their obligations under those contracts. If our charterers fail to meet their obligations to us or attempt to renegotiate our charter agreements, it may be difficult to secure substitute employment for such vessel, and any new charter arrangements we secure in the spot market or on time charters may be at lower rates given currently depressed drybulk carrier charter rate levels. As a result, we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as our ability to pay dividends on our common shares, and comply with covenants in our credit facilities.
We have been, and expect to continue to be, for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector, dependent on spot market-oriented pools and spot charters and currently low spot charter rates, or any further decrease in spot charter rates in the future will result in significant operating losses.
Most of our drybulk vessels are employed in either the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool or the Scorpio Ultramax Pool, which we refer to together as the Scorpio Pools. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we earned approximately 30% and 50% of our revenue from the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the Scorpio Ultramax Pool, respectively. The Scorpio Pools in which our drybulk vessels operate are spot market-oriented commercial pools managed by our commercial manager, which are exposed to fluctuations in spot market charter rates. The spot charter market may fluctuate significantly based upon drybulk carrier supply and demand. The successful operation of our drybulk vessels in the competitive spot charter market for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector, including within the Scorpio Pools, depends on, among other things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing, to the extent possible, time spent waiting for charters and time spent traveling unladen to pick up cargo. The spot market is very volatile, and, there have been periods when spot charter rates have declined below the operating cost of vessels. If future spot charter rates decline we may be unable to operate our vessels trading in the spot market profitably, meet our obligations, including payments on indebtedness, or pay dividends in the future. Furthermore, as charter rates for spot charters are fixed for a single voyage which may last up to several weeks, during periods in which spot charter rates are rising, we will generally experience delays in realizing the benefits from such increases.
Our ability to renew expiring charters or obtain new charters (insofar as we remain in the drybulk sector) will depend on the prevailing market conditions at the time. If we are not able to obtain new charters in direct continuation with previous charters, or if new charters are entered into at charter rates substantially below the existing charter rates or on terms otherwise less favorable compared to previous charter terms, our revenues and profitability could be adversely affected.
We cannot assure you that our Board of Directors will continue to declare dividends.
Our board of directors, or our Board of Directors, declared and we paid cash dividends of $0.35 per share in the aggregate during 2020. However, we cannot assure you that we will continue to declare dividends in the future. The declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will always be subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors, restrictions contained in our credit facilities and the requirements of Marshall Islands law. The timing and amount of any dividends declared will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition and cash requirements and availability, our ability to obtain debt and equity financing on acceptable terms as contemplated by our growth strategy, the terms of our outstanding indebtedness and the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us. We cannot predict with certainty the amount of cash, if any, that will be available for distribution as dividends in any period. Also, there may be a high degree of variability from period to period in the amount of cash that is available for the payment of dividends.
We may incur expenses or liabilities or be subject to other circumstances in the future that reduce or eliminate the amount of cash that we have available for distribution as dividends, including as a result of the risks described herein.
In general, under the terms of our existing agreements of indebtedness, we are not permitted to pay dividends if there is a default or a breach of a covenant thereunder. Please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” for more information relating to restrictions on our ability to pay dividends under the terms of our credit facilities.
The Republic of Marshall Islands laws generally prohibit the payment of dividends other than from surplus (retained earnings and the excess of consideration received for the sale of shares above the par value of the shares) or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such a dividend. We may not have sufficient surplus in the future to pay dividends and our subsidiaries may not have sufficient funds or surplus to make distributions to us. We can give no assurance that we will continue to declare dividends on our common shares in the future. Please see “Item 8. Financial Information-A. Consolidated Statements and other Financial Information-Dividend Policy.”
The aging of our drybulk fleet may result in increased operating costs for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector, which could adversely affect our earnings.
In general, the cost of maintaining a vessel in good operating condition increases with the age of the vessel. As our vessels age typically they will become less fuel-efficient and more costly to maintain than more recently constructed vessels due to improvements in engine technology. Cargo insurance rates increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers. Governmental regulations and safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may also require expenditures for alterations or the addition of new equipment to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which our vessels may engage. We cannot assure you that, for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector, as our vessels age, market conditions will justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.
For our remaining duration in the drybulk sector, technological innovation could reduce our charterhire income and the value of our vessels.
The charterhire rates and the value and operational life of a vessel are determined by a number of factors including the vessel’s efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life. Efficiency includes speed, fuel economy and the ability to load and discharge cargo quickly. Flexibility includes the ability to enter harbors, utilize related docking facilities and pass through canals and straits. The length of a vessel’s physical life is related to its original design and construction, its maintenance and the impact of the stress of operations. If new drybulk carriers are built that are more efficient or more flexible or have longer physical lives than our vessels, competition from these more technologically advanced vessels could adversely affect the amount of charterhire payments we receive for our vessels for our remaining duration in the drybulk sector once their initial charters expire and the resale value of our vessels could significantly decrease. As a result, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Breakdowns in our information technology, including as a result of cyberattacks, may negatively impact our business, including our ability to service customers, and may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Our ability to operate our business and service our customers is dependent on the continued operation of our information technology, or IT, systems, including our IT systems that relate to, among other things, the location, operation, maintenance and employment of our vessels. Our IT systems may be compromised by a malicious third party, man-made or natural events, or the intentional or inadvertent actions or inactions by our employees or third-party service providers. If our IT systems experience a breakdown, including as a result of cyberattacks, our business information may be lost, destroyed, disclosed, misappropriated, altered or accessed without consent, and our IT systems, or those of our service providers, may be disrupted.
Cybercrime attacks could cause disclosure and destruction of business databases and could expose the Company to extortion by making business data temporarily unreadable. As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, and as tools and resources become more readily available to malicious third parties, there can be no guarantee that our actions, security measures and controls designed to prevent, detect or respond to intrusion, to limit access to data, to prevent destruction or alteration of data or to limit the negative impact from such attacks, can provide absolute security against compromise.
Any breakdown in our IT systems, including breaches or other compromises of information security, whether or not involving a cyberattack, may lead to lost revenues resulting from a loss in competitive advantage due to the unauthorized disclosure, alteration, destruction or use of proprietary information, including intellectual property, the failure to retain or attract customers, the disruption of critical business processes or information technology systems and the diversion of management's attention and resources. In addition, such breakdown could result in significant remediation costs, including repairing system
damage, engaging third-party experts, deploying additional personnel, training employees and compensation or incentives offered to third parties whose data has been compromised. We may also be subject to legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations and actions, and the attendant legal fees as well as potential settlements, judgments and fines.
Even without actual breaches of information security, protection against increasingly sophisticated and prevalent cyberattacks may result in significant future prevention, detection, response and management costs, or other costs, including the deployment of additional cybersecurity technologies, engaging third-party experts, deploying additional personnel and training employees. Further, as cyberthreats are continually evolving, our controls and procedures may become inadequate, and we may be required to devote additional resources to modify or enhance our systems in the future. Such expenses could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
In the highly competitive international shipping industry, we may not be able to compete for charters with new entrants or established companies with greater resources, and as a result, we may be unable to employ our vessels profitably, insofar as we remain in the drybulk sector.
Our vessels are employed in a highly competitive market that is capital intensive and highly fragmented. Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners, some of whom have substantially greater resources than we do. Competition for the transportation of drybulk cargo by sea is intense and depends on price, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the vessel and its operators to the charterers. Due in part to the highly fragmented market, competitors with greater resources could enter the drybulk shipping industry and operate larger fleets through consolidations or acquisitions and may be able to offer lower charter rates and higher quality vessels than we are able to offer. If we are unable to successfully compete with other drybulk shipping companies insofar as we remain in the drybulk sector, our results of operations would be adversely impacted.
We may be subject to litigation that, if not resolved in our favor and not sufficiently insured against, could have a material adverse effect on us.
We may be, from time to time, involved in various litigation matters. These matters may include, among other things, contract disputes, personal injury claims, environmental claims or proceedings, asbestos and other toxic tort claims, employment matters, governmental claims for taxes or duties, and other litigation that arises in the ordinary course of our business. Although we intend to defend these matters vigorously, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any claim or other litigation matter, and the ultimate outcome of any litigation or the potential costs to resolve them may have a material adverse effect on us. Insurance may not be applicable or sufficient in all cases and/or insurers may not remain solvent which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
We are a holding company, and we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial obligations and to make dividend payments.
We are a holding company and our subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and own or lease all of our operating assets. We have no significant assets other than the equity interests in our subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to satisfy our financial obligations and to pay dividends to our shareholders depends on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. If we are unable to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, our Board of Directors may exercise its discretion not to declare dividends.
Our costs of operating as a public company are significant, and our management is required to devote substantial time to complying with public company regulations. We cannot assure you that our internal controls and procedures over financial reporting will be sufficient.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the other rules and regulations of the SEC, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and as such, we will have significant legal, accounting and other expenses. These reporting obligations impose various requirements on public companies, including changes in corporate governance practices, and these requirements may continue to evolve. We and our management personnel, and other personnel, if any, need to devote a substantial amount of time to comply with these requirements. Moreover, these rules and regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain and periodically evaluate our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, we need to perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management and our independent registered public accounting firm to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If we have a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting, we may not detect errors on a timely basis and our financial statements may be materially misstated. We dedicate a significant amount of time and resources and incur substantial accounting expenses to ensure compliance with these regulatory requirements. We will continue to evaluate areas such as corporate governance, corporate control, internal audit, disclosure controls and procedures and financial reporting and accounting systems. We will make changes in any of these and other areas, including our internal control over financial reporting, which we believe are necessary. However, these and other measures we may take may not be sufficient to allow us to satisfy our obligations as a public company on a timely and reliable basis.
Because we are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands, it may be difficult to serve us with legal process or enforce judgments against us, our directors or our management.
We are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands, and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, the majority of our directors and officers are non-residents of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non-residents are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for someone to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States if they believe that their rights have been infringed under securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Marshall Islands and of other jurisdictions may prevent or restrict them from enforcing a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors or officers.
The international nature of our operations may make the outcome of any bankruptcy proceedings difficult to predict.
We are incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and we conduct operations in countries around the world. Consequently, in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding involving us or any of our subsidiaries, bankruptcy laws other than those of the United States could apply. If we become a debtor under U.S. bankruptcy law, bankruptcy courts in the United States may seek to assert jurisdiction over all of our assets, wherever located, including property situated in other countries. There can be no assurance, however, that we would become a debtor in the United States, or that a U.S. bankruptcy court would be entitled to, or accept, jurisdiction over such a bankruptcy case, or that courts in other countries that have jurisdiction over us and our operations would recognize a U.S. bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction if any other bankruptcy court would determine it had jurisdiction.
We may have to pay tax on U.S. source income, which would reduce our earnings and cash flow.
Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation, such as ourselves and our subsidiaries, that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States is characterized as U.S. source shipping income and such income is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for any deductions, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder.
We believe that we qualify for this statutory exemption for our 2020 taxable year and we expect to so qualify for our subsequent taxable years. However, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause us to lose the benefit of this tax exemption and thereby cause us to become subject to U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. source shipping income. For example, there is a risk that we could no longer qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code for a particular taxable year if “non-qualified” shareholders with a five percent or greater interest in our stock were, in combination with each other, to own 50% or more of the outstanding shares of our stock on more than half the days during the taxable year. Due to the factual nature of the issues involved, we can give no assurances on our tax-exempt status or that of any of our subsidiaries.
If we are not entitled to this exemption under Section 883 of the Code for any taxable year, we would be subject for such taxable year to a 4% U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. source shipping income on a gross basis. The imposition of this taxation could have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings and cash available for distribution to our shareholders.
U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company,” which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to our U.S. shareholders.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for U.S. 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,” including cash. 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 to third parties does not constitute “passive income.” U.S. shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. 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.
For our 2020 taxable year and subsequent taxable years, whether we will be treated as a PFIC will depend upon the nature and extent of our operations. In this regard, we intend to treat the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering activities as services income, rather than rental income. Accordingly, we believe that our income from our time chartering activities does not constitute “passive income,” and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the production of that income do not constitute passive assets. There is, however, no direct legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our method of operation. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, or a court of law will accept our position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we would not constitute a PFIC for any taxable year if there were to be changes in the nature and extent of our operations.
If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, our U.S. shareholders may face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and information reporting obligations. Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders made an election available under the Code (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such shareholders), such shareholders would be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax upon excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of our common shares at the then prevailing income tax rates applicable to ordinary income plus interest as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the shareholder’s holding period of our common shares. See “Item 10. Additional Information - E. Taxation - U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations - U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders - Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences” for a more comprehensive discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of our common shares if we are or were to be treated as a PFIC.
We rely on our information systems to conduct our business, and failure to protect these systems against security breaches could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, if these systems fail or become unavailable for any significant period of time, our business could be harmed.
The efficient operation of our business, including processing, transmitting and storing electronic and financial information, is dependent on computer hardware and software systems. Information systems are vulnerable to security breaches by computer hackers and cyber terrorists. We rely on industry accepted security measures and technology to securely maintain confidential and proprietary information maintained on our information systems. However, these measures and technology may not adequately prevent security breaches. In addition, the unavailability of the information systems or the failure of these systems to perform as anticipated for any reason could disrupt our business and could result in decreased performance and increased operating costs, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. Any significant interruption or failure of our information systems or any significant breach of security could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR TRANSITION FROM THE DRYBULK INDUSTRY
Our planned transition from the drybulk shipping sector to the offshore energy sector entails significant risks and uncertainties, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the transition.
On August 3, 2020, we announced our intention to transition away from the business of drybulk commodity transportation and towards marine-based renewable energy including investing in the next generation of wind turbine installation vessels. We intend to sell or have commitments to sell our remaining wholly-owned or finance leased drybulk vessels during the first quarter of 2021. Our planned transition from the drybulk shipping sector to the offshore energy sector entails significant risks and uncertainties, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the transition, including the sale of our remaining drybulk fleet, or manage the transition successfully and in a timely manner. If we do not complete the transition, or if we fail to manage the transition successfully and in a timely manner, our revenues, business and operating results may be materially or adversely affected. Moreover, we may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of the transition, even if we successfully complete the transition. Transitioning to the offshore energy sector also means that our historical results will not be indicative of our future results, and further, there may be a period of time for which we have no operations, and thus, no operating revenue.
Past performance by our management team may not be indicative of future performance.
Members of our senior management, who have experience operating tanker, drybulk and other classes of vessels, do not have experience in the offshore energy sector. We believe that the experience of our senior management in the ownership
and operation of tanker and drybulk vessels, which require significant technical expertise to operate and are subject to heightened regulatory oversight and rigorous vetting procedures from charterers, provides our management team with the expertise and qualifications to operate in the offshore energy sector, however, we cannot assure you that they will be able to successfully operate our business following the transition.
Past performance by our management team is not a guarantee of success with respect to our transition into the offshore energy sector. You should not rely on the historical record of our management team as indicative of our future performance.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH SCORPIO AND ITS AFFILIATES
We are dependent on our managers and their ability to hire and retain key personnel, and there may be conflicts of interest between us and our managers that may not be resolved in our favor.
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and efforts of our technical manager, Scorpio Ship Management S.A.M., or SSM, our commercial manager, Scorpio Commercial Management, or SCM, and our management team and upon our and our managers’ ability to hire and retain key members of our and their management teams, respectively. The loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition. Difficulty in hiring and retaining personnel could adversely affect our results of operations. We do not maintain “key man” life insurance on any of our officers.
Our technical and commercial managers are affiliates of Scorpio, which is owned and controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family, of which our co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emanuele Lauro, and our Vice President, Mr. Filippo Lauro, are members. Conflicts of interest may arise between us, on the one hand, and our commercial and technical managers, on the other hand. These conflicts may arise in connection with the chartering, purchase, sale and operation of the vessels in our fleet versus vessels managed by other companies affiliated with our commercial or technical managers. In particular, as of the date of this annual report, our commercial and technical managers, which are operated by entities affiliated with Scorpio, provide commercial and technical management services to approximately 180 and 150 vessels, respectively, in addition to vessels in our fleet, and our commercial and technical managers may operate additional vessels that will compete with our vessels. Such conflicts may have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, certain members of Scorpio may benefit from economies of scale, all of which may not be passed along to us.
Our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Secretary do not devote all of their time to our business, which may hinder our ability to operate successfully.
Our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Secretary participate in business activities not associated with us, some of whom serve as members of the management teams of Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE: STNG), or Scorpio Tankers, and Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. (OTC: HOFSQ) (formerly Nordic American Offshore Ltd.), or Hermitage, and are not required to work full-time on our affairs. We expect that each of our executive officers will continue to devote a substantial portion of their business time to the management of the Company. Additionally, our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President and Secretary serve in similar positions in other entities within Scorpio. As a result, such executive officers may devote less time to us than if they were not engaged in other business activities and may owe fiduciary duties to both our shareholders as well as shareholders of other companies which they may be affiliated with, including Scorpio Tankers, Hermitage and Scorpio. This may create conflicts of interest in matters involving or affecting us and our customers and it is not certain that any of these conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our commercial and technical managers are each privately held companies and there is little or no publicly available information about them.
Our vessels have been commercially managed by SCM and technically managed by SSM. SCM’s and SSM’s ability to render management services will depend in part on their own financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair our commercial manager’s or technical manager’s financial strength, and because each is a privately held company, information about the financial strength of our commercial manager and technical manager is not available. As a result, we and our shareholders might have little or no advance warning of financial or other problems affecting our commercial manager or technical manager even though their financial or other problems could have a material adverse effect on us.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDEBTEDNESS
Servicing our current or future indebtedness limits funds available for other purposes and if we cannot service our debt, we may lose our vessels.
Borrowing under our credit facilities requires us to dedicate a part of our cash flow from operations to paying interest on our indebtedness under such facilities. These payments limit funds available for working capital, capital expenditures and other purposes, including further equity or debt financing in the future. Amounts borrowed under our credit facilities bear interest at variable rates. Increases in prevailing rates could increase the amounts that we would have to pay to our lenders, even though the outstanding principal amount remains the same, and our net income and cash flows would decrease. We expect our earnings and cash flow to vary from year to year due to the cyclical nature of the drybulk carrier industry. If we do not generate or reserve enough cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as:
•seeking to raise additional capital;
•refinancing or restructuring our debt;
•selling drybulk carriers; or
•reducing or delaying capital investments.
However, these alternative financing plans, if necessary, may not be sufficient to allow us to meet our debt obligations. If we are unable to meet our debt obligations or if some other default occurs under our credit facilities, our lenders could elect to declare that debt, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable and proceed against the collateral vessels securing that debt.
We are exposed to volatility in the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, which can result in higher than market interest rates and charges against our income.
The loans under our secured credit facilities are generally advanced at a floating rate based on LIBOR, which has been stable, but was volatile in prior years, which can affect the amount of interest payable on our debt, and which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our earnings and cash flow. Recently, however, there has been uncertainty relating to the LIBOR calculation process which may result in the phasing out of LIBOR in the future. Indeed, the banks currently reporting information used to set LIBOR will likely stop such reporting after 2021, when their commitment to reporting information ends. On November 30, 2020, ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), the administrator of LIBOR, with the support of the United States Federal Reserve and the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, announced plans to consult on ceasing publication of U.S. Dollar LIBOR on December 31, 2021 for only the one-week and two-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR tenors, and on June 30, 2023 for all other U.S. Dollar LIBOR tenors. The United States Federal Reserve concurrently issued a statement advising banks to stop new U.S. Dollar LIBOR issuances by the end of 2021. Such announcements indicate that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis will not be guaranteed after 2021.
In the event of the continued or permanent unavailability of LIBOR, many of our financing agreements contain a provision requiring or permitting us to enter into negotiations with our lenders to agree to an alternative interest rate or an alternative basis for determining the interest rate. These clauses present significant uncertainties as to how alternative rates or alternative bases for determination of rates would be agreed upon, as well as the potential for disputes or litigation with our lenders regarding the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of any substitute indices. In the absence of an agreement between us and our lenders, most of our financing agreements provide that LIBOR would be replaced with some variation of the lenders’ cost-of-funds rate. The discontinuation of LIBOR presents a number of risks to our business, including volatility in applicable interest rates among our financing agreements, increased lending costs for future financing agreements or unavailability of or difficulty in attaining financing, which could in turn have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings and cash flow.
Please see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk.”
We are leveraged, which could significantly limit our ability to execute our business strategy and we may be unable to comply with our covenants in our credit facilities that impose operating and financial restrictions on us, which could result in a default under the terms of these agreements.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $561.2 million of outstanding indebtedness under our credit facilities and other financing obligations.
Our credit facilities impose operating and financial restrictions on us, that limit our ability, or the ability of our subsidiaries party thereto, to:
•pay dividends and make capital expenditures if we do not repay amounts drawn under our credit facilities or if there is another default under our credit facilities;
•incur additional indebtedness, including the issuance of guarantees;
•create liens on our assets;
•change the flag, class or management of our vessels or terminate or materially amend the management agreement relating to each vessel;
•sell our vessels;
•merge or consolidate with, or transfer all or substantially all our assets to, another person; and/or
•enter into a new line of business.
Therefore, we may need to seek permission from our lenders in order to engage in some corporate actions. Our lenders’ interests may be different from ours and we may not be able to obtain our lenders’ permission when needed. This may limit our ability to pay dividends on our common shares, finance our future operations or capital requirements, make acquisitions or pursue business opportunities.
In addition, our secured credit facilities require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial covenants, including ratios and covenants based on the market value of the vessels in our fleet. Should our charter rates or vessel values materially decline in the future, we may seek to obtain waivers or amendments from our lenders with respect to such financial ratios and covenants, or we may be required to take action to reduce our debt or to act in a manner contrary to our business objectives to meet any such financial ratios and satisfy any such financial covenants.
Events beyond our control, including changes in the economic and business conditions in the shipping markets in which we operate, may affect our ability to comply with these covenants. We cannot assure you that we will meet these ratios or satisfy these covenants or that our lenders will waive any failure to do so or amend these requirements. A breach of any of the covenants in, or our inability to maintain the required financial ratios under, our credit facilities would prevent us from borrowing additional money under our credit facilities and could result in a default under our credit facilities. If a default occurs under our credit facilities, the lenders could elect to declare the outstanding debt, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable and foreclose on the collateral securing that debt, which could constitute all or substantially all of our assets. Moreover, in connection with any waivers or amendments to our credit facilities that we may obtain, our lenders may impose additional operating and financial restrictions on us or modify the terms of our existing credit facilities. These restrictions may further restrict our ability to, among other things, pay dividends, repurchase our common shares, make capital expenditures, or incur additional indebtedness.
Furthermore, our debt agreements contain cross-default provisions that may be triggered if we default under the terms of any one of our financing agreements. In the event of default by us under one of our debt agreements, the lenders under our other debt agreements could determine that we are in default under such other financing agreements. Such cross defaults could result in the acceleration of the maturity of such debt under these agreements and the lenders thereunder may foreclose upon any collateral securing that debt, including our vessels, even if we were to subsequently cure such default. In addition, our credit facilities and finance leases contain subjective acceleration clauses under which the debt could become due and payable in the event of a material adverse change in our business. In the event of such acceleration or foreclosure, we might not have sufficient funds or other assets to satisfy all of our obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Please see “Item 5. Operating Financial Review and Prospects-B. Liquidity and Capital Resources-Credit Facilities and Financing Obligations.”
RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMMON SHARES
We are incorporated in the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or the BCA. The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, there have been few judicial cases in the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the laws of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in the United States. The rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in the Marshall Islands may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in the United States. While the BCA provides that it is to be interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, there have been few, if any, court cases interpreting the BCA in the Marshall Islands and we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as U.S. courts. Thus, you may have more difficulty in protecting your interests in the face of actions by the
management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction which has developed a relatively more substantial body of case law.
The market price of our common shares has fluctuated widely and may fluctuate widely in the future, or there may be no continuing public market for you to resell our common shares.
The market price of our common shares has fluctuated widely since our common shares began trading on the NYSE in December 2013, and may continue to do so as a result of many factors such as actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results and those of other public companies in our industry, mergers and strategic alliances in the shipping industry, market conditions in the shipping industry, changes in government regulation, shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts, announcements concerning us or our competitors, our planned transition from the drybulk shipping sector to the offshore energy sector, and the general state of the securities market. Further, there may be no continuing active or liquid public market for our common shares.
The market for common shares has historically been, and may continue to be in the future, volatile. Therefore, we cannot assure you that you will be able to sell any of our common shares you may have purchased at a price greater than or equal to its original purchase price, or that you will be able to sell them at all.
Future sales of our common shares could cause the market price of our common shares to decline.
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorize us to issue 31.9 million common shares, of which we had issued and outstanding approximately 11.3 million common shares as of December 31, 2020. Sales of a substantial number of common shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, may depress the market price for our common shares. These sales could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities in the future. We intend to issue additional common shares in the future. Our shareholders may incur dilution from any future equity offering and upon the issuance of additional common shares upon the exercise of options we may grant to certain of our executive officers, or upon the issuance of additional common shares pursuant to our equity incentive plan.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a merger or acquisition, or could make it difficult for our shareholders to replace or remove our current Board of Directors, which could adversely affect the market price of our common shares.
Several provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws could make it difficult for our shareholders to change the composition of our Board of Directors in any one year, preventing them from changing the composition of management. In addition, the same provisions may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that shareholders may consider favorable. These provisions include:
•authorizing our Board of Directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock without shareholder approval;
•providing for a classified Board of Directors with staggered, three-year terms;
•establishing certain advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by shareholders at shareholder meetings;
•prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
•limiting the persons who may call special meetings of shareholders;
•authorizing the removal of directors only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares entitled to vote for the directors; and
•establishing super majority voting provisions with respect to amendments to certain provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws.
These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, may adversely affect the market price of our common shares and shareholders’ ability to realize any potential change of control premium.
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ITEM 4. | INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY |
A.History and Development of the Company
Eneti Inc. (formerly Scorpio Bulkers Inc.) is an international shipping company that was incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands pursuant to the BCA on March 20, 2013. Our common shares have been listed for trading on the New
York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “SALT” since December 12, 2013. Effective February 8, 2021, our common shares began trading on the NYSE under the symbol “NETI”.
On August 3, 2020, we announced our intention to transition away from the business of drybulk commodity transportation and towards marine-based renewable energy including investing in the next generation of wind turbine installation vessels. We intend to sell or have commitments to sell our remaining wholly-owned or finance leased drybulk vessels during the first quarter of 2021.
Our principal executive offices are located at 9, Boulevard Charles III, Monaco 98000 and our telephone number at that location is +377-9798-5715. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC's Internet site is http://www.sec.gov. The address of the Company's Internet site is http://www.eneti-inc.com/. None of the information contained on these websites is incorporated into or forms a part of this annual report.
Recent and Other Developments
Drybulk Exit
During December 2020, our Board of Directors authorized, as part of our transition to a sustainable future, the sale of our remaining drybulk vessels and exit of the drybulk sector during 2021. As a result of this decision and the sale of vessels, we recorded a write-down on our assets of $478.4 million during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 to bring the carrying value of the assets held for sale to their fair value less selling costs. We also wrote off $2.7 million of deferred financing costs during the fourth quarter of 2020 related to repaid debt on vessels sold and expect further write-offs in 2021 as debt is repaid.
Vessel Sales
In January 2021, we entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Lynx, a Kamsarmax bulk carrier built in 2018, for approximately $22.25 million. Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2021.
In January 2021, we entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Libra, an Ultramax bulk carrier built in 2017, for approximately $18.65 million. Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2021.
In January 2021, we entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Leo and SBI Lyra, Ultramax bulk carriers built in 2015, for approximately $35 million in aggregate. Delivery of the vessels is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2021.
In January 2021, we entered into an agreement with Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), or Eagle Bulk, to sell the SBI Virgo, an Ultramax bulk carrier built in 2017, for $15 million of cash and a warrant for 212,315 common shares of Eagle Bulk. The warrant, subject to its terms and conditions, is exercisable at an exercise price of $0.01 per share upon the later to occur of (i) the date we deliver the vessel to Eagle Bulk, and (ii) the effectiveness of the registration statement to be filed by Eagle Bulk. Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2021.
In February 2021, we entered into an agreement with Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (Nasdaq:SBLK) (“Star Bulk”) to sell the SBI Pegasus, SBI Subaru and SBI Ursa, Ultramax bulk carriers built in 2015, SBI Capoeira and SBI Carioca, Kamsarmax bulk carriers built in 2015, and SBI Lambada and SBI Macarena, Kamsarmax bulk carriers built in 2016, for the aggregate consideration of three million common shares in Star Bulk (the “consideration shares”), which will be issued upon our exercise of a warrant. The warrant, subject to its terms and conditions, may be exercised at an exercise price of $0.01 per share in connection with the delivery date of each vessel, such that the applicable portion of the consideration shares will be issued to us at each such delivery date. As part of the transaction, which is expected to close within the first and second quarters of 2021, existing lease finance arrangements amounting to approximately $99.6 million will be assumed by Star Bulk. The sales are subject to the execution of definitive documentation.
In February 2021, we entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Thalia and SBI Athena, Ultramax bulk carriers built in China in 2015, and SBI Perseus, SBI Pisces and SBI Hercules, Ultramax bulk carriers built in China in 2016, for approximately $88 million. The transaction remains subject to definitive documentation and delivery of the vessels is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2021.
In February 2021, we entered into agreements with unaffiliated third parties to sell the SBI Cronos, an Ultramax bulk carrier built in 2015, and SBI Achilles, an Ultramax bulk carrier built in 2016, for approximately $39.75 million in the aggregate. Delivery of the vessels is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2021.
Since January 1, 2021, we completed the previously announced sales of the SBI Gemini, SBI Poseidon, SBI Apollo, SBI Tethys, SBI Reggae, SBI Aries, SBI Hydra and SBI Parapara.
IMO 2020
In February 2021, in connection with our drybulk exit, we reached an agreement with our counterparty to cancel the purchase of scrubbers on thirteen of our vessels at a cost of approximately $7.2 million.
Quarterly Cash Dividend
In the fourth quarter of 2020, our Board of Directors declared and we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share totaling approximately $0.6 million.
On January 29, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on or about March 12, 2021, to all shareholders of record as of February 12, 2021. As of February 12, 2021, 11,269,473 shares were outstanding.
Share Repurchase Program
During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock, at an average cost of $15.52 per share. The Company subsequently repurchased approximately 41,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average cost of $16.96 per share from January 1, 2021 through February 1, 2021. These repurchases, totaling $17.4 million, were made under the Board of Directors authorized share repurchase program and funded from available cash resources. As of March 8, 2021, the Company had $32.6 million authorized remaining available under the authorized share repurchase program.
B.Business Overview
We are an international shipping company that, since our inception, has owned and operated the latest generation of newbuilding drybulk carriers with fuel-efficient specifications and carrying capacities of greater than 30,000 dwt. All of our owned vessels have carrying capacities of greater than 60,000 dwt. Our drybulk vessels transport a broad range of major and minor bulk commodities, including ores, coal, grains, and fertilizers, along worldwide shipping routes, and are employed primarily in the spot market or in spot market-oriented pools of similarly sized vessels. As of the date of this annual report, our operating fleet of 38 vessels consisted of 33 wholly-owned or finance leased drybulk vessels and five time chartered-in drybulk vessels, which we refer to collectively as our “Operating Fleet” (see below table for details), with a total carrying capacity of approximately 2.3 million dwt. As referenced above, on August 3, 2020, we announced our intention to transition away from the business of drybulk commodity transportation and towards marine-based renewable energy including investing in the next generation of wind turbine installation vessels. We intend to sell or have commitments to sell our remaining wholly-owned or finance leased drybulk vessels during the first quarter of 2021. Please see “Item 3. Key Information - D. Risk Factors - Risks Related to our Transition from the Drybulk Industry.”
Our Fleet
The following tables set forth certain summary information regarding our Operating Fleet as of the date of this annual report:
Operating Fleet
Owned and Finance Leased Fleet *
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vessel Name | | Year Built | | DWT | | |
Kamsarmax Vessels | | | | | | |
SBI Samba | | 2015 | | 84,000 | | | |
SBI Rumba | | 2015 | | 84,000 | | | |
SBI Capoeira ** | | 2015 | | 82,000 | | | |
SBI Carioca ** | | 2015 | | 82,000 | | | |
SBI Lambada ** | | 2016 | | 82,000 | | | |
SBI Zumba ** | | 2016 | | 82,000 | | | |
SBI Macarena ** | | 2016 | | 82,000 | | | |
SBI Mazurka ** | | 2017 | | 82,000 | | | |
SBI Swing ** | | 2017 | | 82,000 | | | |
SBI Jive ** | | 2017 | | 82,000 | | | |
SBI Lynx ** | | 2018 | | 82,000 | | | |
Total Kamsarmax | | | | 906,000 | | | |
Ultramax Vessels | | | | | | |
SBI Antares ** | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Athena ** | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | |
SBI Bravo ** | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Leo ** | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Echo | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Lyra ** | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Tango | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Maia ** | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Subaru ** | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Pegasus ** | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | |
SBI Ursa ** | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Thalia ** | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | |
SBI Cronos ** | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Orion ** | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | |
SBI Achilles ** | | 2016 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Hercules ** | | 2016 | | 64,000 | | | |
SBI Perseus ** | | 2016 | | 64,000 | | | |
SBI Hermes | | 2016 | | 61,000 | | | |
SBI Phoebe ** | | 2016 | | 64,000 | | | |
SBI Libra ** | | 2017 | | 64,000 | | | |
SBI Pisces ** | | 2016 | | 64,000 | | | |
SBI Virgo ** | | 2017 | | 64,000 | | | |
Total Ultramax | | | | 1,372,000 | | | |
Aggregate Owned and Finance Leased DWT | | 2,278,000 | | | |
* Our vessels are flagged in the Republic of the Marshall Islands or Liberia
** Agreed to be sold.
Time chartered-in vessels
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vessel Name | | | | Year Built | | DWT | | Where Built | | Daily Base Rate | | Earliest Expiry |
CL Taizhou | | | | 2019 | | 81,100 | | | China | | Variable | | 10-Mar-21 | | (1) |
CL Zhenjiang | | | | 2019 | | 81,100 | | | China | | Variable | | 7-Apr-21 | | (2) |
Yangze 11 | | | | 2018 | | 82,000 | | | China | | $ | 12,500 | | | 25-June-21 | | (3) |
CL Suzhou | | | | 2018 | | 81,100 | | | China | | Variable | | 13-Jul-21 | | (4) |
CL Yangzhou | | | | 2015 | | 81,100 | | | China | | Variable | | 22-Jul-21 | | (5) |
Aggregate Time Chartered-in DWT | 406,400 | | | | | | | | | |
1.This vessel has been time chartered-in for 24 to 27 months at the Company’s option at 118% of the BPI. The vessel was delivered to the Company in March 2019.
2.This vessel has been time chartered-in for 24 to 27 months at the Company’s option at 118% of the BPI. The vessel was delivered to the Company in May 2019.
3.This vessel is time chartered-in for 24 months at $12,000 per day for the first twelve months and at $12,500 per day for the second twelve months. The Company has the option to extend this time charter for 12 months at $13,000 per day and an additional 12 months at $14,500 per day. The vessel was delivered to the Company in July 2019.
4.This vessel has been time chartered-in for 24 to 27 months at the Company’s option at 118% of the BPI. The vessel was delivered to the Company in July 2019.
5.This vessel has been time chartered-in for 24 to 27 months at the Company’s option at 118% of the BPI. The vessel was delivered to the Company in August 2019.
Employment of Our Drybulk Fleet
We typically operate our drybulk vessels in spot market-oriented commercial pools, in the spot market or, under certain circumstances, on time charters.
Spot Market-Oriented Commercial Pools
To increase vessel utilization and thereby revenues, we participate in commercial pools with other shipowners with similar modern, well-maintained vessels. By operating a large number of vessels as an integrated transportation system, commercial pools offer customers greater flexibility and a higher level of service while achieving scheduling efficiencies. Pools employ experienced commercial managers and operators who have close working relationships with customers and brokers, while technical management is performed by each shipowner. The managers of the pools negotiate charters with customers primarily in the spot market but may also arrange time charter agreements. The size and scope of these pools enable them to enhance vessel utilization rates for pool vessels by securing backhaul voyages, which is when cargo is transported on the return leg of a journey, and contracts of affreightment, or COAs, thus generating higher effective time charter equivalent, or TCE, revenues than otherwise might be obtainable in the spot market, while providing a higher level of service offerings to customers.
As of the date of this annual report, certain of the vessels in our Operating Fleet are employed in one of the Scorpio Pools, which are spot market-oriented commercial pools managed by our commercial manager, which exposes us to fluctuations in spot market charter rates. Our vessels participate in the Scorpio Pools under the same contractual terms and conditions as the third party vessels in the pool. Each pool aggregates the revenues and expenses of all of the pool participants and distributes the net earnings calculated on (i) the number of pool points for the vessel, which are based on vessel attributes such as cargo carrying capacity, fuel consumption, and construction characteristics, and (ii) the number of days the vessel operated in the period. SCM, a Monaco corporation controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family of which our co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is a member, as is our Vice President, is responsible for the administration of the pool and the commercial management of the participating vessels, including marketing the pool, negotiating charters, including voyage charters, short duration time charters and COAs, conducting pool operations, including the distribution of pool cash earnings, and managing bunker (fuel oil) purchases, port charges and administrative services for the vessels. SCM, as operator of the Scorpio Pools, charges $300 a day for each vessel, whether owned by us or chartered-in, plus a 1.75% commission on the gross revenues per charter fixture. See “-Management of our Vessels” below.
The pool participants remain responsible for all other costs including the financing, insurance, manning and technical management of their vessels. The earnings of all of the vessels are aggregated and divided according to the relative performance capabilities of the vessel and the actual earning days each vessel is available.
Spot Market
A spot market voyage charter is generally a contract to carry a specific cargo from a load port to a discharge port for an agreed freight per ton of cargo or a specified total amount. Under spot market voyage charters, we pay specific voyage expenses such as port, canal and bunker costs. Spot charter rates are volatile and fluctuate on a seasonal and year-to-year basis.
Fluctuations derive from imbalances in the availability of cargoes for shipment and the number of vessels available at any given time to transport these cargoes. Vessels operating in the spot market generate revenue that is less predictable than those under time charters, but may enable us to capture increased profit margins during periods of improvements in drybulk vessel charter rates. Downturns in the drybulk industry would result in a reduction in profit margins.
Time Charters
Time charters give us a fixed and stable cash flow for a known period of time. Time charters also mitigate in part the volatility and seasonality of the spot market business, which is generally weaker in the second and third quarters of the year. We opportunistically employ vessels under time charter contracts. We may also enter into time charter contracts with profit sharing agreements, which enable us to benefit when the spot market rates increase.
Management of Our Vessels
Set forth below is a description of the other material terms of the Master Agreement and the Administrative Services Agreement. Please also see Note 14, Related Party Transactions, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information.
Commercial and Technical Management - Master Agreement
Our vessels have been commercially managed by SCM and technically managed by SSM pursuant to the Master Agreement, which may be terminated by either party upon 24 months’ notice, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms. In the event of the sale of one or more vessels, a notice period of three months’ and a payment equal to three months of management fees will apply, provided that the termination does not amount to a change of control, including a sale of all or substantially all vessels, in which case a payment equal to 24 months of management fees will apply as was the case in the fourth quarter of 2020, when our Board of Directors authorized us, as part of our transition to a sustainable future, to sell our remaining drybulk vessels and exit the drybulk sector during 2021. The fee was considered as part of our assessment of the fair value less cost to sell of our remaining fleet, and is therefore included in the captions “Loss/write-down on assets held for sale – related party” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, and “Assets held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
SCM’s commercial management services have included securing employment for our vessels in the spot market or on time charters. SCM has also managed the Scorpio Pools (spot market-oriented vessel pools) including the Scorpio Ultramax Pool, the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the currently inactive Scorpio Capesize Pool in which most of our owned, finance leased and time chartered-in vessels are employed and from which a significant portion of our revenue is generated. For commercial management of any of our vessels that does not operate in one of these pools, we pay SCM a daily fee of $300 per vessel, plus a 1.75% commission on the gross revenues per charter fixture. The Scorpio Ultramax Pool and Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool participants, including us and third-party owners of similar vessels, pay SCM a pool management fee of $300 per vessel per day, plus a 1.75% commission on the gross revenues per charter fixture.
SSM’s technical management services have included providing technical support, such as arranging the hiring of qualified officers and crew, supervising the maintenance and performance of vessels, purchasing supplies, spare parts and new equipment, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, and monitoring regulatory and classification society compliance and customer standards. We pay SSM an annual fee of $160,000 plus charges for certain itemized services per vessel to provide technical management services for each of our owned or finance leased vessels. In addition, representatives of SSM, including certain subcontractors, previously provided us with construction supervisory services while our vessels were being constructed in shipyards. For these services, we compensated SSM for its direct expenses, which varied between $200,000 and $500,000 per vessel. Please see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Commercial and Technical Management Agreements” for additional information.
Administrative Services Agreement
We entered into the Administrative Services Agreement with Scorpio Services Holding Limited, or SSH, for the provision of administrative staff, office space and accounting, legal compliance, financial and information technology services, for which we reimburse SSH for the direct and indirect expenses incurred while providing such services, as well as arranging vessel sales and purchases for us, including newbuildings.
In addition, SSH has agreed with the Company not to own any drybulk carriers greater than 30,000 dwt for so long as the Administrative Services Agreement is in full force and effect. The Administrative Services Agreement may be terminated by SSH upon 12 months’ notice or by the Company upon 24 months’ notice.
The services provided to the Company by SSH under the Administrative Services Agreement may be sub-contracted to other entities within Scorpio.
Our Customers
We believe that developing strong relationships with the end users of our services allows us to better satisfy their needs with appropriate and capable vessels. Most of our vessels are employed in Scorpio Pools, which are spot market-oriented commercial pools managed by our commercial manager, SCM. A prospective charterer’s financial condition, creditworthiness, reliability and track record are important factors in negotiating our vessels’ employment, which SCM evaluates on our behalf. We earned 30% and 50% of our revenue from the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the Scorpio Ultramax Pool, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2020, 31% and 60% of our revenue from the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the Scorpio Ultramax Pool, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2019, and 36% and 64% of our revenue (including
commissions from SCM) from the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the Scorpio Ultramax Pool, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Seasonality
We operate our drybulk vessels in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, as a result, in charterhire rates. This seasonality may result in quarter to quarter volatility in our operating results. The drybulk carrier market is typically stronger in the fall and winter months in anticipation of increased consumption of coal and other raw materials in the northern hemisphere during the winter months. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns in these months may disrupt vessel scheduling and supplies of certain commodities. As a result, revenues of drybulk carrier operators in general have historically been weaker during the fiscal quarters ended June 30 and September 30, and, conversely, been stronger in fiscal quarters ended December 31 and March 31. This seasonality may materially affect our operating results and cash available for the payment of dividends.
Competition
We operate in markets that are highly competitive and based primarily on supply and demand. We compete for charters on the basis of price, vessel location, size, age and condition of the vessel, as well as on our reputation and that of our commercial manager. We compete primarily with other independent and state-owned drybulk vessel-owners. Our competitors may have more resources than us and may operate vessels that are newer, and therefore more attractive to charterers, than our vessels. Ownership of drybulk vessels is highly fragmented and is divided among publicly listed companies, state-controlled owners and private shipowners.
Industry and Market Conditions
The Drybulk Shipping Industry
Except as otherwise indicated, the statistical information and industry and market data contained in this section is based on or derived from statistical information as well as industry and market data collated and prepared by SSY Consultancy & Research Ltd (“SSY”). The data is based on SSY's review of such statistical information and market data available at the time (including internal surveys and sources, independent financial information, independent external industry publications, reports or other publicly available information). The incomplete nature of the statistical information and market data available required SSY to make some estimates where necessary when preparing the data. The data is subject to change and may differ from similar assessments obtained from other analysts of shipping markets. Whilst reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of the data, SSY has not undertaken any independent verification of the information and market data obtained from published sources.
Industry Overview
Drybulk shipping mainly comprises the shipment of minerals, such as iron ore and coal, other industrial raw materials and various agricultural products. Of these, the major cargoes are iron ore, coal and grain. Minor bulk cargoes include steel products, bauxite/alumina, nickel ore, cement, petroleum coke, forest products, fertilizers and non-grain agricultural products, such as sugar.
Charterers in the drybulk shipping industry range from cargo owners (such as mining companies and grain houses) to end-users (such as steel producers and power utilities) and also include a number of different trading companies and ship operators.
Total international seaborne drybulk trade is estimated to have reached a new annual record of approximately 4.72 billion tonnes in 2019 before retreating to an estimated 4.67 billion tonnes in 2020. This was only the second contraction in seaborne drybulk trade since 1998; the other being 2009. This left the CAGR for the period 2015-2020 at 1.9%. While the 2020 trade estimates set out in the table below will still be subject to revision, as final trade statistics become available, our current estimates indicate a contraction in international seaborne drybulk trade in the region of 63 Mt in 2020 as a consequence of declines in coal and minor bulk trades. Iron ore and grain trade continued to expand in 2020.
World Seaborne Drybulk Trade
(million tonnes)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cargo/Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2015-20 % Growth | CAGR |
Major Bulks | 2,992 | 3,088 | 3,192 | 3,241 | 3,258 | 3,235 | 8% | 1% |
Iron Ore | 1,414 | 1,484 | 1,532 | 1,522 | 1,499 | 1,551 | 10% | 2% |
Coal | 1,128 | 1,130 | 1,155 | 1,203 | 1,226 | 1,113 | (1)% | (1)% |
Grains | 450 | 474 | 505 | 516 | 533 | 571 | 27% | 5% |
Minor Bulks | 1,264 | 1,293 | 1,347 | 1,417 | 1,448 | 1,432 | 13% | 2% |
Total | 4,256 | 4,381 | 4,539 | 4,658 | 4,706 | 4,667 | 10% | 2% |
Totals may not add due to rounding
Cargo Types
Iron ore: The key raw material for steelmaking, and single largest seaborne drybulk cargo, iron ore trade expanded more than three-fold between 2002 and 2017 on the back of unprecedented Chinese import demand. Further growth in 2019 and last year took global seaborne trade to an estimated 1,551 Mt, up by 3.0% year-on-year. This compares with a CAGR of approximately 2% for the five years since 2015. Iron ore trade growth in 2020 was driven by Chinese import demand growth and came despite contractions in crude steel output in some major producing regions. In addition to China which is the dominant importer accounting for over two-thirds of seaborne imports in 2020, the main import markets for iron ore are Japan, Western Europe and South Korea, while Vietnam generated positive import growth in recent years as new blast furnace capacity entered operations. Exports are dominated by Australia and Brazil, which together accounted for an estimated 81% of the seaborne market in 2020 with a large majority of their cargoes carried by Capesize vessels given the favorable unit economies. This market share has increased from 79% in 2014, mainly due to the introduction of additional Australian export capacity. Other iron ore exporters include South Africa, Canada, India, Sweden, Ukraine and West Africa. Brazil’s iron ore exports shrank from 390 Mt in 2018 to 351 Mt in 2019 as a result of mining restrictions imposed in the aftermath of the January 2019 Brumadinho dam failure to allow safety inspection work to take place and fell further to 342 Mt in 2020 on the back of a combination of weather-related disruption, unscheduled maintenance, regulatory delays and COVID-driven disruption.
Withdrawal of steel production capacity in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an annual decrease in global crude steel production of 1.3% in January-November 2020 inclusive. China’s crude steel production gained 5.5% on the same eleven months of 2020, with full-year growth of 5.2% in 2020, whereas output in the rest of the world fell 9.2% over January-November 2020. Combined iron ore exports from the world’s two largest exporters, Australia and Brazil, were an estimated 1,257 Mt in 2020, a year-on-year increase of 2.3% due entirely to higher shipments from Australia.
Coal: At an estimated 1,113 million tonnes in 2020, global seaborne coal trade decreased by an estimated 10% from its 2019 level and bringing to an end four consecutive years of expansion. This compares with a CAGR of close to 1% for the five-year period 2015-2020. Coal trade is comprised of two main categories: (1) steam coal (which is chiefly used for electricity generation, but also by industrial users, such as the cement industry) and (2) coking coal (a key input for blast furnace steelmaking). Steam coal was estimated to have reached an all-time high in 2019.
Although the import market for coal was historically dominated by demand from Japan and Western Europe, the last 10-15 years have seen China and India emerge as key importers of both categories of coal. The leading exporter of coking coal is Australia, followed by the United States and Canada. Indonesia is the largest exporter of steam coal, ahead of Australia, the former Soviet Union, Colombia, South Africa and the United States.
Between 2005 and 2013, China transformed from a major steam coal exporting nation to the single largest importer, representing the strength of the country’s domestic demand for power generation. However, imports represent a very small share (i.e. less than 10%) of coal consumption in China (which is the world’s largest coal producer) and, as a result, imports have been subject to major fluctuations in response to changes in domestic market conditions. For example, in 2015 China recorded a sharp annual decline in steam coal imports, against the background of an oversupplied domestic coal market and government intervention to restrict imports, reducing the country’s steam coal imports to a six-year low, but in 2016 both coking and steam coal imports increased, mainly as a result of government-driven cuts in domestic coal production. Further Chinese government interventions aimed at managing the domestic coal market since 2017 contributed to some significant monthly variations in import volumes, but the estimated combined annual total for coking and steam coal imports rose to a seven-year high in 2020. Industrial demand, tight supply of domestically mined coal and severe cold at the year-end combined to incentivize imports as domestic prices rose in response.
India’s coal imports slipped from their 2019 record by 26 Mt to an estimated 215 Mt in 2020 as Covid-related containment measures curtailed demand. Annual growth in Indian imports had been dampened between 2014 and 2017, mainly due to rising domestic coal production. Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, together with Western Europe, remain major import markets, while South East Asia and Latin America have grown in importance as coal import generators. Although investments in new port facilities enabled the participation of Capesize vessels in the Asia-led coal trade growth during the period from 2010 to 2013, more recent changes in coal trade patterns (in particular, the rising share of exports from Indonesia, Russia and the US) has chiefly benefitted demand for Panamax and Handymax vessels.
Grains: Seaborne grain trade is comprised of wheat, coarse grains (corn, barley, oats, rye and sorghum) and soybeans/meal, which together totaled an estimated new record of 571 Mt in 2020, according to preliminary trade data. This was up by an estimated 7.1% from 2019 and compares with a CAGR of approximately 5% for the period from 2015 to 2020, which is the fastest rate of the major bulk cargoes. In addition, the grain trades remain an important source of freight market volatility due to both the seasonality of export flows, year-on-year variations in crop surpluses and deficits and, latterly, by import tariffs.
Soy is the largest of the three main categories of grain trade with Brazil, the United States and Argentina the leading export countries. The principal markets are in Europe and Far East Asia with China being the world’s single largest soybean importer. Shipments are dominated by Panamax and Handymax vessels. The introduction of import tariffs by China on US soybeans in 2018 served to boost soybean volumes from Brazil to China at the expense of the US in 2018 and 2019, leading US suppliers to seek alternative markets. Despite outbreaks of African swine fever reducing animal feed demand and, in turn, soybean imports into China, world soybean and meal trade continued to grow by 2.5% to an annual record of 198 Mt in 2019. The rebuilding of pig numbers following African swine fever drove a further upturn in animal feed demand that lifted soy bean imports to a new high of 100.3 Mt in 2020. Wheat and coarse grains are also primarily carried by mid-size vessels with the United States, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, Argentina, Brazil, Australia and the European Union the main exporting regions. In addition to Far East Asia and Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America are all significant import markets.
Minor Bulks: A diversity of cargo types are covered under this heading with different sets of demand drivers. Nevertheless, together at approximately 1.45 billion tonnes per annum these trades represent a major source of employment for the smaller Handysize and Handymax vessels.
In recent years the pattern of minor bulk trade has been altered by government restrictions on the export of key industrial ores in South East Asia. This was led by an Indonesian ban on the export of unprocessed mineral ores beginning in January 2014, which reduced the country’s combined exports of bauxite and nickel ore from 121 Mt in 2013 to zero in 2015 and 2016. Bauxite trade did benefit from a sharp increase in exports from Malaysia in 2015, but in early 2016 the Malaysian government announced a temporary suspension of domestic bauxite mining, which was subsequently extended. This turned the focus of importers in China (the world’s biggest bauxite market) to longer haul supplies, particularly from West Africa (where fronthaul cargoes are now predominantly carried by Capesize vessels). At the beginning of 2017 the Indonesian government partially relaxed its ban on unprocessed mineral ore exports with limited volumes re-entering the international market. However, uncertainties continue to surround the availability of South East Asian mineral ores with, for example, nickel ore exports from Indonesia prohibited once again from January 2020.
Despite these constraints, total minor bulk trade is estimated to have achieved a new annual record in 2019. Although they subsequently dipped to an estimated 1,432 Mt in 2020, the CAGR for the period 2015-2020 was still around 2%.
Demand for Drybulk Shipping
Drybulk trade is a function of levels of (a) economic activity, (b) the industrialization/urbanization of developing countries, (c) population growth (plus changes in dietary habits) and (d) regional shifts in cargo supply/demand balances, which can occur, for example, due to the development of new export/import capacity or depletion/development of mineral reserves. The distances shipped chiefly reflect regional commodity surpluses and deficits. Generally, the more concentrated the sources of cargo supply, the greater the average distance shipped.
Ship demand is determined by the overall volumes of cargo moved and the distance that these are shipped, or tonne-mile demand, as well as changes in vessel efficiency. These changes may be caused by such factors as (1) vessel speed (which will change in response to movements in fuel costs and freight market earnings); (2) port delays (which have been a common occurrence in the last 15 years as inland and port logistics in several key export areas struggled to meet surging global demand) and (3) laden to ballast ratios, or how much time vessels spend sailing empty on re-positioning voyages. Ballasting has also been on the increase over the last 10 to 15 years due to the widening imbalance in cargo flows between the Atlantic and Pacific Basins.
World seaborne drybulk trade followed a steady underlying upward trend during the 1980s and 1990s. Annual average growth in the major drybulk cargoes during the period from 1990 to 1999 was an estimated 2.2%, before accelerating sharply to 4.8% during the period from 2000 to 2009 and was sustained at an estimated 4.7% between 2010 and 2019.
The growth in drybulk trade volumes since 2000 has been primarily due to the rapid industrialization and urbanization of China. In the fifteen years from 2004, Chinese drybulk imports have increased more than five-fold from 357 Mt, as illustrated in the chart below. Such an expansion was facilitated by investments in new mining and port facilities in key exporting areas around the world initially in response to Chinese-driven rises in commodity prices from 2004 to 2011 and subsequently reflecting movements in the commodity price cycle.
The table below provides a more detailed comparison of China’s drybulk imports from 2015 to 2020, which shows a new annual record last year with preliminary data indicating an increase in aggregate volumes of 110 Mt to approximately 1,941 Mt in 2020. Iron ore made the greatest contribution to China’s drybulk import growth over the last five years. The 217 Mt estimated net increase in imports between 2015 and 2020 reflects not only increases in domestic steel production (and, therefore, iron ore consumption) to meet the needs of an industrializing and urbanizing economy as well as exports of steel products, but also the substitution of higher-quality imported iron ore for lower-quality domestic supplies and increases in port stocks, leading to iron ore imports growing more rapidly than Chinese steel production between 2013 and 2017.
However, the relationship between the two changed in 2018, as the net fall in iron ore imports was accompanied by record levels of Chinese steel production. This was partly due to the government-enforced removal for environmental reasons of scrap steel-consuming induction furnace capacity in 2017 (which had hitherto been excluded from official Chinese steel production statistics). This move not only inflated steel production growth in 2018 official data, but also constrained iron ore consumption growth owing to the abundance of steel scrap previously used in induction furnaces. In addition, winter curtailment measures introduced by the government to combat pollution by heavy industry involve restrictions on iron ore sintering to the detriment of imported iron ore fines, while there was also some destocking at China’s iron ore ports in 2018.
In 2019 constrained iron ore supply from both Australia (caused by weather-related disruption) and Brazil (chiefly from mining restrictions in the aftermath of the Brumadinho dam disaster in January 2019) encouraged iron ore from alternative sources, including Canada, India, South Africa and Ukraine. This trend continued into 2020 as production in Brazil, but not Australia, remained significantly constrained with further growth in shipments from alternative suppliers.
Bauxite (the main raw material for the aluminum industry) was the single largest category of minor bulk cargo imported by China in 2020, at an annualized 114 Mt (basis January-November data), which was 7.5% above the annual total in 2019 and the highest year on record. Growth continued to be dominated by Guinea, the largest bauxite supplier to China. There was continued resumption in imports from Indonesia in 2019, which had been the leading source of Chinese bauxite imports prior to 2014, but volumes remained modest by historical standards. China’s total annual nickel ore imports increased from 35.0 Mt in 2017 to a new high of 58 Mt in 2019 but subsequently dropped to an annualized 39 Mt in 2020 (basis January-November data) following the Indonesian government’s announcement of an export ban on nickel ore from January 2020.
Chinese Drybulk Imports (Mt)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2015 | 2019 | 2020 | CAGR |
Iron Ore | 953.3 | 1,070.5 | 1,170.4 | 4% |
Coal* | 204.2 | 299.9 | 304.1 | 8% |
Bauxite/Alumina | 60.8 | 107.3 | 116.6 | 14% |
Grains | 114.4 | 106.4 | 135.2 | 3% |
Other** | 169.0 | 247.6 | 214.9 | 5% |
Total of above | 1,501.7 | 1,831.7 | 1,941.2 | 5% |
* Includes lignite, which is excluded from SSY’s estimates for seaborne coal trade and categorized as a minor bulk.
** Includes mineral ores (such as nickel), pulp/wood chip/logs and petroleum coke.
Source: Chinese Customs
Growth in China’s iron ore trades over the last 15 years has mainly been to the benefit of Capesize vessels, hauling cargoes from West Australia and Brazil. Australia and Indonesia are the primary sources of Chinese coal imports, while in the grain trades increased Chinese demand for soybeans from Latin America and the United States has boosted tonne-mile demand for Panamax and Supramax vessels.
Outside of China, most of the additional growth in drybulk cargo import demand during the past five years has been generated by other Asian economies. For example, and despite setbacks since 2014, Indian coal imports in 2019 were estimated
to be 19 Mt higher than their corresponding level in 2014, reflecting the strength of demand from electricity generators and the cement and steel industries. Although COVID-driven factors saw them fall in 2020. India has added several Capesize coal import terminals in recent years, a majority of the coal cargoes arriving in the country are shipped by Supramax, Panamax and Kamsarmax vessels. More established Asian import markets, such as South Korea, have also contributed to the region’s import growth.
In contrast, European mineral imports staged only a partial recovery from their cyclical lows in 2009 and remained below their 2007 totals, before trending lower since 2014. This is partly due to slow economic growth in the Eurozone, but also policy driven changes in the region’s energy mix away from coal. Consequently, Asia’s share of world seaborne major bulk imports is estimated to have climbed to approximately 79% from approximately 60% in the middle of the last decade and 53% to 54% in 2000.
As a result, the fastest drybulk trade growth has been seen within the Pacific Basin, which has been supplemented by increases in front-haul trade from the Atlantic to the Pacific (chiefly iron ore on Capesize vessels and grains on Panamaxes and Supramaxes, but also US coal).
Drybulk Global Fleet
The cargoes outlined above are predominantly carried by drybulk carriers of more than 10,000 dwt. Drybulk carriers are single-decked ships that transport dry cargoes in “bulk” form, that is loose within cargo holds, rather than in bags, crates or on pallets.
As of the end of December 2020, the total fleet of 10,000+ dwt drybulk carriers numbered approximately 11,643 vessels of 899.6 million deadweight tonnes, or Mdwt.
This fleet is divided into four principal size segments: Handysize (10,000-39,999 dwt), Handymax (40,000-64,999 dwt), Panamax (65,000-99,999 dwt) and Capesize (100,000+ dwt). Aside from size, the main distinction between drybulk vessel types is whether they are geared (that is, equipped with cranes for loading/discharge) or gearless. The main characteristics of these four vessel types are summarized below, while the table below summarizes the current structure of the fleet by age and size. It shows that in terms of deadweight capacity, the Capesize sector is the largest with 40.4% of the end-of-December 2020 total, followed by Panamaxes at 25.5%, Handymaxes at 23.4% and Handysizes at 10.7%.
Handysize (10,000-39,999dwt): These ships carry the widest range of cargoes of any drybulk size segment and are the most dependent on the minor bulks for employment. They are usually equipped with cargo-handling gear (cranes or derricks) and are widely used on routes to and from draft-restricted ports that (a) cannot receive larger ships and (b) often lack their own land-based cargo-handling equipment. Many such loading or discharge facilities are located in the developing nations. Due to the limited economies of scale that these vessels offer, compared to larger tonnage vessels, many of these ships are extensively employed on intra-regional, shorter-haul trades. Special designs of ship are associated with the carriage of such cargoes as steel products and logs, or open-hatch and log-fitted vessels; while some variants also exist in terms of cargo-handling equipment, such as grab-fitted tonnage possessing scoops that facilitate unloading of certain cargo types.
Handymax (40,000-64,999dwt): This segment of the drybulk carrier fleet contains three distinct sub-categories - the traditional Handymax size (40,000-49,999 dwt), the Supramax size (50,000-59,999 dwt) and the Ultramax size (60,000-64,999 dwt). There are some Ultramax newbuilding designs of above 65,000 dwt, but as these are much fewer in number than existing gearless vessels of 65-69.9 kdwt, they currently fall in SSY’s Panamax size range. Despite their increased size, these vessels retain a high degree of trading flexibility as their cargo gear enables them to load and/or discharge at ports with limited facilities. They are more widely deployed on longer-haul routes than are Handysizes (due to the greater scale economies that they offer). Whereas the traditional Handymax types have gained market share from the sub-40,000 dwt fleet of Handysizes over the past 20 years, the new generation of Supramax and Ultramax vessels are also competing for business on Panamax routes.
Panamax (65,000-99,999 dwt): The strict definition of a Panamax bulk carrier is a ship able to transit the Panama Canal fully laden. However, in recent years this definition has become blurred as (1) only a minority of the vessels in this size range pass through the Panama Canal in any 12-month period and (2) the opening of an additional trade lane with a new set of locks in mid-2016 expanded the Panama Canal’s dimensions to enable the transit of ships of maximum beam, or extreme vessel breadth, of 49 metres, maximum length overall, or LOA, of 366m and maximum draft of 15.2m tropical fresh water, or TFW. This compares with the pre-existing, and still operational, locks which can accommodate ships to a maximum of 32.3m beam, 294.1m LOA and 12m TFW draft. For these reasons our fleet definition stretches from 65,000 to 99,999 dwt, encompassing three main sub-types: traditional Panamaxes (70,000-79,999 dwt), Kamsarmaxes (82,000-83,000 dwt, which prior to the enlargement were the largest bulk carrier to transit the Panama Canal fully laden) and post-Panamaxes (85,000-99,999 dwt). The base load demand for these vessel types is provided by coal and grain cargoes, although they also participate in a number of other trades (including iron ore, bauxite and fertilizers). Only a small minority of vessels in this size range are equipped with cargo gear as most of the ports served have well developed cargo loading or discharge terminals.
Capesize (100,000+dwt): These ships are almost exclusively deployed in the iron ore and coal trades, which benefit most from their scale economies. There are three main sub-types: small Capes (100,000-119,999 dwt), standard Capes (160,000-209,999 dwt, which are mainly concentrated between 170,000 dwt and 180,000 dwt, but also include Newcastlemaxes of 200,000-209,999 dwt) and Very Large Ore Carriers (220,000 dwt and above). In recent years the average size of these Very Large Ore Carriers has been increasing, through the serial ordering of 400,000 dwt and 325,000 dwt designs.
Drybulk Carrier Fleet by Size/Age (Mdwt):
As of December 31, 2020
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Built/Dwt | 10-39,999 | 40-64,999 | 65-99,999 | 100,000+ | Total |
Pre-1995 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 3.2 | 18.5 |
1995-99 | 7.9 | 9.9 | 14.9 | 4.9 | 37.6 |
2000-04 | 8.4 | 21.8 | 26.5 | 27.4 | 84.1 |
2005-09 | 21.2 | 45.6 | 42.1 | 89.1 | 198.0 |
2010-14 | 38.0 | 82.6 | 92.5 | 145.0 | 358.1 |
2015-19 | 15.8 | 45.5 | 47.9 | 94.1 | 203.3 |
Total Fleet | 96.0 | 210.7 | 229.2 | 363.7 | 899.6 |
Average Age | 11 Yrs | 10 Yrs | 10 Yrs | 8 Yrs | 10 Yrs |
Totals may not add due to rounding
Ownership
Unlike other specialist areas of the world shipping fleet, ownership in the drybulk segment is highly fragmented, with SSY’s database showing approximately 2,000 different owners. The largest 50 owners account for approximately 34% of the fleet in terms of deadweight carrying capacity, but this includes a large number of Chinese-flagged vessels that will trade on domestic as well as international routes.
While such analysis will tend to understate levels of market concentration, due to the operation of vessel pools and chartered in fleets, the drybulk segment is sufficiently competitive to ensure that vessel spot market earnings are extremely responsive to fluctuations in the supply/demand balance globally and regionally.
Supply of Drybulk Shipping
The supply of drybulk carriers is fundamentally determined by the delivery of new vessels from the world’s shipbuilding industry and the removal of older vessels, mainly through demolition.
Newbuilding deliveries not only reflect the demand from ship owners for new tonnage, but also available shipyard capacity. Following a sharp upswing in demand for new vessels in all of the main sectors of the commercial shipping industry during the last decade, and an accompanying rise in shipbuilding prices to record levels in 2007 to 2008, there was a massive China-led expansion in world shipbuilding capacity. In the case of the drybulk sector, annual newbuilding deliveries surged from 24.4 Mdwt in 2008 (and an average of 19.1 Mdwt p.a. between 2000 and 2007, inclusive) to 44.3 Mdwt in 2009, 79.8 Mdwt in 2010 and a peak of 100.6 Mdwt in 2012.
The resulting impact on freight market balances and vessel earnings, as described elsewhere in this section, led to sharply-reduced levels of drybulk carrier ordering in 2011 and 2012, which led to a slower pace of newbuilding deliveries in 2013 at an estimated 61.7 Mdwt followed by a further slowdown to 47.8 Mdwt in 2014.
There was an increase in drybulk carrier newbuilding investments during 2013, which continued into 2014 and reversed the downward trend in the newbuilding orderbook. These orders were focused on new, more fuel-efficient ship designs, for which shipyard descriptions offer significantly lower fuel consumption compared with existing vessels through a combination of new technology main engines and refinements of hull forms.
The rising costs of bunker fuels between 2004 and 2012 are illustrated in the chart below, which is based on the 58,328 dwt Supramax vessel specifications used by the Baltic Exchange in constructing its daily Supramax Index. Using estimated bunker prices in Singapore, our calculations assume that at a speed of 14.0 knots the vessel consumes 33 tonnes of 380cst fuel oil per day laden and 32 tonnes per day in ballast. However, SSY stresses that (1) there is a wide variance in individual vessel fuel consumptions, even within the same size segments, and (2) as described earlier in this section, many vessels have been operating at slower speeds in order to lower their daily fuel consumption and costs.
Our calculations show an increase at sea, at full speed, from approximately $5,600 per day in 2004 to approximately $21,700 per day in 2012. Reflecting the general decline in world oil prices, annual average bunker fuel costs for our Supramax example fell from approximately $18,200 per day in 2014 to approximately $7,500 per day in 2016. A partial rebound in global oil prices from the lows of early 2016 lifted estimated Supramax bunkering costs to an average of approximately $10,600 per day in 2017 and a four-year high of approximately $14,000/day in 2018. The 2019 average of around $13,000 per day covered a wide range of daily bunkering costs from a high of approximately $19,300 per day to a low of approximately $8,500 per day. Oil price-driven falls saw daily bunkering costs plunge below $5,500 in April 2020 but higher prices in the second half of the year left the annual average at near $8,500 per day, a four-year low. Due to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) mandated requirement for a lowering of the global limit for sulphur in marine fuel from the previous 3.5% to 0.5% from January 1, 2020, shipowners either have to switch to alternative bunker fuels or invest in the installation of exhaust gas cleaning systems (“scrubbers”) to allow the continued use of existing bunker fuels. Supramax bunkering costs averaged approximately $11,800/day across 2020 burning Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and approximately $8,500/day burning High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO).
Reflecting the increased ordering of more fuel-efficient vessels, there was a small net rise in drybulk carrier newbuilding deliveries in 2015 to 48.9 Mdwt, but the downward trend resumed in 2016 and continued in 2017 and 2018 with the 2018 annual newbuilding delivery total of 28.2 Mdwt the lowest since 2008.
After a sharp reduction in new drybulk carrier ordering in 2015 and 2016, in response to the deterioration in freight market conditions, there was some revival in the contracting of new vessels in 2017 and 2018 as vessel earnings firmed before slowing once more in 2019. The 2019 annual newbuilding delivery total subsequently rose to a three-year high of 40.7 Mdwt.
At an estimated 54.4 Mdwt, the total tonnage on order at the end of December 2020 represented approximately 6.0% of the existing fleet, compared with 9.2% at the end of December 2019. To provide some longer-term perspective, the corresponding end-year shares were 56.1% in 2007, 67.6% in 2008 and 57.3% in 2009, as illustrated in the chart below.
The table below summarizes the confirmed drybulk carrier orderbook as of the end of December 2020, by vessel size and scheduled year of delivery. These delivery dates can be subject to delay. For example, 2020 deliveries were an estimated 17.3% below the scheduled total as of January 1, 2020, which compared with a corresponding average rate of slippage from scheduled delivery dates in the previous five years of approximately 28.8%.
Drybulk Carrier Newbuilding Orderbook by Size Range (Million Dwt): As of December 31, 2020
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Delivery | 10-39,999 | 40-64,999 | 65-99,999 | 100,000+ | Total |
2021 | 2.7 | 8.1 | 10.2 | 21.5 | 42.5 |
2022 | 0.8 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 5.2 | 11.9 |
2023 | — | 0.1 | 0.1 | — | 0.2 |
2024 | — | — | — | — | — |
Total | 3.5 | 11.5 | 12.9 | 26.7 | 54.6 |
% of Fleet | 3.6% | 5.4% | 5.6% | 7.3% | 6.0% |
Totals may not add due to rounding
Typically, drybulk carriers are scrapped between the ages of 25 and 30 years, but the removal of vessels of 20-24 years is common during periods of freight market weakness, and there have also been examples of scrapping of 15-19 year-old vessels (especially in the larger-sized vessels). In 2020, the average age of Handysize vessels scrapped was over 29 years, for Handymax 27 years and Panamax 28 years, whereas for Capesize vessels it was 24 years. However, demolition is not simply a
function of the fleet’s age profile. Several factors will influence an owner’s decision on whether to scrap older vessels, notably (1) actual and anticipated returns from the charter market, (2) the relative running costs and fuel-efficiency of the vessel, (3) prospective expenditure at classification society surveys (which, as well as general costs of repair and maintenance can be impacted by new regulations, such as the International Maritime Organization’s convention on Ballast Water Management, where effective implementation for existing vessels entered force in September 2019) and (4) the second-hand re-sale value (that is, whether it provides a premium to scrap). For much of the period from 2000 to 2009, returns from the drybulk charter markets supported continued investment in vessel life extension, and scrapping volumes fell to minimal levels. This, however, ensured an accumulation of older tonnage in the fleet and, as a result, demolition proved extremely responsive to a deterioration in freight market conditions. For instance, deletions from the drybulk fleet rose from 3.6 Mdwt in 2008 to 14.7 Mdwt in 2009 and reached a new annual record of 35.4 Mdwt in 2012. Over the last five years, scrapping volumes have remained very reactive to changes in vessel earnings with, for example, deletions dropping to a 10-year low of 4.8 Mdwt in 2018 followed by 8.1 Mdwt in 2019 and 13.8 Mdwt in 2020. This compares with approximately 30.2 Mdwt in 2016.
The low levels of demolition in 2018 to 2020 helped to ensure a net rise in the pool of drybulk tonnage aged over 15 years. At the end of December 2020, there were approximately 18.6 Mdwt of ships aged 25 years or older in the drybulk carrier fleet, with an additional 37.5 Mdwt aged 20 to 24 years and 84.2 Mdwt aged 15 to 19 years. The highest concentration of vessels 20+ years old was in the Handysize sector, accounting for 13.1% of dwt capacity in this size range as of the end of May 2020, compared with 7.2% of Handymaxes, 8.8% of Panamaxes and 2.2% of Capesizes.
As the chart below illustrates, historically high levels of ship demolition contributed to a marked slowdown in the rate of drybulk carrier net fleet growth in 2015 and 2016 with the estimated 2.2% rise in 2016 representing the lowest annual percentage increase since the 1990s. There was some re-acceleration in fleet supply growth in 2017 with an estimated net rise in total drybulk tonnage of 3.0% followed by a similar growth rate of 2.9% before accelerating to an estimated 3.9% between 1 January and 31 December 2019 and 4.0% in 2020, on limited scrapping activity. However, this remained well below the rapid rates of expansion over the five-year period from 2009 to 2013 when the total drybulk fleet grew at an annual average of 11.3% p.a.
The four main segments of the drybulk fleet grew at contrasting rates in 2020, ranging from an estimated 5.3% for Panamaxes to 1.4% for Handysizes. A greater contrast is apparent when reviewing fleet developments over the period between 2016 and 2020, when the 10,000-39,999 dwt Handysize fleet grew at an estimated CAGR of 1.8%, compared with 3.6% for 40,000-64,999 dwt Handymaxes, 3.3% for 65,000-99,999 dwt Panamaxes and 3.3% for 100,000+ dwt Capes. Reflecting its faster than average growth, the Handymax sector’s share of total dwt capacity has risen from 22.0% at the end of 2014 to an estimated 23.4% as of the end of December 2020. By comparison, the same period saw a decreased share of the fleet accounted for by Handysizes, falling from 11.5% to 10.7% and Capesizes, from 41.0% to 40.4%. The share of the fleet accounted for by Panamaxes was almost unchanged over the period at 25.5%.
Charter Market & Freight Rates
The chartering of drybulk vessels can take several different forms, the most typical of which are summarized below.
(a) Single voyage (“spot”) charter
This involves the hire of a vessel for just one stipulated voyage, carrying a designated quantity of a named commodity. For most such charters, an individual ship is specified that will carry out the voyage to be undertaken. The terms of the agreement between the charterer and vessel owner usually define the port(s) of cargo loading and discharge, the dates between which the
cargo is to be loaded, and the cargo-handling terms. The vessel owner will receive from the charterer a mutually agreed-upon payment (normally quoted as a US$ per ton freight rate). In return, the ship owner pays all voyage expenses (such as the costs of fuel consumed on the voyage, plus port expenses), all operating costs (such as insurance and crewing of the vessel), and capital expenses (such as the servicing of any mortgage debt on the ship).
(b) Contract of affreightment, or COA
Under a COA, the vessel owner and charterer agree to terms for the carriage of a designated volume of a given commodity on a specified route (or routes), with such shipments being carried out on a regular basis. The agreement does not normally identify an individual ship that will be used to fulfill its terms, but includes more general specifications on the vessels to be used (such as maximum age). Under the terms of a COA, freight is normally paid on a mutually agreed-upon US$ per ton basis, with the vessel owner then meeting all voyage, operating and capital costs incurred in the execution of such a charter.
(c) Time charter
Under a time charter, the charterer takes the ship on hire for either (1) a trip between designated delivery and re-delivery positions or (2) for a designated period (for example, 12 months). The freight rate agreed upon between the ship owner and charterer is in terms of a daily hire rate (in US dollars), rather than as a US$ per ton figure. For longer term period charters, this may escalate at a rate mutually agreed upon between vessel owner and charterer. Under the terms of such charters, the vessel owner meets the ship’s operating and capital costs, with the charterer paying all variable voyage expenses (mainly fuel costs, plus port and canal dues). In addition, and unless otherwise stipulated in the charter agreement, the period charterer is able to trade the vessel to and from whichever loading and discharge ports that it may choose, carrying whichever cargoes they prefer.
(d) Bareboat charter
Under a bareboat charter, the vessel owner effectively relinquishes control of its ship to the charterer (usually for a period of several years). The ship owner receives an agreed-upon level of remuneration (which may again escalate at a mutually agreed-upon rate) for the duration of the charter, and remains responsible for the vessel’s capital costs. In return, the charterer assumes total control of the vessel, thereby becoming responsible for operating the ship and meeting all costs of such operation (such as crewing, repairs and maintenance), as well as the direct voyage expenses incurred (such as fuel costs and port expenses) when it is trading.
Freight Rates
Freight rates are determined by the balance of tonnage demand and tonnage supply. Primarily as the result of record newbuilding deliveries, fleet utilization rates have dropped sharply from the peak levels of 2007, as illustrated by movements in key freight market indicators.
Given the diversity of routes and cargoes traded by the drybulk fleet, freight market measures tend to focus on average worldwide spot earnings (expressed in US$ per day). The most recognized of these measures are published on a daily basis by the Baltic Exchange in London. In addition to global averages for standard designs of Handysize (38,200 dwt), Supramax (58,328 dwt), Panamax (82,500 dwt) and Capesize (180,000 dwt) vessels, together with a number of component routes, the Baltic Exchange also publishes a daily composite Index for the entire drybulk market (the BDI or Baltic Exchange Dry Index).
From its all-time high of almost 12,000 points in May 2008, just prior to the global financial crisis, the BDI fell to below 700 points in December of the same year. After partial recovery in 2009, negative pressure on freight markets returned under the weight of sustained fleet supply growth. At 920 points in 2012, the BDI’s annual average was a 26-year low. A combination of sharply reduced fleet supply, generally slower vessel speeds and new peaks for drybulk trade lifted the 2013 annual average of the BDI to 1,206 points. Yet, despite continued spot market volatility, the corresponding 2014 level slipped to 1,105 points and spot market weakness intensified in 2015, chiefly due to a sharp slowdown in drybulk trade growth, with the BDI’s annual average falling to 718 points. This was followed by new daily, monthly and quarterly lows in the first quarter of 2016, when weak global steel production, disruptions to cargo availability and lower bunker prices, together with negative seasonal factors, all contributed to the further weakening in the freight market. Despite a partial rebound over the rest of the year, the BDI’s annual average in 2016 of 673 points was the lowest since its inception in 1985.
However, 2017 did see the first rise in the BDI’s annual average for four years, to 1,145 points. This was followed by further gains in 2018, when the annual average of 1,353 points was a 7-year high and was followed by an identical annual average in 2019. Volatility remained a feature of drybulk spot markets in 2019, with the BDI eventually averaging 1,353 points. This was followed by the lowest annual average for four years in 2020 at 1,066. A very weak start to the year saw the index
average just 461 points in February before improvements in the second half of the year saw it peak with an October average of 1,631.
The first of the charts below traces developments in representative 12-month charter rates for the four main vessel sizes from January 2003 to the end of December 2020, encompassing the all-time highs in vessel earnings and the subsequent slump in rates. The second chart looks in more detail at developments since the beginning of 2013. It shows the Capesize-led rebound from mid-2013 to the first quarter of 2014 and subsequent slide to the depressed levels in the first quarter of 2016 before the commencement of a revival during the second half of 2016. This was followed by further increases in 2017 and 2018, which saw period rates rise to their highest levels since 2014 before some softening into early 2019. Subsequently, period rates recovered over the course of 2019, but softened again from late 2019. These assessments are based on existing modern (that is, under 10 years of age) vessels. Within these individual size ranges, period rates will vary according to such factors as vessel age, size, fuel consumption and yard of build.
Although both charts show the extent to which vessel earnings in the different size ranges move broadly in tandem, they also highlight that the sharpness of market rises and falls vary in degree. Those size groups that carry the narrowest range of cargoes, or those employed on the least number of routes, tend to experience the greatest variations in charter rates. Hence, in the drybulk shipping sector, earnings of Capesizes have been prone to fluctuate to a far greater degree than those of smaller vessels (with their greater trading versatility, assisted by the cargo gear on these vessel types).
Asset Values
In addition to the global balance between the demand for new vessels and available shipbuilding capacity, newbuilding prices are also influenced by changes in vessel construction costs, due to such factors as movements in steel plate prices or exchange rates against the U.S. dollar in key shipbuilding nations (principally China, Japan and South Korea).
Panamax bulk carrier newbuilding prices in Japan peaked at $56 million in the third quarter of 2008 and subsequently fell to $29 million in the final quarter of 2012. By the end of 2013 Japanese prices had climbed to a 38-month high of $35 million, chiefly as the result of recovering newbuilding demand, and remained at similar levels through much of 2014. However, prices entered a downward trend in 2015 which continued into 2016 and, by the final quarter of that year, Japanese Panamax newbuilding prices reached their lowest level since 2003 at an estimated $23.5 million. From these lows there was a sharp rebound in Japanese prices to an estimated $33.0 million during the second half of 2018, before easing to $32.0 million through most of 2019 and 2020 to $29.0 million by the end of December 2020.
Second-hand values are primarily shaped by actual and anticipated earnings, newbuilding replacement costs (which are relevant for modern vessels) and residual scrap value (more relevant for older units). To an extent, prices are also influenced by the availability and cost of ship financing, as this will help to determine whether investors are able to realize their demand for new or second-hand vessels.
The charts below compare the development of representative newbuilding, five-year old and ten-year old second-hand prices for Handysize, Handymax, Panamax and Capesize vessels since 2003. Individual vessel prices vary according to such factors as specific size, age, cargo gear, yard of build and fuel consumption. Following the pattern of the charter markets, prices peaked between mid-2007 and mid-2008. Such was the shortage of shipbuilding capacity during that period, with a lengthening lead time between contracting and delivery, that demand for existing vessels with prompt delivery briefly created the unusual situation where second-hand vessels were priced at a premium to newbuildings.
Consequently, the percentage decline in second-hand prices between 2008 and 2012 was more severe than for newbuildings. Prices showed a firmer trend from the beginning of 2013 to March 2014, when five-year old values rose by an average of approximately 50%, led by a 60-70% increase in Capesize prices. The onset of generally weaker spot and period charter rates began to erode second-hand values during the latter months of 2014, and downward pressure intensified during 2015 and into 2016, sharply reducing prices. By the end of February 2016, Panamax five-year old prices of approximately $11.0 million were at their lowest since the 1980s. From these lows, second-hand prices showed significant improvements, with Panamax five-year old values reaching approximately $22.5 million during 2019, before retreating to $21.5 million at the end of December 2020.
Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry
Government regulation and laws significantly affect the ownership and operation of our fleet. We are subject to international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the countries in which our vessels may operate or are registered relating to safety and health and environmental protection including the storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and the remediation of contamination and liability for damage to natural resources. Compliance with such laws, regulations and other requirements entails significant expense, including vessel modifications and implementation of certain operating procedures.
A variety of government and private entities subject our vessels to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. These entities include the local port authorities (applicable national authorities such as the United States Coast Guard (“USCG”), harbor master or equivalent), classification societies, flag state administrations (countries of registry) and charterers, particularly terminal operators. Certain of these entities require us to obtain permits, licenses, certificates and other authorizations for the operation of our vessels. Failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur substantial costs or result in the temporary suspension of the operation of one or more of our vessels.
Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for vessels that conform to the stricter environmental standards. We are required to maintain operating standards for all of our vessels that emphasize operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with United States and international regulations. We believe that the operation of our vessels is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that our vessels have all material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations necessary for the conduct of our operations. However, because such laws and regulations frequently change and may impose increasingly stricter requirements, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. In addition, a future serious marine incident that causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our profitability.
International Maritime Organization
The International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency for maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by vessels (the “IMO”), has adopted the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, collectively referred to as MARPOL 73/78 and herein as “MARPOL,” the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974 (“SOLAS Convention”), and the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966 (the “LL Convention”). MARPOL establishes environmental standards relating to oil leakage or spilling, garbage management, sewage, air emissions, handling and disposal of noxious liquids and the handling of harmful substances in packaged forms. MARPOL is applicable to drybulk, tanker and LNG carriers, among other vessels, and is broken into six Annexes, each of which regulates a different source of pollution. Annex I relates to oil leakage or spilling; Annexes II and III relate to noxious liquid substances carried in bulk and harmful substances carried in packaged form, respectively; Annexes IV and V relate to sewage and garbage management, respectively; and Annex VI, lastly, relates to air emissions. Annex VI was separately adopted by the IMO in September of 1997; new emissions standards, titled IMO-2020, took effect on January 1, 2020.
In 2013, the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee, or the “MEPC,” adopted a resolution amending MARPOL Annex I Condition Assessment Scheme, or “CAS.” These amendments became effective on October 1, 2014, and require compliance with the 2011 International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, or “ESP Code,” which provides for enhanced inspection programs.
In June 2015 the IMO formally adopted the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or Low flashpoint Fuels, or the “IGF Code”, which is designed to minimize the risks involved with ships using low flashpoint fuels- including LNG. The IGF Code will be mandatory under SOLAS through the adopted amendments. The IGF Code and the amendments to SOLAS became effective January 1, 2017.
Air Emissions
In September of 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to MARPOL to address air pollution from vessels. Effective May 2005, Annex VI sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from all commercial vessel exhausts and prohibits “deliberate emissions” of ozone depleting substances (such as halons and chlorofluorocarbons), emissions of volatile compounds from cargo tanks, and the shipboard incineration of specific substances. Annex VI also includes a global cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions, as explained below. Emissions of “volatile organic compounds” from certain vessels, and the shipboard incineration (from incinerators installed after January 1, 2000) of certain substances (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, or “PCBs”) are also prohibited. We believe that all our vessels are currently compliant in all material respects with these regulations.
The Marine Environment Protection Committee, or “MEPC,” adopted amendments to Annex VI regarding emissions of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and ozone depleting substances, which entered into force on July 1, 2010. The amended Annex VI seeks to further reduce air pollution by, among other things, implementing a progressive reduction of the amount of sulfur contained in any fuel oil used on board ships. On October 27, 2016, at its 70th session, the MEPC agreed to implement a global 0.5% m/m sulfur oxide emissions limit (reduced from 3.50%) starting from January 1, 2020. This limitation can be met by using low-sulfur compliant fuel oil, alternative fuel, or certain exhaust gas cleaning systems. From January 1, 2020, ships were required to obtain bunker delivery notes and International Air Pollution Prevention (“IAPP”)
Certificates from their flag states that specify sulfur content. Additionally, at MEPC 73, amendments to Annex VI to prohibit the carriage of bunkers above 0.5% sulphur on ships were adopted and took effect March 1, 2020. These regulations subject ocean-going vessels to stringent emissions controls, and may cause us to incur substantial costs.
Sulfur content standards are even stricter within certain “Emission Control Areas,” or “ECAs”. As of January 1, 2015, ships operating within an ECA were not permitted to use fuel with sulfur content in excess of 0.1% m/m. Amended Annex VI establishes procedures for designating new ECAs. Currently, the IMO has designated four ECAs, including specified portions of the Baltic Sea area, North Sea area, North American area and United States Caribbean area. Ocean-going vessels in these areas will be subject to stringent emission controls and may cause us to incur additional costs. Other areas in China are subject to local regulations that impose stricter emission controls. If other ECAs are approved by the IMO, or other new or more stringent requirements relating to emissions from marine diesel engines or port operations by vessels are adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or the states where we operate, compliance with these regulations could entail significant capital expenditures or otherwise increase the costs of our operations.
Amended Annex VI also establishes new tiers of stringent nitrogen oxide emissions standards for marine diesel engines, depending on their date of installation. At the MEPC meeting held from March to April 2014, amendments to Annex VI were adopted which address the date on which Tier III Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) standards in ECAs will go into effect. Under the amendments, Tier III NOx standards apply to ships that operate in the North American and U.S. Caribbean Sea ECAs designed for the control of NOx produced by vessels with a marine diesel engine installed and constructed on or after January 1, 2016. Tier III requirements could apply to areas that will be designated for Tier III NOx in the future. At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, the MEPC approved the North Sea and Baltic Sea as ECAs for nitrogen oxide for ships built on or after January 1, 2021. The EPA promulgated equivalent (and in some senses stricter) emissions standards in late 2010. As a result of these designations or similar future designations, we may be required to incur additional operating or other costs.
As determined at the MEPC 70, the new Regulation 22A of MARPOL Annex VI became effective as of March 1, 2018 and requires ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to collect and report annual data on fuel oil consumption to an IMO database, with the first year of data collection commencing on January 1, 2019. The IMO intends to use such data as the first step in its roadmap (through 2023) for developing its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, as discussed further below.
As of January 1, 2013, MARPOL made mandatory certain measures relating to energy efficiency for ships. All ships are now required to develop and implement Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans (“SEEMPS”), and new ships must be designed in compliance with minimum energy efficiency levels per capacity mile as defined by the Energy Efficiency Design Index (“EEDI”). Under these measures, by 2025, all new ships built will be 30% more energy efficient than those built in 2014.
We may incur costs to comply with these revised standards. Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could require the installation of expensive emission control systems and could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Safety Management System Requirements
The SOLAS Convention was amended to address the safe manning of vessels and emergency training drills. The Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (the “LLMC”) sets limitations of liability for a loss of life or personal injury claim or a property claim against ship owners. We believe that our vessels are in substantial compliance with SOLAS and LLMC standards.
Under Chapter IX of the SOLAS Convention, or the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (the “ISM Code”), our operations are also subject to environmental standards and requirements. The ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies. We rely upon the safety management system that we and our technical management team have developed for compliance with the ISM Code. The failure of a vessel owner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject such party to increased liability, may decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel’s management with the ISM Code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a safety management certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code. We have obtained applicable documents of compliance for our offices and safety
management certificates for all of our vessels for which the certificates are required by the IMO. The documents of compliance and safety management certificates are renewed as required.
Regulation II-1/3-10 of the SOLAS Convention governs ship construction and stipulates that ships over 150 meters in length must have adequate strength, integrity and stability to minimize risk of loss or pollution. Goal-based standards amendments in SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 entered into force in 2012, with July 1, 2016 set for application to new oil tankers and bulk carriers. The SOLAS Convention regulation II-1/3-10 on goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers, which entered into force on January 1, 2012, requires that all oil tankers and bulk carriers of 150 meters in length and above, for which the building contract is placed on or after July 1, 2016, satisfy applicable structural requirements conforming to the functional requirements of the International Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (“GBS Standards”).
Amendments to the SOLAS Convention Chapter VII apply to vessels transporting dangerous goods and require those vessels be in compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (“IMDG Code”). Effective January 1, 2018, the IMDG Code includes (1) updates to the provisions for radioactive material, reflecting the latest provisions from the International Atomic Energy Agency, (2) new marking, packing and classification requirements for dangerous goods, and (3) new mandatory training requirements. Amendments that took effect on January 1, 2020 also reflect the latest material from the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, including (1) new provisions regarding IMO type 9 tank, (2) new abbreviations for segregation groups, and (3) special provisions for carriage of lithium batteries and of vehicles powered by flammable liquid or gas.
The IMO has also adopted the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (“STCW”). As of February 2017, all seafarers are required to meet the STCW standards and be in possession of a valid STCW certificate. Flag states that have ratified SOLAS and STCW generally employ the classification societies, which have incorporated SOLAS and STCW requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance.
The IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and MEPC, respectively, each adopted relevant parts of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Water (the “Polar Code”). The Polar Code, which entered into force on January 1, 2017, covers design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue as well as environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in the waters surrounding the two poles. It also includes mandatory measures regarding safety and pollution prevention as well as recommendatory provisions. The Polar Code applies to new ships constructed after January 1, 2017, and after January 1, 2018, ships constructed before January 1, 2017 are required to meet the relevant requirements by the earlier of their first intermediate or renewal survey.
Furthermore, recent action by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee and United States agencies indicates that cybersecurity regulations for the maritime industry are likely to be further developed in the near future in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats. For example, cyber-risk management systems must be incorporated by ship-owners and managers by 2021. This might cause companies to create additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional expenses and/or capital expenditures. The impact of such regulations is hard to predict at this time.
Pollution Control and Liability Requirements
The IMO has negotiated international conventions that impose liability for pollution in international waters and the territorial waters of the signatories to such conventions. For example, the IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (the “BWM Convention”) in 2004. The BWM Convention entered into force on September 8, 2017. The BWM Convention requires ships to manage their ballast water to remove, render harmless, or avoid the uptake or discharge of new or invasive aquatic organisms and pathogens within ballast water and sediments. The BWM Convention’s implementing regulations call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements, to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits, and require all ships to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate.
On December 4, 2013, the IMO Assembly passed a resolution revising the application dates of the BWM Convention so that the dates are triggered by the entry into force date and not the dates originally in the BWM Convention. This, in effect, makes all vessels delivered before the entry into force date “existing vessels” and allows for the installation of ballast water management systems on such vessels at the first International Oil Pollution Prevention (“IOPP”) renewal survey following entry into force of the convention. The MEPC adopted updated guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) at MEPC 70. At MEPC 71, the schedule regarding the BWM Convention’s implementation dates was also discussed and amendments were introduced to extend the date existing vessels are subject to certain ballast water standards. Those changes were adopted at MEPC 72. Ships over 400 gross tons generally must comply with a “D-1 standard,” requiring the exchange of ballast water only in open seas and away from coastal waters. The “D-2 standard” specifies the maximum amount of viable
organisms allowed to be discharged, and compliance dates vary depending on the IOPP renewal dates. Depending on the date of the IOPP renewal survey, existing vessels must comply with the D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2019. For most ships, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms. Ballast water management systems, which include systems that make use of chemical, biocides, organisms or biological mechanisms, or which alter the chemical or physical characteristics of the ballast water, must be approved in accordance with IMO Guidelines (Regulation D-3). As of October 13, 2019, MEPC 72’s amendments to the BWM Convention took effect, making the Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems, which governs assessment of ballast water management, mandatory rather than permissive, and formalized an implementation schedule for D-2 standard. Under these amendments, all ships must meet the D-2 standard by September 8, 2024. Costs of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.
Once mid-ocean ballast water treatment requirements become mandatory under the BWM Convention, the cost of compliance could increase for ocean carriers and may have a material effect on our operations. However, many countries already regulate the discharge of ballast water carried by vessels from country to country to prevent the introduction of invasive and harmful species via such discharges. The U.S., for example, requires vessels entering its waters from another country to conduct mid-ocean ballast exchange, or undertake some alternate measure, and to comply with certain reporting requirements.
The IMO also adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (the “Bunker Convention”) to impose strict liability on ship owners (including the registered owner, bareboat charterer, manager or operator) for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel. The Bunker Convention requires registered owners of ships over 1,000 gross tons to maintain insurance for pollution damage in an amount equal to the limits of liability under the applicable national or international limitation regime (but not exceeding the amount calculated in accordance with the LLMC). With respect to non-ratifying states, liability for spills or releases of oil carried as fuel in a ship’s bunkers typically is determined by the national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where the events or damages occur.
Ships are required to maintain a certificate attesting that they maintain adequate insurance to cover an incident. In jurisdictions, such as the United States where the Bunker Convention has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or on a strict-liability basis.
Anti‑Fouling Requirements
In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti‑fouling Systems on Ships, or the “Anti‑fouling Convention.” The Anti‑fouling Convention, which entered into force on September 17, 2008, prohibits the use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels. Vessels of over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages will also be required to undergo an initial survey before the vessel is put into service or before an International Anti‑fouling System Certificate is issued for the first time; and subsequent surveys when the anti‑fouling systems are altered or replaced. We have obtained Anti‑fouling System Certificates for all of our vessels that are subject to the Anti‑fouling Convention.
Compliance Enforcement
Noncompliance with the ISM Code or other IMO regulations may subject the ship owner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The USCG and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code by applicable deadlines will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively. As of the date of this report, each of our vessels is ISM Code certified. However, there can be no assurance that such certificates will be maintained in the future. The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulations might have on our operations.
United States Regulations
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA”) established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills. OPA affects all “owners and operators” whose vessels trade or operate within the U.S., its territories and possessions or whose vessels operate in U.S. waters, which includes the U.S.’s territorial sea and its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone around the U.S. The U.S. has also enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), which applies to the discharge of hazardous substances other than oil, except in limited circumstances, whether on land or at sea. OPA and CERCLA both define “owner and operator” in the case of a vessel as any person owning, operating or chartering by demise, the vessel. Both OPA and CERCLA impact our operations.
Under OPA, vessel owners and operators are “responsible parties” and are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war) for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages arising from discharges or threatened discharges of oil from their vessels, including bunkers (fuel). OPA defines these other damages broadly to include:
(i) injury to, destruction or loss of, or loss of use of, natural resources and related assessment costs;
(ii) injury to, or economic losses resulting from, the destruction of real and personal property;
(iii) loss of subsistence use of natural resources that are injured, destroyed or lost;
(iv) net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees or net profit revenues resulting from injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property, or natural resources;
(v) lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property or natural resources; and
(vi) net cost of increased or additional public services necessitated by removal activities following a discharge of oil, such as protection from fire, safety or health hazards, and loss of subsistence use of natural resources.
OPA contains statutory caps on liability and damages; such caps do not apply to direct cleanup costs. Effective November 12, 2019, the USCG adjusted the limits of OPA liability for non-tank vessels, edible oil tank vessels, and any oil spill response vessels, to the greater of $1,200 per gross ton or $997,100 (subject to periodic adjustment for inflation). These limits of liability do not apply if an incident was proximately caused by the violation of an applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulation by a responsible party (or its agent, employee or a person acting pursuant to a contractual relationship), or a responsible party's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The limitation on liability similarly does not apply if the responsible party fails or refuses to (i) report the incident as required by law where the responsible party knows or has reason to know of the incident; (ii) reasonably cooperate and assist as requested in connection with oil removal activities; or (iii) without sufficient cause, comply with an order issued under the Federal Water Pollution Act (Section 311 (c), (e)) or the Intervention on the High Seas Act.
CERCLA contains a similar liability regime whereby owners and operators of vessels are liable for cleanup, removal and remedial costs, as well as damages for injury to, or destruction or loss of, natural resources, including the reasonable costs associated with assessing the same, and health assessments or health effects studies. There is no liability if the discharge of a hazardous substance results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war. Liability under CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5.0 million for vessels carrying a hazardous substance as cargo and the greater of $300 per gross ton or $500,000 for any other vessel. These limits do not apply (rendering the responsible person liable for the total cost of response and damages) if the release or threat of release of a hazardous substance resulted from willful misconduct or negligence, or the primary cause of the release was a violation of applicable safety, construction or operating standards or regulations. The limitation on liability also does not apply if the responsible person fails or refused to provide all reasonable cooperation and assistance as requested in connection with response activities where the vessel is subject to OPA.
OPA and CERCLA each preserve the right to recover damages under existing law, including maritime tort law. OPA and CERCLA both require owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the USCG evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the maximum amount of liability to which the particular responsible person may be subject. Vessel owners and operators may satisfy their financial responsibility obligations by providing a proof of insurance, a surety bond, qualification as a self-insurer or a guarantee. We comply and plan to comply going forward with the USCG’s financial responsibility regulations by providing applicable certificates of financial responsibility.
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in additional regulatory initiatives or statutes, including higher liability caps under OPA, new regulations regarding offshore oil and gas drilling, and a pilot inspection program for offshore facilities. However, several of these initiatives and regulations have been or may be revised. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (“BSEE”) revised Production Safety Systems Rule (“PSSR”), effective December 27, 2018, modified and relaxed certain environmental and safety protections under the 2016 PSSR. Additionally, the BSEE amended the Well Control Rule, effective July 15, 2019, which rolled back certain reforms regarding the safety of drilling operations, and former U.S. President Trump proposed leasing new sections of U.S. waters to oil and gas companies for offshore drilling. The effects of these proposals and changes are currently unknown, and recently, current U.S. President Biden signed an executive order temporarily blocking new leases for oil and gas drilling in federal
waters. Compliance with any new requirements of OPA and future legislation or regulations applicable to the operation of our vessels could impact the cost of our operations and adversely affect our business.
OPA specifically permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, provided they accept, at a minimum, the levels of liability established under OPA and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills. Many U.S. states that border a navigable waterway have enacted environmental pollution laws that impose strict liability on a person for removal costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance. These laws may be more stringent than U.S. federal law. Moreover, some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within their waters, although in some cases, states which have enacted this type of legislation have not yet issued implementing regulations defining vessel owners’ responsibilities under these laws. The Company intends to comply with all applicable state regulations in the ports where our vessels call.
We currently maintain pollution liability coverage insurance in the amount of $1.0 billion per incident for each of our vessels. If the damages from a catastrophic spill were to exceed our insurance coverage, it could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operation.
Other United States Environmental Initiatives
The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970 (including its amendments of 1977 and 1990) (“CAA”) requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. The CAA requires states to adopt State Implementation Plans, or “SIPs”, some of which regulate emissions resulting from vessel loading and unloading operations which may affect our vessels.
The U.S. Clean Water Act (“CWA”) prohibits the discharge of oil, hazardous substances and ballast water in U.S. navigable waters unless authorized by a duly-issued permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for any unauthorized discharges. The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA and CERCLA. In 2015, the EPA expanded the definition of “waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”), thereby expanding federal authority under the CWA. Following litigation on the revised WOTUS rule, in December 2018, the EPA and Department of the Army proposed a revised, limited definition of “waters of the United States.” The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on February 14, 2019 and was subject to public comment. On October 22, 2019, the agencies published a final rule repealing the 2015 Rule defining “waters of the United States” and recodified the regulatory text that existed prior to the 2015 Rule. The final rule became effective on December 23, 2019. On January 23, 2020, the EPA published the “Navigable Waters Protection Rule,” which replaces the rule published on October 22, 2019, and redefines “waters of the United States.” This rule became effective on June 22, 2020, although the effective date has been stayed in at least one U.S. state pursuant to court order. The effect of this rule is currently unknown.
The EPA and the USCG have also enacted rules relating to ballast water discharge, compliance with which requires the installation of equipment on our vessels to treat ballast water before it is discharged or the implementation of other port facility disposal arrangements or procedures at potentially substantial costs, and/or otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. Waters. The EPA will regulate these ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain vessels within United States waters pursuant to the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (“VIDA”), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018 and replaces the 2013 Vessel General Permit (“VGP”) program (which authorizes discharges incidental to operations of commercial vessels and contains numeric ballast water discharge limits for most vessels to reduce the risk of invasive species in U.S. waters, stringent requirements for exhaust gas scrubbers, and requirements for the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants) and current Coast Guard ballast water management regulations adopted under the U.S. National Invasive Species Act (“NISA”), such as mid-ocean ballast exchange programs and installation of approved USCG technology for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks bound for U.S. ports or entering U.S. waters. VIDA establishes a new framework for the regulation of vessel incidental discharges under Clean Water Act (CWA), requires the EPA to develop performance standards for those discharges within two years of enactment, and requires the U.S. Coast Guard to develop implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations within two years of EPA’s promulgation of standards. Under VIDA, all provisions of the 2013 VGP and USCG regulations regarding ballast water treatment remain in force and effect until the EPA and U.S. Coast Guard regulations are finalized. Non-military, non-recreational vessels greater than 79 feet in length must continue to comply with the requirements of the VGP, including submission of a Notice of Intent (“NOI”) or retention of a PARI form and submission of annual reports. We have submitted NOIs for our vessels where required. Compliance with the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard and state regulations could require the installation of ballast water treatment equipment on our vessels or the implementation of other port facility disposal procedures at potentially substantial cost, or may otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. waters.
European Union Regulations
In October 2009, the European Union amended a directive to impose criminal sanctions for illicit ship-source discharges of polluting substances, including minor discharges, if committed with intent, recklessly or with serious negligence and the discharges individually or in the aggregate result in deterioration of the quality of water. Aiding and abetting the discharge of a polluting substance may also lead to criminal penalties. The directive applies to all types of vessels, irrespective of their flag, but certain exceptions apply to warships or where human safety or that of the ship is in danger. Criminal liability for pollution may result in substantial penalties or fines and increased civil liability claims. Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 (amending EU Directive 2009/16/EC) governs the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport, and, subject to some exclusions, requires companies with ships over 5,000 gross tonnage to monitor and report carbon dioxide emissions annually, which may cause us to incur additional expenses.
The European Union has adopted several regulations and directives requiring, among other things, more frequent inspections of high-risk ships, as determined by type, age and flag as well as the number of times the ship has been detained. The European Union also adopted and extended a ban on substandard ships and enacted a minimum ban period and a definitive ban for repeated offenses. The regulation also provided the European Union with greater authority and control over classification societies, by imposing more requirements on classification societies and providing for fines or penalty payments for organizations that failed to comply. Furthermore, the EU has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines. The EU Directive 2005/33/EC (amending Directive 1999/32/EC) introduced requirements parallel to those in Annex VI relating to the sulfur content of marine fuels. In addition, the EU imposed a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in the Baltic, the North Sea and the English Channel (the so called “SOx-Emission Control Area:). As of January 2020, EU member states must also ensure that ships in all EU waters, except the SOx-Emission Control Area, use fuels with a 0.5% maximum sulfur content.
On September 15, 2020, the European Parliament voted to include greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector in the European Union’s carbon market from 2022. This will require shipowners to buy permits to cover these emissions. Contingent on another formal approval vote, specific regulations are forthcoming and are expected to be proposed by 2021.
International Labour Organization
The International Labour Organization (the “ILO”) is a specialized agency of the UN that has adopted the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 (“MLC 2006”). A Maritime Labor Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance is required to ensure compliance with the MLC 2006 for all ships that are 500 gross tonnage or over and are either engaged in international voyages or flying the flag of a Member and operating from a port, or between ports, in another country. We believe that all our vessels are in substantial compliance with and are certified to meet MLC 2006.
Greenhouse Gas Regulation
Currently, the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which entered into force in 2005 and pursuant to which adopting countries have been required to implement national programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with targets extended through 2020. International negotiations are continuing with respect to a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, and restrictions on shipping emissions may be included in any new treaty. In December 2009, more than 27 nations, including the U.S. and China, signed the Copenhagen Accord, which includes a non-binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris resulted in the Paris Agreement, which entered into force on November 4, 2016 and does not directly limit greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The U.S. initially entered into the agreement, but on June 1, 2017, former U.S. President Trump announced that the United States intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, and that withdrawal became effective on November 4, 2020. On January 20, 2021, U.S. President Biden signed an executive order to rejoin the Paris Agreement.
At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, a draft outline of the structure of the initial strategy for developing a comprehensive IMO strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships was approved. In accordance with this roadmap, in April 2018, nations at the MEPC 72 adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The initial strategy identifies “levels of ambition” to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including (1) decreasing the carbon intensity from ships through implementation of further phases of the EEDI for new ships; (2) reducing carbon dioxide emissions per transport work, as an average across international shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008 emission levels; and (3) reducing the total annual greenhouse emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 while pursuing efforts towards phasing them out entirely. The initial strategy notes that technological innovation, alternative fuels
and/or energy sources for international shipping will be integral to achieve the overall ambition. These regulations could cause us to incur additional substantial expenses.
The EU made a unilateral commitment to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions from its member states from 20% of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU also committed to reduce its emissions by 20% under the Kyoto Protocol’s second period from 2013 to 2020. Starting in January 2018, large ships over 5,000 gross tonnage calling at EU ports are required to collect and publish data on carbon dioxide emissions and other information. As previously discussed, regulations relating to the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector in the European Unions’s carbon market are also forthcoming.
In the United States, the EPA issued a finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health and safety, adopted regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain mobile sources, and proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary sources. However, in March 2017, former U.S. President Trump signed an executive order to review and possibly eliminate the EPA’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and in August 2019, the Administration announced plans to weaken regulations for methane emissions and on August 13, 2020, the EPA released rules rolling back standards to control methane and volatile organic compound emissions from new oil and gas facilities. However, U.S. President Biden recently directed the EPA to publish a proposed rule suspending, revising, or rescinding certain of these rules. The EPA or individual U.S. states could enact environmental regulations that would affect our operations.
Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the EU, the U.S. or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level to succeed the Kyoto Protocol or Paris Agreement, that restricts emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures which we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Even in the absence of climate control legislation, our business may be indirectly affected to the extent that climate change may result in sea level changes or certain weather events.
Vessel Security Regulations
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, there have been a variety of initiatives intended to enhance vessel security such as the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (“MTSA”). To implement certain portions of the MTSA, the USCG issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and at certain ports and facilities, some of which are regulated by the EPA.
Similarly, Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention imposes detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities and mandates compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (“the ISPS Code”). The ISPS Code is designed to enhance the security of ports and ships against terrorism. To trade internationally, a vessel must attain an International Ship Security Certificate (“ISSC”) from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel’s flag state. Ships operating without a valid certificate may be detained, expelled from or refused entry at port until they obtain an ISSC. The various requirements, some of which are found in the SOLAS Convention, include, for example, on-board installation of automatic identification systems to provide a means for the automatic transmission of safety-related information from among similarly equipped ships and shore stations, including information on a ship’s identity, position, course, speed and navigational status; on-board installation of ship security alert systems, which do not sound on the vessel but only alert the authorities on shore; the development of vessel security plans; ship identification number to be permanently marked on a vessel’s hull; a continuous synopsis record kept onboard showing a vessel's history including the name of the ship, the state whose flag the ship is entitled to fly, the date on which the ship was registered with that state, the ship's identification number, the port at which the ship is registered and the name of the registered owner(s) and their registered address; and compliance with flag state security certification requirements.
The USCG regulations, intended to align with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from MTSA vessel security measures, provided such vessels have on board a valid ISSC that attests to the vessel’s compliance with the SOLAS Convention security requirements and the ISPS Code. Future security measures could have a significant financial impact on us. We intend to comply with the various security measures addressed by MTSA, the SOLAS Convention and the ISPS Code.
The cost of vessel security measures has also been affected by the escalation in the frequency of acts of piracy against ships, notably off the coast of Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea area. Substantial loss of revenue and other costs may be incurred as a result of detention of a vessel or additional security measures, and the risk of uninsured losses could significantly affect our business. Costs are incurred in taking additional security measures in accordance with Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy, notably those contained in the BMP5 industry standard.
Inspection by Classification Societies
The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and SOLAS. Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage and lending that a vessel be certified “in class” by a classification society which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, the IACS. The IACS has adopted harmonized Common Structural Rules, or “the Rules”, which apply to oil tankers and bulk carriers contracted for construction on or after July 1, 2015. The Rules attempt to create a level of consistency between IACS Societies. All of our vessels are certified as being “in class” by all the applicable Classification Societies (e.g. American Bureau of Shipping, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping).
A vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys, drydockings and special surveys. In lieu of a special survey, a vessel’s machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Every vessel is also required to be drydocked every 30 to 36 months for inspection of the underwater parts of the vessel. If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, drydocking or special survey, the vessel will be unable to carry cargo between ports and will be unemployable and uninsurable which could cause us to be in violation of certain covenants in our loan agreements. Any such inability to carry cargo or be employed, or any such violation of covenants, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Risk of Loss and Liability Insurance
General
The operation of any cargo vessel includes risks such as mechanical failure, physical damage, collision, property loss, cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, piracy incidents, hostilities and labor strikes. In addition, there is always an inherent possibility of marine disaster, including oil spills and other environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating vessels in international trade. OPA, which imposes virtually unlimited liability upon shipowners, operators and bareboat charterers of any vessel trading in the exclusive economic zone of the United States for certain oil pollution accidents in the United States, has made liability insurance more expensive for shipowners and operators trading in the United States market. We carry insurance coverage as customary in the shipping industry. However, not all risks can be insured, specific claims may be rejected, and we might not be always able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates.
Hull and Machinery Insurance
We procure hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes environmental damage and pollution insurance and war risk insurance including war loss of hire and freight, demurrage and defense insurance for our fleet.
Protection and Indemnity Insurance
Protection and indemnity insurance is provided by mutual protection and indemnity associations, or “P&I Associations”, and covers our third-party liabilities in connection with our shipping activities. This includes third-party liability and other related expenses of injury or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels, damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances, and salvage, towing and other related costs, including wreck removal. Protection and indemnity insurance is a form of mutual indemnity insurance, extended by protection and indemnity mutual associations, or “clubs”.
Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage for pollution is $1 billion per vessel per incident. The 13 P&I Associations that comprise the International Group insure approximately 90% of the world’s commercial tonnage and have entered into a pooling agreement to reinsure each association’s liabilities. The International Group’s website states that the Pool provides a mechanism for sharing all claims in excess of US$10 million up to, currently, approximately US$ 3.2 billion. In case of an ‘overspill’ claim, which would fall back on the collective membership and on the total limitation of the liability of group membership, that amount may go up to approximately US$ 8.2 billion. As a member of a P&I Association, which is a member of the International Group, we are subject to calls payable to the associations based on our claim records as well as the claim records of all other members of the individual associations and members of the shipping pool of P&I Associations comprising the International Group.
Permits and Authorizations
We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our vessels. The kinds of permits, licenses and certificates required depend upon several factors,
including the commodity transported, the waters in which the vessel operates, the nationality of the vessel’s crew and the age of a vessel. We believe that we have obtained all permits, licenses and certificates currently required to permit our vessels to operate. Additional laws and regulations, environmental or otherwise, may be adopted which could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of us doing business.
C.Organizational Structure
Eneti Inc. is a company incorporated under the laws of the Marshall Islands. We own our vessels through separate wholly-owned subsidiaries that are incorporated in the Marshall Islands. Please see Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report for a list of our current subsidiaries.
D.Property, Plants and Equipment
Our only material physical assets consist of our vessels which are owned through our separate wholly owned subsidiaries.
For a description of our fleet, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Our Fleet.”
| | | | | |
ITEM 4A. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
| | | | | |
ITEM 5. | OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS |
A.Operating Results
The following presentation of management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto.
Overview
We are an international shipping company that owns and operates the latest generation of newbuilding drybulk carriers with fuel-efficient specifications and carrying capacities of greater than 30,000 dwt. All of our owned vessels have carrying capacities of greater than 60,000 dwt. Our vessels transport a broad range of major and minor bulk commodities, including ores, coal, grains, and fertilizers, along worldwide shipping routes, and are employed primarily in the spot market or in spot market-oriented pools of similarly sized vessels.
We are organized by vessel type into two operating segments:
•Ultramax Operations: includes vessels ranging from approximately 60,200 dwt to 64,000 dwt.
•Kamsarmax Operations: includes vessels ranging from approximately 82,000 dwt to 84,000 dwt.
In addition, in August 2020, the Company signed a letter of intent to enter into a shipbuilding contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Inc. to build a wind turbine installation vessel (“WTIV”) which is expected to be delivered in 2023, with options to construct three further similar vessels. The Company’s purchase of the WTIV is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation.
Certain of the corporate income and general and administrative expenses incurred by the Company are not attributable to any specific segment. Accordingly, these amounts are not allocated to any of the Company’s segments and are included in the results below as “Corporate”.
We generate revenues by charging customers for the transportation of their drybulk cargoes using our vessels. Historically, these services generally have been provided under the following basic types of contractual relationships:
•Commercial Pools, whereby we participate with other shipowners to operate a large number of vessels as an integrated transportation system, which offers customers greater flexibility and a higher level of service while achieving scheduling efficiencies. Pools negotiate charters primarily in the spot market but may also arrange time charter agreements. The size and scope of these pools enable them to enhance utilization rates for pool vessels by securing
backhaul voyages and COAs (described below), thus generating higher effective TCE revenues than otherwise might be obtainable in the spot market.
•Voyage charters, which are charters for short intervals that are priced on current, or “spot,” market rates.
•Time charters, which are chartered to customers for a fixed period of time at rates that are generally fixed, but may contain a variable component based on inflation, interest rates, or current market rates.
•For all of our vessels in contractual relationships, we are responsible for crewing and other vessel operating costs for our owned or finance leased vessels and the charterhire expense for vessels that we time charter-in.
The table below illustrates the primary distinctions among these different employment arrangements:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Voyage Charter | | Time Charter | | Commercial Pool |
Typical contract length | Single voyage | | One year or more | | Varies |
Hire rate basis | Varies | | Daily | | Varies |
Voyage expenses | We pay | | Customer pays | | Pool pays |
Vessel operating costs for owned vessels | We pay | | We pay | | We pay |
Charterhire expense for vessels chartered-in | We pay | | We pay | | We pay |
Off-hire | Customer does not pay | | Customer does not pay | | Pool does not pay |
During 2020, and as of the date of this annual report, certain of our owned, finance leased and time chartered-in vessels are operating in the Scorpio Pools.
Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts
We use a variety of financial and operational terms and concepts. These include the following:
Hire rate. The basic payment from the charterer for the use of the vessel.
Vessel revenues. Vessel revenues primarily include revenues from time charters, pool revenues and voyage charters. Vessel revenues are affected by hire rates and the number of days a vessel operates. Vessel revenues are also affected by the mix of business between vessels on time charter, vessels in pools and vessels operating on voyage charter. Revenues from vessels in pools and on voyage charter are more volatile, as they are typically tied to prevailing market rates.
Voyage charters. Voyage charters or spot voyages are charters under which the customer pays a transportation charge for the movement of a specific cargo between two or more specified ports. We pay all of the voyage expenses.
Voyage expenses. Voyage expenses primarily include bunkers, port charges, canal tolls, cargo handling operations and brokerage commissions paid by us under voyage charters, as well as brokerage commissions and miscellaneous voyage expenses that we are unable to collect under time charter and pool arrangements. These expenses are subtracted from vessel revenues to calculate TCE revenues.
Vessel operating costs. For our owned vessels, we are responsible for vessel operating costs, which include crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils, communication expenses, and technical management fees.
Technical management fees are paid to SSM, which is controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family. Pursuant to our Revised Master Agreement, SSM provides us with technical services, which it may choose to subcontract to other parties at its discretion.
Charterhire. Charterhire is the amount we pay the owner for time chartered-in vessels. The amount is usually for a fixed period of time at rates that are generally fixed, but may contain a variable component based on inflation, interest rates, or current market rates. The vessel’s owner is responsible for crewing and other vessel operating costs.
Drydocking. We periodically drydock each of our owned vessels for inspection, repairs and maintenance and any modifications to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. Generally, each vessel is drydocked every 30 months to 60 months. We capitalize a substantial portion of the costs incurred during drydocking and amortize those costs on a straight-line basis from the completion of a drydocking to the estimated completion of the next drydocking. We immediately expense costs for routine repairs and maintenance performed during drydocking that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the assets. The number of drydockings undertaken in a given period and the nature of the work performed determine the level of drydocking expenditures.
Depreciation. Depreciation expense typically consists of:
•charges related to the depreciation of the historical cost of our owned vessels (less an estimated residual value) over the estimated useful lives of the vessels;
•charges related to the amortization of drydocking expenditures over the estimated number of years to the next scheduled drydocking; and
•amortization of assets under finance lease.
Time charter equivalent (TCE) revenue or rates. We report TCE revenues, a non-GAAP financial measure, because (i) we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with vessel revenues and voyage expenses, the most directly comparable U.S.-GAAP measures, (ii) it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance, (iii) it is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company’s performance irrespective of changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods, and (iv) we believe that it presents useful information to investors. TCE revenue is vessel revenue less voyage expenses, including bunkers and port charges. The TCE rate achieved on a given voyage is expressed in U.S. dollars/day and is generally calculated by taking TCE revenue and dividing that figure by the number of revenue days in the period. For a reconciliation of TCE revenue, deduct voyage expenses from vessel revenue on our Statement of Operations. Please also see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Revenue days. Revenue days are the total number of calendar days our vessels were in our possession during a period, less the total number of off-hire days during the period associated with repairs or drydockings. Consequently, revenue days represent the total number of days available for the vessel to earn revenue. Idle days, which are days when a vessel is available to earn revenue, yet is not employed, are included in revenue days. We use revenue days to show changes in net vessel revenues between periods.
Contract of affreightment. A contract of affreightment, or COA, relates to the carriage of specific quantities of cargo with multiple voyages over the same route and over a specific period of time which usually spans a number of years. A COA does not designate the specific vessels or voyage schedules that will transport the cargo, thereby providing both the charterer and shipowner greater operating flexibility than with voyage charters alone. The charterer has the flexibility to determine the individual voyage scheduling at a future date while the shipowner may use different vessels to perform these individual voyages. As a result, COAs are mostly entered into by large fleet operators, such as pools or shipowners with large fleets of the same vessel type. We pay the voyage expenses while the freight rate normally is agreed on a per cargo ton basis.
Commercial pools. To increase vessel utilization and revenues, we participate in commercial pools with other shipowners and operators of similar modern, well-maintained vessels. By operating a large number of vessels as an integrated transportation system, commercial pools offer customers greater flexibility and a higher level of service while achieving scheduling efficiencies. Pools employ experienced commercial charterers and operators who have close working relationships with customers and brokers, while technical management is performed by each shipowner. Pools negotiate charters with customers primarily in the spot market. The size and scope of these pools enable them to enhance utilization rates for pool vessels by securing backhaul voyages and COAs, thus generating higher effective TCE revenues than otherwise might be obtainable in the spot market while providing a higher level of service offerings to customers.
Operating days. Operating days are the total number of available days in a period with respect to the owned vessels, before deducting available days due to off-hire days and days in drydock. Operating days is a measurement that is only applicable to our owned vessels, not our chartered-in vessels.
Off-hire. Time a vessel is not available for service due primarily to scheduled and unscheduled repairs or drydockings. For time chartered-in vessels, we do not pay the charterhire expense when the vessel is off-hire.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our financial information presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, management uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” as such term is defined in Regulation G promulgated by the SEC. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s operating performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are included in, or excluded from, the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Management believes the presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency and supplemental data relating to our financial condition and results of operations, and therefore a more complete understanding of factors affecting our business than GAAP measures alone. In addition, management believes the presentation of these matters is useful to investors for period-to-period comparison of results as the items may reflect certain unique and/or non-operating items such as asset sales, write-offs, contract termination costs or items outside of management’s control.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, adjusted net loss and related per share amounts, as well as adjusted EBITDA and TCE revenue are non-GAAP financial measures that we believe provide investors with a means of evaluating and understanding how our management evaluates our operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, as substitutes for, nor superior to financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Reconciliations of EBITDA, and TCE revenue as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, as well as reconciliations of adjusted net income or loss and related per share amounts and adjusted EBITDA in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are provided below.
EBITDA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, |
In thousands | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (671,983) | | | $ | 44,654 | | | $ | (12,698) | | |
Adjustments: | | | | | | | |
Net interest expense | | 29,853 | | | 42,887 | | | 39,180 | | |
Depreciation and amortization (1) | | 62,441 | | | 70,775 | | | 74,070 | | |
EBITDA | | $ | (579,689) | | | $ | 158,316 | | | $ | 100,552 | | |
(1) Includes depreciation, amortization of deferred financing costs and restricted stock amortization.
Adjusted net loss
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Year Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | | |
In thousands, except per share amounts | Amount | | Per share | | Amount | | Per share | | | | | |
Net (loss) income | $ | (671,983) | | | $ | (70.85) | | | $ | 44,654 | | | $ | 6.42 | | | | | | |
Adjustments: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss / write down on assets held for sale | 495,413 | | | 52.24 | | | 37,289 | | | 5.36 | | | | | | |
Write off of deferred financing cost | 3,088 | | | 0.33 | | | 681 | | | 0.10 | | | | | | |
Total adjustments | 498,501 | | | 52.57 | | | 37,970 | | | 5.46 | | | | | | |
Adjusted net (loss) income | $ | (173,482) | | | $ | (18.28) | | | $ | 82,624 | | | $ | 11.88 | | | | | | |
Adjusted EBITDA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, |
In thousands | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (671,983) | | | $ | 44,654 | |
Impact of Adjustments (1) | | 498,501 | | | 37,970 | |
Adjusted net (loss) income | | (173,482) | | | 82,624 | |
Add Back: | | | | |
Net interest expense | | 29,853 | | | 42,887 | |
Depreciation and amortization (2) | | 59,353 | | | 70,094 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | (84,276) | | | $ | 195,605 | |
(1) Includes loss/write downs on assets held for sale of $495.4 million and $37.3 million and writes off of deferred financing costs of $3.1 million and $0.7 million for 2020 and 2019 respectively.
(2) Includes depreciation, amortization of deferred financing costs and restricted stock amortization.
TCE Revenue
Time Charter Equivalent, or TCE, revenue is defined as vessel revenues less voyage expenses. Such TCE revenue, divided by the number of our available days during the period, or revenue days, is TCE per revenue day, which we believe is consistent with industry standards. TCE per revenue day is a common shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare daily earnings generated by vessels on time charters with daily earnings generated by vessels on voyage charters, because charterhire rates for vessels on voyage charters are generally not expressed in per-day amounts while charterhire rates for vessels on time charters generally are expressed in such amounts.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Year Ended December 31, | |
In thousands | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | |
Vessel Revenues | $ | 163,732 | | | $ | 224,579 | | | $ | 242,502 | | |
Less: | | | | | | |
Voyage expenses | (10,009) | | | (4,200) | | | (549) | | |
TCE revenue | $ | 153,723 | | | $ | 220,379 | | | $ | 241,953 | | |
Executive Summary for the Year Ended December 31, 2020
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net loss was $672.0 million, or $70.85 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $44.7 million, or $6.42 per diluted share, in the same period in 2019. Results for 2020 include: a write-down on assets sold and classified as held for sale of approximately $495.4 million, or $52.24 per diluted share, a loss of approximately $106.5 million and cash dividend income of $1.1 million, or $11.11 per diluted share, from the Company’s equity investment in Scorpio Tankers Inc., and a write-off of approximately $3.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, of deferred financing costs on the credit facilities related to repaid debt on vessels that have been sold. EBITDA for 2020 and 2019 were a loss of $579.7 million and $158.3 million, respectively (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures above).
For 2020, the Company’s adjusted net loss was $173.5 million, or $18.28 adjusted per diluted share, which excludes the impact of the write-down of assets of approximately $495.4 million and the write-off of deferred financing costs on credit facilities related to sold vessels of approximately $3.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months of 2020 was a loss of $84.3 million. For 2019, the Company’s adjusted net income was $82.6 million, or $11.88 adjusted per diluted share, which excludes the impact of the write-down of assets of approximately $37.3 million and the write-off of related deferred financing costs of approximately $0.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months of 2019 was $195.6 million (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures above).
Total vessel revenues for 2020 were $163.7 million compared to $224.6 million for prior year period. Our TCE revenue (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures) for 2020 was $153.7 million, a decrease of $66.7 million from the prior year period.
Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $693.4 million, including the write-down of assets either sold or held for sale of $495.4 million, compared to $246.0 million in 2019, which also included a write-down of assets either sold or held for sale of $37.3 million. This increase was due primarily to the aforementioned write-downs and increases in voyage and charterhire expenses.
Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to the Year Ended December 31,2019
Ultramax Operations
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | % Change |
TCE Revenue: | | | | | | | |
Vessel revenue | $ | 96,685 | | | $ | 138,387 | | | $ | (41,702) | | | (30) | |
Voyage expenses | 5,178 | | | 1,512 | | | 3,666 | | | 242 | |
TCE Revenue | $ | 91,507 | | | $ | 136,875 | | | $ | (45,368) | | | (33) | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | |
Vessel operating costs | 62,264 | | | 67,305 | | | (5,041) | | | (7) | |
Charterhire expense | 2,487 | | | 3,726 | | | (1,239) | | | (33) | |
| | | | | | | |
Vessel depreciation | 32,003 | | | 35,932 | | | (3,929) | | | (11) | |
General and administrative expense | 3,908 | | | 4,152 | | | (244) | | | (6) | |
Loss / write down on assets held for sale | 327,242 | | | 29,936 | | | 297,306 | | | 993 | |
Total operating expenses | $ | 427,904 | | | $ | 141,051 | | | $ | 286,853 | | | 203 | |
Operating loss | $ | (336,397) | | | $ | (4,176) | | | $ | (332,221) | | | (7,955) | |
Vessel revenue for our Ultramax Operations decreased to $96.7 million in 2020 from $138.4 million in 2019.
TCE revenue (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures) for our Ultramax Operations was $91.5 million for 2020 compared to $136.9 million for the prior year. Our Ultramax fleet consisted of a day-weighted average of 33 vessels owned or finance leased and one vessel time chartered-in during the twelve months of 2020 and 37 vessels owned or finance leased and one vessel time chartered-in during the twelve months of 2019. TCE revenue per day was $10,879 and $10,291 for 2020 and 2019, respectively.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, | | | | |
Ultramax Operations: | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | % Change |
TCE Revenue | $ | 91,507 | | | $ | 136,875 | | | $ | (45,368) | | | (33) | |
TCE Revenue / Day | $ | 10,879 | | | $ | 10,291 | | | $ | 588 | | | 6 | |
Revenue Days | 8,411 | | | 13,300 | | | (4,889) | | | (37) | |
Our Ultramax Operations vessel operating costs were $62.3 million in 2020, including approximately $3.7 million of takeover costs and contingency expenses compared with vessel operating costs for the prior year of $67.3 million, relating to 33 and 37 vessels owned or finance leased on average, respectively. The year over year decrease is due to primarily to the reduction in fleet size and the outbreak of COVID-19, which for most of 2020 reduced crew travel and the purchase of stores and spares and the performance of repairs. Daily operating costs excluding takeover costs and contingency expenses for the twelve months of 2020 remained relatively flat at $4,858 compared to $4,873 in the prior year period.
Charterhire expense for our Ultramax Operations was approximately $2.5 million for 2020 and $3.7 million for 2019 and relates to the vessel that was time chartered-in until August 2020 when the vessel was redelivered to its owner.
Ultramax Operations depreciation decreased from $35.9 million in 2019 to $32.0 million in 2020 due to the decrease in fleet size as a result of vessel sales and the classification of all of our remaining Ultramax vessels as held for sale (upon which depreciation ceases) as we intend to exit the drybulk industry.
General and administrative expense for our Ultramax Operations, which consists primarily of administrative service fees, which are incurred on a per vessel per day basis, and bank charges, which are incurred based on the number of transactions, was $3.9 million for 2020 and $4.2 million for 2019.
During the twelve months of 2020, we recorded a write-down on assets of $327.2 million related to the sale of or classification of our Ultramax vessels as held for sale, as we announced our intention to exit the drybulk industry.
Kamsarmax Operations
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | % Change |
TCE Revenue: | | | | | | | |
Vessel revenue | $ | 67,047 | | | $ | 86,192 | | | $ | (19,145) | | | (22) | |
Voyage expenses | 4,831 | | | 2,688 | | | 2,143 | | | 80 | |
TCE Revenue | $ | 62,216 | | | $ | 83,504 | | | $ | (21,288) | | | (25) | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | |
Vessel operating costs | 30,542 | | | 33,816 | | | (3,274) | | | (10) | |
Charterhire expense | 18,620 | | | 13,498 | | | 5,122 | | | 38 | |
| | | | | | | |
Vessel depreciation | 16,366 | | | 18,292 | | | (1,926) | | | (11) | |
General and administrative expense | 1,891 | | | 2,083 | | | (192) | | | (9) | |
Loss / write down on assets held for sale | 168,171 | | | 7,353 | | | 160,818 | | | 2,187 | |
Total operating expenses | $ | 235,590 | | | $ | 75,042 | | | $ | 160,548 | | | 214 | |
Operating (loss) income | $ | (173,374) | | | $ | 8,462 | | | $ | (181,836) | | | (2,149) | |
Vessel revenue for our Kamsarmax Operations decreased slightly to $67.0 million in 2020 from $86.2 million in the prior year.
TCE revenue (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures) for our Kamsarmax Operations was $62.2 million for 2020 associated with a day-weighted average of 16 vessels owned or finance leased and five vessels time chartered-in, compared to $83.5 million for the prior year, associated with a day-weighted average of 18 vessels owned or finance leased and three vessels time chartered-in. TCE revenue per day was $11,891 and $11,671 for 2020 and 2019, respectively.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, | | | | |
Kamsarmax Operations: | 2020 | | 2019 | | Change | | % Change |
TCE Revenue | $ | 62,216 | | | $ | 83,504 | | | $ | (21,288) | | | (25) | |
TCE Revenue / Day | $ | 11,891 | | | $ | 11,671 | | | $ | 220 | | | 2 | |
Revenue Days | 5,232 | | | 7,155 | | | (1,923) | | | (27) | |
Kamsarmax Operations vessel operating costs were $30.5 million for 2020, including approximately $1.9 million of takeover costs and contingency expenses, compared with vessel operating costs of $33.8 million in the prior year and related to 16 and 18 vessels owned or finance leased on average, respectively. The year over year decrease is due primarily to the reduction in fleet size and the outbreak of COVID-19, which for most of 2020 reduced crew travel and the purchase of stores and spares and the performance of repairs. Daily operating costs excluding takeover costs and contingency expenses for the twelve months of 2020 decreased to $4,937 from $4,986 in the prior year period.
Kamsarmax Operations charterhire expense was $18.6 million in 2020, relating to five vessels we began time chartering-in during 2019. The year over year increase from $13.5 million in 2019 reflects the full year impact of the cost in 2020.
Kamsarmax Operations depreciation was $16.4 million and $18.3 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, due to the decrease in fleet size as a result of vessel sales and the classification of all of our remaining Kamsarmax vessels as held for sale (upon which depreciation ceases) as we intend to exit the drybulk industry.
General and administrative expense for Kamsarmax Operations was $1.9 million for 2020 and $2.1 million for 2019. The expense consists primarily of administrative services fees, which are incurred on a per vessel per day basis, and bank charges, which are incurred based on the number of transactions.
During 2020, we recorded a write-down of assets held for sale related to the sale of or classification of our Kamsarmax vessels as held for sale, as we announced our intention to exit the drybulk industry of approximately $168.2 million.
Corporate
Certain general and administrative expenses the Company incurs, as well as all of its financial expenses and investment income or losses, are not attributable to a specific segment. Accordingly, these costs are not allocated to the Company’s segments. These general and administrative expenses, including compensation, audit, legal and other professional fees, as well as the costs of being a public company, such as director fees, were $19.8 million and $25.7 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease from the prior year is due primarily to a reduction in compensation costs.
We recorded a loss of approximately $106.5 million for the twelve months of 2020 and received cash dividend income of $1.1 million from our equity investment in Scorpio Tankers Inc. During the twelve months of 2019, we recorded a non-cash gain of approximately $114.7 million as well as cash dividend income of $2.2 million also related to our equity investment in Scorpio Tankers Inc.
Financial expenses, net of interest income decreased to $36.6 million in the twelve months of 2020 from $50.7 million in the prior year period due to lower LIBOR rates, as well as lower debt levels resulting from the sale of vessels and the redemption of our 7.50% Senior Unsecured Notes in August 2019.
Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2018
For a discussion of our results for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, please see “Item 5 - Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - A. Operating Results - Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2018” contained in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on April 2, 2020.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In many instances, the application of such principles requires management to make estimates or to apply subjective principles to particular facts and circumstances. A change in the estimates or a variance in the application, or interpretation of U.S. GAAP could yield a materially different accounting result. A summary of our critical accounting estimates where we believe that the estimations, judgments or interpretations that we made, if different, would have yielded the most significant differences in our consolidated financial statements, can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. In addition, for a summary of all of our significant accounting policies see Note 1, Organization and Basis of Presentation, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Vessels and depreciation
Until December 2020, when we classified our remaining fleet as held for sale, we recorded the value of our vessels at their cost (which includes acquisition costs directly attributable to the vessel including capitalized interest and expenditures made to prepare the vessel for its initial voyage) less accumulated depreciation. We depreciated our vessels on a straight-line basis to their residual value over their estimated useful lives of 25 years from the date the vessel is ready for its first voyage. The estimated useful life of 25 years was management’s best estimate and was also consistent with industry practice for similar vessels. The residual value was estimated as the lightweight tonnage of each vessel multiplied by an estimated scrap value per ton. The scrap value per ton was estimated taking into consideration the historical four years average scrap market rates at the balance sheet date.
An increase in the useful life of a vessel or in its residual value would have had the effect of decreasing the annual depreciation charge and extending it into later periods. A decrease in the useful life of a vessel or in its residual value would have had the effect of increasing the annual depreciation charge.
When regulations place limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, or when the cost of complying with such regulations is not expected to be recovered, we would have adjusted the vessel’s useful life to end at the date such regulations preclude such vessel’s further commercial use.
Pursuant to our bank credit facilities, prior to drawdown of loans under the credit facilities we submitted to the lenders valuations of the vessels collateralizing the relevant facility. Thereafter, we would regularly submit to the lenders valuations of our vessels on an individual charter free basis in order to evidence our compliance with the collateral maintenance covenants under our bank credit facilities. Such a valuation was not necessarily the same as the amount any vessel may bring upon sale, which may be more or less, and should not be relied upon as such.
Assets held for sale
Assets held for sale include vessels and contracts for the construction of vessels and are classified in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. We consider such assets to be held for sale when all of the following criteria are met:
•management commits to a plan to sell the property;
•it is unlikely that the disposal plan will be significantly modified or discontinued;
•the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
•actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated;
•sale of the property is probable and we expect the completed sale will occur within one year; and
•the property is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given its current market value.
Upon designation as an asset held for sale, we record the asset at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and, if the asset is a vessel, we cease depreciation.
Determination of fair value less costs to sell implies significant judgments. Management estimated the fair value of each individual vessel in the fleet based on its specific characteristics, such as category of the vessel (Ultramax or Kamsarmax), year and shipyard of construction, cargo carrying capacity, scrubbers retrofit, the Company’s recent sales transactions for similar vessels, and other factors. Management also estimated incremental direct costs to sell mainly on the basis of existing contracts (termination fees to be paid to related party commercial and technical managers) and customary industry practices (commissions to be paid to brokers).
Impairment of long-lived assets held for use
In accordance with ASC subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment, long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition.
For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets, which is generally at the vessel pool level for vessels operating within pools. In performing our impairment review, we perform a recoverability test comparing an estimate of undiscounted cash flows to carrying value to determine if the asset group is impaired. In developing our estimates of undiscounted cash flows, we make significant assumptions and estimates about future performance, with the most significant assumptions relating to (i) charter rates on expiry of existing charters, which are based on the current fixing applicable to five-year time charter rates and thereafter, the ten-year historical average for each category of vessel (ii) off-hire days, which are based on actual off-hire statistics for our fleet (iii) operating costs, based on current levels escalated over time based on long term trends (iv) drydocking frequency, duration and cost, (v) estimated useful life which is assessed as a total of 25 years and (vi) estimated scrap values.
An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the asset group is greater than both the undiscounted cash flows and its fair value. In instances where the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, measurement of the impairment loss is based upon the amount by which the collective fair values of the vessels in the asset group exceed their collective carrying values. The fair values are determined based upon available market data as well as third party valuations performed on each individual vessel.
During December 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company, as part of its transition to a sustainable future, to sell its remaining drybulk vessels and exit the drybulk sector during 2021, classifying all of its remaining fleet as held for sale at December 31, 2020. As a result of this decision, the Company recorded a charge of $458.8 million to remeasure its fleet to its fair value less costs to sell.
During our fourth quarter 2019 assessment, we determined that the undiscounted future income streams expected to be generated by each asset group, over their remaining operating lives exceeded and therefore would be sufficient to recover their respective carrying values and, accordingly, we confirmed that our vessels were not impaired under U.S. GAAP. As of December 31, 2019 we owned 52 vessels with an average remaining useful life of 21 years.
During our fourth quarter 2018 assessment, we determined that the undiscounted future income streams expected to be generated by each asset group, over their remaining operating lives exceeded and therefore would be sufficient to recover their respective carrying values and, accordingly, we confirmed that our vessels were not impaired under U.S. GAAP.
In our impairment testing, we also examine the sensitivity of the future income streams expected to be earned and carrying values to be recovered by reviewing other scenarios relative to the initial assumptions we used to see if the resulting impact would have resulted in a different conclusion. Accordingly, we perform a sensitivity analysis based on more conservative expected useful lives and carrying amounts for our vessels. We then evaluated the outcome of the sensitivity analysis performed to assess their impact on our conclusions. In the analyses in 2019 and 2018, we found that there was no impairment of any of our assets or asset groups.
B.Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of funds for our short-term and long-term liquidity needs will be the cash flows generated from our vessels, which primarily operated in the Scorpio Pools during 2020, in the spot market or, under certain circumstances on time charter. We believe that the Scorpio Pools reduce volatility because (i) they aggregate the revenues and expenses of all pool participants and distribute net earnings to the participants based on an agreed upon formula and (ii) some of the vessels in the pool are on time charter. Furthermore, spot charters provide flexibility and allow us to fix vessels at prevailing rates.
At December 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents totaled $84.0 million. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents balance and operating cash flows, our ability to sell our investment in Scorpio Tankers, as well as our access to credit markets will be sufficient to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity needs for the next 12 months from the date of this annual report, which are primarily comprised of debt repayment obligations (see Liquidity Risk section of Note 1, Organization and Basis of Presentation, to the consolidated financial statements).
Cash Flow
Operating Activities
The table below summarizes the effect of the major components of operating cash flow.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (671,983) | | | $ | 44,654 | | | $ | (12,698) | |
Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | 574,061 | | | (15,997) | | | 81,247 | |
Related party balances | | 9,314 | | | 2,993 | | | (195) | |
Effect of changes in other working capital and operating assets and liabilities | | 49,773 | | | 2,230 | | | 2,092 | |
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | | $ | (38,835) | | | $ | 33,880 | | | $ | 70,446 | |
The cash flow provided by operating activities for 2020 reflects the lower time charter rates earned during the period. Our non-cash items include unrealized losses on investments, the loss/write-down on vessels held for sale, vessel depreciation, amortization of restricted stock and deferred financing costs.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities of $195.5 million during 2020 primarily reflects the proceeds received from the sale of vessels and the proceeds received from the sale of 2.25 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers Inc. in May 2020 partially offset by payments made on our scrubber program.
Financing Activities
Net cash used financing activities of $115.2 million primarily reflects the repayments of long term debt related to the sale of vessels, as well as per the normal amortization schedule and the repurchase of our common shares under our share repurchase program offset by net proceeds from our issuance of stock and the refinancing of existing bank debt under financing obligations via our new sale and leaseback transactions.
Equity Issuance
In June 2020, the Company issued approximately 4.7 million shares (which includes the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares) of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at $18.46 per share in an underwritten public offering. Scorpio Services Holding Limited, a related party to the Company, purchased 950,000 common shares in the offering at the public offering price, after which it beneficially owned 16.1% of the Company’s outstanding common stock at that time, thereby increasing Scorpio Holdings Limited’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s outstanding common stock to 20.0% at that time. The Company received approximately $82.3 million of net proceeds from the issuance.
Share Repurchase Program
In January 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a Securities Repurchase Program to purchase up to an aggregate of $50.0 million of the Company’s securities (the “Program”). During the fourth quarter of 2020, we repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares of our common stock, at an average cost of $15.52 per share. We subsequently repurchased approximately 41,000 shares of our common stock at an average cost of $16.96 per share from January 1, 2021 through March 8, 2021. These repurchases, totaling $17.4 million, were made under the Program and funded from available cash resources. As of March 8, 2021, the Company had $32.6 million authorized remaining available under the Program.
Dividend
During 2020, our Board of Directors declared and we paid cash dividends totaling $0.35 per share or $3.2 million in the aggregate.
On January 29, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on or about March 12, 2021, to all shareholders of record as of February 12, 2021.
Secured Credit Facilities and Financing Obligations
As of December 31, 2020, we had $561.2 million of outstanding borrowings under the credit agreements and financing obligations described below as shown in the following table (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2020 | | March 8, 2021 |
| | Amount outstanding | | Amount outstanding | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
$85.5 Million Credit Facility | | 21,974 | | | 10,988 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
$30.0 Million Credit Facility | | 24,881 | | | 12,126 | | | |
$60.0 Million Credit Facility | | 23,746 | | | — | | | |
$184.0 Million Credit Facility | | 49,641 | | | 36,968 | | | |
$34.0 Million Credit Facility | | 30,536 | | | 30,536 | | | |
$90.0 Million Credit Facility | | 22,340 | | | 21,732 | | | |
$19.6 Million Lease Financing - SBI Rumba | | 15,614 | | | 15,393 | | | |
$19.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Tango | | 16,109 | | | 15,900 | | | |
$19.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Echo | | 16,259 | | | 16,060 | | | |
$20.5 Million Lease Financing - SBI Hermes | | 17,763 | | | 17,537 | | | |
$21.4 Million Lease Financing - SBI Samba | | 18,960 | | | 18,709 | | | |
CMBFL Lease Financing | | 102,282 | | | 99,601 | | | |
$45.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Virgo & SBI Libra | | 39,375 | | | 38,728 | | | |
AVIC Lease Financing | | 101,957 | | | 33,576 | | | |
$67.3 Million Lease Financing | | 59,779 | | | 58,870 | | | |
Total | | $ | 561,216 | | | $ | 426,724 | | | |
Our secured credit facilities are secured by, among other things: a first priority mortgage over the relevant collateralized vessels; a first priority assignment of earnings, and insurances from the mortgaged vessels for the specific facility; a pledge of the earnings account of the mortgaged vessels for the specific facility; and a pledge of the equity interests of each vessel owning subsidiary under the specific facility.
Financial Covenants under the Agreements Governing our Indebtedness
Our credit facilities and financing obligations discussed above, have, among other things, the following financial covenants, as amended or waived, the most stringent of which require us to maintain:
•The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•Consolidated tangible net worth (adjusted for a minimum amount of $100.0 million in historical non-operating costs and to exclude certain future non-operating items, including impairments) no less than $500.0 million plus (i) 25% of cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after December 31, 2013 and (ii) 50% of the value of any new equity issues occurring on or after December 31, 2013.
•Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $0.5 million per owned or finance leased vessel.
•Minimum fair value of the collateral for each credit facility, such that the aggregate fair value of the vessels collateralizing the credit facility is between 140% and 160% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding under such credit facility, or, if we do not meet these thresholds to prepay a portion of the loan or provide additional security to eliminate the shortfall.
•Minimum fair value of the vessel for certain financing obligations be 115% of the principal amount outstanding under such financing obligation, or, if we do not meet this threshold, to prepay a portion of the financing obligation or provide additional security to eliminate the shortfall.
Our credit facilities and financing obligations set out above have, among other things, the following restrictive covenants which would restrict our ability to:
•incur additional indebtedness;
•sell the collateral vessel, if applicable;
•make additional investments or acquisitions;
•pay dividends; or
•effect a change of control of us.
A violation of any of the financial covenants contained in our credit facilities and financing obligations described above may constitute an event of default under all of our credit facilities and financing obligations, which, unless cured within the grace period set forth under the credit facility or financing obligation, if applicable, or waived or modified by our lenders, provides our lenders with the right to, among other things, require us to post additional collateral, enhance our equity and liquidity, increase our interest payments, pay down our indebtedness to a level where we are in compliance with the financial covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness, sell vessels in our fleet, reclassify our indebtedness as current liabilities, accelerate our indebtedness, and foreclose their liens on our vessels and the other assets securing the credit facilities and financing obligations, which would impair our ability to continue to conduct our business.
In addition, our credit facilities and finance leases contain subjective acceleration clauses under which the debt could become due and payable in the event of a material adverse change in our business.
Furthermore, our credit facilities and financing obligations contain a cross-default provision that may be triggered by a default under one of our other credit facilities and financing obligations. A cross-default provision means that a default on one loan or financing obligation would result in a default on certain of our other loans and financing obligations. Because of the presence of cross-default provisions in certain of our credit facilities and financing obligations, the refusal of any one lender under our credit facilities and financing obligations to grant or extend a waiver could result in certain of our indebtedness being accelerated, even if our other lenders under our credit facilities and financing obligations have waived covenant defaults under the respective credit facilities and financing obligations. If our secured indebtedness is accelerated in full or in part, it would be very difficult in the current financing environment for us to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing and we could lose our vessels and other assets securing our credit facilities and financing obligations if our lenders foreclose their liens, which would adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.
Moreover, in connection with any waivers of or amendments to our credit facilities and financing obligations that we have obtained, or may obtain in the future, our lenders may impose additional operating and financial restrictions on us or modify the terms of our existing credit facilities and financing obligations. These restrictions may further restrict our ability to, among other things, pay dividends, make capital expenditures or incur additional indebtedness, including through the issuance of guarantees. In addition, our lenders may require the payment of additional fees, require prepayment of a portion of our indebtedness to them, accelerate the amortization schedule for our indebtedness and increase the interest rates they charge us on our outstanding indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants contained in the credit facilities and financing obligations that we had entered into as of that date.
Please see Note 10, Debt, to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our credit facilities and financing obligations.
$67.3 Million Lease Financing
On March 19, 2020, we closed the transactions to sell and leaseback the SBI Cronos and SBI Achilles, two Ultramax vessels and on April 2, 2020, we closed a transaction to sell and lease back the SBI Lynx, a Kamsarmax vessel to Ocean Yield ASA. As part of the transaction we agreed to bareboat charter-in the SBI Cronos for a period of nine years, the SBI Achilles for a period of ten years and the SBI Lynx for a period of twelve years. We have several purchase options during the charter period of each agreement, as well as a purchase option for each vessel upon the expiration of the relevant agreement.
The transaction provided financing for the installation of scrubbers for each of the vessels included at approximately $1.5 million, which amortize over four years.
AVIC Lease Financing
On June 27, 2019, we closed a financing transaction involving the sale and leaseback of three Ultramax vessels (SBI Antares, SBI Bravo and SBI Leo) and on July 16, 2019, we closed a financing transaction involving the sale and leaseback of three additional Ultramax vessels (SBI Hydra, SBI Lyra, and SBI Maia) to AVIC International Leasing Co., Ltd. As part of these transactions, we agreed to bareboat charter-in the vessels for a period of eight years and will have purchase options beginning after the end of the second year of each bareboat charter agreement. We also have a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of each bareboat charter agreement.
This transaction provided for financing for the installation of scrubbers for each of the six vessels included at the lowest of (a) 82% of the scrubber market value, (b) 82% of the scrubber price and (c) approximately $1.6 million, which would amortize over five years at $82,000 per quarter per vessel once drawn down.
$45.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Virgo and SBI Libra
On May 21, 2019, we closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Virgo and SBI Libra for a consideration of $21.0 million per vessel. As part of this transaction, we agreed to bareboat charter-in the vessels for a period of 11 years and will have purchase options beginning after the end of the fourth year of each bareboat charter agreement.
This transaction provided for up to $1.5 million of financing for the installation of scrubbers for each of the vessels included. These amortize at $1,370 per day per vessel for the first two years and $685 per day per vessel for the following two years once drawn down.
CMBFL Lease Financing
On May 24, 2019, we closed a financing transaction with CMB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. involving the sale and leaseback of three Ultramax vessels (SBI Pegasus, SBI Subaru and SBI Ursa) and four Kamsarmax vessels (SBI Lambada, SBI Macarena, SBI Carioca and SBI Capoeira). As part of this transaction, we agreed to bareboat charter-in the vessels for a period of seven years. In addition, we have purchase options beginning after the end of the third year of each bareboat charter agreement, as well as a purchase option for each vessel upon the expiration of each bareboat charter agreement.
$21.4 Million Lease Financing - SBI Samba
On April 15, 2019, we closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Samba, a 2015 Japanese built Kamsarmax vessel, for consideration of $21.4 million. As part of the transaction, we make monthly payments of $208,354 under a five-year bareboat charter agreement with the buyer. The transaction also provided us with the option to repurchase the vessel beginning on the third anniversary of the sale until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
$19.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Echo
On July 18, 2018, we closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Echo, a 2015 Japanese built Ultramax vessel, for consideration of $19.0 million. As part of the transaction, we make monthly payments of $164,250 under a five-year bareboat charter agreement with the buyer. The transaction also provided us with options to repurchase the vessel beginning on the third anniversary of the sale until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
$19.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Tango
On July 18, 2018, we closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Tango, a 2015 Japanese built Ultramax vessel, for consideration of $19.0 million. As part of the transaction, we make monthly payments of $164,250 under a five-year bareboat charter agreement with the buyer. The transaction also provided us with options to repurchase the vessel beginning on the third anniversary of the sale until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
$20.5 Million Lease Financing - SBI Hermes
On November 16, 2018, we closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Hermes, a 2016 Japanese built Ultramax vessel, for consideration of $20.5 million. As part of the transaction, we make monthly payments of $177,938 under a five-year bareboat charter agreement with the buyer. The transaction also provides us with options to repurchase the vessel beginning on the third anniversary of the sale until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
$19.6 Million Lease Financing - SBI Rumba
On October 25, 2017, we closed a financing transaction with unaffiliated third parties involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Rumba, a 2015 Japanese built Kamsarmax vessel, for consideration of approximately $19.6 million. As part of the transaction, we make monthly payments of $164,250 under a nine and a half year bareboat charter agreement with the buyers, which we have the option to extend for a further six months. The agreement also provides us with options to repurchase the vessel beginning on the fifth anniversary of the sale until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
$30.0 Million Credit Facility
On September 13, 2018, we entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $30.0 million with ING Bank N.V. to refinance two of our Kamsarmax vessels (SBI Zumba and SBI Parapara). The facility has a final maturity date of five years from drawdown date and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.20% per annum. This facility is secured by, among other things, a first preferred mortgage on the two Kamsarmax vessels and is guaranteed by each of the vessel owning subsidiaries.
On August 28, 2019, this facility was increased by approximately $2.6 million in the aggregate, which amortizes over twelve equal quarterly payments, for the financing of the installation of scrubbers on the two vessels financed under this facility.
$60.0 Million Credit Facility
On September 11, 2018, we entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $60.0 million to finance up to 60% of the fair market value of two Ultramax vessels (SBI Perseus and SBI Phoebe) and two Kamsarmax vessels (SBI Electra and SBI Flamenco). The SBI Electra and SBI Flamenco were sold in the second quarter of 2019 and the related debt was repaid. The facility has a final maturity date of five years from drawdown date and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum. This facility is secured by, among other things, a first preferred mortgage on the two remaining Ultramax vessels and is guaranteed by each of the vessel owning subsidiaries.
$184.0 Million Credit Facility
On September 21, 2018, we entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $184.0 million with Nordea Bank ABP, New York Branch, and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) to refinance up to 60% of the fair market value of six Ultramax vessels (SBI Athena, SBI Thalia, SBI Zeus, SBI Hera, SBI Poseidon and SBI Apollo) and six Kamsarmax vessels (SBI Conga, SBI Bolero, SBI Sousta, SBI Rock, SBI Reggae and SBI Mazurka). The facility, which was comprised of a term loan of up to $104.0 million and a revolver of up to $80.0 million, has a final maturity date of five years from signing date and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.40% per annum. This facility is secured by, among other things, a first preferred mortgage on the vessels financed and is guaranteed by each of the vessel owning subsidiaries.
On June 19, 2019, this facility was increased by approximately $17.4 million in the aggregate for the financing of the installation of scrubbers on the twelve vessels financed under this facility at that time. The repayment profile is on a fifteen year age adjusted profile.
$34.0 Million Credit Facility
On October 3, 2018, we entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $34.0 million with a leading European financial institution to refinance up to 62.5% of the fair market value of two Kamsarmax vessels (SBI Jive and SBI Swing). The loan facility, which is comprised of a term loan up to $17.0 million and a revolver up to $17.0 million, has a final maturity date of seven years from signing date and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.35% per annum. This facility is secured by, among other things, a first preferred mortgage on the two vessels and is guaranteed by each of the vessel owning subsidiaries.
On June 17, 2019, this facility was increased by $3.0 million in the aggregate for the financing of the installation of scrubbers for each of the two vessels which amortizes at $125,000 per quarter per vessel once drawn down.
$90.0 Million Credit Facility
On November 8, 2018, we entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $90.0 million with Nordea Bank ABP, New York Branch and DVB Bank SE. The loan facility, which has a final maturity date of five years from signing date and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.35% per annum, was used to finance up to 60% of the fair market value of six Ultramax vessels (SBI Orion, SBI Hyperion, SBI Tethys, SBI Hercules, SBI Samson and SBI Phoenix). This facility was secured by, among other things, a first preferred mortgage on the vessels financed and is guaranteed by each of the vessel owning subsidiaries.
On June 14, 2019, this facility was increased by approximately $8.7 million in the aggregate for the financing of the installation of scrubbers on the six vessels financed under this facility at that time. The repayment profile is on a fifteen-year age adjusted profile.
$85.5 Million Credit Facility
On December 5, 2017, we entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $85.5 million which was used to finance a portion of the purchase price of six Ultramax vessels we acquired in the fourth quarter of 2017. The facility has a maturity date of February 15, 2023 and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.85% per annum. Subsequently, two Ultramax vessels were financed by the $45.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Virgo and SBI Libra. This facility is secured by, among other things, a first preferred mortgage on the remaining Ultramax vessels financed and is guaranteed by each vessel owning subsidiary.
On October 21, 2019, this facility was increased by approximately $5.7 million in the aggregate for the financing for the installation of scrubbers on the four remaining vessels financed under this facility at that time, and amortize in equal quarterly payments (once drawn down) until December 31, 2022.
COVID-19
Since the beginning of the calendar year 2020, the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and has resulted in numerous actions taken by governments and governmental agencies in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the virus. These measures have resulted in a significant reduction in global economic activity and extreme volatility in the global financial and commodities markets. With respect to our current drybulk operations, a significant reduction in manufacturing and other economic activities has and is expected to continue to have a materially adverse impact on the global demand for raw materials, coal and other bulk cargoes that our customers transport on our vessels. This significant decline in the demand for drybulk tonnage may materially and adversely impact our ability to profitably charter our vessels. When these measures and the resulting economic impact will end and what the long-term impact of such measures on the global economy will be are not known at this time. As a result, the extent to which COVID-19 will impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition, including its planned transition towards marine-based renewable energy, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
C.Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.
Not applicable
D.Trend Information
See “Item 4. Information on the Company - B. Business Overview - Industry and Market Conditions.”
E.Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2020, we agreed to guarantee certain obligations of certain related parties arising from bunker purchases made through April 2021 on behalf of the vessels we own. The maximum potential amount of future payments is $4.0 million.
F.Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
Not applicable
G.Safe Harbor
See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this annual report.
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ITEM 6. | DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES |
A.Directors and Senior Management
Set forth below are the names, ages and positions of our directors and executive officers. Our Board of Directors is elected annually on a staggered basis, and each director elected holds office for a three-year term or until their successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of their death, resignation, removal or the earlier termination of their term of office. Our Class A directors will serve for a term expiring at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders, our Class B directors will serve for a term expiring at the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders, and our Class C directors will serve for a term expiring at the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders. Officers are elected from time to time by vote of our Board of Directors and hold office until a successor is elected. The business address of each of our directors and executive officers listed below is Eneti Inc., 9, Boulevard Charles III, MC 98000 Monaco.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Age | | Position |
Emanuele A. Lauro | | 42 | | | Chairman, Class A Director and Chief Executive Officer |
Robert Bugbee | | 60 | | | Class B Director and President |
Cameron Mackey | | 52 | | | Chief Operating Officer |
Filippo Lauro | | 44 | | | Vice President |
Hugh Baker | | 53 | | | Chief Financial Officer |
Fan Yang | | 32 | | | Secretary |
Einar Michael Steimler | | 72 | | | Class B Director |
Roberto Giorgi | | 70 | | | Class A Director |
Christian M. Gut | | 41 | | | Class C Director |
Thomas Ostrander | | 70 | | | Class A Director |
James B. Nish | | 62 | | | Class C Director |
Berit Ledel Henriksen | | 67 | | | Class B Director |
Biographical information concerning the directors and executive officers listed above is set forth below.
Emanuele A. Lauro, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Emanuele A. Lauro, the Company’s co-founder, has served as the Company’s Chairman and a Class A Director since April 2013 and as Chief Executive Officer since July 2013. He has also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE: STNG) since its initial public offering in April 2010, and of Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. (OTC: HOFSQ) since December 2018. Mr. Emanuele Lauro joined Scorpio in 2003 and has continued to serve there in a senior management position since 2004. Under his leadership, Scorpio has grown from an owner of three vessels in 2003 to become a leading operator and manager of more than 250 vessels in 2021. Over the course of the last several years, Mr. Emanuele Lauro has founded and developed all of the Scorpio Pools in addition to several other ventures such as Scorpio Logistics, which owns and operates specialized assets engaged in the transshipment of dry cargo commodities and invests in coastal transportation and port infrastructure developments in Asia and Africa since 2007. He is the President of the Monaco Chamber of Shipping and is also a member of the Advisory Board of Fordham University. In addition, Mr. Emanuele Lauro served as director of the Standard Club from May 2013 to January 2019. He has a degree in international business from the European Business School, London. Mr. Emanuele Lauro is the brother of our Vice President, Mr. Filippo Lauro.
Robert Bugbee, President and Director
Robert Bugbee, the Company’s co-founder, has served as a Class B Director since April 2013 and as President since July 2013. He has more than 36 years of experience in the shipping industry. Mr. Bugbee has also served as President and Director of Scorpio Tankers Inc. since its initial public offering in April 2010 and of Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. since December 2018. He joined Scorpio in March 2009 and has continued to serve there in a senior management position. Prior to joining Scorpio, Mr. Bugbee was a partner at Ospraie Management LLP between 2007 and 2008, a company which advises and invests in commodities and basic industries. From 1995 to 2007, he was employed at OMI Corporation, or OMI, a NYSE-listed tanker company sold in 2007. While at OMI, Mr. Bugbee served as President from January 2002 until the sale of the company, and before that served as Executive Vice President since January 2001, Chief Operating Officer since March 2000 and Senior Vice President from August 1995 to June 1998. Mr. Bugbee joined OMI in February 1995. Prior to this, he was employed by Gotaas-Larsen Shipping Corporation since 1984. During this time, Mr. Bugbee took a two year sabbatical from 1987 for the M.I.B. Program at the Norwegian School for Economics and Business Administration in Bergen. He has a B.A. (Honors) from London University.
Cameron Mackey, Chief Operating Officer
Cameron Mackey has served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer since July 2013. Mr. Mackey has also served as Chief Operating Officer of Scorpio Tankers Inc, since its initial public offering in April 2010 and as a Director since May 2013, and as Chief Operating Officer of Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. since December 2018 and as a director since July 2019. He joined Scorpio in March 2009, where he continues to serve in a senior management position. Prior to joining Scorpio, Mr. Mackey was an equity and commodity analyst at Ospraie Management LLC from 2007 to 2008. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of OMI Marine Services LLC from 2004 to 2007, where he was also in Business Development from 2002 to
2004. Mr. Mackey has been employed in the shipping industry since 1994 and, earlier in his career, was employed in unlicensed and licensed positions in the merchant navy, primarily on tankers in the international fleet of Mobil Oil Corporation, where he held the qualification of Master Mariner. He has an M.B.A. from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a B.S. from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a B.A. from Princeton University.
Filippo Lauro, Vice President
Filippo Lauro has served as an executive officer of the Company with the title of Vice President since June 2016. He has also served as Vice President of Scorpio Tankers Inc. since May 2015, and of Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. since December 2018. Mr. Filippo Lauro joined Scorpio in 2010 and has continued to serve there in a senior management position. Prior to joining Scorpio, he was the founder of and held senior executive roles in several private companies, primarily active in real estate, golf courses and resorts development. Mr. Filippo Lauro is the brother of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emanuele Lauro.
Hugh Baker, Chief Financial Officer
Hugh Baker has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2013. Mr. Baker has also been employed by Scorpio Tankers Inc. since 2012 focusing on business development and finance. For three years before joining Scorpio, Mr. Baker was a Managing Director in the investment banking team at Evercore Partners in New York, concentrating on the shipping industry. Prior to Evercore, he was the Head of Shipping at HSH Nordbank in New York and was previously a Managing Director in the ship finance team at ING Bank in London. Prior to banking, Mr. Baker worked in commercial roles for Greek-owned shipping companies in London. Mr. Baker has a BA from the London School of Economics and a MSc in Shipping, Trade & Finance from Cass Business School. Mr. Baker is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.
Fan Yang, Secretary
Fan Yang has served as our Secretary since December 2018. Ms. Yang joined Scorpio in February 2018, serving as Secretary since December 2018, and also serves as Secretary of Scorpio Tankers Inc. and Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd. Ms. Yang is admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Prior to joining Scorpio, Ms. Yang was in private practice in London at Travers Smith LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, and led a law reform project at the Law Commission, an independent body that makes recommendations for the reform of the law of England and Wales to Parliament. She has a BA in Law from the University of Cambridge.
Einar Michael Steimler, Director
Einar Michael Steimler has served as our Class B Director since the closing of our initial public offering in December 2013 and is our lead independent director. Mr. Steimler has also served as a director of DHT Holdings Inc. (NYSE:DHT), where he is also the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Steimler has over 48 years of experience in the shipping industry. In 2000, he was instrumental in the formation of Tanker (UK) Agencies, the commercial agent to Tankers International. He served as its Chief Executive Officer until the end of 2007, and subsequently as its Chairman until 2011. From 1998 to 2010, Mr. Steimler served as a Director of Euronav NV (EURN:EN Brussels). He has been involved in both sale and purchase and chartering brokerage in the tanker, gas and chemical sectors and was a founder of Stemoco, a Norwegian ship brokerage firm. He graduated from the Norwegian School of Business Management in 1973 with a degree in Economics.
Roberto Giorgi, Director
Roberto Giorgi has served as a Class A Director of the Company since the closing of its initial public offering in December 2013. In addition, Mr. Giorgi has served as Chairman of Fraser Yachts’ Advisory Committee since January 2020, where he also served as Chairman between September 2014 and December 2019, and as a committee member of Skuld P&I Club since June 2013. From 2014 to 2015, he served as Honorary President and member of the Group Executive of V.Ships, the world’s largest ship management company. From 1988 to 2014, Mr. Giorgi has held various roles within V.Ships, including President of V.Ships Ship Management, Managing Director of V.Ships New York, head of V.Ships Leisure in the cruise sector, and head of V.Ship’s ship management operation from its Monaco office. From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Giorgi also served as President of InterManager, the international trade association for third-party and in-house ship managers, whose members between them are responsible for approximately 3,700 ships and more than 200,000 crew members. Prior to joining the V.Ships Group, he attended the San Giorgio Nautical College in Genoa (1964 - 1969) and sailed from Deck Cadet to First Officer with Navigazione Alta Italia, Italian Line and Sitmar Cruises. Before joining the merchant marine, he spent one year (1970/71) in the Naval Academy of Leghorn and sailed with the Italian Navy as Lieutenant.
Christian M. Gut, Director
Christian M. Gut has served as our Class C Director since the closing of our initial public offering in December 2013. He is the co-founder and co-manager of Luxembourg based Millennia SICAV-RAIF, a consumer credit strategies specialist, and of its sub-fund P2P Lending Fund launched in 2018. Mr. Gut started his professional career at ThyssenKrupp Technologies AG (as it then was) in Essen, Germany in 2002. He later joined Singapore based EABC Pte Ltd., or EABC, in 2003 where he served as Director from 2006 to 2018. EABC’s services comprised market intelligence and strategy, sales promotion and support to project management in selected Asia Pacific countries, principally Australia. Furthermore, Mr. Gut was a co-founder and a former co-manager of the Stellar Energy Fund, launched in Singapore in 2006, which invested in fossil and renewable energy focused private companies in Asia, Middle East and Europe with exposure on the following industries: oil trading and bunkering, gas E&P, solar, geothermal and power generating heat plants. Mr. Gut has a Bachelor’s degree in international business from the European Business School in London.
Thomas Ostrander, Director
Thomas Ostrander has served as our Class A director since January 2016. From 2013 to 2015, Mr. Ostrander served as Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Alliance Paper Inc., a privately held business involved in consumer tissue converting and marketing in the eastern half of the United States. From 2011 to 2013, he served as a Managing Director at GCA Savvian, a global investment bank. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Ostrander served as a Managing Director and Sector Head in the Industrial Group at Banc of America Securities. From 1989 to 2006, he held various roles within Citigroup (legacy Salomon Brothers), where he was most recently Chairman of the Global Industrial Group for North America. Prior to that, he was the Co-Head then Head of the Global Industrial Group for North America and the Co-Head of the Global Industrial Group. From 1976 to 1989, he served in various roles, including as a Managing Director, and he was a member of the Board of Directors of New York based Kidder Peabody & Co., where he also was Co-Founder and Co-Head of Equity Capital Markets. Furthermore, Mr. Ostrander was a Director of Westmoreland Coal Company for over 12 years, where he served as Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee and was a member of the Audit, Compensation and Benefits, Finance and Nominating Committees. Mr. Ostrander has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an AB from the University of Michigan in Economics and Accounting.
James B. Nish, Director
James B. Nish has served as our Class C director since January 2016. Mr. Nish has over 31 years of experience in investment banking, serving clients across a variety of international industrial markets. Since 2015, he has served as a Board member and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROCK), a manufacturer of products serving the renewable energy, growing and processing, home improvement, and infrastructure markets, and was also appointed as Chairman of its Capital Structure and Asset Management Committee in 2018. Mr. Nish has also served as a Board member of Alert360, a private company that provides security alarm monitoring and related home automation services to subscribers in the United States, since 2014 and as Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2020. From 2008 to 2012, he was Group Head of Middle Corporate Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan. From 1986 to 2008, Mr. Nish served as Co-Chairman of the Investment Banking Commitment Committee and Group Head of the General Industries Group of Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., where he organized and managed investment banking coverage of a diversified group of industrial companies. Mr. Nish is a Certified Public Accountant and Adjunct Professor in both the Undergraduate Business School and MBA Programs at Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business in New York and at Pace University, Lubin School of Business in New York, where he teaches a number of courses in both the Accounting and Finance departments. Mr. Nish has an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BS from the State University of New York at Buffalo in Accounting and Business.
Berit Ledel Henriksen, Director
Berit Ledel Henriksen has served as our Class B Director since February 2019. Ms. Henriksen has extensive experience from the banking and finance industries. She serves as a director of Ferd Holding AS, a Norwegian investment company that manages a broad portfolio of privately owned and Nordic listed companies. Furthermore, Ms. Henriksen also serves on the board of directors of three other privately held companies in Norway, and on the Nomination Committees of Equinor ASA and Norsk Hydro ASA, two Norwegian listed companies. She is also a member of Norsk Hydro ASA’s Corporate Assembly. From 1985 to 2017, Ms. Henriksen held a range of management positions at DNB, Norway's largest financial services group, where she focused on shipping, energy and other international industries. Ms. Henriksen most recently served as DNB’s Executive Vice President and Global Head of Energy (Power & Renewables and Oil & Gas), and was Head of DNB Americas in New York between 1998 and 2004. She also previously held various other bank related board positions. Ms. Henriksen has an MBA from the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario, and a BSc from the Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada.
B.Compensation
Each of our non-employee directors receive cash compensation in the aggregate amount of $60,000 annually, plus either (i) an additional fee of $10,000 per year for each committee on which a director serves or (ii) an additional fee of $20,000 per year for each committee for which a director serves as Chairman. In addition, our lead independent director receives an additional fee of $20,000 per year. All actual expenses incurred while acting in their capacity as a director are reimbursed. For each board or committee meeting the non-employee director attends, the director receives $2,000. There are no material post-employment benefits for our executive officers or directors. By law, our employees in Monaco are entitled to a one-time payment of up to two months’ salary upon retirement if they meet certain minimum service requirements. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we paid an aggregate compensation to our directors and senior management of approximately $7.5 million.
Executive Officers
We have employment agreements with the majority of our executive officers. These employment agreements remain in effect until terminated in accordance with their terms upon no less than 24 months’ prior written notice. Pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements, our executive officers are prohibited from disclosing or unlawfully using any of our material confidential information.
Upon a change in control of us, the annual bonus provided under the employment agreement becomes a fixed bonus of between 150% and 250% of the executive’s base salary, depending on the terms of the employment agreement applicable to each executive.
Any such executive may be entitled to receive upon termination an assurance bonus equal to such fixed bonus and an immediate lump-sum payment in an amount equal to up to three times the sum of the executive’s then current base salary and the assurance bonus. If an executive’s employment is terminated for cause or voluntarily by the employee, he shall not be entitled to any salary, benefits or reimbursements beyond those accrued through the date of his termination, unless he voluntarily terminated his employment in connection with certain conditions. Those conditions include a change in control combined with a significant geographic relocation of his office, a material diminution of his duties and responsibilities, and other conditions identified in the employment agreement.
We believe that it is important to align the interests of our directors and management with that of our shareholders. In this regard, we have determined that it will generally be beneficial to us and to our shareholders for our directors and management to have a stake in our long-term performance. We expect a meaningful component of our compensation package for our directors and management to consist of equity interests in us in order to provide them on an on-going basis with a meaningful percentage of ownership in us.
Equity Incentive Plan
Our Board of Directors has adopted an equity incentive plan, which we refer to as the Equity Incentive Plan, under which directors, officers and employees of us and our subsidiaries, as well as employees of affiliated companies are eligible to receive incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and unrestricted common shares. As of March 8, 2021, we had reserved a total of 1,166,229 common shares, for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan, subject to adjustment for changes in capitalization as provided in the Equity Incentive Plan. Our Equity Incentive Plan is administered by our Compensation Committee.
Under the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan, stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Equity Incentive Plan will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a common share on the date of grant, unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator, but in no event will the exercise price be less than the fair market value of a common share on the date of grant. Options and stock appreciation rights will be exercisable at times and under conditions as determined by the plan administrator, but in no event will they be exercisable later than ten years from the date of grant.
The plan administrator may grant shares of restricted stock and awards of restricted stock units subject to vesting, forfeiture and other terms and conditions as determined by the plan administrator.
Adjustments may be made to outstanding awards in the event of a corporate transaction or change in capitalization or other extraordinary event. In the event of a “change in control” (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan), unless otherwise provided by the plan administrator in an award agreement, awards then outstanding will become fully vested and exercisable in full.
Our Board of Directors may amend or terminate the Equity Incentive Plan and may amend outstanding awards, provided that no such amendment or termination may be made that would materially impair any rights, or materially increase any obligations, of a grantee under an outstanding award. Shareholder approval of Equity Incentive Plan amendments will be
required under certain circumstances. Unless terminated earlier by our Board of Directors, the Equity Incentive Plan will expire ten years from the date the Equity Incentive Plan is adopted.
On November 9, 2020, we granted 395,000 restricted shares with an aggregate fair value of $5.2 million to our officers, employees and SSH employees pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan. These awards will vest in three equal annual installments beginning on June 6, 2022.
On June 26, 2020, we granted 30,000 restricted shares with an aggregate fair value of $0.5 million to our independent directors pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan. These awards will vest in three equal annual installments beginning on June 16, 2021.
On July 22, 2019, we granted 109,070 restricted shares with an aggregate fair value of $7.3 million to our officers, employees and SSH employees pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan. These awards will vest in three equal annual installments beginning on May 24, 2021.
On June 5, 2019, we granted 18,000 restricted shares with an aggregate fair value of $0.8 million to our independent directors pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan. These awards will vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
On September 28, 2018, we granted 118,935 restricted shares with an aggregate fair value of $8.6 million to our officers, employees and members of our Board of Directors pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan. Of these restricted shares, 15,000 restricted shares vest in three equal annual installments beginning June 10, 2019 and 103,935 restricted shares vest in three equal annual installments beginning on June 10, 2020.
On February 2, 2018, we granted 64,618 restricted shares with an aggregate fair value of $4.8 million to our officers, employees, members of our Board of Directors and SSH employees pursuant to the Equity Incentive Plan. These awards vest in three equal annual installments beginning on December 9, 2019.
Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards. Please see Note 9, Equity Incentive Plan, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information.
C.Board Practices
Our Board of Directors currently consists of eight directors, six of whom have been determined by our Board of Directors to be independent under the rules of the NYSE and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Mr. Steimler is our lead independent director. Our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Compensation Committee. Our Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. Ostrander, Nish and Giorgi. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our Compensation Committee are comprised of Messrs. Steimler, Giorgi and Gut. The Audit Committee, which operates under a charter, among other things, reviews our external financial reporting, engages our external auditors and oversees our internal audit activities, procedures and the adequacy of our internal controls. In addition, provided that no member of the Audit Committee has a material interest in such transaction, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing transactions that we may enter into in the future with other members of Scorpio that our Board of Directors believes may present potential conflicts of interests between us and Scorpio. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors nominees for director and directors for appointment to board committees and advising the board with regard to corporate governance practices. Our shareholders may also nominate directors in accordance with procedures set forth in our bylaws. The Compensation Committee oversees our equity incentive plan and recommends director and senior employee compensation.
D.Employees
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 we had seven full time equivalents (excluding our executive officers) and for the year ended December 31, 2018 we had six full time equivalents (excluding our executive officers).
Our executive officers are employed by us and our support staff is provided by SSH pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement. Our technical manager, SSM, is responsible for identifying, screening and recruiting, directly or through a crewing agent, the officers and all other crew members for our vessels that are employed by our vessel-owning subsidiaries.
E.Share ownership
The common shares beneficially owned by our directors and our executive officers are disclosed in “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A. Major Shareholders.”
| | | | | |
ITEM 7. | MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. |
A.Major shareholders.
The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our common shares for (i) owners of more than five percent of our common shares and (ii) our directors and executive officers, of which we are aware as of March 8, 2021. All of our shareholders, including the shareholders listed in the table below, are entitled to one vote for each share of our common stock held.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | No. of Shares | | | % Owned (1) |
Scorpio Holdings Limited | | 3,224,751 | | (2) | | | 28.6 | % |
GRM Investments Ltd. | | 1,825,643 | | (3) | | | 16.2 | % |
Directors and executive officers as a group | | 721,736 | | | | 6.4 | % |
____________________
(1)Calculated based on 11,269,473 common shares outstanding as of March 8, 2021.
(2)This information is derived from a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on December 23, 2020 by Scorpio Holdings Limited, Scorpio Services Holding Limited, and Ms. Annalisa Lolli-Ghetti. Ms. Annalisa Lolli-Ghetti may be deemed to be the ultimate beneficial owner of these shares by virtue of being the majority shareholder of Scorpio Holdings Limited. Emanuele Lauro, our Director and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Bugbee, our Director and President, and Cameron Mackey, our Chief Operating Officer, own 10%, 10% and 7% of Scorpio Holdings Limited, respectively.
(3)This information is derived from Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on June 12, 2020.
As of March 1, 2021, we had 119 shareholders of record, 41 of which were located in the United States and held an aggregate of 10,735,489 shares of our common stock, representing 95.3% of our outstanding common shares. However, one of the U.S. shareholders of record is Cede & Co., a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, which held 10,383,611 shares of our common stock, as of that date. Accordingly, we believe that the shares held by Cede & Co. include common shares beneficially owned by holders in the United States and non-U.S. beneficial owners. We are not aware of any arrangements the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in our change of control.
B.Related Party Transactions
Management of Our Fleet
Commercial and Technical Management Agreements - Master Agreement
Our vessels have been commercially managed by SCM and technically managed by SSM pursuant to the Master Agreement, which may be terminated by either party upon 24 months’ notice, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms. In the event of a sale of one or more vessels, a notice period of three months and a payment equal to three months of management fees will apply, provided that the termination does not amount to a change of control, including a sale of all or substantially all vessels, in which case a payment equal to 24 months of management fees will apply as was the case in the fourth quarter of 2020, when the our Board of Directors authorized us, as part of our transition to a sustainable future, to sell our remaining drybulk vessels and exit the drybulk sector during 2021. This fee was considered as part of our assessment of the fair value less cost to sell of our remaining fleet, and is therefore included in the captions "Loss/write down on assets held for sale-related party" in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, and "Assets held for sale" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
SCM’s commercial management services have included securing employment for our vessels in the spot market or on time charters. SCM has also managed the Scorpio Pools (spot market-oriented vessel pools) including the Scorpio Ultramax Pool, the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the currently inactive Scorpio Capesize Pool in which most of our owned, finance leased and time chartered-in vessels are employed and from which a significant portion of our revenue is generated. For commercial management of any of our vessels that does not operate in one of these pools, we pay SCM a daily fee of $300 per vessel, plus a 1.75% commission on the gross revenues per charter fixture. The Scorpio Ultramax Pool and Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool participants, including us and third-party owners of similar vessels, pay SCM a pool management fee of $300 per vessel per day, plus a 1.75% commission on the gross revenues per charter fixture.
SSM’s technical management services have included providing technical support, such as arranging the hiring of qualified officers and crew, supervising the maintenance and performance of vessels, purchasing supplies, spare parts and new equipment, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, and monitoring regulatory and classification society compliance and customer standards. We pay SSM an annual fee of $160,000 plus charges for certain itemized services per vessel to provide technical management services for each of our owned or finance leased vessels. In addition, representatives of SSM, including certain subcontractors, previously provided us with construction supervisory services while our vessels were being constructed in shipyards. For these services, we compensated SSM for its direct expenses, which varied between $200,000 and $500,000 per vessel. Please see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Commercial and Technical Management Agreements” for additional information.
Administrative Services Agreement
We entered into the Administrative Services Agreement with SSH for the provision of administrative staff, office space and accounting, legal compliance, financial and information technology services, for which we reimburse SSH for the direct and indirect expenses incurred while providing such services, as well as arranging vessel sales and purchases for us, including newbuildings.
In addition, SSH has agreed with us not to own any drybulk carriers greater than 30,000 dwt for so long as the Administrative Services Agreement is in full force and effect. The Administrative Services Agreement may be terminated by SSH upon 12 months’ notice or by us upon 24 months’ notice.
The services provided to us by SSH under the Administrative Services Agreement may be sub-contracted to other entities within Scorpio.
Other Related Party Transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company time-chartered out four Kamsarmax vessels to the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool for a period of 24-27 months at rates linked to the BPI. The related income is recorded as Vessel Revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
In 2016, an Executive Officer of the Company acquired a minority interest, which in 2018 increased to a majority interest, in an insurance broker which arranges hull and machinery and war risk insurance for certain of our owned and finance leased vessels. This broker has arranged such policies for the Company since 2013 and the extent of the coverage and the manner in which the policies are priced did not change as a result of this transaction. In September 2018 the Executive Officer disposed of their interest in the insurance broker in its entirety to a third party not affiliated with the Company. The amounts recorded reflect the amortization of the policy premiums, which are paid directly to the broker, who then remits the premiums to the underwriters. Such payments, which are made in advance, are classified as prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet until they are expensed at which point they are recorded as vessel operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
In October 2018, the Company invested $100.0 million in Scorpio Tankers for approximately 54.1 million (which was subsequently adjusted to 5.4 million shares after a one-for-ten reverse stock split effected by Scorpio Tankers on January 18, 2019), or 10.9% (as of October 12, 2018), of Scorpio Tankers’ issued and outstanding common shares. The investment was part of a larger $337.0 million equity raise by Scorpio Tankers through a public offering of its common shares. Scorpio Tankers is a large international shipping company incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands engaged in seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products. The Company and Scorpio Tankers have a number of common shareholders. They also share a number of directors and officers, including Mr. Emanuele Lauro who serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of both companies, Mr. Robert Bugbee, who serves as President and a Director of both companies, Mr. Cameron Mackey, who serves as Chief Operating Officer of both companies, and Mr. Filippo Lauro, who serves as Vice President of both companies. In October 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a one-time special stock dividend to the shareholders of the Company of an aggregate of approximately one million shares of common stock of Scorpio Tankers. Following the payment of the special dividend, the Company continued to own approximately 4.4 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers. In May 2020, the Company sold 2.25 million shares of Scorpio Tankers for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $42.7 million. The Company continues to own approximately 2.16 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers. There are no other significant transactions between the Company and Scorpio Tankers.
Representatives of SSM, including certain subcontractors, provide supervisory services during drydocking, for which they are compensated.
The fees of certain consultants and the salaries of certain SUK employees are allocated to us for services performed for us.
We pay a related party port agent for supply and logistical services, which are charged as vessel operating costs.
We pay a related bunker supplier for bunkers, which are charged as voyage expenses. We agreed to guarantee certain obligations of certain related parties arising from bunker purchases made through April 2021 on behalf of the vessels we own.
We pay a related party travel service provider for travel services, such as flights, which are charged as general and administrative services.
Please see Note 14, Related Party Transactions, to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our related party transactions.
Related Party Balances
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we had the following transactions with entities controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family and with Scorpio Tankers (herein referred to as “related parties”), which have been included in the consolidated statement of operations (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the year ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Vessel revenue | | | | | |
Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool | $ | 48,930 | | | $ | 69,368 | | | $ | 87,305 | |
Scorpio Ultramax Pool | 81,683 | | | 133,655 | | | 155,197 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total vessel revenue | $ | 130,612 | | | $ | 203,023 | | | $ | 242,502 | |
Voyage expense | | | | | |
SCM | $ | 1,449 | | | $ | 295 | | | $ | — | |
Bunker supplier | 1,844 | | | 1,653 | | | — | |
Total voyage expense | $ | 3,293 | | | $ | 1,948 | | | $ | — | |
Vessel operating cost | | | | | |
SSM | $ | 11,547 | | | $ | 12,970 | | | $ | 13,361 | |
Port agent | 399 | | | 267 | | | 117 | |
Insurance brokerage | — | | | — | | | 1,721 | |
Total vessel operating cost | $ | 11,946 | | | $ | 13,237 | | | $ | 15,199 | |
General and administrative expense: | | | | | |
SCM | $ | 71 | | | $ | 103 | | | $ | 45 | |
SSM | 148 | | | 267 | | | 99 | |
SSH | 5,992 | | | 6,657 | | | 6,707 | |
Scorpio UK Limited | 1,869 | | | 2,923 | | | 1,665 | |
Travel provider | 23 | | | 122 | | | — | |
Total general and administrative expense | $ | 8,103 | | | $ | 10,072 | | | $ | 8,516 | |
(Loss) income from equity investment | | | | | |
Scorpio Tankers Inc. | $ | (105,384) | | | $ | 116,878 | | | $ | (7,178) | |
Write down on assets held for sale | | | | | |
SCM | $ | 17,250 | | | $ | 414 | | | $ | — | |
SSM | 17,789 | | | 400 | | | — | |
SSH | 1,764 | | | — | | | — | |
Total write down on assets held for sale | $ | 36,803 | | | $ | 814 | | | $ | — | |
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had the following balances with related parties, which have been included in the consolidated balance sheets (amounts in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
Assets | | | |
Due from related parties-current: | | | |
Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool | $ | 7,355 | | | $ | 5,241 | |
Scorpio Ultramax Pool | 7,522 | | | 677 | |
| | | |
| | | |
SUK | — | | | 36 | |
| | | |
Total due from related parties-current | $ | 14,877 | | | $ | 5,954 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Due from related parties non-current: | | | |
Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool | $ | — | | | $ | 4,767 | |
Scorpio Ultramax Pool | — | | | 9,463 | |
| | | |
Total due from related parties non-current | $ | — | | | $ | 14,230 | |
Equity investment in Scorpio Tankers Inc. | $ | 24,116 | | | $ | 173,298 | |
Liabilities | | | |
Due to related parties-current: | | | |
Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool | $ | 2,193 | | | $ | — | |
Scorpio Ultramax Pool | 1,014 | | | — | |
SCM | 281 | | | 227 | |
SSM | 96 | | | 200 | |
SSH | 373 | | | 312 | |
Port Agent | 2 | | | 13 | |
Bunker Supplier | 1,020 | | | 220 | |
Total due from related parties-current | $ | 4,979 | | | $ | 972 | |
Please see “Item 3. Key Information - D. Risk Factors - Risks Related to our Relationship with Scorpio and its Affiliates”.
Related Party Share Issuances
For information on additional share issuances under the Equity Incentive Plan see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees - B. Equity Incentive Plan.”
C.INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
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ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
A.Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See “Item 18. Financial Statements.”
Legal Proceedings
To our knowledge, we are not currently a party to any lawsuit that, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. As such, we do not believe that pending legal proceedings, taken as a whole, should have any significant impact on our financial statements. From time to time in the future we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. While we expect that these claims would be covered by our existing insurance policies, those claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. We have not been involved in any legal proceedings which may have, or have had, a significant effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity, nor are we aware of any proceedings that are pending or threatened which may have a significant effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Dividend Policy
The declaration and payment of dividends is subject at all times to the discretion of our Board of Directors. The timing and amount of dividends, if any, depends on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, fleet renewal and expansion, restrictions in our loan agreements, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of dividends and other factors.
We are a holding company with no material assets other than the equity interests in our wholly-owned subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to pay dividends, if any, depends on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. Our credit facilities and financing obligations have restrictions on our ability, and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries, to pay dividends in the event of a default or breach of covenants under the credit facility or financing obligation agreement. Under such circumstances, we or our subsidiaries may not be able to pay dividends so long as we are in default or have breached certain covenants of the credit facility or financing obligation without our lender’s consent or waiver of the default or breach. In addition, Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends (i) other than from surplus (retained earnings and the excess of consideration received for the sale of shares above the par value of the shares) or (ii) when a company is insolvent or (iii) if the payment of the dividend would render the company insolvent.
In addition, we may incur expenses or liabilities, including extraordinary expenses, decreases in revenues, including as a result of unanticipated off-hire days or loss of a vessel, or increased cash needs that could reduce or eliminate the amount of cash that we have available for distribution as dividends.
During 2020, our Board of Directors also declared and we paid a quarterly cash dividend totaling $0.35 per share in the aggregate, or approximately $3.2 million in the aggregate. In January 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on or about March 12, 2021, to all shareholders of record as of February 12, 2021. Please see “Item 10. Additional Information - E. Taxation” for additional information relating to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of our dividend payments, if any are declared in the future.
B.Significant Changes.
There have been no significant changes since the date of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.
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ITEM 9. | OFFER AND THE LISTING |
A.Offer and Listing Details.
Please see “Item 9. Offer and the Listing - C. Markets”
B.Plan of Distribution
Not applicable
C.Markets
Our common shares have traded on the NYSE since December 12, 2013, under the symbol “SALT”. Effective February 8, 2021, we changed our name to Eneti Inc. and our common shares began trading on the NYSE under the symbol “NETI”.
D.Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E.Dilution
Not applicable.
F.Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
| | | | | |
ITEM 10. | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
A.Share capital.
Not applicable.
B.Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and bylaws have been filed as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2, respectively, to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-192246), declared effective by the SEC on December 11, 2013, and are hereby incorporated by reference into this annual report. In December 2015, upon receiving shareholder approval, we amended our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect a one-for-twelve reverse stock split of our common shares, par value $0.01 per share, and to reduce the total number of authorized common shares to 56,250,000 shares. In June 2016, upon receiving shareholder approval, we amended our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the aggregate number of shares of capital stock that we are authorized to issue to 162,500,000, consisting of 112,500,000 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share. In June 2018, upon receiving shareholder approval, we amended our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the aggregate number of shares of capital stock that we are authorized to issue to 262,500,000, consisting of 212,500,000 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, and 50,000,000 preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share. In April 2020, upon receiving shareholder approval, we amended our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect a one-for-ten reverse stock split of our common shares, par value $0.01 per share, and to reduce the total number of authorized common shares to 31,875,000 shares. In February 2021, upon receiving shareholder approval, we amended our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect a change in name to “Eneti Inc.” These amendments to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are filed as exhibits to this annual report. The share numbers in this paragraph have not been retroactively adjusted to reflect any of the foregoing reverse stock splits.
Information regarding the rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to each class of our shares is described in exhibit 2.2 to this annual report, titled “Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.”
C.Material contracts.
We refer you to “Item 4. Information on the Company”, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - B. Liquidity and Capital Resources”, “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation” and “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions” for a discussion of the contracts that we consider to be both material and outside the ordinary course of business during the two-year period immediately preceding the date of this annual report. Certain of these material agreements that are to be performed in whole or in part at or after the date of this annual report are attached as exhibits to this annual report.
Other than as set forth above, there were no material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we were a party during the two-year period immediately preceding the date of this annual report.
D.Exchange controls.
Under Marshall Islands law, there are currently no restrictions on the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls or restrictions that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our common shares.
E.Taxation
The following is a discussion of the material Marshall Islands and U.S. federal income tax considerations of the ownership and disposition by a U.S. Holder and a Non-U.S. Holder, each as defined below, with respect to our common shares. This discussion does not purport to deal with the tax consequences of owning common shares to all categories of investors, some of which, such as dealers in securities or commodities, financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, U.S. expatriates, persons liable for the alternative minimum tax, persons who hold common shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or integrated investment, U.S. Holders whose functional currency is not the United States dollar, persons required to recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is included on an “applicable financial statement”, persons subject to the “base erosion and anti-avoidance” tax and investors that own, actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules, 10% or more of our common shares, may be subject to special rules. This discussion deals only with holders who hold our common shares 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 U.S. federal, state, local or foreign law of the ownership of our common shares.
Marshall Islands Tax Considerations
In the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, the following are the material Marshall Islands tax consequences of our activities to us and of our common shares to our shareholders. We are incorporated in the Marshall Islands. Under current Marshall Islands law, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains, and no Marshall Islands withholding tax will be imposed upon payments of dividends by us to our shareholders.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
In the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, our U.S. counsel, the following are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of our activities to us, and of the ownership of our common shares to U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders, each as defined below. The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax matters is based on the Code, judicial decisions, administrative pronouncements, and existing and proposed regulations issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or the Treasury Regulations, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Operating Income: In General
We anticipate that we will earn substantially all our income from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a spot or time charter basis, from participation in a pool or from the performance of services directly related to those uses, all of which we refer to as “shipping income.”
Unless we qualify from an exemption from U.S. federal income taxation under Section 883 of the Code, or Section 883, as discussed below, a foreign corporation will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on its “shipping income” that is treated as derived from sources within the United States, to which we refer as “U.S. source shipping income.” For U.S. federal income tax purposes, “U.S. 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-U.S. ports will be considered to be 100% derived from sources entirely outside the United States. Shipping income derived from sources outside the United States will not be subject to any U.S. federal income tax.
Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between U.S. ports is considered to be 100% derived from U.S. sources. However, we are not permitted by U.S. law to engage in the transportation that produces 100% U.S. source shipping income.
In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883, we anticipate that our gross U.S. source shipping income would be subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax imposed without allowance for deductions, as described below.
Exemption of Operating Income from U.S. Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, a foreign corporation will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation of its U.S. source shipping income if:
(1) it is organized in a “qualified foreign country,” which is one that grants an “equivalent exemption” from tax to corporations organized in the U.S. in respect of each category of shipping income for which exemption is being claimed under Section 883; 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 Republic of the Marshall Islands, the jurisdiction where we are incorporated, has been officially recognized by the IRS as a qualified foreign country that grants the requisite “equivalent exemption” from tax in respect of each category of shipping income we earn and currently expect to earn in the future. Therefore, we will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation with respect to our U.S. source shipping income if we satisfy either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test.
Given the widely held nature of our common shares, we do not currently anticipate circumstances under which we would be able to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test.
Publicly-Traded Test
The Treasury Regulations promulgated 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 stock 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. Our common shares, which constitute our sole class of issued and outstanding stock, are “primarily traded” on the NYSE, which is an established market for these purposes.
Under the Treasury Regulations, our common shares will be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market if one or more classes of our shares representing more than 50% of our outstanding stock, by both total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and total value, are listed on such market, to which we refer as the “listing threshold.” Our common shares, which constitutes our sole class of issued and outstanding stock, are listed on the NYSE. Accordingly, we will satisfy the listing threshold.
The Treasury Regulations also require that with respect to each class of stock relied upon to meet the listing threshold, (1) such class of stock is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or one-sixth of the days in a short taxable year, which we refer to as the “trading frequency test”; and (2) the aggregate number of shares of such class of stock traded on such market during the taxable year must be at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of stock outstanding during such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year, which we refer to as the “trading volume” test. Even if this were not the case, the Treasury Regulations provide that the trading frequency and trading volume tests will be deemed satisfied if, as is expected to be the case with our common shares, such class of stock is traded on an established securities market in the United States and such shares are regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such shares.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Treasury 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 stock, to which we refer as the “5% Override Rule.”
For purposes of being able to determine the persons who actually or constructively own 5% or more of the vote and value of our common shares, or “5% Shareholders,” the Treasury Regulations permit us to rely on those persons that are identified on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the SEC, as owning 5% or more of our common shares. The Treasury Regulations further provide that an investment company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, will not be treated as a 5% Shareholder for such purposes.
In the event the 5% Override Rule is triggered, the Treasury Regulations provide that the 5% Override Rule will nevertheless not apply if we can establish that within the group of 5% Shareholders, qualified shareholders (as defined for purposes of Section 883) own sufficient number of shares to preclude non-qualified shareholders in such group from owning 50% or more of our common shares for more than half the number of days during the taxable year.
We believe that we satisfied the Publicly-Traded Test for the 2020 taxable year and were not subject to the 5% Override Rule, and we intend to take that position on our 2020 U.S. federal income tax returns.
Taxation in Absence of Section 883 Exemption
If the benefits of Section 883 are unavailable, our U.S. 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, or the “4% gross basis tax regime,” to the extent that such income is not considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, as described below. Since under the sourcing rules described above, no more than 50% of our shipping income would be treated as being U.S. source shipping income, the maximum effective rate of U.S. federal income tax on our shipping income would never exceed 2% (i.e., 50% of 4% gross basis tax regime).
To the extent our U.S. source shipping income is considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, as described below, any such “effectively connected” U.S. source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to U.S. federal income tax, currently imposed at a rate of 21%. In addition, we would generally 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 our U.S. trade or business.
Our U.S. source shipping income would be considered “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business only if:
(1)we have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of U.S. source shipping income; and
(2)substantially all of our U.S. source shipping income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation, such as the operation of a vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States.
We do 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 our shipping operations and other activities, it is anticipated that none of our U.S. source shipping income will be treated as “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, which we refer to as ECI.
U.S. Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels
Regardless of whether we qualify for exemption under Section 883, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under U.S. federal income tax principles. In general, a sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside of the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us will be considered to occur outside of the United States.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a holder that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is a beneficial owner of common shares and is an individual U.S. citizen or resident, a U.S. corporation or other U.S. entity taxable as a corporation, an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. 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 U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.
If a partnership holds the common shares, 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 shares, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor.
Distributions
Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies below, any distributions made by us with respect to our common shares to a U.S. Holder will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. 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 U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our common shares and thereafter as capital gain. Because we are not a U.S. corporation, U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from us. Dividends paid with respect to our common shares will generally be treated as foreign source dividend income and will generally constitute “passive category income” for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.
Dividends paid on our common shares to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders will generally be treated as “qualified dividend income” that is taxable to such U.S. Holders at preferential tax rates provided that (1) the common shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NYSE); (2) we are not a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (as discussed in detail below); (3) the non-corporate U.S. Holder has owned the common shares for more than 60 days in the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common shares become ex-dividend; and (4) certain other conditions are met.
There is no assurance that any dividends paid on our common shares will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of such non-corporate U.S. Holders. Any dividends paid by us which are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a non-corporate U.S. Holder.
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 tax basis in a common share paid by us. If we pay an “extraordinary dividend” on our common shares that is treated as “qualified dividend income,” then any loss derived by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders from the sale or exchange of such common shares will be treated as long term capital loss to the extent of such dividend.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Shares
Assuming we do not constitute a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Such capital gain or loss will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss, as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Long-term capital gains of certain non-corporate U.S. Holders are currently eligible for reduced rates of taxation. A U.S. Holder’s ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences
Special U.S. federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that holds shares in a foreign corporation classified as a “passive foreign investment company,” or a PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which such holder holds our common shares, either
(1)at least 75% of our gross income for such taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business), which we refer to as the income test; or
(2)at least 50% of the average value of our assets during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income, which we refer to as the asset test.
For purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, cash will be treated as an asset which is held for the production of passive income. In addition, we will be treated as earning and owning our proportionate share of the income and assets, respectively, of any of our subsidiary corporations in which we own at least 25% of the value of the subsidiary’s stock. Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By
contrast, rental income would generally constitute “passive income” unless we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business.
For our 2020 taxable year and subsequent taxable years, whether we will be treated as a PFIC will depend upon the nature and extent of our operations. In making the determination as to whether we are a PFIC, we intend to treat the gross income that we derive or that we are deemed to derive from the spot chartering and time chartering activities of us or any of our subsidiaries as services income, rather than rental income. Correspondingly, such income should not constitute passive income, and the assets that we or our wholly owned subsidiaries own and operate in connection with the production of such income should not constitute passive assets for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. We believe that there is substantial legal authority supporting our position consisting of case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income for other tax purposes. However, there is also authority which characterizes time charter income as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes. In the absence of any legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing PFICs, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future.
As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a “Qualified Electing Fund,” which election we refer to as a “QEF election.” As an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to our common shares, as discussed below. If we were treated as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will generally be required to file IRS Form 8621 with respect to its ownership of our common shares, and may be subject to additional U.S. tax or information reporting obligations in connection with the acquisition, holding or disposition of our common shares.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a Timely QEF Election
If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election, which U.S. Holder we refer to as an “Electing Holder,” the Electing Holder must report for U.S. federal income tax purposes its pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for each of our taxable years during which we are a PFIC that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder, regardless of whether distributions were received from us 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 certain non-corporate U.S. Holders may be eligible for preferential capital gains tax rates. The Electing Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares will be increased to reflect any income included under the QEF election. Distributions of previously taxed income will not be subject to tax upon distribution but will decrease the Electing Holder’s tax basis in the common shares. An Electing Holder would not, however, be entitled to a deduction for its pro rata share of any losses that we incur with respect to any taxable year. An Electing Holder would generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares. A U.S. Holder would make a timely QEF election for our common shares by filing IRS Form 8621 with his U.S. federal income tax return for the first year in which he held such shares when we were a PFIC. If we determine that we are a PFIC for any taxable year, we intend to provide each U.S. Holder with information necessary for the U.S. Holder to make the QEF election described above. If we were treated as a PFIC for our 2020 taxable year, we anticipate that, based on our current projections, we would not have a significant amount of taxable income or gain that would be required to be taken into account by U.S. Holders making a QEF election effective for such taxable year.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a “Mark-to-Market” Election
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and, as we anticipate will be the case, our shares are treated as “marketable stock,” a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to our common shares, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. If that election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common shares at the end of the taxable year over such Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares. The U.S. Holder would also be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares 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 U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our common shares would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amount recognized. Any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common shares 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 U.S. Holder.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or Mark-to-Market Election
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder who does not make either a QEF election or a “mark-to-market” election for that year, which 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 shares 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 shares), and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares. Under these special rules:
(1)the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder’s aggregate holding period for the common shares;
(2)the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, would be taxed as ordinary income and would not be “qualified dividend income”; and
(3)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 tax deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of “Non-U.S. Holders”
As used herein, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a holder that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a beneficial owner of common shares (other than a partnership) and who is not a U.S. Holder.
If a partnership holds our common shares, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our common shares, you are encouraged to consult your tax adviser.
Dividends on Common Shares
A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received from us with respect to our common shares, unless that income is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States. In general, if the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of an applicable U.S. income tax treaty with respect to those dividends, that income is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Shares
A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares, unless:
(1)the gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States; in general, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder entitled to the benefits of an applicable U.S. income tax treaty with respect to that gain, that gain is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States; or
(2)the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of disposition and who also meets other conditions.
Income or Gains Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business
If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business for U.S. federal income tax purposes, dividends on the common shares and gains from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the shares, that are effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business (and, if required by an applicable U.S. income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment), will generally be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax in the same manner as discussed in the previous section relating to the taxation of U.S. Holders. In addition, in the case of a corporate Non-U.S. Holder, its earnings and profits that are attributable to the effectively connected income, which are subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to an additional U.S. federal branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, or at a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable U.S. income tax treaty.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, dividend payments, or other taxable distributions, and the payment of gross proceeds on a sale or other disposition of our common shares, made within the United States to a non-corporate U.S. Holder will be subject to information reporting. Such payments or distributions may also be subject to backup withholding if the non-corporate U.S. Holder:
(1)fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;
(2)is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on its U.S. federal income tax returns; or
(3)in certain circumstances, fails to comply with applicable certification requirements.
Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding with respect to dividend payments or other taxable distributions on our common shares by certifying their status on an applicable IRS Form W-8. If a Non-U.S. Holder sells our common shares to or through a U.S. office of a broker, the payment of the proceeds is subject to both U.S. backup withholding and information reporting unless the Non-U.S. Holder certifies that it is a non-U.S. person, under penalties of perjury, or it otherwise establishes an exemption. If a Non-U.S. Holder sells our common shares through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker and the sales proceeds are paid outside the United States, then information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to that payment. However, U.S. information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made outside the United States, if a Non-U.S. Holder sells our common shares through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is a U.S. 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 the Non-U.S. Holder is not a U.S. person and certain other conditions are met, or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a refund may generally be obtained of any amounts withheld under backup withholding rules that exceed the taxpayer’s U.S. federal income tax liability by filing a timely refund claim with the IRS.
Individuals who are U.S. Holders (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury Regulations, Non-U.S. Holders and certain U.S. entities) who hold “specified foreign financial assets” (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code) are required to file IRS Form 8938 with information relating to the asset for each taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds $75,000 at any time during the taxable year or $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year (or such higher dollar amount as prescribed by applicable Treasury Regulations). Specified foreign financial assets would include, among other assets, our common shares, unless the common shares are held in an account maintained with a U.S. financial institution. Substantial penalties apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Additionally, in the event an individual U.S. Holder (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury Regulations, a Non-U.S. Holder or a U.S. entity) that is required to file IRS Form 8938 does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such holder for the related tax year may not close until three years after the date that the required information is filed. U.S. Holders (including U.S. entities) and Non-U.S. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations in respect of our common shares.
F.Dividends and paying agents.
Not applicable.
G.Statement by experts.
Not applicable.
H.Documents on display.
We file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual report and the accompanying exhibits are available from http://www.sec.gov.
Shareholders may also request a copy of our filings at no cost, by writing to us at the following address: 9, Boulevard Charles III, Monaco, 98000 or telephoning us at + 377 9798 5715.
I.Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
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ITEM 11. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our unhedged variable-rate borrowings. Significant increases in interest rates could adversely affect our operating margins, results of operations and our ability to service our debt. As of December 31, 2020, we have variable-rate borrowings totaling $561.2 million. A one percent increase in LIBOR rates would increase our interest payments by approximately $5.6 million per year from January 1, 2021.
Spot Market Rate Risk
The cyclical nature of the drybulk industry causes significant increases or decreases in the revenue that we earn from our vessels, particularly those vessels that operate in the spot market or participate in pools that are concentrated in the spot market such as the Scorpio Pools. Our owned and chartered-in vessels operated for 13,643 days in the spot market or in the Scorpio Pools during 2020. Additionally, we have the ability to remove our vessels from the pools on relatively short notice if attractive time charter opportunities arise. A $1,000 per day increase or decrease in spot rates for our operating fleet of 41 vessels at December 31, 2020, would increase or decrease our operating income by $15.0 million on an annual basis.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
Our primary economic environment is the international shipping market. This market utilizes the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. Consequently, virtually all of our revenues and the majority of our operating expenses will be in U.S. dollars. However, we will incur some of our combined expenses in other currencies, particularly the Euro. The amount and frequency of some of these expenses (such as vessel repairs, supplies and stores) may fluctuate from period to period. Depreciation in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies will increase the U.S. dollar cost of us paying such expenses. The portion of our business conducted in other currencies could increase in the future, which could expand our exposure to losses arising from currency fluctuations.
There is a risk that currency fluctuations will have a negative effect on our cash flows. We have not entered into any hedging contracts to protect against currency fluctuations. However, we have some ability to shift the purchase of goods and services from one country to another and, thus, from one currency to another, on relatively short notice. We may seek to hedge this currency fluctuation risk in the future.
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ITEM 12. | DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES |
Not applicable.
PART II
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ITEM 13. | DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES |
None.
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ITEM 14. | MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
None.
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ITEM 15. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
A.Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation under the supervision, and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such items are defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2020. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020 to provide reasonable assurance that (1) information required to be
disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
B.Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
In accordance with Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d - 15(f) of the Exchange Act, the management of the Company is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Management has performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based on the provisions of Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission or COSO in 2013. Based on our assessment, management determined that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2020 based on the criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
C.Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
D.Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined by Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
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ITEM 16A. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT |
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. James B. Nish, who serves on the Audit Committee, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” and that he is “independent” under the rules of the NYSE and the rules and regulations of the SEC.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, directors, officers and agents. A copy of our Code of Conduct and Ethics, as in effect on the date hereof, has been filed as an exhibit to this annual report.
Shareholders may also request a copy of our Code of Conduct and Ethics at no cost, by writing to us at 9, Boulevard Charles III, Monaco, 98000 or telephoning us at + 377 9798 5715.
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ITEM 16C. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES |
A.Audit Fees
Our principal accountant for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit, and the audit fees for those periods were approximately $574,000 and $445,000 respectively.
B.Audit-Related Fees
None.
C.Tax Fees
None.
D.All Other Fees
None.
E.Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our Audit Committee pre-approves all audit, audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by our independent auditors and associated fees prior to the engagement of the independent auditor with respect to such services.
F.Audit Work Performed by Other Than Principal Accountant if Greater Than 50%
Not applicable.
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ITEM 16D. | EXEMPTIONS FROM LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES |
Not applicable.
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ITEM 16E. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
The following table sets forth our stock repurchase activity during 2020, including the number of shares repurchased, the average price paid per share, the number of shares repurchased as part of a publicly announced plan or program and the amount yet to be used on share repurchases under the plan or program.
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Period | Total Number of Common Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Common Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program (a) | Maximum Amount that May Yet Be Expected on Share Repurchases Under the Plan or Program (a) ($ in millions) |
January 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
February 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
March 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
April 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
May 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
June 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
July 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
August 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
September 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
October 2020 | — | | $ | — | | — | | $ | 50.0 | |
November 2020 | 625,475 | | $ | 14.71 | | 625,475 | | $ | 40.8 | |
December 2020 | 451,832 | | $ | 16.65 | | 451,832 | | $ | 33.3 | |
| 1,077,307 | | $ | 15.52 | | 1,077,307 | | |
(a) On January 25, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to purchase up to an aggregate of $50.0 million of our common shares. The specific timing and amounts of the repurchases will be in the sole discretion of management and may vary based on market conditions and other factors. We are not obligated under the terms of the program to repurchase any of our common shares. The authorization has no expiration date.
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ITEM 16F. | CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT |
Not applicable.
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ITEM 16G. | CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Pursuant to an exception for foreign private issuers, we, as a Marshall Islands company, are not required to comply with the corporate governance practices followed by U.S. companies under the NYSE listing standards. We believe that our established practices in the area of corporate governance are in line with the spirit of the NYSE standards and provide adequate protection to our shareholders. In this respect, we have voluntarily adopted NYSE required practices, such as (i) having a majority of independent directors, (ii) establishing audit, compensation and nominating committees and (iii) adopting a Code of Conduct and Ethics.
There are two significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the practices required by the NYSE. The NYSE requires that non-management directors meet regularly in executive sessions without management. The NYSE also requires that all independent directors meet in an executive session at least once a year. Marshall Islands law and our bylaws do not require our non-management directors to regularly hold executive sessions without management. During 2020 and through the date of this annual report, our non-management directors met in executive session four times. The NYSE requires companies to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. The guidelines must address, among other things: director qualification standards, director responsibilities, director access to management and independent advisers, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, management succession and an annual performance evaluation. We are not required to adopt such guidelines under Marshall Islands law and we have not adopted such guidelines.
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ITEM 16H. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE |
Not applicable.
PART III
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ITEM 17. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
See “Item 18. Financial Statements.”
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ITEM 18. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
The financial statements, together with the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit thereon, beginning on page F-1, are filed as a part of this annual report.
Separate consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for Scorpio Tankers as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 are being provided pursuant to Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X as Exhibit 99.1.
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ITEM 19. | EXHIBITS |
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15.1 | | | |
15.2 | | | |
15.3 | | | |
15.4 | | | Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit (Scorpio Tankers Inc.) (9) |
99.1 | | | Audited financial statements of Scorpio Tankers Inc as of December 31, 2020 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2020. (9) |
101. INS | | Inline XBRL Instance Document |
101. SCH | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
101. CAL | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Calculation Linkbase |
101. DEF | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Definition Linkbase |
101. LAB | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Label Linkbase |
101. PRE | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Presentation Linkbase |
104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
(1)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1, which was declared effective by the SEC on December 11, 2013 (File No. 333-192246).
(2)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K, filed with the SEC on January 4, 2016.
(3)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2016.
(4)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2017.
(5)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K, filed with the SEC on June 1, 2018.
(6)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K, filed with the SEC on April 7, 2020.
(7)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021.
(8)Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-A12B/A, filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021.
(9)The financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 of Scorpio Tankers Inc., prepared by Scorpio Tankers and audited by its independent registered public accounting firm, will be filed pursuant to Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X by amendment to this Annual Report. The related consent of its independent registered public accounting firm will also be filed by amendment.
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
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| Eneti Inc. |
| (Registrant) |
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| /s/ Emanuele Lauro |
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| Emanuele Lauro |
| Chief Executive Officer |
Dated March 8, 2021 | |
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Eneti Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eneti Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in 2019.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 15B. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Assets Held for Sale – Measurement of Fair Value Less Cost to Sell
As described in notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, assets held for sale as of December 31, 2020 were $708.1 million. Furthermore, as disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company, as part of its transition to a sustainable future, to sell its remaining dry bulk vessels and exit the dry bulk sector during 2021, and as a result, the Company classified all of its remaining fleet as held for sale as of December 31, 2020. Upon designation of the fleet as asset held for sale, the Company recorded its remaining vessels at the lower of their carrying value or their estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell and ceased their depreciation. Consequently, the Company recorded an aggregate loss/write down on assets held for sale of $495.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Determination of fair value less costs to sell requires significant management judgment. Management estimated the fair value of each individual vessel in the fleet based on its specific characteristics, such as category of the vessel, year and shipyard of construction, cargo carrying capacity, scrubbers retrofit, the Company’s recent sales transactions for similar vessels, and other factors. Management also estimated incremental direct costs to sell mainly on the basis of existing agreements (termination fees to be paid to related party commercial and technical managers) and customary industry practices (broker commissions).
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to assets held for sale – measurement of fair value less cost to sell is a critical audit matter are the significant judgments by management to develop the estimate of fair value less cost to sell for the assets held for sale. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgement and effort in performing procedures to evaluate the audit evidence obtained related to the estimate.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s estimate of fair value less cost to sell for the assets held for sale. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for determining the fair value less costs to sell for the assets held for sale, (ii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the estimate, and (iii) evaluating the reasonableness of management’s estimate of fair value. Evaluating the reasonableness of management's estimate of fair value of the assets held for sale as of December 31, 2020 involved (i) comparing management’s estimate to the Company’s historical vessel sales, (ii) performing a retrospective comparison of fair values less cost to sell to actual sales prices observed for vessels sold subsequent to year end, and (iii) considering whether the data used was consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
March 8, 2021
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.
Eneti Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
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| As of December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
Assets | | | |
Current assets | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 84,002 | | | $ | 42,530 | |
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Due from related parties | 14,877 | | | 5,954 | |
Inventories | 10,614 | | | 6,371 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 12,110 | | | 10,431 | |
Total current assets | 121,603 | | | 65,286 | |
Non-current assets | | | |
Vessels, net | — | | | 1,271,993 | |
Equity investment | 24,116 | | | 173,298 | |
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Assets held for sale | 708,097 | | | 77,536 | |
Deferred financing cost, net | 1,143 | | | 2,982 | |
Other assets | 13,236 | | | 60,234 | |
Due from related parties | — | | | 14,230 | |
Total non-current assets | 746,592 | | | 1,600,273 | |
Total assets | $ | 868,195 | | | $ | 1,665,559 | |
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Liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | |
Current liabilities | | | |
Bank loans, net | $ | 13,226 | | | $ | 44,956 | |
Financing obligation | 32,677 | | | 29,159 | |
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Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 36,134 | | | 48,746 | |
Due to related parties | 4,979 | | | 972 | |
Total current liabilities | 87,016 | | | 123,833 | |
Non-current liabilities | | | |
Bank loans, net | 157,511 | | | 332,613 | |
Financing obligation | 351,070 | | | 321,646 | |
Other liabilities | — | | | 12,500 | |
Total non-current liabilities | 508,581 | | | 666,759 | |
Total liabilities | 595,597 | | | 790,592 | |
Commitment and contingencies (Note 6) | | | |
Shareholders’ equity | | | |
Preferred shares, $0.01 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding | — | | | — | |
Common shares, $0.01 par value per share; authorized 31,875,000 and 21,250,000 shares as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively; outstanding 11,310,073 shares and 7,248,295 shares as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively | 859 | | | 809 | |
Paid-in capital | 1,803,431 | | | 1,717,144 | |
Common shares held in treasury, at cost; 1,934,092 shares and 856,785 shares at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively | (73,444) | | | (56,720) | |
Accumulated deficit | (1,458,248) | | | (786,266) | |
Total shareholders’ equity | 272,598 | | | 874,967 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 868,195 | | | $ | 1,665,559 | |
Eneti Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Eneti Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
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| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Revenue: | | | | | | | | | |
Vessel revenue | | | | | $ | 33,120 | | | $ | 21,556 | | | $ | — | |
Vessel revenue-related party pools | | | | | 130,612 | | | 203,023 | | | 242,502 | |
Total vessel revenue | | | | | 163,732 | | | 224,579 | | | 242,502 | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | |
Voyage expenses | | | | | 6,716 | | | 2,252 | | | 549 | |
Voyage expenses-related party | | | | | 3,293 | | | 1,948 | | | — | |
Vessel operating costs | | | | | 80,860 | | | 87,884 | | | 90,276 | |
Vessel operating costs-related party | | | | | 11,946 | | | 13,237 | | | 15,199 | |
Charterhire expense | | | | | 21,107 | | | 17,224 | | | 4,176 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Vessel depreciation | | | | | 48,369 | | | 54,224 | | | 56,607 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | | | 17,568 | | | 21,901 | | | 23,869 | |
General and administrative expenses-related party | | | | | 8,103 | | | 10,072 | | | 8,516 | |
Loss / write down on assets held for sale | | | | | 458,610 | | | 36,475 | | | — | |
Loss / write down on assets held for sale-related party | | | | | 36,803 | | | 814 | | | — | |
Total operating expenses | | | | | 693,375 | | | 246,031 | | | 199,192 | |
Operating (loss) income | | | | | (529,643) | | | (21,452) | | | 43,310 | |
Other (expense) income: | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | | | 210 | | | 1,450 | | | 1,107 | |
Gain on sale of equity investment | | | | | — | | | 47 | | | — | |
(Loss) income from equity investment-related party | | | | | (105,384) | | | 116,878 | | | (7,178) | |
Foreign exchange loss | | | | | (348) | | | (115) | | | (68) | |
Financial expense, net | | | | | (36,818) | | | (52,154) | | | (49,869) | |
Total other (expense) income | | | | | (142,340) | | | 66,106 | | | (56,008) | |
Net (loss) income | | | | | $ | (671,983) | | | $ | 44,654 | | | $ | (12,698) | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | 9,484 | | | 6,809 | | | 7,183 | |
Diluted | | | | | 9,484 | | | 6,953 | | | 7,183 | |
(Loss) earnings per common share: | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | | | $ | (70.85) | | | $ | 6.56 | | | $ | (1.77) | |
Diluted | | | | | $ | (70.85) | | | $ | 6.42 | | | $ | (1.77) | |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Eneti Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(Dollars in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Number of shares outstanding | | Common stock | | Paid-in capital | | Treasury stock | | Accumulated deficit | | Total |
Balance as of December 31, 2017 | 7,490,236 | | | $ | 762 | | | $ | 1,745,844 | | | $ | (11,004) | | | $ | (818,222) | | | $ | 917,380 | |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | (12,698) | | | (12,698) | |
Common stock issued | 159,259 | | | 16 | | | (16) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of common stock for treasury | (710,240) | | | — | | | — | | | (45,716) | | | — | | | (45,716) | |
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.80 per common share) | — | | | — | | | (6,042) | | | — | | | — | | | (6,042) | |
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures | 182,470 | | | 18 | | | (18) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Restricted stock amortization | — | | | — | | | 7,880 | | | — | | | — | | | 7,880 | |
Balance as of December 31, 2018 | 7,121,725 | | | $ | 796 | | | $ | 1,747,648 | | | $ | (56,720) | | | $ | (830,920) | | | $ | 860,804 | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | 44,654 | | | 44,654 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.80 per common share) | — | | | — | | | (5,748) | | | — | | | — | | | (5,748) | |
Non-cash dividend declared on common stock | — | | | — | | | (33,699) | | | — | | | — | | | (33,699) | |
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures | 126,570 | | | 13 | | | (13) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Restricted stock amortization | — | | | — | | | 8,956 | | | — | | | — | | | 8,956 | |
Balance as of December 31, 2019 | 7,248,295 | | | 809 | | | 1,717,144 | | | (56,720) | | | (786,266) | | | 874,967 | |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | (671,983) | | | (671,983) | |
Common stock issued | 4,715,000 | | | 47 | | | 82,209 | | | — | | | — | | | 82,256 | |
Purchase of common stock for treasury | (1,077,307) | | | — | | | — | | | (16,724) | | | — | | | (16,724) | |
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.35 per common share) | — | | | — | | | (3,234) | | | — | | | — | | | (3,234) | |
Reverse stock split | (115) | | | (2) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2) | |
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures | 424,200 | | | 5 | | | (5) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Restricted stock amortization | | | — | | | 7,317 | | | — | | | — | | | 7,317 | |
Balance as of December 31, 2020 | 11,310,073 | | | 859 | | | 1,803,431 | | | (73,444) | | | (1,458,248) | | | 272,598 | |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Eneti Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Operating activities | | | | | |
Net (loss) income | $ | (671,983) | | | $ | 44,654 | | | $ | (12,698) | |
Adjustment to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | |
Restricted stock amortization | 7,317 | | | 8,956 | | | 7,880 | |
Vessel depreciation | 48,369 | | | 54,224 | | | 56,607 | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 3,667 | | | 6,915 | | | 9,582 | |
Write off of deferred financing costs | 3,088 | | | 681 | | | — | |
Loss / write down on assets held for sale | 428,833 | | | 33,389 | | | — | |
Net unrealized losses (gains) on investments | 106,471 | | | (114,762) | | | 7,719 | |
Dividend income on investment in Scorpio Tankers (related party) | (1,087) | | | (2,163) | | | (541) | |
Drydocking expenditures | (22,597) | | | (3,237) | | | — | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | |
Increase (decrease) in inventories, prepaid expenses and other assets | 24,688 | | | 5,259 | | | (1,798) | |
Decrease (increase) in accounts payable and accrued expenses | 25,085 | | | (3,029) | | | 3,890 | |
Increase (decrease) in related party balances | 9,314 | | | 2,993 | | | (195) | |
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (38,835) | | | 33,880 | | | 70,446 | |
Investing activities | | | | | |
Equity investment | — | | | (1,500) | | | (100,000) | |
Sale of equity investment | 42,711 | | | 1,547 | | | — | |
Dividend income on equity investment | 1,087 | | | 2,163 | | | 541 | |
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale | 194,066 | | | 84,241 | | | — | |
| | | | | |
Scrubber payments | (42,359) | | | (32,610) | | | (1,235) | |
Payments for vessels and vessels under construction | — | | | — | | | (21,799) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 195,505 | | | 53,841 | | | (122,493) | |
Financing activities | | | | | |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 82,254 | | | — | | | — | |
Common stock repurchased | (16,724) | | | — | | | (45,716) | |
Dividends paid | (3,234) | | | (5,748) | | | (6,042) | |
Proceeds from issuance of debt | 199,840 | | | 306,710 | | | 469,225 | |
Repayments of long term debt | (377,334) | | | (409,002) | | | (358,858) | |
| | | | | |
Debt issue cost paid | — | | | (4,646) | | | (7,602) | |
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (115,198) | | | (112,686) | | | 51,007 | |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 41,472 | | | (24,965) | | | (1,040) | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 42,530 | | | 67,495 | | | 68,535 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 84,002 | | | $ | 42,530 | | | $ | 67,495 | |
Supplemental cash flow information: | | | | | |
Interest paid | $ | 28,661 | | | $ | 46,428 | | | $ | 39,727 | |
Non-cash activities | | | | | |
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | 50,296 | | | $ | — | |
Dividend distributed in stocks of Scorpio Tankers Inc. | — | | | 33,699 | | | — | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Eneti Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
1.Organization and Basis of Presentation
Company
Effective February 8, 2021, we changed our name to Eneti Inc. from Scorpio Bulkers Inc., following receipt of the approval of our shareholders at a special meeting held on February 3, 2021.
Eneti Inc. and its subsidiaries (together the “Company”) is an international shipping company that owns and operates the latest generation newbuilding drybulk carriers with fuel-efficient specifications and carrying capacities of greater than 30,000 dwt in the international shipping markets. Eneti Inc. was incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on March 20, 2013.
The Company’s vessels transport a broad range of major and minor bulk commodities, including ores, coal, grains, and fertilizers, along worldwide shipping routes, and are, or are expected to be, employed primarily in the spot market or in spot market-oriented pools of similarly sized vessels. As of December 31, 2020, the Company owned or finance leased 41 vessels consisting of 13 Kamsarmax vessels and 28 Ultramax vessels and time chartered-in five Kamsarmax vessels.
The Company is organized by vessel type into two operating segments (see Note 16, Segments, to the consolidated financial statements):
•Ultramax - includes vessels ranging from approximately 60,200 DWT to 64,000 DWT
•Kamsarmax - includes vessels ranging from approximately 82,000 DWT to 84,000 DWT
In addition, in August 2020, the Company signed a letter of intent to enter into a shipbuilding contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Inc. to build a wind turbine installation vessel (“WTIV”) which is expected to be delivered in 2023, with options to construct three further similar vessels. The Company’s purchase of the WTIV is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation.
The Company’s vessels have been commercially managed by Scorpio Commercial Management S.A.M., or SCM, an entity controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family of which Emanuele Lauro, the Company’s co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Filippo Lauro, the Company’s Vice President, are members. SCM’s services have included securing employment for the Company’s vessels in pools, in the spot market and on time charters.
The Company’s vessels have been technically managed by Scorpio Ship Management S.A.M., or SSM, an entity controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family. SSM facilitates vessel support such as crew, provisions, deck and engine stores, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and other services as necessary to operate the vessels such as drydocks and vetting/inspection under a technical management agreement.
The Company has also entered into an administrative services agreement, as amended from time to time, or the Amended Administrative Services Agreement, with Scorpio Services Holding Limited, or SSH, an entity controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family. The administrative services provided under this agreement primarily include provision of administrative staff, office space and accounting, legal compliance, financial and information technology services, in addition to arranging vessel sales and purchases for the Company.
Basis of accounting
The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Comprehensive income is net income and thus not presented separately.
Reverse stock split
On April 7, 2020, the Company effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. The par value was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
Going concern
The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from pool revenue. The bulker shipping industry is volatile and a sustained cyclical downturn could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The fair market values of the Company’s vessels also experience high volatility. The fair value of the vessels may increase or decrease depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the prevailing level of charter rates and day rates, general economic and market conditions affecting the international shipping industry, types, sizes and ages of vessels, supply and demand for vessels, availability of or developments in other modes of transportation, competition from other shipping companies, cost of newbuildings, governmental or other regulations and technological advances. In addition, as vessels grow older they generally decline in value. If the fair value of its vessels declines, the Company may not be in compliance with certain provisions of its credit facilities and it may not be able to refinance its debt. The prepayment of certain credit facilities may be necessary for the Company to maintain compliance with certain covenants in the event that the value of its vessels falls below a certain level. Additionally, if the Company sells one or more of its vessels at a time when vessel prices have fallen, the sale price may be less than the vessel’s carrying value on its consolidated financial statements, resulting in a loss on sale or an impairment loss being recognized, ultimately leading to a reduction in earnings. Furthermore, if vessel values fall significantly, this could indicate a decrease in the recoverable amount for the vessel which may result in an impairment adjustment in the carrying value of the vessel.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, nor to the amounts and classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements represent the consolidation of the accounts of Eneti Inc. and its subsidiaries in conformity with U.S. GAAP. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated companies (generally 20 to 50 percent ownership), in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but neither has a controlling interest nor is the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method.
The Company consolidates entities in which it holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is one in which the Company has a majority voting interest or one in which the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company evaluates financial instruments, service contracts, and other arrangements to determine if any variable interests relating to an entity exist. For entities in which the Company has a variable interest, the Company determines if the entity is a VIE by considering whether the entity’s equity investment at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support and whether the entity’s at risk equity holders have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. In performing the analysis of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company considers whether it individually has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the entity’s performance and also has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosures of contingent assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Actual results could differ from those results.
In addition to the estimates noted above, significant estimates include vessel valuations, useful life of vessels, and residual value of vessels.
Revenue recognition
During 2020, virtually all of the Company’s revenues were sourced from commercial pools which, along with time charters, fall under the guidance of US GAAP for leases. In commercial pools the Company participates with other shipowners to operate a
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
large number of vessels as an integrated transportation system, which offers customers greater flexibility and a higher level of service while achieving scheduling efficiencies. The operation of the pool enables both pool customers and participants to share the benefits achieved from these efficiencies. Under pooling arrangements, vessels are leased to and placed at the disposal and control of the pool during their participation in the pool. The Pool Manager negotiates and enters into arrangements for the commercial employment and operation of the pool vessels so as to secure the highest earnings to be shared among the pool participants. All revenues earned by the pool from the operation of the pool vessels, after deduction of all costs involved in the operation of the pool, is shared among the pool participants based upon pool points, in accordance with the contract. All other revenues not falling under US GAAP lease guidance are recognized pursuant to ASC 606, which recognizes revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring such goods or services to a customer (as defined in the standard).
Voyage expenses
Voyage expenses primarily include bunkers, port charges, canal tolls, cargo handling operations and brokerage commissions paid by us under voyage charters, brokerage commissions and miscellaneous voyage expenses that the Company is unable to recoup under time charter and pool arrangements.
Charterhire expense
Charterhire expense is the amount we pay the owner for time chartered-in vessels. The amount is usually for a fixed period of time at charter rates that are generally fixed, but may contain a variable component based on drybulk indices, inflation, interest rates, profit sharing, or current market rates. The vessel’s owner is responsible for crewing and other vessel operating costs. Charterhire expense is recognized ratably over the charterhire period.
Operating leases
Costs in respect of operating leases are charged to Charterhire expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Vessel operating costs
Vessel operating costs, which include crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils, communication expenses, and technical management fees, are expensed as incurred.
Technical management fees are paid to SSM (See Note 14, Related Party Transactions). Pursuant to the Revised Master Agreement, SSM provides us with technical services, and we provide it with the ability to subcontract technical management of our vessels.
Foreign currencies
The individual financial statements of Eneti Inc. and each of its subsidiaries are maintained in the currency of the primary economic environment in which we operate (its functional currency), which in all cases is U.S. dollars. For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, our results and financial position are also expressed in U.S. dollars.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements of Eneti Inc. and each of its subsidiaries, transactions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. Any change in exchange rate between the date of recognition and the date of settlement may result in a gain or loss which is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. At the end of each reporting period, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are retranslated into the functional currency at rates ruling at that date. All resultant exchange differences are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash on hand and demand deposits, and other short-term highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
Inventories
Inventories consist mainly of lubricating oils used in the operations of the vessels and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in-first-out method.
Assets held for sale
Assets held for sale include vessels and contracts for the construction of vessels and are classified in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. The Company considers such assets to be held for sale when all of the following criteria are met:
•management commits to a plan to sell the property;
•it is unlikely that the disposal plan will be significantly modified or discontinued;
•the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition;
•actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated;
•sale of the property is probable and we expect the completed sale will occur within one year; and
•the property is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given its current market value.
Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company records the asset at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and, if the asset is a vessel, the Company ceases depreciation.
Determination of fair value less costs to sell implies significant judgments. Management estimated the fair value of each individual vessel in the fleet based on its specific characteristics, such as category of the vessel (Ultramax or Kamsarmax), year and shipyard of construction, cargo carrying capacity, scrubbers retrofit, the Company’s recent sales transactions for similar vessels, and other factors. Management also estimated incremental direct costs to sell mainly on the basis of existing contracts (termination fees to be paid to related party commercial and technical managers) and customary industry practices (commissions to be paid to brokers).
The Company’s vessels have been commercially managed by SCM and technically managed by SSM pursuant to the Master Agreement, which may be terminated by either party upon 24 months’ notice, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms. In the event of a sale of one or more vessels, a notice period of three months and a payment equal to three months of management fees will apply, provided that the termination does not amount to a change of control, including a sale of all or substantially all vessels, in which case a payment equal to 24 months of management fees will apply as was the case in the fourth quarter of 2020, when the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company, as part of its transition to a sustainable future, to sell its remaining dry bulk vessels and exit the dry bulk sector during 2021. This fee was considered as part of our assessment of the fair value less cost to sell of our remaining fleet, and is therefore included in the captions "Loss/write down on assets held for sale-related party" in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, and "Assets held for sale" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Vessels, net
Vessels, net is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Included in vessel costs are acquisition costs directly attributable to the acquisition of a vessel including capitalized interest and expenditures made to prepare the vessel for its initial voyage. Vessels are depreciated to their residual value on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 25 years from the date the vessel is ready for its first voyage. The estimated useful life of 25 years is management’s best estimate and is also consistent with industry practice for similar vessels. The residual value is estimated as the lightweight tonnage of each vessel multiplied by an estimated scrap value per ton. The scrap value per ton is estimated taking into consideration the historical four years average scrap market rates at the balance sheet date.
When regulations place limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, or when the cost of complying with such regulations is not expected to be recovered, we will adjust the vessel’s useful life to end at the date such regulations preclude such vessel’s further commercial use.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
The carrying value of the Company’s vessels does not represent the fair market value of such vessels or the amount it could obtain if it were to sell any of its vessels, which could be more or less. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company would not record a loss if the fair market value of a vessel (excluding its charter) is below its carrying value unless and until it determines to sell that vessel or the vessel is impaired as discussed below under “Impairment of long-lived assets held for use.”
Vessels under construction
Vessels under construction are measured at cost and include costs incurred that are directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. These costs include installment payments made to the shipyards, capitalized interest, professional fees, and other costs deemed directly attributable to the construction of the asset. Vessels under construction are not depreciated.
Deferred drydocking costs
The vessels are required to undergo planned drydocks or underwater inspections for replacement of certain components, major repairs and maintenance of other components, which cannot be carried out while the vessels are operating, approximately every 30 months or 60 months depending on the nature of work and external requirements. These drydock costs are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated period until the next drydock. When the drydock expenditure occurs prior to the expiry of the period, the remaining balance is expensed.
Costs capitalized as part of the drydock include actual costs incurred at the drydock yard and parts and supplies used in making such repairs. We only include in deferred drydocking costs those direct costs that are incurred as part of the drydocking to meet regulatory requirements, or are expenditures that extend the economic life of the vessel, increase the vessel’s earnings capacity or improve the vessel’s efficiency. Direct costs include shipyard costs as well as the costs of placing the vessel in the shipyard. Expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs, whether incurred as part of the drydocking or not, are expensed as incurred.
Impairment of long-lived assets held for use
In accordance with ASC subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment, long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition.
For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets, which is generally at the vessel pool level for vessels operating within pools. In performing its impairment review, the Company performs a recoverability test comparing an estimate of undiscounted cash flows to carrying value to determine if the asset group is impaired. In developing its estimates of undiscounted cash flows, the Company makes significant assumptions and estimates about future performance, with the most significant assumptions relating to (i) charter rates on expiry of existing charters, which are based on the current fixing applicable to five-year time charter rates and thereafter, the ten-year historical average for each category of vessel (ii) off-hire days, which are based on actual off-hire statistics for the Company’s fleet (iii) operating costs, based on current levels escalated over time based on long term trends (iv) drydocking frequency, duration and cost (v) estimated useful life which is assessed as a total of 25 years and (vi) estimated scrap values. In the case of an indication of impairment, the results of a recoverability test would also be sensitive to the discount rate applied.
An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of the asset group is greater than both the undiscounted cash flows and its fair value. In instances where the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, measurement of the impairment loss is based upon the amount by which the collective fair values of the vessels in the asset group exceed their collective carrying values. The fair values are determined based upon available market data as well as third party valuations performed on each individual vessel.
During December 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company, as part of its transition to a sustainable future, to sell its remaining dry bulk vessels and exit the dry bulk sector during 2021, classifying all of its remaining fleet as held for sale at December 31, 2020. As a result of this decision, the Company recorded a charge of $458.8 million to remeasure its fleet to its fair value less costs to sell.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
During our fourth quarter 2019 assessment, we determined that the undiscounted future income streams expected to be generated by each asset group, over their remaining operating lives exceeded and therefore would be sufficient to recover their respective carrying values and, accordingly, we confirmed that our vessels were not impaired under U.S. GAAP. As of December 31, 2019 we owned 52 vessels with an average remaining useful life of 21 years.
During our fourth quarter 2018 assessment, we determined that the undiscounted future income streams expected to be generated by each asset group, over their remaining operating lives exceeded and therefore would be sufficient to recover their respective carrying values and, accordingly, we confirmed that our vessels were not impaired under U.S. GAAP. As of December 31, 2018 we owned 56 vessels with an average remaining useful life of 22 years.
In our impairment testing, we also examine the sensitivity of the future income streams expected to be earned and carrying values to be recovered by reviewing other scenarios relative to the initial assumptions we used to see if the resulting impact would have resulted in a different conclusion. Accordingly, we perform a sensitivity analysis based on more conservative expected useful lives and carrying amounts for our vessels.
Although we believe that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate, such assumptions are highly subjective. There can be no assurance as to how long charter rates and vessel values will remain at their currently low levels or whether they will improve by any significant degree. Charter rates may decrease, which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability, as well as the fair value of our vessels held for sale.
Fair value of financial instruments
Substantially all of the Company’s financial instruments are carried at fair value or amounts approximating fair value. Cash and cash equivalents, interest rate caps, amounts due to / from charterers, accounts payable and long-term debt, are carried at market value or estimated fair value. Please also see “Equity Investments” below.
Deferred financing costs, net
Deferred financing costs, included in other assets or as a reduction to debt balances (as described above), consist of fees, commissions and legal expenses associated with obtaining or modifying secured credit facilities and financing obligations. These costs are amortized over the life of the related debt using the effective interest rate method and are included in Financial expense, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Amortization was $3.6 million, $3.8 million, and $9.6 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Deferred financing costs were $21.3 million and $20.0 million, and accumulated amortization was $13.4 million and $6.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company expects to amortize or write-off the remaining $7.9 million as of December 31, 2020 during 2021.
The Company wrote off $3.1 million and $3.8 million during years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the refinancing of existing debt and the repayment of debt.
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, while diluted earnings per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) by the average number of common stock adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents by application of the treasury stock method. Common stock equivalents are excluded from the diluted calculation if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Share-based Compensation
We follow ASC Subtopic 718-10, Compensation-Stock Compensation, for restricted stock issued under our equity incentive plan. Share-based compensation expense requires measurement of compensation cost for share-based awards at fair value and recognition of compensation cost over the vesting period. The restricted stock awards granted to our employees and directors have graded vesting schedules and contain only service conditions. The Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
Income tax
Eneti Inc. is incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and its vessel owning subsidiaries are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. In accordance with the income tax laws of the Marshall Islands, we are not subject to Marshall Islands income tax. We are also exempt from income tax in other jurisdictions including the United States of America due to tax treaties or domestic tax laws; therefore, we will not have any tax charges, benefits, or balances.
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are amounts due from charterers and from related parties. With respect to balances due from the Scorpio Ultramax Pool, and the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool (see Note 14, Related Party Transactions), the Company, through SCM, limits its credit risk by performing ongoing credit evaluations and, when deemed necessary, requires letters of credit, guarantees or collateral. The Company earned 30%, and 50% of its revenues from two customers during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company earned 31% and 60% of its revenues, from two customers during the year ended December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company earned 36% and 64% of its revenues from two customers. Management does not believe significant risk exists in connection with the Company’s concentrations of credit at December 31, 2020 due to the number of charterers with which the pools conduct business.
At December 31, 2020, the Company maintains all of its cash and cash equivalents with two financial institutions. None of the Company’s cash and cash equivalent balances are covered by insurance in the event of default by these financial institutions.
Interest rate risk
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through its variable-rate borrowings which consist of borrowings under its secured credit facilities. Significant increases in interest rates could adversely affect our margins, net income and our ability to service our debt. The Company entered into derivative contracts, which expired on December 31, 2020, to hedge its overall exposure to interest rate risk exposure (see Derivative financial instruments below for further information).
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in raising funds to meet commitments associated with financial instruments. We manage liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and borrowing facilities and by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows.
Current economic conditions make forecasting difficult, and there is the possibility that our actual trading performance during the coming year may be materially different from expectations. We could also pursue other means to raise liquidity, such as through the sale of vessels, to meet these obligations. There can be no assurance that these or other measures will be successful and a deterioration in economic conditions or a failure to refinance our debt that is maturing could cause us to breach our debt covenants and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Based on internal forecasts and projections, which assume the sale of the remainder of our vessel fleet, in addition to our ability to sell our investment in Scorpio Tankers Inc. (“Scorpio Tankers”), we believe that we have adequate financial resources to continue in operation and meet our financial commitments (including but not limited to debt service obligations and charterhire commitments) for a period of at least 12 months from the date of issuance of this annual report. Accordingly, we continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing our financial statements.
Currency and exchange rate risk
The international shipping industry’s functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. Virtually all of our revenues and most of our operating costs are in U.S. Dollars. We incur certain operating expenses in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, and the foreign exchange risk associated with these operating expenses is immaterial.
Equity Investments
Equity investments for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control over the investee and are not the primary beneficiary of the investee’s activities are accounted for under the equity method. At December 31, 2020, the
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
Company’s equity method investments consist solely of an approximately 3.7% common stock ownership interest in a related party, Scorpio Tankers Inc., over which it has the ability to exercise significant influence. In accounting for its investment in Scorpio Tankers, the Company has elected to use the fair value option, available under ASC 825 for investments subject to the equity method of accounting, as it more accurately reflects the economic substance of its ownership interest in Scorpio Tankers. The initial election of the fair value option did not have any impact on the Company’s earnings. The Company measures its fair value based upon the quoted market price of Scorpio Tankers common stock. Our share of gains and losses in the fair value of the Scorpio Tankers investment as well as dividend income are recorded in Income (loss) from equity investment - related party in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. At December 31, 2020, the Company did not have any cost method investments.
Derivative financial instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate caps, to hedge certain interest rate exposure. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
All derivative financial instruments are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Fair value of derivatives is determined by reference to observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative has been designated as and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. The use of derivative instruments has been limited to interest rate cap agreements. The fair values of derivative instruments are included in Other assets in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company has not elected to designate any of its derivative instruments as hedging instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and as such the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized in Financial expense, net in current earnings during the period of change.
The valuation of interest rate cap agreements is determined using the Black Model, which considers among other factors, the contractual terms of derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and expected volatility, adjusted for counterparty risk. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting.
Recently adopted accounting standards
The Company has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or the ASC, Topic 842, “Leases” effective January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition approach, which allows the Company to recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit in the period of adoption rather than restate its comparative prior year periods. Under the new lease standard, lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for substantially all leases. The cumulative effect adjustment to the Company’s opening balance of accumulated deficit was zero.
The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. This determination requires judgment with arrangements generally considered to contain a lease when all of the following apply:
•It conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time to the lessee;
•The lessee enjoys substantially all economic benefits from the use of the asset; and
•The lessee directs the use of the identified asset.
At the present time, substantially all of the Company’s revenues are sourced from commercial pools, which along with time charters, fall under the guidance of U.S. GAAP for leases. Based on the Company's analysis of its contracts, the Company determined that its pool arrangements meet the definition of operating leases under ASC 842. As lessor, the Company leases its vessels to pools, which manage the vessels in order to enter into transportation contracts with their customers and enjoy the economic benefits derived from such arrangements. Furthermore, the pools can direct the use of a vessel (subject to certain limitations in the pool or charter agreement) throughout the period of use. The Company, as lessor, elected to apply the practical expedient to not separate lease and associated non-lease components and instead to account for each separate lease component and the associated non-lease components as a single component, as the criteria for not separating the lease and non-lease components of its arrangements are met since: (a) the timing and pattern of transfer are the same for both the lease and
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
non-lease components, (b) the lease component of the contracts, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease, and (c) the lease component is the predominant component in the arrangement.
Under the commercial pool agreements, the pool participants share the revenue generated by the entire pool in accordance with a point system that allocates points to each vessel in the pool, based upon performance, age and other factors. As a pool participant, the Company accounts for its vessels as assets and records lease revenue for each period as the variability associated with lease payments is resolved.
At times, the Company charters in vessels to supplement its own fleet and engages them in time charters to the commercial pools. Subsequent to the January 1, 2019 adoption date, the Company entered into agreements to lease six vessels from third parties for which it recognized the operating lease right-of-use assets and the corresponding lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. At lease commencement, the Company calculates the present value of lease payments discounted at the rate implicit in the lease, if available, or otherwise at its incremental borrowing rate. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate reflects the interest rate it would need to pay to borrow funds on a collateralized basis over a similar term and in a similar economic environment.
The Company also enters into sale and leaseback transactions, all of which contain lessee fixed price repurchase obligations. In accordance with ASC 842, such transactions are accounted for as failed sales and accordingly, the Company continues to recognize these vessels at their net book values on the consolidated balance sheet while also recognizing their financial liabilities for the financing amount drawn down on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under “Financing obligation” and the variable amount of consideration paid under “Financial expense, net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
The Company recognizes lease payments for all operating leases as charterhire expense on the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
2.Earnings Per Common Share
The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the years ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Net (loss) income for basic and diluted earnings per share | | $ | (671,983) | | | $ | 44,654 | | | $ | (12,698) | |
| | | | | | |
Common shares | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares basic | | 9,484 | | | 6,809 | | | 7,183 | |
Effect of dilutive securities | | — | | | 144 | | | — | |
Weighted average common shares - diluted | | 9,484 | | | 6,953 | | | 7,183 | |
| | | | | | |
(Loss) earnings per share: | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | (70.85) | | | $ | 6.56 | | | $ | (1.77) | |
Diluted | | $ | (70.85) | | | $ | 6.42 | | | $ | (1.77) | |
The following is a summary of share equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effects would have been anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the years ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Share equivalents | | 640 | | | 183 | | | 375 | |
3.Vessels
At December 31, 2020, the Company owned or finance leased 13 Kamsarmax vessels and 28 Ultramax vessels. A rollforward of activity within vessels is as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | |
Balance December 31, 2018 | $ | 1,507,918 | |
Transfer to assets held for sale or disposed | (199,059) | |
Other additions | 17,358 | |
Depreciation | (54,224) | |
Balance December 31, 2019 | $ | 1,271,993 | |
Transfer to assets held for sale or disposed | (1,296,706) | |
Other additions | 73,082 | |
Depreciation | (48,369) | |
Balance December 31, 2020 | $ | — | |
Depreciation includes depreciation related to our finance leased vessels. Related vessels serve as collateral against existing secured credit facilities.
Owned or Finance Leased vessels
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vessel Name | | Year Built | | DWT | | Vessel Type |
SBI Antares* | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Athena* | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Bravo* | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Leo* | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Echo | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Lyra* | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Tango | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Maia* | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Hydra** | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Subaru* | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Pegasus* | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Ursa* | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Thalia* | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Cronos* | | 2015 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Orion* | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Achilles* | | 2016 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Hercules* | | 2016 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Perseus* | | 2016 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Hermes | | 2016 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
SBI Tethys** | | 2016 | | 61,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Phoebe* | | 2016 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Poseidon** | | 2016 | | 60,200 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Apollo** | | 2016 | | 60,200 | | | Ultramax |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
SBI Aries** | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
| | | | | | |
SBI Gemini** | | 2015 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Pisces* | | 2016 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Libra* | | 2017 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
SBI Virgo* | | 2017 | | 64,000 | | | Ultramax |
| | | | | | |
Total Ultramax | | | | 1,742,400 | | | |
SBI Samba | | 2015 | | 84,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Rumba | | 2015 | | 84,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Capoeira* | | 2015 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Carioca* | | 2015 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
SBI Lambada* | | 2016 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Reggae** | | 2016 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Zumba* | | 2016 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Macarena* | | 2016 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Parapara** | | 2017 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Swing* | | 2017 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Mazurka* | | 2017 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Jive* | | 2017 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
SBI Lynx* | | 2018 | | 82,000 | | | Kamsarmax |
Total Kamsarmax | | | | 1,070,000 | | | |
Total Owned or Finance Leased Vessels DWT | | 2,812,400 | | | |
*Agreed to be sold
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
** Sale completed after December 31, 2020 (see Note 18, Subsequent Events)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
4.Assets Held for Sale
Assets held for sale at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were $708.1 million and $77.5 million, respectively.
During December 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company, as part of its transition to a sustainable future, to sell its remaining dry bulk vessels and exit the dry bulk sector during 2021. As a result of this decision, the Company classified all of its remaining fleet as held for sale at December 31, 2020, and recorded a loss / write-down on assets held for sale of $458.6 million and a loss / write down on assets held for sale-related party of $36.8 million.
During 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors made the decision to sell four Ultramax vessels and as such these vessels were classified as held for sale at December 31, 2019. The Company recorded a loss of approximately $25.2 million upon this classification. These four vessels accounted for the entire $77.5 million balance at December 31, 2019. These four vessels were transferred back to vessels held for use during 2020.
5.Leases
As of December 31, 2020, the Company is lessor for 46 vessel operating leases with commercial shipping pools, of which 41 are owned or finance leased by the Company.
The following are the Company contracts that fall under ASC 842:
As Lessor: Commercial pool/time charter out contracts
The Company’s vessel revenues are primarily sourced from commercial pools, which along with time charters, fall under ASC 842. As lessor, the Company leases its vessels to pools, which manage the vessels in order to enter into transportation contracts with their customers, direct the use of the vessel, and enjoy the economic benefits derived from such arrangements. Under the commercial pool agreements, the pool participants share the revenue generated by the entire pool in accordance with a point system that allocates points to each vessel in the pool based upon performance, age and other factors. As a pool participant, the Company accounts for its vessels as assets and records lease revenue each period as the variability associated with lease payments is resolved. Please see Note 3, “Vessels” and Note 14, “Related Party Transactions.”
As Lessee: Time charter in contracts
At January 1, 2019, the Company’s operating fleet included only one chartered-in vessel, which was chartered-in in September 2017 and had a remaining lease term of nine months. In September 2019, the Company exercised its lease extension option for this chartered-in 62,100 dwt, 2017 built Japanese vessel, Ocean Phoenix Tree, for one year at $10,885 per day. In October 2019, the Company chartered the vessel out at $10,885 per day until September 2020. During 2019, the Company also entered into operating leases for five additional chartered-in vessels as follows:
In March 2019, the Company became party to a three-way arrangement with simultaneously occurring, back-to-back charters whereby the Company chartered-in a 81,100 dwt, 2019 built Chinese vessel, CL Taizhou, from the vessel owner and simultaneously chartered it out to the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool, or SKPL, a related party, at identical rates. The hire rate is tied to the BPI at 118% of BPI with an option to convert to a fixed rate.
In May 2019, the Company became party to a second three-way arrangement with the same parties whereby the Company chartered-in another 81,100 dwt, 2019 built Chinese vessel, CL Zhenjiang, from the vessel owner and simultaneously chartered it out to SKPL, at identical rates. The hire rate is tied to the BPI at 118% of BPI with an option to convert to a fixed rate.
In July 2019, the Company became party to a third three-way arrangement with the same parties whereby the Company chartered-in another 81,100 dwt, 2018 built Chinese vessel, CL Suzhou, from the vessel owner and simultaneously chartered it out to SKPL, at identical rates. The hire rate is tied to the BPI at 118% of BPI with an option to convert to a fixed rate.
In August 2019, the Company became party to a fourth three-way arrangement with the same parties whereby the Company chartered-in another 81,100 dwt, 2015 built Chinese vessel, CL Yangzhou, from the vessel owner and simultaneously chartered it out to SKPL, at identical rates. The hire rate is tied to the BPI at 118% of BPI with an option to convert to a fixed rate. At the present time, the Company is not expected to exercise its renewal option, which accordingly, is not included in the right-of-use asset or liability calculations.
The above three-way charter-in and charter-out agreements were (i) negotiated as a package with the same commercial objective, (ii) with the amount of consideration to be received from the charter-out contract depending on the price of the charter-in contract, and (iii) the rights to use underlying assets conveyed in the contracts involving a single lease component.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
However, in accordance with the contract combination guidance in ASC 842 requiring that both contracts be entered into either with the same counterparty or with related parties in order to be combined, the respective charter-in and charter-out components of the agreement are accounted for as two separate lease contracts. Accordingly, the Company recognized the required operating lease right-of-use assets and the corresponding lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The charter out arrangement with SKPL for each of these vessels was terminated during the fourth quarter of 2020.
In July 2019, the Company became party to an arrangement whereby the Company chartered-in an 82,000 dwt, 2018 built Chinese vessel, Yangze 11, for 24 months at $12,000 per day and $12,500 per day, for the first and second years, respectively. The lease arrangement contains extension options for $13,000 per day and $14,500 per day for a third and fourth year, respectively. The lease agreement also provides options to purchase the vessel as soon as the end of the first year. At the present time, the Company is not expected to exercise the renewal or purchase options. Accordingly, these options were not included in the right-of-use asset or liability calculations.
Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for charter-in lease terms not qualifying for any exceptions as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Description | | Location in Balance Sheet | | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Assets: | | | | | | |
Right of use assets | | Other assets | | $ | 12,350 | | | $ | 39,155 | |
| | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | |
Current portion - operating leases | | Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | $ | 12,350 | | | $ | 26,655 | |
Non-current portion - operating leases | | Other liabilities | | $ | — | | | $ | 12,500 | |
Maturities of operating lease liabilities for charter-in contracts with initial noncancelable terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2020 are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | |
Year | | |
2021 | | $ | 12,568 | |
2022 | | — | |
2023 | | — | |
2024 | | — | |
2025 | | — | |
Thereafter | | — | |
Total lease payments | | $ | 12,568 | |
Less: Imputed interest ** | | (218) | |
Total present value of operating lease liabilities | | $ | 12,350 | |
Less: Current portion | | (12,350) | |
Non-current operating lease liabilities | | $ | — | |
**Based on incremental weighted average borrowing rate of 4.9%
The following table summarizes lease cost (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Twelve months ended December 31, 2020 | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2019 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Operating lease costs | | $ | 21,824 | | | $ | 17,782 | | | | | |
Variable lease costs | | $ | 14,545 | | | $ | 10,642 | | | | | |
Sublease income | | $ | 20,430 | | | $ | 17,825 | | | | | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
The following table summarizes other supplemental information about the Company’s operating leases:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Twelve months ended December 31, 2020 | | Twelve months ended December 31, 2019 |
Weighted average discount rate | | 4.9 | % | | 4.8 | % |
Weighted average remaining lease term | | 0.5 years | | 1.4 years |
Cash paid for the amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for operating leases (in thousands) | | $ | — | | | $ | 15,287 | |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (in thousands) | | $ | — | | | $ | 50,296 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
6.Commitment and Contingencies
Legal Matters
The Company is periodically involved in litigation and various legal matters that arise in the normal course of business. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes which are not predictable. At the current time, the Company does not believe that any legal matters could have a material adverse effect on its financial position or future results of operations and therefore has not recorded any reserves in relation thereto as of December 31, 2020.
Capital Commitments
The Company is a party to agreements to purchase and install exhaust gas cleaning systems for its vessels, of which approximately $30.2 million, related to 13 vessels, remained unpaid at December 31, 2020.
Time chartered-in vessels
The Company time charters-in five vessels. The terms of the time charter-in contracts are summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vessel Type | Year Built | DWT | Where Built | Daily Base Rate | Earliest Expiry |
Kamsarmax | 2019 | 81,100 | | China | Variable | 10-Mar-21 |
Kamsarmax | 2019 | 81,100 | | China | Variable | 7-Apr-21 |
Kamsarmax | 2018 | 82,000 | | China | $12,500 | 25-June-21 |
Kamsarmax | 2018 | 81,100 | | China | Variable | 13-Jul-21 |
Kamsarmax | 2015 | 81,100 | | China | Variable | 22-Jul-21 |
Assuming the Company redelivers the vessels to their owners on the earliest redelivery date, as expected, and based on the variable rates in effect at December 31, 2020, the Company estimates that as of December 31, 2020 it would expect to pay $12.6 million in time charter-in fees during 2021 on the above contracts.
Debt
See Note 10, Debt, to the consolidated financial statements for a schedule of debt and financing obligation payments as of December 31, 2020.
Other
There are no material post-employment benefits for our executive officers or directors. By law, our employees in Monaco are entitled to a one-time payment of up to two months’ salary upon retirement if they meet certain minimum service requirements.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company agreed to guarantee certain obligations of certain related parties arising from bunker purchases made through April 2021 on behalf of the vessels we own. The maximum potential amount of future payments at December 31, 2020 is $5.0 million.
7.Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of |
(in thousands) | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Accounts payable | $ | 4,695 | | | $ | 4,984 | |
Accrued operating | 20,648 | | | 36,177 | |
Accrued administrative | 10,791 | | | 7,585 | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 36,134 | | | $ | 48,746 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
Accounts payable primarily consists of obligations to suppliers arising in the normal course of business. Accrued operating relates to obligations arising from operation of the Company’s owned, finance leased and chartered-in vessels (see Note 5, “Leases” for additional information), such as operating costs. Accrued administrative relates to obligations that are corporate or financing in nature, such as payroll, professional fees, interest and commitment fees.
8.Common Shares
As of December 31, 2020 the Company had:
•Approximately 11.3 million common shares outstanding, the $0.01 par value of which is recorded as common stock of $0.9 million.
•Paid-in capital of $1.8 billion which substantially represents the excess net proceeds from common stock issuances over the par value as well as the amount of cumulative restricted stock amortization.
•Treasury stock of $73.4 million representing the cost at which the Company repurchased approximately 1.9 million shares
Reverse stock split
On April 7, 2020, the Company effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. The par value was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split.
Equity Issuance
In June 2020, the Company issued approximately 4.7 million shares (which includes the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares) of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at $18.46 per share in an underwritten public offering. Scorpio Services Holding Limited, a related party to the Company, purchased 950,000 common shares in the offering at the public offering price, after which it beneficially owned 16.1% of the Company’s outstanding common stock at that time, thereby increasing Scorpio Holdings Limited’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s outstanding common stock to 20.0% at that time. The Company received approximately $82.3 million of net proceeds from the issuance.
Share Repurchase Program
In January 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the “Program”) to purchase up to an aggregate of $50.0 million of its common shares. During 2020, the Company repurchased approximately 1.1 million of the Company’s common shares under the Program for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $16.7 million (or at an average purchase price of $15.52 per repurchased share) funded from available cash resources. The specific timing and amounts of the repurchases were in the sole discretion of management and subject to variation based on market conditions and other factors. The Company is not obligated under the terms of the Program to repurchase any of its common shares. The authorization has no expiration date. As of December 31, 2020, $33.3 million remained available under the Program.
Dividend
During 2020 and 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared and paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.35 per share and $0.80 per share, or $3.2 million and $5.7 million, respectively.
During 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a one-time special stock dividend to the shareholders of the Company of an aggregate of approximately one million shares of common stock of Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG), a related party. For each common share that a shareholder held in the Company on November 15, 2019, that shareholder received 0.0138 shares of common stock of Scorpio Tankers Inc. Following the payment of the special dividend, the Company continued to own approximately 4.4 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
In May 2020, the Company sold 2.25 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE: STNG) for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $42.7 million. Following the sales, the Company continues to own in aggregate approximately 2.16 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers Inc.
9.Equity Incentive Plan
The Eneti Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, or the Plan, was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and became effective on September 30, 2013 and was last amended to reserve additional common shares for issuance pursuant to the Plan on June 26, 2020. Adjustments may be made to outstanding awards in the event of a corporate transaction or change in capitalization or other extraordinary event. In the event of a “change in control” (as defined in the Plan), unless otherwise provided by the Plan administrator in an award agreement, awards then outstanding will become fully vested and exercisable in full. The Board of Directors may amend or terminate the Plan and may amend outstanding awards, provided that no such amendment or termination may be made that would materially impair any rights, or materially increase any obligations, of a grantee under an outstanding award. Shareholder approval of Plan amendments will be required under certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2020, we had reserved a total of 1,143,262 common shares for issuance under the Plan, subject to adjustment for changes in capitalization as provided in the Plan. The Plan is administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee. The Plan will remain in effect until the tenth anniversary of the date on which the Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors, unless terminated, or extended by the Board of Directors. After the termination date, no further awards shall be granted pursuant to the Plan, but previously granted awards will remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions.
Under the Plan, the Company is permitted to grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and unrestricted common shares.
Under the terms of the Plan, stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan will have an exercise price equal to the fair value of a common share on the date of grant, unless otherwise determined by the Plan administrator, but in no event will the exercise price be less than the fair value of a common share on the date of grant. Options and stock appreciation rights will be exercisable at times and under conditions as determined by the Plan administrator, but in no event will they be exercisable later than ten years from the date of grant. The Company did not grant any option awards or stock appreciation rights under the Plan during the three years ended December 31, 2020.
The Plan administrator may grant shares of restricted stock and awards of restricted stock units subject to vesting, forfeiture and other terms and conditions as determined by the Plan administrator. Generally, restricted stock granted under the Plan vests in one of the following manners: (a) annually in three equal installments, if the independent director has continued to serve on the Board of Directors from the grant date to the applicable vesting date or (b) serial vest on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant so long as the award recipient is employed on such date. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense (see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Polices) over this three-year period or four-year period, as applicable.
The Company recorded share-based compensation expense of $7.3 million, $9.0 million, and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to restricted stock awards, which is included in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
A summary of activity for restricted stock awards during the three years ended December 31, 2020 is as follows:
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| Number of Shares | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $ |
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Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | 314,157 | | | $ | 81.30 | |
Granted | 183,553 | | | 73.30 | |
Vested | (121,263) | | | 117.90 | |
Forfeited | (1,083) | | | 65.70 | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | 375,364 | | | 65.61 | |
Granted | 127,070 | | | 63.40 | |
Vested | (136,948) | | | 70.80 | |
Forfeited | (500) | | | 70.10 | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 | 364,986 | | | 62.90 | |
Fractional shares exchanged for cash upon reverse stock split | (37) | | | $ | 62.90 | |
Granted | 425,000 | | | $ | 13.22 | |
Vested | (149,342) | | | $ | 50.75 | |
Forfeited | (800) | | | $ | 64.64 | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | 639,807 | | | $ | 32.74 | |
As of December 31, 2020, there was $10.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards. These costs are expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of approximately one year. During 2020, restricted stock with a fair value of approximately $3.1 million vested.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
10.Debt
The Company’s long-term debt consists of bank loans and financing obligations, summarized as follows:
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| December 31, |
(amounts in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 |
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$12.5 Million Credit Facility | $ | — | | | $ | 8,617 | |
$27.3 Million Credit Facility | — | | | 8,813 | |
$85.5 Million Credit Facility | 21,974 | | | 46,499 | |
$38.7 Million Credit Facility | — | | | 10,200 | |
$12.8 Million Credit Facility | — | | | 11,475 | |
$30.0 Million Credit Facility | 24,881 | | | 27,198 | |
$60.0 Million Credit Facility | 23,746 | | | 26,573 | |
$184.0 Million Credit Facility | 49,641 | | | 130,145 | |
$34.0 Million Credit Facility | 30,536 | | | 31,571 | |
$90.0 Million Credit Facility | 22,340 | | | 82,100 | |
$19.6 Million Lease Financing - SBI Rumba | 15,614 | | | 16,883 | |
$19.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Tango | 16,109 | | | 17,303 | |
$19.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Echo | 16,259 | | | 17,396 | |
$20.5 Million Lease Financing - SBI Hermes | 17,763 | | | 19,059 | |
$21.4 Million Lease Financing - SBI Samba | 18,960 | | | 20,384 | |
CMBFL Lease Financing | 102,282 | | | 113,006 | |
$45.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Virgo & SBI Libra | 39,375 | | | 40,027 | |
AVIC Lease Financing | 101,957 | | | 111,450 | |
$67.3 Million Lease Financing | 59,779 | | | — | |
Total bank loans and financing obligations outstanding | 561,216 | | | 738,699 | |
Less: Current portion | (46,560) | | | (75,276) | |
| $ | 514,656 | | | $ | 663,423 | |
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| December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
(amounts in thousands) | Current | | Non-current | | Total | | Current | | Non-current | | Total |
Total bank loans and financing obligations, gross | $ | 46,560 | | | $ | 514,656 | | | $ | 561,216 | | | $ | 75,276 | | | $ | 663,423 | | | $ | 738,699 | |
Unamortized deferred financing costs | (657) | | | (6,075) | | | (6,732) | | | (1,161) | | | (9,164) | | | (10,325) | |
Total bank loans and financing obligations, net | $ | 45,903 | | | $ | 508,581 | | | $ | 554,484 | | | $ | 74,115 | | | $ | 654,259 | | | $ | 728,374 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
The future principal and estimated interest payments (based on the interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2020) under the Company’s long-term debt over the next five years based on the Company’s existing credit facilities and financing obligations as of December 31, 2020 is as below. However, outstanding debt is expected to be repaid during 2021 as the Company sells all of the vessels in its fleet and exits the drybulk market.
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(amounts in thousands) | Principal on Bank Loans | Interest on Bank Loans | Financing Obligations | Total |
2021 | $ | 13,489 | | $ | 4,376 | | $ | 47,368 | | $ | 65,233 | |
2022 | 18,404 | | 4,020 | | 51,495 | | 73,919 | |
2023 | 119,368 | | 2,625 | | 46,337 | | 168,330 | |
2024 | 2,429 | | 554 | | 39,302 | | 42,285 | |
2025 | 19,428 | | 375 | | 37,202 | | 57,005 | |
Thereafter | — | | — | | 66,726 | | 66,726 | |
Total | $ | 173,118 | | $ | 11,950 | | $ | 288,430 | | $ | 473,498 | |
Senior Notes
On September 22, 2014, the Company issued $65.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Senior Notes due September 2019, or the Senior Notes, and on October 16, 2014 the Company issued an additional $8.6 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes when the underwriters partially exercised their option to purchase additional Senior Notes on the same terms and conditions.
The Senior Notes were redeemed on August 2, 2019. The redemption price of the Senior Notes was equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, August 2, 2019.
Secured Credit Facilities
The Company had six credit agreements in place, which are all collateralized by certain of the Company’s vessels. The following is a summary of those credit agreements as of December 31, 2020.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $85.5 Million Credit Facility | | | | | | $30.0 Million Credit Facility | | $60.0 Million Credit Facility | | $184.0 Million Credit Facility | | $34.0 Million Credit Facility | | $90.0 Million Credit Facility |
Date of Agreement | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | December 5, 2017 | | | | | | September 13, 2018 | | September 11, 2018 | | September 21, 2018 | | October 3, 2018 | | November 8, 2018 |
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Total Vessels Financed | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kamsarmax | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | 2 | | | — | | | 2 | | | 2 | | | — | |
Ultramax | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | | | | — | | | 2 | | | 2 | | | — | | | 2 | |
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Interest Rate-LIBOR+ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2.850 | % | | | | | | 2.200 | % | | 2.250 | % | | 2.400 | % | | 2.350 | % | | 2.350 | % |
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Commitment Fee | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1.140 | % | | | | | | 0.880 | % | | 0.900 | % | | 0.960 | % | | 1.175 | % | | 1.000 | % |
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Maturity Date | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | February 15, 2023 | | | | | | September 18, 2023 | | September 14, 2023 | | September 21, 2023 | | October 3, 2025 | | November 8, 2023 |
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Amount outstanding (in thousands) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 21,974 | | | | | | | 24,881 | | | 23,746 | | | 49,641 | | | 30,536 | | | 22,340 | |
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Carrying Value of Vessels Collateralized (in thousands) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 32,577 | | | | | | | 38,629 | | | 33,676 | | | 70,320 | | | 39,069 | | | 32,011 | |
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Financing Obligations
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
$19.6 Million Lease Financing - SBI Rumba
On October 25, 2017, the Company closed a financing transaction with unaffiliated third parties involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Rumba, a 2015 Japanese built Kamsarmax vessel, for consideration of approximately $19.6 million. As part of the transaction, the Company makes monthly payments of $164,250 under a nine and a half year bareboat charter agreement with the buyers, which the Company has the option to extend for a further six months. The agreement also provides the Company with options to repurchase the vessel beginning on the fifth anniversary of the sale and until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
$19.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Tango
On July 18, 2018, the Company closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Tango, a 2015 Japanese built Ultramax vessel, for consideration of $19.0 million. As part of the transaction, the Company makes monthly payments of $164,250 under a five-year bareboat charter agreement with the buyer. The agreement also provides the Company with options to repurchase the vessel beginning on the third anniversary of the sale until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
$19.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Echo
On July 18, 2018, the Company closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Echo, a 2015 Japanese built Ultramax vessel, for consideration of $19.0 million. As part of the transaction, the Company makes monthly payments of $164,250 under a five-year bareboat charter agreement with the buyer. The agreement also provides the Company with options to repurchase the vessel beginning on the third anniversary of the sale until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
$20.5 Million Lease Financing - SBI Hermes
On November 16, 2018, the Company closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Hermes, a 2016 Japanese built Ultramax vessel, for consideration of $20.5 million. As part of the transaction, the Company agreed with the buyer to bareboat charter the vessel for a period of five years at $177,938 per month. The transaction also provides the Company with an option to repurchase the vessel beginning on the third anniversary of the sale until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
$21.4 Million Lease Financing - SBI Samba
On April 15, 2019, the Company closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Samba, a 2015 Japanese built Kamsarmax vessel, for consideration of $21.4 million. As part of the transaction, the Company makes monthly payments of $208,354 under a five-year bareboat charter agreement with the buyer. The transaction also provides the Company with the option to repurchase the vessel beginning on the third anniversary of the sale until the end of the bareboat charter agreement.
CMBFL Lease Financing
On May 24, 2019, the Company closed a financing transaction with CMB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. involving the sale and leaseback of three Ultramax vessels (SBI Pegasus, SBI Subaru and SBI Ursa) and four Kamsarmax vessels (SBI Lambada, SBI Macarena, SBI Carioca and SBI Capoeira). As part of this transaction, the Company agreed to bareboat charter-in the vessels for a period of seven years. In addition, the Company has purchase options beginning after the end of the third year of each bareboat charter agreement, as well as a purchase option for each vessel upon the expiration of each bareboat charter agreement.
$45.0 Million Lease Financing - SBI Virgo and SBI Libra
On May 21, 2019, the Company closed a financing transaction with an unaffiliated third party involving the sale and leaseback of the SBI Virgo and SBI Libra for a consideration of $21.0 million per vessel. As part of this transaction, the Company agreed to bareboat charter-in the vessels for a period of 11 years and will have purchase options beginning after the end of the fourth year of each bareboat charter agreement.
This transaction also provided up to $1.5 million of financing for the installation of scrubbers for each of the vessels included. These will amortize at approximately $1,370 per day per vessel for the first 2 years and $685 per day per vessel for the following 2 years once drawn down.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
AVIC Lease Financing
On June 27, 2019, the Company closed a financing transaction involving the sale and leaseback of three Ultramax vessels (SBI Antares, SBI Bravo and SBI Leo) and on July 16, 2019, the Company closed a financing transaction involving the sale and leaseback of three additional Ultramax vessels (SBI Hydra, SBI Lyra and SBI Maia) to AVIC International Leasing Co., Ltd. As part of these transactions, the Company agreed to bareboat charter-in the vessels for a period of eight years and has purchase options beginning after the end of the second year of each bareboat charter agreement, as well as a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of each bareboat charter agreement.
This transaction also provided financing for the installation of scrubbers for each of the six vessels included at the lowest of (i) 82% of the scrubber market value, (b) 82% of the scrubber price and (c) approximately $1.6 million, which would amortize over 5 years at approximately $82,000 per quarter per vessel once drawn down.
$67.3 Million Lease Financing
On March 19, 2020, the Company closed the transactions to sell and leaseback the SBI Cronos and SBI Achilles, two Ultramax vessels and on April 2, 2020, the Company closed a transaction to sell and lease back the SBI Lynx, a Kamsarmax vessel to Ocean Yield ASA. As part of the transaction the Company agreed to bareboat charter-in the SBI Cronos for a period of nine years, the SBI Achilles for a period of ten years and the SBI Lynx for a period of twelve years. The Company has several purchase options during the charter period of each agreement, as well as a purchase option for each vessel upon the expiration of the relevant agreement.
The transaction also provided financing for the installation of scrubbers for each of the vessels included at approximately $1.5 million, which will amortize over four years.
In addition to the credit agreements and financing obligations described above, which are in effect as of December 31, 2020, outstanding amounts under the following credit facilities agreements which were repaid in full during 2020.
$12.5 Million Credit Facility
On December 22, 2015, the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $12.5 million with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank which was used to finance a portion of the purchase price of one Ultramax vessel.
During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repaid this loan and terminated the credit facility. The vessel previously financed by the loan is now financed under the $67.3 Million Lease Financing.
$27.3 Million Credit Facility
On December 22, 2015, the Company entered into a $27.3 million senior secured credit facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. which was originally used to finance a portion of the purchase price of two Ultramax vessels.
During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repaid this loan and terminated the credit facility. The vessel previously financed by the loan is now financed under the $67.3 Million Lease Financing.
$12.8 Million Credit Facility
On June 21, 2018, the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $12.8 million which was originally used to finance a portion of the purchase price of one Kamsarmax vessel.
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company repaid this loan and terminated the credit facility. The vessel previously financed by the loan is now financed under the $67.3 Million Lease Financing.
$38.7 Million Credit Facility
On December 13, 2017, the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $38.7 million which was originally used to finance a portion of the purchase price of six Ultramax vessels.
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company repaid this loan and terminated the credit facility upon the completion of the sale of the SBI Jaguar.
Financial Covenants under the Agreements Governing Our Indebtedness
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
Each of the Company’s credit agreements and financing obligations, as amended through December 31, 2020, has, among other things, financial covenants with which the Company must comply (based on terms defined in the credit agreements and financing arrangements). The most stringent by facility are as follows:
•The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•Consolidated tangible net worth (adjusted for a minimum amount of $100.0 million in historical non-operating costs and to exclude certain future non-operating items, including impairments) no less than $500.0 million plus (i) 25% of cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after December 31, 2013 and (ii) 50% of the value of any new equity issues occurring on or after December 31, 2013.
•Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $0.5 million per owned or finance leased vessel.
•Maintain a minimum fair value of the collateral for each credit facility, such that the aggregate fair value of the vessels collateralizing the credit facility is between 140% and 160% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding under such credit facility, or, if it does not meet these thresholds to prepay a portion of the loan or provide additional security to eliminate the shortfall.
•Minimum fair value of the vessel for certain financing obligations be 115% of the principal amount outstanding under such financing obligation, or, if the Company does not meet this threshold, to prepay a portion of the financing obligation or provide additional security to eliminate the shortfall.
The Company’s credit facilities and financing obligations set out above have, among other things, the following restrictive covenants which may restrict its ability to:
•incur additional indebtedness;
•sell the collateral vessel, if applicable;
•make additional investments or acquisitions;
•pay dividends; or
•effect a change of control of the Company.
In addition, the Company’s credit facilities and finance leases contain customary events of default, including cross-default provisions, as well as subjective acceleration clauses under which the debt could become due and payable in the event of a material adverse change in the Company’s business.
Furthermore, the Company’s credit facilities contain customary events of default, including cross-default provisions. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of each of its credit facilities and financing obligations. The Company expects to remain in compliance with the financial covenants of each of its credit facilities and financing obligations for the next twelve months.
Interest rates on all of the Company’s secured credit facilities during the year ended December 31, 2020 ranged from 2.4% to 6.2%. The Company records its interest expense as a component of Financial expense, net on its Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, Financial expense, net consists of:
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| Year ended December 31, |
(in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Interest expense | $ | 29,557 | | | $ | 44,101 | | | $ | 39,855 | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 3,667 | | | 6,915 | | | 9,582 | |
Write off of deferred financing costs | 3,088 | | | 681 | | | — | |
Change in the fair value of interest rate caps | — | | | 219 | | | (27) | |
Other, net | 506 | | | 238 | | | 459 | |
| $ | 36,818 | | | $ | 52,154 | | | $ | 49,869 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
11.Derivatives
The Company is exposed to, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates in the normal course of business. The Company managed the exposure to and volatility arising from these risks, and utilized derivative financial instruments to offset a portion of these risks. The Company used derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to hedge identified business risks and did not enter into such transactions for speculative purposes.
The Company uses variable rate debt as a source of funds for use in the Company's investment activities. These debt obligations expose the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, interest expense increases. Interest rate cap agreements were used to manage interest rate risk associated with floating-rate borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities. The interest rate cap agreements utilized by the Company effectively modified the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk by converting a portion of the Company’s floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis through December 31, 2020, thereby reducing the impact of interest rate changes on interest expense.
The Company did not elect to designate any of its derivative instruments as hedging instruments under ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, and as such the gain or loss on the derivative was recognized in current earnings during the period of change and is included in Financial expense, net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Information pertaining to outstanding interest rate caps is as follows:
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Aggregate Notional Amount (in millions) | | Start Date | | End Date | | Offsets Variable Rate Debt Attributable to Fluctuations Above: |
$100 | | November 9, 2017 | | December 31, 2020 | | Three Month LIBOR of 3.5% |
$100 | | November 9, 2017 | | December 31, 2020 | | Three Month LIBOR of 3.5% |
$100 | | November 21, 2017 | | December 31, 2020 | | Three Month LIBOR of 3.5% |
The aggregate fair value of these interest rate caps was zero at December 31, 2020 and 2019 and would have been included in Other assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet had there been a balance. While there was no impact to interest expense in 2020, an increase to interest expense of approximately $0.2 million was recorded during 2019, representing the change in the fair value of these caps to Financial expense, net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Refer to Note 13, Fair value of Financial Instruments, for related fair value disclosures.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
12.Equity Investments
On October 12, 2018 the Company invested $100.0 million in a related party, Scorpio Tankers, through participation in a public offering on a basis equivalent to other investors. As a result of this investment, the Company became a significant investor in Scorpio Tankers, a related party, holding a total of approximately 54.1 million shares of common stock, which was approximately 10.9% of the then issued and outstanding shares of Scorpio Tankers. While the Company was not directly invested in Scorpio Tankers prior to this investment, it shared a number of shareholders, directors and officers (see Note 14, Related Party Transactions), which along with its investment interest indicated its ability to exercise significant influence. Accordingly, this investment is accounted for under the equity method. The investment was subsequently adjusted to 5.4 million shares after a one-for-ten reverse stock split effected on January 18, 2019. The Company uses the fair value option in accounting for its investment in Scorpio Tankers based upon the quoted market price of Scorpio Tankers common stock.
On October 22, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a one-time special stock dividend to the shareholders of the Company of an aggregate of approximately one million shares of common stock of Scorpio Tankers (NYSE:STNG). For each common share that a shareholder held in the Company on November 15, 2019 that shareholder received 0.0138 shares of common stock of Scorpio Tankers on December 13, 2019. The Scorpio Tankers common shares distributed in the special dividend were acquired from Scorpio Tankers in the abovementioned public offering of its common shares in October 2018. Following the payment of the special dividend, the Company continued to own approximately 4.4 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers. No fractional shares of Scorpio Tankers were issued in connection with the special dividend, and instead the Company’s shareholders received cash in lieu of any fractional shares.
In May 2020, the Company sold 2.25 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $42.7 million. Following the sales, the Company continues to own in aggregate approximately 2.16 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers.
On May 31, 2019, the Company invested $1.5 million in 2020 Bulkers in exchange for 166,667 shares of 2020 Bulkers common stock through a private placement and during October 2019, the Company sold all 166,667 shares. The Company accounted for this investment at fair value using the quoted market price as it did not have the ability to exercise significant influence.
Below is a table of equity investment activity (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
Beginning balance | $ | 173,298 | | | $ | 92,281 | |
Investment in Scorpio Tankers | — | | | — | |
Investment in 2020 Bulkers | — | | | 1,500 | |
Sale of investment in 2020 Bulkers | — | | | (1,547) | |
Special dividend of Scorpio Tankers shares to Company stockholders | — | | | (33,699) | |
Partial sale of investment in Scorpio Tankers | (42,711) | | | — | |
Gain (loss) from change in fair value of investment in Scorpio Tankers | (106,471) | | | 114,716 | |
Realized gain on investment in 2020 Bulkers | — | | | 47 | |
Equity investments at fair value | $ | 24,116 | | | $ | 173,298 | |
Dividend income from Scorpio Tankers common stock | $ | 1,087 | | | $ | 2,163 | |
The following table represents summarized information regarding the Company’s equity investee as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Total revenues | $ | 915,892 | | | $ | 704,325 | |
Operating income | 245,334 | | | 129,972 | |
Net loss | 94,124 | | | (48,490) | |
| | | |
Current assets | $ | 267,419 | | | $ | 302,978 | |
Non-current assets | 4,891,205 | | | 4,861,032 | |
Total assets | $ | 5,158,624 | | | $ | 5,164,010 | |
Current liabilities | $ | 406,175 | | | $ | 486,231 | |
Non-current liabilities | 2,686,681 | | | 2,700,790 | |
Total liabilities | $ | 3,092,856 | | | $ | 3,187,021 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
13.Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Level | | Carrying value | | Fair Value | | Carrying value | | Fair Value |
Financial assets: | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | 1 | | $ | 84,002 | | | $ | 84,002 | | | $ | 42,530 | | | $ | 42,530 | |
Other assets - interest rate cap | 2 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Equity investment - Common stock of Scorpio Tankers Inc. * | 1 | | 24,116 | | | 24,116 | | | 173,298 | | | 173,298 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Financial liabilities: | | | | | | | | | |
Bank loans, net | 2 | | 170,737 | | | 170,737 | | | 377,569 | | | 377,569 | |
Financing obligation | 2 | | 383,747 | | | 383,747 | | | 73,823 | | | 73,823 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
* During 2019, the equity investment in Scorpio Tankers was transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 as a result of the expiration of the related lock-up agreement prohibiting the sale of the Company’s shares in Scorpio Tankers until January 7, 2019.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, various methods are used including market, income and cost approaches. Based on these approaches, certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability are used, including assumptions about risk and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or generally unobservable firm inputs. Valuation techniques that are used maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, fair value measured financial instruments are categorized according to the fair value hierarchy prescribed by ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
•Level 1: Fair value measurements using unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
•Level 2: Fair value measurements using correlation with (directly or indirectly) observable market-based inputs, unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data, or quoted prices in markets that are not active.
•Level 3: Fair value measurements using inputs that are significant and not readily observable in the market.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and other short-term highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
The interest rate caps were measured at fair value using implied volatility rates of each caplet and the yield curve for the related periods.
The Company holds an equity investment consisting of approximately 2.16 million shares of common stock of Scorpio Tankers at an estimated fair value of $24.1 million. The investment in Scorpio Tankers was transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 during the first quarter of 2019 as a result of the expiration of the related lock-up agreement. Although a quoted market price in active securities markets was available for these shares at December 31, 2018, the Company was prohibited from selling its shares in Scorpio Tankers through January 7, 2019, pursuant to the terms of the lock-up agreement the Company entered into at the time of the investment.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
The carrying value of our secured bank loans are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Company considers that the carrying value approximates fair value because (i) the interest rates on these instruments change with, or approximate, market interest rates and (ii) the credit risk of the Company has remained stable.
These amounts are shown net of $2.4 million and $5.6 million of unamortized deferred financing fees on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The carrying value of our financing obligations are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Company considers that the carrying value approximates fair value because (i) the interest rates on these instruments change with, or approximate, market interest rates and (ii) the credit risk of the Company has remained stable.
These amounts are shown net of $4.3 million and $4.7 million of unamortized deferred financing fees on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities are carried at contracted amounts that approximate fair value. Assets and liabilities that are recorded at contracted amounts approximating fair value consist primarily of balances with related parties, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Certain items are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The table below details the portion of those items that were re-measured at fair value at December 31, 2020 and the resultant write-down recorded (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Fair Value Measurements Using | |
December 31, 2020 | | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Write-down |
Assets Held For Sale | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 708,097 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 478,450 | | |
14.Related Party Transactions
The Company’s co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emanuele Lauro, and the Company’s Vice President, Mr. Filippo Lauro, are members of the Lolli-Ghetti family, which owns and controls the Scorpio group of companies, or Scorpio. Scorpio includes SSM, which provides the Company with vessel technical management services, SCM, which provides the Company with vessel commercial management services, SSH, which provides the Company and other related entities with administrative services and services related to the acquisition of vessels, and Scorpio UK Limited, or SUK, which provides the Company with vessel chartering services. SSH also has a majority equity interest in a port agent that provides supply and logistical services for the Company’s vessels operating in its regions. In 2009, Mr. Emanuele Lauro also co-founded Scorpio Tankers (NYSE: STNG), a large international shipping company engaged in seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products, of which he is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Emanuele Lauro also has a senior management position at Scorpio. The Company’s co-founder, President and Director, Mr. Robert Bugbee, is also the President and a Director of Scorpio Tankers and has a senior management position at Scorpio. The Company’s Vice President, Mr. Filippo Lauro and the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Cameron Mackey, also hold the office of Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Scorpio Tankers, respectively, and have senior management positions at Scorpio. Since December 2018, Messrs. Emanuele Lauro, Robert Bugbee, Filippo Lauro and Cameron Mackey have served in similar capacities for Hermitage Offshore Services Ltd., formerly Nordic American Offshore Ltd. (OTC: HOFSQ).
Administrative Services Agreement
The Company entered into the Administrative Services Agreement with SSH for the provision of administrative staff, office space and accounting, legal compliance, financial and information technology services, as well as arranging vessel sales and purchases for the Company, including newbuildings.
In addition, SSH has agreed with the Company not to own any drybulk carriers greater than 30,000 dwt for so long as the Administrative Services Agreement is in full force and effect. The Administrative Services Agreement may be terminated by SSH upon 12 months’ notice or by the Company upon 24 months’ notice.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
The services provided to the Company by SSH under the Administrative Services Agreement may be sub-contracted to other entities within Scorpio.
Master Agreement
The Company’s vessels have been commercially managed by SCM and technically managed by SSM pursuant to the Master Agreement, which may be terminated by either party upon 24 months’ notice, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms. In the event of a sale of one or more vessels, a notice period of three months and a payment equal to three months of management fees will apply, provided that the termination does not amount to a change of control, including a sale of all or substantially all vessels, in which case a payment equal to 24 months of management fees will apply as was the case in the fourth quarter of 2020, when the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company, as part of its transition to a sustainable future, to sell its remaining dry bulk vessels and exit the dry bulk sector during 2021. This fee was considered as part of our assessment of the fair value less cost to sell of our remaining fleet, and is therefore included in the captions “Loss/write-down on assets held for sale – related party” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, and “Assets held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
SCM’s commercial management services have included securing employment for the Company’s vessels in the spot market and on time charters. SCM has also managed the Scorpio Pools (spot market-oriented vessel pools) including the Scorpio Ultramax Pool, the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the currently inactive Scorpio Capesize Pool in which most of the Company’s owned, finance leased and time chartered-in vessels are employed and from which a significant portion of its revenue is generated. The Scorpio Ultramax Pool and the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool participants, including the Company and third-party owners of similar vessels, pay SCM a pool management fee of $300 per vessel per day, plus a 1.75% commission on the gross revenues per charter fixture. The Company typically has balances due from the Scorpio Pools, consisting primarily of working capital, undistributed earnings and reimbursable costs. These receivables are either classified as current or non-current assets within the Consolidated Balance Sheet depending upon whether the associated vessel is expected to exit the pool within the next 12 months. The Company is also allocated general and administrative expenses from SCM. The Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the Scorpio Ultramax Pool were significant customers for the year ended December 31, 2020, accounting for 30% and 50% of the Company’s total vessel revenue, respectively. During the year ended December 31,2019, the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the Scorpio Ultramax Pool accounted for 31% and 60% of the Company’s total vessel revenue, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool and the Scorpio Ultramax Pool accounted for 36% and 64% of the Company’s total vessel revenue, respectively.
During 2019 and 2020, the Company time-chartered out four Kamsarmax vessels to the Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool for a period of 24-27 months at rates linked to the Baltic Panamax Index (“BPI”). The related income is recorded as Vessel Revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
For the commercial management of any of the Company’s vessels that do not operate in one of the Scorpio Pools, it pays SCM a daily fee of $300 per vessel, plus a 1.75% commission on the gross revenues per charter fixture, which are classified as voyage expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Effective January 1, 2018, pursuant to the Master Agreement, the fixed annual technical management fee was reduced from $200,000 to $160,000, and certain services previously provided as part of the fixed fee are itemized. The aggregate cost, including the costs that are now itemized, for the services provided under the technical management agreement do not materially differ from the annual management fee charged prior to the amendment.
SSM’s technical management services have included providing technical support, such as arranging the hiring of qualified officers and crew, supervising the maintenance and performance of vessels, purchasing supplies, spare parts and new equipment, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, and monitoring regulatory and classification society compliance and customer standards. As part of these services, the Company pays SSM, a related party, including certain subcontractors, for crew costs which are then distributed to the crew.
The Company pays SSM an annual fee of $160,000 plus charges for certain itemized services per vessel to provide technical management services for each of its owned or finance leased vessels, which is a component of vessel operating cost in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, representatives of SSM, including certain subcontractors, previously provided the Company with construction supervisory services while its vessels were being constructed in shipyards. For these services, SSM was compensated between $0.2 million and $0.5 million per vessel. Representatives of SSM, including certain subcontractors, provide supervisory services during drydocking, for which they are compensated.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
The fees of certain consultants and the salaries of certain SUK employees are allocated to the Company for services performed for the Company.
The Company pays the related party port agent for supply and logistical services, which are charged as vessel operating costs.
The Company pays the related party bunker supplier for bunkers, which are charged as voyage expenses. Beginning in October 2019, the Company agreed to guarantee certain obligations of the related party bunker supplier arising from bunker purchases made through April 2021 on behalf of the vessels the Company owns. The maximum potential amount of future payments at December 31, 2020 was $5.0 million.
In 2016, an Executive Officer of the Company acquired a minority interest, which in 2018 increased to a majority interest, in an insurance broker which arranges hull and machinery and war risk insurance for certain of the Company’s owned and finance leased vessels. This broker has arranged such policies for the Company since 2013 and the extent of the coverage and the manner in which the policies are priced did not change as a result of this transaction. In September 2018 the Executive Officer disposed of their interest in the insurance broker in its entirety to a third party not affiliated with the Company. The amounts recorded reflect the amortization of the policy premiums, which are paid directly to the broker, who then remits the premiums to the underwriters. Such payments, which are made in advance, are classified as prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet until they are realized in the applicable period, at which point they are recorded as vessel operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The Company pays a related party travel service provider for travel services, such as flights, which are charged as general and administrative expenses.
In October 2018, the Company invested $100.0 million in Scorpio Tankers for approximately 54.1 million (which was subsequently adjusted to 5.4 million shares after a one-for-ten reverse stock split effected by Scorpio Tankers on January 18, 2019), or 10.9% (as of October 12, 2018), of Scorpio Tankers’ issued and outstanding common shares. The investment was part of a larger $337.0 million equity raise by Scorpio Tankers through a public offering of its common shares. Scorpio Tankers is a large international shipping company incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands engaged in seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products. The Company and Scorpio Tankers have a number of common shareholders. They also share a number of directors and officers, including Mr. Emanuele Lauro who serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of both companies, Mr. Robert Bugbee, who serves as President and a Director of both companies, Mr. Cameron Mackey, who serves as Chief Operating Officer of both companies, and Mr. Filippo Lauro, who serves as Vice President of both companies. In October 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a one-time special stock dividend to the shareholders of the Company of an aggregate of approximately one million shares of common stock of Scorpio Tankers (NYSE:STNG). Following the payment of the special dividend, the Company continued to own approximately 4.4 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers. In May 2020, the Company sold 2.25 million shares of Scorpio Tankers for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $42.7 million. The Company continues to own approximately 2.16 million common shares of Scorpio Tankers. There are no other significant transactions between the Company and Scorpio Tankers. As discussed in Note 1, Organization and Basis of Presentation, this investment is accounted for under the equity method utilizing the fair value option.
Transactions with entities owned and controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family and with Scorpio Tankers (herein referred to as related party affiliates) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheet are summarized in the following tables (in thousands).
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
| | | | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Vessel revenue | | | | | | | | | |
Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool | | | | | $ | 48,930 | | | $ | 69,368 | | | $ | 87,305 | |
Scorpio Ultramax Pool | | | | | 81,683 | | | 133,655 | | | 155,197 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total vessel revenue | | | | | $ | 130,612 | | | $ | 203,023 | | | $ | 242,502 | |
Voyage expense: | | | | | | | | | |
SCM | | | | | $ | 1,449 | | | $ | 295 | | | $ | — | |
Bunker supplier | | | | | 1,844 | | | 1,653 | | | — | |
Total voyage expense | | | | | $ | 3,293 | | | $ | 1,948 | | | $ | — | |
Vessel operating cost: | | | | | | | | | |
SSM | | | | | $ | 11,547 | | | $ | 12,970 | | | $ | 13,361 | |
Port agent | | | | | 399 | | | 267 | | | 117 | |
Insurance brokerage | | | | | — | | | — | | | 1,721 | |
Total vessel operating cost | | | | | $ | 11,946 | | | $ | 13,237 | | | $ | 15,199 | |
General and administrative expense: | | | | | | | | | |
SCM | | | | | $ | 71 | | | $ | 103 | | | $ | 45 | |
SSM | | | | | 148 | | | 267 | | | 99 | |
SSH | | | | | 5,992 | | | 6,657 | | | 6,707 | |
SUK | | | | | 1,869 | | | 2,923 | | | 1,665 | |
Travel provider | | | | | 23 | | | 122 | | | — | |
Total general and administrative expense | | | | | $ | 8,103 | | | $ | 10,072 | | | $ | 8,516 | |
(Loss) income from equity investment | | | | | | | | | |
Scorpio Tankers Inc. | | | | | $ | (105,384) | | | $ | 116,878 | | | $ | (7,178) | |
Write down on assets held for sale | | | | | | | | | |
SCM | | | | | $ | 17,250 | | | $ | 414 | | | $ | — | |
SSM | | | | | 17,789 | | | 400 | | | — | |
SSH | | | | | 1,764 | | | — | | | — | |
Total write down on assets held for sale | | | | | $ | 36,803 | | | $ | 814 | | | $ | — | |
At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had the following balances with related parties, which have been included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
Assets | | | |
Due from related parties-current: | | | |
Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool | $ | 7,355 | | | $ | 5,241 | |
Scorpio Ultramax Pool | 7,522 | | | 677 | |
| | | |
| | | |
SUK | — | | | 36 | |
| | | |
Total due from related parties-current | $ | 14,877 | | | $ | 5,954 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Due from related parties non-current: | | | |
Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool | $ | — | | | $ | 4,767 | |
Scorpio Ultramax Pool | — | | | 9,463 | |
Total due from related parties non-current | $ | — | | | $ | 14,230 | |
Equity investment in Scorpio Tankers Inc. | $ | 24,116 | | | $ | 173,298 | |
Liabilities | | | |
Due to related parties-current : | | | |
Scorpio Kamsarmax Pool | $ | 2,193 | | | $ | — | |
Scorpio Ultramax Pool | 1,014 | | | — | |
SCM | 281 | | | 227 | |
SSM | 96 | | | 200 | |
SSH | 373 | | | 312 | |
Port agent | 2 | | | 13 | |
Bunker supplier | 1,020 | | | 220 | |
Total due to related parties-current | $ | 4,979 | | | $ | 972 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
15. Income Taxes
Eneti Inc. and its vessel owning subsidiaries (registered and disponent) are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and in accordance with the income tax laws of the Marshall Islands, are not subject to Marshall Islands income tax. The Company is also exempt from income tax in other jurisdictions including the United States of America due to tax treaties or domestic tax laws; therefore, it will not have any tax charges, benefits, or balances.
The Company is subjected to tax audits in the jurisdictions it operates in. There have been no adjustments assessed to the Company in the past and the Company believes there are no uncertain tax positions to consider.
16. Segment Reporting
Effective January 1, 2016, the Company is organized by vessel type into two operating segments through which the Company’s chief operating decision maker manages the Company’s business. The Kamsarmax and Ultramax Operations segments include the following:
•Kamsarmax - includes vessels ranging from approximately 82,000 DWT to 84,000 DWT
•Ultramax - includes vessels ranging from approximately 60,200 DWT to 64,000 DWT
Although each vessel within its respective class qualifies as an operating segment under U.S. GAAP, each vessel also exhibits similar long-term financial performance and similar economic characteristics to the other vessels within the respective vessel class, thereby meeting the aggregation criteria in U.S. GAAP. The Company has therefore chosen to present its segment information by vessel class using the aggregated information from the individual vessels.
The Company’s vessels regularly move between countries in international waters, over dozens of trade routes and, as a result, the disclosure of financial information about geographic areas is impracticable.
Certain of the corporate income and general and administrative expenses incurred by the Company are not attributable to any specific segment. Accordingly, these amounts are not allocated to any of the Company’s segments and are included in the results below as “Corporate”.
The following schedule presents segment information about the Company’s operations and identifiable assets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2020 | | | Kamsarmax | | Ultramax | | Corporate | | Total |
Vessel revenue | | | $ | 67,047 | | | $ | 96,685 | | | | | $ | 163,732 | |
Voyage expenses | | | 4,831 | | | 5,178 | | | | | 10,009 | |
Vessel operating cost | | | 30,542 | | | 62,264 | | | | | 92,806 | |
Charterhire expense | | | 18,620 | | | 2,487 | | | | | 21,107 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Vessel depreciation | | | 16,366 | | | 32,003 | | | | | 48,369 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 1,891 | | | 3,908 | | | 19,872 | | | 25,671 | |
Loss / write down on assets held for sale | | | 168,171 | | | 327,242 | | | — | | | 495,413 | |
Interest income | | | | | | | 210 | | | 210 | |
Income from equity investment | | | | | | | (105,384) | | | (105,384) | |
Foreign exchange loss | | | | | | | (348) | | | (348) | |
Financial expense, net | | | | | | | (36,818) | | | (36,818) | |
Segment loss | | | $ | (173,374) | | | $ | (336,397) | | | $ | (162,212) | | | $ | (671,983) | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2019 | | | Kamsarmax | | Ultramax | | Corporate | | Total |
Vessel revenue | | | $ | 86,192 | | | $ | 138,387 | | | | | $ | 224,579 | |
Voyage expenses | | | 2,688 | | | 1,512 | | | | | 4,200 | |
Vessel operating cost | | | 33,816 | | | 67,305 | | | — | | | 101,121 | |
Charterhire expense | | | 13,498 | | | 3,726 | | | | | 17,224 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Vessel depreciation | | | 18,292 | | | 35,932 | | | | | 54,224 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 2,083 | | | 4,152 | | | 25,738 | | | 31,973 | |
Loss / write down on assets held for sale | | | 7,353 | | | 29,936 | | | | | 37,289 | |
Interest income | | | | | | | 1,450 | | | 1,450 | |
Income (loss) from equity investment | | | | | | | 116,925 | | | 116,925 | |
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | | | | | | | (115) | | | (115) | |
Financial expense, net | | | | | | | (52,154) | | | (52,154) | |
Segment income (loss) | | | $ | 8,462 | | | $ | (4,176) | | | $ | 40,368 | | | $ | 44,654 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2018 | | | Kamsarmax | | Ultramax | | Corporate | | Total |
Vessel revenue | | | $ | 87,305 | | | $ | 155,197 | | | | | $ | 242,502 | |
Voyage expenses | | | 219 | | | 330 | | | | | 549 | |
Vessel operating cost | | | 34,255 | | | 71,220 | | | | | 105,475 | |
Charterhire expense | | | 422 | | | 3,754 | | | | | 4,176 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Vessel depreciation | | | 19,320 | | | 37,287 | | | | | 56,607 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 2,069 | | | 4,344 | | | 25,972 | | | 32,385 | |
Loss / write down on assets held for sale | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Interest income | | | | | | | 1,107 | | | 1,107 | |
Loss from equity investment | | | | | | | (7,178) | | | (7,178) | |
Foreign exchange loss | | | | | | | (68) | | | (68) | |
Financial expense, net | | | | | | | (49,869) | | | (49,869) | |
Segment income (loss) | | | $ | 31,020 | | | $ | 38,262 | | | $ | (81,980) | | | $ | (12,698) | |
Identifiable assets, classified by the segment by which the Company operates, are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Identifiable assets | | | | |
| | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
Held by vessel owning subsidiaries or allocated to segments: | | | | |
| | | | |
Kamsarmax Held for sale | | $ | 265,331 | | | $ | 543,280 | |
Ultramax Held for sale | | 489,611 | | | 920,149 | |
Held by parent and other subsidiaries, not allocated to segments: | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 62,857 | | | 19,564 | |
Other | | 50,396 | | | 182,566 | |
Total identifiable assets | | $ | 868,195 | | | $ | 1,665,559 | |
17.COVID-19
Since the beginning of the calendar year 2020, the ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world and has resulted in numerous actions taken by governments and governmental agencies in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the virus. These measures have resulted in a significant reduction in global economic activity and extreme volatility in the global financial and commodities markets. With respect to our current drybulk operations, a significant reduction in manufacturing and other economic activities has and is expected to continue to have a materially adverse impact on
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
the global demand for raw materials, coal and other bulk cargoes that our customers transport on our vessels. This significant decline in the demand for dry bulk tonnage may materially and adversely impact our ability to profitably charter our vessels. When these measures and the resulting economic impact will end and what the long-term impact of such measures on the global economy will be are not known at this time. As a result, the extent to which COVID-19 will impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition, including its planned transition towards marine-based renewable energy, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
18.Subsequent Events
Dividend
On January 29, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on or about March 12, 2021, to all shareholders of record as of February 12, 2021.
Share Repurchase Program
Since January 1, 2021, the Company repurchased approximately 41,000 of the Company’s common stock, at an average cost of $16.96 per share. These repurchases, totaling $0.7 million, were made under the Board of Directors authorized share repurchase program and funded from available cash resources. As of March 8, 2021, the Company had $32.6 million authorized remaining available under the authorized share repurchase program.
IMO 2020
In February 2021, the Company reached an agreement with its counterparty to cancel the purchase of scrubbers on thirteen of its vessels at a cost of approximately $7.2 million.
Agreed Vessel Sales
The Company entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Lynx, a Kamsarmax bulk carrier built in 2018, for approximately $22.25 million. Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2021.
The Company entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Libra, an Ultramax bulk carrier built in 2017, for approximately $18.65 million. Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2021.
The Company entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Leo and SBI Lyra, Ultramax bulk carriers built in 2015, for approximately $35 million in aggregate. Delivery of the vessels is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2021.
The Company has entered into an agreement with Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (“Eagle Bulk”) to sell SBI Virgo, an Ultramax bulk carrier built in 2017, for $15 million of cash and a warrant for 212,315 common shares of Eagle Bulk. Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2021.
The Company entered into an agreement with Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (“Star Bulk”) to sell SBI Pegasus, SBI Subaru and SBI Ursa, Ultramax bulk carriers built in 2015, SBI Capoeira and SBI Carioca, Kamsarmax bulk carriers built in 2015, and SBI Lambada and SBI Macarena, Kamsarmax bulk carriers built in 2016, for the aggregate consideration of three million common shares in Star Bulk. As part of the transaction, which is expected to close within the first and second quarters of 2021, existing lease finance arrangements amounting to approximately $99.6 million would be assumed by Star Bulk. The sales are subject to the execution of definitive documentation.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share, per day and per vessel data)
The Company entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Thalia and SBI Athena, Ultramax bulk carriers built in China in 2015, and SBI Perseus, SBI Pisces and SBI Hercules, Ultramax bulk carriers built in China in 2016, for approximately $88 million. The transaction remains subject to definitive documentation and delivery of the vessels is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2021.
The Company entered into agreements with unaffiliated third parties to sell the SBI Cronos, an Ultramax bulk carrier built in 2015, and SBI Achilles, an Ultramax bulk carrier built in 2016, for approximately $39.75 million in the aggregate. Delivery of the vessels is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2021.
All vessels agreed to be sold subsequent to December 31, 2020 did not lead to any material additional gain or loss to what was recorded as of December 31, 2020.
Completed Vessel Sales
Since January 1, 2021, the Company has completed the previously announced sales of the SBI Gemini, SBI Poseidon, SBI Apollo, SBI Tethys, SBI Reggae, SBI Aries, SBI Hydra and SBI Parapara.