20FR12B 1 tm2321529-7_20fr12b.htm 20FR12B tm2321529-7_20fr12b - none - 39.3072352s
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 2, 2023
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(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
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: [      ]
Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.
(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)
c/o OET Chartering Inc.
Ethnarchou Makariou Ave., & 2 D. Falireos St.
185 47 N. Faliro, Greece
(Address of principal executive offices)
Iraklis Sbarounis
Tel. +30 210 480 4200
Email: ir@okeanisecotankers.com
Ethnarchou Makariou Ave., & 2 D. Falireos St.
185 47 N. Faliro, Greece
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
With copies to:
Steven Hollander, Esq.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
250 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of exchange on which registered
Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001
ECO
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE
(Title of class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
NONE
(Title of class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: Not applicable.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   ☐ Yes ☒ No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.   ☐ Yes ☐ No
Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   ☐ Yes ☒ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).   ☒ Yes ☐ No
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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  ☐ Accelerated filer  ☐ Non-accelerated filer  ☒
Emerging growth company  ☒
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP  ☐ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  ☒
Other  ☐
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
☐  Item 17
☐  Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐  Yes
☐  No

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This registration statement and any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are statements other than statements of historical facts. When used in this registration statement, statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “continue,” “seeks,” “views,” “possible,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” and similar words, phrases, or expressions identify forward-looking statements, and the negatives of those words, phrases, or expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “can,” “will,” “may,” “must,” “would,” “could,” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions in connection with any discussion, expectation, or projection of future operating or financial performance, costs, regulations, events, or trends identify forward-looking statements. The absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
The forward-looking statements in this registration statement are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records, and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs, or projections.
In addition to these assumptions and matters discussed elsewhere herein and, in the documents, incorporated by reference herein, important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the following:

our ability to maintain or develop new and existing customer relationships with major crude oil companies and major commodity traders, including our ability to enter into long-term charters for our vessels, and those we may acquire in the future;

our future operating and financial results;

our future vessel acquisitions, sales, our business strategy, and expected and unexpected capital spending or operating expenses, including general and administrative, drydocking, crewing, bunker costs, and insurance costs;

our financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to pay amounts that we owe and to obtain financing in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate activities;

oil tanker industry trends, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values and factors affecting vessel supply and demand;

our ability to take delivery of, integrate into our fleet, and employ any vessels we may acquire in the future, or any newbuildings we may acquire or order in the future and the ability of shipyards to deliver vessels on a timely basis;

our dependence on our technical manager, Kyklades Maritime Corporation, an affiliate of our Chairman, to operate our vessels;

the aging of our vessels, and those we may acquire in the future, and resultant increases in operation and drydocking costs;

the ability of our vessels, and any vessels we may acquire in the future, to pass classification inspections and vetting inspections by oil majors and big chemical corporations, or other authorities;

significant changes in vessel performance, including increased vessel breakdowns;

length and number of off hire days, drydocking requirements, and insurance costs;

availability of key employees and crew;
 

 

hazards inherent in the maritime industry causing personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage, claims by third parties or customers and suspension of operations;

repudiation, nullification, termination, modification or renegotiation of contracts;

U.S., EU or other foreign monetary policy and foreign currency fluctuations and devaluations;

the creditworthiness of our charterers and the ability of our contract counterparties to fulfill their obligations to us;

our ability to repay outstanding indebtedness, to comply with the covenants contained therein, to obtain additional financing, and to obtain replacement charters for our vessels, and any vessels we may acquire in the future, in each case, at commercially acceptable rates or at all;

changes to governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities and the expected costs thereof, or changes to tax policies and other government regulations and economic conditions that are beyond our control;

our ability to pay dividends;

our ability to maintain the listing of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange or the Oslo Børs;

our ability to comply with additional costs and risks related to our environmental, social, and governance policies;

potential liability from litigation, including purported class-action litigation;

changes in general economic and business conditions;

potential conflicts of interest involving our significant shareholders;

general domestic and international political conditions, international conflict or war (or threatened war), including between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, political events, including “trade wars,” piracy, acts by terrorists, or major disease outbreaks such as the recent worldwide outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”);

changes in production of or demand for oil, either globally or in particular regions;

the strength of world economies and currencies, including fluctuations in charterhire rates and vessel values;

potential liability from future litigation and potential costs due to our vessels’ operations, and the operation of any vessels we may acquire in the future, including due to any environmental damage and vessel collisions;

any malfunction or disruption of information technology systems and networks that our operations rely on or any impact of a possible cyber security breach;

the length and severity of epidemics and pandemics, including the global outbreak of COVID-19 and its impact on the demand for commercial seaborne transportation and the condition of the financial markets; and

other important factors described in “Item 3.D. Risk Factors” and from time to time in the reports filed by us with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission.
You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this registration statement because they are statements about events that are not certain to occur as described or at all. All forward-looking statements in this registration statement are qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this registration statement.
Any forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of this registration statement, and except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, we undertake no obligation to
 

 
update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all or any of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA
Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this registration statement concerning our industry and the markets in which we operate, including our general expectations and market position, market opportunity and market size, is based on industry publications and other published industry sources prepared by third parties, including the International Energy Agency (“IEA”) Global Electric Vehicles (“EV”) Outlook 2023, the IEA Stated Policies Scenario, and a report by Braemar Shipbroking Limited (“Braemar”) who has provided the discussion contained under the heading “Item 4. B. Business Overview — The International Shipping Industry”, as well as publicly available information. In some cases, we do not expressly refer to the sources from which this data is derived. In that regard, when we refer to one or more sources of this type of data in any paragraph, you should assume that other data of this type appearing in the same paragraph is derived from the same sources, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires. We believe the data from third party sources to be reliable based on our management’s knowledge of the industry.
The discussion contained under the heading “Item 4. B. Business Overview — The International Shipping Industry” has been provided by Braemar which has confirmed to us that it believes it accurately describes the international tanker shipping market as of the date of this registration statement. The statistical and graphical information we use in this registration statement has been compiled by Braemar, from its database and other industry sources. Braemar compiles and publishes data for the benefit of its clients. In connection therewith, Braemar has advised that (i) certain information in Braemar’s database is derived from estimates or subjective judgments, (ii) the information in the databases of other maritime data collection agencies may differ from the information in Braemar’s database and (iii) while Braemar has taken reasonable care in the compilation of the statistical and graphical information and believes it to be accurate and correct, data compilation is subject to limited audit and validation procedures.
TRADEMARKS
This registration statement may contain trademarks, service marks and trade names of third parties, which are the property of their respective owners. Our use or display of third parties’ trademarks, service marks, trade names or products in this registration statement is not intended to, and does not, imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship by, us. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks and trade names presented in this registration statement may appear without the ®, TM or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, service marks and trade names.
 

 
PART I
Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this registration statement, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. and any or all of its subsidiaries, and “Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.” refers only to Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. and not to its subsidiaries. References to our “technical manager,” “Kyklades” or “KMC” are to Kyklades Maritime Corporation, a related party of our Chairman, which performs the technical management of our fleet.
We use the term deadweight tons, or “dwt,” in describing the size of vessels. Dwt, expressed in metric tons, each of which is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, refers to the maximum weight of cargo and supplies that a vessel can carry. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “U.S. dollars,” “dollars,” “U.S. $,” and “$” in this registration statement are to the lawful currency of the United States of America. References to “Norwegian Kroner” and “NOK” are to the lawful currency of Norway. Certain financial information has been rounded, and, as a result, certain totals shown in this registration statement may not equal the arithmetic sum of the figures that should otherwise aggregate to those totals.
ITEM 1.   IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
A.   Directors and Senior Management
For information regarding our directors and senior management, see “Item 6. A. Directors and Senior Management.”
B.   Advisers
Our U.S. and Marshall Islands legal counsel is Watson Farley & Williams LLP, whose address is 250 West 55th Street, New York, New York 10019.
C.   Auditors
Our auditors are Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A. (“Deloitte”), PCAOB ID 1163, whose address is Fragoklissias 3a & Granikou Street, Maroussi, Athens 151 25, Greece.
ITEM 2.   OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3.   KEY INFORMATION
A.   [Reserved]
B.   Capitalization and Indebtedness
The following table sets forth our capitalization and indebtedness as of June 30, 2023:

on an actual basis; and

on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the following transactions which occurred between June 30, 2023 and September 8, 2023:

our payment of an amount of approximately $48.3 million, or $1.50 per share, on September 8, 2023 as a return of paid-in capital; and

our payment of an amount of $6.0 million of scheduled debt installments for our long-term borrowings.
 
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(Unaudited, Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars,
except number of shares and per share data)
As of June 30, 2023
Actual
As Adjusted
September 8, 2023
Debt:(1)
Current portion of long-term debt
$ 77,942 $ 78,183
Non-current portion of long-term debt
$ 636,157 $ 629,957
Total debt
$ 714,099 $ 708,140
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 32,194,108
shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022
$ 33 $ 33
Additional paid-in capital
$ 188,672 $ 140,381
Accumulated profit
$ 250,939 $ 250,939
Treasury shares and other reserves
$ (4,613) $ (4,613)
Total Shareholders’ equity
$ 435,031 $ 386,740
Total capitalization
$ 1,149,130 $ 1,094,880
(1)
Our indebtedness (both current and non-current portions), except for an amount of $35.1 million concerning an unsecured loan with Okeanis Marine Holdings S.A., an entity controlled by Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos, is secured by titles on our vessels and/or by mortgages on our vessels and is guaranteed by us.
C.   Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D.   Risk Factors
Some of the following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate, and others relate to our business in general or our common stock. The occurrence of one or more of the following risks could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows, and the trading price of our common shares could decline.
Summary of Risk Factors
Below is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in our common stock speculative or risky. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary, and other risks that we face, can be found below under the headings “Risks Relating to Our Industry,” “Risks Relating to Our Business,” “Risks Relating to Our Common Shares and Our Prospective NYSE Listing,” and “Risks Relating to Our Relationship with Our Technical Manager and its Affiliates” and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this registration statement on Form 20-F before making an investment decision regarding our common stock.

General tanker market conditions, including fluctuations in charter hire rates, vessel values, vessel supply, and need and demand for vessels and for crude oil or refined oil products;

General economic, political and business conditions and disruptions, including sanctions, public health, piracy, terrorist attacks and other measures;

Global economic conditions and disruptions in world financial markets, and the resulting governmental action;

Compliance with, and our liabilities under, governmental, tax, environmental and safety laws and regulations;

Changes in governmental regulation, tax and trade matters and actions taken by regulatory authorities;
 
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Inherent operational risks, weather damage, inspection procedures, and import and export controls of the tanker industry;

Reliance on information systems and potential security breaches;

Our continued borrowing availability under our credit facilities and compliance with the financial covenants therein, and ability to borrow new funds or refinance existing facilities;

Our use of available funds, and the banks in which such funds are held;

Capital expenditures and other costs necessary to operate and maintain our vessels;

Our dependence on a limited number of customers for a large part of our revenue;

Our dependence on our charterers and other counterparties fulfilling their obligations;

Our ability to attract and retain key management personnel and potentially manage growth and improve our operations and financial systems and staff;

Delays or defaults by the shipyards in the construction of newbuildings, or defaults in construction;

Our ability to successfully and profitably employ our vessels;

Our executive officers not devoting all of their time to our business;

Labor interruptions;

Conducting substantial business in China;

Our revenues being derived substantially from the crude oil tanker segment;

Increases in operating costs, including rising fuel prices;

The aging of our fleet and vessel replacement;

One or more of our vessels becoming unavailable or going off-hire;

Potential increased premium payments from protection and indemnity associations;

Technological innovation and quality and efficiency requirements from our customers;

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates, and risks relating to hedging activities;

Fraud, fraudulent and illegal behavior, including the smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels;

Arrest or requisition of our vessels;

Effects of U.S. federal tax on us and our shareholders;

Increased cost, time and effort for being listed on the NYSE, including new compliance initiatives, internal controls and corporate governance practices and policies;

Volatility in the price of our common shares and dilution of shareholders;

Our ability to pay dividends;

Compliance with economic substance requirements;

Potential conflicts of interest involving our significant shareholders and involving KMC;

Our dependence on KMC;

Other factors that may affect our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and ability to pay dividends; and

Other risk factors discussed under “Item 3.D. Risk Factors.”
RISKS RELATING TO OUR INDUSTRY
The tanker industry has historically been cyclical and volatile.
The international tanker industry in which we operate is cyclical, with attendant volatility in charter hire rates, vessel values and industry profitability. For tanker vessels, the degree of charter rate volatility has
 
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varied widely. The Baltic Dirty Tanker Index, or the BDTI, a U.S. dollar daily average of charter rates issued by the Baltic Exchange that takes into account input from brokers around the world regarding crude oil fixtures for various routes and oil tanker vessel sizes, has been volatile. For example, in 2022, the BDTI reached a high of 2,496 and a low of 679. Although the BDTI was 1,502 as of October 30, 2023, there can be no assurance that the crude oil charter market will continue to increase, and the market could again decline.
Our ability to re-charter our vessels on the expiration or termination of their current spot and time charters and the charter rates payable under any renewal or replacement charters will depend upon, among other things, economic conditions in the tanker market and we cannot guarantee that any renewal or replacement charters we enter into will be sufficient to allow us to operate our vessels profitably. Our revenues are affected by whether we employ some of our vessels on time charters, which have a fixed income for a pre-set period of time as opposed to trading ships in the spot market where their earnings are heavily impacted by the supply and demand balance. If we are not able to obtain new contracts in direct continuation with existing charters or for newly acquired vessels, or if new contracts are entered into at charter rates substantially below the existing charter rates or on terms otherwise less favorable compared to existing contracts terms, our revenues and profitability could be adversely affected, we may have to record impairment adjustments to the carrying values of our fleet and we may not be able to comply with the financial covenants in our loan agreements.
Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from changes in the supply and demand for vessels and changes in the supply and demand for oil. Factors affecting the supply and demand for our vessel, or vessels we acquire are outside of our control and are unpredictable. The nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in the tanker industry conditions are also unpredictable.
Factors that influence demand for tanker vessel capacity include:

supply and demand for oil carried;

changes in oil production;

oil prices;

the distance required for oil being moved by sea;

any restrictions on crude oil production imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and non-OPEC oil producing countries;

global and regional economic and political conditions, including “trade wars” and developments in international trade, national oil reserves policies, fluctuations in industrial and agricultural production, armed conflicts, and work stoppages;

increases in the production of oil in areas linked by pipelines to consuming areas, the extension of existing or the development of new pipeline systems in markets we may serve, or the conversion of existing non-oil pipelines to oil pipelines in those markets;

worldwide and regional availability of refining capacity and inventories;

environmental and other legal and regulatory developments;

economic slowdowns caused by public health events such as the COVID-19 pandemic or inflationary pressures and related governmental responses thereto;

currency exchange rates;

weather, natural disasters, and other acts of God;

increased use of renewable and alternative sources of energy;

competition from alternative sources of energy, other shipping companies, and other modes of transportation; and

international sanctions, embargoes, import and export restrictions, nationalizations, piracy, and wars or other conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas.
 
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The factors that influence the supply of tanker capacity include:

the number of newbuilding deliveries;

current and expected newbuilding orders for vessels;

the scrapping rate of older vessels;

speed of vessel operation;

vessel freight rates, which are affected by factors that may affect the rate of newbuilding, scrapping and laying up of vessels;

the price of steel and vessel equipment;

technological advances in the design, capacity, propulsion technology, and fuel consumption efficiency of vessels;

potential conversion of vessels for alternative use;

changes in environmental and other regulations that may limit the useful lives of vessels;

port or canal congestion;

the number of vessels that are out of service at a given time, 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; and

changes in the global petroleum market.
The factors affecting the supply and demand for tankers have been volatile and are outside of our control, and the nature, timing, and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable. Market conditions have been volatile in recent years and continued volatility may reduce demand for transportation of oil over longer distances and increase the supply of tankers, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, ability to pay dividends, and existing contractual obligations.
Decreases in shipments of crude oil may occur.
The demand for our oil tankers derives primarily from demand for Arabian Gulf, West African, North Sea, Caribbean, Latin America, Russian, and U.S. shale crude oil, which, in turn, primarily depends on the economies of the world’s industrial countries and competition from alternative energy sources. Any decrease in shipments of crude oil or change in trade patterns from the above-mentioned geographical areas would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance. Among the factors which could lead to such a decrease are:

increased crude oil production from other areas;

increased refining capacity in the Arabian Gulf or West Africa;

increased use of existing and future crude oil pipelines in the Arabian Gulf or West Africa;

a decision by oil-producing nations to increase their crude oil prices or to further decrease or limit their crude oil production;

armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the resultant sanctions;

armed conflict in the Arabian Gulf and West Africa and political or other factors; and

the development, availability, and the costs of nuclear power, natural gas, coal, renewable, and other alternative sources of energy.
In addition, volatile economic conditions affecting world economies may result in reduced consumption of oil products and a decreased demand for our vessels and lower charter rates, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, our ability to pay dividends, and our existing contractual obligations.
 
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An over-supply of tanker capacity may occur.
The market supply of tankers is affected by a number of factors such as demand for energy resources, crude oil, petroleum products and chemicals, as well as strong overall economic growth of the world economy. In recent years, shipyards have produced a large number of new tankers. If the capacity of new vessels delivered exceeds the capacity of tankers being scrapped and converted to non-trading tankers, tanker capacity will increase. If the supply of tanker capacity increases and the demand for tanker capacity does not increase correspondingly, charter rates could materially decline, resulting in a decrease in the value of our vessels and the charter rates that we can obtain. A reduction in charter rates and the value of our vessels may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, our ability to pay dividends, and our compliance with current or future covenants with respect to any of our financing arrangements.
An over-supply of oil tankers as well as the uncertainty surrounding the impact of the sanctions on Russian exports of crude oil and petroleum products has already resulted in an increase in oil tanker charter hire rate volatility. If this volatility persists, we may not be able to find profitable charters for our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, our ability to pay dividends and our compliance with current or future covenants with respect to any of our financing arrangements.
Consumer demand may shift away from oil or there may be changes to trade patterns for crude oil or refined oil products.
A significant portion of our earnings are related to the oil industry. A shift in or disruption of consumer demand from oil towards other energy sources such as electricity, natural gas, liquified natural gas, renewable energy, hydrogen, or ammonia will potentially affect the demand for our vessels. A shift from the use of internal combustion engine vehicles may also reduce the demand for oil. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position. The continuing shift in consumer demand from oil towards other energy resources such as wind energy, solar energy, hydrogen energy, or nuclear energy, which shift appears to be accelerating as a result of a shift in government commitments and support for energy transition programs, may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.
Seaborne trading and distribution patterns are primarily influenced by the relative advantage of the various sources of production, locations of consumption, pricing differentials, and seasonality. Changes to the trade patterns of crude oil or refined oil products may have a significant negative or positive impact on the ton-mile and therefore the demand for our tankers and charter rates. This could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.
Increasing growth of electric vehicles and renewable fuels could lead to a decrease in trading and the movement of crude oil and petroleum products worldwide.
The IEA noted in its Global Electric Vehicles (“EV”) Outlook 2023 that a total of 14% of all new cars sold were electric in 2022, up from around 9% in 2021 and less than 5% in 2020. Electric car sales in the first quarter of 2023 were 2.3 million, up 25% from the same quarter of 2022. Under the IEA Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS), the global outlook for the share of electric car sales based on existing policies and firm objectives has increased to 35% in 2030, up from less than 25% in the previous outlook. The IEA has stated that, based on existing policies, oil demand from road transport is projected to peak around 2025 in the STEPS, with the amount of oil displaced by electric vehicles exceeding 5 million barrels per day in 2030. A growth in EVs or a slowdown in imports or exports of crude or petroleum products worldwide may result in decreased demand for our vessels and lower charter rates, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and ability to make cash distributions.
Our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations.
Our vessels operate in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in tanker demand, which may result in variability in our results of operations on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Tanker markets are typically stronger in the winter months due to increased oil consumption in the northern hemisphere, but weaker in the summer months due to lower oil consumption in the northern hemisphere and refinery
 
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maintenance. As a result, revenues generated by the tankers in our fleet have historically been weaker during the fiscal quarters ending June 30 and September 30. However, there may be periods in the northern hemisphere when the expected seasonal strength does not materialize to the extent required to support sustainable profitable rates due to tanker overcapacity.
Our financial results may be adversely affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, other pandemic or epidemic diseases and the related governmental responses thereto.
Public health threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza and other highly communicable diseases or viruses, outbreaks which have from time to time occurred in various parts of the world in which we operate, including China, could disrupt global financial markets and economic conditions and adversely impact our operations, the timing of completion of any outstanding or future newbuilding projects, as well as the operations of our customers.
Since the beginning of calendar year 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 that originated in China in late 2019 and that has spread to most nations around the globe has resulted in numerous actions taken by governments and governmental agencies in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the virus, including travel bans, quarantines, and other emergency public health measures, and a number of countries implemented lockdown measures. These measures resulted in a significant reduction in global economic activity and extreme volatility in the global financial markets. COVID-19 has 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, has at times contributed to downward pressure on rates in the shipping. industry
The impact of the after-effects or a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to remain uncertain, and may negatively impact the global oil market and crude oil tanker industries. Although the incidence and severity of COVID-19 and its variants have diminished over time, periodic spikes in incidence occur. Many nations worldwide have significantly eased or eliminated restrictions that were enacted at the outset of the outbreak of COVID-19. The United States has announced that it will terminate the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency that was put in place in 2020. Notably, the Chinese government removed its zero-COVID policy in December 2022, although China is now facing a sudden surge in COVID cases after easing the lockdown restrictions nationwide. WHO officials had expressed hope that COVID-19 might be entering an endemic phase by early 2023, but the continued uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide may cause an adverse impact on the global economy and the rate environment for tanker and other cargo vessels may deteriorate and our operations and cash flows may be negatively impacted.
The COVID-19 pandemic and measures to contain its spread 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. Over time, the incidence of COVID-19 and its variants has diminished although periodic spikes in incidence occur. Consequently, restrictions imposed by various governmental health organizations may change over time. Several countries have lifted restrictions only to reimpose such restrictions as the number of cases rise and new variants arise. Negative impacts could occur, even after the pandemic itself diminishes or ends.
Epidemics, or the resurgence of past epidemics, may also affect personnel operating payment systems through which we receive revenues from the chartering of our vessels, or vessels we acquire, or pay for our expenses, resulting in delays in payments. Organizations across industries, including ours, may focus on their employees’ well-being, while making sure that their operations continue undisrupted and, at the same time, adapting to the new ways of operating. As such, employees are at times encouraged or even required to operate remotely, which significantly increases the risk of cyber security attacks.
The occurrence or resurgence of any of the foregoing events or other epidemics or an increase in the severity or duration of COVID-19 or other epidemics could have a material adverse effect on our business, financings, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, value of our vessels, or vessels we acquire, and ability to pay dividends.
 
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The current state of the world financial market and current economic conditions could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Various macroeconomic factors, including rising inflation, higher interest rates, global supply chain constraints, and the effects of overall economic conditions and uncertainties such as those resulting from the current and future conditions in the global financial markets, could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends. Inflation and rising interest rates may negatively impact us by increasing our operating costs and our cost of borrowing. Interest rates, the liquidity of the credit markets and the volatility of the capital markets could also affect the operation of our business and our ability to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all. Adverse economic conditions also affect demand for goods and oil. Reduced demand for these or other products could result in significant decreases in rates we obtain for chartering our ships. In addition, the cost for crew members, oils and bunkers, and other supplies may increase. In addition, we may experience losses on our holdings of cash and investments due to failures of financial institutions and other parties. Difficult economic conditions may also result in a higher rate of losses on our accounts receivable due to credit defaults. As a result, downturns in the worldwide economy could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
The world economy continues to face a number of actual and potential challenges, including the war between Ukraine and Russia and between Israel and Hamas, current trade tension between the United States and China, political instability in the Middle East and the South China Sea region and other geographic countries and areas, terrorist or other attacks, war (or threatened war) or international hostilities, such as those between the United States and North Korea or Iran, and epidemics or pandemics, such as COVID-19, and banking crises or failures, such as the recent Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank failures. For example, due in part to fears associated with the spread of COVID-19 (as more fully described above), global financial markets experienced significant volatility which may continue as the pandemic evolves, resurges, or a new COVID-19 variant emerges. See “— Our financial results may be adversely affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, other pandemic or epidemic diseases and the related governmental responses thereto”. In addition, the continuing conflict in Ukraine led to increased economic uncertainty amidst fears of a more generalized military conflict or significant inflationary pressures, due to the increases in fuel and grain prices following the sanctions imposed on Russia. Furthermore, the intensity and duration of the war between Israel and Hamas is difficult to predict and its impact on the world economy is uncertain. Whether the present dislocation in the markets and resultant inflationary pressures will transition to a long-term inflationary environment is uncertain, and the effects of such a development on charter rates, vessel demand and operating expenses in the sector in which we operate are uncertain.
These issues, along with the limited supply of credit to the shipping industry and the re-pricing of credit risk, along with the difficulties currently experienced by financial institutions have made, and will likely continue to make, it difficult to obtain financing. As a result of the disruptions in the credit markets and higher capital requirements, many lenders have increased margins on lending rates, enacted tighter lending standards, required more restrictive terms (including higher collateral ratios for advances, shorter maturities and smaller loan amounts), or refused to refinance existing debt at all or on terms similar to our current debt. Furthermore, certain banks that have historically been significant lenders to the shipping industry have announced an intention to reduce or cease lending activities in the shipping industry. New banking regulations, including larger capital requirements and the resulting policies adopted by lenders, could reduce lending activities. We may experience difficulties obtaining financing commitments in the future if current or future lenders are unwilling to extend financing to us or unable to meet their funding obligations due to their own liquidity, capital or solvency issues. The current state of global financial markets and current economic conditions might adversely impact our ability to issue additional equity at prices that will not be dilutive to our existing shareholders or preclude us from issuing equity at all.
We cannot be certain that financing or refinancing will be available 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 future obligations as they come due. Our failure to obtain such funds could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, as well as our cash flows, including cash available for dividends to our shareholders. In the absence of available financing, we also may be unable to take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures. Also, as a
 
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result of concerns about the stability of financial markets generally, and the solvency of counterparties specifically, the availability and cost of obtaining money from the public and private equity and debt markets has become more difficult.
Further, we may not be able to access our existing cash due to market conditions. For example, on March 10, 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) took control and was appointed receiver of Silicon Valley Bank (a bank unrelated to us and our activities), and in April 2023 Credit Suisse was acquired by UBS. If other banks and financial institutions enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, our ability to access our existing cash may be threatened and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. In addition, if a bank, or the public, believes that a bank is not stable, the bank may institute procedures or rules to limit withdrawals and access to funds, which, if implemented, would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Volatility of SOFR and potential changes of the use of SOFR as a benchmark could affect our profitability, earnings, and cash flow.
The calculation of interest in most financing agreements in our industry has been historically based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). LIBOR has been the subject of recent national, international, and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. In response thereto, the Alternative Reference Rate Committee, a committee convened by the Federal Reserve that includes major market participants, has proposed the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or “SOFR,” as an alternative rate to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. While our financing arrangements previously used LIBOR, including during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and the six month period ended June 30, 2023, we recently amended those loan agreements to transition from LIBOR to SOFR. As a result, none of our financing arrangements currently utilizes LIBOR, and those that have a reference rate use SOFR, in line with current market practice.
An increase in SOFR, including as a result of the interest rate increases effected by the United States Federal Reserve and the United States Federal Reserve’s recent hike of U.S. interest rates in response to rising inflation, would affect the amount of interest payable under our existing loan agreements, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings, cash flow and ability to pay dividends. Furthermore, as a secured rate backed by government securities, SOFR may be less likely to correlate with the funding costs of financial institutions. As a result, parties may seek to adjust spreads relative to SOFR in underlying contractual arrangements. Therefore, the use of SOFR-based rates may result in interest rates and/or payments that are higher or lower than the rates and payments that were expected when interest was based on LIBOR. If SOFR performs differently than expected or if our lenders insist on a different reference rate to replace SOFR, that could increase our borrowing costs (and administrative costs to reflect the transaction), which would have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings, and cash flows. Alternative reference rates may behave in a similar manner or have other disadvantages or advantages in relation to our future indebtedness and the transition to SOFR or other alternative reference rates in the future could have a material adverse effect on us.
In order to manage any future exposure to interest rate fluctuations, we may from time-to-time use interest rate derivatives to effectively fix any floating rate debt obligations, or we may maintain adequate cash balances in Euros. No assurance can, however, be given that the use of these derivative instruments, if any, may effectively protect us from adverse interest rate movements. The use of interest rate derivatives may affect our results through mark to market valuation of these derivatives. Also, adverse movements in interest rate derivatives may require us to post cash as collateral, which may impact our free cash position, and have the potential to cause us to breach covenants in our loan agreements that require maintenance of certain financial positions and ratios. Interest rate derivatives may also be impacted by the transition to SOFR or to other alternative rates.
We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations.
Our operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the form of international conventions and treaties, national, state, and local laws and national and international regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which our vessels, or vessels we acquire, will operate or are registered, which can significantly affect the operation of our vessels, or vessels we acquire. These regulations include, but are not limited to,
 
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the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973, as amended from time to time and generally referred to as MARPOL, including the designation of Emission Control Areas, or ECAs, thereunder, the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, generally referred to as CLC, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or Bunker Convention, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, or SOLAS, the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or ISM Code, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention, the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the U.S. Clean Water Act, the U.S. Clean Air Act, the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, or the MTSA, and European Union regulations. Compliance with such laws, regulations, and standards, where applicable, may require installation of costly equipment or operational changes and may affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels, or vessels we acquire, or resale prices or useful lives of our vessels or require reductions in capacity, vessel modifications, or operational changes or restrictions. We may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations, including, but not limited to, costs relating to air emissions, the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection, development and implementation of emergency procedures, and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents. These costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions, or the suspension or termination of our operations. Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to decreased availability of or more costly insurance coverage for environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports, or detention in certain ports. Under local, national, and foreign laws, as well as international treaties and conventions, we could incur material liabilities, including cleanup obligations and claims for impairment of the environment, personal injury, and property damages in the event that there is a release of petroleum or other hazardous materials from our vessels or otherwise in connection with our operations. Violations of, or liabilities under, environmental regulations can result in substantial penalties, fines, and other sanctions, including, in certain instances, seizure or detention of our vessels. Events of this nature would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Environmental laws often impose strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous substances, which could subject us to liability without regard to whether we were negligent or at fault. 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. Events such as the 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon and the subsequent release of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, or other events, may result in further regulation of the shipping industry and modifications to statutory liability schemes, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. An oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties, and criminal liability and remediation costs for natural resource damages under other federal, state, and local laws, as well as third-party damages. We are required to satisfy insurance and financial responsibility requirements for potential oil (including marine fuel) spills and other pollution incidents. Although insurance covers 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, and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends, if any, in the future.
We are subject to international safety regulations and requirements imposed by classification societies.
The operation of our vessels, or vessels we acquire, is affected by the requirements set forth in the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization’s International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention, or 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 and describing procedures for dealing with emergencies. We expect that any vessels that we acquire in the future will be ISM Code-certified when delivered to us. The failure of a shipowner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject it to increased liability, invalidate existing insurance, or
 
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decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels (and any available insurance coverage may be a higher cost) and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports, including United States and European Union ports.
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 International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea. If a vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, or special survey, the vessel will be unable to trade between ports and will be unemployable, which will negatively impact our revenues and results from operations and may breach one or more covenants in our loan agreements.
Climate change and greenhouse gas restrictions may adversely impact our operations and markets.
Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries and the International Maritime Organization, or IMO, have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These regulatory measures may include, among others, adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards, and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. Since January 1, 2020, IMO regulations have required vessels to comply with a global cap on the sulfur in fuel oil used on board of 0.5%, down from the previous cap of 3.5%. Additionally, 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 emission levels while pursuing efforts towards phasing them out entirely.
At the MEPC 80 in July 2023 and pursuant to the new Revised Strategy — Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, a net zero GHG emissions target has been agreed to be reached by or around 2050. In addition, new interim targets have been agreed to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping in 2030 (by at least 20%) and 2040 (by at least 70%) compared to 2008. Furthermore, MEPC 80 has agreed on a level of ambitions relating to an alternative fuel target increase of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources to represent at least 5% (striving for 10%) of the aggregate energy used by international shipping by 2030.
Since January 1, 2020, ships must either remove sulfur from emissions or buy fuel with low sulfur content, which may lead to increased costs and supplementary investments for ship owners. The interpretation of “fuel oil used on board” includes use in main engine, auxiliary engines, and boilers. Shipowners may comply with this regulation by (i) using 0.5% sulfur fuels on board, which are available around the world but at a higher cost; (ii) installing scrubbers for cleaning of the exhaust gas; or (iii) retrofitting vessels to be powered by liquefied natural gas, which may not be a viable option due to the lack of supply network and high costs involved in this process. While currently all our vessels have scrubbers installed, costs of compliance with these regulatory changes for any non-scrubber vessels we may acquire may be significant and may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.
In addition, although the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping currently are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which required adopting countries to implement national programs to reduce emissions of certain gases, or the Paris Agreement (discussed further below), a new treaty may be adopted in the future that includes restrictions on shipping emissions. Compliance with changes in laws, regulations, and obligations relating to climate change affects the propulsion options in subsequent vessel designs and could increase our costs related to acquiring new vessels and operating and maintaining our existing vessels, and require us to install new emission controls, acquire allowances or pay taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions, or administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. Revenue generation and strategic growth opportunities may also be adversely affected. If not in compliance with certain key indicators, then we also face the risk of losing the ability to obtaining financing or re-financing with “green” or “sustainability” loans.
 
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Adverse effects upon the oil and gas industry relating to climate change, including growing public concern about the environmental impact of climate change, may also adversely affect demand for our services. For example, increased regulation of greenhouse gases or other concerns relating to climate change may reduce the demand for oil and gas in the future or create greater incentives for use of alternative energy sources. In addition, the physical effects of climate change, including changes in weather patterns, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and scarcity of water resources, may negatively impact our operations. Any long-term material adverse effect on the oil and gas industry could have a significant financial and operational adverse impact on our business that we cannot predict at this time.
Our operations may be adversely impacted by severe weather, including as a result of climate change.
Tropical storms, hurricanes, typhoons and other severe maritime weather events could result in the suspension of operations at the planned ports of call for our vessels and require significant deviations from our vessels’ routes. In addition, climate change could result in an increase in the frequency and severity of these extreme weather events. The closure of ports, rerouting of vessels, damage of production facilities, as well as other delays caused by increasing frequency of severe weather, could stop operations or shipments for indeterminate periods and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, may suffer damage due to the inherent operational risks of the tanker industry and we may experience unexpected drydocking costs.
The operation of an ocean-going vessel carries inherent risks. Our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, and their cargoes are at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as marine disasters, bad weather and other acts of God, business interruptions caused by mechanical failures, grounding, fire, explosions and collisions, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, diseases (such as the outbreak of COVID-19), quarantine, and other circumstances or events. These hazards may result in death or injury to persons, loss of revenues or property, the payment of ransoms, environmental damage, higher insurance rates, damage to our customer relationships, or delay or re-routing, which may also subject us to litigation. In addition, the operation of tankers has unique operational risks associated with the transportation of oil. An oil spill may cause significant environmental damage, and the costs associated with a catastrophic spill could exceed the insurance coverage available to us. Compared to other types of vessels, tankers are exposed to a higher risk of damage and loss by fire, whether ignited by a terrorist attack, collision, or other cause, due to the high flammability and high volume of the oil transported in such tankers.
If our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking facility. The costs of drydock repairs are unpredictable and may be substantial. We may have to pay drydocking costs that our insurance does not cover in full. The loss of earnings while these vessels are being repaired and repositioned, the actual cost of these repairs, as well as repositioning costs, would decrease our earnings. In addition, space at drydocking facilities is sometimes limited and not all drydocking facilities are conveniently located. We may be unable to find space at a suitable drydocking facility or our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, may be forced to travel to a drydocking facility that is not conveniently located to our vessels’ positions. The loss of earnings while these vessels are forced to wait for space or to travel to more distant drydocking facilities, or both, would decrease our earnings.
The market value of our vessels, and those we may acquire in the future, may fluctuate significantly.
The fair market value of our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, may increase and decrease depending on the following factors:

general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry;

prevailing level of charter rates;

competition from other shipping companies;

types, sizes, and ages of vessels;

the availability of other modes of transportation;
 
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supply and demand for vessels;

shipyard capacity and slot availability;

cost of newbuildings;

price of steel;

exchange rates levels;

number of tankers scrapped;

governmental or other regulations; and

technological advances and the development, availability, and cost of nuclear power, natural gas, coal, renewable energy, and other alternative sources of energy.
If we sell any of our vessels, or any vessel we may acquire, at a time when vessel prices have fallen, the sale price may be less than the vessel’s carrying amount in our financial statements, in which case we will realize a loss. Vessel prices can fluctuate significantly, and in the case where the market value falls below the carrying amount, we will evaluate the vessel for a potential impairment adjustment. If the estimate of undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to be generated by the use of the vessel is less than its carrying amount, we may be required to write down the carrying amount of the vessel to its fair value less costs to sell, in our financial statements and incur a loss and a reduction in earnings even if we do not immediately sell the vessel. In addition, our financing arrangements require us to maintain specified collateral coverage ratios and to satisfy financial covenants, including requirements based on the market value of our vessels and our liquidity. Declines of market values of our vessels may affect our ability to comply with various covenants and could also limit the amount of funds we are permitted to borrow under our current or future loan arrangements. If we breach the financial and other covenants under any of our loan arrangements, our lenders could accelerate our indebtedness and foreclose on vessels in our fleet, which would significantly impair our ability to continue to conduct our business. If our indebtedness were accelerated in full or in part, it may be very difficult for us to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing and we could lose our vessels if our lenders foreclose upon their liens, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, and ability to continue our business and pay dividends.
We could face penalties under European Union, United States, or other economic sanctions and our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, may call on ports located in countries or territories that are the subject of sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government or other governmental authorities.
Our business could be adversely impacted if we are found to have violated economic sanctions under the applicable laws of the European Union, the United States, or another applicable jurisdiction against countries such as Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Cuba. U.S. economic sanctions, for example, prohibit a wide scope of conduct, target numerous countries and individuals, are frequently updated or changed.
Many economic sanctions relate to our business, including prohibitions on certain kinds of trade with countries, such as exportation or re-exportation of commodities, or prohibitions against certain transactions with designated nationals who may be operating under aliases or through non-designated companies.
Additionally, the U.S. Iran Threat Reduction Act amended the Exchange Act to require issuers that file annual or quarterly reports under Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act to include disclosure in their annual and quarterly reports as to whether the issuer or its affiliates have knowingly engaged in certain activities prohibited by sanctions against Iran or transactions or dealings with certain identified persons. We are subject to this disclosure requirement.
While our vessels have not called on ports located in countries or territories that are the subject of country-wide or territory-wide sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government or other governmental authorities (“Sanctioned Jurisdictions”) in violation of applicable sanctions or embargo laws in 2022, it is possible that, in the future, our vessels may call on ports in Sanctioned Jurisdictions in violation of applicable sanctions or embargo laws on charterers’ instructions and without our consent. If such activities result in a violation of sanctions or embargo laws, we could be subject to monetary fines, penalties, or other sanctions, and our reputation and the market for our common shares could be adversely affected.
 
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The U.S. 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 or expanded over time.
In particular, the ongoing war in Ukraine could result in the imposition of further economic sanctions by the United States, the European Union, and other government authorities, against Russia. Certain of our charterers or other parties with whom we have entered into contracts regarding our vessels may be affiliated with persons or entities that are the subject of sanctions imposed by the U.S. government, the European Union, and/or other international bodies relating to the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the current conflict in Ukraine. If we determine that such sanctions require us to terminate existing or future contracts to which we, or our subsidiaries, are party or if we are found to be in violation of such applicable sanctions, our results of operations may be adversely affected or we may suffer reputational harm.
Although we believe that we have been in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, any such violation could result in fines, penalties, or other sanctions that could severely impact our ability to access 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 shares may adversely affect the price at which our common shares trade. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation. Investor perception of the value of our common shares may also be adversely affected by the consequences of war, effects of terrorism, civil unrest, and governmental actions in countries or territories in which we operate.
Political instability, terrorist or other attacks, war, international hostilities, and public health threats can affect the tanker industry.
We conduct most of our operations outside of the United States, and our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and available cash may be adversely affected by changing economic, political, and government conditions in the countries and regions where our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, are employed or registered. Moreover, we operate in a sector of the economy that is likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political conflicts, including the current political instability in the Middle East, Ukraine, Israel, the South China Sea region, and other countries and geographic areas, geopolitical events such as the withdrawal of the U.K. from the European Union, or “Brexit,” terrorist or other attacks, and war (or threatened war) or international hostilities, such as those between the United States and North Korea.
The war between Russia and Ukraine may lead to further regional and international conflicts or armed action. This war has disrupted supply chains and caused instability in the energy markets and the global economy, with effects on the tanker market, which has experienced volatility. The United States, United Kingdom and the European Union, among other countries, have announced sanctions against Russia, including sanctions targeting the Russian oil sector, among those a prohibition on the import of oil from Russia to the United States and the European Union’s and G7 countries’ price cap regime for seaborne Russian oil and petroleum products. The ongoing war could result in the imposition of further economic sanctions by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union against Russia, with uncertain impacts on the tanker market. The ongoing war could result in the imposition of further economic sanctions by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union against Russia, with uncertain impacts on the tanker market. While much uncertainty remains regarding the global impact of the war in Ukraine, it is possible that such tensions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operation, and cash flows. Furthermore, it is possible that third parties with whom we have charter contracts or banking relationships may be impacted by events in Russia and Ukraine, which could adversely affect our operations.
Furthermore, the intensity and duration the recently declared war between Israel and Hamas is difficult to predict and its impact on the world economy and our industry is uncertain. While much uncertainty remains regarding the global impact the war between Israel and Hamas, it is possible that such
 
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tensions could result in the eruption of further hostilities in other regions and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operation, and cash flows.
Terrorist attacks such as those in Paris on November 13, 2015, Manchester on May 22, 2017, and the frequent incidents of terrorism in the Middle East, and the continuing response of the United States and others to these attacks, as well as the threat of future terrorist attacks around the world, continues to cause uncertainty in the world’s financial markets and may affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Continuing conflicts and recent developments in the Middle East, including increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the presence of U.S. or other armed forces in Iraq, Syria, Ukraine and various other regions, 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. As a result of the above, insurers have increased premiums and reduced or restricted coverage for losses caused by terrorist acts generally. These uncertainties could also adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our operating results, revenues, and costs. 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.
Further, governments may turn to trade barriers to protect their domestic industries against foreign imports, thereby depressing shipping demand. In particular, leaders in the United States have indicated that the United States may seek to implement more protective trade measures. There is 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. For example, in January 2019, the United States announced expanded sanctions against Venezuela, which may have an effect on its oil output and in turn affect global oil supply. 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 the shipping industry, and thereby on our charterers and their business, operating results, and financial condition and could thereby affect their ability to make timely charter hire payments to us and to renew and increase the number of their time charters with us. If sanctions are imposed on China (relating to the tensions with Taiwan) then a rerouting of cargos will take place and the long ton-mile voyages from the Arab gulf to China may be lost. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and ability to pay any cash dividends to our shareholders.
Beginning in February of 2022, President Biden and several European leaders also announced various economic sanctions against Russia in connection with the aforementioned conflicts in the Ukraine region, which have continued to expand over the past year and which may adversely impact our business. The Russian Foreign Harmful Activities Sanctions program includes prohibitions on the import of certain Russian energy products into the United States, including crude oil, petroleum, petroleum fuels, oils, liquefied natural gas and coal, as well as prohibitions on all new investments in Russia by U.S. persons, among other restrictions. Furthermore, the United States, the EU and other countries has also prohibited a variety of specified services related to the maritime transport of Russian Federation origin crude oil and petroleum products, including trading/commodities brokering, financing, shipping, insurance (including reinsurance and protection and indemnity), flagging, and customs brokering. These prohibitions took effect on December 5, 2022 with respect to the maritime transport of crude oil and took effect on February 5, 2023 with respect to the maritime transport of other petroleum products. An exception exists to permit such services when the price of the seaborne Russian oil into non-EU countries does not exceed the relevant price cap; but implementation of this price exception relies on a recordkeeping and attestation process that allows each party in the supply chain of seaborne Russian oil to demonstrate or confirm that oil has been purchased at or below the price cap. Violations of the price cap policy or the risk that information, documentation, or attestations provided by parties in the supply chain are later determined to be false may pose additional risks adversely affecting our business.
 
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Potential conflict between the U.S. and its allies and Iran could result in retaliation from Iran that could potentially affect the shipping industry, through increased attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz (which already experienced an increased number of attacks on and seizures of vessels lately), or by potentially closing off or limiting access to the Strait of Hormuz, where a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes through, or any blocking of the Turkish Straits if vessels carry cargos that exceed the price cap imposed on Russian oil. For example, in January 2020, in response to certain perceived terrorist activity, the United States launched an airstrike in Baghdad that killed a high-ranking Iranian general. Although spillover effects relating to the incident were contained, similar actions and responses increase the risk or conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. Any restriction on access to the Strait of Hormuz, or increased attacks on vessels in the area, could negatively impact our earnings, cash flow, and results of operations.
In the past, political instability has also resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways, and other efforts to disrupt international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region. Acts of terrorism and piracy have also affected vessels trading in regions such as the South China Sea and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.
The U.K.s withdrawal from the European Union may have a negative effect on global economic conditions, financial markets, and our business.
Following a national referendum and enactment of legislation by the U.K. government, the U.K. formally withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020 (“Brexit”), and following a transition period, the U.K. and the European Union entered into a U.K.-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (the “Withdrawal Agreement”) on December 30, 2020, to govern their future relationship. Significant political and economic uncertainty remains concerning the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, and this may have a significant adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. These developments and uncertainties 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. Furthermore, asset valuations and credit ratings may be particularly subject to increased market volatility. Any of these factors could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Brexit contributes to considerable uncertainty concerning the current and future economic environment. Brexit could, therefore, 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.
Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels could adversely affect our business.
Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, the Indian Ocean, and, in particular, the Gulf of Guinea region off the coast of Nigeria, which has experienced increased incidents of privacy in recent years. Sea piracy incidents continue to occur. Acts of piracy could result in harm or danger to the crews that man our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, and puts our cargo and vessels at risk of damage or spills. If insurers or the Joint War Committee characterize the regions in which our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, are deployed as “war risk” zones or “war and strikes” listed areas, respectively, premiums payable for insurance coverage could increase significantly and such coverage may be more difficult to obtain, if available at all. In addition, crew costs and other operating expenses, including costs that may be incurred to the extent we employ onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, least of all for bearing the cost of the applicable deductible(s) or unforeseen charges/costs, which could have a
 
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material adverse effect on us. In addition, hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, or an increase in cost or unavailability of insurance for our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and ability to pay dividends and 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.
An economic slowdown or changes in the economic and political environment in the Asia Pacific region could occur.
We anticipate a significant number of the port calls made by our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, will continue to involve the loading or discharging of cargoes in ports in the Asia Pacific region. As a result, any negative changes in economic conditions in any Asia Pacific country, particularly in China, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as our future prospects. These negative changes in economic conditions may also have a material adverse effects on our cash flow and financial condition, which would affect our ability to meet our current leaseback obligations. If we fail to meet our current leaseback obligations, then the owners of any leased vessels may choose to repossess vessels in our fleet as a result of a default under any sale and leaseback arrangement. In addition, Chinese counterparties to our leaseback obligations may not be willing to adhere to the commercial terms in our contracts if they were to go against a new policy in China. Before the global economic financial crisis that began in 2008, China had one of the world’s fastest growing economies in terms of gross domestic product, or GDP, which had a significant impact on shipping demand. China’s GDP growth rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately 3.0%, one of its lowest rates in 50 years, thought to be mainly caused by the country zero-Covid policy and strict lockdowns. Although the Chinese government removed its zero-COVID policy in December 2022, China faced a sudden surge in COVID cases after easing the lockdown restrictions nationwide, which introduces further uncertainty into prospects for economic recovery. Generally, the average GDP growth rate of China over the last ten years remains below pre-2008 levels. Furthermore, there is a rising threat of a Chinese financial crisis resulting from massive personal and corporate indebtedness and “trade wars.” 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.
Although state-owned enterprises still account for a substantial portion of the Chinese industrial output, in general, the Chinese government is reducing the level of direct control that it exercises over the economy through state plans and other measures. There is an increasing level of freedom and autonomy in areas such as allocation of resources, production, pricing, and management and a gradual shift in emphasis to a “market economy” and enterprise reform. Limited price reforms were undertaken with the result that prices for certain refined petroleum products are principally determined by market forces. Many of the reforms are unprecedented or experimental and may be subject to revision, change, or abolition based upon the outcome of such experiments. If the Chinese government does not continue to pursue a policy of economic reform, the level of imports to and exports from China could be adversely affected by changes to these economic reforms by the Chinese government, as well as by changes in political, economic, and social conditions or other relevant policies of the Chinese government, such as changes in laws, regulations, or export and import restrictions. Notwithstanding economic reform, the Chinese government may adopt policies that favor domestic shipping and tanker companies and may hinder our ability to compete with them effectively. China has also promoted the construction of railway and highway transportation corridors in Asia, which could reduce the amount of goods transported by sea. For example, China imposes a tax for non-resident international transportation enterprises engaged in the provision of services of passengers or cargo, among other items, in and out of China using their own, chartered, or leased vessels. The regulation may subject international transportation companies to Chinese enterprise income tax on profits generated from international transportation services passing through Chinese ports. This could have an adverse impact on our charterers’ business, operating results, and financial condition and could thereby affect their ability to make timely charter hire payments to us and to renew and increase the number of their time charters with us. Moreover, an economic slowdown in the economies of the European Union and other Asian countries may further adversely affect economic growth in China and elsewhere.
In addition, although largely alleviated, concerns regarding the possibility of sovereign debt defaults by European Union member countries, including Greece, have in the past disrupted financial markets throughout
 
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the world, and may lead to weaker consumer demand in the European Union, the United States, and other parts of the world. The possibility of sovereign debt defaults by European Union member countries, including Greece, and the possibility of market reforms to float the Chinese renminbi, either of which development could weaken the Euro against the Chinese renminbi, could adversely affect consumer demand in the European Union. Moreover, the revaluation of the renminbi may negatively impact the United States’ demand for imported goods, many of which are shipped from China. In addition, China is currently seeking repayment of loans from African and Asian developing countries that may not be able to repay those loans. Future weak economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and ability to pay dividends to our shareholders. Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects will likely be materially and adversely affected by another economic downturn in any of the aforementioned countries and regions.
We may be subject to increased inspection procedures and tighter import and export controls.
International shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin and destination. Inspection procedures can result in the seizure, delay in the loading and off-loading, or delivery of the contents of our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, or 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. Furthermore, changes to inspection procedures could also impose additional costs and obligations on us and 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.
Our information systems may fail or may be subject to security breaches.
The efficient operation of our business is dependent on computer hardware and software systems both onboard our vessels, or vessels we may build or acquire, and at our onshore offices. 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 kept on our information systems. However, these measures and technology may not adequately prevent cybersecurity breaches, the access, capture, or alteration of information by criminals, the exposure or exploitation of potential security vulnerabilities, the installation of malware or ransomware, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, and misplaced data or data loss. 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, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our cash flows, including cash available for dividends to our shareholders.
Additionally, any changes in the nature of cyber threats might require us to adopt additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional expenses and/or capital expenditures. Most recently, the war between Russia and Ukraine has been accompanied by cyber-attacks against the Ukrainian government and other countries in the region. It is possible that these attacks could have collateral effects on additional critical infrastructure and financial institutions globally, which could adversely affect our operations. It is difficult to assess the likelihood of such threat and any potential impact at this time.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
Our loan agreements and other financing arrangements contain, and we expect that other future loan agreements and financing arrangements will contain, restrictive covenants that may limit our liquidity and corporate activities.
Our loan agreements and financing arrangements contain, and we expect that other future loan agreements and financing arrangements will contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, financial covenants, change of control clauses, restrictive covenants, sustainability-linked pricing adjustments and performance requirements, which may affect operational and financial flexibility. Such restrictions could affect and, in many respects, limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability to pay dividends, incur
 
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additional indebtedness, create liens, sell assets, or engage in mergers or acquisitions. These restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet extraordinary capital needs or otherwise restrict corporate activities. There can be no assurance that such restrictions will not adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs.
As a result of these restrictions, we may need to seek permission from our lenders and other financing counterparties in order to engage in some corporate actions. Our lenders’ and other financing counterparties’ interests may differ from ours and we may not be able to obtain their permission when needed. This may prevent us from taking actions that we believe are in our best interests, which may adversely impact our revenues, results of operations, and financial condition.
A failure by us to meet our payment and other obligations, including our financial covenants and any security coverage requirements, could lead to defaults under our financing arrangements. Likewise, a decrease in vessel values or adverse market conditions could cause us to breach our financial covenants or security requirements (the market values of tanker vessels have generally experienced high volatility). In the event of a default that we cannot remedy, our lenders and other financing counterparties could then accelerate their indebtedness and foreclose on the respective initial vessels comprising our fleet and other vessels we may acquire. The loss of any of our vessels and other vessels we may acquire could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Any loan agreements and financing arrangements we may enter into in the future are expected to contain cross-default provisions, pursuant to which a default by us under a loan and the refusal of any one lender or financing counterparty to grant or extend a waiver could result in the acceleration of our indebtedness under any other loans and financing agreements to which we are party.
There can be no assurance that we will obtain waivers, deferrals, and amendments of certain financial covenants, payment obligations, and events of default under our loan facilities with our lenders in the future, if needed.
Servicing current and future debt will limit funds available for other purposes and impair our ability to react to changes in our business.
We must dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness. These payments limit funds otherwise available for working capital, capital expenditures, and other purposes. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had a total indebtedness of $744.8 million and $582.8 million, respectively, excluding deferred finance fees. Our current or future debt could have other significant consequences on our operations. For example, it could:

increase our vulnerability to general economic downturns and adverse competitive and industry conditions;

require us to dedicate a substantial portion, if not all, of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes;

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt or better access to capital;

limit our ability to raise additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all; and

adversely impact our ability to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants of our current or future financing arrangements, which could result in an event of default under such agreements.
Furthermore, our current or future interest expense could increase if interest rates increase. If we do not have sufficient earnings, we may be required to refinance all or part of our current or future debt, sell assets, borrow more money, or sell more securities, and we cannot guarantee that the resulting proceeds therefrom, if any, will be sufficient to meet our ongoing capital and operating needs. Because interest paid on
 
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loans is generally a margin plus a reference rate, such as SOFR, that is subject to change, our actual interest costs would increase as the reference rate increases. During an inflationary period, such as one we are currently experiencing, the SOFR or similar reference rate will generally be increased, thus costing us more money to service our debt obligations and reducing our net revenues. Any event of default under a loan agreement pursuant to which we have granted security could permit the relevant lender to exercise its rights as a secured lender and take the relevant collateral, which may include our vessels.
In April 2022, we entered into an unsecured loan facility with Okeanis Marine Holdings S.A., an entity controlled by Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos relating to the acquisition of the VLCC vessels Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria. Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos, as the chairman of our board of directors, may be incentivized to take actions to ensure that this loan is repaid, even if it may not be in the best interests of all our shareholders. In addition, even though this loan is unsecured, it still ranks ahead of equity and repaying such loan will reduce potentially available amounts for dividends.
Worldwide inflationary pressures could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
It has been recently observed that worldwide economies have experienced inflationary pressures, with price increases seen across many sectors globally. For example, the U.S. consumer price index, an inflation gauge that measures costs across dozens of items, rose 6.5% in December 2022 compared to the prior year, driven in large part by increases in energy costs. It remains to be seen whether inflationary pressures will continue, and to what degree, as central banks begin to respond to price increases. In the event that inflation becomes a significant factor in the global economy generally and in the shipping industry more specifically, inflationary pressures would result in increased operating, voyage and administrative costs. Furthermore, the effects of inflation on the supply and demand of the products we transport could alter demand for our services. Interventions in the economy by central banks in response to inflationary pressures may slow down economic activity, including by altering consumer purchasing habits and reducing demand for the commodities and products we carry, and cause a reduction in trade. As a result, the volumes of goods we deliver and/or charter rates for our vessels may be affected. Any of these factors could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and operating results.
We expect that a limited number of financial institutions will hold our cash including financial institutions that may be located in Greece, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland.
We expect that a limited number of financial institutions will hold all of our cash, including some institutions located in Greece, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland. Of the financial institutions located in Greece, none are subsidiaries of international banks. Depending on our cash balance in any our accounts at any given point in time, our balances may not be covered by government-backed deposit insurance programs in the event of default by these financial institutions.
For example, a substantial amount of our cash is currently held in E.U. banking institutions. While the E.U. Deposit Guarantee Directive Scheme provides for deposit insurance of up to €100,000 per depositor, per insured bank, the amounts that we have in E.U. banks far exceed that insurance amount, and therefore unless legislative measures are imposed at E.U. level or by the Dutch, French or Greek governments to protect depositors, in the event the bank in which our funds are located fails, we may lose all or a substantial portion of our deposits. Our bank accounts held in Swiss banking institutions are used for daily commercial transactions. Esisuisse, a self-regulatory organization for banks in Switzerland, guarantees that it will cover protected deposits as part of the self-regulation of Swiss banks and securities firms which provides deposit insurance against loss up to the amount of CHF 100,000. The deposits we have in Swiss banks exceeds that insurance amount and therefore if the Swiss government does not impose measures to protect depositors, in the event the bank in which our funds are located fails, we may lose all or a substantial portion of our deposits. In addition, in the event any of our banks do not allow us to withdraw funds in the time and amounts that we want, we may not timely comply with contractual provisions in any of our contracts or our salary obligations, among other things.
The occurrence of any default of any of our banks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and we may lose part or all of our cash that we deposit with such banks.
 
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Capital expenditures and other costs necessary to operate and maintain our vessels may increase.
Changes in safety or other equipment standards, as well as compliance with standards imposed by maritime self-regulatory organizations and customer requirements or competition, may require us to make additional expenditures. In order to satisfy these requirements, we may, from time to time, be required to take our vessels out of service for extended periods of time, with corresponding losses of revenues. In the future, market conditions may not justify these expenditures or enable us to operate some or all of our vessels profitably during the remainder of their economic lives.
We may not be able to refinance our existing indebtedness or obtain additional financing.
We may finance future fleet expansion with additional secured indebtedness. Our ability to obtain bank financing or to access the capital markets for future offerings may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such financing or offering, including the actual or perceived credit quality of our charterers and the market value of our fleet, as well as by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions, weakness in the financial markets, and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. Significant contraction, de-leveraging, and reduced liquidity in credit markets worldwide is reducing the availability and increasing the cost of credit. If we are not able to obtain new debt financing on terms acceptable to us or refinance our existing debt, we will have to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to pay the principal and interest of this indebtedness. If we are not able to satisfy these obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans. In addition, debt service payments under our current or future financing arrangements or alternative financing may limit funds otherwise available for working capital, capital expenditures, the payment of dividends, and other purposes. Our inability to obtain additional or replacement financing at anticipated costs or at all may materially affect our results of operation, our ability to implement our business strategy, our payment of dividends, and our ability to continue as a going concern.
We may become dependent on a limited number of customers for a large part of our revenues, 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.
During 2022, 88% of our revenues derived from 13 customers. Such agreements subject us to counterparty risks. The ability of such charterers to perform their 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 industry, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, charter rates received for specific types of vessels, work stoppages or other labor disturbances, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and various expenses. The combination of a reduction of cash flow resulting from declines in world trade, a reduction in borrowing bases under reserve-based credit facilities, and the lack of availability of debt or equity financing may result in a significant reduction in the ability of charterers to make charter payments to us. In addition, in depressed market conditions, charterers and customers may no longer need a vessel that is then under charter or contract or may be able to obtain a comparable vessel at lower rates. As a result, charterers and customers may seek to renegotiate the terms of their existing charter agreements or avoid their obligations under those contracts. Should one of our counterparties fail to honor its obligations under agreements with us, we could sustain significant losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
We are dependent on our charterers and other counterparties fulfilling their obligations under agreements with us.
Payments to us by our charterers under voyage and time charters are and will be our main source of operating cash flow. Weaknesses in demand for shipping services, increased operating costs due to changes in environmental or other regulations, the oversupply of large vessels, and the oversupply of smaller size vessels due to a cascading effect could place certain of our customers under financial pressure. Any declines in demand could result in worsening financial challenges to our customers and may increase the likelihood of one or more of our customers being unable or unwilling to pay us contracted charter rates or going bankrupt.
 
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If we lose a vessel employment contract because the counterparty is unable to pay us or for any other reason, we may be unable to re-deploy the related vessel on similarly favorable terms or at all. Also, we will not receive any revenues from such a vessel while it is not chartered, but we will be required to pay expenses necessary to maintain and insure the vessel and service any indebtedness on it.
The combination of any surplus of tanker vessel capacity, the expected entry into service of new technologically advanced ships, and the expected increase in the size of the world tanker fleet over the next few years may make it difficult to secure substitute employment for any of our vessels if our counterparties fail to perform their obligations under the currently arranged voyage or time charters, and any new charter arrangements we are able to secure may be at lower rates. Furthermore, the surplus of tanker vessels available at lower charter rates could negatively affect our charterers’ willingness to perform their obligations under our time charters, particularly if the charter rates in such time charters are significantly above the prevailing market rates. Accordingly, we may have to grant concessions to our charterers in the form of lower charter rates for the remaining duration of the relevant charter or part thereof, or to agree to re-charter vessels coming off charter at reduced rates compared to the charter then ended. Because we enter into short-term and medium-term time charters from time to time, we may need to re-charter vessels coming off charter more frequently than some of our competitors, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our cash flows, including cash available for distributions to our shareholders.
The loss of any of our charterers, voyage or time charters, or vessels, or a decline in payments under our voyage or time charters, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our cash flows, including cash available for distributions to our shareholders.
In addition to charter parties, we may, among other things, enter into contracts for the sale or purchase of secondhand tanker vessels or shipbuilding contracts for newbuildings, provide performance guarantees relating to shipbuilding contracts to sale and purchase contracts or to charters, enter into credit facilities or other financing arrangements, accept commitment letters or refund guarantees from banks and other financial institutions, enter into insurance contracts and interest or exchange rate swaps, or enter into joint ventures. Such agreements expose us to counterparty credit risk. The ability and willingness of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us will depend upon a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the state of the capital markets, the condition of the ocean-going tanker shipping industry, and charter hire rates. Should a counterparty fail to honor its obligations under agreements with us, we could sustain significant losses, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our cash flows, including cash available for distributions to our shareholders.
We may fail to manage our growth properly.
We may continue to grow our fleet in the future in line with our strategy. Our future growth will primarily depend on our ability to:

generate excess cash flow for investment without jeopardizing our ability to cover current and foreseeable working capital needs (including debt service);

raise equity and obtain required financing for our existing and new operations on acceptable terms;

locate and acquire suitable vessels;

identify and consummate acquisitions or joint ventures;

integrate any acquired business successfully with our existing operations;

including our commercial and technical managers’ ability, to hire, train, and retain qualified personnel and crew to manage and operate our growing business and fleet;

enhance our customer base; and

manage expansion.
Growing any business by acquisition presents numerous risks such as undisclosed liabilities and obligations, difficulty in obtaining additional qualified personnel, managing relationships with customers
 
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and suppliers, and integrating newly acquired operations into existing infrastructures. We may not be successful in executing our growth plans and we may incur significant additional expenses and losses in connection therewith.
There could be delays or defaults by the shipyards in the construction of newbuildings.
As of the date of this registration statement, we do not have any contracts for newbuilding vessels. We may enter into contracts for newbuilding vessels in the future. Vessel construction projects are generally subject to risks of delay that are inherent in any large construction project, which may be caused by numerous factors, including shortages or delays of equipment, materials, or skilled labor, unscheduled delays in the delivery of ordered materials and equipment or shipyard construction, failure of equipment to meet quality and/or performance standards, financial or operating difficulties experienced by equipment vendors or the shipyard, unanticipated actual or purported change orders, inability to obtain required permits or approvals, a backlog of orders at the shipyard, design or engineering changes, work stoppages and other labor disputes, adverse weather conditions, or any other events of force majeure. Significant delays could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. If we already committed to a third party the use of the vessel upon construction completion, then we may breach such commitment and be subject to pay related damages, such as any increased costs the counterparty pays to secure an alternate vessel to use. Additionally, failure to complete a project on time may result in the delay of revenue from that vessel, and we may continue to incur costs and expenses related to delayed vessels, such as supervision expenses.
Our ability to obtain additional debt financing may be dependent on our ability to charter our vessels, or vessels we may build or acquire, the performance of our charters, and the creditworthiness of our charterers.
Our inability to re-charter our vessels, or vessels we may build or acquire, and the actual or perceived credit quality of our charterers, and any defaults by them, may materially affect our ability to obtain any additional capital resources that we may require to purchase additional vessels or maintain our existing fleet or may significantly increase our costs of obtaining such capital. Our inability to obtain financing, or receiving financing at a higher than anticipated cost, may materially affect our results of operation and our ability to implement our business strategy.
The employment of our vessels could be adversely affected by an inability to clear the Oil Majors’ vetting process, and we could be in breach of our charter agreements.
The shipping industry is heavily regulated by international conventions, local laws and regulations, and industry-driven standards. This is particularly so with respect to the shipment of crude oil, refined petroleum products (clean and dirty), and bulk liquid chemicals. Compliance with industry-driven standards imposed upon tanker vessel owners and operators by the so-called “Oil Majors,” such as Exxon Mobil, BP p.l.c., Royal Dutch Shell p.l.c., Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Total S.A., together with a number of commodities traders are critical to the tanker industry. The Oil Majors represent a significant percentage of the production, trading, and shipping logistics (terminals) of crude oil and refined products worldwide and they have developed and implemented a strict, ongoing due diligence process for selecting commercial partners, referred to as “vetting.”
The vetting process is a sophisticated and comprehensive risk assessment of both vessels and vessel operators, including physical ship inspections, questionnaires completed and evaluated by accredited inspectors, and the production of risk assessment reports determining the suitability of vessels and vessel operators, as well as crewmembers, for hire by the Oil Majors.
While numerous factors are considered and evaluated prior to a vetting decision, the Oil Majors, through their association, Oil Companies International Marine Forum (“OCIMF”), have developed two basic tools for vetting: the Ship Inspection Report Programme (“SIRE”), and the Tanker Management and Self-Assessment (TMSA) programme. The former is a physical ship inspection based upon a thorough vessel inspection questionnaire and performed by accredited OCIMF inspectors, resulting in a report being logged on SIRE, while the latter is a more recent addition to the risk assessment tools used by the Oil Majors.
 
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Based upon commercial risk, there are three levels of assessment used by Oil Majors:

terminal use, which clears a vessel to call at one of the Oil Major’s terminals;

voyage charter, which clears the vessel for a single voyage; and

period charter (or time charter), which clears the vessel for use for an extended period of time.
The depth and complexity of each of these levels of assessment varies. Our charter agreements require that the applicable vessel have a valid SIRE report (less than six months old) in the OCIMF website as recommended by OCIMF. In addition, under the terms of many such charter agreements, the charterers require that such vessels and their technical managers be vetted and approved to transport crude oil or refined petroleum products (as applicable). The technical manager is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the vetting approvals required to successfully charter such vessels.
In the case of term charter relationships, additional factors are considered when awarding such contracts, including:

office assessments and audits of the vessel operator;

the vessel operator’s environmental, health, and safety record;

compliance with the standards of the IMO;

compliance with Oil Majors’ codes of conduct, policies, and guidelines, including policies relating to transparency, anti-bribery and ethical conduct requirements, and relationships with third parties;

compliance with heightened industry standards set by the Oil Majors;

results of Port State Control inspections (see below);

shipping industry relationships, reputation for customer services, and technical and operating expertise; and

shipping experience and quality of ship operations, including cost-effectiveness and technical capability and experience of crewmembers.
Under the terms of our charter agreements, both the vessels and the technical managers are vetted and approved to transport petroleum products by multiple Oil Majors. Any failure to maintain our tanker vessels to the standards required by the Oil Majors could put us in breach of our charter agreement and lead to termination of such agreement and, potentially, could give rise to impairment in the value of our tanker vessels. Should we not be able to successfully clear the vetting process in such circumstances on an ongoing basis, the future employment of our vessels, as well as our ability to obtain charters, whether medium- or long-term, could be adversely affected. Such a situation may lead to the Oil Majors’ terminating any existing charters and refusing to use our vessels in the future, which, in turn, would adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.
The industry for the operation of tanker vessels and the transportation of oil is highly competitive and we may not be able to compete for charters with new entrants or established companies with greater resources.
We will employ our tankers and any additional vessels we may acquire in a highly competitive market that is capital intensive and highly fragmented. The operation of tanker vessels and the transportation of cargoes shipped in these vessels, as well as the shipping industry in general, is extremely competitive. Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners, including major oil companies as well as independent tanker shipping companies, some of whom have substantially greater resources than we do. Competition for the transportation of oil can be 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 and operate larger fleets through consolidations or acquisitions that may be able to offer better prices and fleets than us.
We and KMC may be unable to attract and retain key management personnel in the shipping industry, which may negatively impact the effectiveness of our management and our results of operation.
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and efforts of our senior executives and our Chairman for the management of our activities and strategic guidance, including our ability to retain
 
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our management team and the ability of our management to recruit and hire suitable employees. While we believe that we have an experienced management team, the loss or unavailability of one or more of our senior executives or our Chairman or any other key employees for any extended period of time, or KMC’s inability to attract and retain its key personnel or employees, could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our executive officers do not devote all of their time to our business, which may hinder our ability to operate successfully.
Certain of our executive officers are not required to work full-time on our affairs and are involved in business activities not related to us or that compete with us, which may result in their spending less time than is appropriate or necessary to manage our business successfully. While we estimate that certain of our executive officers may at times spend a substantial portion of their monthly business time on business activities not related to our business, the actual allocation of time could vary significantly from time-to-time depending on various circumstances and needs of the other businesses, such as the relative levels of strategic activities of such businesses. As a result, there could be material competition for the time and effort of our officers who also provide services to other businesses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, such other business activities may create conflicts of interest in matters involving or affecting us, our customers, and our business, and it is not certain that any of these conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
If labor interruptions are not resolved in a timely manner, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and available cash.
KMC is responsible for recruiting our vessels’ senior officers and, mainly through a crewing agent, all other crew members for our vessels and all other vessels we may acquire. If not resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner, industrial action or other labor unrest could prevent or hinder our operations from being carried out as we expect and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and available cash.
If we expand our business, we will need to improve or increase our operational capabilities, financial systems and staff.
Our current operating and financial systems may not be adequate if we implement a plan to expand the size of our fleet, and our attempts to improve those systems may be ineffective. We, KMC, or our crewing agents may need to recruit suitable additional seafarers and shore-based administrative and management personnel. We cannot guarantee that we or our crewing agents will be able to hire suitable employees or a sufficient number of employees if we expand our fleet. If we are unable to operate our financial and operations systems effectively or to recruit suitable employees as we expand our fleet, our performance may be adversely affected.
We may acquire additional vessels in the future and if those vessels are not delivered on time or are delivered with significant defects, our earnings and financial condition could suffer.
We may acquire additional vessels in the future. A delay in the delivery of any vessels to us, the failure of the contract counterparty to deliver a vessel at all, or us not taking delivery of a vessel could cause us to breach our obligations under a related time charter or could otherwise adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the delivery of any vessel with substantial defects could have similar consequences.
We conduct a substantial amount of business in China, whose legal system has inherent uncertainties.
Many of our vessels call to ports in China and we have entered into and may further enter in the future into sale and leaseback transactions with Chinese financial institutions. We do not have any on-shore presence in mainland China or Hong Kong, port calls in mainland China and Hong Kong in the aggregate represented 12% and 7% of our worldwide port calls in 2021 and 2022, respectively, revenues from mainland Chinese and Hong Kong charterers in the aggregate represented approximately 16% of our revenues in
 
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2021 and 19% in 2022, respectively, and as of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023, the aggregate amount of our loans from Chinese lenders, as a percentage of amounts borrowed from all lenders, amounted to 19%. Although our charters and sale and leaseback agreements are governed by English law, we may have difficulties enforcing a judgment rendered by an English court (or other non-Chinese court) in China, and our legal protections available to us in China may be more limited. Charters and any other agreements that we enter into with Chinese counterparties, may be subject to new regulations in China that may require us to incur new or additional compliance or other administrative costs and pay new taxes or other fees to the Chinese government. Changes in laws and regulations, including with regards to tax matters, and their implementation by local authorities could affect our vessels chartered to Chinese customers as well as our vessels calling to Chinese ports and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our cash flows, including cash available for distributions to our shareholders.
Our revenues are derived substantially from a single segment, the crude oil tanker segment, which exposes us to adverse developments in the crude oil tanker market and which may adversely affect our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Substantially all of our revenues are derived from a single market, the crude oil tanker segment, and therefore, our financial results depend on the development and growth in this segment. External factors that affect the crude oil tanker market will have a significant impact on our business. Freight rates and asset prices have been volatile. Any adverse development in the crude oil tanker segment would have a material adverse impact on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position. Further, our lack of diversification makes us increasingly vulnerable to adverse developments in the international crude oil tanker market, and this could have a greater material adverse impact on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position than it would if we maintained more diverse lines of business.
A drop in spot charter rates may provide an incentive for some charterers to default on their charters.
When we enter into a time charter or bareboat charter, rates under that charter are fixed throughout the term of the charter. If the spot charter rates in the tanker shipping industry become significantly lower than the time charter equivalent rates that some of our charterers are obligated to pay us under our then-existing charters, the charterers may have an incentive to default under that charter or attempt to renegotiate the charter. If our charterers fail to pay their obligations, we would have to attempt to re-charter our vessels, or vessels we may acquire at lower charter rates, and as a result we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and financial condition, which would affect our ability to meet our current or future loans or current leaseback obligations. If our current or future lenders choose to accelerate our indebtedness and foreclose their liens, or if the owners of any leased vessels we may acquire choose to repossess vessels in our fleet as a result of a default under any sale and leaseback arrangement, our ability to continue to conduct our business would be impaired.
An increase in operating costs could decrease earnings and available cash.
Vessel operating costs include the costs of crew, provisions, deck and engine stores, insurance, and maintenance and repairs, which depend on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Some of these costs, including relating to insurance and enhanced security measures, have been increasing. If any of our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking facility. The costs of drydocking repairs are unpredictable and can be substantial. Increases in any of these expenses could decrease our earnings and available cash.
Rising fuel prices may adversely affect our profits.
Fuel is a significant, expense if vessels are under voyage charter or if consumed during ballast days. Moreover, the cost of fuel will affect the profit we can earn on the short-term or spot market. Upon redelivery of vessels at the end of a time charter, we may be obliged to repurchase the fuel on board at prevailing market prices, which could be materially higher than fuel prices at the inception of the time charter period. As a result, an increase in the price of fuel may adversely affect our profitability. The price and supply of fuel
 
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is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical events, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns, and environmental concerns. Further, fuel may become much more expensive in the future, which may reduce the profitability and competitiveness of our business versus other forms of transportation, such as truck or rail.
The aging of our fleet may result in increased operating and capital costs in the future, 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 fleet ages, operating and other costs will increase. In the case of bareboat charters, operating costs are borne by the bareboat charterer. Cargo insurance rates also increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers. Governmental regulations, including environmental regulations, and safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures for alterations or the addition of new equipment to our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, and may restrict the type of activities in which our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, may engage. As our fleet ages, market conditions might not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.
Unless we set aside reserves or are able to borrow funds for vessel replacement, our revenue will decline at the end of a vessels useful life.
Unless we maintain reserves or are able to borrow or raise funds for vessel replacement, we will be unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their remaining useful lives. We estimate that our vessels have a useful life of up to 25 years from the date of their initial delivery from the shipyard. In case we acquire secondhand vessels, they are depreciated from the date of their acquisition through their remaining estimated useful life. Our cash flows and income are dependent on the revenues earned by the chartering of our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, to customers. If we are unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives, our business, results of operations, and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected. Any reserves set aside for vessel replacement may not be available for dividends.
Purchasing and operating secondhand vessels may result in increased operating costs and vessels off-hire.
We may expand our fleet through the acquisition of secondhand vessels. While we inspect previously owned or secondhand vessels prior to purchase, this does not normally provide us with the same knowledge about their condition and cost of any required (or anticipated) repairs that we would have had if these vessels had been built for and operated exclusively by us. Accordingly, we may not discover defects or other problems with such vessels prior to purchase. Any such hidden defects or problems, when detected, may be expensive to repair, and if not detected, may result in accidents or other incidents for which we may become liable to third parties. Also, when purchasing previously owned vessels, we do not typically receive the benefit of warranties from the builders if the vessels we buy are older than one year. In general, the costs to maintain a vessel in good operating condition increase with the age and type of the vessel. In the case of chartered-in vessels, we run similar risks.
Governmental regulations and safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, and may restrict the type of activities in which the vessels may engage. As our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, age, market conditions may not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.
We may not have adequate insurance to compensate us if we lose any vessels that we acquire or to cover our losses that may result from our operations.
There are a number of risks associated with the operation of ocean-going vessels, including mechanical failure, collision, fire, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, loss of life, contact with floating objects, property loss, cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries,
 
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hostilities and labor strikes. Any of these events may result in loss of revenues, increased costs and decreased cash flows. In addition, the operation of any vessel is subject to the inherent possibility of marine disaster, including oil spills and other environmental mishaps.
We carry insurance for all vessels we acquire against those types of risks commonly insured against by vessel owners and operators. These insurances include hull and machinery insurance, protection, and indemnity insurance (which includes environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage), freight demurrage and defense insurance, and war risk insurance. Reasonable insurance rates can best be obtained when the size and the age/trading profile of the fleet is attractive. As a result, rates become less competitive as a fleet downsizes.
We do not currently maintain strike or off-hire insurance, which would cover the loss of revenue during extended vessel off-hire periods, such as those that occur during an unscheduled drydocking due to damage to the vessel from accidents except in cases of loss of hire up to a limited number of days due to war or a piracy event. Other events that may lead to off-hire periods include natural or man-made disasters that result in the closure of certain waterways and prevent vessels from entering or leaving certain ports. Accordingly, any extended vessel off-hire, due to an accident or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations and operating cash flow.
Additionally, our charterers may in the future engage in legally permitted trading in locations or with persons which may still be subject to restrictions due to sanctions. Our insurers may be contractually or by operation of law prohibited from honoring our insurance contract for such trading on such locations or countries or trading with such persons, which could result in reduced insurance coverage for losses incurred by the related vessels. Changes in the insurance markets attributable to the risk of terrorism in certain locations around the world could make it difficult for us to obtain certain types of coverage. In addition, the insurance that may be available to us may be significantly more expensive than our existing coverage. Furthermore, our insurers and we may be prohibited from posting or otherwise be unable to post security in respect of any incident in such locations or countries or as a result of trading with such persons, resulting in the loss of use of the relevant vessel and negative publicity for our Company which could negatively impact our business, results of operations, cash flows and stock price.
We may not be adequately insured to cover losses against all risks, which could have a material adverse effect on us. Additionally, our insurers may refuse to pay particular claims and our insurance may be voidable by the insurers if we take, or fail to take, certain action, such as failing to maintain certification of our vessels with applicable maritime regulatory organizations. Any significant uninsured or underinsured loss or liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and ability to pay dividends. It may also result in protracted legal litigation.
In the future, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates for the vessels we acquire. The insurers may not pay particular claims. Our insurance policies also contain deductibles for which we will be responsible as well as limitations and exclusions that may increase our costs or lower our revenue.
We may be subject to increased premium payments, or calls, as we obtain some of our insurance through protection and indemnity associations.
We may be subject to increased premium payments, or calls, in amounts based on our claim records and the claim records of KMC, as well as the claim records of other members of the protection and indemnity associations through which we receive insurance coverage for third party liability, including pollution-related liability. In addition, our protection and indemnity associations may not have enough resources to cover claims made against them. Our payment of these calls could result in significant expense to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders, and other market participants with respect to our Environmental, Social, and Governance, or ESG, policies may impose additional costs on us or expose us to additional risks.
Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny relating to their ESG policies. Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds, lenders, and other market participants
 
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are increasingly focused on ESG practices and, in recent years, have placed increasing importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. The increased focus and activism related to ESG and similar matters may hinder access to capital, as investors and lenders may decide to reallocate capital or to not commit capital as a result of their assessment of a company’s ESG practices. Companies which do not adapt to or comply with investor, lender, or other industry shareholder expectations and standards, which are evolving, or which are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, may suffer from reputational damage and the business, financial condition, and/or stock price of such a company could be materially and adversely affected.
We may face increasing pressures from investors, lenders, and other market participants, who are increasingly focused on climate change, to prioritize sustainable energy practices, reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability. As a result, we may be required to implement more stringent ESG procedures or standards so that our existing and future investors and lenders remain invested in us and make further investments in us. If we do not meet these standards, our business and/or our ability to access capital could be harmed.
Additionally, certain investors and lenders may exclude shipping companies, such as us, from their investing portfolios altogether due to environmental, social, and governance factors. These limitations in both the debt and equity capital markets may affect our ability to develop as our plans for growth may include accessing the equity and debt capital markets. If those markets are unavailable, or if we are unable to access alternative means of financing on acceptable terms, or at all, we may be unable to implement our business strategy, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and impair our ability to service our indebtedness. Further, it is likely that we will incur additional costs and require additional resources to monitor, report, and comply with wide ranging ESG requirements. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Technological innovation and quality and efficiency requirements from our customers could reduce our charter hire income and the value of our vessels, or vessels we may acquire.
Our customers, in particular those in the oil industry, have a high and increasing focus on quality and compliance standards with their suppliers across the entire supply chain, including the shipping and transportation segment. Our continued compliance with these standards and quality requirements is vital for our operations. Charter hire rates and the value and operational life of a vessel are determined by a number of factors including the vessel’s efficiency, operational flexibility, and physical life. Efficiency includes speed, fuel economy, and the ability to load and discharge cargo quickly. Flexibility includes the ability to enter harbors, utilize related docking facilities and pass through canals and straits. The length of a vessel’s physical life is related to its original design and construction, its maintenance, and the impact of the stress of operations. If new vessels are built that are more efficient or more flexible or have longer physical lives than our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, competition from these more technologically advanced vessels could adversely affect the amount of charter hire payments we receive for our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, and the resale value of our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, could significantly decrease, which may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.
We generate revenues from the trading of our vessels in U.S. dollars, but incur a portion of our expenses in other currencies.
We generate substantially all of our revenues from the trading of our vessels in U.S. dollars, but certain of our vessel operating expenses and administrative expenses are generated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. This difference could lead to fluctuations in net profit due to changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the other currencies. Expenses incurred in foreign currencies against which the U.S. dollar falls in value can increase, thereby decreasing our revenues. We currently have only partially hedged our currency exposure, and, as a result, our results of operations and financial condition, denominated in U.S. dollars, and our ability to pay dividends could suffer.
 
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We are considerably dependent on European seafarers, who are paid in Euros, to fill key positions on board our vessels and our officers and administrative staff are paid in Euros. Consequently, our Euro-denominated crew and employee expense forms a significant percentage of our operating expenses. Furthermore, we have significant exposure to the Euro in our general and administrative expenses. As such our exposure to Euro-U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuations may have a significant impact on our expenses, business and future cash flows.
Trading and complementary hedging activities in freight, tonnage, and Forward Freight Agreements subject us to trading risks, and we may suffer trading losses, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The tanker shipping industry is cyclical with high volatility in charter rates and profitability. The Company currently charters its vessels principally in the spot or short-term time charter market, being exposed to various unpredictable factors, such as supply and demand of energy resources, global economic and political conditions, natural or other disasters, disruptions in international trade, COVID-19’s resurgence or other pandemic outbreak, environmental and other legal regulatory developments, among others. A long-term contract to charter a vessel might lock us into a profitable or unprofitable situation depending on the direction of freight rates over the term of the contract. During 2021, the Company entered into forward freight agreements in order to partially hedge its exposure to spot charter rate fluctuations and mitigate any adverse effect this may have in our operating cash flows and dividend policy.
We are exposed to market risk in relation to our forward freight agreements and could suffer substantial losses from these activities in the event that our expectations are incorrect. We trade forward freight agreements with an objective of both economically hedging the risk on the fleet, specific vessels, or freight commitments and taking advantage of short-term fluctuations in market prices. There can be no assurance that we will always be able to successfully protect ourselves from volatility in the shipping market. We may not successfully mitigate our risks, leaving us exposed to unprofitable contracts, and may suffer trading losses resulting from these hedging activities.
In our hedging and trading activities, we focus on short-term trading opportunities in which there is adequate liquidity in order to limit the risk we are taking. There can be no assurance we will be successful in limiting our risk, that significant price spikes will not result in significant losses, even on short-term trades, that liquidity will be available for our positions, or that all trades will be done within our risk management policies. Any such risk could be significant. In addition, the performance of our trading activities can significantly increase the variability of our operating performance in any given period and could materially adversely affect our financial condition. The forward freight agreement market has experienced significant volatility in the past few years and, accordingly, recognition of the changes in the fair value of forward freight agreements has caused and could in the future cause significant volatility in earnings.
We may be exposed to fraudulent behavior, which may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
The risk of fraud is inherent in all industries and is not specific to the shipping industry. However, historically, the shipping industry has involved an increased risk of fraud and fraudulent behavior. We have established a system of internal controls to prevent fraud and fraudulent behavior. However, we cannot be certain that we will not be exposed to fraud or fraudulent behavior, and any such behavior can have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
We depend on short-term or spot charters in volatile shipping markets.
We currently charter 12 vessels in our fleet on the spot or short-term charter market. The remaining two vessels on time charter are expected to be redelivered to us during the fourth quarter of 2023. The short-term or spot charter market is highly competitive and short-term or spot charter rates may fluctuate significantly based upon available charters and the supply of and demand for seaborne tanker capacity. While our focus on the short-term or spot market may enable us to benefit if industry conditions strengthen, we must consistently procure short-term or spot charter business. Conversely, such dependence makes us vulnerable to declining market rates for short-term or spot charters and to the off-hire periods including ballast passages. Rates within the short-term or spot charter market are subject to volatile fluctuations while
 
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longer-term time charters provide income at pre-determined rates over more extended periods of time. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in keeping our vessels fully employed in these short-term markets or that future short-term or spot rates will be sufficient to enable the vessels to be operated profitably. A significant decrease in charter rates would affect value and further adversely affect our profitability, cash flows, and ability to pay dividends. We cannot give assurances that future available charter rates will enable us to operate our vessels profitably. If our vessels were committed to long-term charters, they may not be available for re-chartering or for short-term or spot market voyages when such employment would allow us to realize the benefits of comparably more favorable charter rates.
Any limitation in the availability or operation of one or more of our vessels could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our current fleet consists of 14 vessels. We depend on these vessels for all of our revenue. If one or more of our vessels is unable to generate revenues as a result of off-hire time, early termination of the applicable time charter or otherwise, our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends could be materially adversely affected. Unless we identify and acquire additional vessels, we will rely upon all 14 of these vessels for all of our revenue and ability to pay dividends.
The smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, may lead to governmental claims against us.
Our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, may call in ports where smugglers may attempt to hide drugs and other contraband on vessels, with or without the knowledge of crew members. To the extent our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, are found with contraband, whether inside or attached to the hull of our vessels and whether with or without the knowledge of any of our crew, we may face governmental or other regulatory claims that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and ability to pay dividends.
Maritime claimants could arrest our vessels or vessels we acquire.
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo, and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims, or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lienholder may enforce its lien by “arresting” or “attaching” a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, could result in a significant loss of earnings for the related off-hire period. In addition, in jurisdictions where the “sister ship” theory of liability applies, a claimant may arrest the vessel which is subject to the claimant’s maritime lien and any “associated” vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same owner. In countries with “sister ship” liability laws, claims might be asserted against us or any of our vessels for liabilities of any other vessels we may own (which may also include vessels managed by KMC or owned by one of our major shareholders). Any of those events could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and ability to pay dividends.
Governments could requisition our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, during a period of war or emergency.
A government could requisition vessels for title or hire. Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes the owner. Requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes the charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during a period of war or emergency. Government requisition of any of our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, could negatively impact our revenues should we not receive adequate compensation. Any of those events could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and ability to pay dividends.
Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or FCPA, could result in fines, criminal penalties, and an adverse effect on our business.
We operate throughout the world, including countries with 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 FCPA. We are subject,
 
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however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or our or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take action 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, 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.
A change in tax laws in any country in which we operate could adversely affect us.
Tax laws and regulations are highly complex and subject to interpretation. Consequently, we and our subsidiaries are subject to changing tax laws, treaties and regulations in and between countries in which we operate. Our income tax expense is based on our interpretation of the tax laws in effect at the time the expense was incurred. A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or in the interpretation thereof, could result in a materially higher tax expense or a higher effective tax rate on our earnings. Such changes may include measures enacted in response to the ongoing initiatives in relation to fiscal legislation at an international level, such as the Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD. Numerous countries are considering implementation of the OECD’s 15% global minimum tax, which, if applicable to us (the current draft of the rules provided that a global minimum tax could apply companies with more than €750 million in revenues), may materially impact us.
U.S. federal tax authorities could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company,which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to 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.” For purposes of these tests, “passive income” includes dividends, interest, 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. Income derived from the performance of services does not constitute “passive income” for this purpose. 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.
In general, income derived from the bareboat charter of a vessel should be treated as “passive income” for purposes of determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC, and such vessel should be treated as an asset that produces or is held for the production of “passive income.” On the other hand, income derived from the time charter of a vessel should not be treated as “passive income” for such purpose, but rather should be treated as services income. Likewise, a time-chartered vessel should generally not be treated as an asset that produces or is held for the production of “passive income.”
We believe that we were not a PFIC for our 2022 taxable year and we do not expect to be treated as a PFIC in the current or subsequent taxable years. 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 proposed 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 future taxable year if there were to be changes in the nature and extent of our operations.
Our U.S. shareholders may face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and certain information reporting obligations as a result of us being treated as a PFIC. Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders make an election available under the Code (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such
 
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shareholders, as discussed below under “Item 10.E.Taxation — U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders”), such shareholders would be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax at the then-prevailing income tax rates on ordinary income plus interest upon excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of their common shares, as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the shareholder’s holding period of the common shares. See “Item 10.E. Taxation — U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders” for a more comprehensive discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders as a result of our status as a PFIC.
We may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. source income, which would reduce our earnings.
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 deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code.
We believe that we and our subsidiaries qualified for the tax exemption under Section 883 of the Code for our 2022 taxable year. However, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause us to lose the benefit of the exemption and thereby become subject to U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. source shipping income. Due to the factual nature of the issues involved, we may not qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code for any future taxable year.
We are a “foreign private issuer,which could make our common shares less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm our stock price.
We are a “foreign private issuer,” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. As a “foreign private issuer,” the rules governing the information that we disclose differ from those governing U.S. corporations pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. We are not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or provide current reports on Form 8-K disclosing significant events within four days of their occurrence, and we are not required to comply with Regulation FD, which restricts the selective disclosure of material nonpublic information. In addition, our officers and directors are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and related rules with respect to their purchase and sale of our securities. Our exemption from the rules of Section 16 of the Exchange Act regarding sales of common shares by insiders means that you will have less data in this regard than shareholders of U.S. companies that are subject to the Exchange Act. Moreover, we are exempt from the proxy rules, and proxy statements that we distribute will not be subject to review by the Commission. Additionally, we will be permitted to disclose compensation information for our executive officers on an aggregate, rather than an individual, basis because individual disclosure is not required under Marshall Islands law. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning us than there is for other U.S. public companies. We can also issue any number of shares of any class or series without shareholder consent. As a foreign private issuer, however, we are permitted to, and we may, follow home country practice in lieu of certain NYSE requirements. See “Item 6.C. Board Practices.” These exemptions and scaled disclosure requirements are not related to our status as an emerging growth company, and will continue to be available to us even if we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, but remain a foreign private issuer. These factors could make our common shares less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm our stock price.
We could lose our foreign private issuer status under U.S. securities laws. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws as a U.S. domestic issuer may be significantly higher. We would then also be required to file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. We may then also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with good or required governance practices associated with U.S. domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications will involve additional costs. In addition, we would then lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on NYSE that are available to foreign private issuers.
 
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Changing laws and evolving reporting requirements could have an adverse effect on our business.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to reporting requirements, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, may create additional compliance requirements for us. To maintain high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure, we have invested in, and continue to invest in, reasonably necessary resources to comply with evolving standards.
GDPR broadens the scope of personal privacy laws to protect the rights of European Union citizens and requires organizations to report on data breaches within 72 hours and be bound by more stringent rules for obtaining the consent of individuals on how their data can be used. Non-compliance with GDPR may expose entities to significant fines or other regulatory claims which could have an adverse effect on our business, and results of operations.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMMON SHARES AND OUR PROSPECTIVE NYSE LISTING
An active trading market for our common shares listed in the United States may not develop and you may not be able to resell your common shares at or above the price you pay for them, if at all.
While our common shares are traded on Oslo Børs, no public market has previously existed for our common shares in the United States. We also intend to apply to list our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange, or “NYSE.” Any delay in the commencement of trading of our common shares on the NYSE may impair the liquidity of the market for our common shares and make it more difficult for holders to sell their common shares. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for our common shares will develop or be sustained in the United States after our common shares are listed on the NYSE. The lack of an active trading market may also reduce the fair market value of our common shares. We cannot predict the extent to which an active market for our common shares will develop or be sustained after the listing of such securities on the NYSE, or how the development of such a market might affect the market price for our common shares on the Oslo Børs. The price at which our common shares trade on the NYSE may or may not be correlated to the price at which our common shares trade on the Oslo Børs. Our share price may be highly volatile and future sales of our common shares could cause the market price of our common shares to decline.
The NYSE may delist our securities from quotation on its exchange, which could limit the ability of our security holders to trade our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
Our securities are expected to be listed on the NYSE, a national securities exchange. The NYSE minimum listing standards require that we meet certain requirements relating to stockholders’ equity, number of round-lot holders, market capitalization, aggregate market value of publicly held shares and distribution requirements. The average closing price of our common shares over a consecutive 30 trading-day period must be no less than $1.00 per common share. We cannot assure you that our securities will be listed and will continue to be listed on the NYSE in the future. If the NYSE delists our securities from trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:

a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;

a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for us;

a decreased ability for us to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future;

limited liquidity for our shareholders due to thin trading; and

potential breaches of financing arrangements.
The dual listing of common shares is costly to maintain and may adversely affect the liquidity and value of our common shares.
Our common shares trade on Oslo Børs and we also intend to apply to list our common shares on the NYSE. We plan for the foreseeable future to maintain a dual listing, which will generate additional costs, including increased legal, accounting, investor relations, and other expenses that we would not incur prior to the listing of our common shares on the NYSE, in addition to the costs associated with the additional
 
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reporting requirements described elsewhere in this registration statement. We cannot predict the effect of this dual listing on the value of our common shares. However, the dual listing of common shares may dilute the liquidity of these securities in one or both markets and may adversely affect the development of an active trading market for our common shares on the NYSE. The price of our common shares listed on the NYSE could also be adversely affected by trading in common shares on the Oslo Børs.
We will incur increased costs as a result of operating as a company that is both publicly listed on Oslo Børs in Norway and in the United States, and our senior management will be required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives and corporate governance practices.
As a company publicly listed in the United States, and particularly after we no longer qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, we will incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses that we did not incur previously. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the listing requirements of the NYSE and other applicable securities rules and regulations impose various requirements on non-U.S. reporting public companies, including the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and corporate governance practices. Our senior management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, we expect that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, which in turn could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified senior management personnel or members for our board of directors.
However, these rules and regulations are often subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, we will be required to furnish a report by our senior management on our internal control over financial reporting. However, while we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to include an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. To prepare for eventual compliance with Section 404, once we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may be engaged in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which is both costly and challenging. In this regard, we will need to continue to dedicate internal resources, potentially engage outside consultants, adopt a detailed work plan to assess and document the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, continue steps to improve control processes as appropriate, validate through testing that controls are functioning as documented, and implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal control over financial reporting. Despite our efforts, there is a risk that we will not be able to conclude, within the prescribed timeframe or at all, that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as required by Section 404. If we identify one or more material weaknesses, it could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.
Additionally, the SEC recently proposed new rules relating to the climate and ESG-related disclosures in companies’ annual reports and registration statements. The proposed rules would add extensive and prescriptive disclosure items requiring companies, including foreign private issuers, to disclose climate-related risks and certain emissions. In addition, the proposed rules would require the inclusion of certain climate-related financial metrics in a note to companies’ audited financial statements. We are currently assessing this rule but at this time we cannot predict the costs of implementation or any potential adverse impacts resulting from the rule. To the extent this rule is finalized as proposed, we could incur increased costs related to the assessment and disclosure of climate-related risks. In addition, enhanced climate disclosure requirements could accelerate the trend of certain stakeholders and lenders restricting or seeking more stringent conditions with respect to their investments in certain carbon intensive sectors.
Further, being a U.S.-listed company and a Norwegian public company with common shares admitted to trading on Oslo Børs impacts the disclosure of information and requires compliance with two sets of
 
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applicable rules. From time to time, this may result in uncertainty regarding compliance matters and result in higher costs necessitated by legal analysis of dual legal regimes, ongoing revisions to disclosure, and adherence to heightened governance practices. As a result of the enhanced disclosure requirements of the U.S. securities laws, business and financial information that we report is broadly disseminated and highly visible to investors, which we believe may increase the likelihood of threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties, which could, even if unsuccessful, divert financial resources and the attention of our management from our operations.
We are obligated to develop and maintain proper and effective internal controls over financial reporting and any failure to maintain the adequacy of these internal controls may adversely affect investor confidence in our company and, as a result, the value of our common shares.
We will be required, pursuant to Section 404, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the year ending December 31, 2023. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. Our independent registered public accounting firm will not be potentially required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until our first annual report required to be filed with the Commission following the date we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Securities Act.
If we identify future material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or fail to meet our obligations as a public company, including the requirements of Section 404, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results, or report them within the timeframes required by law or stock exchange regulations, and we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which would cause the price of our common shares to decline. Under Section 404, we are required to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and provide a management report as to internal control over financial reporting. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting also could potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC, the NYSE, or other regulatory authorities, or shareholder lawsuits, which could require additional financial and management resources. We cannot assure you that additional material weaknesses will not occur in the future, which could materially adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
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, shareholder litigation, personal injury claims, environmental claims or proceedings, asbestos and other toxic tort claims, property casualty 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.
Furthermore, plaintiffs may in certain of these litigation matters seek class action status with potential class sizes that vary from case to case. Class action lawsuits can be costly to defend, and if we were to lose any certified class action suit, it could result in substantial liability for us. Certain litigation or the resolution thereof may affect the availability or cost of some of our insurance coverage, which could materially and adversely impact us, expose us to increased risks that would be uninsured, and materially and adversely impact our ability to attract directors and officers.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Norwegian krone may increase the risk of holding common shares.
The share price of our common shares is quoted on Oslo Børs in Norwegian krone, while our common shares that we expect will trade on the NYSE will be quoted in U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Norwegian krone may result in differences between the value of our
 
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common shares listed on the respective exchanges and the value of our common shares, which may result in heavy trading by investors seeking to exploit such differences.
The market price of our common shares may in the future be subject to significant fluctuations. Further, there is no guarantee of a continuing public market to resell our common shares.
The market price of our common shares may in the future be subject to significant fluctuations as a result of many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Among the factors that could in the future affect our stock price are:

quarterly variations in our results of operations and those of other public companies in our industry;

our ability to successfully employ our vessels at favorable rates;

changes in market valuations of similar companies and stock market price and volume fluctuations generally;

changes in earnings estimates or the publication of research reports by analysts, or shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts;

speculation in the press or investment community about us, our business or the shipping industry generally;

strategic actions by us or our competitors such as mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings;

the thin trading market for our common shares, which makes it somewhat illiquid;

regulatory developments;

additions or departures of key personnel;

announcements concerning us or our competitors;

terrorist attacks, acts of god, or other force majeure events;

changes in market interest rates;

actions by our shareholders or key stakeholders;

trading volume of our common shares;

litigation, threatened or filed, against us;

public reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements, and our filings;

general market conditions; and

domestic and international economic, market, and currency factors unrelated to our performance.
The stock markets in general, and the markets for shipping and shipping stocks in particular, have experienced extreme volatility that has sometimes been unrelated to the operating performance of individual companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
Additionally, there is no guarantee of a continuing public market to resell our common shares. We cannot assure you that an active and liquid public market for our common shares will continue.
Furthermore, as of the date of this registration statement, Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos, the chairman of our board of directors, and Mr. Themistoklis Alafouzos, the brother of Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos, beneficially own a majority of our outstanding common shares. For further information, see “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders.” Where a substantial percentage of the shares of publicly traded companies are held by a small number of shareholders, the shares may have a lower trading volume than similarly sized publicly traded companies. Until such time that we issue additional securities or members of the Alafouzos family sells all or a portion of their common shares, we may have a lower trading volume than similarly sized companies, which means shareholders who buy or sell relatively small amounts of our common shares could have a disproportionately large impact on our share price, either positively or negatively, and could thus make our share price more
 
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volatile than it otherwise would be. In addition, large blocks of sales by a shareholder, such as Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos or Mr. Themistoklis Alafouzos, may have a negative impact on the trading price of our common shares, especially if there is a lower trading volume of our common shares.
Increases in interest rates may cause the market price of our shares to decline.
An increase in interest rates may cause a corresponding decline in demand for equity investments in general. Any such increase in interest rates or reduction in demand for our shares resulting from other relatively more attractive investment opportunities may cause the trading price of our shares to decline. An increase in SOFR (or any other successor or alternative rate utilized in our financing arrangements), including as a result of the interest rate increases effected by the United States Federal Reserve and the United States Federal Reserve’s recently hike of U.S. interest rates in response to ongoing inflationary pressures and fluctuations, would affect the amount of interest payable under our existing loan agreements, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings, cash flow and ability to pay dividends.
We may rely in part on equity issuances, which will not require shareholder approval, to fund our growth, and such equity issuances could dilute your ownership interests and may depress the market price of our common shares.
We may issue additional common shares or other equity securities of equal or senior rank in the future in connection with, among other things, future vessel acquisitions or repayment of outstanding indebtedness, without shareholder approval, in a number of circumstances.
As part of our business strategy, we may rely in part on issuances of equity or preferred securities, which may carry voting rights and may be convertible into common shares, to fund the growth of our fleet. We may issue such securities in private placements, including to related parties, or in registered offerings.
Our issuance of additional common shares, including upon conversion of convertible securities, or other equity securities of equal or senior rank, or with voting rights, may have the following effects:

our existing common shareholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;

the amount of cash available for dividends payable per common share may decrease;

the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding common share may be diminished; and/or

the market price of our common shares may decline.
If the need for capital arises because of significant losses, the occurrence of these losses may make it more difficult for us to raise the necessary capital. If we cannot raise funds on acceptable terms if and when needed, we may not be able to take advantage of future opportunities, grow our business or respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated requirements, or could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our cash flows, including cash available for distribution to our shareholders.
A possible “short squeeze” due to a sudden increase in demand of our common stock that largely exceeds supply may lead to further price volatility in our common shares.
Investors may purchase our common shares to hedge existing exposure in our common shares or to speculate on the price of our common shares. Speculation on the price of our common shares may involve long and short exposures. To the extent aggregate short exposure exceeds the number of common shares available for purchase in the open market, investors with short exposure may have to pay a premium to repurchase our common shares for delivery to lenders of our common shares. Those repurchases may, in turn, dramatically increase the price of our common shares until investors with short exposure are able to purchase additional common shares to cover their short position. This is often referred to as a “short squeeze.” Following such a short squeeze, once investors purchase the shares necessary to cover their short position, the price of our common shares may rapidly decline. A short squeeze could lead to volatile price movements in our shares that are not directly correlated to the performance or prospects of our company.
 
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Our Chairman and his family have significant influence over us, and control the outcome of many matters on which our shareholders are entitled to vote.
Our Chairman and his brother, Mr. Themistoklis Alafouzos, collectively hold a majority stake in the Company, resulting in them holding a majority of our total voting power, and if the two of them vote in the same manner they can control the outcome of many matters on which our shareholders are entitled to vote, including the election of all of our directors and other significant corporate actions, such as mergers, even if they are opposed by our other shareholders. Such concentration of ownership and our corporate governance mechanisms may discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of a premium for their shares and may reduce the price of our common shares. The interests of Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos, Mr. Themistoklis Alafouzos and the Alafouzos family may differ from your interests, and, therefore, they may vote differently from how other shareholders vote and by virtue of their ownership interest be able to approve matters on behalf of us and our shareholders without the consent of other shareholders. In addition, our articles of incorporation permit the holders of a majority of our shares to act by written consent without a meeting and, therefore, the Alafouzos family, if they vote together, will be able to approve matters on behalf of all of our shareholders without the consent of any other persons or shareholders, or the need to call a shareholders’ meeting.
Anti-takeover provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make it difficult for our shareholders to replace or remove our current board of directors or could have the effect of discouraging, delaying, or preventing a merger or acquisition, which could adversely affect the market price of our common shares.
Several provisions of our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws which we will adopt prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement will contain anti-takeover provisions. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control, and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire our company. However, these anti-takeover provisions could make it difficult for our shareholders to change the composition of our board of directors in any one year, thereby preventing them from changing the composition of our management. In addition, the same provisions may discourage, delay, or prevent a merger or acquisition that some shareholders may consider favorable.
These provisions:

authorize our board of directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock without shareholder approval, including preferred shares with superior voting rights;

limit the persons who may call special meetings of shareholders; and

establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by shareholders at meetings of shareholders.
These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of our shareholders to impose a change in control and, as a result, may adversely affect the market price of our common shares and your ability to realize any potential change of control premium.
Separately, provisions in our credit arrangements prohibit certain changes of control, and such would breach those facilities. A number of our financing agreements require that the Alafouzos family maintain a minimum 35% ownership interest in us, and some of our financing agreements provide that a breach of the financing will occur if Mr. loannis Alafouzos and Mr. Themistoklis Alafouzos cease to control us and, in one instance, if Mr. loannis Alafouzos ceases to be our chairman. In addition, our loan agreement with the National Bank of Greece provides that the acquisition by a person or group of persons acting in concert (directly or indirectly) of more than 34.9% of the ultimate legal or beneficial ownership is a breach of that loan agreement, and certain of our guarantees on our bareboat charters provide that we may not permit certain changes in corporate or ownership structure or permit a new party or parties acting in concert to become owners of, or control, more than 50% of our shares and/or voting rights. These provisions may make it difficult for or prevent any one of more investors from purchasing our shares, which may cause our share price to decline and make resales of shares more difficult.
 
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We are an “emerging growth company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common shares less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. While we have elected to take advantage of some of the reduced reporting obligations, we are choosing to “opt-out” of the extended transition period relating to the exemption from new or revised financial accounting standards. We cannot predict if investors will find our common shares less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common shares and our share price may be more volatile.
In addition, under the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Sarbanes-Oxley, for so long as we are an emerging growth company. For as long as we take advantage of the reduced reporting obligations, the information that we provide to shareholders may be different from information provided by other public companies.
We are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law, and, as a result, shareholders may have fewer rights and protections under Marshall Islands law than under a typical jurisdiction in the United States.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our Articles of Incorporation, as amended and restated, our Bylaws, as amended and restated, 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 Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain United States jurisdictions. Shareholder rights may differ as well. While the BCA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by management, directors, or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a United States jurisdiction.
Our ability to declare and pay dividends to holders of our common shares will depend on a number of factors and will always be subject to the discretion of our board of directors.
If we are not in compliance with our loan covenants and receive a notice of default that we are unable to cure under the terms of our loan covenants, we may be forbidden from issuing dividends. There can be no assurance that dividends will be paid to holders of our shares in any anticipated amounts and frequency or at all. We may incur other expenses or liabilities that would reduce or eliminate the cash available for distribution as dividends, including as a result of the other risks described in “Item 3.D. Risk Factors.”
We may also enter into new financing or other agreements that may restrict our ability to pay dividends even without an event of default, or make it less desirable for us to do so. In addition, we may pay dividends to the holders of our preferred shares prior to the holders of our common shares, depending on the terms of the preferred shares.
The declaration and payment of dividends to holders of our shares will be subject at all times to the discretion of our board of directors. We can provide no assurance that dividends will be paid in the future.
There may be a high degree of variability from period to period in the amount of cash, if any, that is available for the payment of dividends based upon, among other things:

the rates we obtain from our charters as well as the rates obtained upon the expiration of our existing charters;

the level of our operating costs;
 
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the number of unscheduled off-hire days and the timing of, and number of days required for, scheduled drydocking of our vessels;

vessel acquisitions and related financings;

restrictions in our current and future debt arrangements;

our ability to obtain debt and equity financing on acceptable terms as contemplated by our growth strategy;

prevailing global and regional economic and political conditions;

market interest rates;

the effect of governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards on the conduct of our business;

our overall financial condition;

our cash requirements and availability;

the amount of cash reserves established by our board of directors; and

restrictions under Marshall Islands law.
Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus or certain net profits, or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such a dividend. We may not have sufficient funds, surplus, or net profits to make distributions.
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, if any. Our growth strategy contemplates that we might finance any future acquisition of newbuildings or selective acquisitions of vessels through a combination of our operating cash flow and debt financing through our subsidiaries or equity financing. If financing is not available to us on acceptable terms, our board of directors may decide to finance or refinance acquisitions with a greater percentage of cash from operations to the extent available, which would reduce or even eliminate the amount of cash available for the payment of dividends. We may also enter into other agreements that will restrict our ability to pay dividends or make it less desirable for us to do so.
The amount of cash we generate from our operations may differ materially from our net income or loss for the period, which will be affected by non-cash items. We may incur other expenses or liabilities that could reduce or eliminate the cash available for distribution as dividends. As a result of these and other factors such as those mentioned above, we may pay dividends during periods when we record losses and may not pay dividends during periods when we record net income, if we pay dividends at all.
We are a holding company, and we will depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial obligations or to make dividend payments.
We are a holding company and our subsidiaries will conduct all of our operations and own (or charter in) all of our operating assets. Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. has no significant assets other than the equity interests in wholly owned subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to make dividend payments 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 or pay dividends. In addition, our subsidiaries are subject to limitations on the payment of dividends under Marshall Islands law.
It may not be possible for investors to serve process on or enforce U.S. judgments against us.
We and our subsidiaries are incorporated in jurisdictions outside the U.S. and substantially all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries are located outside the U.S. In addition, a number of our directors and officers are non-residents of the U.S., and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non-residents are located outside the U.S. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for U.S. investors to serve process within the U.S. upon us, our subsidiaries or certain of our directors and officers or to enforce a judgment
 
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against us for civil liabilities in U.S. courts. In addition, you should not assume that courts in the countries in which we or our subsidiaries are incorporated or where our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries are located (1) would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us or our subsidiaries based upon the civil liability provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws or (2) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against us or our subsidiaries based on those laws.
The international nature of our operations may make the outcome of any bankruptcy proceedings difficult to predict.
We and our subsidiaries are incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or Liberia, we have limited operations in the United States, and we maintain limited assets, if any, in the United States. 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. The Marshall Islands does not have a bankruptcy statute or general statutory mechanism for insolvency proceedings, and Liberia’s insolvency laws exempt non-resident corporations from its statute. 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 accept, or be entitled to 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. These factors may delay or prevent us from entering bankruptcy in the United States and may affect the ability of our shareholders to receive any recovery following our bankruptcy.
As a Marshall Islands corporation with principal executive offices in Greece and subsidiaries in the Marshall Islands and other offshore jurisdictions, our operations may be subject to economic substance requirements.
The Council of the European Union, or the Council, routinely publishes a list of “non-cooperative jurisdictions” for tax purposes, which includes countries that the Council believes need to improve their legal framework and to work towards compliance with international standards in taxation. On February 14, 2023, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, among others, was placed by the EU on the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for lacking in the enforcement of economic substance requirements. The Marshall Islands has stated that it is of the opinion that it has met its commitments to the Council’s code of conduct group thus far, and the Marshall Islands has confirmed it will continue to work closely with the EU and the Council’s code of conduct group to address any technical concerns of the EU member states. EU member states have agreed upon a set of measures, which they can choose to apply against the listed countries, including increased monitoring and audits, withholding taxes, and non-deductibility of costs, and although we are not currently aware of any such measures being adopted they can be adopted by one or more EU members states in the future. The European Commission has stated it will continue to support member states’ efforts to develop a more coordinated approach to sanctions for the listed countries. EU legislation prohibits certain EU funds from being channeled or transited through entities in non-cooperative jurisdictions.
We are a Marshall Islands corporation with principal executive offices in Greece. Our commercial manager is also a Marshall Islands entity. The Marshall Islands has enacted economic substance regulations with which we may be obligated to comply. Those regulations require certain entities that are not otherwise tax resident elsewhere that carry out particular activities to comply with an economic substance test whereby the entity must show that it (i) is directed and managed in the Marshall Islands in relation to that relevant activity, (ii) carries out core income-generating activity in relation to that relevant activity in the Marshall Islands (although it is being understood and acknowledged by the regulators that income-generated activities for shipping companies will generally occur in international waters), and (iii) having regard to the level of relevant activity carried out in the Marshall Islands, has (a) an adequate amount of expenditures in the Marshall Islands, (b) adequate physical presence in the Marshall Islands, and (c) an adequate number of qualified employees in the Marshall Islands.
If we fail to comply with our obligations under this legislation or any similar law applicable to us in any other jurisdictions, we could be subject to financial penalties and spontaneous disclosure of information to foreign tax officials or with respect to the Marshall Islands economic substance requirements, revocation
 
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of the formation documents and dissolution of the applicable non-compliant Marshall Islands entity or struck from the register of companies in related jurisdictions. Any of the foregoing could be disruptive to our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, and operating results. Accordingly, any implementation of, or changes to, any of the economic substance regulations that impact us could increase the complexity and costs of carrying on business in these jurisdictions, and thus could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We do not know how long the Marshall Islands will remain on the non-cooperative list; what actions the Marshall Islands may take, if any, to remove itself from the list; how quickly the EU would react to any changes in legislation of the Marshall Islands; or how EU banks or other counterparties will react while we or our subsidiaries remain as entities organized and existing under the laws of the Marshall Islands. The effect of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, and any noncompliance by us with legislation adopted by the Marshall Islands to achieve removal from the list, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and operating results.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR TECHNICAL MANAGER AND ITS AFFILIATES
We depend on KMC to manage our business.
We do not have the employee infrastructure to manage our operations. In common with industry practice, our subsidiaries own the vessels in the fleet or charter-in vessels on a bareboat basis from a leasing house, and any contracts to construct newbuildings. KMC provides our day-to-day fleet technical management, such as vessel operations, repairs, insurance consulting, supplies, and crewing. Furthermore, our wholly owned subsidiary OET Chartering Inc. has entered into a shared services agreement with KMC to document the mutual exchange of business support in respect of the management of our vessels by way of corporate, accounting, financial and other operational and administrative services. As a result, we depend upon the continued services provided by KMC.
We derive significant benefits from our relationship with KMC and its affiliated companies, including purchasing discounts to which we otherwise would not have access. We would be materially adversely affected if KMC becomes unable or unwilling to continue providing services for our benefit at the level of quality they have provided such services in the past and at comparable costs as they have charged in the past. If we were required to employ a ship management company other than KMC, we cannot offer any assurances that the terms of such management agreements would be on terms as favorable to the Company in the long term. If KMC suffers material damage to its reputation or relationships it may harm our ability to:

continue to operate our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, and service our customers;

renew existing charters upon their expiration;

obtain new charters;

obtain financing on commercially acceptable terms;

obtain insurance on commercially acceptable terms;

maintain satisfactory relationships with our customers and suppliers; and

successfully execute our growth strategy.
In addition, each of the amended and restated technical management agreements grants KMC a termination right, subject to 30-days’ advance written notice, in the event of a change of control of the relevant ship owning subsidiary (in the event that such change of control has not been consented to by KMC in advance). The amended and restated technical management agreements retain the right to terminate for convenience subject to a 36-month advance written notice, in addition to either party being able to terminate for cause (provided that, unless the cause for termination is KMC’s failure to meet its obligations under the relevant technical management agreement, we are required to continue payment of the management fees thereunder for 36 months from the termination date or, if a notice of termination for convenience has preceded such for cause termination, 36 months from the date of such notice).
 
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KMC is a privately held company and there is little or no publicly available information about it.
The ability of KMC to continue providing services for our and our subsidiaries’ benefit will depend in part on its own financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair its financial strength and because KMC is privately held, it is unlikely that information about KMC’s financial strength would become public. As a result, an investor in our common shares might have little advance warning of problems affecting KMC, even though these problems could have a material adverse effect on us.
Management fees are payable to KMC regardless of our profitability or whether our vessels are employed.
The fees payable to KMC are payable whether or not our vessels are employed, and regardless of our profitability, and we have no ability to require KMC to reduce the fees under such agreements if our profitability decreases. In addition, each of the amended and restated technical management agreements grants KMC a termination right, subject to 30-days’ advance written notice, in the event of a change of control of the relevant ship owning subsidiary (in the event that such change of control has not been consented to by KMC in advance). The amended and restated technical management agreements also retain the right to terminate for convenience subject to a 36-month advance written notice, in addition to either party to the agreements being able to terminate for cause (provided that, unless the cause for termination is KMC’s failure to meet its obligations under the relevant technical management agreement, we are required to continue payment of the management fees thereunder for 36 months from the termination date or, if a notice of termination for convenience has preceded such for cause termination, 36 months from the date of such notice).
Our Chairman is a significant shareholder of KMC, which could create conflicts of interest.
Our Chairman, Ioannis Alafouzos, owns a 50% stake in KMC, with his brother, Themistoklis Alafouzos, owning the other 50% stake. Our Chairman’s interest and position in KMC could create conflicts of interest that could result in losing revenue or business opportunities or increase our expenses. Our Chairman or KMC may take actions that are not in our or our other shareholders’ best interest and conflicts of interest between them and us may arise as a result of their operation of or investment in businesses that compete with us.
The Alafouzos family and KMC may have conflicts of interest between us and KMC’s other clients.
We subcontract the day-to-day technical vessel management of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance, and repair to KMC. Furthermore, our wholly owned subsidiary OET Chartering Inc. has entered into a shared services agreement with KMC to document the mutual exchange of business support in respect of the management of our vessels by way of corporate, accounting, financial and other operational and administrative services. KMC may provide similar services for vessels owned or operated by other shipping companies, and it also may provide similar services to companies with which KMC is affiliated. Notably, KMC provides such services to vessels owned by our Chairman and his brother. These responsibilities and relationships could create conflicts of interest between KMC’s performance of its obligations to us, on the one hand, and KMC’s performance of its obligations to its other clients, on the other hand. These conflicts may arise in connection, among others, with the crewing, supply provisioning, and operations of the vessels in our fleet versus vessels owned or operated by other clients of KMC. In particular, KMC may give preferential treatment or be contractually or otherwise obligated to give preferential treatment to vessels owned or operated by other clients or affiliated companies. In addition, our Chairman and his brother own fleets of ships that are not owned by us and we therefore may be competing for the same charterers or other business opportunities. These conflicts of interest may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
ITEM 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A.   History and Development of the Company
Overview
We are Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., an international shipping company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, pursuant to the BCA, on April 30, 2018. The legislation under which
 
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Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. operates is the BCA, and its registered agent and registered address in the Marshall Islands is The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands, Inc., Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, MH 96960. Our executive offices are currently located at c/o OET Chartering Inc., Ethnarchou Makariou Ave., & 2 D. Falireos St., 185 47 N. Faliro, Greece and our telephone number at that address is +30 210 480 4200. Our website is www.okeanisecotankers.com. The Commission maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information that we and other issuers file electronically at www.sec.gov. Information that is or will be on or accessed through such websites does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this registration statement.
On June 28, 2018, we acquired 15 single-purpose companies and OET Chartering Inc. from Ioannis Alafouzos and Okeanis Marine Holdings S.A., a Marshall Islands corporation controlled by our Chairman, Ioannis Alafouzos, and his brother, Themistoklis Alafouzos. In consideration for the contribution of the vessel-owning entities, newbuilding contract purchasing entities and the chartering entity to us, we issued 15,990,000 of our common shares to Glafki Marine Corp., controlled by the two brothers and which already held 10,000 common shares that were initially issued by us. Glafki Marine Corp. is currently controlled by Ioannis Alafouzos. In July 2022, Glafki Marine Corp. sold 6,646,063 of our common shares to Hospitality Assets Corp., a company controlled by Themistoklis Alafouzos, by way of share exchange in conjunction with Ioannis Alafouzos’ purchase of Themistoklis Alafouzos’ minority shares in Glafki Marine Corp. Following this transaction, the two brothers separated their indirect interests and Ioannis Alafouzos became the sole shareholder of Glafki Marine Corp. Collectively, Glafki Marine Corp. and Hospitality Assets Corp. are majority shareholders in the Company, owning an aggregate of 17,665,000 of its common shares (53.7% of the issued and outstanding shares in the Company), with Ioannis Alafouzos owning another 437,286 of its common shares directly.
In addition, on June 28, 2018, we issued 11,400,000 common shares in a private placement for a subscription price of $8.75 per share for gross proceeds of $99,750,000.
The companies acquired included single-purpose companies owning four of our current Suezmax vessels, the Milos built in 2016 at Sungdong S.M.E. shipyard (“Sungdong”), the Poliegos built in 2017 at Sungdong, the Kimolos built in 2018 at Japan Marine United shipyard (“JMU”), and the Folegandros built in 2018 at JMU.
Our common shares began trading on Euronext Growth (ex-Merkur Market) on July 3, 2018. On March 8, 2019, our shares began trading on Euronext Expand (ex-Oslo Axess) and ceased trading on Euronext Growth. In January 2021, our shares began trading on the Oslo Børs and ceased trading on Euronext Expand.
In September 2018, we took delivery of the newbuilding vessel, Folegandros, a 159,221 dwt Suezmax tanker vessel built at JMU.
In November 2018, we issued 3,910,000 common shares in a private placement for a purchase price of NOK 66 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $30 million.
In February 2019, the Milos was re-financed for $49.1 million through a sale and leaseback transaction.
In April 2019, the Company was granted, at no cost, an option to acquire two Suezmax newbuildings (Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos) under construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries shipyard (“HSHI”) with delivery in the third quarter of 2020 from Okeanis Marine Holdings S.A. controlled by Ioannis Alafouzos.
In May 2019, the Company took delivery of the first VLCC of its newbuilding program with Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard (“HHI”), Nissos Rhenia. The Company’s newbuilding program concerns the order placed to HHI to construct eight Eco-design and scrubber fitted VLCC vessels with delivery dates in 2019, all of which have since been delivered.
Also in May 2019, we conducted a private placement, raising gross proceeds of approximately $15 million through the placement of 1,580,000 new shares at a subscription price of NOK 83 per share.
 
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In June 2019, the Company took delivery of the second VLCC of its newbuilding program with HHI, Nissos Despotiko.
Also in June 2019, the Company entered into an $11.0 million secured loan facility with BNP Paribas in order to finance the installation of scrubbers on six of our vessels.
In July 2019, the Company took delivery of the third and fourth VLCCs of its newbuilding program with HHI, Nissos Santorini and Nissos Antiparos.
In August 2019, the Company took delivery of the fifth VLCC of its newbuilding program with HHI, Nissos Donoussa.
In September 2019, the Company took delivery of the sixth VLCC of its newbuilding program with HHI, Nissos Kythnos.
In October 2019, the Company took delivery of the seventh VLCC of its newbuilding program with HHI, Nissos Keros.
Also in October 2019, the Company exercised its no-cost option to acquire two Eco-design, scrubber-fitted 158,000 DWT Suezmax tankers (Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos) under construction at HSHI to be delivered in September 2020 at a cost of $64.505 million per vessel.
In January 2020, the Company took delivery of the eighth and final VLCC of its newbuilding program with HHI, Nissos Anafi.
In July 2020, the Suezmax vessels Kimolos and Folegandros were re-financed for $42.2 million and $39.2 million, respectively.
Also in September 2020, the Company took delivery of Suezmax vessels Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos. Both vessels entered into three-year time charter contracts upon delivery. In connection with their delivery, the Company entered into a $103.2 million loan facility with the Export-Import Bank of Korea, the BNK Busan Bank, and the BNK Kyongnam Bank.
In May 2021, the Company signed memoranda of agreement (“MoAs”) for the sale of its Aframax/LR2 vessel fleet, comprising three vessels (Nissos Therassia, Nissos Schinoussa and Nissos Heraclea) to an unaffiliated third party for a total of $120.75 million. Nissos Therassia and Nissos Schinoussa were delivered to their new owners in June 2021 and Nissos Heraclea was delivered in August 2021.
In June 2021, the Company signed MoAs for the sale of the VLCC crude tankers, Nissos Santorini and Nissos Antiparos, to an unaffiliated third party for consideration of $180 million. The vessels were delivered to their new owner in the October 2021 and November 2021, respectively.
In June 2021, we entered into an agreement to acquire two Gas Ready (MEc), Eco-design, open loop scrubber-fitted 300,000 DWT VLCC crude tankers (Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria) under construction at HHI (Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria) from entities controlled by Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos for a total consideration of $194 million, funded with a combination of cash, senior secured debt, and senior unsecured debt (“Sponsor Loan”).
In November 2021, our board of directors authorized a share buy-back plan, pursuant to which we were permitted to repurchase up to $5.0 million of our outstanding common shares in the open market. This plan remains in effect. As of the date hereof, we have purchased 181,809 shares at an average price of NOK71.68, or $8.34 per share for a total amount of $1,515,670.
In March 2022, we took delivery of the newbuilding VLCC, Nissos Kea from HHI.
In April 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Okeanis Marine Holdings S.A., an entity controlled by Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos, regarding the acquisition of VLCC vessels Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria. Under the agreement, the loaned amount of $17.6 million for each vessel, bears a fixed interest cost of 3.5% per annum and is payable at our sole discretion, up to any date two years from the vessels’ delivery.
 
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In May 2022, we signed our first sustainability linked loan (“SLL”) that includes customary environmental clauses which are linked to pricing. For further information, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Credit Facilities and Financing Obligations — $125.7 Million Secured Term Loan Facility”. Gross proceeds from the transaction were $125.7 million which were used towards the refinancing of debt outstanding in connection with the financing of the VLCC vessels Nissos Kythnos and Nissos Donoussa, and for general corporate purposes.
In June 2022, we took delivery of Nissos Nikouria, the second newbuilding VLCC from HHI.
On July 18, 2023, the Company declared its option to purchase back the Suezmax vessel Milos, from its sale and lease back financier in February 2024. The company intends to finance the transaction through proceeds from a new debt facility for the vessel, to be explored in due course.
B.   Business Overview
We are an international owner and operator of a modern, fuel-efficient Eco fleet of 14 tanker vessels, comprising six modern Suezmax tankers and eight modern VLCC tankers, focusing on the transportation of crude oil. Our vessels are built in line with Eco standards that consume less bunker fuel than conventional tanker vessels, are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems (“scrubbers”) and are built to comply with regulations for ballast water treatment. Our fleet has a carrying capacity of approximately 3.5 million deadweight tons and an average age of 4.0 years as of June 30, 2023. Certain of our vessels are owned by us directly and others are owned by finance leasing houses and bareboat chartered back to us (with an option for us to repurchase the vessels at certain times).
The following table lists the vessels in our fleet as of November 1, 2023:
Vessel Name
Year
Built
Dwt
Flag
Yard
Type of
Employment
Milos
2016 157,525
Marshall Islands
Sungdong
Spot
Poliegos
2017 157,525
Marshall Islands
Sungdong
Spot
Kimolos
2018 159,159
Marshall Islands
JMU
Spot
Folegandros
2018 159,221
Marshall Islands
JMU
Spot
Nissos Sikinos
2020 157,447
Marshall Islands
HSHI
Time Charter
Nissos Sifnos
2020 157,447
Marshall Islands
HSHI
Time Charter
Nissos Rhenia
2019 318,953
Marshall Islands
HHI
Spot
Nissos Despotiko
2019 318,953
Marshall Islands
HHI
Spot
Nissos Donoussa
2019 318,953
Marshall Islands
HHI
Spot
Nissos Kythnos
2019 318,953
Marshall Islands
HHI
Spot
Nissos Keros
2019 318,953
Marshall Islands
HHI
Spot
Nissos Anafi
2020 318,953
Marshall Islands
HHI
Spot
Nissos Kea
2022 300,323
Marshall Islands
HHI
Spot
Nissos Nikouria
2022 300,323
Marshall Islands
HHI
Spot
We strategically monitor developments in the tanker industry on a regular basis and, subject to market demand, will seek to enter into shorter or longer time or bareboat charters according to prevailing market conditions.
We will compete for charters on the basis of price, vessel location, size, age, and condition of the vessel, as well as on our reputation as an operator. We will arrange our time charters and bareboat charters through the use of brokers, who negotiate the terms of the charters based on market conditions. Ownership of tankers is highly fragmented and is divided among major oil companies and independent vessel owners.
The Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos are on time charter and are expected to be redelivered to us during the fourth quarter of 2023.
 
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Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that we possess a number of competitive strengths, including:
Experienced Management Team with an Established Track Record.   We believe that our management team has extensive shipping, crude oil tanker, operational, and financial experience, and has developed a broad network of relationships with major oil companies, major financing institutions in Europe and Asia, capital markets experts, shipping brokers, major shipyards, and other stakeholders in the shipping industry. We believe that these relationships will assist us in maintaining, developing and, expanding relationships with our customers, allow us to source necessary capital to address our future needs, and execute on our strategy.
Modern, Fuel-Efficient Fleet.   We own (or bareboat charter in) and operate a modern, high-quality fleet of Eco-design vessels. All the vessels in our modern fleet are fleet built in line with “ECO” standards, consume less bunker fuel than conventional tanker vessels, are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems, known as scrubbers, and comply with regulations for ballast water treatment. We believe that owning, maintaining, and operating what we believe to be a high-quality fleet reduces off-hire time and operating costs, improves safety and environmental performance, and provides us with a competitive advantage in securing employment for our vessels.
Demonstrated access to financing.   We believe that we have developed strong relationships with leading international commercial banks and other financial institutions. Particularly during the global outbreak of COVID-19, we demonstrated our ability to access financing, through traditional bank debt and sale and leaseback arrangements, to refinance certain of the vessels in our fleet on attractive terms. We believe that our ability to access financing will continue to allow us to capture additional market opportunities when they arise by allowing us to act swiftly and decisively.
The Alafouzos family’s longstanding relationships in the shipping industry.    The Alafouzos family has an extensive network of relationships with major energy companies, suppliers, shipyards, shipbrokers, financial institutions, and other key participants throughout the shipping industry. The Alafouzos family collectively currently beneficially owns a majority of our outstanding common shares, and we believe that so long as the Alafouzos family owns a significant interest in us, they will have incentives to facilitate the implementation of our strategy and will continue to provide us access to these key relationships and other resources.
Our Business Strategies
Our primary objective is to optimize our earnings within the given market environment and conditions leveraging from our young, fuel efficient and scrubber-equipped fleet with a view to crystallize value for our shareholders. The key elements of our current strategy are:
Optimize our chartering strategy as a pure-play Eco scrubber-fitted tanker owner and operator to maximize earnings:   As one of the world’s largest pure Eco scrubber-fitted tanker companies with a current operating fleet of 14 vessels, as of December 31, 2022, we intend to employ our fleet primarily in the spot market, where we believe we are able to capture the full benefits of lower fuel oil costs afforded to us by our Eco scrubber-fitted fleet and optimize earnings from voyage to voyage. Our senior management, in combination with our technical manager, has built relationships with many well-known charterers, which we believe is the result of our reputation for reliable service, safety, and dependability. Through a combination of spot charters and fixed-period time charters, KMC has historically provided services to many national, regional, and international oil companies, charterers, and oil traders, including Shell, BP, ExxonMobil, Petrobras, ConocoPhillips, Total, Glencore, Unipec, Vitol, Trafigura, Chevron and Hellenic Petroleum. We focus on the needs of our customers and intend to acquire tankers and upgrade our fleet based on the requirements and specifications of our charterers, which we believe will enable us to obtain repeat business from our customers.
Selective fleet renewal and growth through opportunistic acquisitions of young, Eco vessels at attractive points in the cycle:   If market conditions continue to improve, we may look to opportunistically renew our fleet by replacing older vessels that have higher maintenance and survey costs and lower operating efficiencies with newer vessels that have lower operating costs, fewer maintenance and survey requirements, lower fuel
 
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consumption and overall enhanced commercial attractiveness to our charterers. We may also opportunistically acquire high-quality vessels at attractive prices that are accretive to our cash flow. When evaluating acquisitions, we will consider and analyze, among other things, our expectations of fundamental developments in the tanker shipping industry sector, the level of liquidity in the resale and charter market, the cash flow earned by the vessel in relation to its value, its condition and technical specifications with particular regard to fuel consumption, expected remaining useful life, the credit quality of the charterer and duration and terms of charter contracts for vessels acquired with charters attached, as well as the overall diversification of our fleet and customers. We believe that these circumstances combined with our management’s knowledge of the shipping industry may present an opportunity for us to continue to grow our fleet at favorable prices that would enhance shareholder value.
Maintain a strong balance sheet through optimization of use of leverage:   We have a wide range of financing sources both in terms of geographical location and structure through the use of senior secured loans and finance leases. We intend to optimize use of leverage over time, even though we may have the capacity to obtain additional financing. Charterers have increasingly favored financially solid vessel owners, and we believe that our balance sheet strength will enable us to access more favorable chartering opportunities, as well as give us a competitive advantage in pursuing vessel acquisitions from commercial banks and shipyards, which in our experience have recently displayed a preference for contracting with well-capitalized counterparties. We are in close contact with our financiers and our management team frequently evaluates opportunities to refinance existing debt facilities on better terms.
Maintain competitive costs and safeguard high quality standards:   We continuously monitor our operating, voyage, and general and administrative costs and strive to be as lean and efficient as possible, without sacrificing the safety, security, quality and environmental standards of our fleet and our operations. Our experienced and skilled technical management team, as well as our competent crews on board, work hard to maintain and exceed the quality standards of our customers and other constituents, as well as to ensure the health, safety and security of our people on the vessels, and to minimize the impact of our operations on the environment.
Environmental, Social, and Governance, or ESG, Practices.   We, together with our technical managers, have been monitoring relevant data for sustainability and ESG according to internationally accepted standards. Consistent with our commitments towards ESG initiatives, we issued our inaugural ESG Report for 2021 to inform our shareholders of certain of our goals, actions, and performance with respect to ESG issues. The 2021 ESG Report (which is not incorporated by reference herein) was prepared in accordance with the internationally accepted Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) for Marine Transportation and covers various sustainability aspects, which provide relevant information about ESG issues and includes information regarding our emissions (and certain metrics with respect thereto). We also ascribe to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which guide our operations, and recognize the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
KMC designed and developed in-house a Vessel Monitoring & Performance System (VMPS), an innovative monitoring tool which we believe is capable of meeting current and future GHG regulatory and compliance requirements. The VMP KMC system monitors fuel capacity and emissions in real-time while providing valuable information through instant reports. KMC, recognizing the need to develop management tools to assist in managing the ongoing environmental performance of its ships, has issued a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), in order to monitor and measure the Company’s ships and fleet efficiency performance. The SEEMP identifies energy-saving measures which have been undertaken as well as the necessary measures that can be adopted to further improve the ship’s energy efficiency providing specific tools to assess their effectiveness.
Management of Our Fleet
We have entered into management agreements with OET Chartering Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary) as commercial manager of our vessels and with KMC as our technical manager.
KMC provides our vessels with a wide range of shipping services, such as technical support, crew management, maintenance, and insurance consulting in exchange for a daily fee of $900 per vessel, which is reflected under management fees in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive
 
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income. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, total technical management fees incurred from KMC amounted to $4,381,200 and $5,425,200, respectively. If required by KMC, the daily fee may be increased in line with the relevant annual inflation rates. Each technical management agreement for each vessel can be terminated by either party at any time for cause, including by reason of the other party’s failure to meet its obligations under the agreement or if we sell the vessel or upon the vessel’s loss. Furthermore, KMC has the right to terminate each technical management agreement, subject to 30-days’ advance written notice, in the event of a change of control of the relevant ship-owning entity without KMC’s consent. In each case, unless the cause for termination is KMC’s failure to meet its obligations under the relevant technical management agreement, we are required to continue payment of the management fees thereunder for 36 months from the termination date (or, if a notice of termination for convenience has preceded such for cause termination, 36 months from the date of such notice). The agreement can also be terminated by either party for convenience by giving notice to the other party, following which the agreement shall terminate upon the expiration of 36 months from the date on which notice is received.
On November 1, 2023, our wholly owned subsidiary OET Chartering Inc. entered into a shared services agreement with KMC to document the mutual exchange of business support in respect of the management of our vessels by way of corporate, accounting, financial and other operational and administrative services. The consideration between OET Chartering Inc. and KMC in respect of such mutual services is net off against each other, meaning that there is no additional fee payable. The agreement may be terminated by either party thereto (i) for cause, immediately upon written notice or (ii) for any reason, upon two months’ written notice.
OET Chartering Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides commercial management of all of the vessels in our fleet and employs our on-shore employees. We pay OET Chartering Inc. a daily management fee of $600 per vessel, but if the actual expenses of OET Chartering Inc. are higher, an additional amount will be paid.
Employment of Our Fleet
We currently seek to employ our vessels primarily in the spot market, which we believe allows us to capture the full benefit of lower fuel oil costs afforded to us by our Eco-design, scrubber-equipped, fleet. Depending on market conditions, we may also employ our vessels on time charters. Vessels operating on time charters may be chartered for several months or years, whereas vessels operating in the spot market typically are chartered for a single voyage that may last up to three months. Vessels operating in the spot market may generate increased profit margins during periods of improving tanker rates, while vessels operating on time charters generally provide more predictable cash flows. We actively monitor market conditions and changes in charter rates in managing the deployment of our vessels between spot market voyage charters and time charters.
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 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 but may enable us to capture increased profit margins during periods of improvements in tanker rates.
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 seasonality of the spot market business, which is typically weaker in the second and third quarters of the year. In the future, we may opportunistically look to enter our vessels into time charter contracts.
 
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Customers
Our customers during the last three years include national, regional, and international companies. Customers individually accounting for more than 10% of our revenues during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were:
Customer
2022
2021
2020
A
18% 13% 17%
B
14% 11% 16%
C
11% 14%
Total 43% 24% 47%
Seasonality
Historically, oil trade and, therefore, charter rates increased in the winter months and eased in the summer months as demand for oil and oil products in the northern hemisphere rose in colder weather and fell in warmer weather. The tanker industry, in general, has become less dependent on the seasonal transport of heating oil than a decade ago as new uses for oil and oil products have developed, spreading consumption more evenly over the year. This is most apparent from the higher seasonal demand during the summer months due to energy requirements for air conditioning and motor vehicles. This seasonality may affect operating results. However, to the extent that our vessels, or any vessels we may acquire, are chartered at fixed rates on a long-term basis, seasonal factors will not have a significant direct effect on our business.
Environmental and Other Regulations
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 and other vessels we may acquire 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 (and other vessels we may acquire) to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. These entities include the local port authorities (applicable national authorities such as the United States Coast Guard, or USCG, harbor master, or equivalent), classification societies, flag state administrations (countries of registry), terminal operators, and charterers. Certain of these entities require us to obtain permits, licenses, certificates, and other authorizations for the operation of our vessels and other vessels we may acquire. 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 and other vessels we may acquire.
Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for vessels that conform to stricter environmental standards. We are required to maintain operating standards for our vessels and other vessels we may acquire 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 and other vessels we may acquire. 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 IMO, the United Nations agency for maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by vessels, has adopted the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by
 
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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, or SOLAS Convention, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or STCW, and the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, or LL Convention. MARPOL establishes environmental standards relating to oil leakage or spilling, garbage management, sewage, air emissions, the 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 divided into six Annexes, each of which regulates a different source of pollution. Annex I relates to oil leakage or spilling; Annexes II and III relate to harmful substances carried in bulk in liquid or in packaged form, respectively; Annexes IV and V relate to sewage and garbage management, respectively; and Annex VI, lastly, relates to air emissions.
Since 2014, the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee, or the MEPC, amendments to MARPOL Annex I Condition Assessment Scheme, have required 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 January 2023, amendments to the ESP Code relating to thickness measurements at the first renewal survey of double hull oil tankers became effective. We may need to make certain financial expenditures to comply with these amendments.
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 our vessels are currently compliant in all material respects with these regulations.
The 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. Effective January 1, 2020, there has been a global limit of 0.5% m/m sulfur oxide emissions (reduced from 3.50%). This limitation can be met by using low-sulfur compliant fuel oil, alternative fuels, or certain exhaust gas cleaning systems (referred to as “scrubbers” or “EGCS”. Ships are required to obtain bunker delivery notes and International Air Pollution Prevention, or IAPP, Certificates from their flag states that specify sulfur content. Additionally, at MEPC 73, amendments to Annex VI to prohibit the carriage of bunkers above 0.5% sulfur on ships became effective on March 1, 2020. Fuels with higher sulfur content than required by Reg. 14 of Annex VI can still be delivered to a ship, provided the ship uses equivalent measures, such as an EGCS, pursuant to Regulation 4. Additional amendments to Annex VI revising, among other terms, the definition of “Sulphur content of fuel oil” and “low-flashpoint fuel” and pertaining to the sampling and testing of onboard fuel oil, became effective in April 2022. These regulations subject ocean-going vessels to stringent emissions controls and may cause us to incur additional costs, which cannot currently be reasonably estimated.
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%. 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 Sea area. Ocean-going vessels in these areas will be subject to stringent emission controls and may cause us to incur additional costs. Furthermore, in December 2022, the Committee adopted Resolution MEPC.361(79) establishing a new ECA for the Mediterranean Sea as a whole. These amendments will enter into force on May 1, 2024, however, ships operating in this ECA will be exempted from compliance with the 0.10% m/m sulfur content standard for fuel oil until July 1, 2025. Ocean-going vessels in these areas will be subject to stringent emission controls and ocean-going vessels trading in ECAs are subject to increased operational costs due to the significantly higher price of the fuel with very low Sulphur
 
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content (0.1%m/m) or due to the additional cost entailed by the use of an EGCS. 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, or 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. Now Annex VI provides for a three-tier reduction in NOx emissions from marine diesel engines, with the final tier (or Tier III) to apply to engines installed on vessels constructed on or after January 1, 2016, and which operate in the North American ECA or the U.S. Caribbean Sea ECA, as well as ECAs designated in the future by the IMO. 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 2009. Additionally, amendments to Annex II, which strengthen discharge requirements for cargo residues and tank washings in specified sea areas (including North West European waters, Baltic Sea area, Western European waters, and Norwegian Sea), came into effect in January 2021.
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, or 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, or EEDI. Under these measures, by 2025, all new ships built will be 30% more energy efficient than those built in 2014. Additionally, MEPC 75 adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI which brought forward the effective date of the EEDI’s “phase 3” requirements from January 1, 2025, to April 1, 2022, for several ship types, including gas carriers, general cargo ships, and LNG carriers.
Additionally, MEPC 76 adopted amendments to Annex VI, which impose new regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The revised Annex VI entered into force in November 2022 and includes requirements to assess and measure the energy efficiency of all ships and set the required attainment values, with the goal of reducing the carbon intensity of international shipping. The requirements include (1) a technical requirement to reduce carbon intensity based on a new Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (or EEXI), and (2) operational carbon intensity reduction requirements based on a new operational carbon intensity indicator (or CII). The attained EEXI is required to be calculated for ships of 400 gross tonnage and above, in accordance with different values set for ship types and categories. With respect to the CII, taking effect from January 1, 2023, ships of 5,000 gross tonnage are required to document and verify their actual annual operational CII achieved against a determined required annual operational CII. All ships that fall under the new CII regime will have to have a CII rating of C or above from 2023 in order to be compliant. Ships that have a CII rating of D for three consecutive years or E for one year are required to submit a corrective action plan, to show how the required index (C or above) would be achieved or else they will be deemed non-compliant. The EEXI and CII certification requirements came into effect on January 1, 2023.
Additionally, MEPC 76 adopted amendments requiring ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above to revise their SEEMP to include methodology for calculating the ship’s attained annual operation CII and the required annual operational CII on or before June 1, 2023. MEPC 76 also approved amendments to MARPOL Annex I to prohibit the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil (or HFO) by ships in Arctic waters on and after July 1, 2024. For ships subject to Regulation 12A (oil fuel tank protection), the prohibition becomes effective on or after July 1, 2029.
We may incur costs to comply with these revised standards, although it is difficult to predict any such costs. Additional or new conventions, laws, and regulations may be adopted that could require the installation
 
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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, or 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, or 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 (or recognized organization on behalf of the flag administration), under the ISM Code. We have obtained applicable documents of compliance for our offices and safety management certificates for our vessels as required by the IMO. The documents of compliance and safety management certificate 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, and from July 1, 2016 with respect to new oil tankers and bulk carriers. 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, or 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, or 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 which 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. Amendments to the IMDG Code relating to segregation requirements for certain substances, and classification and transport of carbon came into effect in June 2022.
The IMO has also adopted the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or 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 recognized organizations, which have incorporated SOLAS and STCW requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance, and to conduct ISM audits.
Furthermore, recent actions by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee and United States agencies indicate that cybersecurity regulations for the maritime industry are likely to be further developed in the
 
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near future in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats. For example, effective January 2021, cyber-risk management systems must be incorporated by shipowners and managers. 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 the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention, in 2004. The BWM Convention entered into force on September 9, 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.
Specifically, 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. 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 (or BWMS), 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). Pursuant to the BWM Convention amendments that entered into force in October 2019, BWMS installed on or after October 28, 2020, shall be approved in accordance with BWMS Code, while BWMS installed before October 23, 2020, must be approved taking into account guidelines developed by the IMO or the BWMS Code. As of October 23, 2019, MEPC 72’s amendments to the BWM Convention took effect, requiring all ships to meet the D-2 standard by September 8, 2024. Costs of compliance with these regulations may be substantial. 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. Amendments to the BWM Convention concerning commissioning testing of BWMS and the form of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate became effective in June 2022. All of our vessels have Ballast Water Treatment Systems that ensure compliance with the new environmental regulations.
The IMO adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as amended by different Protocols in 1976, 1984, and 1992, and amended in 2000, the CLC. Under the CLC and depending on whether the country in which the damage results is a party to the 1992 Protocol to the CLC, a vessel’s registered owner may be strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain exceptions. The 1992 Protocol changed certain limits on liability expressed using the International Monetary Fund currency unit, the Special Drawing Rights. The limits on liability have since been amended so that the compensation limits on liability were raised. The right to limit liability is forfeited under the CLC where the spill is caused by the shipowner’s actual fault and, under the 1992 Protocol, where the spill is caused by the shipowner’s intentional or reckless act or omission where the shipowner knew pollution damage would probably result. The CLC requires ships over 2,000 tons covered by it to maintain insurance covering the liability of the owner in a sum equivalent to an owner’s liability for a single incident. We have protection and indemnity insurance for environmental incidents. P&I Clubs in the International Group issue the required Bunkers Convention “Blue Cards” to enable signatory states to issue certificates. We will ensure that our vessels are in possession of a CLC State issued certificate attesting that the required insurance coverage is in force as required by law.
The IMO also adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or the Bunker Convention, to impose strict liability on ship owners (including the registered
 
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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,” which entered into force in September 2008 and 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 our vessels that are subject to the Anti-fouling Convention. MEPC 76 adopted amendments to the Anti-fouling Convention to include controls on the biocide cybutryne; ships may not apply cybutryne or re-apply anti-fouling systems containing that substance. In addition, ships are required to remove or apply a coating to anti-fouling systems with cybutryne, at the next scheduled renewal of the anti-fouling system after January 1, 2023.
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 (and other authorities in a number of countries) have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code by applicable deadlines will be prohibited from trading in U.S., European Union (and other countries’) ports, respectively. As of the date of this registration statement, our vessels are 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, or OPA, established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and clean-up 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, or 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:
 
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(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 clean-up costs. Effective December 23, 2022, 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 $1,300 per gross ton or $1,076,000 (subject to periodic adjustment for inflation); the USCG adjusted the limits of OPA liability for a tank vessel, other than a single-hull tank vessel, over 3,000 gross tons liability to the greater of $2,500 per gross ton or $21,521,000 (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 related to hazardous substances (which include petroleum products that are contaminated with hazardous substances) whereby owners and operators of vessels are liable for clean-up, 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 refuses 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, or BSEE, revised Production Safety Systems Rule, or PSSR, effective December 27, 2018, modified and relaxed certain environmental and safety protections under the 2016 PSSR. Additionally, the BSEE released a final
 
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Well Control Rule, which eliminated a number of provisions that could affect offshore drilling operations. In 2022, revisions to the Well Control rule were proposed which may affect offshore drilling operations and cause us to incur additional costs to comply. Compliance with any new requirements of OPA and future legislation or regulations applicable to the operation of our vessels and other vessels we may acquire could negatively 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. We intend 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 billion per incident for each of our vessels. If the damages from a catastrophic spill were to exceed our insurance coverage, that 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), or 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 and other vessels we may acquire.
The U.S. Clean Water Act, or 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,” or WOTUS, thereby expanding federal authority under the CWA. In April 2020, the EPA and Department of the Army published the Navigable Waters Protection Rule to finalize a revised WOTUS definition, which rule became effective in June 2020. However, in light of a court order issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona on August 30, 2021, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are interpreting WOTUS consistent with the pre-2015 regulatory regime. On December 30, 2022, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the final revised WOTUS rule, which was published on January 18, 2023 and became effective on March 20, 2023. The revised WOTUS rule replaces the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule and generally reflects an expansion of the CWA jurisdiction.
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 and other vessels we may acquire 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 and other vessels we may acquire 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, or VIDA, which was signed into law on December 4, 2018, and requires that the USCG develop implementation, compliance and enforcement regulations regarding ballast water. On October 26, 2020, the EPA published a Notice of Proposed rulemaking for Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance under VIDA, and in November 2020, held virtual public meetings, but a final rule has not been promulgated. Under VIDA, all provisions of the VGP 2013 and USCG ballast water regulations remain in force and effect as currently written until the EPA publishes standards. Current Coast Guard ballast water management regulations adopted under the U.S. National Invasive Species Act, or NISA, require 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. Until new USCG
 
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regulations are final and enforceable, 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, or 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 and other vessels we may acquire or the implementation of other port facility disposal procedures at potentially substantial cost or may otherwise restrict our vessels and other vessels we may acquire 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 April 29, 2015, (amended by Regulation (EU) 2016/2071 with respect to methods of calculating, inter alia, emission and consumption) 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. As of January 2019, large ships calling at EU ports have been required to collect and publish data on carbon dioxide emissions and other information. The system entered into force on March 1, 2018. July 2020 saw the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety vote in favor of the inclusion of vessels of 5,000 gross tons and above in the EU Emissions Trading System (in addition to voting for a revision to the monitoring, reporting, and verification of CO2 emissions). In September 2020, the European Parliament adopted the proposal from the European Commission to amend the regulation on monitoring carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport.
On July 14, 2021, the European Commission published a package of draft proposals as part of its ‘Fit for 55’ environmental legislative agenda and as part of the wider EU Green Deal growth strategy. There are two key initiatives relevant to maritime arising from the Proposals: (a) a bespoke emissions trading scheme for the maritime sector (Maritime ETS), which is due to commence in 2024 and which is to apply to all ships above a gross tonnage of 5,000; and (b) a FuelEU regulation, which seeks to require all ships above a gross tonnage of 5,000 to carry on board a ‘FuelEU certificate of compliance’ from June 30, 2025, as evidence of compliance with the limits on the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy used on-board by a ship and with the requirements on the use of on-shore power supply (OPS) at berth. More specifically, Maritime ETS is to apply gradually over the period from 2024-2026. 40% of allowances would have to be surrendered in 2025 for the year 2024; 70% of allowances would have to be surrendered in 2026 for the year 2025; 100% of allowances would have to be surrendered in 2027 for the year 2026. Compliance is to be on a companywide (rather than per ship) basis and “shipping company” is defined widely to capture both the ship owner and any contractually appointed commercial operator/ship manager/charterer. The cap under the ETS would be set by taking into account EU MRV system emissions data for the years 2018 and 2019, adjusted, from year 2021 and is to capture 100% of the emissions from intra-EU maritime voyages; 100% of emissions from ships at berth in EU ports and 50% of emissions from voyages which start or end at EU ports (but the other destination is outside the EU). The European Commission has also signaled that 100% of non-EU emissions may be caught if the IMO does not introduce a global market-based measure by 2028. In addition, the MRV system is also being revised such that the scope of ships to be monitored will now extend to those that are 400GT and more. The reason for this is because the ETS will apply to ships that are between 400GT and 5000GT from circa 2027. Furthermore, the newly passed EU Emissions Trading Directive 2023/959/EC makes clear that all maritime allowances would be auctioned and there will be no free allocation. 78.4 million emissions allowances are to be allocated specifically to maritime. From a risk management perspective, new systems, personnel, data management systems, costs recovery mechanisms, revised service agreement terms and emissions reporting procedures will have to be put in place, at significant cost, to prepare for and manage the administrative aspect of ETS compliance.
 
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Responsible recycling and scrapping of ships is becoming an increasingly important issue for shipowners and charterers alike as the industry strives to replace old ships with cleaner, more energy efficient models. The recognition of the need to impose recycling obligations on the shipping industry is not new. In 2009, the IMO oversaw the creation of the Hong Kong Ship Recycling Convention (the “Hong Kong Convention”), which sets standards for ship recycling. Concerned at the lack of progress in satisfying the conditions needed to bring the Hong Kong Convention into force, the EU published its own Ship Recycling Regulation 1257/2013 (SRR) in 2013, with a view to facilitating early ratification of the Hong Kong Convention both within the EU and in other countries outside the EU. Bangladesh is expected to ratify the Hong Kong Convention in June 2023. If his takes place then the Convention will finally enter into force. Parties to the Convention will then have two years to implement the requirements of the Convention in their respective jurisdictions and ensure that the highest possible ship recycling standards and in well run and green ship recycling yards are created/maintained. In the meantime, since the Hong Kong Convention will come into force on June 26, 2025, the 2013 regulations are vital to responsible ship recycling in the EU. SRR requires that, from December 31, 2020, all existing ships sailing under the flag of EU member states and non-EU flagged ships calling at an EU port or anchorage must carry on board an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) with a certificate or statement of compliance, as appropriate. For EU-flagged vessels, a certificate (either an Inventory Certificate or Ready for Recycling Certificate) will be necessary, while non-EU flagged vessels will need a Statement of Compliance.
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. Since January 1, 2015, vessels have been required to burn fuel with sulfur content not exceeding 0.1% while within EU member states’ territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and pollution control zones that are included in “Sox Emission Control Areas.” EU Directive (EU) 2016/802 establishes limits on the maximum sulfur content of gas oils and heavy fuel oil and contains fuel-specific requirements for ships calling at EU ports.
EU Directive 2004/35/CE (as amended) regarding the prevention and remedying of environmental damage addresses liability for environmental damage (including damage to water, land, protected species, and habitats) on the basis of the “polluter pays” principle. Operators whose activities caused the environmental damage are liable for the damage (subject to certain exceptions). With regard to specified activities causing environmental damage, operators are strictly liable. The directive applies where damage has already occurred and where there is an imminent threat of damage. The directive requires preventative and remedial actions, and that operators report environmental damage or an imminent threat of such damage.
On 10 November 2022, the EU Parliament adopted the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”). EU member states have 18 months to integrate it into national law. The CSRD will create new, detailed sustainability reporting requirements and will significantly expand the number of EU and non-EU companies subject to the EU sustainability reporting framework. The required disclosures will go beyond environmental and climate change reporting to include social and governance matters (for example, respect for employee and human rights, anti-corruption and bribery, corporate governance and diversity and inclusion). In addition, it will require disclosure regarding the due diligence processes implemented by a company in relation to sustainability matters and the actual and potential adverse sustainability impacts of an in-scope company’s operations and value chain. The CSRD will begin to apply for financial years starting in 2024 to large EU and non-EU undertakings subject to certain financial and employee thresholds being met. New systems, personnel, data management systems and reporting procedures will have to be put in place, at significant cost, to prepare for and manage the administrative aspect of CSRD compliance.
A new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“CSDD”) has also been proposed as part of the Fit for 55 Package and establishes a corporate due diligence duty. The aim of this Directive is to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behavior and to anchor human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ operations and corporate governance. The new rules will ensure that businesses address
 
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adverse impacts of their actions, including in their value chains inside and outside Europe. The CSDD is also to apply to large companies. New systems, personnel, data management systems and reporting procedures will have to be put in place, at significant cost, to prepare for and manage the administrative aspect of CSDD compliance which will likely commence from 2025 onwards.
International Labor Organization
The International Labor Organization, or the ILO, is a specialized agency of the UN that has adopted the Maritime Labor Convention 2006, or 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 above 500 gross tons in international trade. Additionally ships subject to MLC 2006 must display a certificate confirming insurance or other financial security for liabilities for seafarer wages and repatriation and compensation for death and long-term disability. We believe that 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 (this task having been delegated to the IMO), 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 United States rejoined the Paris Agreement in February 2021.
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 Energy-Efficiency Design Index for new ships (while the Ship Energy-Efficiency Management Plan is mandatory for all vessels); (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 emission levels, 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.
At the MEPC 80 in July 2023 and pursuant to the new Revised Strategy — Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, a net zero GHG emissions target has been agreed to be reached by or around 2050. In addition, new interim targets have been agreed to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping in 2030 (by at least 20%) and 2040 (by at least 70%) compared to 2008. Furthermore, MEPC 80 has agreed on a level of ambitions relating to an alternative fuel target increase of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources to represent at least 5% (striving for 10%) of the aggregate energy used by international shipping by 2030.
As noted above, the 70th MEPC meeting in October 2016 adopted a mandatory data collection system (DCS) that requires ships above 5,000 gross tons to report consumption data for fuel oil, hours under way, and distance traveled. Unlike the EU MRV (see below), the IMO DCS covers any maritime activity carried out by ships, including dredging, pipeline laying, ice-breaking, fish-catching, and off-shore installations. The SEEMPs of all ships covered by the IMO DCS must include a description of the methodology for data collection and reporting. After each calendar year, the aggregated data are reported to the flag state. If the data have been reported in accordance with the requirements, the flag state issues a statement of compliance to the ship. Flag states subsequently transfer this data to an IMO ship fuel oil consumption database,
 
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which is part of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) platform. IMO will then produce annual reports, summarizing the data collected. Thus, currently, data related to the GHG emissions of ships above 5,000 gross tons calling at ports in the European Economic Area (EEA) must be reported in two separate, but largely overlapping, systems: the EU MRV, which applies since 2018, and the IMO DCS, which applies since 2019. The proposed revision of Regulation (EU) 2015/757 adopted on February 4, 2019, aims to align and facilitate the simultaneous implementation of the two systems, although it is still not clear when the proposal will be adopted.
IMO’s MEPC 76 adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI that will require ships to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The Revised MARPOL Annex VI entered into force on November 1, 2022. The revised Annex VI includes carbon intensity measures (requirements for ships to calculate their Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)) following technical means to improve their energy efficiency and to establish their annual operational carbon intensity indicator and rating. MEPC 76 also adopted guidelines to support implementation of the amendments.
In 2021, the EU adopted a European Climate Law (Regulation (EU) 2021/1119), establishing the aim of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 2050, with an intermediate target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. In July 2021, the European Commission launched the Fit for 55 (described above) to support the climate policy agenda. As of January 2019, large ships calling at EU ports have been required to collect and publish data on carbon dioxide emissions and other information.
In the United States, the EPA issued a finding that greenhouse gases endanger the public health and safety, adopted regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain mobile sources, and proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary sources. The EPA or individual U.S. states could enact environmental regulations that could negatively affect our operations. On November 2, 2021, the EPA issued a proposed rule under the CAA designed to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas sources. In November 2022, the EPA issued a supplemental proposal that would achieve more comprehensive emissions reductions and add proposed requirements for sources not previously covered. The EPA held a public hearing in January 2023 on the proposal and anticipates issuing a final rule by the end of 2023.
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 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, or 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 Facilities Security Code, or 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, or ISSC, from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel’s flag state. Ships operating without a valid certificate will be 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
 
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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 negative financial impact on us. All the vessels in our fleet 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, Arabian Sea area and the West Africa area including the Gulf of Guinea. 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 and negatively affect our business. Costs may be incurred in taking additional security measures in accordance with Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy, notably those contained in the BMP5 industry standard.
Surveys 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 constructed on or after July 1, 2015. The Rules attempt to create a level of consistency between IACS Societies. Our vessels are certified as being “in class” by her Classification Society (i.e., American Bureau 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 twice per 5-year period, and the interval between any two inspections shall not exceed 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.
 
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Hull & Machinery and War Risks Insurances
We maintain marine hull and machinery and war risks insurances, which include the risk of actual or constructive total loss, for each of our vessels. Under our hull and machinery policy there is also cover for damage to fixed and floating objects and claims arising from collisions with other vessels. Each of our vessels is covered up to at least its fair market value with a deductible that ranges from $130,000 to $250,000 depending on each vessel’s market value, per incident. We also maintain increased value coverage for our vessels. Under this increased value coverage, in the event of total loss of a vessel, we will be able to recover the sum insured under the increased value policy in addition to the sum insured under the hull and machinery policy. Increased value insurance also covers excess liabilities which are not recoverable under our hull and machinery policy by reason of under insurance. So far, we do not maintain insurance against loss of hire, which covers business interruptions that result in the loss of use of a vessel.
Protection and Indemnity Insurance
Protection and indemnity insurance, provided by mutual protection and indemnity associations, or P&I Associations, covers our third-party liabilities in connection with our shipping activities. This includes third-party liability and other related expenses of injury, illness or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances, 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 coverage limit is as per International Group’s rules, where there are standard sub-limits for oil pollution at $1 billion, passenger liability at $2 billion and seamen liabilities at $3 billion. 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 in excess of each association’s own retention of $10 million up to, currently, approximately $8 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 and other vessels we may acquire. 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 as planned. 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 in the future.
The International Shipping Industry
The information and data contained in this registration statement relating to the international marine transportation industry have been provided by, and are attributed to, Braemar and are taken from Braemar’s database and other sources. Braemar has advised that: (a) some information in Braemar’s database is derived from estimates or subjective judgments; (b) the information in the databases of other maritime data collection agencies may differ from the information in Braemar’s database; and (c) while Braemar has taken reasonable care in the compilation of the statistical and graphical information and believes it to be accurate and correct, data compilation is subject to limited audit and validation procedures.
Overview
Maritime shipping is the most cost-effective way of moving large volumes of raw materials and finished goods around the world. Shipping demand has grown alongside increased global economic activity, population expansion, and the growing importance of international trade. Oil — whether in its crude or
 
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its refined form — is one of the main commodities moved by sea, with only a very small share moved across borders in pipelines. The following market review focuses on the crude tanker sector.
Revenue for vessels engaged in the ocean transportation of crude oil derives from daily freight rates. Since 2021, one of the least profitable years for the sector, freight rates have increased substantially mainly due to constructive supply and demand fundamentals. In particular, the combination of i) increased global oil demand at levels higher than those prior to the COVID 19 pandemic, ii) only moderate fleet supply growth, measured in DWT carrying capacity, favoured by the lowest ratio of orderbook versus fleet over the last 20 years, and iii) longer voyage distances amid changing oil trading patterns.
Oil demand in non-OECD countries, particularly China and India, accounts for the largest share of today’s oil demand growth. A growing share of Asian oil demand is being satisfied by exports from the Atlantic basin. This trend was apparent before the COVID-19 pandemic and has accelerated since. This has increased the distances over which oil must be transported, and with it the need for shipping capacity. Meanwhile, a lack of ordering of new tonnage in recent years has increased the average age of the tanker fleet, and the need for fleet renewal.
Global Crude & Condensate Loadings: West vs East of Suez
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_global-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking / Vortexa
Tanker demand is driven largely by world and regional economic growth, regional demand for oil, and changes in local oil production and storage. Tanker demand, and the choice of tanker size, is also influenced by port loading restrictions, and the time it takes to transport oil from origin to destination. This in turn is affected by the distance sailed, and steaming speeds, but also by congestion and the occasional employment to store oil. Most crude oil is transported by VLCC and Suezmax tankers.
 
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Oil Imports and Economic growth (% change yoy)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_oilimports-4clr.jpg]
Source: IMF / Energy Institute
Crude oil trade grew from 33.8 million barrels per day, or b/d, in 2001 to 45.5 million b/d in 2019 — the year before COVID-19 related lockdowns curtailed oil demand globally. Much of this growth has come from China, where crude oil imports rose from 1.2 million b/d in 2001 to 11.2 million b/d in 2020.
Global Crude Oil Imports (million b/d) — Seaborne & Overland
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Source: Energy Institute
After an initial surge in floating storage demand and concurrent spike in tanker freight rates, the loss of oil demand resulting from mobility restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic led to softer tanker freight rates. As restrictions were lifted and economic activity returned, tanker freight rates improved. Strong freight
 
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rates of recent months have benefitted further from the lengthening of voyages of Russian oil following Europe’s ban on Russian oil imports at the end of 2022 and early 2023.
Time charter rates and asset values for VLCCs and Suezmaxes have benefitted alike from recent market tailwinds. Second hand values for 5-year-old VLCCs have risen from $61 million at the start of 2021 to $96 million in October 2023. Suezmax 5-year-old prices have risen from $42 million to $75 million over the same period. Newbuilding prices have witnessed similar inflation. The average one-year time charter rate for a modern eco-design VLCC was $49,000/day in October 2023, up from $26,000/day at the start of 2022. The equivalent rate for Suezmax tankers rose from $21,000/day to $49,000/day over the same period.
Today’s historically small orderbook for new tankers, an ageing tanker fleet, and a broadly held expectation of global oil demand growth notably from China and India, are supportive of continued freight market strength. However, rising interest rates and geopolitical tensions have added uncertainty to the demand outlook.
Oil Demand Growth 2001-2022 with IEA forecast to 2024 (as of October 2023)
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Source: IEA
 
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OECD Crude Oil Stocks (January 2007 – August 2023)
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Source: IEA
Oil supply and demand
Despite efforts to mitigate their impact on climate change, fossil fuels continue to make up approximately 80% of world energy consumption, with the balance satisfied by renewables, hydro and nuclear power. Oil’s share of the energy mix, although lower than in 2000, accounted for more than 32% in 2022. Growth in renewables and natural gas demand have largely filled the gap. However, the IEA still expects global oil demand to grow in coming years, particularly in China and other developing countries. While gasoline demand may have reached its peak due to the rapid adoption of electric cars, oil demand growth is likely to be driven by aviation, industrial demand, and petrochemicals.
Although Asian oil demand has grown rapidly in recent years, developing countries such as China and India still consume a fraction of the oil per capita used by developed countries such as the U.S.
 
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Oil Consumption per capita in 2022
(Gigajoules)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_consumption-4clr.jpg]
Source: Energy Institute / World Bank (population)
A country’s energy mix is typically defined by its access to fossil fuels. China, for instance, has plentiful supplies of coal, but relatively little oil. Coal use in the broader Asia Pacific region makes up a higher proportion of total energy consumed than, for instance, the Middle East, which can call upon abundant oil and natural gas supplies. A country’s oil import requirement, or export surplus, is therefore a function of oil’s importance in its energy mix, the growth of domestic energy demand as well as changes in domestic oil supply.
 
69

 
Primary Energy Consumption by Fuel in 2022 (Exajoules)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_fuel-4clr.jpg]
Source: Energy Institute
Energy Consumption by Fuel in 2022 (Exajoules)
Oil
Natural
Gas
Coal
Nuclear
energy
Hydro
electric
Renew -
ables
US 36.2 31.7 9.9 7.3 2.4 8.4
Europe 28.7 18.0 10.1 6.7 5.3 11.1
UK
2.7 2.6 0.2 0.4 0.1 1.4
CIS
9.1 19.8 4.9 2.1 2.3 0.1
Middle East
18.0 20.2 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.3
Africa 8.4 5.9 4.0 0.1 1.5 0.5
Asia Pacific
69.6 32.7 130.5 6.7 17.9 20.2
China
28.2 13.5 88.4 3.8 12.2 13.3
Japan
6.6 3.6 4.9 0.5 0.7 1.5
India
10.1 2.1 20.1 0.4 1.6 2.2
World 190.7 141.9 161.5 24.1 40.7 45.2
World % share
32% 23% 27% 4% 7% 7%
Source: Energy Institute
 
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World Oil Production (million b/d)
Million barrels per day
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
North America
13.9 14.3 15.6 17.0 18.9 19.8 19.3 20.2 22.6 24.4 23.5 24.0 25.3
S. & Cent. America
7.4 7.5 7.4 7.4 7.7 8.0 7.6 7.3 6.7 6.3 5.9 5.9 6.4
Europe
4.3 3.9 3.6 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.4 3.1
CIS(1) 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.8 13.9 14.0 14.2 14.3 14.6 14.7 13.5 13.9 14.0
Middle East
25.6 28.0 28.4 28.1 28.4 29.9 31.7 31.2 31.6 30.0 27.7 28.1 30.7
Africa
10.2 8.5 9.3 8.6 8.2 8.1 7.6 8.1 8.3 8.4 6.9 7.3 7.0
Asia Pacific
8.5 8.3 8.4 8.3 8.3 8.4 8.1 7.8 7.6 7.7 7.5 7.4 7.3
Total World
83.3 84.0 86.2 86.6 88.7 91.7 92.0 92.5 94.9 95.0 88.6 90.1 93.8
Source: Energy Institute
Countries can import oil in its crude form and refine it locally, or as finished products. Where a country’s refining capacity exceeds domestic needs, a refined product surplus is available for export. In some instances, specific grades can be overproduced by refineries in the process of meeting demand for other products. Older refineries typically have less flexibility to adjust product slates to match domestic consumption patterns. For example, Europe exports surplus gasoline to the U.S. and elsewhere while it imports diesel.
World Oil Consumption (million b/d)
Million barrels daily
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
North America
22.9 22.6 22.2 22.6 22.6 23.0 23.1 23.3 23.8 23.7 20.9 22.7 23.5
S. & Cent. America
5.9 6.1 6.3 6.5 6.5 6.4 6.2 6.2 6.0 5.9 5.2 5.8 6.2
Europe
15.4 14.9 14.4 14.2 14.0 14.4 14.7 15.0 14.9 14.9 13.0 13.6 14.1
CIS
3.6 3.9 4.1 4.1 4.2 4.1 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.2 4.4 4.6
Middle East
7.8 8.1 8.5 8.7 8.9 8.9 9.2 9.3 9.2 8.9 8.2 8.7 9.5
Africa
3.4 3.4 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.9 4.0 4.0 4.1 3.6 4.0 4.2
Asia Pacific
27.7 28.4 29.6 30.1 30.6 32.1 33.3 34.5 35.4 36.0 34.0 35.1 35.3
Total World
86.7 87.4 88.7 90.0 90.7 92.7 94.5 96.5 97.7 98.0 89.1 94.4 97.3
OECD
46.0 45.3 44.9 45.0 44.6 45.2 45.8 46.3 46.6 46.3 40.8 43.7 45.1
Non-OECD
40.7 42.1 43.7 45.0 46.1 47.5 48.7 50.2 51.1 51.6 48.3 50.7 52.2
Source: Energy Institute
 
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Refining Capacity by Region (b/d)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_refining-4clr.jpg]
Source: Energy Institute
Countries generally build refineries to support domestic demand. The addition of refining capacity over the years has therefore tended to go hand in hand with economic growth. In the 1960s and 70s most new refinery capacity was added in OECD countries. Since the 1980s, refinery capacity expansion has shifted its focus to Asia Pacific, benefiting crude oil trade distances, while Europe in particular has seen many older refineries mothballed or converted to biodiesel production or storage hubs.
Global Refining Capacity (million b/d)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
North America
21.1 21.0 21.4 21.5 21.4 21.8 22.1 22.1 22.3 22.6 21.8 21.5 21.6
S. & Cent. America
6.6 6.5 6.0 6.2 6.4 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.4 6.4 6.6 6.4 6.2
Europe
17.4 17.2 16.3 15.9 15.7 15.7 15.5 15.5 15.7 15.7 15.6 15.1 15.0
CIS
7.1 7.3 7.4 7.9 8.0 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.1 8.3 8.3 8.5 8.5
Middle East
8.2 8.2 8.3 8.7 9.0 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.8 10.2 10.3 10.3 10.8
Africa
3.3 3.6 3.6 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.3
Asia Pacific
30.4 31.3 32.4 33.2 33.8 33.3 33.5 33.8 34.7 35.5 35.9 36.3 36.2
China
12.3 13.0 13.7 14.5 15.3 15.0 14.9 15.2 15.7 16.2 16.7 17.0 17.3
India
3.7 3.8 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.6 4.7 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
Source: Energy Institute
 
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Inter-Country Oil Trade (incl. Pipeline)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_oiltrade-4clr.jpg]
Source: Energy Institute
In some instances, notably in the Middle East, countries have built refineries to capture value added by refining oil locally and exporting refined products. Other countries, like India, have built highly sophisticated refineries expressly for the purpose of importing (mostly) short-haul crude oil and exporting longer-haul refined products. The ratio of seaborne crude trade to seaborne refined product trade today is 62:38.
Main Tanker Trades by Cargo Type — all tanker sizes — 2020 – 2023
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_tanker-4clr.jpg]
Source: Vortexa.
DPP = Dirty Petroleum Products; CPP = Clean Petroleum Products
 
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Crude Oil Tanker Demand: 2016-2022
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
CAGR 2016 – 2022
Seaborne Crude imports (m b/d)
40.6 41.9 42.0 41.1 38.2 38.0 39.3 -0.50%
Tonne-miles generated (bn)
9,600 10,087 10,382 10,390 9,699 9,198 9,847 0.42%
Average laden voyage (days)
16.7 16.5 16.8 16.8 17.9 17.5 17.0 0.32%
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Tankers and seaborne crude oil trade
Oil tankers have been transporting oil around the world since the late 1880s. The size of oil tankers has increased over time as construction techniques have evolved and both volumes and distances have risen.
After World War II, a typical oil tanker was about 162 metres long and had a capacity of 16,500 dwt. By the late 1960s, shipowners were building tankers of over 200,000 dwt. The world’s largest tanker, built in 1979, was 564,763 dwt with a length overall of 458.45 metres. However, while larger tankers offered greater economies of scale, they were restricted in the number of ports and terminals they could use. As the complexity of international oil trading has increased, different sizes of tankers have emerged to specialise in particular trades and regional markets.
Global Oil on the Water (OoW) (January 2016 to June 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_globaloil-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Before the nationalisation of Middle Eastern oil sector in the 1950s, most oil was refined close to the well, and exported as refined products. Losing access to Middle Eastern refineries encouraged the main consuming countries to build their own refineries and import oil in an unrefined state. Periodic closures of the Suez Canal boosted the distance that this crude oil needed to move, encouraging the use of larger tankers, while smaller tankers came to dominate shorter-haul trades. Today, almost all crude oil is transported on vessels that are larger the 84,000 dwt — Aframaxes (and LR2s), Suezmaxes and VLCCs.
 
74

 
‘000 DWT
Total Fleet
(ships)
Trading Fleet
(ships)
Capacity
(m DWT)
% DWT
On Order
(ships)
On Order
(DWT)
% of
trading
fleet – June
2023
VLCC
200+
894 862 266 52% 12 3.6 1.4%
Suezmax / LR3
124.5 – 200
655 592 93 18% 39 6.1 6.6%
Aframax / LR2
84.5 – 124.5
1121 1059 117 23% 106 12.5 10.0%
Panamax / LR1
53.5 – 84.5
447 430 32 6% 12 0.9 2.8%
3117 2943 508 100% 169 23.2
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
NB. LR2 is a coated Aframax, LR3 is a coated Suezmax. Coated tanks allow vessels to carry clean refined products like gasoline and naphtha.
 
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Tanker capacity by vessel size band (1,000 DWT)
(Orange bars = coated tanks, Black bars = uncoated tanks)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_tankercapacity-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
 
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Type of Oil Moved by Ship Sizes
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Crude
95.6%
95.4%
95.8%
95.2%
95.2%
96.2%
96.9%
VLCC
DPP
3.7% 3.8% 3.1% 3.4% 3.8% 3.0% 2.7%
CPP 0.7% 0.8% 1.1% 1.4% 1.0% 0.9% 0.4%
Crude
91.8%
90.6%
90.5%
90.4%
91.8%
89.0%
90.3%
Suezmax / LR3
DPP
7.4% 8.2% 8.2% 8.0% 6.7% 9.1% 7.9%
CPP 0.8% 1.2% 1.4% 1.6% 1.5% 1.9% 1.8%
Crude
72.7%
72.3%
71.7%
71.6%
73.0%
70.3%
70.0%
Aframax / LR2
DPP
13.8% 13.8% 13.5% 13.8% 14.1% 13.8% 13.2%
CPP 13.5% 14.0% 14.9% 14.6% 12.8% 15.9% 16.8%
Crude
19.1%
20.9%
20.3%
20.0%
20.4%
17.2%
15.7%
Panamax / LR1
DPP
23.9% 23.2% 22.2% 21.7% 22.4% 22.3% 21.6%
CPP 57.0% 55.9% 57.6% 58.3% 57.2% 60.5% 62.8%
DPP = Dirty Petroleum Products, e.g. Fuel Oil
CPP = Clean Petroleum Products, e.g. Diesel, gasoline
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Load Region Share of total Liftings by Vessel Size (January – June 2023)
Crude oil share of total volume
VLCC
Suezmax/LR3
Aframax/LR2
VLCC
Suezmax/LR3
Aframax/LR2
Baltic
0% 5% 14% 100% 75% 71%
B Sea
0% 13% 10% 95% 78%
Caribbs
3% 8% 10% 97% 94% 94%
EC N America
0% 0% 3% 100% 97%
EC S America
3% 6% 1% 100% 83% 53%
Korea / Japan
0% 0% 1% 50% 0%
Med / N Africa
0% 6% 10% 100% 94% 69%
Mid East
73% 29% 13% 98% 83% 22%
NW Europe
1% 2% 8% 82% 77% 87%
R Sea
3% 1% 1% 100% 81% 3%
Rus FE
0% 1% 8% 0% 90% 0%
SE Asia
0% 1% 7% 50% 16% 51%
USG
7% 8% 8% 100% 99% 96%
W Africa
8% 17% 1% 97% 98% 100%
WC N America
0% 0% 1% 100% 100% 62%
Other
0% 0% 2%
Total
98% 89% 57%
Source: Braemar Shipbroking / Vortexa
 
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Discharge Region Share of total Liftings by Vessel Size (January – June 2023)
Crude oil share of total volume
VLCC
Suezmax/LR3
Aframax/LR2
VLCC
Suezmax/LR3
Aframax/LR2
Oz/NZ
0% 0% 1% 100% 100% 70%
Caribbean
0% 3% 2% 90% 88% 76%
China
39% 7% 11% 99% 88% 72%
EC N America
0% 5% 4% 100% 99% 83%
EC S America
0% 2% 1% 89% 94% 71%
India
9% 15% 11% 99% 94% 90%
Korea/Japan
23% 2% 6% 97% 98% 13%
Med/N Africa
1% 24% 19% 95% 98% 81%
Mid East
1% 2% 4% 94% 49% 38%
NW Europe
5% 19% 19% 98% 93% 70%
R Sea
4% 1% 2% 100% 71% 4%
S Africa
0% 1% 0% 100% 85% 0%
SE Asia
11% 10% 9% 97% 56% 25%
Taiwan
4% 0% 1% 100% 20% 6%
USG
1% 3% 7% 95% 77% 86%
WC N America
2% 3% 2% 100% 84% 76%
WC S America
0% 2% 0% 100% 93%
Other
1% 1% 1% 68% 67% 21%
Total
98% 89% 66%
Source: Braemar Shipbroking / Vortexa
Principal Suezmax and VLCC routes and load areas so (January – June 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: mp_principal-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
 
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VLCC:   the largest class of tankers in use today. VLCCs ply the longest-haul routes to India and East Asia from the Middle East, but also from West Africa and, increasingly, from the US Gulf. Terminal restrictions in the US Gulf mean that VLCCs sometimes use Aframaxes and Suezmaxes to load cargo via ship to ship (STS) transfer. This can take about 8 days longer than direct loading from a terminal. VLCCs loading in the US Gulf typically head to Europe, the Far East, Southeast Asia, and India. VLCCs can move partially loaded and in ballast through the Suez Canal but cannot pass through the Panama Canal. In 2022, roughly three quarters of all VLCC liftings were out of the Middle East / Red Sea region (notably from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Iran, Oman, and Qatar), although this share had fallen to just over 70% in the year to June 2023 due to OPEC production cuts. VLCC activity has grown in the US Gulf over the past few years as charterers have capitalised on the lower cost per tonne offered by the biggest ships. Increased activity has also been seen in Brazil and West Africa (notably in Angola and to a lesser extent in Nigeria), although West Africa has struggled to meet its export targets recently. The top destination for VLCC cargoes is China. This is followed by Japan, India, and South Korea. China’s share of total cargo discharged from VLCCs has grown from 28% in 2016 to 40% in the year to October 2023. The share accounted for by US imports has fallen from roughly 8% to 3% over the same period. In 2022, VLCCs almost exclusively transported crude oil. Less than 2% of the shipments were for fuel oil or clean refined products (on maiden voyages only).

Suezmax / LR3:   like VLCCs, Suezmaxes are mostly used to transport crude oil (89% of total cargo in January to June 2023). Fuel oil cargoes added around 8% of cargo transported. Clean petroleum products made up 1.5% of total Suezmax cargo — either on maiden voyages or on a handful of tankers with tank coatings (LR3s) able to carry the more aggressive clean refined products. Although the Middle East (mostly Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) remains the most important load region for Suezmaxes, these vessels are more prevalent in the Atlantic basin compared to VLCCs. A quarter of Suezmax liftings in 2022 were from the Middle East with cargoes mainly transported to India, the Mediterranean (notably Spain, Italy, and France) and Southeast Asia. West Africa (notably Nigeria and Angola) is the second most important load region for Suezmaxes, accounting for about 17% of total liftings in 2022. Recent OPEC production cuts have reduced Middle Eastern Suezmax liftings — particularly as India has replaced crude sourced from the Middle Eastern imports with crude from Russia. Nigeria has seen volumes drop due to oil theft and poor infrastructure. The US Gulf has expanded rapidly as a centre for Suezmax liftings in recent years, with exports principally heading to Europe. Crude exports from the Black Sea and the Baltic, together accounting for 22% of all Suezmax liftings in 2022, are transported principally to India. With export terminals in the Baltic, the Black Sea and the Far East, Russia is the main origin country for Suezmax cargoes, growing from around 5% to 8% of all liftings from 2016 to 2022. The Caribbean region (notably Colombia and East Coast Mexico) has also grown in importance over the past few years. Liftings from the East Coast of South America (notably Brazil) have grown in recent years, but exports have dropped slightly in the past year. India has increased its dominance as the main destination for Suezmax cargoes, up from around 13% of all cargoes discharged in 2016 to nearly 17% in 2022. The U.S. has declined in importance from around 11% to 8% of total cargo discharged by Suezmaxes over the same period. Suezmaxes can move fully laden through the Suez Canal, and due to new locks added in 2016 can pass through the Panama Canal with only minor modifications.

Aframax / LR2:   generally considered to be the workhorse of the shorter-haul crude tanker market. What the Aframax lacks in economies of scale relative to bigger ships, it makes up for in the wider range of ports and terminals it can call. Today, Aframax-sized tankers are typically classed as either Aframax or LR2, depending on whether they are equipped to carry refined products. Tank coating — typically epoxy — on LR2s costs roughly $2  – $2.5 million. Freight rates for vessels carrying crude oil and refined product markets can differ. Tank coating therefore allows LR2 owners to switch between clean and dirty trades depending on the relative strength of each market. In the year to May 2023, 68% of cargo transported by Aframax-sized tankers (including LR2s) has been crude oil. Another 12% has been dirty petroleum products (e.g. fuel oil), and 20% has been clean petroleum products. Most Aframax fuel oil trade originates in Russia, and to a lesser extent Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Most LR2 CPP cargoes load in the Middle East (split between naphtha and diesel) and Russia (traditionally mostly naphtha but recently more diesel).
 
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Over the past decade the share of LR2s active in crude oil and dirty refined products trades has averaged 42% but has fluctuated between 65% and 32% during times of extreme relative market dislocation. Most dirty-trading LR2s lie at the older end of the age spectrum. The longer an LR2 has been trading dirty, the less likely it is to move back into clean refined product trades. This process of ‘cleaning up’ can involve discounting the vessel’s charter hire to attract ‘clean-up’ cargoes, such as clean condensates. LR2s are therefore unlikely to switch between clean and dirty trades after only a few fixtures. Load regions for dirty cargoes are even more diverse for Aframaxes than they are for Suezmaxes, giving them better opportunities to triangular trade. The Baltic (mostly Russian ports) is the Aframax/LR2s top load region, accounting for around 15% of all Aframax/LR2 dirty liftings in 2022. The top route plied by dirty-trading Aframax/LR2s in 2022 was from Russian Black Sea ports to the Mediterranean (notably Italy and to a lesser extent France and Spain), followed by liftings from the Caribbean (mostly Venezuela) to the US Gulf. The next biggest bilateral flows were from Russian Far East (ESPO exports) to China. Intra-Northwestern Europe and intra-Mediterranean are also important Aframax routes. Aframaxes are also busy with liftings from Baltic ports to Northwestern Europe (notably Norway and the UK), India, and the Mediterranean, and from the Middle East into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. The Middle East (mostly Saudi Arabia and UAE) was the second most important load region for Aframaxes in 2022, accounting for 19% of all liftings. Next biggest are the Black Sea, followed by the Mediterranean / North Africa region (notably Libya and to a lesser extent Algeria), the Caribbean (mainly Venezuela), the USG, Russian Far East, then Southeast Asia. A decline of the Caribbean (mostly Venezuelan) exports on Aframaxes over the past few years has been offset by the growth of US Gulf liftings. The top Aframax/LR2 discharge areas were the Mediterranean (mainly Italy, France and Spain), followed by Northwestern Europe (mainly the Netherlands and the UK), China, the US Gulf, India and Southeast Asia (mainly Singapore). The U.S. has shrunk in importance as an Aframax destination in recent years, from around 18% to 14% of total discharge volume. Both China and India have grown in importance as destinations for crude oil moved on Aframaxes (including LR2s), up from around 7% and 3% respectively in 2016 to 13% and 12% respectively in the year to October 2023.

Panamax / LR1:   the bulk of the world’s crude oil is transported in vessels larger than Panamaxes. But in some regions, notably the Caribbean and the West Coast of South and Central America, Panamaxes are still relied on to transport crude oil and dirty petroleum products. This is a legacy of the old Panama Canal locks that until 2016 could only accommodate up to Panamax-sized ships. The uncoated Panamax fleet is small and ageing. Fleet growth in the Panamax sector stopped in the 1980s. Since then almost all Panamaxes have been built with coated tanks (LR1s) to move clean products.
Tanker Supply
The availability of tankers to transport oil is determined by the balance between older ships being removed from the fleet, and new tankers being added. Between delivery and re-cycling (or conversion), supply can be influenced by steaming speed, drydocking, port congestion, government-led sanctions or vessel layup. Ships can also be denied specific work by their cargo history, or charterer preference for younger ships. Charterers in the crude tanker space typically prefer to contract vessels not older than 15 years of age.
Some regions can have port or environmental restrictions that can further tighten the availability of tonnage. The Baltic region, for instance, requires tankers to have hull strengthening to load cargoes when the sea freezes in winter. Such vessels are certified as ‘ice class’.
 
80

 
Crude-capable fleet growth (number of ships)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_crudecapable-4c.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Age profile of VLCC and Suezmax Fleet
VLCC
Age (Years)
0 – 4
5 – 9
10 – 14
15 – 19
20 – 24
25 – 29
Total
# of ships
252 172 262 132 66 1 885
% FoW (No.)
28% 19% 30% 15% 7% 0% 100%
Suezmax
Age (Years)
0 – 4
5 – 9
10 – 14
15 – 19
20 – 24
25 – 29
Total
# of ships
131 114 187 107 57 3 599
% FoW (No.)
22% 19% 31% 18% 10% 1% 100%
Source: Braemar Shipbroking

VLCC:   as of June 2023, there were 885 VLCCs in the fleet. 47% of the fleet was under 10 years old, 23% was over 15 years old and 7% was over 20 years old. Of those 894 ships, 27 generally older vessels were not active in the spot market, being used instead mostly for long-term floating storage. 412 trading VLCCs were fitted with exhaust scrubbers that allow them to burn high sulphur fuel oil, which has historically been cheaper that alternatives like marine gasoil or very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), and 250 vessels were both equipped with a scrubber and are built up to ECO standards. So far 13 VLCCs had been built with dual fuel engines that allow them to burn lower carbon-emitting LNG as well as VLSFO.

Suezmax / LR3:   as of June 2023, there were 655 Suezmax-sized tankers in the fleet, of which 59 were dedicated to ‘shuttle’ trades. Shuttle tankers transport crude between oil fields and shore terminals and rarely compete on spot trades. The ‘trading’ Suezmax fleet comprised 599 Suezmaxes, 41% of which were under 10 years old, 29% were over 15 years old, and 11% were over 20 years old. Within the Suezmax fleet, 21 vessels had coated tanks (LR3s) allowing them to move CPP beyond their maiden voyage. Despite the coatings, LR3s are still mostly engaged in the crude oil trade. 55% of their cargo in 2022 was crude oil, 33% clean petroleum products, and 12% fuel oil. In June 2023, nearly 30% of the Suezmax fleet was fitted with exhaust scrubbers, and just three ships could burn LNG in their engines. 111 Suezmax tankers were both equipped with scrubbers and were built up to ECO standards.

Aframax / LR2:   both Aframax (uncoated) and LR2 (coated) fleets entered a rapid growth phase at the turn of the century. The pace of Aframax growth tailed off after the financial crisis and only returned to its 2012 peak size in 2020. As of June 2023, there were 703 Aframaxes and 418 LR2s in
 
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the fleet. 28 of these were shuttle tankers and were therefore excluded from the count of ‘trading’ ships. A further 16 older Aframaxes and 10 LR2s were engaged in restricted trades (coastal trades or floating storage, for instance), leaving a total of 651 Aframaxes and 406 LR2s available for international oil shipments. Just under 30% of Aframaxes were under 10 years old and 12% were over 20 years old. The LR2 fleet is younger, with nearly half of the fleet under 10 years old and only 4% over 20 years old. In June 2023, 30% of LR2s and 18% of Aframaxes were fitted with exhaust scrubbers, allowing them to burn cheaper high sulphur fuel oil at sea. Just 21 Aframaxes and 14 LR2s were equipped to burn LNG in their engines.
Tanker Newbuilding Ordering
Strong tanker freight markets during the commodity supercycle encouraged investors to build up an order book that at one point represented between 60% and 70% of the existing crude-capable tanker fleets, depending on the vessel size. Since then, apart from a brief pickup in ordering activity during the tanker market rally of 2015/2016, investors have shown ordering restraint. The orderbook today represents between 2% for VLCCs and 6% for Suezmaxes and 10% (for Aframax/LR2s) of the existing fleet.
Orderbook as % of existing Fleet (average annual)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_crude-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
The ‘orderbook schedule’ represents the approximate timing of the delivery of newbuilding orders already placed. By June 2023, shipyard capacity to build tankers had largely been filled for delivery in 2025, and fresh orders are now looking at 2026 delivery. The delivery schedule for 2023 and 2024 is light by historical standards. This is partly because of competition for yard space from other shipping sectors, namely LNG and Container. The pace of deliveries is likely to pick up in 2025. Yards can take more orders for delivery in 2026 and beyond.
China and South Korea build most of today’s crude tankers. China has now overtaken South Korea as the main builder of VLCCs and Aframax/LR2s, while the Suezmax orderbook is split equally between the two. Japan still represents 18% of the Suezmax orderbook and builds between 5% and 6% of Aframax/LR2s and VLCCs.
 
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Today's Tanker Orderbook by Build Country
Japan
S Korea
China
Other
VLCC
5% 35% 60% 0%
Suezmax/LR3
18% 41% 41% 0%
Aframax/LR2
6% 21% 62% 11%
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
As of October 2023, the VLCC orderbook stands at 21 units, or just over 2% of the existing fleet. There are 59 Suezmaxes on order (10% of the fleet), six of which are shuttle tankers. Heavy ordering in the second quarter of 2023 has boosted the LR2 orderbook to 21% of the existing fleet. The Aframax orderbook stands at 22 Aframaxes representing 3% of the fleet. Combined the Aframax / LR2 fleet has an orderbook of 115 ships, representing 13% of the trading fleet.
Newbuilding deliveries (million DWT) including orderbook schedule — as of June 2023
(Orderbook represented by hashed bars)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_newbuilding-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Vessel Recycling
As a tanker ages, it must discount the market to find employment. Oil tanker charterers try to avoid fixing ships that are over 15 years old, and only a few will accept vessels over 20 years old. Most older ships are therefore currently concentrated on sanctioned trades. As older ships are typically less economical than younger designs, upcoming regulations targeting exhaust emissions will encourage owners of older ships to discount the market further, reducing their returns.
The past few years have seen historically few older vessels removed from the tanker fleet. This is largely due to the small orderbook for new ships, but also because of a strong appetite for older vessels to trade in sanctioned trades loading in Iran, Venezuela and more recently, outside of the oil price cap, Russia.
Crude tankers re-cycled (January 2015 – October 2023)
# ships
VLCC
62
Suezmax/LR3
63
Aframax/LR2
147
 
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Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Recycling of old tankers (million DWT per year) (as of October 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_recycling-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Limited scrapping in recent years has allowed the tanker fleet to get older. The average age of the Suezmax and VLCC fleet in 2010 was 7 years old. Today it is 10 years old for VLCCs and 11 years old for Suezmaxes. The percentage of crude-capable tankers capacity over 84,500 dwt that is over 15 years old has risen from just under 9% in 2013 to nearly 29% in October 2023. No vessel removals or additions to the current orderbook would allow the 15+ year old fleet to grow to nearly 34% of the trading fleet by 2025. The re-mapping of Russian oil trades since the invasion of Ukraine has also allowed the share of tankers over 20 years old to grow from under 2% to over 7% of the trading fleet.
Average age of VLCC + Suezmax fleet
NB. Years 2024 & 2025 assumes no further removal or additions beyond scheduled orderbook as of June 2023.
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_vlcc-4clr.jpg]
 
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Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Age profile history — tanker fleet >84,500 dwt (as of June 2023)
(Aframax/LR2, Suezmax/LR3, VLCC combined)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_tankerfleet-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
If re-cycling activity remains subdued over the next few years, we can expect the fleet to age further as vessels hitting 15- and 20-year anniversaries outnumber newbuildings. In October 2023, the U.S. provisionally lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, If sanctions are removed on Iranian and Russian oil exports, we could expect to see a large share of the over 20-year-old tanker fleets exiting the market, rather than paying to maintain ‘in class’ status. Increased re-cycling is typically positive for freight markets as it counterbalances newbuilding deliveries to reduce fleet growth.
Age Profile of Today’s Crude Tanker Fleet — including scheduled NB deliveries (hashed bars) (as of June 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_vlcc-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Tanker charter market
There are a variety of ways charterers can cover their oil supply needs without owning ships:

Spot charter:   single voyage charters for specific cargoes from a specified load port, or range of ports, to a specified discharge port, or range of ports. Charterers typically contract the cheapest ship
 
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that meets their vetting and commercial requirements. Environmental regulation will encourage charterers to opt for the vessel with better fuel economy and of younger age. The owner will choose the spot voyage that offers the best returns depending partly on where the vessel is ballasting in from. When load and discharge ports are known at the time of fixing, tankers can be fixed on a ‘lumpsum’ basis, from which the owner deducts the voyage costs (bunkers, port dues, canal costs etc.) to establish a daily return that will aim to more than cover the capital costs of the vessel. All voyage-related costs, including repositioning costs and daily operating expenses are borne by the ship-owner. Spot charters are more commonly priced as a percentage of a ‘World scale flat rate’ — a system that allows the owner to gauge their likely revenue before ports have been declared by the charterer. The charterer can also opt to fix a specific tanker for consecutive voyages.

Contract of Affreightment (COA) — where the charterer is less concerned with which specific ship moves a cargo on a given route, they can agree a COA for multiple cargoes over a given period. In this case, the owner, or commercial manager of the ship, will decide at the time which ship to put forward for the trade. All capital costs of the vessel and all voyage-related costs, including repositioning costs and daily operating expenses, are borne by the shipowner.

Time charter — relates to the hire of the vessel for a specific period — typically several months or years. The charterer pays all voyage-related costs. The owner receives monthly charter hire payments and remains responsible for all operational and capital-related expenses. Another form of period charter is the ‘bareboat’ charter. This is like a time charter, but typically for longer periods where the charterer covers the operating costs of the vessel in addition to the voyage costs.
Tanker spot and time charter markets tend to move in cycles that can last many years peak to peak. The cycles can be triggered by unexpected strength in demand, usually following a period of intense economic growth, or unexpected changes in chartering behavior, sometimes resulting from industry regulations.
Spot market volatility can be influenced by several factors:

Oil stocks:   when oil stocks are full at the consuming end, countries can respond to oil supply shocks by drawing down their own stocks. If their stocks are low, they will be more reliant on imports, and tanker rates are more likely to be volatile. Today’s stock levels are historically low.

Vessel speed:   with upward pressure on freight rates comes a tendency for tankers to speed up, allowing the same tonnage to do more work. Engine power limitation introduced with EEXI regulations this year will restrict the ability of some of the ships to speed up, adding to freight market volatility. High bunker prices will also encourage slow steaming.

Idle capacity:   when the tanker market is heavily oversupplied, ships wait to load cargoes, or in extreme circumstances, sit out of the market in lay up. Improving utilisation of these older vessels can therefore add capacity to the fleet. A well-utilised fleet, as we have today, has little spare capacity and is likely to lead to more volatile freight markets. Strong crude markets can also attract coated tankers into crude trades. Where crude and product markets are both well supported, as they are today, tankers are less likely to switch from clean to dirty cargoes, creating more volatility for crude tanker freight.
Recent history of tanker freight
Strong tanker freight markets in the late 1990s followed the rapid growth of Asian Tiger economies. This ended in the summer of 1997 with the Asian financial crisis.
Rates rallied again after 2000 as the dot.com boom coincided with a European (and subsequently, global) ban on single hull tankers. Rates remained strong and volatile over the subsequent few years as various events like the Second Gulf War, a major strike in Venezuela (that hit its oil exports) and Hurricane Ivan (that shut down oil production in the U.S.) punctuated the oil markets. Both the Venezuelan strike and Hurricane Ivan required the U.S. to import more crude from further afield, boosting tanker demand.
 
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VLCC TCE earnings history, key ‘events’ and oil prices (January 1991 – June 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_vlcctcekey-4c.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
The period from 2003 to 2007, commonly referred to as the ‘commodity supercycle’, saw a steep increase in demand for raw materials to fuel global economic expansion. At the centre of that expansion was China, which had acceded to the World Trade Organisation in 2001. Very strong Chinese demand for drybulk commodities such as iron ore and coal encouraged owners to convert VLCCs into Very large Ore Carriers (VLOCs), further tightening tanker supply. Tankers achieved some of their highest earnings during this period, peaking in late 2004 and again in early 2008.
In the autumn of 2008, the global financial crisis put economic growth into reverse. The downturn lasted until late 2014/early 2015.
It took several years to work through the large orderbook of newbuilding tankers contracted during the commodity supercycle. By 2014, new deliveries had reduced to a trickle and in early 2015 tanker demand increased as OPEC opened the taps to fend off the growing competition from the U.S. shale sector. The ensuing glut of oil encouraged traders to buy cheap oil to store on ships for extended periods. Freight markets rallied.
As oil prices recovered in 2016, tankers employed as floating storage units returned to moving oil, and freight markets weakened. Tanker owners had responded to the rally in 2015 with a fresh wave of ordering that kept the already young tanker fleet oversupplied.
Slow growth of oil demand prevented the freight market from recovering until late 2019. By now supply and demand were more evenly balanced. When Saudi Arabia lifted oil output in early 2020, this time in apparent response to Russia’s reluctance to cut output as successive waves of COVID-19 related lockdowns curtailed demand, oil prices again collapsed. Once again, traders chartered tankers to store unwanted oil, and freight rates increased.
Once OPEC regained control of oil prices by cutting output, the tanker market lost its protection from weak oil demand during strict COVID-19 related lockdowns. Oil demand returned to pre-COVID-19 levels in late 2020, but China’s late emergence from lockdowns delayed the recovery of the VLCC market until late 2022.
 
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VLCC TCE Earnings 2005 — June 2023
(Company Average up to Q1 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_tce-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Suezmax TCE Earnings 2005 — June 2023
(Company Average up to Q1 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_suezmax-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Freight markets for all crude tanker sectors typically move more or less in tandem with VLCC rates traditionally more volatile and higher than those of Suezmaxes and Aframaxes. However, smaller vessel sizes can outperform larger sizes for short periods. For instance, Aframaxes and Suezmaxes outperformed VLCCs for several months commencing in the third quarter of 2021. This was because VLCCs were uniquely exposed to China’s late recovery from COVID-19. The ability to poach business from larger or smaller vessel sizes typically returns a balance to the markets.
 
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Average of reported company quarterly spot earnings (Q1 2012 to Q2 2023) ($/day)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_spotearnings-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Time charter market
Time charter markets move broadly in step with spot market fluctuations but lack the volatility. Rates for longer time charter periods attract lower peaks and higher troughs. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, time charter markets have been exceptionally strong, particularly for modern eco units.
VLCC and Suezmax Time Charter Rates — one year period (May 2018 to October 2023) ($/day)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_timecharter-4c.jpg]
 
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Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Tanker asset values
The asset value of a tanker moves more or less in tandem with fluctuations in the underlying freight market. Freight market strength is usually accompanied by a rush to buy second hand assets, pushing up the second hand price and narrowing the gap between second hand and newbuilding prices. This is because newbuilding orders carry the risk that a rally would be over by the time the new ship is delivered.
Tanker newbuilding prices are a function of build costs and competition between yards. Where yards are busy taking orders for higher value shiptypes such as LNG carriers or containerships, as they have been in recent years, they are less willing to accept lower prices to build tankers. Yards also have to deal with cost inflation affecting, for instance, labour and steel prices.
Competition for Berths at Tanker building Yards
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_berths-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Between 2008 and 2022, tankers made up an average of 26% of the workload of shipyards that have built at least one tanker since 2008. In 2023, that share had shrunk to 13%, and by 2024 it will be just 6%. Tanker ordering for 2025 delivery now makes up 15% of total tanker builders deliveries in compensated gross tonnage (CGT) terms. Unless higher newbuilding prices for tankers are matched by higher charter earnings, ordering activity is unlikely to return to the levels seen during the commodity supercycle.
Tankers as % of total Orderbook for all Shiptypes (as of June 2023)
in yards that have history (since 2008) of building tankers
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_orderbook-4c.jpg]
 
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Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Number of yards building tankers — by delivery year (as of June 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_deliveryyear-4c.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
VLCC and Suezmax Newbuilding Prices: 1976-2023 (January 1976 to June 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_newbuilding-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Second-hand sales values for VLCC, Suezmax and Aframax (5 yr old) (January 1976 to June 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: lc_salesvalues-4clr.jpg]
 
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Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Industry regulation
The main body regulating the shipping industry is the IMO, an agency of the United Nations. A recent example of IMO regulation is the EEXI, which sets the vessel’s technical limits for exhaust pollution. Additionally, the IMO’s recent ‘CII’ rules target the operation of the vessel, to reduce the harmful emissions produced per tonne of cargo moved. The IMO is looking closely at other measures to reduce shipping’s contribution to global warming. These measures will make it increasingly difficult to employ older, more polluting, tankers on international trades.
Certain regions impose their own regulations where they feel the IMO is either moving too slowly or not going far enough. Recent examples include the EU’s ‘Fit for 50’ package of measures targeting fuel choice and carbon emissions. Commencing in 2024, Europe’s emissions trading system (ETS) will include shipping. As Europe raises the cost of buying emissions ‘allowances’ over the next few years, this will encourage charterers to hire vessels with the best fuel economy.
For further information, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Environmental and Other Regulations.”
Russian oil ban
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Europe and other G7 countries first reduced, then banned the import of Russian crude oil in December 2022, and refined products in February 2023.
Urals Exports by Departure Date and Destination (January 2020 to October 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_urals-4clr.jpg]
Source: Vortexa
The ban on Russian oil imports was joined by a price cap mechanism on Russian oil sales to countries outside the G7 group. Under the price cap rules, if the Free On Board (FOB) sales price of Russian crude exceeded the price cap (currently $60/bbl), the charterer would be denied access to European maritime services and insurance markets.
 
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Russia’s Share of Total Tonne-Mile Demand by Vessel Size (January 2016 to August 2023)
[MISSING IMAGE: bc_tonne-4clr.jpg]
Source: Braemar Shipbroking
Europe’s ban of Russian oil imports has forced Russia to look further afield for buyers. This includes finding replacement buyers for the crude oil that moved directly to Europe via the Druzhba oil pipeline. As a result, Russia has dramatically increased ‘tonne-mile’ demand for shipping. By May 2023, crude export volumes had risen overall from before the Ukraine invasion, and distances had increased substantially as India and China bought discounted Russian crude. This has had a disproportionately beneficial effect on Aframaxes and Suezmaxes, which can access Russian ports directly, although some Urals crude has been loaded onto VLCCs from Aframaxes for the main leg of the voyage.
Non-European owners are allowed to move Russian crude over the price cap, but without European maritime services, such as insurance.
By early June 2023, over 700 tankers had loaded at least one Russian cargo since March 2023 (when the European ban on both Russian crude oil and refined products came into force). This included nearly 200 Aframaxes, and over 100 Suezmaxes. European owners accounted for nearly 45% of Russian liftings within the price cap mechanism. Another 14% were Russian-owned tankers. Of the non-European-owned Russian lifters, half the fleet is over 18 years old, and a quarter is over 20 years old. This suggests that Russian oil trades are providing employment for tankers that in normal market conditions would have been recycled by now.
C.
Organizational Structure
See Exhibit 8.1 to this Registration Statement for a list of our significant subsidiaries.
D.
Property, Plants and Equipment
We do not own any real estate property. We maintain our principal executive offices at c/o OET Chartering Inc., Ethnarchou Makariou Ave., & 2 D. Falireos St., 185 47 N. Faliro, Greece. Other than our vessels, we do not have any material property. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Our Current Fleet” and “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Environmental and Other Regulations.”
ITEM 4A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion of the results of our operations and our financial condition should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes to those statements included in “Item 18. Financial Statements.” This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth in “Item 3.D. Risk Factors.” See the section entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
 
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A.
Operating Results
Principal Factors Affecting Our Business
The principal factors that affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows include the following:

number of vessels owned and operated;

voyage charter rates;

time charter trip rates;

period time charter rates;

the nature and duration of our voyage charters;

vessels repositioning;

vessel operating expenses and direct voyage costs;

maintenance and upgrade work;

the age, condition and specifications of our vessels and other vessels we may acquire;

issuance of our common shares and other securities;

amount of debt obligations; and

financing costs related to debt obligations.
We are also affected by the types of charters we enter into. Vessels operating on period time charters and bareboat time charters provide more predictable cash flows, but can yield lower profit margins than vessels operating in the spot charter market, either on trip time charters or voyage charters, during periods characterized by favorable market conditions.
Vessels operating in the spot charter market generate revenues that are less predictable, but can yield increased profit margins during periods of improvements in tankers rates. Spot charters also expose vessel owners to the risk of declining tanker rates and rising fuel costs in case of voyage charters.
Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of the company’s financial condition and results, and require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. For a description of all our significant accounting policies, see Note 4 to our annual audited financial statements included in this registration statement.
Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts
We use a variety of financial and operational terms and concepts when analyzing our performance. These include the following:
Revenues
Revenues primarily include revenues from time charters and voyage charters. Revenues are affected by hire rates and the number of operating days. Revenues are also affected by the mix of business between vessels on time charter and vessels operating on voyage charter. Revenues from vessels on voyage charter are more volatile, as they are typically tied to prevailing market rates.
Voyage and Time 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.
 
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Under time charters, we lease the vessel for a set length of time to a charterer, where the latter is free to sail to any port or transport any cargo of his preference (subject to legal restrictions). All voyage expenses are incurred by the charterer.
Commissions
We pay commissions of typically up to 6.25% of the total daily charter hire rate of each charter to unaffiliated ship brokers and to in-house brokers associated with the charterer, depending on the number of brokers involved with arranging the charter.
Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses mainly relate to voyage charter agreements and consist of port, canal and bunker costs that are unique to a particular voyage and are recognized as incurred. Under our time charter arrangements, charterers bear substantially all voyage expenses, including bunker fuel, port charges and canal tolls.
Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses comprise all expenses relating to the operation of the vessel, including crewing, insurance, repairs and maintenance, stores, lubricants, spares and consumables and miscellaneous expenses. Vessel operating expenses can fluctuate due to factors beyond our control, such as unplanned repairs and maintenance attributable to damages or regulatory compliance and factors which may affect the shipping industry in general, such as developments relating to insurance premiums, or developments relating to the availability of crew.
Drydocking Costs
Drydocking costs relate to regularly scheduled intermediate survey or special survey drydocking necessary to preserve the quality of our vessels as well as to comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations. Drydocking costs can vary according to the age of the vessel, the location where the drydock takes place, shipyard availability, local availability of manpower and material, and the billing currency of the yard. Please see “Item 18. Financial Statements — Note 4 — Significant Accounting Policies.” In the case of tankers, drydocking costs may also be affected by new rules and regulations. For further information, please see “Item 4. B. Business Overview — Environmental Regulations.”
Vessel Depreciation
We depreciate all our vessels on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which we estimate to be 25 years from the date of their initial delivery from the shipyard, after considering their estimated residual value. Each vessel’s residual value is equal to the product of its lightweight tonnage and its estimated scrap rate. The scrap price is estimated to be approximately $400 per ton of lightweight steel. The Company may revise the estimated residual values of the vessel in the future in response to changing market conditions.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses mainly consist of employee costs, directors’ liability insurance, directors’ fees and expenses, executive compensation, professional fees and other expenses.
Management Fees
Management fees concern services provided from the technical manager of our vessels, for a wide range of shipping services, among others, technical support, maintenance, insurance consulting, for a daily fee of $900 per vessel.
Inflation
Inflation has had a moderate impact on our vessel operating expenses and corporate overheads. It is anticipated that insurance costs, which have risen over the last three years, may well continue to rise over the
 
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next few years. Oil transportation is a specialized area and the number of vessels is increasing. There is therefore expected to be an increased demand for qualified crew and this has and will continue to put inflationary pressure on crew costs. However, in a shipping downturn, costs subject to inflation can usually be controlled because shipping companies typically monitor costs to preserve liquidity and encourage suppliers and service providers to lower rates and prices in the event of a downturn. Interest on our SOFR-based loans (or loans based on another reference rate or its successor) can increase following any interest rate hikes undertaken by financial authorities (such as central banks) in response to, among other things, inflation.
Interest and Other Finance Costs
We incur interest expense on outstanding indebtedness under our loans, which we include in interest and finance costs. We also incur finance costs in establishing our debt facilities.
Unrealized/Realized Gain/Loss from Derivatives
Unrealized/realized gain/loss from derivatives represents (1) the fluctuations in the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments, recorded as unrealized gain or loss and (2) the actual amounts paid or received upon termination of the derivative instruments, recorded as realized gain or loss in the statements of profit or loss.
Main components of managing our business and main drivers of profitability
The management of financial, general and administrative elements involved in the conduct of our business and ownership or operation of our vessels requires the following main components:

management of our financial resources, including banking relationships, i.e., administration of bank loans and bank accounts;

management of our accounting system and records and financial reporting;

administration of the legal and regulatory requirements affecting our business and assets; and

management of the relationships with our service providers and customers.
The principal factors that affect our profitability, cash flows and shareholders’ return on investment include:

charter rates and periods of charter hire for our tanker vessels;

utilization of our tanker vessels (earnings efficiency);

levels of our tanker vessels’ operating expenses and drydocking costs;

depreciation and amortization expenses;

financing costs; and

fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We had less than $1.235 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, which means that we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage or specified reduced reporting and other burdens that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include:

exemption from the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal controls over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley;

exemption from compliance with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and financial statements.
 
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We may take advantage of these provisions until the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date we first sell our common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or such earlier time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will cease to be an emerging growth company if, among other things, we have more than $1.235 billion in “total annual gross revenues” during the most recently completed fiscal year, if we issue more than $1 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period, or we qualify as a large accelerated filer, meaning a public float of over $700 million. We may choose to take advantage of some, but not all, of these reduced burdens. For as long as we take advantage of the reduced reporting obligations, the information that we provide shareholders may be different from information provided by other public companies. We are choosing to “opt out” of the extended transition period relating to the exemption from new or revised financial accounting standards and as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth public companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.
Upon the consummation of our prospective listing on the NYSE, we will report under the Exchange Act as a non-U.S. company with “foreign private issuer” status. As a foreign private issuer, we may take advantage of certain provisions under the NYSE rules that allow us to follow Marshall Islands law for certain corporate governance matters. Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, as long as we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we will not be subject to certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic public companies, including:

the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act;

the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their ownership of common shares and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and

the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information, or current reports on Form 8-K, upon the occurrence of specified significant events.
In addition, as a foreign private issuer and an emerging growth company, we are permitted to provide less detailed disclosure regarding executive compensation. Thus, for so long as we remain a foreign private issuer, even if we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we will continue to not be subject to more stringent executive compensation disclosures required of public companies that are neither an emerging growth company nor a foreign private issuer.
Results of Operations
Six month period ended June 30, 2023 compared with the six month period ended June 30, 2022
Revenue
Six month period ended June 30,
Increase
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2023
2022
Revenue
232.4 91.5 154%
Revenue was $232.4 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $140.8 million, from $91.5 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2022. The increase in revenue was primarily due to a 160% average increase in daily rates resulting from the spot employment of the fleet in the profitable tanker market of 2023 and the addition of Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria, on March 31 and June 3, 2022, respectively.
Commissions
Six month period ended June 30,
Increase
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2023
2022
Commissions
(3.7) (1.3) 185%
 
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Commissions were $3.7 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $2.4 million, from $1.3 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2022. The increase in broker’s commissions is proportionately in line with the increase in revenue generated from voyage charters.
Voyage expenses
Six month period ended June 30,
Increase
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2023
2022
Voyage expenses
49.0 27.8 76%
Voyage expenses were $49.0 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $21.2 million, from $27.8 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2022. Under voyage charters, the majority of voyage expenses are generally borne by us, whereas for vessels under time charters such expenses are borne by the charterer.
The increase in voyage expenses was primarily due to the higher employment of our vessels under voyage charters and consequently higher bunker fuel cost and port expenses as compared with the corresponding period in 2022. More specifically, the utilization of the Company’s vessels in the voyage charter market increased to 73% for the six month period ended June 30, 2023 from 49% for the six month period ended June 30, 2022.
Fuel cost increased from $20.4 million in the six month period ended June 30, 2022 to $32.7 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the longer ton-mile voyages carried out as a result of the disruption in the crude oil market, partially offset by a 16% decrease in fuel prices.
Port expenses increased from $7.4 million in the six month period ended June 30, 2022 to $16.3 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023.
Vessel operating expenses
Six month period ended June 30,
Increase
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2023
2022
Vessel operating expenses
(20.3) (17.1) 19%
Vessel operating expenses were $20.3 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $3.2 million, from $17.1 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2022. The increase was mainly due to (a) an 11% increase in vessels’ calendar days for the six month period ended June 20, 2023, compared to the six month period ended June 30, 2022, resulting from the addition of Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria, on March 31 and June 3, 2022 respectively and (b) a 6.8% increase in vessel operating expenses (on a daily basis) attributable to inflation.
Management fees
Six month period ended June 30,
Increase
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2023
2022
Management fees
(2.3) (2.1) 10%
Management fees were $2.3 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $0.2 million, from $2.1 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2022. The increase in management fees was primarily due to the addition of Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria, on March 31 and June 3, 2022, respectively.
Depreciation
Six month period ended June 30,
Increase
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2023
2022
Depreciation
(20.1) (18.3) 10%
 
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Depreciation was $20.1 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $1.8 million, from $18.3 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2022. The increase was primarily due to the addition of Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria to our fleet, on March 31 and June 3, 2022, respectively.
General and administrative expenses
Six month period ended June 30,
Increase
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2023
2022
General and administrative expenses
(5.3) (2.4) 121%
General and administrative expenses were $5.3 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $2.9 million, from $2.4 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2022. The increase was primarily due to increased costs related to shore-based employees along with an increase in consulting fees in connection with the Company’s NYSE listing.
Other income/(expenses)
Six month period ended June 30,
Increase
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2023
2022
Other income/(expenses)
(27.2) (5.4) 404%
Other income/(expenses) were $27.2 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $21.8 million, from $5.4 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2022.
Other income/(expenses) primarily consists of interest income/expense, other finance costs and realized/unrealized gain/loss from derivative instruments.
The increase in other income/(expenses) was primarily due to (1) realized/unrealized net gain from derivatives of $0.3 million as of June 30, 2023 compared to $9.7 million as of June 30, 2022 as a result of the termination of our interest rate swap contracts on June 30, 2022, which resulted in us realizing gains previously recorded at fair value through profit or loss; and (2) higher interest expense in the first half of 2023 attributable to the steep LIBOR increase; in particular, interest expense was $29.0 million as of June 30, 2023, compared to $12.8 million as of June 30, 2022, partially offset by an increase of $2.1 million in interest income.
Year ended December 31, 2022 compared with the year ended December 31, 2021
Revenue
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2022
2021
Increase
Revenue
271.0 169.0 60%
Revenue was $271.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $102.0 million, from $169.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Despite the fact that the Company operated fewer vessels in 2022 resulting in fewer revenue days (from 5,278 days in 2021 to 4,832 days in 2022), it managed to record higher revenues due to the lucrative voyage charter rates that prevailed in the 2022 market. The increase in the average fleetwide time charter equivalent rate was 73% (from $23,065 in 2021 to $40,045 in 2022). Overall, the Company’s revenues increased by 60% as a result of the abovementioned fluctuations.
Commissions
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2022
2021
Increase
Commissions
(3.4) (2.2) 55%
Commissions were $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $1.2 million, from $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in broker’s commissions is proportionately in line with the increase in revenue generated from voyage charters.
 
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Voyage expenses
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2022
2021
Increase
Voyage expenses
(74.1) (45.0) 65%
Voyage expenses were $74.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $29.1 million, from $45.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in voyage expenses was primarily due to the higher employment of our vessels under voyage charters and consequently higher bunker fuel cost and port expenses as compared with the corresponding period in 2021. Under voyage charters, the majority of voyage expenses are generally borne by us, whereas for vessels under time charters such expenses are borne by the charterer.
In particular, the utilization of the Company’s vessels’ in the voyage charter market increased to 60% for the year ended December 31, 2022 from 52% for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Fuel cost increased from $31.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 to $55.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to the 75% increase in fuel prices and the improvement of the spot market in the second half of 2022, resulting in longer ton-mile voyages, compared to 2021.
Port expenses increased from $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 to $18.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Vessel operating expenses
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2022
2021
Decrease
Vessel operating expenses
(35.7) (40.7) 12%
Vessel operating expenses were $35.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $5.0 million, from $40.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in vessel operating expenses was primarily due to the U.S. Dollar appreciation against the Euro, counterbalanced by a 13% decrease in calendar days (please refer to “Item 5.D. Trend Information”).
Management fees
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2022
2021
Decrease
Management fees
(4.4) (5.4) 19%
Management fees were $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $1.0 million, from $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in management fees was primarily due to the lower number of vessels in 2022, compared to prior year (as a result of the vessels’ disposal that occurred in 2021), leading to lower calendar days and subsequent management fees, respectively.
Depreciation
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2022
2021
Decrease
Depreciation
(38.0) (38.7) 2%
Depreciation was $38.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $0.7 million, from $38.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in depreciation was primarily due to the disposal of five vessels in 2021, three Aframax and two VLCC vessels, partially offset by the acquisition of two VLCC vessels, Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria, in March and June 2022, respectively.
The Company disposed two VLCC vessels, Nissos Santorini and Nissos Antiparos, and three Aframax vessels, Nissos Heraclea, Nissos Schinoussa and Nissos Therassia, after the second half of 2021 and acquired two VLCC vessels in March and June 2022, respectively. The difference in the number and the type of vessels, resulted to a different depreciable asset base in 2022, compared to 2021. Additionally, in June 2021, the vessels Nissos Heraclea, Nissos Santorini and Nissos Antiparos, were classified as held for sale. As of the day of their classification, the company stopped depreciating these vessels up to their disposal.
 
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General and administrative expenses
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2022
2021
Increase
General and administrative expenses
(5.3) (5.1) 4%
General and administrative expenses were $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $0.2 million, from $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to inflation.
Other income/(expenses)
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2022
2021
Decrease
Other income/(expenses)
(25.6) (32.9) 22%
Other income/(expenses) were $25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $7.3 million, from $32.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Other income/(expenses) primarily consists of interest income/expense, other finance costs, realized/unrealized gain/loss from derivative instruments as well as various other expenses.
The decrease in other income/(expenses) was primarily due to:
(1) Realized gain from derivatives of $12.0 million in 2022 (2021: $4.2 million unrealized gain). The Company terminated its interest rate swap contracts entered into 2020, realizing gains previously recorded at fair value through profit or loss.
(2) Higher interest expense in 2022 attributable to LIBOR increase. The abovementioned interest rate swap termination resulted to higher LIBOR rates charged on the Company’s outstanding loan balances.
Year ended December 31, 2021 compared with the year ended December 31, 2020
Revenue
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2021
2020
Decrease
Revenue
169.0 282.9 40%
Vessel revenue was $169.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $113.9 million, from $282.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in vessel revenue was primarily due to a 46% average decrease in daily rates, as a result of the weak spot market for the crude oil tankers. The Company operated fewer vessels in 2021, thus having fewer operating days, and in combination with the lower Daily TCE Rates, the Company’s revenues decreased compared to 2020.
Commissions
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2021
2020
Decrease
Commissions
(2.2) (3.8) 42%
Commissions were $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $1.6 million, from $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in broker’s commissions is proportionately in line with the decrease in revenue generated from voyage charters.
Voyage expenses
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2021
2020
Decrease
Voyage expenses
(45.0) (48.1) 6%
Voyage expenses were $45.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $3.1 million, from $48.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in voyage expenses was primarily due to fewer port calls as a result of the depressed spot market during the period and a 5% increase in time-charter coverage (from 43% in 2020 to 48% in 2021), which resulted in lower port expenses for the period
 
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(from $20.6 million in 2020 to $13.7 million in 2021), partially offset by an increase in fuel cost in 2021 (from $27.3 million in 2020 to $31.1 million in 2021) resulting from a 40% increase in fuel prices in 2021 compared to 2020.
Vessel operating expenses
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2021
2020
Increase
Vessel operating expenses
(40.7) (40.2) 1%
Vessel operating expenses were $40.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $0.5 million, from $40.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in vessel operating expenses was primarily due to inflation, despite the lower number of calendar days.
Management fees
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2021
2020
Increase
Management fees
(5.4) (3.4) 59%
Management fees were $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $2.0 million, from $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in management fees derives from the revised technical management agreement with the managing company, whereby the daily fee was increased by $300 per vessel.
Depreciation
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2021
2020
Decrease
Depreciation
(38.7) (41.6) 7%
Depreciation was $38.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $2.9 million, from $41.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in depreciation was primarily due a 26% decrease in the depreciable asset base, deriving from the disposal of the Company’s Aframax vessels, Nissos Heraclea, Nissos Therassia and Nissos Schinoussa, as well as the Company’s VLCC vessels, Nissos Santorini and Nissos Antiparos.
General and administrative expenses
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2021
2020
Increase
General and administrative expenses
(5.1) (4.4) 16%
General and administrative expenses were $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $0.7 million, from $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in general and administrative expenses was due to an increase in performance-based remuneration.
Other income/(expenses)
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
2021
2020
Decrease
Other income/(expenses)
(32.9) (40.0) 7.1%
Other income/(expenses) were $32.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, a decrease of $7.1 million, from $40.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Other income/(expenses) primarily consists of interest income/expense, other finance costs, realized/unrealized gain/loss from derivative instruments as well as various other expenses. The decrease in other income/(expenses) was mainly due to an increase in the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments of $4.2 million with their respective effect recorded in the Company’s profit or loss.
 
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Furthermore, during the period, the Company recorded:

an amount of $3.9 million, as impairment loss, referring to the classification of Nissos Heraclea as available for sale on June 30, 2021, since the vessel’s carrying value was lower than her respective fair value less estimated selling expenses; and

a net amount of $4.1 million, as gain from vessels’ disposal, connected to the sale of the Company’s Aframax vessels, Nissos Heraclea, Nissos Therassia and Nissos Schinoussa, as well as the Company’s VLCC vessels, Nissos Santorini and Nissos Antiparos.
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our formation, our principal sources of funds have been funds in the form of equity or working capital provided by operating cash flow and long-term borrowing. Our principal use of funds has been capital expenditures for our VLCC newbuilding program and to maintain the quality of our vessels, comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations, fund working capital requirements, service our debt, and distribute capital to our shareholders.
Our business is capital intensive and its future success will depend on our ability to maintain a high-quality fleet through the acquisition of newer vessels and the selective sale of older vessels. Future acquisitions are subject to management’s expectation of future market conditions, our ability to acquire vessels on favorable terms and our liquidity and capital resources. Our ability to continue to meet our liquidity needs is subject to and will be affected by cash generated from operations, the economic or business environment in which we operate, shipping industry conditions, the financial condition of our customers, vendors and service providers, our ability to comply with the financial and other covenants of our indebtedness, and other factors.
In the future, we may require capital to fund acquisitions or to improve or support our ongoing operations and debt structure, particularly in light of economic conditions resulting from the Russian/Ukraine conflict and general conditions in the tanker market. We may from time to time seek to raise additional capital through equity or debt offerings, selling vessels or other assets, pursuing strategic opportunities, or otherwise. We may also from time to time seek to incur additional debt financing from private or public sector sources, refinance our indebtedness or obtain waivers or modifications to our credit agreements to obtain more favorable terms, enhance flexibility in conducting our business, or otherwise. We may also seek to manage our interest rate exposure through hedging transactions. We may seek to accomplish any of these independently or in conjunction with one or more of these actions. However, if market conditions are unfavorable, we may be unable to accomplish any of the foregoing on acceptable terms or at all.
As of June 30, 2023, we had an indebtedness of $719.5 million, which after excluding unamortized financing fees amounts to a total indebtedness of $714.1 million.
As of December 31, 2022, we had an indebtedness of $739.0 million, which after excluding unamortized financing fees amounts to a total indebtedness of $744.8 million.
As of June 30, 2023, our cash and cash equivalent balances amounted to $86.1 million, primarily held in U.S. Dollar accounts, $5.9 million of which are classified as restricted cash.
As of December 31, 2022, our cash and cash equivalent balances amounted to $88.3 million, held in U.S. Dollar accounts, $6.9 million of which are classified as restricted cash.
As of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023, we did not have any commitments for capital expenditures and we do not expect to have any other requirement or obligation, to which we should allocate capital resources.
Please see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Credit Facilities and Financing Obligations” for further information about our loan arrangements and credit facilities. Our primary uses of funds have been vessel operating expenses, general and administrative expenses, expenditures incurred in connection with ensuring that our vessels comply with international and regulatory standards, financing expenses, installments under construction contracts and repayments of loans.
 
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As of the date of this Registration Statement we have no contractual commitments for the acquisition of any vessel. Our cash flow projections indicate that cash on hand and cash to be provided by operating activities will be sufficient to cover the liquidity needs that become due in the twelve-month period ending one year after the financial statements’ issuance.
Working Capital Requirements and Sources of Capital
Working capital, which is current assets, minus current liabilities, amounted to approximately $62.5 million as of June 30, 2023, $61.6 million as of December 31, 2022 and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2021. If we are unable to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may not be able to continue as a going concern. All of our vessels are pledged as collateral to the banks, and therefore if we were to sell one or more of those vessels, the net proceeds of such sale would be used first to repay the outstanding debt to which the vessel is collateralized, and the remainder, if any, would be for our use, subject to the terms of our remaining outstanding loan and credit arrangements.
We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with our vessel acquisitions or vessel improvements. We have no current binding agreements to purchase any additional vessels but may do so in the future. We expect that any purchases of vessels will be paid for with cash from operations, with funds from new credit facilities from banks with whom we currently transact business, with loans from banks with whom we do not have a banking relationship but will provide us funds at terms acceptable to us, with funds from equity or debt issuances or any combination thereof.
We incur additional capital expenditures when our vessels undergo surveys. This process of recertification may require us to reposition these vessels from a discharge port to shipyard facilities, which will reduce our operating days during the relevant period. The loss of earnings associated with the decrease in operating days, together with the capital needs for repairs and upgrades, is expected to result in increased cash flow needs. We expect to fund these expenditures with cash on hand.
We believe that our cash flows from operations, amounts available for borrowing under our financing agreements and our cash balance will be sufficient to meet our existing liquidity requirements for at least the next twelve months from December 31, 2022. Please see Note 13, Long-term borrowings, to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our indebtedness.
Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2022, our cash and cash equivalent balances amounted to $88.3 million, $6.9 million of which were classified as restricted cash. As of June 30, 2023, our cash and cash equivalent balances amounted to $86.1 million, $5.9 million of which are classified as restricted cash. We consider highly liquid investments such as time deposits and certificates of deposit with an original maturity of around three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are held in U.S. dollars and Euros.
Net Cash from Operating Activities
Net cash from operating activities increased by $93.5 million to $114.2 million net cash provided by operating activities in the six month period ended June 30, 2023 compared to $20.7 million net cash used in operating activities in the six month period ended June 30, 2022. This increase is attributable to the higher spot rates that prevailed during the period.
Net cash from operating activities increased by $53.9 million to $82.5 million net cash provided by operating activities in 2022 compared to $28.6 million net cash used in operating activities in 2021. This increase is attributable to the profitable operations of 2022 that was due to the higher spot rates that prevailed during the year.
Net cash from operating activities decreased by $123.6 million to $28.6 million net cash used in operating activities in 2021 compared to $152.2 million net cash provided by operating activities in 2020. This decrease was mainly attributable to the adverse market conditions in 2021, with almost breakeven Daily TCE rates that limited our profitability from operations.
 
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Net Cash from Investing Activities
Net cash from investing activities was as follows:
For the six month period ended June 30, 2023, net cash provided by investing activities was $1.9 million as a result of: (a) the increase in interest income received from time deposits of $1.2 million resulting from rising interest rates and (b) the reduction of restricted cash of $1.0 million as a result of the Kimolos, Nissos Donoussa and Nissos Kythnos refinancing, partially offset by payments for drydock expenses for Kimolos of $0.3 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was $178.7 million mainly connected to the VLCC vessel acquisitions of Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria, amounting to approximately $178.6 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by investing activities was $285.7 million primarily attributable to the following vessel disposals: Nissos Therassia, Nissos Schinoussa, Nissos Heraclea, Nissos Santorini and Nissos Antiparos, amounting to approximately $300.9 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash used in investing activities was $183.7 million attributable to the vessel acquisition of Nissos Anafi, Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos, amounting to approximately $172.2 million.
Net Cash from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $117.8 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2023, deriving mainly from: (a) the refinancing of loans relating to Kimolos, Folegandros and Nissos Keros amounting to $113.0 million, (b) the repayment of loans relating to the financing of Kimolos, Folegandros and Nissos Keros, amounting to $114.0 million, (c) the prepayment of the Company’s scrubber loan in the amount of $1.4 million, (d) a return of paid-in-capital of $91.8 million and (e) the payment of loan financing fees of $0.7 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $139.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 deriving mainly from: (a) the new bank loan of $145.5 million and the new Sponsor loan of $35.1 million entered into in connection with the acquisition of the VLCC vessels Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria, (b) the refinancing of loans relating to Nissos Kythnos and Nissos Donoussa, amounting to $125.7 million, (c) the repayment of the Nissos Kythnos and Nissos Donoussa refinanced loans amounting to $97.1 million, (d) the payment of scheduled loan instalments of $46.3 million and (e) a return of paid-in-capital of $19.6 million. Furthermore, the Company paid financing fees related to the new loans of $1.7 million and acquired own stock of $1.0 million.
Net cash used in financing activities was $299.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and relates mainly to: (a) the repayment of long-term borrowings of the disposed vessels Nissos Therassia, Nissos Schinoussa, Nissos Heraclea, Nissos Santorini and Nissos Antiparos amounting to $261.7 million, (b) a return of paid-in-capital of $34.3 million and (c) a payment to shareholders in the form of dividends of $3.2 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $41.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and relates mainly to: (a) the drawdown of an amount of $142.7 million, and the respective payment of the pre-delivery loans of $45.9 million, connected to the acquisition of the Suezmax vessels Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos, (b) the scheduled loan principal payments of $46.8 million, (c) an accelerated payment of $1.7 million concerning the parent company’s “scrubber loan,” ​(d) dividend payments of $43.7 million, (e) the acquisition of treasury shares of $2.1 million, (f) the drawdown of $42.2 million and $39.2 million regarding the refinancing of the Suezmax vessels Kimolos and Folegandros, and the subsequent payment of retired loans of $43.0 million and $38.5 million, (g) the drawdown of the delivery instalment for Nissos Anafi in the amount of $53.7 million and (h) the payment of loan financing fees of $1.8 million.
As of the date of this registration statement we have no contractual commitments for the acquisition of any vessel. Our cash flow projections indicate that cash on hand and cash to be provided by operating activities will be sufficient to cover the liquidity needs that become due in the twelve-month period ending
 
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one year after the financial statements’ issuance. Such resources include unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $81.3 million as of December 31, 2022 and $80.2 million as of June 30, 2023, which compares to minimum liquidity requirements under our loan facilities of $10.5 million as of December 31, 2022 and of $10.5 million as of June 30, 2023. Given the anticipated capital expenditures related to commitments under our credit facilities and drydockings during 2023 and 2024, respectively, we anticipate continuing to have significant cash expenditures. For further information, please see “— Working Capital Requirements and Sources of Capital” above. However, if market conditions were to worsen significantly, then our cash resources may decline to a level that may put at risk our ability to pay our lenders and other creditors.
Credit Facilities and Financing Obligations
As of June 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had $719.5 million, $744.8 million and $582.8 million, respectively, of outstanding borrowings under our credit facilities and financing obligations described below as shown in the following table:
In thousands of U.S. dollars
Amount
outstanding at
June 30, 2023
Amount
outstanding at
December 31,
2022
Amount
outstanding at
December 31,
2021
$44.0 Million Secured Credit Facility – Kimolos
$ 35,914 $ 38,694
$40.0 Million Secured Term Loan Facility – Folegandros
$ 33,811 $ 36,184
$103.2 Million Secured Term Loan Facility – Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos
$ 84,476 $ 87,882 $ 94,693
$58.1 Million Secured Term Loan Facility – Nissos Kythnos
$ 50,430
$59.0 Million Secured Term Loan Facility – Nissos Donoussa
$ 48,497
$125.7 Million Secured Term Loan Facility – Nissos Kythnos and Nissos Donoussa
$ 119,670 $ 122,670
$58.2 Million Secured Term Loan Facility – Nissos Keros
$ 48,479 $ 51,711
$58 Million Secured Term Loan Facility – Nissos Anafi
$ 46,300 $ 48,100 $ 51,700
$113.0 Million Secured Term Loan Facility – Kimolos, Folegandros and Nissos Keros
$ 113,000
Sale and Leaseback Agreement – Milos
$ 36,549 $ 38,047 $ 40,992
Sale and Leaseback Agreement – Poliegos
$ 33,517 $ 34,730 $ 37,047
Sale and Leaseback Agreements – Nissos Rhenia and Nissos Despotiko
$ 114,411 $ 118,304 $ 129,797
Sale and Leaseback Agreements – Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria.
$ 137,316 $ 140,953
$11.0 Scrubber Financing
$ 1,719 $ 3,094
$35.1 Unsecured Term Loan with Okeanis Marine Holdings S.A.
$ 34,233 $ 34,233
Total $ 719,472 $ 744,842 $ 582,839
We believe that, at the current charter rates, we should have the ability to generate and obtain adequate amounts of cash to meet our current credit facility requirements.
Credit Facilities and Other Financing Arrangements
$44.0 Million Secured Credit Term Loan Facility
On July 8, 2020, we, through one of our vessel-owning subsidiaries, Omega Three Marine Corp., entered into a $44.0 million secured credit facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. to refinance then-existing indebtedness on our vessel, Kimolos. The facility bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.50% per annum and had a final maturity date of July 9, 2026. We drew down $42.2 million of this facility. The facility was repayable in 24 equal quarterly installments of $695,000, with a balloon payment of $25,488,750 due upon maturity. This facility was secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on Kimolos and was guaranteed by us. This loan was prepaid in June 2023.
 
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$40.0 Million Secured Term Loan Facility
On July 7, 2020, we, through one of our vessel-owning subsidiaries, Omega Four Marine Corp., entered into a $40.0 million secured term loan facility with BNP Paribas to refinance then-existing indebtedness on our vessel, Folegandros. The facility bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.60% per annum and had a final maturity date of July 9, 2026. The facility was repayable in 24 equal quarterly installments of $593,250, with a balloon payment of $24,912,000 due upon maturity. This facility was secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on Folegandros and was guaranteed by us. This loan was prepaid in June 2023.
$103.2 Million Secured Term Loan Facility
On September 9, 2020, we, through two of our vessel-owning subsidiaries, Omega Six Marine Corp. and Omega Ten Marine Corp., entered into an approximately $103.2 million secured term loan facility with KEXIM Bank (UK) Limited to finance our acquisition of Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos, which we amended and restated on July 6, 2023 to amend the provisions in relation to the calculation of interest from LIBOR to the term SOFR reference rate administered by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (“Term SOFR”), subject to (i) a mandatory switch mechanism to the daily non-cumulative compounded SOFR (“Compounded SOFR”) and (ii) the borrowers’ option to switch the interest rate to Compounded SOFR. The facility is comprised of a KEXIM facility of up to $61,924,800 and a commercial facility of up to $41,283,200. Each of the two tranches of the KEXIM facility bears interest at Term SOFR (previously LIBOR) plus a margin of 1.80% per annum and a credit adjustment spread (“CAS”) of 0.26161% per annum relating to the transition from LIBOR, is repayable in 48 equal consecutive quarterly installments of $645,050, and has a final maturity date of September 11 and September 23, 2032 (each tranche respectively). Each of the two tranches of the commercial facility bears interest at Term SOFR (previously LIBOR) plus a margin of 2.20% per annum and a CAS of 0.26161% per annum relating to the transition from LIBOR, is repayable in 20 equal consecutive quarterly installments of $206,416, with a balloon payment of $16,513,280 due upon maturity, and has a final maturity date of September 11 and September 23, 2025 (each tranche respectively). This facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on each of Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos and is guaranteed by us. This loan was prepaid in September 2023.
$125.7 Million Secured Term Loan Facility
In May 23, 2022, we, through two of our vessel-owning subsidiaries, Anassa Navigation S.A. and Nellmare Marine Ltd., entered into an approximately $125.7 million secured term loan facility with the National Bank of Greece to refinance the then-existing indebtedness on our vessels, Nissos Kythnos and Nissos Donoussa, which agreement we amended on June 29, 2023 to amend the provisions in relation to the calculation of interest from LIBOR to Term SOFR, subject to the borrowers’ option to switch the interest rate to the cumulative compounded SOFR. The facility has a final maturity date of May 25, 2029 and bears interest at SOFR (previously LIBOR) plus a margin of 2.50% per annum. The margin may be increased following discussions between the lender and the borrowers if it is determined that, pursuant to the sustainability certificate provided by ourselves to the lender annually, (1) the weighted average of the efficiency ratio of all fleet vessels (using the parameters of fuel consumption, distance travelled and deadweight at maximum summer draught, reported in unit grams of CO2 per ton per mile) for that calendar year, as certified by an approved classification society, is equal to or above the target set for the relevant year and (2) the weighted average percentage of the total waste incinerated on board for all fleet vessels in that calendar year (calculated in line with Class Approved Plans & Record Books, MARPOL Annex I — “Oil Record Book” ​(endorsed by Flag Administration) & “Fuel Management Plan” ​(approved by class) and MARPOL Annex V —  “Garbage Record Book” & “Garbage Management Plan” ​(approved by class)) is equal to or above the target set for the relevant year. The amount of any increase in the margin will be based on discussions between the lender and the borrowers. Other than as set out above, there will be no other assessment of the information contained in any sustainability certificate and the sustainability certificates themselves will not be made publicly available unless we deem them to be material. Each of the two tranches of the facility is repayable in 28 quarterly installments, the first 8 of which are $750,000 and the next 20 of which are $850,000, with a balloon payment of $39,835,000 due upon maturity. This facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on each of Nissos Kythnos and Nissos Donoussa and is guaranteed by us.
 
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$58.2 Million Secured Term Loan Facility
On January 24, 2019, we, through one of our vessel-owning subsidiaries, Arethusa Shipping Corp., entered into an approximately $58.2 million secured term loan facility with BNP Paribas to finance our acquisition of Nissos Keros. The facility bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum and had a final maturity date of October 16, 2025. The facility was repayable in 24 equal quarterly installments of $808,000, with a balloon payment of $38,783,000 due upon maturity. This facility was secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on Nissos Keros and is guaranteed by us. This loan was prepaid in June 2023.
$58.0 Million Secured Term Loan Facility
On February 27, 2019, we, through one of our vessel-owning subsidiaries, Moonsprite Shipping Corp., entered into a $58.0 million secured term loan facility with Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (“CACIB”) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (“KEXIM”) to finance our acquisition of Nissos Anafi, which agreement we amended and restated on November 11, 2020 in order to include a hedging mechanism and further amended and restated again on June 16, 2023 to amend the provisions in relation to the calculation of interest from LIBOR to Term SOFR. The facility consists of a commercial facility by CACIB in the amount of $38 million and a KEXIM facility loan in the amount of $20 million. The commercial facility bears interest at Term SOFR (previously LIBOR) plus a margin of 2.25% per annum and the applicable CAS relating to the transition from LIBOR depending on the applicable interest period (namely, 0.26161% per annum for interest periods exceeding month and up to three months, 0.42826% per annum for interest periods exceeding three months and up to six months, or 0.71513% per annum for interest periods exceeding six months and up to twelve months), is repayable in 32 equal quarterly installments of $275,000, with a balloon payment of $29,200,000 due upon maturity and has a final maturity date of January 3, 2028. The KEXIM facility loan bears interest at Term SOFR (previously LIBOR) plus a margin of 1.80% per annum and a CAS of 0.26161% per annum relating to the transition from LIBOR, is repayable in 32 equal quarterly installments of $625,000 and has a final maturity date of January 3, 2028. The facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on Nissos Anafi and is guaranteed by us. In December 2020, through an assignment agreement, CACIB transferred to Siemens Financial Services, Inc. 50% of its outstanding loan balance, i.e., $18,587,500.
$113.0 Million Secured Term Loan Facility
On June 27, 2023, we, through three of our vessel-owning subsidiaries, Omega Three Marine Corp., Omega Four Marine Corp. and Arethusa Shipping Corp., entered into a $113.0 million senior secured credit facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. to refinance then-existing indebtedness on our vessels, Kimolos, Folegandros and Nissos Keros. The facility bears interest at Term SOFR, subject to a mandatory switch mechanism to Compounded SOFR, plus a margin of 1.90% per annum and has a final maturity date of June 30, 2028. The facility is repayable in 20 equal consecutive quarterly installments of $2,200,000, with a balloon payment of $69,000,000 due upon maturity. This facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on each of Kimolos, Folegandros and Nissos Keros and is guaranteed by us.
$84.0 Million Secured Term Loan Facility
On September 8, 2023, we, through two of our vessel-owning subsidiaries, Omega Six Marine Corp. and Omega Ten Marine Corp., entered into an $84.0 million senior secured credit facility with CACIB to refinance the then-existing indebtedness on our vessels, Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos. The facility bears interest at Term SOFR, plus a margin of 1.85% per annum, and is expected to have a final maturity date in September 2029. Each of the two tranches is repayable in 24 equal consecutive quarterly installments of $787,500, with a balloon payment of $23,100,000 due upon maturity. This facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on each of Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos and is guaranteed by us.
$56.0 Million Sale and Leaseback Agreement — Milos
On January 29, 2019, we, through one of our subsidiaries, Omega One Marine Corp., entered into a $49.0 million sale and leaseback agreement with Ocean Yield with respect to our vessel, Milos, which included a $7.0 million non-cash element. The charter period is 156 months from delivery and the charter hire is
 
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paid monthly, in advance, in a cash amount equal to $12,825 per day plus a non-cash amount of $1,475 per day (which is set off against the $7.0 million prepaid hire that we made). On April 27, 2023, we entered into an addendum to the bareboat charter to amend the provisions of the bareboat charter in relation to the calculation of charter hire from LIBOR to Term SOFR. The charter hire is subject to an adjustment based on Term SOFR (previously LIBOR) and a CAS of 0.26161% per annum. The charter is guaranteed by us, and we have permitted a mortgage to be filed regarding the finance lease, as well as entered into assignment of earnings, assignment of insurances, charter guarantee, pledge of account and a manager’s undertaking. We also have the option to repurchase the vessel at the end of years 5, 7, 10, and 12, and at purchase option prices that range from $34.7 million to $11.5 million at the end of year 12. The vessel was delivered in February 2019.
$54.0 Million Sale and Leaseback Agreement — Poliegos
On June 8, 2017, we, through one of our subsidiaries, Omega Two Marine Corp., entered into a $47.2 million sale and leaseback agreement with Ocean Yield with respect to our vessel, Poliegos, which included a $6.8 million non-cash element. The charter period is 168 months from the delivery date and the charter hire is paid monthly, in advance, in a cash amount equal to $11,550 per day plus a non-cash amount of $1,368.93 per day (which is set off against the $7.0 million prepaid hire that we made). On April  27, 2023, we entered into an addendum to the bareboat charter to amend the provisions of the bareboat charter in relation to the calculation of charter hire from LIBOR to Term SOFR. The charter hire is subject to an adjustment based on Term SOFR (previously LIBOR) and a CAS of 0.26161% per annum, relating to the transition from LIBOR. The charter is guaranteed by us, and we have permitted a mortgage to be filed regarding the finance lease, as well as entered into assignment of earnings, assignment of insurances, charter guarantee, pledge of account and a manager’s undertaking. We also have the option to repurchase the vessel at the end of years 7, 10, and 12, and at purchase option prices that range from $31.1 million to $17.2 million at the end of year 12. The vessel was delivered in June 2017.
$167.5 Million Sale and Leaseback Agreements — Nissos Rhenia and Nissos Despotiko
On February 10, 2018, we, through two of our subsidiaries, Omega Five Marine Corp. and Omega Seven Marine Corp., entered into approximate $150.52 million sale and leaseback agreements with Ocean Yield with respect to our vessels, Nissos Rhenia and Nissos Despotiko.
The charter period for each of the Nissos Rhenia and Nissos Despotiko is 180 months from respective delivery and the charter hire for the each such ship is paid monthly, in advance, in a cash amount equal to $18,600 per day per ship for the first five years from the delivery date and $18,350 per day per ship from year six until the end of the charter period, subsequently amended to $18,600 per day per ship for the first two years, $25,200 per day for Nissos Rhenia and $23,336 for Nissos Despotiko for years three and four and $17,200 per day per ship for year five until the end of the charter, plus a non-cash amount of $1,734 per day per ship (which is set off against the $9.5 million prepaid hire that we made for each ship). On April 27, 2023, we entered into an addendum to each bareboat charter to amend the provisions of such bareboat charters in relation to the calculation of charter hire from LIBOR to Term SOFR. The charter hire is subject to an adjustment based on Term SOFR (previously LIBOR) and a CAS of 0.26161% per annum (for three-month periods) or 0.71513% per annum (for twelve-month periods), as applicable, relating to the transition from LIBOR. Each charter is guaranteed by us, and we have permitted a mortgage to be filed regarding the finance lease, as well as entered into assignment of insurances, assignment of management agreement, charter guarantee, pledge of account, pledge of shares of the bareboat charterer, a manager’s undertaking and a time charter general assignment. We also have the option to repurchase each or both vessels at the end of years 7, 10, 12 and 14, in varying amounts per ship from $49.8 million to $14.2 million. The Nissos Rhenia was delivered in May 2019 and the Nissos Despotiko was delivered in June 2019.
$194.0 Million Sale and Leaseback Agreements — Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria
On March 21, 2022, we, through two of our subsidiaries, Ark Marine S.A. and Theta Navigation Ltd, entered into an approximate $145.5 million sale and leaseback agreements with CMB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (“CMBFL”), with respect to our vessels, Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria. On June 29, 2023, we entered into an amendment and restatement of each bareboat charter to amend the provisions of the bareboat
 
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charters in relation to the calculation of charter hire from LIBOR to Term SOFR. Each of the two tranches of the facility is repaid quarterly in an amount equal to $909,375 per quarter and carries an interest rate equal to Term SOFR (previously LIBOR) plus a margin of 2.45% per annum and a CAS of 0.15% per annum relating to the transition from LIBOR, and matures seven years from drawdown. The first tranche of the facility relating to the delivery of Nissos Kea was drawn on March 31, 2022 and the second tranche of facility relating to the delivery of Nissos Nikouria on June 3, 2022. According to each bareboat charter, the Company has a purchase option that it can exercise annually. The purchase option price for each vessel is an amount equal to the opening capital balance i.e., $72,750,000 amount drawn per vessel (75% of the purchase price) minus charterhire paid (the “owner’s costs”), plus (a) accrued but unpaid charterhire, (b) breakfunding costs, (c) legal and other documented costs of the owner to sell the vessel, and (d) and additional amount ranging from 0% (on the sixth anniversary) to 1.5% (on the first anniversary) of the owners’ costs. Each charter is guaranteed by us, and we have permitted a mortgage to be filed regarding the finance lease (no mortgage on either vessel has been registered so far) as well as entered into an account charge, general assignment, pledge of shares of the bareboat charterer, a builder’s warranties assignment, and a manager’s undertaking.
$11 Million Scrubber Financing
On June 25, 2019, we entered into an $11 million facility agreement with BNP Paribas, with four of our subsidiaries, Therassia Marine Corp., Ios Maritime Corp., Omega Three Marine Corp. and Omega Four Marine Corp., acting as guarantors, in order to finance the installation of scrubbers on six vessels in our fleet, namely, Nissos Therassia, Nissos Schinoussa, Kimolos, Folegandros, Milos and Poliegos. In July 2020, the second priority mortgage over Kimolos and all the other additional second priority securities were released upon full repayment of the Kimolos tranche. In June 2021, the Nissos Therassia and Nissos Schinoussa were sold and the second priority mortgages and all the other additional second priority securities over these vessels were released upon full prepayment of their respective loan tranches. The facility bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.0% per annum and had a final maturity date of December 30, 2024. Each of the six tranches of the facility was for an amount of $1,833,333 and was repayable in 15 equal quarterly installments of $114,583 and a final quarterly payment of $114,588, in each case commencing 12 months after the date the relevant tranche is utilized. The facility was secured by, among other things, a second priority mortgage over Folegandros, a second priority security over the ship’s earnings, a first priority security over an earnings account and a second priority manager’s undertaking. This loan was prepaid in June 2023.
$35.3 Million Unsecured Sponsor Loan
On April 18, 2022, we (on behalf of two of our subsidiaries, Ark Marine S.A. and Theta Navigation Ltd), entered into an unsecured loan facility with Okeanis Marine Holdings S.A., an entity controlled by Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos (on behalf of its subsidiaries Felton Enterprises S.A. and Sandre Enterprises S.A.), relating to the acquisition of the vessels Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria. Under the agreement, the loaned amount of approximately $17.6 million for each vessel bears a fixed interest cost of 3.5% per annum and is repayable at our sole discretion without penalty, up to the maturity date of two years from the relevant vessel’s delivery.
Security
Except as noted above, each secured credit facility is 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;

a pledge of the equity interests of each vessel owning subsidiary under the specific facility; and

a corporate guarantee by us.
 
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Separately, the vessels on bareboat charter to Ocean Yield also have mortgages placed on them, as the vessel owner separately borrowed money with respect thereto. The vessels on bareboat charter to CMBFL have no mortgage registered on them so far although the owner have the right to do so.
Loan Covenants
Our credit facilities and financing obligations discussed above, have, among other things, the following financial covenants relating to the Company as guarantor, as amended or waived, the most stringent of which require us to maintain:

minimum consolidated liquidity of not less than $10.5 million, calculated as the maximum of $10.0 million and $0.75 million per vessel;

a maximum leverage ratio of 75% (the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of (a) Total Liabilities and (b) Adjusted Total Assets, as such terms are defined in the respective facilities available under “Item 19. Exhibits”, of which the most stringent exclude liquid assets);

a debt service coverage ratio of more than 1.1 for two of our subsidiaries; and

minimum consolidated net worth of not less than $100.0 million.
Our credit facilities discussed above have, among other things, the following restrictive covenants which limit our ability to:

incur additional indebtedness;

sell the collateral vessel, if applicable;

make additional investments or acquisitions;

pay dividends at certain times;

effect a change to the general nature of the business; or

effect a change of control of us.
A number of our financing agreements require that we 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 at least between 125% and 130% depending on the credit facility, 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.
A number of our financing agreements limit our ability to declare, make or pay any dividends or other distributions (whether in cash or in kind) or repay or distribute any dividend or share premium reserve following the occurrence of an event of default under the relevant financing agreement or if such action would result in the occurrence of an event of default under the relevant financing agreement.
A number of our financing agreements require that the Alafouzos family maintain a minimum 35% ownership interest in us, and some of our financing agreements provide that a breach of the financing will occur if Mr. loannis Alafouzos and Mr. Themistoklis Alafouzos cease to control us and, in one instance, if Mr. loannis Alafouzos ceases to be our chairman. In addition, our loan agreement with the National Bank of Greece provides that the acquisition by a person or group of persons acting in concert (directly or indirectly) of more than 35% of the ultimate legal or beneficial ownership of the Company is a breach of that loan agreement, and certain of our guarantees on our sale and leaseback agreements provide that we may not permit certain changes in corporate or ownership structure or permit a new party or parties acting in concert to become owners of, or control, more than 50% of our shares and/or voting rights.
A violation of any of the covenants contained in our financing agreements described above may constitute an event of default under all of our financing agreements, which, unless cured within the grace period set forth under the financing agreement, if applicable, or waived or modified by our lenders, provides our lenders, by notice to the borrowers, with the right to, among other things, cancel the commitments immediately, declare that all or part of the loan, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued or outstanding under the agreement, be immediately due and payable, enforce any or all security under the
 
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security documents, and/or exercise any or all of the rights, remedies, powers or discretions granted to the facility agent or finance parties under the finance documents or by any applicable law or regulation or otherwise as a consequence of such event of default.
Furthermore, our financing agreements contain a cross-default provision that may be triggered by a default of one of our other financing agreements. A cross-default provision means that a default on one loan would result in a default on certain of our other loans. Because of the presence of cross-default provisions in certain of our financing agreements, the refusal of any one lender under our financing agreements to grant or extend a waiver in connection with any potential default thereunder could result in certain of our indebtedness being accelerated, even if our other lenders under our financing agreements have waived covenant defaults under the respective agreements. 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 financing agreements 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 financing agreements 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 financing agreements. 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 June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2021 and 2022, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants contained in our credit facilities and other financing arrangements that we had entered into as of that date. We believe that, at the current charter rates, we should have the ability to generate and obtain adequate amounts of cash to meet our current credit facility requirements.
Please see Note 13, Long-term borrowings, to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our indebtedness.
Financial Instruments
The major trading currency of our business is the U.S. dollar. Movements in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies can potentially impact our operating and administrative expenses and therefore our operating results.
We believe that we have a low-risk approach to treasury management. Cash balances are invested in term deposit accounts, with their maturity dates projected to coincide with our liquidity requirements. Credit risk is diluted by placing cash on deposit with a variety of institutions in Europe, including a small number of banks in Greece, which are selected based on their credit ratings. We have policies to limit the amount of credit exposure to any particular financial institution.
As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and 2021, we did not use any financial instruments other than those used to hedge against market and interest rate fluctuations. For further information please see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk — Interest Rate Risk and — Market Risk.”
C.
Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
Not applicable.
D.
Trend Information
Our results of operations depend primarily on the charter rates earned by our vessels. Over the course of 2022, the BDTI reached a high of 2,496 and a low of 679. Historically the BDTI has been characterized by volatility. Although the BDTI was 1,502 as of October 30, 2023, there can be no assurance that the crude oil charter market will continue to increase, and the market could again decline.
 
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Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has amplified the volatility in the tanker market. In the short term, the effect of the invasion of Ukraine has been positive for the tanker market, yet the overall longer term effect on ton-mile demand is uncertain given that cargoes exported previously from Russia will need to be substituted by cargoes from different sources due to the oil embargo enacted by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom.
In addition, the continuing war in Ukraine led to increased economic uncertainty amidst fears of a more generalized military conflict or significant inflationary pressures, due to the increases in fuel and grain prices following the sanctions imposed on Russia. Whether the present dislocation in the markets and resultant inflationary pressures will transition to a long-term inflationary environment is uncertain, and the effects of such a development on charter rates, vessel demand and operating expenses in the sector in which we operate are uncertain. As described above, the initial effect of the invasion in Ukraine on the tanker freight market was positive, despite the short-term volatility in charter rates and increases on specific items of operating costs, mainly in the context of increased crew costs. If these conditions are sustained, the longer-term net impact on the tanker market and our business would be difficult to predict. However, such events may have unpredictable consequences, and contribute to instability in global economy, a decrease in supply or cause a decrease in worldwide demand for certain goods and, thus, shipping. Regarding the possible impact of supply chain disruptions that have or may emanate from the military conflict in Ukraine, our operations have not been affected materially and we do not expect them to be in the future.
Inflation has had a moderate impact on our vessel operating expenses and corporate overheads. It is anticipated that insurance costs, which have risen over the last three years, may well continue to rise over the next few years. Oil transportation is a specialized area and the number of vessels is increasing. There will therefore be an increased demand for qualified crew and this has and will continue to put inflationary pressure on crew costs. However, in a shipping downturn, costs subject to inflation can usually be controlled because shipping companies typically monitor costs to preserve liquidity and encourage suppliers and service providers to lower rates and prices in the event of a downturn.
Important Measures and Definitions for Analyzing Results of Operations
We use a variety of financial and operational terms and concepts. These include the following:
Calendar days.   We define calendar days as the total number of days the vessels were in our possession for the relevant period. Calendar days are an indicator of the size of our fleet during the relevant period and affect the amount of expenses that we record during that period.
Operating days.   We define operating days as the number of calendar days in a period less any scheduled or unscheduled days that our vessels are off-hire due to unforeseen technical and commercial circumstances. We and the shipping industry uses operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our vessels actually generate revenues.
Off-hire.   The period a vessel is not being chartered or is unable to perform the services for which it is required under a charter.
Fleet utilization.   We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of operating days during a period by the number of calendar days during that period. We and the shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company’s efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the number of days that its vessels are off-hire for reasons other than scheduled repairs or scheduled guarantee inspections in the case of new buildings, vessel upgrades, special or intermediate surveys and vessel positioning.
Daily Time Charter Equivalent (“TCE”) Rate.   The Daily Time Charter Equivalent Rate (“Daily TCE Rate”) is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. The Daily TCE Rate is not a measure of revenue under U.S. GAAP (i.e., it is a non-GAAP measure) or IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of revenue and financial performance presented in accordance with IFRS. We calculate Daily TCE Rate by dividing revenues (time charter and/or voyage charter revenues), less commission and voyage expenses, by the number of operating days during that period. Our calculation of the Daily TCE Rates may not be comparable to that reported by other companies.
 
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Daily vessel operating expenses, including management fees.   Daily vessel operating expenses, including management fees, calculated as the sum of vessel operating expenses and management fees divided by the calendar days of the period, is an alternative performance measure that provides meaningful information to our management with regards to our vessels’ efficiency and deployment. Our calculation of daily vessel operating expense, including management fees, may deviate from that reported by other companies.
Performance Indicators
The figures shown below are financial and non-financial statistical metrics used by management to measure performance of our vessels. For the “Fleet Data” figures, there are no comparable GAAP or IFRS measures.
In the shipping industry, economic decisions are based on vessels’ deployment upon anticipated Daily TCE Rates, and industry analysts typically measure shipping freight rates in terms of Daily TCE Rates. This is because under time-charter and bareboat contracts the customer usually pays the voyage expenses, while under voyage charters the ship-owner usually pays the voyage expenses, which typically are added to the hire rate at an approximate cost. In a voyage charter contract, consideration is received for the use of a vessel between designated ports for the duration of the voyage only, at an agreed upon rate per volume of cargo carried. In a time charter contract, the customer (also known as the charterer) is responsible to pay for fuel consumed and port expenses incurred during the agreed period of time. In a voyage charter contract, the Company is responsible for maintaining the voyage, including vessel scheduling and routing, as well as any related voyage expenses, such as fuel, port and other expenses. Under voyage charters, the majority of voyage expenses are generally borne by us whereas for vessels in a pool, such expenses are borne by the pool operator. In a bareboat charter, the customer pays for all of the vessel’s operating expenses, and undertakes to maintain the vessel in a good state of repair and efficient operating condition and drydock the vessel during this period as per the classification society requirements. We may incur voyage related expenses when positioning or repositioning vessels before or after the period of a time or other charter, during periods of commercial waiting time or while off-hire during drydocking or due to other unforeseen circumstances. Because of the different nature of these types of arrangements, the amount of revenues earned by the Company can differ significantly between them.
Consistent with industry practice, we use the Daily TCE Rates because it provides a means of comparison between different types of vessel employment and, therefore, assists in evaluating their financial performance and in our decision-making process regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating our financial performance. The Daily TCE rate is a non-GAAP and non-IFRS measure. We believe the Daily TCE Rate provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with vessel operating expenses, the most directly comparable GAAP and IFRS measure, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. The Daily TCE Rate is a measure used to compare period-to-period changes in a company’s performance and, management believes that the Daily TCE Rate provides meaningful information to our investors.
In evaluating our financial condition, we focus on the below measures to assess our historical operating performance and we use future estimates of the same measures to assess our future financial performance. In assessing the future performance of our fleet, the greatest uncertainty relates to future charter rates at the expiration of a vessel’s present period employment, whether under a time charter or a bareboat charter. Decisions about future purchases and sales of vessels are based on the availability of excess internal funds, the availability of financing and the financial and operational evaluation of such actions and depend on the overall state of the shipping market and the availability of relevant purchase candidates.
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Fleet Data:
Calendar days
4,868 5,568 5,694
Operating days
4,833 5,279 5,401
Fleet utilization
99% 95% 91%
 
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The following is a reconciliation of revenue to time charter equivalent revenue and the calculation of Daily TCE rate for the periods presented:
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)
Revenue
$ 270,972,421 $ 168,998,225 $ 282,870,330
Voyage expenses
$ (74,086,221) $ (45,006,762) $ (48,116,343)
Commissions
$ (3,382,419) $ (2,229,156) $ (3,757,075)
Time charter equivalent revenue
$ 193,503,781 $ 121,762,307 $ 230,996,912
Operating days
4,833 5,279 5,401
Daily TCE Rate
$ 40,040 $ 23,064 $ 42,769
The following table reconciles our vessel operating expenses to vessel operating expenses including management fees (a non-GAAP and non-IFRS measure). Daily operating expenses, including management fees are derived by dividing vessel operating expenses, including management fees by calendar days.
Year Ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
(Expressed In U.S. Dollars)
Vessel operating expenses
$ 35,740,460 $ 40,695,997 $ 40,178,632
Management fees
$ 4,381,200 $ 5,425,200 $ 3,416,400
Vessel operating expenses, including management fees
$ 40,121,660 $ 46,121,197 $ 43,595,032
Calendar days
4,868 5,568 5,694
Daily vessel operating expenses, including management fees
$ 8,242 $ 8,283 $ 7,656
E.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Because we apply in our primary financial statements IFRS as issued by the IASB, we are not required to discuss information about our critical accounting estimates here.
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 (i.e., our senior management). Members of our board of directors are elected annually. 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 the address of our principal executive offices: c/o OET Chartering Inc., Ethnarchou Makariou Ave., & 2 D. Falireos St., 185 47 N. Faliro, Greece.
Name
Age
Position
Aristidis Alafouzos 36 Chief Executive Officer
Ioannis Alafouzos 66 Chairman and Director
Iraklis Sbarounis 38 Chief Financial Officer
Konstantinos Oikonomopoulos 37 Chief Development Officer
Christopher Papaioannou 36 Chief Commercial Officer
Robert Knapp 56 Director*
Daniel Gold 55 Director*
Joshua Nemser 38 Director*
Charlotte Stratos 68 Director*
John Kittmer 56 Director*
Petros Siakotos 59 Director*
 
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*
Independent Director
Biographical information with respect to each of our directors and executives is set forth below.
Aristidis Alafouzos has served as our Chief Executive Officer since December 2022. He previously served as our Chief Operating Officer from 2018 until December 2022. Mr. Alafouzos has worked with KMC for eight years and is involved in chartering, projects and vessel sale and purchase. He studied International Relations at Boston University and holds an M.Sc. in Shipping Trade and Finance from Bayes Business School (formerly known as Cass Business School) of City University in London. He has been a board member of Gard P. & I. LTD since 2019. Aristidis Alafouzos is the son of our Chairman, Ioannis Alafouzos.
Ioannis Alafouzos has served as our Chairman and as a member of our board of directors since our inception. Mr. Alafouzos previously served as our Chief Executive Officer from our inception until December 2022. Mr. Alafouzos began his career in shipping in 1981 and has over 40 years of experience in all facets of the industry. Mr. Alafouzos founded Kyklades Maritime Corporation’s tanker arm and has been the key strategist for the company’s cyclical asset plays. Mr. Alafouzos holds an MA from Oxford University in History of Economics. He was a member of the ABS Technical Committee from 2005-2009, a board member of Ionian and Popular Bank in the 1990’s, and a board member of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping in the 1980’s. Ioannis Alafouzos is the father of our Chief Executive Officer, Aristidis Alafouzos.
Iraklis Sbarounis has served as our Chief Financial Officer since January 2023. Mr. Sbarounis was previously with the TMS Shipping Group for 14 years, most recently having served as its Group CFO. He also served as Ocean Rig UDW’s (formerly listed on NASDAQ) Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and Director, until its merger with Transocean in 2018, and prior to that as its VP Business Development. He started his career in investment banking with BNP Paribas. Mr. Sbarounis has extensive experience in dealing with corporate finance, commercial and investment matters as an executive in the shipping industry, as well as in capital markets. He holds a B.S. degree in Management Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a M.Sc. degree in Finance and Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Konstantinos Oikonomopoulos has served as our Chief Development Officer since January 2023. Mr. Oikonomopoulos served as our Chief Financial Officer from December 2021 until January 2023. Mr. Oikonomopoulos has extensive experience in the capital markets, finance and asset backed and direct investments. Prior to joining the Company, he held the office of the Investment Manager of Borealis Maritime Ltd in London for three years where he was involved in capital raising, asset management and direct investments within the shipping and offshore services sector. Mr. Oikonomopoulos has a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece and a M.Sc. degree in Shipping, Trade and Finance from Bayes Business School (formerly known as Cass Business School) of City University in London.
Christopher Papaioannou has served as our Chief Commercial Officer since May 2023. He began his career in the chartering department of KMC. Prior to becoming CCO of the Company, he served as the Head of Chartering for OET Chartering Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., since June 2018. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from New York University.
Robert Knapp has been a director since our inception. He is the CIO of Ironsides Partners, an investment manager based in Boston, which he founded in 2007. Ironsides is an asset value investor with an emphasis on market dislocations or disruptions. Mr. Knapp serves as a director for several investment companies including Barings BDC which listed on the NYSE and was a director of MPC Container Ships AS when it was founded. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Oxford University.
Daniel Gold has been a director since our inception. He is the CEO of QVT Financial LP, an asset management company with offices in New York and New Delhi. QVT Financial, through its managed funds, is an experienced global investor in the shipping and offshore industries. Mr. Gold holds an AB in Physics from Harvard College.
 
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Joshua Nemser has been a director since our inception. He is a New York-based senior portfolio manager at VR Capital Group. He oversees the portfolio and members of the firm’s NA+ team, which pursues performing and distressed credit and other special situations in North America and other developed markets as well as transportation and other hard asset sectors. Prior to joining VR, Mr. Nemser was an investment banking associate at Moelis & Company, where he advised on a range of mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and restructurings. Prior to Moelis, he was an attorney in the Business Finance & Restructuring department of Weil, Gotshal & Manges. Prior to Weil, he was vice president and chief pilot of a federally certificated air carrier. Mr. Nemser holds a J.D. from the New York University School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude, and a B.S. in business administration from the University of Southern California. He is a licensed airline transport pilot with over 2,000 flight hours.
Charlotte Stratos has been a director since our inception. She has served as a Senior Advisor to Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Division Global Transportation team since from 2008 to 2022. From 1987 to 2007, Ms. Stratos was Managing Director and head of Global Greek Shipping for Calyon Corporate and Investment Bank of the Credit Agricole Group. Ms. Stratos served in various roles with Bankers Trust Company as Vice President of Greek shipping finance from 1976 to 1987. She currently serves as an independent director of Costamare Inc., a containership company listed on the NYSE. Previously, she held the position of independent director for Hellenic Carriers Limited, a shipping company listed on London’s AIM between 2007 to 2016 and as a board member of Emporiki Bank from 2006 to 2008.
John Kittmer has been a director since our inception. He has held senior positions across the U.K. public sector. Between 2013-2016, he was the British Ambassador to Greece and responsible among other things for British commercial relations in Greece. He has served other senior roles in the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Cabinet Office. He holds a BA from the University of Cambridge, an MA from the University of London and a PhD from King’s College London. He is Chairman of The Anglo-Hellenic League and the Gilbert Murray Trust, U.K. registered charities working on educational and cultural issues.
Petros Siakotos has been a director since December 2021. He has spent most of his career in international banking, successively with Salomon Brothers, HSBC, Credit Suisse and as Managing Director at UBS Russia. He has advised the Greek and Russian governments in key privatizations and has helped corporate clients with numerous equity and debt raising and strategic transactions. He then served as Senior Advisor to EBRD for the Greek market until 2018. He is currently a director at NUR MINOS, a company developing renewable energy generation projects and is involved in several energy efficiency initiatives. Mr. Siakotos has a BA from Yale University and an MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.
Aristidis Alafouzos is the son of our Chairman, Ioannis Alafouzos. Other than the aforementioned, there are no other family relationships between any of our directors or senior management. There are no arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any person referred to above was selected as a director or member of senior management.
The Company is not aware of any agreements or arrangements between any director and any person or entity other than the Company relating to the compensation or other payments in connection with such director’s candidacy or service as a director of the Company.
B.
Compensation
Our directors, except our Chairman, who has waived such right, are each entitled to receive $75,000 in cash per year, from the respective start of their service on our Board of Directors. In addition, each director is entitled to a reimbursement for traveling and other minor out-of-pocket expenses. Our directors have standard letters of appointment but do not receive any benefits upon termination of their directorships. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the compensation paid, in the aggregate, to our directors was $1.2 million (including fees paid that related to 2021). Each director is fully indemnified by us for actions associated with being a director to the extent permitted under Marshall Islands law. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the compensation paid, in the aggregate, to our executive officers was $1.7 million. Our executive officers are each paid a salary.
While each of our executive officers has an employment agreement with us, none of them provide for benefits upon termination of employment or change of control except as described in this paragraph. Each
 
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such employment agreement provides for a total agreed annual compensation. It further provides for an additional bonus dependent on certain mutually agreed goals with us. Each such employment agreement provides for three months’ severance pay if the officer’s employment is terminated within five years of commencement and an amount determined in accordance with Greek labor law if terminated after five years of employment. Upon the termination of employment, whether by the employee or us, the employee will complete three months of garden leave and shall receive salary and a proportional bonus during that time. In line with NYSE requirements, we have established a clawback policy, which will be effective as of the effectiveness of this registration statement, which, subject to limited exceptions, requires that any incentive compensation (including both cash and equity compensation) paid to any current or former executive officer on or after October 2, 2023 is subject to recoupment if (i) the incentive compensation was calculated based on financial statements that were required to be restated due to material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements, without regard to any fault or misconduct; and (ii) that noncompliance resulted in overpayment of the incentive compensation within the three fiscal years preceding the date the restatement.
We do not have a retirement plan for our officers or directors.
C.
Board Practices
Director Independence
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Knapp, Mr. Gold, Mr. Nemser, Ms. Stratos, Mr. Kittmer and Mr. Siakotos are “independent directors” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. We currently intend to maintain a board of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain NYSE requirements that are applicable to U.S. domestic companies, including the requirement to maintain a board of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors.
Board Committees
Upon effectiveness of this registration statement, our board of directors will have an audit committee, a nominating/corporate governance committee and a remuneration committee. Upon effectiveness of this registration statement, our board of directors will have adopted a charter for the audit committee, the nominating/corporate governance committee and the remuneration committee, as well as a code of business conduct and ethics that governs the conduct of our directors, officers, employees and agents. From time-to-time the Board may create special committees to address particular situations or transactions, such as potential conflict of interest transactions that may arise with our affiliates or related parties. The members’ duration and powers of any special committee will be as established by the board of directors as appropriate for the particular situation or transaction.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee, upon effectiveness of this registration statement, will consist of Petros Siakotos, Charlotte Stratos and John Kittmer, each of whom is an independent director. Our board of directors has determined that the members of the audit committee meet the applicable independence requirements of the Commission and the NYSE. Ms. Stratos is also our audit committee financial expert.
The audit committee has powers and performs the functions customarily performed by such a committee (including those required of such a committee by the NYSE and the Commission). The audit committee is responsible for (a) assisting in the Board’s supervision of the Company’s financial reporting process, (b) monitoring the systems for internal control and risk management, (c) maintaining continuous contact with the Company’s auditor, an independent registered public accounting firm, regarding the audit of the annual accounts and (d) reviewing and monitoring the independence of the Company’s auditor, including in particular the extent to which the auditing services provided by the auditor or the audit firm represent a threat to the independence of the auditor.
Remuneration Committee
Our remuneration committee upon effectiveness of our listing will consist of Charlotte Stratos, Robert Knapp and John Kittmer, each of whom is an independent director. The remuneration committee determines,
 
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reviews and approves or recommends the approval of the salaries and other remuneration for our executive officers and reviews other matters relating to remuneration and other material employment issues relating to our executive officers.
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee
Our nominating/corporate governance committee, which will be in place on or prior to the effectiveness of this registration statement, will consist of Petros Siakotos and Charlotte Stratos. The nominating/corporate governance committee (a) identifies individuals qualified to become board members consistent with board-approved criteria and the process for board selection of nominees for election by shareholders; (b) selects, or recommends that board select, director nominees for next annual meeting of shareholders; (c) develops and recommends to board a set of corporate governance guidelines; (d) oversees evaluation of board and management; and (e) annually performs an evaluation of the nominating/corporate governance committee.
Foreign Private Issuer Exemption
In general, under the NYSE corporate governance standards, foreign private issuers, as defined under the Exchange Act, are permitted to follow home country corporate governance practices instead of the corporate governance practices of the NYSE. Accordingly, we intend to follow certain corporate governance practices of our home country, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in lieu of certain of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE. A brief summary of those differences is provided below.
Related Party Transactions.   In lieu of obtaining an independent review of related party transactions for conflicts of interests, consistent with Marshall Islands law requirements, a related party transaction will be permitted if: (i) the material facts as to such director’s interest in such contract or transaction and as to any such common directorship, officership or financial interest are disclosed in good faith or known to the board or committee, and the board or committee approves such contract or transaction by a vote sufficient for such purpose without counting the vote of such interested director, or, if the votes of the disinterested directors are insufficient to constitute an act of the board, by unanimous vote of the disinterested directors; or (ii) if the material facts as to such director’s interest in such contract or transaction and as to any such common directorship, officership or financial interest are disclosed in good faith or known to the shareholders entitled to vote thereon, and such contract or transaction is approved by vote of such shareholders.
Proxy Statements.   As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to solicit proxies or provide proxy statements to the NYSE pursuant to the NYSE corporate governance rules or Marshall Islands law. Consistent with Marshall Islands law, we will notify our shareholders of meetings between 15 and 60 days before the meeting. This notification will contain, among other things, information regarding business to be transacted at the meeting. In addition, our bylaws provide that certain shareholders must give us advance notice to properly introduce any business at a meeting of the shareholders. Our bylaws also provide that shareholders may designate in writing a proxy to act on their behalf.
Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans.   The NYSE requires listed companies to obtain prior shareholder approval to adopt or materially revise any equity compensation plan. As permitted under Marshall Islands law, we do not need prior shareholder approval to adopt or revise equity compensation plans, including our equity incentive plan.
Share Issuances.   In lieu of obtaining shareholder approval prior to the issuance of designated securities, we will comply with provisions of the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, which allows the board of directors to approve all share issuances, including share issuances (i) in connection with the acquisition of stock or assets of another company; (ii) when it would result in a change of control; (iii) when a share option or purchase plan is to be established or materially amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially amended, pursuant to which shares may be acquired by officers, directors, employees, or consultants; or (iv) in connection with a transaction (other than a public offering) involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance of shares at a price less than market value. Pursuant to 313.00 of Section 3 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, the NYSE will accept any action or issuance relating to the voting rights structure of a non-U.S. company that is in compliance with the NYSE’s requirements for
 
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domestic companies or that is not prohibited by the company’s home country law. We are not subject to such restrictions under our home country, Marshall Islands, law.
Meetings of Directors.   In lieu of holding regularly scheduled meetings of the board of directors at which only non-management directors are present, we will not be holding such regularly scheduled meetings. In addition, our board of directors may not make a self-assessment of its performance at least once a year to determine if it or its committees function effectively.
Committee Authority.   In lieu of having an audit committee, remuneration committee and nomination and corporate governance committee with the authorities and responsibilities set forth in the NYSE rules, our audit committee, remuneration committee and nomination and corporate governance committee are not required to have such authorities and responsibilities. For example, our audit committee charter provides that the audit committee may be comprised of two or more independent directors. Our remuneration committee is not required to provide a remuneration committee report.
Corporate Governance Guidelines.   Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines that cover certain minimum specified subjects. We are not required to comply with these requirements.
If at any time we cease to be a “foreign private issuer” under the rules of the NYSE and the Exchange Act, as applicable, our board of directors will be required to take all action necessary to comply with the NYSE corporate governance rules.
Due to our status as a foreign private issuer and our intent to follow certain home country corporate governance practices, our shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all the NYSE corporate governance standards. See “Item 10.A. — Share Capital.”
D.
Employees
As of December 31, 2022, we employed approximately 13 people in our offices in Greece, through our wholly owned subsidiary OET Chartering Inc., compared to 12 employees as of December 31, 2021 and 12 employees as of December 31, 2020. KMC provides technical management services in respect of our vessels and ensures that all seamen have the qualifications and licenses required to comply with international regulations and shipping conventions, and that our vessels employ experienced and competent personnel.
E.
Share Ownership
As of November 1, 2023, the beneficial interests of our directors and officers in our common shares were as follows, based on 32,194,108 common shares outstanding (and not taking into account any shares held in treasury):
Name
Position
Number of
Shares held
Shareholding
Percentage
Ioannis Alafouzos(1)
Chairman and Director 11,456,223 35.6%
Daniel Gold
Director
Joshua Nemser
Director
Robert Knapp(2)
Director 225,000 *%
John Kittmer
Director
Charlotte Stratos
Director
Petros Siakotos
Director
Aristidis Alafouzos
Chief Executive Officer 49,800 *%
Iraklis Sbarounis
Chief Financial Officer 2,000 *%
Konstantinos Oikonomopoulos
Chief Development Officer
Christopher Papaioannou
Chief Commercial Officer
11,200 *%
 
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*
Denotes less than 1.0%.
(1)
Shares owned both directly and beneficially owned through Glafki Marine Corp.
(2)
Mr. Knapp owns his shares through a retirement account as well as Ironsides Energy LLC, an entity that he wholly owns.
F.
Disclosure of a registrant’s action to recover erroneously awarded compensation.
None.
ITEM 7.   MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A.   Major Shareholders
The table below sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common shares by each person we know to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock based upon 32,194,108 common shares outstanding as of November 1, 2023, and the amounts and percentages as are contained in the public filings of such persons and based on knowledge of the Company. While we have 695,892 shares held in treasury, those shares are not deemed outstanding for purposes of these calculations. The number of common shares beneficially owned by each person is determined under SEC rules and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under SEC rules, a person beneficially owns any shares as to which the person has or shares voting or investment power. In addition, under SEC rules, a person beneficially owns any common shares that the person or entity has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of any right. All of the shareholders, including the shareholders listed in this table, are entitled to one vote per common share held.
Name of Beneficial Owner
Number of Shares held
Shareholding Percentage
Ioannis Alafouzos(1)
11,456,223 35.6%
Themistoklis Alafouzos(2)
7,202,563 22.4%
(1)
Ioannis Alafouzos owns 437,286 common shares directly and 11,018,937 common shares beneficially through Glafki Marine Corp., a company of which he is the beneficial owner.
(2)
Themistoklis Alafouzos owns 556,500 common shares beneficially through Sea Shell Enterprises Limited and 6,646,063 common shares beneficially through Hospitality Assets Corp., each company of which he is the beneficial owner.
As of October 30, 2023, we had 1,645 shareholders of record, 30 of which are located in the United States holding an aggregate of 3,793,120 of our common shares, representing 11.8% of our outstanding common shares. Some of these shareholders may be holding companies or brokers, and we do not have full visibility on the ultimate beneficial owners of our shares. However, upon our listing on the New York Stock Exchange, we expect that our sole shareholder of record will be Cede & Co., a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, which we expect will hold all, or almost all, of our common shares immediately following the effectiveness of our NYSE listing. Accordingly, we believe that the shares that will be held by Cede & Co. will include common shares beneficially owned by both holders in the United States and non-U.S. beneficial owners. Our major shareholders have the same voting rights as our other shareholders. We are not aware of any arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.
B.   Related Party Transactions
Management Agreements
Please see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Management of Our Fleet” for a description of the management of our vessels, or any vessels we may acquire, including of the amended technical management agreements with respect thereto. The daily management fee we pay to KMC for the technical management of our vessels in 2021, 2022 and currently is $900, and the daily management fee was $600 in 2020.
 
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Amounts Paid to Vessel Owning Companies Privately Owned by Members of the Alafouzos Family
For the sake of operational convenience, various expenses or other liabilities that are required to be paid by us, are from time to time instead paid by or on behalf of the vessel owning companies privately owned by the Alafouzos family, or by KMC, and recorded as unsecured amounts payable/receivables, with no fixed terms of payment. The purpose is to optimize capital management and to secure volumetric discounts. Examples of the types of expenses and liabilities giving rise to such payables/receivables due/from to the vessel owning companies privately owned by members of the Alafouzos family include, without limitation, bunker fuel, port expenses, canal fees and other operating expenses. Amounts due from vessel owning companies privately owned by members of the Alafouzos family as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 amounted to $0, $680,176 and $4,731,219, respectively, and represent amounts transferred to vessel owning companies privately owned by members of the Alafouzos family for the aforementioned purposes and that were not used on our behalf. All amounts are unsecured, interest-free, with no fixed terms of payment and were repayable on demand.
Shared Services Agreement
Please see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Management of Our Fleet” for a description of the shared services agreement that we have entered into with KMC. There is no additional fee payable under this agreement.
Acquisition of Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria
In June 2021, we entered into an agreement to acquire two Eco-design, open loop scrubber-fitted 300,000 DWT VLCC crude tankers (Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria) under construction at HHI from entities controlled by Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos for a total consideration of $194 million, funded with a combination of cash, senior secured debt, and senior unsecured debt.
Acquisition of Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos
In April 2019, the Company was granted, at no cost, an option to acquire two Eco-design, scrubber-fitted 158,000 DWT Suezmax tankers (Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos) under construction at HSHI with delivery in the third quarter of 2020 from Okeanis Marine Holdings S.A., an entity controlled by Ioannis Alafouzos. In October 2019, the Company exercised its no-cost option to acquire such vessels, and acquired the holding companies for each entity that was a party to the shipbuilding contract. In 2019, such entities owed an amount of $6,450,500 each to Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos (relating to the first instalment paid to the yard by Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos). In 2019, we paid Mr. Alafouzos $500,000, with the remaining balance being paid in 2020.
Registration Rights Agreement
Prior to this listing, we intend to enter into a registration rights agreement with Hospitality Assets Corp. and Glafki Marine Corp., pursuant to which we will grant them and their affiliates (including Ioannis Alafouzos, Themistoklis Alafouzos and certain of their transferees) the right, under certain circumstances and subject to certain restrictions, to require us to register under the Securities Act our common shares held by them. Under the registration rights agreement, these persons will have the right to request us to register the sale of shares held by them on their behalf and may require us to make available shelf registration statements permitting sales of shares into the market from time to time over an extended period. In addition, these persons will have the ability to exercise certain piggyback registration rights in connection with registered offerings requested by other shareholders or initiated by us.
Employment of Relative of our Chairman
Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos has been a director and chairman of the board of directors of the Company since our inception and was our Chief Executive Officer until December 2022. Mr. Aristidis Alafouzos, the son of Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos, was our Chief Operating Officer until December 2022 and thereafter became our Chief Executive Officer.
 
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Sponsor Loan
Please see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Credit Facilities and Financing Obligations — $35.1 Million Unsecured Sponsor Loan” for a description of a related party loan. The lender is an entity that is owned by our Chairman, Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos.
Lease of Office Space
We lease our office space in Piraeus from SINGLE MEMBER ANONYMOS TECHNIKI ETAIRIA ERGON, an entity owned by Themistoklis Alafouzos. On August 1, 2018, we entered into a lease agreement for 165.28 square meters of office space for our operations with SINGLE MEMBER ANONYMOS TECHNIKI ETAIRIA ERGON at a monthly rate of Euro 890. The lease expires on July 31, 2024.
C.   Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A.   Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See “Item 18. Financial Statements”.
Legal Proceedings
Various claims, suits, and complaints, including those involving government regulations and product liability, arise in the ordinary course of the shipping business. To our knowledge, we are not a party to any material litigation where claims or counterclaims have been filed against us other than routine legal proceedings incidental to our business. We have not been involved in any legal proceedings that we believe may have a significant effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity, and we are not aware of any proceedings that are pending or threatened that may have a material effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, principally property damage and personal injury claims. We expect that these claims would be covered by our existing insurance policies, subject to certain deductibles. However, those claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources.
Dividend Policy
The declaration, timing and amount of any dividend is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our earnings, financial condition, market prospects, capital expenditure requirements, investment opportunities, restrictions in our loan agreements, the provisions of the Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of dividends to shareholders, overall market conditions and other factors. Subject to these limitations, we seek to offer our shareholders with a competitive yield which is reflective of the cash flows generated by us, and currently intend to pay dividends in an amount depending on and taking into consideration the amount of our net profits, after adjusting for non-recurring items, working capital needs, our capital structure and other discretionary items as our board of directors decides, from time to time. We define “net profits” as the profit or loss for the relevant period, as disclosed in the Company’s published consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. We have no written dividend policy and are able to adopt, amend, change or terminate any dividend policy in the future.
We can provide no assurance that dividends will be paid in the future and there may be a high degree of variability from period to period in the amount of cash, if any, that is available for the payment of dividends. Please see “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to our Common Shares and Our Prospective NYSE Listing — Our ability to declare and pay dividends to holders of our common shares will depend on a number of factors and will always be subject to the discretion of our board of directors.”
 
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Since we are a holding company with no material assets other than the shares of our subsidiary and affiliates through which we conduct our operations, our ability to pay dividends will depend on our subsidiary and affiliates distributing to us their earnings and cash flow. Our financing arrangements impose certain limitations on our ability to pay dividends and our subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions to us. Please see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Credit Facilities and Financing Obligations — Loan Covenants” for further information.
During the last three years we have paid the following dividends:
Month and Year Paid
Approximate
Per Common
Share Amount
Aggregate Amount
September 2023*
$ 1.50 $ 48,291,162
June 2023*
$ 1.60 $ 51,510,573
March 2023*
$ 1.25 $ 40,242,635
December 2022*
$ 0.30 $ 9,798,167
September 2022*
$ 0.30 $ 9,796,830
December 2021*
$ 0.31 $ 10,027,079
June 2021*
$ 0.75 $ 24,281,938
March 2021
$ 0.10 $ 3,219,686
December 2020
$ 0.10 $ 3,239,570
September 2020
$ 0.75 $ 24,296,366
June 2020
$ 0.50 $ 16,187,960
*
Dividends paid were classified as capital returns/a write-down of paid-in capital for accounting purposes. Marshall Islands law does not differentiate between what may be considered a return of capital or a dividend for accounting purposes and treats all cash given to shareholders as dividends.
B.   Significant Changes
There have been no significant changes since the date of the financial statements included in this registration statement, other than those described in Note 25 “Subsequent events” to our consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 9.   THE OFFER AND LISTING
A.   Offer and Listing Details
Our common shares are currently listed on the Oslo Børs under the trading symbol “OET.” As of November 1, 2023, we have 32,194,108 common shares outstanding, which excludes 695,892 treasury shares. All of our common shares, each with a par value of $0.001, are in registered form.
We intend to apply to have our common shares listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ECO.” For a description of the rights of our common shares, see “Item 10. Additional Information.”
B.   Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C.   Markets
Our common shares are currently traded on Oslo Børs under the ticker symbol “OET.” We intend to apply to list our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ECO.”
We are filing this registration statement on Form 20-F in anticipation of the listing of our common shares on the NYSE. Prior to this anticipated listing, there has been no public market for our common
 
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shares in the United States. We cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for our common shares in the United States.
D.   Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E.   Dilution
Not applicable.
F.   Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
ITEM 10.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A.   Share Capital
The following is a summary of the description of our capital stock and the material terms of our second amended and restated articles of incorporation and third amended and restated bylaws which we will adopt prior to the effectiveness of this Registration Statement. Because the following is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you may find useful. We refer you to our second amended and restated articles of incorporation and third amended and restated bylaws, which are filed as exhibits hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.
Authorized Capitalization
Upon effectiveness of this Registration Statement, our authorized capital stock will consist of 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001, of which 32,194,108 shares are issued and outstanding, and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 of which no shares have been issued. All of our shares of stock are in registered form.
Common Stock
Each outstanding share of common stock generally entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive, ratably based on the number of shares held, all dividends, if any, declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends. Upon our dissolution or liquidation, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata based on the number of shares held our remaining assets available for distribution. Holders of common stock do not have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of our preferred stock. Our board of directors may determine to repurchase our own shares that have already been issued, which decision does not require shareholder approval. Any such purchase can be made out of surplus (as such term is used in the BCA). We are not permitted to repurchase our shares when we are insolvent or would thereby be made insolvent.
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC is the transfer agent and registrar for our common shares.
Preferred Stock
Our board of directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of preferred stock in one or more series with designations as may be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such preferred stock. At the time that any series of our preferred stock is authorized, our board of directors will fix the dividend rights, any conversion rights, any voting rights, redemption provisions, liquidation preferences and any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of that series, as well as the number of shares
 
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constituting that series and their designation. Our board of directors could, without shareholder approval, cause us to issue preferred stock which has voting, conversion and other rights and preferences that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of holders of our common shares and preferred shares, or make it more difficult to effect a change in control. In addition, preferred stock could be used to dilute the share ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us and thereby hinder a possible takeover attempt which, if our shareholders were offered a premium over the market value of their shares, might be viewed as being beneficial to our shareholders.
Initial settlement of our common shares will take place on the completion date of this listing through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) in accordance with its settlement procedures for equity securities registered through DTC’s book-entry transfer system. To facilitate transfers of our common shares between the New York Stock Exchange and Oslo Børs, we intend to amend the registration structure for our common shares whereby all common shares will be primarily held and settled within DTC and secondarily held and settled in Euronext Securities Oslo (the “VPS”) through a Central Securities Depository, or CSD, link. A CSD link structure allows the VPS to give shareholders of our already issued common shares access to such common shares maintained in DTC and vice versa. Consequently, following the amendment of the registration structure, our common shares will be able to be moved between the DTC and VPS to enable shares moving between the New York Stock Exchange and Oslo Børs.
Each person beneficially owning common shares registered through DTC must rely on the procedures thereof and on institutions that have accounts therewith to exercise any rights of a holder of the common shares.
B.   Memorandum and Articles of Association
Information regarding the rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to each class of our shares is described in the section entitled “Item 10.A. — Share Capital” above.
Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Third Amended and Restated Bylaws
The following description of our second amended and restated articles of incorporation and third amended and restated bylaws is a summary of the second amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that we intend to adopt prior to the effectiveness of this Registration Statement and is qualified by reference to forms of our second amended and restated articles of incorporation and third amended and restated bylaws which shall be filed by amendment as an exhibit to this registration statement.
Under our amended and restated bylaws, annual shareholder meetings will be held at a time and place selected by our board of directors. The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands. Special meetings of the shareholders, unless otherwise prescribed by law, may be called for any purpose or purposes at any time by the chairman of the board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the board of directors, or the holders of not less than 20% of the voting power of the shares entitled to vote on the matter to be voted at such special meeting. Notice of every annual and special meeting of shareholders shall be given at least 15 but not more than 60 days before such meeting to each shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat. There must be present, in person or by proxy, shareholders of record holding at least one-third of the voting power of shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote in order to constitute quorum at a shareholders meeting.
Directors
Our directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of the shareholders by the holders of shares entitled to vote in the election. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.
The board of directors must consist of at least one member. Each director shall be elected to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his death, resignation, removal, or the earlier termination of his term of office. The
 
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board of directors has the authority to fix the amounts which shall be payable to the members of our board of directors, and to members of any committee, for attendance at any meeting or for services rendered to us.
Our articles of incorporation provide that no director shall be personally liable to us or our shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, expect as such exemption from liability or any limitation thereof is not permitted under the BCA.
Election and Removal
Our bylaws require parties other than the board of directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors. The entire board of directors or any individual director may be removed, with or without cause by the vote of shareholders. The entire board of directors or any individual director may be removed, with cause, by the vote of the board of directors. Any vacancies in the board of directors for any reason, and any created directorships resulting from any increase in number of directors, may be filled by the vote of the majority of the board of directors then in office, although less than a quorum, and any directors so chosen shall hold office until the next election of directors.
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the BCA, our shareholders generally have the right to dissent from certain mergers and consolidations and the sale or exchange of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual and regular course of our business and receive payment of the fair value of their shares. However, the right of a dissenting shareholder to receive payment of the appraised fair value of his shares is not available under the BCA for the shares of any class or series of stock, which shares at the record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting of the shareholders to act upon the agreement of merger or consolidation or any sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the corporation not made in the usual course of its business, were either (i) listed on a securities exchange or admitted for trading on an interdealer quotation system or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. In the event of any further amendment of our second amended and restated articles of incorporation, a shareholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares. The dissenting shareholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment.
Shareholders’ Derivative Actions
Under the BCA, any of our shareholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the shareholder bringing the action is a holder or a holder of a beneficial interest of shares both at the time the derivative action is brought and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates, or that the shares or his interest therein devolved upon him by operation of law.
Anti-takeover Provisions of our Organizational Documents
Several provisions of our second amended and restated articles of incorporation and third amended and restated bylaws may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also discourage, delay or prevent (1) the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, that a shareholder may consider in its best interest and (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
Limited Actions by Shareholders
Our bylaws provide that the chairman of the board of directors, the board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the holders of not less than 20% of the voting power of the shares entitled to vote on the matter to be voted at such special meeting may call special meetings of our shareholders and the business
 
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transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Accordingly, a shareholder may be prevented from calling a special meeting for shareholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of our board of directors and shareholder consideration of a proposal may be delayed until the next annual meeting.
Our bylaws provide that shareholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing. Our bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content and timeliness of a shareholder’s notice. Generally, to be timely, a shareholder’s notice to our secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders. These provisions may impede shareholders’ ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of shareholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of shareholders.
Blank Check Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our second amended and restated articles of incorporation, our board of directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. Our board of directors may issue shares of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or the removal of our management.
Election of Directors
Our second amended and restated articles of incorporation and third amended and restated bylaws prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors. Our bylaws require parties other than our board of directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
Certain Marshall Islands Company Considerations
Our corporate affairs are governed by our second amended and restated articles of incorporation, third amended and restated bylaws and the BCA. The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States, including Delaware. While the BCA also 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 court cases interpreting the BCA in the Marshall Islands, and we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as Delaware or other courts in the United States. Accordingly, you may have more difficulty in protecting your interests under Marshall Islands law in the face of actions by our management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction that has developed a substantial body of case law. Furthermore, the Marshall Islands lacks a bankruptcy statute, and in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding involving the Company, the bankruptcy laws of the United States or of another country having jurisdiction over the Company would apply. The following table provides a comparison between certain statutory provisions of the BCA and the Delaware General Corporation Law relating to shareholders’ rights.
 
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Marshall Islands
Delaware
Shareholder Meetings
Held at a time and place as designated in the bylaws.
May be held at such time or place as designated in the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws, or if not so designated, as determined by the board of directors.
Special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the board of directors or by such person or persons as may be authorized by the articles of incorporation or by the bylaws. Special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the board of directors or by such person or persons as may be authorized by the certificate of incorporation or by the bylaws
May be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands. May be held in or outside of Delaware.
Notice: Notice:
Whenever shareholders are required to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting and, unless it is an annual meeting, indicate that it is being issued by or at the direction of the person calling the meeting.
Whenever shareholders are required to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, and the means of remote communication, if any.
A copy of the notice of any meeting shall be given personally or sent by mail or electronically not less than 15 nor more than 60 days before the meeting. If sent by electronic transmission, notice given shall be deemed given when directed to a number or electronic mail address at which the shareholder has consented to receive notice.
Written notice shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the meeting.
Shareholders’ Voting Rights
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, any action required by the BCA to be taken at a meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all the shareholders entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof, or if the articles of incorporation so provide, by the holders of outstanding shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Any action required to be taken by a meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a consent for such action is in writing and is signed by shareholders having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.
Any person authorized to vote may authorize another person or persons to act for him by proxy. Any person authorized to vote may authorize another person or persons to act for him by proxy.
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, a majority of shares entitled to vote constitutes a quorum. In no event shall a quorum consist of fewer than one-third of the common shares entitled to vote at a meeting. For stock corporations, the certificate of incorporation or bylaws may specify the number of shares required to constitute a quorum but in no event shall a quorum consist of less than one-third of shares entitled to vote at a meeting. In the absence of such specifications, a majority of shares entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum.
When a quorum is once present to organize a meeting, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any shareholders. When a quorum is once present to organize a meeting, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any shareholders.
 
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Marshall Islands
Delaware
The articles of incorporation may provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors. The certificate of incorporation may provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Removal: Removal:
If the articles of incorporation or the bylaws so provide, any or all of the directors may be removed without cause by vote of the shareholders.
Any or all of the directors may be removed for cause by vote of the shareholders. The articles of incorporation or the specific provisions of a bylaw may provide for such removal by action of the board.
Any or all of the directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote except: (1) unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise provides, in the case of a corporation whose board is classified, shareholders may effect such removal only for cause, or (2) if the corporation has cumulative voting, if less than the entire board is to be removed, no director may be removed without cause if the votes cast against such director’s removal would be sufficient to elect such director if then cumulatively voted at an election of the entire board of directors, or, if there be classes of directors, at an election of the class of directors of which such director is a part.
Directors
Number of board members can be changed by an amendment to the bylaws, by the shareholders, or by action of the board under the specific provisions of a bylaw. Number of board members shall be fixed by, or in a manner provided by, the bylaws, unless the certificate of incorporation fixes the number of directors, in which case a change in the number shall be made only by amendment to the certificate of incorporation.
The board of directors must consist of at least one member. The board of directors must consist of at least one member.
If the board of directors is authorized to change the number of directors, it can only do so by a majority of the entire board of directors and so long as no decrease in the number shortens the term of any incumbent director.
Dissenter’s Rights of Appraisal
Shareholders have a right to dissent from any plan of merger, consolidation or sale or exchange of all or substantially all assets not made in the usual and regular course of business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares. However, the right of a dissenting shareholder under the BCA to receive payment of the appraised fair value of his shares is not available for the shares of any class or series of stock, which shares at the record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting of the shareholders to act upon the agreement of merger or consolidation or any sale or exchange of all or substantially all property and assets not made in the usual course of business, were either (i) listed on a securities exchange or admitted for trading on an interdealer quotation system or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class or series of stock of a corporation in a merger or consolidation, subject to limited exceptions, such as a merger or consolidation of corporations listed on a national securities exchange in which listed shares are the offered consideration or if such shares are held of record by more than 2,000 holders.
 
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Marshall Islands
Delaware
A holder of any adversely affected shares who does not vote on or consent in writing to an amendment to the articles of incorporation has the right to dissent and to receive payment for such shares if the amendment:
Alters or abolishes any preferential right of any outstanding shares having preference; or
Creates, alters or abolishes any provision or right in respect to the redemption of any outstanding shares; or
Alters or abolishes any preemptive right of such holder to acquire shares or other securities; or
Excludes or limits the right of such holder to vote on any matter, except as such right may be limited by the voting rights given to new shares then being authorized of any existing or new class.
Shareholders’ Derivative Actions
An action may be brought in the right of a corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, by a holder of shares or of voting trust certificates or of a beneficial interest in such shares or certificates. It shall be made to appear that the plaintiff is such a holder at the time the action is brought and that he was such a holder at the time of the transaction of which he complains, or that his shares or his interest therein devolved upon him by operation of law. In any derivative suit instituted by a shareholder or a corporation, it shall be averred in the complaint that the plaintiff was a shareholder of the corporation at the time of the transaction of which he complains or that such shareholder’s stock thereafter devolved upon such shareholder by operation of law.
A complaint shall set forth with particularity the efforts of the plaintiff to secure the initiation of such action by the board of directors or the reasons for not making such effort. Such action shall not be discontinued, compromised or settled without the approval of the High Court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Reasonable expenses including attorneys’ fees may be awarded if the action is successful.
A corporation may require a plaintiff bringing a derivative suit to give security for reasonable expenses if the plaintiff owns less than 5% of any class of stock and the common shares have a value of $50,000 or less.
C.   Material contracts
Attached as exhibits to this registration statement are the contracts we consider to be both material and outside the ordinary course of business and are to be performed in whole or in part after the filing of this registration statement. We refer you to “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company,” “Item 4. B. Business Overview,” “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions” for a discussion of these contracts. Other than as discussed in this registration statement, we have no material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we are a party.
 
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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 holders of our common shares that are neither Marshall Islands resident nor Marshall Islands citizens.
E.   Taxation
The following is a discussion of the material Marshall Islands, Liberian, Greek and U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to a U.S. Holder and a Non-U.S. Holder, each as defined below, with respect to the ownership and disposition of our common shares. The discussion of U.S. federal income tax matters is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or 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. 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 financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, persons holding our common shares as part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle, traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, persons liable for the alternative minimum tax or the “base erosion and anti-avoidance” tax, dealers in securities or currencies, U.S. Holders, as defined below, whose functional currency is not the U.S. 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” 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 own hold the 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 non-U.S. law of the ownership of common shares.
Marshall Islands Tax Consequences
The following is applicable only to persons who are not citizens of and do not reside in, maintain offices in or carry on business or conduct transactions or operations in the Marshall Islands.
Because we (including our subsidiaries) do not, and assuming that we continue not to, and assuming our future subsidiaries will not, carry on business or conduct transactions or operations in the Marshall Islands, and because we anticipate that all documentation related to any offerings of our securities will be executed outside of the Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law we are not subject to tax on our income or capital gains and our shareholders will not be subject to Marshall Islands taxation or withholding tax on our dividends. In addition, our shareholders will not be subject to Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of our common shares, and our shareholders will not be required by the Marshall Islands to file a tax return related to our common shares.
Liberian Tax Consequences
Under current Liberian law, no Liberian taxes or withholding will be imposed on payments to holders of our securities other than to a holder that is a resident Liberian entity or a resident individual or an individual or entity subject to taxation in Liberia as a result of having a permanent establishment within the meaning of the Liberia Revenue Code of 2000 as amended in Liberia.
Greek Tax Considerations
In January 2013, a tax law 4110/2013 amended the long-standing provisions of art. 26 of law 27/1975 by imposing a fixed annual tonnage tax on vessels flying a foreign (i.e., non-Greek) flag which are managed by a Law 89 company, establishing an identical tonnage tax regime as the one already in force for vessels flying the Greek flag. This tax varies depending on the size of the vessel, calculated in gross registered tonnage, as well as on the age of each vessel. Payment of this tonnage tax completely satisfies all income tax obligations of both the shipowning company and of all its shareholders up to the ultimate beneficial
 
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owners. Any tax payable to the state of the flag of each vessel as a result of its registration with a foreign flag registry (including the Marshall Islands) is subtracted from the amount of tonnage tax due to the Greek tax authorities.
By virtue of article 6 of new Law 5000/2022, the Addendum to the New Voluntary Contribution Agreement between the Greek Government and the Greek Maritime Community was ratified by the Greek Parliament. The changes brought by said Addendum are applicable as of January 1, 2022. More specifically it has been decided the Reduction of the New Voluntary Contribution’s rate to 5% and extension of its scope of application. The rate of the voluntary contribution payable by the members of the Greek Maritime Community is reduced to 5% on shipping dividends imported in Greece. The rate was previously set at 10%. The New Voluntary Contribution also captures imported amounts related to capital gains from the sale of shares in ship-owning companies or their holding companies. Payment of the Voluntary Contribution continues to exhaust any other Greek tax obligation with respect to the worldwide income of the final shareholders of the companies that fall within the scope of the New Voluntary Contribution Agreement. Increase of the New Voluntary Contribution’s minimum amount to EUR 60 million per year. In case that the total Voluntary Contribution paid per year is less than EUR 60 million, the members of the Greek Maritime Community undertake the obligation to pay the remaining amount. The said minimum threshold has now been increased as compared to the previously applicable one which amounted to EUR 40 million annually. As of 2019, a tax at the rate of 10% is imposed on special payments and bonuses paid by Greek shipping companies of article 25 L. 27/1975 to members of their Board of Directors, managers, executives and employees on top of their regular salary.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Our Company
Taxation of Operating Income: In General
Unless exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under the rules discussed below, a foreign corporation is subject to U.S. federal income taxation in respect of any income that is derived from the use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time, voyage or bareboat charter basis, from the participation in a pool, partnership, strategic alliance, joint operating agreement, cost sharing arrangement or other joint venture it directly or indirectly owns or participates in that generates such income, or from the performance of services directly related to those uses, which we refer to as “shipping income,” to the extent that the shipping income is derived from sources within the United States. For these purposes, 50% of shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States constitutes income from sources within the United States, which we refer to as “U.S.-source shipping income.”
Shipping income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States. We are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that produces income which is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States.
Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. ports will be considered to be 100% derived from sources outside the United States. Shipping income derived from sources outside the United States will not be subject to any U.S. federal income tax.
In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code, our gross U.S.-source shipping income would be subject to a 4% tax imposed without allowance for deductions as described below.
Exemption of Operating Income from U.S. Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 of the Code and the regulations thereunder, we will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax on our U.S.-source shipping income if:
(1)
we are organized in a foreign country, or our country of organization, that grants an “equivalent exemption” to corporations organized in the United States; and
 
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(2)
either
A.
more than 50% of the value of our stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by individuals or other shareholders described below who are “residents” of or meet certain criteria described below with respect to our country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to corporations organized in the United States (each such shareholder a “qualified shareholder” and such shareholders collectively, “qualified shareholders”), which we refer to as the “50% Ownership Test,” or
B.
our stock is “primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market” in our country of organization, in another country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to U.S. corporations, or in the United States, which we refer to as the “Publicly-Traded Test.”
The Marshall Islands, the jurisdiction where we and most our ship-owning subsidiaries are incorporated, grants an “equivalent exemption” to U.S. corporations. Therefore, we will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax with respect to our U.S.-source shipping income if either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test is met.
In order to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test, a non-U.S. corporation must be able to substantiate that more than 50% of the value of its shares is owned, for at least half of the number of days in the non-U.S. corporation’s taxable year, directly or indirectly, by “qualified shareholders.” For this purpose, qualified shareholders are: (1) individuals who are residents (as defined in the Treasury Regulations) of countries, other than the United States, that grant an equivalent exemption, (2) non-U.S. corporations that meet the Publicly-Traded Test and are organized in countries that grant an equivalent exemption, or (3) certain foreign governments, non-profit organizations, and certain beneficiaries of foreign pension funds. In order for a shareholder to be a qualified shareholder, there generally cannot be any bearer shares in the chain of ownership between the shareholder and the taxpayer claiming the exemption (unless such bearer shares are maintained in a dematerialized or immobilized book-entry system as permitted under the Treasury Regulations). A corporation claiming the Section 883 exemption based on the 50% Ownership Test must obtain all the facts necessary to satisfy the IRS that the 50% Ownership Test has been satisfied (as detailed in the Treasury Regulations). We believe that we satisfied the 50% Ownership Test in 2022.
In order to satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test, Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be “primarily traded” on an established securities market 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. The Treasury Regulations also require that our stock be “regularly traded” on an established securities market. Under the Treasury Regulations, our stock will be considered to be “regularly traded” if one or more classes of our stock representing more than 50% of our outstanding shares, by total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and by total combined value of all classes of stock, are listed on one or more established securities markets, and in the case of an established securities market located outside the United States, satisfy certain minimum trading requirements. In addition, even if the “primarily and regularly traded” tests described above are satisfied, a class of shares will not be treated as primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market if, during more than half the number of days during the taxable year, one or more shareholders holding, directly or indirectly, at least 5% of the vote and value of that class of shares, which we refer to as “5% Shareholders,” own, in the aggregate, 50% or more of the vote and value of that class of shares. This is referred to as the “5% Override Rule.” In the event the 5% Override Rule is triggered, the Treasury Regulations provide that the 5% Override Rule will nevertheless not apply if the company can establish that among the closely-held group of 5% Shareholders, sufficient shares are owned by 5% Shareholders that are considered to be “qualified shareholders,” as defined above, to preclude non-qualified 5% Shareholders in the closely-held group from owning 50% or more of the total value of the relevant class of shares held by 5% Shareholders for more than half the number of days during the taxable year.
Our common shares, which are our sole class of issued and outstanding stock that is traded, were traded on the Oslo Børs in 2022. The Oslo Børs is an established securities market, and we believe that our common shares satisfied the “primarily and regularly traded” tests in 2022. We believe that the 5% Override
 
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Rule was triggered in 2022 because 5% Shareholders owned, in the aggregate, 50% or more of the vote and value of our common shares. However, we further anticipate that we will be able to establish that among the closely-held group of 5% Shareholders, sufficient shares are owned by 5% Shareholders that are considered to be “qualified shareholders,” as defined above, to preclude non-qualified 5% Shareholders in the closely-held group from owning 50% or more of the total value of our common shares for more than half the number of days during the taxable year. Therefore, we believe that we satisfied the Publicly-Traded Test in 2022. Following the anticipated dual listing of our shares on the Oslo Børs and the NYSE, we will determine whether we satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test on a year-by-year basis.
Due to the factual nature of the issues involved, there can be no assurance that we will qualify for the benefits of Section 883 of the Code for 2023 or our subsequent taxable years.
Taxation in the Absence of Exemption under Section 883 of the Code
To the extent the benefits of Section 883 of the Code are unavailable, our U.S.-source shipping income, to the extent not considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, as described below, would be subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of deductions, which we refer to as the “4% gross basis tax regime.” Since under the sourcing rules described above, no more than 50% of our shipping income would be treated as being derived from U.S. sources, the maximum effective rate of U.S. federal income tax on our shipping income would never exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax regime.
To the extent the benefits of the exemption under Section 883 of the Code are unavailable and our U.S.-source shipping income is considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a 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 the U.S. federal corporate income tax imposed at a current rate of 21%. In addition, we may be subject to the 30% “branch profits” tax on earnings effectively connected with the conduct of such U.S. trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments.
Our U.S.-source shipping income would be considered “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business only if:

We have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of shipping income; and

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, or is leasing income that is attributable to such fixed place of business in the United States.
We do not currently have, nor intend to have or permit circumstances that would result in having, any vessel operating to the United States on a regularly scheduled basis. Based on the foregoing and on the expected mode of our shipping operations and other activities, we believe that none of our U.S.-source shipping income will be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
U.S. Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels
Regardless of whether we qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under 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 or will otherwise not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of our common shares that
 
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is a U.S. citizen or resident, 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 (i) 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 or (ii) the trust has in effect a valid election to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

owns the common shares as a capital asset, generally, for investment purposes; and

owns less than 10% of our common shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If a partnership holds our common shares, the tax treatment of a partner of such partnership 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 advisor.
Distributions
Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies, or PFICs, 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 its common shares on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain. Because we are not a U.S. corporation, U.S. Holders that are corporations 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 “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 a U.S. Holder who is an individual, trust or estate (a “U.S. Non-Corporate Holder”) will generally be treated as “qualified dividend income” that is taxable to such U.S. Non-Corporate Holder 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 New York Stock Exchange on which our common shares will be traded); (2) we are not a PFIC for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (as discussed in more detail below); (3) the U.S. Non-Corporate 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) the U.S. Non-Corporate Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property.
We believe that we were not a PFIC for our 2022 taxable year, and we do not expect to be a PFIC for subsequent taxable years. If we were treated as a PFIC for our 2022 or 2023 taxable year, any dividends paid by us during 2023 will not be treated as “qualified dividend income” in the hands of a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder. Any dividends we pay which are not eligible for the preferential rates applicable to “qualified dividend income” will be taxed as ordinary income to a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder.
Special rules may apply to any “extraordinary dividend,” generally, a dividend paid by us in an amount which is equal to or in excess of 10% of a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in (or, in certain circumstances, fair market value of) a common share or dividends received within a one-year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20% of a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis (or fair market value upon the shareholder’s election) in a common share. If we pay an “extraordinary dividend” on our common shares that is treated as “qualified dividend income,” then any loss derived by a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder 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
Subject to the discussion of our status as a PFIC below, 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 stock. 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
 
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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. 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 stock in a foreign corporation classified as 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 held our common shares, either:

at least 75% of our gross income for such taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business); or

at least 50% of the average value of the assets held by the corporation during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.
For purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as earning and owning our proportionate share of the income and assets, respectively, of any of our subsidiary corporations in which we own at least 25% of the value of the subsidiary’s stock. Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute “passive income” for these purposes. 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.
In general, income derived from the bareboat charter of a vessel will be treated as “passive income” for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC and such vessel will be treated as an asset which produces or is held for the production of “passive income.” On the other hand, income derived from the time charter of a vessel should not be treated as “passive income” for such purpose, but rather should be treated as services income; likewise, a time chartered vessel should generally not be treated as an asset which produces or is held for the production of “passive income.”
We believe that we were not a PFIC for our 2022 taxable year because we had no bareboat chartered-out vessels and consequently no gross income from vessels on bareboat charter. Furthermore, based on our current assets and activities, we do not believe that we will be a PFIC for subsequent taxable years. Although there is no legal authority directly on point, and we are not relying upon an opinion of counsel on this issue, our belief is based principally on the position that, for purposes of determining whether we are a passive foreign investment company, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from the time chartering and voyage chartering activities of our wholly-owned subsidiaries should constitute services income, rather than rental income. Correspondingly, such income should not constitute passive income, and the assets that we or our wholly-owned subsidiaries own and operate in connection with the production of such income, in particular, the vessels, should not constitute passive assets for purposes of determining whether we were a passive foreign investment company. We believe 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, in the absence of any legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing passive foreign investment companies, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a passive foreign investment company with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder will be treated as owning its proportionate share of the stock of any of our subsidiaries which is a PFIC. The PFIC rules discussed below will apply on a company-by-company basis with respect to us and each of our subsidiaries which is treated as a PFIC.
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 U.S. federal income taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a “Qualified Electing Fund,” which election is referred to as a “QEF Election.” As discussed below, 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, which election is referred to as a “Mark-to-Market Election.” A U.S. Holder holding PFIC shares that does not make either a “QEF Election” or “Mark-to-Market Election” will be subject to the Default PFIC Regime, as defined and discussed below in
 
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“Item 10.E. Taxation — U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders — Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or ‘Mark-to-Market’ Election.”
If we were to be treated as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would be required to file IRS Form 8621 to report certain information regarding us.
The 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 each year for United States federal income tax purposes its pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and our net capital gain, if any, for our taxable year that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder, regardless of whether or not distributions were made by us to the Electing Holder. The Electing Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that had been previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the adjusted tax basis in the common shares and will not be taxed again once distributed. 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 QEF Election with respect to any year that our company is a PFIC by filing one copy of IRS Form 8621 with its United States federal income tax return and a second copy in accordance with the instructions to such form. It should be noted that if any of our subsidiaries is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder must make a separate QEF Election with respect to each such subsidiary.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Making aMark-to-MarketElection
Making the Election.   Alternatively, if, as is anticipated, our common shares are treated as “marketable stock,” a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the common shares, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. The common shares will be treated as “marketable stock” for this purpose if they are “regularly traded” on a “qualified exchange or other market.” The common shares will be “regularly traded” on a qualified exchange or other market for any calendar year during which they are traded (other than in de minimis quantities) on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. The New York Stock Exchange should be treated as a “qualified exchange or other market” for this purpose. However, it should be noted that a separate Mark-to-Market Election would need to be made with respect to each of our subsidiaries which is treated as a PFIC. The stock of these subsidiaries is not expected to be “marketable stock.” Therefore, a “mark-to-market” election is not expected to be available with respect to these subsidiaries.
Current Taxation and Dividends.   If the Mark-to-Market 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 U.S. 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 its common shares over their 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. Any income inclusion or loss under the preceding rules should be treated as gain or loss from the sale of common shares for purposes of determining the source of the income or loss. Accordingly, any such gain or loss generally should be treated as U.S.-source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its common shares would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amount. Distributions by us to a U.S. Holder who has made a Mark-to-Market Election generally will be treated as discussed above under “Item 10.E. Taxation — U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders — Distributions.”
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition.   Gain realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the common shares would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized on the sale, exchange, redemption 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 in income by the U.S. Holder. Any loss in excess of such previous inclusions would be treated as a capital loss by the U.S. Holder. A U.S. Holder’s ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations. Any such gain or loss generally should be treated as U.S.-source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
 
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Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF orMark-to-MarketElection
Finally, a U.S. Holder who does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to any taxable year in which we are treated as a PFIC, or a U.S. Holder whose QEF Election is invalidated or terminated, or a Non-Electing Holder, would be subject to special rules, or the Default PFIC Regime, 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, redemption or other disposition of the common shares.
Under the Default PFIC Regime:

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

the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income; and

the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed tax deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.
Any distributions other than “excess distributions” by us to a Non-Electing Holder will be treated as discussed above under “Item 10.E. Taxation — U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders — Distributions.”
These penalties would not apply to a pension or profit-sharing trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow funds or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of the common shares. If a Non-Electing Holder who is an individual dies while owning the common shares, such Non-Electing Holder’s successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to the common shares.
3.8% Tax on Net Investment Income
A U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or, in certain cases, a trust, will generally be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. Holder’s net investment income for the taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. Holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals is between $125,000 and $250,000). A U.S. Holder’s net investment income will generally include distributions made by us which constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes and gain realized from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares. This tax is in addition to any income taxes due on such investment income. Net investment income generally will not include a U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of the Company’s income and gain if we are a PFIC and that U.S. Holder makes a QEF election, as described above in “Item 10.E. Taxation — U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders — The QEF Election”. However, a U.S. Holder may elect to treat inclusions of income and gain from a QEF election as net investment income. Failure to make this election could result in a mismatch between a U.S. Holder’s ordinary income and net investment income.
If you are a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of the 3.8% tax on net investment income to the ownership and disposition of our common shares.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation ofNon-U.S. Holders
A beneficial owner of our common shares (other than a partnership) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to herein as a “Non-U.S. Holder.”
Dividends on Common Shares
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on dividends received from us with respect to our common shares, unless that income is effectively connected
 
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with a trade or business conducted by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States. If the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a 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
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares, unless:

the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States. If the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a 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

the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of disposition and other conditions are met.
If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the income from the common shares, including dividends and the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the stock that is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business will generally be subject to 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, the earnings and profits of such Non-U.S. Holder that are attributable to effectively connected income, subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, or at a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable U.S. income tax treaty.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, dividend payments, or other taxable distributions, made within the United States to you will be subject to information reporting requirements. In addition, such payments will be subject to backup withholding tax if you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder and you:

fail to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;

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

in certain circumstances, fail to comply with applicable certification requirements.
Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on an applicable IRS Form W-8.
If you sell your 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 you certify that you are a non-U.S. person, under penalties of perjury, or you otherwise establish an exemption. If you sell your common shares through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker and the sales proceeds are paid to you outside the United States, then information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to that payment. However, U.S. information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made to you outside the United States, if you sell your common 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. Backup withholding tax is not an additional tax. Rather, you generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under backup withholding rules that exceed your U.S. federal income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.
Individuals who are U.S. Holders (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury Regulations, certain individuals who are 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
 
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include, among other assets, our common shares, unless the shares are held through 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, an individual 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 under this legislation.
F.   Dividends and paying agents
We refer you to the section of this registration statement entitled “Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividend Policy” for a discussion of our dividend policy.
G.   Statement by experts
The financial statements of Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, included in this Registration Statement have been audited by Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such financial statements are included in reliance upon the report of such firm given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. The office of Deloitte Certified Public Accountants, S.A. is located at Fragoklissias 3a & Granikou Street, Maroussi, Athens 151 25, Greece.
This registration statements has been reviewed by Braemar Shipbroking Limited, (“Braemar”), One Strand, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5HR United Kingdom, and the section in this registration statement under the heading “Item 4. B. Business Overview — The International Shipping Industry” has been supplied by Braemar, which has confirmed to us that this registration statement and such section accurately describes, to the best of its knowledge, the tanker shipping industry, subject to the availability and reliability of the data supporting the statistical information presented in this registration statement. Braemar compiles and publishes data for the benefit of its clients. In connection therewith, Braemar has advised that (i) certain information in Braemar’s database is derived from estimates or subjective judgments, (ii) the information in the databases of other maritime data collection agencies may differ from the information in Braemar’s database and (iii) while Braemar has taken reasonable care in the compilation of the statistical and graphical information and believes it to be accurate and correct, data compilation is subject to limited audit and validation procedures.
H.   Documents on display
When the Commission declares this registration statement effective, we will be subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements we will file reports and other information with the SEC. Our Commission filings are available to the public at the website maintained by the Commission at http://www.sec.gov, as well as on our website at www.okeanisecotankers.com. Information that is or will be on or accessed through such websites does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this registration statement.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.
We will also provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner of our common stock, upon written or oral request of that person, a copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this registration statement. Please direct such requests to Okeanis Eco Tankers
 
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Corp., c/o OET Chartering Inc., Ethnarchou Makariou Ave., & 2 D. Falireos St., 185 47 N. Faliro, Greece, telephone number +30 210 480 4200.
In addition, since our common shares are traded on the Oslo Børs, we have filed periodic and immediate reports with, and furnish information to, the Oslo Børs.
I.   Subsidiary information
Not applicable.
J.   Annual Report to Security Holders.
We are currently not required to provide an annual report to security holders in response to the requirements of Form 6-K.
ITEM 11.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through its floating-rate borrowings that require us to make interest payments based on LIBOR (as, although we recently amended our financing arrangements to transition from LIBOR to SOFR, such arrangements previously used LIBOR, including during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and the six month period ended June 30, 2023). Significant increases in interest rates could adversely affect operating margins, results of operations and ability to service debt. From time to time, we use interest rate swaps to reduce its exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates. The principal objective of these contracts is to manage the risks and costs associated with its floating-rate debt.
As an indication of the sensitivity from changes in interest rates, an increase by 50 basis points in interest rates would increase interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 by $2,251,130 (2021 and 2020: $1,948,856 and $3,794,849, respectively) assuming all other variables held constant and taking into consideration that the Group has entered into interest rate swap agreements for some of its loans, therefore partially economically hedging part of its floating-rate borrowings.
Credit Risk
We only trade with charterers who have been subject to satisfactory credit screening procedures. Furthermore, outstanding balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that our exposure to bad debts is not significant.
With respect to the credit risk arising from our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, our exposure arises from default by the counterparties, with a maximum exposure equivalent to the carrying amount of these instruments. We mitigate such risks by dealing only with high credit quality financial institutions.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Our vessels operate in international shipping markets, which utilize the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. We generate substantially all of our revenues from the trading of our vessels in U.S. dollars, but certain of our vessel operating expenses and administrative expenses are generated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Notably, we are considerably dependent on European seafarers, who are paid in Euros, to fill key positions on board our vessels. Consequently, our Euro-denominated crew expense forms a significant percentage of our operating expenses. Furthermore, we have significant exposure to the Euro in our general and administrative expenses. For accounting purposes, expenses incurred in other currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of each transaction. However, the portion of our business conducted in other currencies could increase in the future, which could expand our exposure to losses arising from exchange rate fluctuations. We have only partially hedged currency exchange risks associated with our expenses. As such our exposure to Euro-U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuations may have a significant impact on our expenses, business and future cash flows. We do not have any hedging
 
142

 
mechanisms in place, however, when opportunity arises, we convert significant cash balances from U.S. dollars to Euros to hedge against adverse fluctuations. We do not consider the risk to be significant.
Market Risk
The tanker shipping industry is cyclical with high volatility in charter rates and profitability. We charter our vessels principally in the spot market, being exposed to various unpredictable factors such as supply and demand of energy resources, global economic and political conditions, natural or other disasters, disruptions in international trade, the COVID-19 outbreak, environmental and other legal regulatory developments.
The Company cannot reliably estimate the effect that any positive or adverse fluctuation in the spot market rates may have on its operating income. We estimate that for every $1,000 per day increase or decrease in the spot rates, our operating profit would have increased or decreased by $2.89, $2.73 and $2.89 million for the years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
From time to time, we may enter into freight derivatives, such as Forward Freight Agreements (“FFAs”). Generally freight derivatives may be used to hedge a vessel owner’s exposure to the charter market for a specified route and period of time. Upon settlement, if the contracted charter rate is less than the average of the rates reported on an identified index for the specified route and time period, the seller of the FFA is required to pay the buyer the settlement sum, being an amount equal to the difference between the contracted rate and the settlement rate, multiplied by the number of days of the specified period. Conversely, if the contracted rate is greater than the settlement rate, the buyer is required to pay the seller the settlement sum. If we take positions in FFAs or other derivative instruments we could suffer losses in the settling or termination of these agreements. This could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flow.
During 2022 and 2021, we entered into forward freight agreements in order to partially hedge our exposure to spot charter rate fluctuations and mitigate any adverse effect this may have in our operating cash flows and dividend policy. For the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we incurred a net gain on forward freight agreements in the amount of $2.2 million and $nil, respectively.
Inflation
See “Item 5. A. Operating Results — Factors Affecting our Results of Operations — Inflation.”
Liquidity
Liquidity risk is the risk that arises when the maturity of assets and liabilities does not match. An unmatched position potentially enhances profitability but can also increase the risk of losses. We minimize liquidity risk by maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents.
The following table details the Group’s expected cash outflows for its financial liabilities. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities, on the earliest date on which the Group would be required to pay to settle. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows. Variable future interest payments were determined based on the one month LIBOR as of December 31, 2022 of 4.41%, plus the margin applicable to the Group’s loan at the end of the year presented.
 
143

 
Weighted
average
effective
interest rate
Less than
1 month
1 – 3 months
3 – 12 months
1 – 5 years
5+ years
Total
December 31, 2021
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative financial instrument
95,636 60,499 316,507 377,560 850,202
Non-Derivative Liabilities
Trade payables
15,960,456 15,960,456
Accrued expenses
2,623,745 2,623,745
Current accounts due to related
parties
698,153 698,153
Variable interest loans
2.34% 3,703,399 5,306,980 26,865,137 335,093,434 34,729,947 405,698,897
Variable interest for debt financing
5.28% 2,230,079 4,338,378 20,053,746 88,237,974 168,511,569 283,371,746
Total 6,029,114 9,705,857 66,517,744 423,708,968 203,241,516 709,203,199
Weighted
average
effective
interest rate
Less than
1 month
1 – 3 months
3 – 12 months
1 – 5 years
5+ years
Total
December 31, 2022
Non-Derivative Liabilities
Trade payables
11,771,964 11,771,964
Accrued expenses
6,024,899 6,024,899
Variable interest loans
6.26% 5,922,596 21,564,122 65,076,153 365,728,156 241,508,738 699,799,764
Variable interest for debt financing
10.02% 2,823,905 5,526,029 22,237,116 112,171,014 167,665,884 310,423,948
Total 8,746,501 27,090,151 105,110,132 477,899,170 409,174,622 1,028,020,575
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
 
144

 
PART II
ITEM 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
ITEM 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16.
RESERVED
ITEM 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Not applicable.
ITEM 16B.
CODE OF ETHICS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16C.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16D.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16F.
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 16G.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Not applicable.
ITEM 16H.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 16I.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16J.
INSIDER TRADING POLICIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16K.
CYBERSECURITY
Not applicable.
 
145

 
PART III
ITEM 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See “Item 18. Financial Statements”.
ITEM 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial information required by this item, together with the report of Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A., is set forth on pages F-1 through F-54 and are filed as part of this registration statement.
ITEM 19.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description
1.1 Form of Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company
1.2 Form of Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company
2.1 Form of Common Share Certificate
4.1 Form of Amended and Restated Technical Management Agreement
4.2 Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated June 16, 2023 among Moonsprite Shipping Corp., as Borrower, Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor, The Export-Import Bank of Korea, as Lender in respect of the KEXIM facility, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as Pre-Delivery Lender, the Banks and Financial Institutions listed in Part B of Schedule 1, as Commercial Lenders Facility, the Financial Institutions listed in Part C of Schedule 1, as Hedge Counterparties and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as Facility Agent, Security Agent, Account Bank and Swap Bank, relating to a facility agreement dated February 27, 2019 in respect of the financing of m.v. NISSOS ANAFI, as amended and restated on November 11, 2020 and as further amended on September 2, 2022.
4.3 Facility Agreement dated May 23, 2022 among Nellmare Marine Ltd, as Borrower A, Anassa Navigation S.A., as Borrower B, the Companies listed in Part A of Schedule 1, as Hedge Guarantors, Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Corporate Guarantor, and National Bank of Greece S.A., as Lender as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Loan Facility Agreement, dated June 29, 2023 among Nellmare Marine Ltd, as Borrower A, Anassa Navigation S.A., as Borrower B, Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Corporate Guarantor and National Bank of Greece S.A., as Lender, in respect of the refinancing of m.ts NISSOS DONOUSSA and. NISSOS KYTHNOS.
4.4 Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated July 6, 2023 among Omega Six Marine Corp., as Borrower A, Omega Ten Marine Corp., as Borrower B, Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor, Kyklades Maritime Corporation, as Approved Technical Manager, OET Chartering Inc., as Approved Commercial Manager, The Export-Import Bank of Korea, as Lender under the KEXIM facility, the Financial Institutions listed in Schedule 1, as Lenders, KEXIM Bank (UK) Limited and The Export-Import Bank of Korea, as Mandated Lead Arrangers, KEXIM Bank (UK) Limited, as Facility Agent, Korea Ship Finance Co., Ltd., as Assistant Facility Agent and KEXIM Bank (UK) Limited, as Security Agent, relating to a facility agreement dated September 9, 2020 in respect of the financing of m.ts NISSOS SIKINOS and NISSOS SIFNOS, as supplemented on September 8, 2022.
4.5 Facility Agreement dated June 27, 2023 among Omega Three Marine Corp., Omega Four Marine Corp. and Arethusa Shipping Corp., as Borrowers and Hedge Guarantors, Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor, the Financial Institutions listed in Part B of Schedule 1, as Original Lenders, the Financial Institutions listed in Part C of Schedule 1, as Original Hedge Counterparties and ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Arranger, Facility Agent and Security Agent, in respect of the refinancing of m.ts KIMOLOS, FOLEGANDROS and NISSOS KEROS.
 
146

 
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.6 Facility Agreement dated September 8, 2023 among Omega Six Marine Corp. and Omega Ten Marine Corp., as Borrowers and Hedge Guarantors, Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as Arranger, the Financial Institutions listed in Part B of Schedule 1 as Original Lenders, the Banks and Financial Institutions listed in Part C of Schedule 1, as Hedge Counterparties and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as Facility Agent and Security Agent, in respect of the refinancing of m.ts NISSOS SIKINOS and NISSOS SIFNOS.
4.7 Bareboat Charter and related Memorandum of Agreement each dated January 29, 2019 between OCY Milos Limited, as Owner/Buyer and Omega One Marine Corp., as Bareboat Charterer/​Seller, as amended by Addendum No. 1 to the Bareboat Charter Party for m.t. MILOS, dated April 27, 2023 between OCY Milos Limited, as Owner and Omega One Marine Corp., as Charterer and Charter Guarantee dated January 29, 2019 between Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor and OCY Milos Limited, as Owner, relating to m.t. MILOS.
4.8 Bareboat Charter and related Memorandum of Agreement each dated June 8, 2017 between OCY Knight AS, as Owner/Buyer and Omega Two Marine Corp., as Bareboat Charterer/Seller, relating to m.t. POLIEGOS, as novated by the Novation Agreement to the Bareboat Charter Party dated August 23, 2018 among OCY Knight AS, as Original Owner, OCY Poliegos Limited, as New Owner and Omega Two Marine Corp., as Charterer and as further amended by Addendum No. 1 to the Bareboat Charter Party for m.t. POLIEGOS, dated April 27, 2023 between OCY Poliegos Limited, as Owner and Omega Two Marine Corp., as Charterer and Charter Guarantee dated August 23, 2018 between Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor and OCY Poliegos Limited, as Owner.
4.9 Bareboat Charter and related Memorandum of Agreement each dated February 10, 2018 between OCY Knight 1 Limited, as Owner/Buyer and Omega Five Marine Corp., as Bareboat Charterer/Seller, relating to Hull No. 3012 (NISSOS RHENIA), as amended by Addendum No. 1 to the Bareboat Charter Party for (NISSOS RHENIA), dated September 6, 2018, between OCY Knight 1 Limited, as Owner and Omega Five Marine Corp., as Charterer, Addendum No. 2 to the Bareboat Charter Party for Hull No. 3012 (NISSOS RHENIA), dated June 28, 2021, between OCY Knight 1 Limited, as Owner and Omega Five Marine Corp., as Charterer, and Addendum No. 3 to the Bareboat Charter Party for NISSOS RHENIA, dated April 27, 2023, between OCY Knight 1 Limited, as Owner and Omega Five Marine Corp., as Charterer, and Charter Guarantee dated September 30, 2018 between Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor and OCY Knight 1 Limited, as Owner.
4.10 Bareboat Charter and related Memorandum of Agreement each dated February 10, 2018 between OCY Knight 2 Limited, as Owner/Buyer and Omega Seven Marine Corp., as Bareboat Charterer/Seller, relating to Hull No. 3013 (NISSOS DESPOTIKO), as amended by Addendum No. 1 to the Bareboat Charter Party for (NISSOS DESPOTIKO), dated September 6, 2018, between OCY Knight 2 Limited, as Owner and Omega Seven Marine Corp., as Charterer, Addendum No. 2 to the Bareboat Charter Party for Hull No. 3013 (NISSOS DESPOTIKO), dated June 4, 2021, between OCY Knight 2 Limited, as Owner and Omega Seven Marine Corp., as Charterer, Addendum No. 3 to the Bareboat Charter Party for Hull No. 3013 (NISSOS DESPOTIKO), dated June 28, 2021 between OCY Knight 2 Limited, as Owner and Omega Seven Marine Corp., as Charterer, and Addendum No. 4 to the Bareboat Charter Party for NISSOS DESPOTIKO, dated April 27, 2023, between OCY Knight 2 Limited, as Owner and Omega Seven Marine Corp., as Charterer, and Charter Guarantee dated September 30, 2018 between Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor and OCY Knight 2 Limited, as Owner.
 
147

 
Exhibit
Number
Description
4.11 Bareboat Charter and related Memorandum of Agreement each dated March 21, 2022 between Sea 289 Leasing Co. Limited, as Owner/Buyer and Ark Marine S.A., as Bareboat Charterer/Seller, relating to Hull No. 3211 (NISSOS KEA), as amended and restated by an Amendment and Restatement Deed dated June 29, 2023 among Sea 289 Leasing Co. Limited, as Owner, Ark Marine S.A., as Charterer, and Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor and Guarantee dated March 21, 2022 between Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor and Sea 289 Leasing Co. Limited, as Owner.
4.12 Bareboat Charter and related Memorandum of Agreement each dated March 21, 2022 between Sea 290 Leasing Co. Limited, as Owner/Buyer and Theta Navigation Ltd, as Bareboat Charterer/Seller, relating to Hull 3212 (NISSOS NIKOURIA), as amended and restated by an Amendment and Restatement Deed dated June 29, 2023 among Sea 290 Leasing Co. Limited, as Owner, Theta Navigation Ltd, as Charterer and Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor and Guarantee dated March 21, 2022 between Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., as Guarantor and Sea 290 Leasing Co. Limited, as Owner.
4.13 Credit Facility Agreement dated April 18, 2022 between Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. and Okeanis Marine Holdings S.A.
4.14 Form of Registration Rights Agreement among Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp., Glafki Marine Corp. and Hospitality Assets Corp.
4.15 Shared Services Agreement dated November 1, 2023 between OET Chartering Inc. and Kyklades Maritime Corporation.
4.16 Form of original Technical Management Agreement*
8.1 List of Subsidiaries
15.1 Consent of Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A.
15.2 Consent of Watson Farley & Williams LLP
15.3 Consent of Braemar Shipbroking Limited
*
This agreement is no longer in effect, as it has been superseded by the amended and restated technical management agreement.
 
148

 
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this registration statement on its behalf.
Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.
By:
/s/ Iraklis Sbarounis
Name: Iraklis Sbarounis
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 2, 2023
 
149

 
OKEANIS ECO TANKERS CORP.
(Incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands with registration number 96382)
Consolidated Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report
 
F-1

 
Index to financial statements
Pages
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-42
F-43
F-44
F-45
F-46
 
F-2

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A.
Athens, Greece
July 26, 2023, except for Note 24 as to which the date is September 20, 2023.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
 
F-3

 
Consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the years ended
December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
(amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
NOTES
2022
2021
2020
Revenue
24
270,972,421 168,998,225 282,870,330
Operating expenses
Commissions
(3,382,419) (2,229,156) (3,757,075)
Voyage expenses
11
(74,086,221) (45,006,762) (48,116,343)
Vessel operating expenses
10
(35,740,460) (40,695,997) (40,178,632)
Management fees
14
(4,381,200) (5,425,200) (3,416,400)
Depreciation
7
(37,962,924) (38,666,266) (41,619,641)
General and administrative expenses
12
(5,296,523) (5,094,940) (4,421,483)
Impairment loss on classification of vessels as held for sale
7
(3,932,873)
Net gain on disposal of vessels
7
4,076,668
Operating profit
110,122,674 32,023,699 141,360,756
Other income / (expenses)
Interest income
721,528 3,470 50,499
Other expenses
23
(1,354,921)
Interest expense and other finance costs
22
(38,081,975) (36,465,423) (37,649,743)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives
23
45,960 4,156,933 (1,116,166)
Realized gain/(loss) on derivatives
23
11,436,481 (558,916) (23,770)
Foreign exchange gain/(loss)
315,327 (62,662) 52,287
Total other income/expenses
(25,562,679) (32,926,598) (40,041,814)
Profit/(loss) for the year
84,559,995 (902,899) 101,318,942
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Re-measurement of post-employment benefit obligations
(2,456) (203) (3,051)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year
84,557,539 (903,102) 101,315,891
Attributable to the owners of the Group
84,557,539 (903,102) 101,315,891
Earnings/(loss) per share – basic & diluted
18
2.63 (0.03) 3.12
Weighted average no. of shares – basic & diluted
32,202,394 32,372,393 32,462,659
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4

 
Consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
(amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
NOTES
2022
2021
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Vessels, net
7
1,024,296,035 865,208,380
Vessels under construction
8
18,193,257
Other fixed assets
7
132,223 61,019
Derivative financial instrument
23
3,150,767
Restricted cash
4,510,000 5,410,000
Total non-current assets
1,028,938,258 892,023,423
Current assets
Inventories
6
17,010,531 12,630,531
Trade and other receivables
49,630,484 7,448,390
Claims receivable
19
108,391 261,093
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,245,055 1,032,640
Current accounts due from related parties
14
449,629 1,070,101
Derivative financial instruments
23
209,238
Current portion of restricted cash
2,417,779 1,939,443
Cash & cash equivalents
81,345,877 38,183,154
Total current assets
154,416,984 62,565,352
TOTAL ASSETS
1,183,355,242 954,588,775
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY & LIABILITIES
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital
15
32,890 32,890
Additional paid-in capital
15
280,424,849 300,019,846
Treasury shares
15
(4,583,929) (3,571,790)
Other reserves
(28,606) (26,150)
Retained earnings
146,398,057 61,838,062
Total shareholders’ equity
422,243,261 358,292,858
Non-current liabilities
Long-term borrowings, net of current portion
13
668,236,463 534,783,459
Retirement benefit obligations
23,937 17,294
Total non-current liabilities
668,260,400 534,800,753
Current liabilities
Trade payables
11,771,964 15,960,456
Accrued expenses
9
6,024,899 2,623,745
Deferred revenue
4,255,500
Current accounts due to related parties
14
698,153
Current portion of long-term borrowings
13
70,799,218 42,212,810
Total current liabilities
92,851,581 61,495,164
TOTAL LIABILITIES
761,111,981 596,295,917
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY & LIABILITIES
1,183,355,242 954,588,775
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5

 
Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
(amounts, expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for number of shares)
Notes
NUMBER OF
SHARES
SHARE
CAPITAL
ADDITIONAL
PAID IN
CAPITAL
(NOTE 14)
TREASURY
SHARES
OTHER
RESERVES
RETAINED
EARNINGS
TOTAL
Balance – January 1, 2020
32,739,851 32,890 334,328,863 (1,010,155) (22,896) 8,365,601 341,694,303
Acquisition of treasury
shares
15
(363,934) (2,058,105) (2,058,105)
Profit for the year
101,318,942 101,318,942
Dividend paid
15
(43,723,896) (43,723,896)
Other comprehensive loss for the year
(3,051) (3,051)
Balance – January 1, 2021
32,375,917 32,890 334,328,863 (3,068,260) (25,947) 65,960,647 397,228,193
Acquisition of treasury
shares
15
(59,236) (503,530)
(503,530)
Loss for the year
(902,899) (902,899)
Capital Distribution
15
(34,309,017) (34,309,017)
Dividend paid
15
(3,219,686) (3,219,686)
Other comprehensive loss for the year
(203) (203)
Balance – January 1, 2022
32,316,681 32,890 300,019,846 (3,571,790) (26,150) 61,838,062 358,292,858
Acquisition of treasury
shares
15
(122,573) (1,012,139)
(1,012,139)
Profit for the year
84,559,995 84,559,995
Capital Distribution
15
(19,594,997) (19,594,997)
Other comprehensive loss for the year
(2,456) (2,456)
Balance – December 31, 2022
32,194,108 32,890 280,424,849 (4,583,929) (28,606) 146,398,057 422,243,261
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6

 
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
(all amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Notes
2022
2021
2020
Profit/(loss) for the year
84,559,995 (902,899) 101,318,942
Adjustments to reconcile profit/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
37,962,924 38,666,266 41,619,641
Interest expense
35,077,293 27,082,841 34,373,842
Amortization of loan financing fees
1,693,117 4,233,322 2,519,363
Unrealized (gain)/loss on derivatives
2,941,529 (4,156,933) 1,116,166
Interest income
(721,528) (3,470) (50,499)
Other non-cash items
6,643 (44,084) 8,109
Net gain on disposal of vessels
(4,076,668)
Impairment loss
3,932,873
Foreign exchange differences
(339,622)
Total reconciliation adjustments
76,620,356 65,634,147 79,586,622
Changes in working capital:
Trade and other receivables
(42,241,830) 7,184,671 3,597,901
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(1,235,237) (173,406) 1,380,519
Inventories
(4,380,000) (6,863,047) 784,973
Trade payables
(2,901,680) (2,945,453) 588,189
Accrued expenses
871,637 469,704 (1,892,202)
Deferred revenue
4,255,500 (6,462,292) 1,543,166
Claims receivable
152,702 (106,645) (61,840)
Interest paid
(33,181,517) (27,240,486) (34,643,912)
Total changes in working capital
(78,660,425) (36,136,954) (28,703,206)
Net cash provided by operating activities
82,519,926 28,594,294 152,202,358
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Current accounts due from related parties
620,472 5,993,518 (5,226,567)
Payments for other fixed assets
(20,000) (1,019)
Proceeds from vessels’ disposal
300,938,574
Decrease/(Increase) in restricted cash
421,664 1,051,938 (4,991,381)
Dry-dock expenses
(1,536,579) (1,921,472) (1,403,289)
Payments for vessels and vessels under
construction
(178,601,323) (20,367,653) (172,165,396)
Interest received
375,636 3,470 50,499
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
(178,720,130) 285,678,375 (183,737,153)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
306,298,000 277,677,250
Repayments of long-term borrowings
(144,294,604) (261,713,694) (175,908,202)
Capital distribution
(19,594,997) (34,309,017)
Current accounts due to related parties
(698,153) 318,350 (12,743,952)
Payment of loan financing fees
(1,732,860) (1,765,961)
Acquisition of treasury shares
15
(1,012,139) (503,530) (2,058,105)
Dividends paid
(3,219,686) (43,723,896)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
138,965,247 (299,427,577) 41,477,134
Effects of exchange rate changes of cash held in foreign
currency
397,680
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
42,765,043 14,845,092 9,942,339
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
38,183,154 23,338,062 13,395,723
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
81,345,877 38,183,154 23,338,062
Supplemental cash flow information
Capital expenditures included in trade payables
235,000 3,673,472
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Incorporation and General Information
Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. (“OET,” the “Company” or “Okeanis Eco Tankers” and together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, the “Group”), was incorporated on April 30, 2018 as a corporation under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands having its registered address at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands MH96960. Glafki Marine Corp. (“Glafki”), owned by Messrs. Ioannis and Themistoklis Alafouzos, were the controlling shareholders of OET until June 2022. In June 2022, the voting interests of Mr. Themistoklis Alafouzos were transferred to Hospitality Assets Corp. (“Hospitality”) and as of June 2022, Glafki and Hospitality, each owned by Messrs. Ioannis and Themistoklis Alafouzos, respectively, collectively hold a controlling interest in OET.
Glafki and Hospitality currently own 33.5% and 20.2% of the Company’s shares, respectively.
The Group, as of the date of this report, owns or bareboat charters-in under a finance lease fourteen vessels on the water. The principal activity of its subsidiaries is to own, charter-out and operate tanker vessels in the international shipping market.
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group.
The Alafouzos family currently holds a stake of 56.9% in the Company. The Company traded on the Merkur Market (currently named Euronext Growth) from July 3, 2018 until March 8, 2019, when it was then admitted for trading on the Oslo Axess (currently named Euronext Expand). In January 2021, the Company transferred its listing from Euronext Expand to Oslo Børs.
As at December 31, 2022 the Group comprises the following companies:
Company name
Date of
Acquisition of
Interest by
OET
Incorporated
Interest held by OET
Therassia Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18 Liberia 100%
Milos Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18 Liberia 100%
Ios Maritime Corp.
28-Jun-18 Liberia 100%
Omega One Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Omega Two Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Omega Three Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Omega Four Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Omega Five Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Omega Six Marine Corp.
9-Oct-19
Marshall Islands
100%
Omega Seven Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Omega Nine Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Omega Ten Marine Corp.
9-Oct-19
Marshall Islands
100%
Omega Eleven Marine Corp.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Nellmare Marine Ltd
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Anassa Navigation S.A.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Arethusa Shipping Ltd.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Moonsprite Shipping Corp.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Theta Navigation Ltd
15-Jun-21
Marshall Islands
100%
Ark Marine S.A.
15-Jun-21
Marshall Islands
100%
OET Chartering Inc.
28-Jun-18
Marshall Islands
100%
Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.
Marshall Islands
 
F-8

 
COVID-19 update
Impact on Operations
We have taken steps to protect our seafarers and shore employees and ensure uninterrupted service to our clients. Our operations are no longer materially affected by the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. On occasion, our vessels may deviate from optimal trading routes in order to effect crew changes, however transportation and mobilization costs in connection with those crew changes have been minimized.
The Company’s Response
Our primary concern continues to be the wellbeing of our seafarers and shore-based employees, and, in tandem, providing safe and reliable services to our clients. In line with industry response standards, we have updated our vessels’ procedures and supplied our fleet with protective equipment. We have effected crew changes in permissible ports, a vaccination programme for all of our ships’ seamen approaching Greek ports, remote superintendent surveys and are complying with applicable local directives and recommendations. Shore-side, all our employees are fully vaccinated. Management has established a range of safety protocols in the working space, such as weekly Covid-19 testing for all office staff, regular cleaning/disinfection of our premises, availability of hand sanitizer and surgical masks throughout our premises, limited on-site visitors, elimination of non-essential travel, mandatory self-isolation of personnel returning from travel and substitution of physical meetings with virtual meetings. We have secured our online communications and have enhanced monitoring of our network. Lastly, we have created an infectious disease preparedness and response plan that we have communicated to all of our staff.
War in Ukraine
Russia’s invasion in Ukraine is a continuously evolving and unpredictable situation both from a humanitarian and market perspective. The Group’s ultimate goal is to protect the lives of its seafarers, safeguard its vessels and comply with global sanctions framework. Forecasts and estimates around the outcome of this situation continue to be highly uncertain, and the Group recognizes that further escalation could adversely affect global shipping markets. In February 2022, both the European Union (“EU”) and the United States began leading economic sanctions against Russia vis-à-vis the conflict in Ukraine.
According to the latest sanctions package, the EU introduced a ban on the direct or indirect purchase, import, or transfer into the EU of crude oil or petroleum products originating in Russia or exported from Russia. Effective December 5, 2022, the EU also bans the maritime transport to third countries of crude oil (as of February 5, 2023 for petroleum products) which originate in or are exported from Russia. The latest ban on maritime transport is effective unless the respective crude oil or petroleum products are purchased at or below a pre-established price cap, which has currently been set to $60 per barrel for oil (for petroleum products, $45 on discount to crude, or $100 on premium to crude).
The war has resulted in rerouting of crude oil voyages, leading to longer tonne-mile voyages. In particular, Europe is currently replacing Russian crude oil from other exporting regions farther away, such as, West and South Africa and the Middle East, while Russia is shifting its oil production to China and India.
Currently, the disruption of trade flows has created inefficiencies resulting in longer ton-miles, benefiting the tanker market, while on the other hand, the recent increases in bunker fuel prices, following crude supply shortages, as well as the general deterioration of economic conditions could negatively affect the freight rates. These adverse economic factors might increase voyage costs for our fleet, albeit expected less severe than our industry peers that operate conventional, not equipped with scrubbers, vessels that consume more fuel and at higher prices per metric tonne.
2. Basis of Preparation and statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) published by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”).
 
F-9

 
The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollars ($) since this is the currency in which the majority of the Group’s transactions are denominated, thus the U.S. Dollar is the Group’s functional and presentation currency.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for derivatives measured at their fair value.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, reasonable expectation that the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
The Group’s annual consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on April 6, 2023.
3. Basis of Consolidation
Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income from the date the Company gains control until the date it ceases to control the subsidiary.
Control is achieved when the Company:

has power over the investee;

is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.
The Company reassesses whether or not it controls a subsidiary if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.
On June 14, 2021, the Company established two Marshall Islands subsidiaries, Ark Marine S.A. and Theta Navigation Ltd, that are the disponent owners of and operate Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria, respectively. Each of the companies is wholly owned by Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.
4. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the stated amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Vessel revenue recognition
Revenues are generated from time charter and voyage charter agreements.
Under a time charter agreement, or charter party, the vessel is hired by the charterer for a specified period of time in exchange for consideration which is usually based on a daily hire rate. In addition, certain of our time charter arrangements may, from time to time, include profit-sharing clauses, arising from the sharing of earnings together with third parties and the allocation to the Group of such earnings based on a predefined methodology. Subject to any restrictions in the charter agreement, the charterer has the full discretion over the ports visited, shipping routes and vessel speed. The charter party generally provides typical warranties regarding the speed and performance of the vessel. The charter party generally has some owner-protective restrictions such that the vessel is sent only to safe ports by the charterer, subject always to compliance with applicable sanction laws, and carries only lawful or non-hazardous cargo. In a time charter contract, the Group is responsible for all the costs incurred for running the vessel such as crew costs, vessel
 
F-10

 
insurance, repairs and maintenance and lubricants. The charterer bears the voyage-related costs such as bunker expenses, port charges and canal tolls during the hire period. The performance obligations in a time charter contract are satisfied over the term of the contract, beginning when the vessel is delivered to the charterer until it is redelivered back to the Group. The charterer generally pays the charter hire in advance of the upcoming contract period. The time charter contracts are considered operating leases accounted for in accordance with IFRS 16. Time charter contracts do not fall under the scope of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers because (i) the vessel is an identifiable asset (ii) the Group does not have substantive substitution rights and (iii) the charterer has the right to control the use of the vessel during the term of the contract and derives the economic benefits from such use. Revenue from time charter agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the duration of the time charter agreement. In case of a time charter agreement with contractual changes in rates throughout the term of the agreement, any differences between the actual and the straight-line revenue in a reporting period is recognized as a straight-line asset or liability and reflected under current assets or current liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Under a voyage charter agreement, the vessel transports a specific agreed-upon cargo for a single voyage which may include multiple load and discharge ports. The consideration is determined on the basis of a freight rate per metric ton of cargo carried, or on a lump sum basis. The charter party generally has a minimum amount of cargo. The charterer is liable for any short loading of cargo or “dead” freight. The voyage contract generally has standard payment terms, where freight is paid within certain days after the completion of discharge. The voyage charter party generally has a “demurrage” or “despatch” clause. Demurrage and despatch are considered variable consideration, recognized at contract inception and the estimates of initial recognition are updated throughout the contract period.
Demurrage represents damages paid to the shipowner for exceeded laytime (i.e., the charterer exceeds the amount of time specified in the contract for loading or discharging the cargo from the vessel, or both). Conversely, the shipowner may be required to pay despatch to the charterer as a bonus for loading or discharging cargo in less time (i.e., for reducing the time a vessel must spend in port loading or discharging cargo). Demurrage and despatch are calculated based on the number of days the charterer exceeds/reduces the loading/discharging time multiplied by the daily rate which is based on specific contract terms.
Management makes a detailed assessment of demurrage and despatch amount expected to be received/paid which is included in revenue only to the extent that it is highly probable that the amount will be collectible and not be subject to a significant reversal.
In a voyage charter contract, the performance obligations begin to be satisfied once the vessel begins loading the cargo. The Group determined that its voyage charter contracts consist of a single performance obligation of transporting the cargo within a specified time period. Therefore, the performance obligation is met evenly as the voyage progresses, and as a result revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the voyage days.
The voyage contracts are considered service contracts which fall under the provisions of IFRS 15, because the Group as shipowner retains control over the operations of the vessel, such as directing the routes taken or the vessel’s speed.
Under a voyage charter agreement, the Group bears all voyage related costs such as fuel costs, port charges and canal tolls, as applicable. Voyage related costs which are incurred during the period prior to commencement of cargo loading are accounted for as contract fulfilment costs when they (a) relate directly to a contract or anticipated contract, (b) generate or enhance resources that will be used in satisfying a performance obligation and (c) they are expected to be recovered. These costs are deferred and recorded under current assets, and are amortized on a straight-line basis as the related performance obligation to which they relate is satisfied.
Address commissions are discounts provided to charterers under time and voyage charter agreements. Brokerage commissions are commissions payable to third-party chartering brokers for commercial services rendered. Both address and brokerage commissions are recognized on a straight-line basis over the duration of the voyage or the time charter period, and are reflected under Revenue and Commissions, respectively, in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
 
F-11

 
Deferred revenue represents revenue collected in advance of being earned. The portion of deferred revenue, which is recognized in the next twelve months from the consolidated statement of financial position date, is classified under current liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Vessel voyage expenses
Vessel voyage expenses mainly relate to voyage charter agreements and consist of port, canal and bunker costs that are unique to a particular voyage, and are recognized as incurred. Under time charter arrangements, voyage expenses are paid by charterers, except when off-hire.
Management believes that mobilization of a vessel from a previous port of discharge to a subsequent port of loading does not result in a separate benefit for charterers and that the activity is thus incapable of being distinct. This activity is considered to be a required set-up activity to fulfill the contract. Consequently, positioning and repositioning fees and associated expenses should be recognized over the period of the contract to match the recognition of the respective hire revenues realized, and not at a certain point in time following the adoption of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. All other voyage expenses and vessel operating costs are expensed as incurred, with the exception of commissions, which are also recognized on a pro-rata basis over the duration of the period of the time charter. Bunkers’ consumption included in voyage expenses represents mainly bunkers consumed during vessels’ unemployment and offhire.
Vessel operating expenses
Vessel operating expenses comprise all expenses relating to the operation of the vessel, including crewing, insurance, repairs and maintenance, stores, lubricants, spares and consumables and miscellaneous expenses. Vessel operating expenses are recognized as incurred; payments in advance of services or use are recorded as prepaid expenses.
The majority of the Group’s operating expenses (such as crew costs, spares, stores, insurances, repairs, surveys, telecommunication and various other expenses) are paid from Kyklades Maritime Corporation (“Kyklades,” “KMC” or the “Management Company”).
Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables include estimated recoveries from hire and freight billings to charterers, net of any provision for doubtful accounts, as well as interest receivable from time deposits. At each statement of financial position date, the Group assesses its potential expected credit losses in accordance with IFRS 9. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Group performed a respective exercise and concluded that the expected credit losses calculated were immaterial.
As of the date of this report, trade and other receivables’ fair value approximate their carrying amount.
Trade payables
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Deferred financing costs
Fees incurred for obtaining new loans or refinancing existing facilities such as arrangement, structuring, legal and agency fees are deferred and classified against long-term debt in the consolidated statement of financial position. Any fees incurred for loan facilities not yet advanced, but it is considered certain that they will be drawn down, are deferred and classified under non-current assets in the consolidated statement of financial position. These fees are classified against long-term debt on the loan drawdown date.
Deferred financing costs are deferred and amortized over the term of the relevant loan using the effective interest method, with the amortization expense reflected under interest and finance costs in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Any unamortized deferred financing
 
F-12

 
costs related to loans which are either fully repaid before their scheduled maturities or related to loans extinguished are written-off in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
Vessels and depreciation
Vessels are stated at cost, which comprises vessels’ contract price, major improvements, and direct delivery and acquisition expenses less accumulated depreciation and any impairment. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the vessels, after considering their estimated residual value. Each vessel’s residual value is equal to the product of its lightweight tonnage and its estimated scrap rate. The scrap value is estimated to be approximately $400 per ton of lightweight steel. The Group currently estimates the useful life of each vessel to be 25 years from the date of original construction.
Special survey and dry-docking costs
Special survey and dry-docking costs are capitalized as a separate component of vessel cost. These costs are capitalized when incurred and depreciated over the estimated period to the next scheduled dry-docking/special survey. The Group’s vessels are required to undergo dry-docking approximately every 5 years, until a vessel reaches 10 years of age, after which a vessel is required to be dry-docked approximately every 2.5 years. If a special survey or dry-docking is performed prior to the scheduled date, any remaining balances are written-off and reflected in depreciation in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
Impairment of vessels, vessels under construction and right-of-use assets
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there are any indications that the carrying amounts of the vessels, vessels under construction and right-of-use assets may not be recoverable. If such an indication exists, and where the carrying amount exceeds the estimated recoverable amount, the vessels, vessels under construction and right-of-use assets, are written down to their recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. The fair value less costs to sell is the amount obtainable from the sale of a vessel in an arm’s length transaction, less any associated costs of disposal. In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the vessels.
Advances for vessels under construction
Advances for vessels under construction comprise the cumulative amount of instalments paid to shipyards for vessels under construction, other pre-delivery expenses directly related to the construction of the vessel and capitalized interest at the statement of financial position date. On delivery of a vessel, the balance is transferred to vessels, net, in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Vessels held for sale and discontinued operations
Vessels are classified as current assets in the statement of financial position when their carrying amount will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than continuing use. A vessel is classified as held for sale when it is available for immediate sale in its present condition and the sale is highly probable.
A highly probable sale implies that, management is committed to a plan to sell the asset and the plan has been initiated and, further, that the Company is actively seeking to locate a buyer. The asset must be actively marketed for sale at a reasonable price and the sale is expected to be completed within one year from the date of classification as held for sale.
Vessels classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell.
A discontinued operation is a component of the Company’s business that represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations that has been disposed of or is held for sale, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. Classification as a discontinued operation occurs upon
 
F-13

 
disposal. When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative statement of profit or loss is presented as if the operation had been discontinued from the start of the comparative period.
Foreign currency translations
The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar because the vessels operate in international shipping markets, which primarily transact business in U.S. dollars. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars and are recorded at the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transactions. For the purposes of presenting these consolidated financial statements, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the consolidated statement of financial position date. Any resulting foreign exchange differences are reflected under foreign exchange gains/(losses) in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. The company presents its consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars.
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Loans and borrowings are initially recognized at fair value, being the fair value of the consideration received net of issue costs associated with the borrowing. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method and classified as current and non-current based on their repayment profile. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the settlement of the borrowings is recognized in the statement of profit or loss over the term of the borrowings.
Cash and cash equivalents
The Group considers highly liquid investments such as time deposits and certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. For the purposes of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above.
Restricted cash
Restricted cash represents pledged cash deposits or minimum liquidity to be maintained with certain banks under the Group’s borrowing arrangements. In the event that the obligation relating to such deposits is expected to be terminated within the next twelve months from the statement of financial position date, they are classified under current assets otherwise they are classified as non-current assets on the statement of financial position. The Group classifies restricted cash separately from cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of financial position. Restricted cash does not include general minimum liquidity requirement.
Segment Information
The Group evaluates its vessels’ operations and financial results, principally by assessing their revenue generation, and not by the type of vessel, employment, customer or type of charter. Among others, EBITDA, Opex and Time Charter Equivalent are used as key performance indicators. The CEO, who is the chief operating decisionmaker, reviews these performance metrics of the fleet in aggregate, and thus, the Group has determined that it operates under one reportable segment, that of operating tanker vessels transporting crude oil. Furthermore, due to the international nature of oil transportation, the vessels’ employability is on a worldwide scale, subject to restrictions as per the charter agreement, and, as a result, the disclosure of geographic information is inapplicable.
Inventories
Inventories consist of bunkers, lubricating oils and other items including stock provisions remaining on board and are owned by the Group at the end of each reporting period. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. For an analysis of inventories as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, refer to Note 6.
 
F-14

 
Cash flow statement policy
The Group uses the indirect method to report cash flows from operating activities.
Earnings/(Loss) per share
Basic earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing income/(loss) attributable to equity holders of OET by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by adjusting income/(loss) attributable to equity holders of OET and the weighted average number of common shares used for calculating basic per share for the effects of all potentially dilutive shares. Such dilutive common shares are excluded when the effect would be to reduce a loss per share or increase earnings per share. The Group applies the if-converted method when determining diluted (loss)/earnings per share. This requires the assumption that all securities or contracts to issue common shares have been exercised or converted into common shares at the beginning of the period or, if not in existence at the beginning of the period, the date of the issue of the financial instrument or the granting of the rights by which they are granted. Under this method, once potential common shares are converted into common shares during the period, the dividends, interest and other expense associated with those securities or contracts to issue common shares will no longer be incurred. The effect of conversion, therefore, is to increase income (or reduce losses) attributable to common shareholders as well as the number of shares issued. Conversion will not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share if the effect would be anti-dilutive. Shares held in treasury are not deemed outstanding.
Employee compensation — personnel
Employee compensation is recognized as an expense, unless the cost qualifies to be capitalized as an asset. Defined contribution plans are post-employment benefit plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into separate entities on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The Group’s contributions are recognized as employee compensation expenses when they are due.
Employee entitlements to annual leave are recognized when they accrue to employees. A provision is made for the estimated liability of annual leave as a result of services rendered by employees up to the consolidated statement of financial position date.
Termination benefits are those benefits which are payable when employment is terminated before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognizes termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the statement of financial position date are discounted to present value.
Pension and retirement benefit obligations — crew
Crew on board is employed under short-term contracts (usually up to nine months) and, accordingly, the Group is not liable for any pension or other retirement benefits.
Taxation
A non-U.S. corporation such as the Company and its subsidiaries generally is subject to a 2% U.S. federal income tax (the “freight tax”) in respect of gross shipping income earned from voyages to or from the U.S. However, a corporation that qualifies for the benefits of Section 883 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (which depends, in part, on the ownership of the corporation) is exempt from this tax. The Group intends to take the position that it qualified for the Section 883 exemption in 2022, and therefore, that the freight tax should not be owed for such year. However, the freight tax could be owed in future years due to a change in circumstances.
All companies comprising the Group are not subject to any other tax on international shipping income since their countries of incorporation do not impose such taxes. The Group’s vessels are subject to registration
 
F-15

 
and tonnage taxes, which are included under vessel operating expenses in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
Equity
The Company has one class of shares. All the shares rank in parity with one another. Each share carries the right to one vote in a meeting of the shareholders and all shares are otherwise equal in all respects.
The Company’s registered share capital is represented by 32,194,108, par value $0.001 per share. In addition, as of the date of this report the OET holds 695,892 common shares in treasury (which are not deemed outstanding) amounting to $4,583,929, measured at cost. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have issued any restricted shares, share options, warrants, convertible loans or other instruments that would entitle a holder of any such instrument to subscribe for any shares in the Company or its subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have issued subordinated debt or transferable securities other than the shares in the Company and the shares in the Company’s subsidiaries which are held directly or indirectly by the Company.
Dividends and capital distributions to shareholders are recognized in shareholder’s equity in the period when they are authorized. Share buybacks are recognized when they incur.
Treasury shares
Common share repurchases are recorded at cost based on the settlement date of the transaction. These shares are classified as treasury shares, which is a reduction to shareholders’ equity. Treasury shares are included in authorized shares, but excluded from outstanding shares.
Provisions and contingencies
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle this obligation and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.
Provisions are reviewed at each consolidated statement of financial position date and adjusted to reflect the present value of the expenditure expected to be required to settle the obligation. Contingent liabilities are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements but are disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is remote. Contingent assets are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements but are disclosed when an inflow of economic benefits is probable.
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
The definitions of the levels, provided by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement, are based on the degree to which the fair value is observable.

Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices).

Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are considered Level 1 financial instruments. Variable rate long-term borrowings, interest rate swaps and forward agreements are considered Level 2 financial instruments. There are no financial instruments in Level 3, nor any transfers between fair value hierarchy levels during the periods presented.
 
F-16

 
The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated statement of financial position for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade and other receivables, receivable claims, and other current liabilities, approximate their respective fair values due to the relatively short-term maturity of these financial instruments.
The fair value of variable rate long-term borrowings approximates their recorded value, due to their variable interest being the U.S. dollar LIBOR and due to the fact that financing institutions have the ability to pass on their funding cost to the Group under certain circumstances, which reflects their current assessed risk. The terms of the Group’s long-term borrowings are similar to those that could be procured as of December 31, 2022. LIBOR rates are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the loans and hence variable rate long-term borrowings are considered Level 2 financial instruments.
Sale and leaseback transactions
If a vessel is sold and subsequently leased back by the Group, pursuant to a memorandum of agreement (MoA) and a bareboat charter agreement, the Group determines when a performance obligation is satisfied in IFRS 15, to determine whether the transfer of a vessel is accounted for as a sale. If the transfer of a vessel satisfies the requirements of IFRS 15 to be accounted for as a sale, the Group measures the right-of-use asset arising from the leaseback at the proportion of the previous carrying amount of the asset that relates to the right of use retained and recognizes only the amount of any gain or loss that relates to the rights transferred to the buyer-lessor. If the transfer of a vessel does not satisfy the requirements of IFRS 15 to be accounted for as a sale, the Group continues to recognize the transferred vessel and shall recognize a financial liability equal to the transfer proceeds.
Leases
The Group as a Lessee
The Group is a lessee, pursuant to contracts for the lease of office space and a company car.
The Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains a lease, at inception of the contract applying the provisions of IFRS 16, and recognizes a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease arrangements in which it is the lessee, except for instances where the Group makes use of the available practical expedients included in IFRS 16. These expedients relate to short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of twelve months or less) or leases of low value assets. For these leases, the Group continues to recognize the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased assets are consumed.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate.
The Group as a lessor
The Group enters into lease agreements as a lessor with respect to chartering out its vessels.
Leases for which the Group is a lessor are classified as finance or operating leases. Whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, the contract is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases. Lease classification is made at the inception date and is reassessed only if there is a lease modification. Changes in estimates (for example, changes in estimates of the economic life or of the residual value of the underlying asset), or changes in circumstances (for example, default by the lessee), do not give rise to a new classification of a lease.
Rental income from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the asset and recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Amounts due from leases under finance leases are recognized as receivables at the amount of the Group’s net investment in the leases. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting periods so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the Group’s net investment outstanding in respect of the leases.
 
F-17

 
When a contract includes lease and non-lease components, the Group applies IFRS 15 to allocate the consideration under the contract to each component.
The Group has determined that the lease component is the vessel and the non-lease component is the technical management services provided to operate the vessel. Each component is quantified on the basis of the relative stand-alone price of each lease component, and on the aggregate stand-alone price of the non-lease components.
These components are accounted for as follows:

All fixed lease revenue earned under these arrangements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

The non-lease component is accounted for as services revenue under IFRS 15. This revenue is recognized “over time” as the customer (i.e., the charterer) is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the service.
Derivative financial instruments — interest rate swaps
The Group uses, from time-to time, interest rate swaps to economically hedge its exposure to interest rate risk arising from its variable rate borrowings. Interest rate swaps are initially recognized at fair value on the consolidated statement of financial position on the date the derivative contracts are entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date. The fair value of these derivative financial instruments is based on a discounted cash flow calculation. The resulting changes in fair value are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in the consolidated statement of profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. Derivatives are presented as assets when their valuation is favourable to the Group and as liabilities when unfavourable to the Group. Cash outflows and inflows resulting from derivative contracts are presented as cash flows from operations in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The Company has selected not to apply hedge accounting to record the effect from its interest rate swaps movement in its consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Derivative financial instruments — Forward Freight Agreements
The Group enters into Forward Freight Agreements (the “FFAs”) to economically hedge its trading exposure in the spot market. FFAs are derivative financial instruments initially recognized at fair value on the consolidated statement of financial position on the date the derivative contracts are entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date. Upon settlement, if the contracted charter rate is less than the average of the rates, as reported by an identified index, for the specified route and time period, the seller of the FFA is required to pay the buyer the settlement sum, being an amount equal to the difference between the contracted rate and the settlement rate, multiplied by the number of days in the specified period covered by the FFA. Conversely, if the contracted rate is greater than the settlement rate, the buyer is required to pay the seller the settlement sum. The resulting changes in fair value are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in the consolidated statement of profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. FFA derivatives are presented as current or non-current assets when their valuation is favourable to the Group and as non-current liabilities when unfavourable to the Group. Classification as current or non-current is determined based on the derivatives’ maturities. Cash outflows and inflows resulting from derivative contracts are presented as cash flows from operations in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Forward freight derivatives are considered to be Level 2 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. FFAs do not qualify for hedge accounting and therefore unrealized gains or losses are recognized under Unrealized/realized gain/(loss) on derivatives in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
The Company has selected not to apply hedge accounting to record the effect from its FFAs movement in its consolidated statement of profit or loss.
 
F-18

 
Interest income and finance cost
Interest income comprise interest receivable from available bank balances and short-term deposits. Financing costs comprise interest payable on borrowings, various banks charges and bank related fees. Interest income and finance costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, using the effective interest rate method, as they accrue.
Adoption of new and revised IFRS
Standards and interpretations adopted in the current year
There are no IFRS standards and amendments issued by but not yet adopted that are expected to have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements.
Standards and amendments in issue not yet adopted
At the date of authorization of these consolidated financial statements, the following standards and amendments relevant to the Group were in issue but not yet effective:
In January 2020, the IASB issued a narrow-scope amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements, to clarify that liabilities are classified as either current or non-current, depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. Classification is unaffected by the expectations of the entity or events after the reporting date (for example, the receipt of a waiver or a breach of covenant). The amendment also clarifies what IAS 1 means when it refers to the “settlement” of a liability as the extinguishment of a liability with cash, other economic resources or an entity’s own equity instruments. The amendment will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and should be applied retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. Earlier application is permitted. Management anticipates that this amendment will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
In February 2021, the IASB amended IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements, IFRS Practice Statement 2 and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors to improve accounting policy disclosures and to help the users of the financial statements to distinguish between changes in accounting estimates and changes in accounting policies. The amendments will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. Management anticipates that these amendments will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
In September 2022, the IASB issued “Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to IFRS 16)”. The amendments require a seller-lessee to measure the lease liability arising from a leaseback in a way that it does not result in recognition of a gain or loss that relates to the right of use it retains, after the commencement date. The amendments will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024, with earlier application permitted. Management anticipates that these amendments will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
In October 2022, the IASB has published “Non-current liabilities with covenants (Amendments to IAS 1)” to clarify how conditions with which an entity must comply within twelve months after the reporting period affect the classification of a liability. The amendments will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024, with earlier application permitted. Management anticipates that this amendment will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
There are no other IFRS standards and amendments issued by but not yet adopted that are expected to have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements.
5. Critical Accounting Judgments and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the stated amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management evaluates
 
F-19

 
whether estimates should be in use on an ongoing basis by utilizing historical experience, consultancy with experts, and other methods it considers reasonable in the particular circumstances. However, uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that could require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability in the future.
The key sources of estimation uncertainty are as follows:
Classification of lease contracts
The classification of the leaseback element of a sale and leaseback transaction as either an operating or a finance leaseback requires judgment. The Group follows a formalized process to determine whether a sale of the vessel has taken place, in accordance with the criteria established in IFRS 15. In this determination, an assessment of the nature of any repurchase options is made. The outcome of the transaction (at option exercise dates in particular) may differ from the original assessment made at inception of the lease contract.
Vessel lives and residual values
The carrying value of the vessels represents their original cost at the time of purchase, less accumulated depreciation and any impairment. Vessels are depreciated to their residual values on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life of 25 years is management’s best estimate, that remains unchanged compared to prior year, and is also consistent with industry practice for similar types of vessels. The residual value is estimated as the lightweight tonnage of the vessel multiplied by a forecast scrap value per ton. The scrap value per ton is estimated using the current scrap prices, assuming a vessel is already of age, and its condition is as expected at the end of its useful life at the statement of financial position date. The scrap rate is estimated to be approximately $400 per ton of lightweight steel.
An increase in the estimated useful life of a vessel or in its scrap value would have 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 scrap value would have the effect of increasing the annual depreciation charge.
When regulations place significant limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, the vessel’s useful life is adjusted to end at the date such regulations become effective. The estimated salvage value of the vessel may not represent the fair market value at any one time since market prices of scrap values tend to fluctuate.
Impairment of vessels
The carrying amount of each vessel is evaluated at each statement of financial position date to determine whether there is any indication that this vessel has suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the vessel is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value, using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. The projection of cash flows related to the vessel is complex and requires management to make various estimates, including future vessel earnings, operating expenses, dry-docking costs, management fees, commissions, and discount rates. These items have been historically volatile. Each vessel’s future cash flows from revenue are estimated, based on a combination of the current contracted charter rates until their expiration and thereafter, until the end of the vessel’s useful life, the estimated daily hire rate for the first 5 years (from 2022 to 2026) is based on the prevailing spot and time charter market as of date of this report for year 1 and then linearly moving to the newbuilding parity curve in year 5, while being onwards estimated using the simple historical average rate. This change in estimate was effectuated from the fourth quarter of 2021. As part of the process of assessing the fair value less cost to sell for a vessel, the Group obtains valuations from independent ship brokers on a quarterly basis or when there is an indication that an asset or assets may be impaired. If an indication of impairment is identified, the need for recognizing an impairment loss is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the vessel to the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and the value-in-use.
 
F-20

 
As of December 31, 2022, the carrying amount of the vessels owned by the Group was lower than their respective fair values, as estimated by management with consideration to independent brokers’ valuations. Given the vessels’ recoverable amounts were lower than their respective fair values, the Group concluded that there was no requirement to record an impairment loss.
As of December 31, 2021, the carrying amount of one vessel owned by the Group was higher than its respective fair value, as estimated by management with consideration to independent brokers’ valuations. As a result, the Group estimated the recoverable amount of this vessel to determine the extent of any impairment loss. Given the vessel’s recoverable amount was higher than her respective carrying amount, the Group concluded that there was no requirement to record an impairment loss. On a second occasion, the Group recorded an impairment loss when it classified one of its vessels as a held-for-sale asset (for further information refer to Note 7).
Deferred dry-docking costs
The Group recognizes dry-docking costs as a separate component from the vessels’ carrying amounts and depreciates them on a straight-line basis over the estimated period until the next dry-docking of the vessels. If a vessel is disposed of before the next scheduled dry-docking, the remaining balance is written-off and forms part of the gain or loss recognized upon disposal of vessels in the period when contracted. Vessels are estimated to undergo dry-docking every 5 years after their initial delivery from the shipyard, until a vessel reaches 10 years of age, and thereafter every 2.5 years to undergo special or intermediate surveys, for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while in operation. However, this estimate might be revised in the future. Management estimates costs capitalized as part of the dry-docking component as costs to be incurred during the first dry-docking at the dry-dock yard for a special survey and parts and supplies used in making such repairs that meet the recognition criteria, based on historical experience with similar types of vessels.
Climate and environmental risk factors
The Group might incur increased operating and maintenance costs to maintain the operational performance and superiority of its vessels. In fact, these cost factors are taken into consideration when an indication of impairment arises, and included in the Group’s discounted cash flows calculations. Management adjusts its cash flows, accordingly with the following:

an increase in its operating costs both for inflation, as well as extra operating costs associated with the vessels operating effectiveness;

an increase associated with the vessels’ special surveys and future Dry-dock costs; and

adjusted its weighted average cost of capital calculation.
Management has concluded that its vessels’ carrying values, as well as their useful lives, have not been impaired.
6. Inventories
Inventories are analyzed as follows:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Bunkers
13,914,723 10,427,636 3,461,559
Lubricants
2,740,559 1,925,361 1,947,399
Provisions
355,249 175,199 256,190
Bonded stores
102,336 102,336
Total 17,010,531 12,630,531 5,767,484
Inventories’ carrying values approximate their fair values as at the reporting date.
 
F-21

 
7. Vessels, Net
Vessels, net are analyzed as follows:
Vessels’ cost
Dry-docking and
special survey costs
Total
Cost
Balance – 01 January, 2020
1,052,249,142 12,900,505 1,065,149,647
Transfers from Vessels under construction
220,749,318 2,600,000 223,349,318
Write-down of Dry-Dock component
(2,400,000) (2,400,000)
Additions
6,840,435 2,801,820 9,642,255
Balance – 01 January, 2021
1,279,838,895 15,902,325 1,295,741,220
Disposal of Vessels
(336,269,467) (4,991,532) (341,260,999)
Write-down of Dry-Dock component
(1,601,576) (1,601,576)
Additions
2,028,634 2,028,634
Balance – 01 January 2022
943,569,428 11,337,851 954,907,279
Transfers from Vessels under construction
194,652,377 2,000,000 196,652,377
Additions
367,669 367,669
Balance – 31 December, 2022
1,138,221,805 13,705,520 1,151,927,325
Accumulated Depreciation
Balance – 01 January, 2020
(52,904,254) (4,252,479) (57,156,733)
Write-down of Dry-Dock component
2,400,000 2,400,000
Depreciation charge for the year
(38,901,859) (2,717,782) (41,619,641)
Balance – 01 January, 2021
(91,806,113) (4,570,261) (96,376,374)
Disposal of Vessels
46,473,065 1,201,972 47,675,038
Impairment loss
(3,932,873) (3,932,873)
Write-down of Dry-Dock component
1,601,576 1,601,576
Depreciation charge for the year
(36,045,763) (2,620,503) (38,666,266)
Balance – 01 January 2022
(85,311,684) (4,387,215) (89,698,899)
Depreciation charge for the period
(35,353,891) (2,578,500) (37,932,391)
Balance – 31 December, 2022
(120,665,575) (6,965,715) (127,631,290)
Net Book Value – December 31, 2020
1,188,032,782 11,332,064 1,199,364,846
Net Book Value – December 31, 2021
858,257,744 6,950,636 865,208,380
Net Book Value – December 31, 2022
1,017,556,230 6,739,805 1,024,296,035
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company took delivery of one newbuilding VLCC vessel, Nissos Anafi, and two newbuilding Suezmax vessels, Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos, for a total cost of $223.3 million.
In the year ended December 31, 2021, the Group disposed of three Aframax vessels (Nissos Therassia, Nissos Schinoussa and Nissos Heraclea) and two VLCC vessels (Nissos Santorini and Nissos Antiparos) to unaffiliated parties. The first two Aframaxes were delivered to their new owners in June 2021 and the third one in August 2021. Additionally, the VLCCs were delivered to their new owners in October and November 2021, respectively. In connection with the completion of their sale, the Group recorded a net gain on disposal amounting to $4.1 million. Further, an impairment loss of $3.9 million was recorded relating to the classification of Nissos Heraclea as available for sale on June 30, 2021, since the vessel’s carrying value was lower than her respective fair value less estimated selling expenses.
The Group has pledged the above vessels to secure the loan facilities granted (see Note 13).
 
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An analysis of the net gain on disposal of vessels can be found in the following table:
Vessel
Gain/(loss) on disposal
Nissos Therassia
(3,348,501)
Nissos Schinoussa
(4,267,793)
Nissos Heraclea
(173,004)
Nissos Santorini
5,878,751
Nissos Antiparos
5,987,215
Net gain on Vessels’ disposal
4,076,668
Other Fixed Assets
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Right-of-Use assets
71,204    —
Other fixed assets
61,019 61,019
Total 132,223 61,019
The Group has recognized Right-of-Use assets, pursuant to contracts for the lease of office space and a company car. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Group recorded an amount of $30,533 as depreciation expense with regards to Right-of-Use assets recognized.
8. Vessels Under Construction
Vessels under construction are analyzed as follows:
Balance – 01 January, 2020
56,266,949
Capitalized Interest
1,124,388
Additions during the year
165,957,981
Transfers during the year to vessels, net
(223,349,318)
Balance – 01 January, 2021
Additions during the year
18,193,257
Balance – 01 January 2022
18,193,257
Additions during the period
178,459,120
Transfers during the period to vessels, net
(196,652,377)
Balance – 31 December 2022
Additions for 2021 related to the newbuilding vessels with hulls numbers 3211 and 3212, which were named Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria upon their respective deliveries. On June 14, 2021, the Company established two Marshall Islands subsidiaries, Ark Marine S.A. and Theta Navigation Ltd, being the owners and operators of Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria, respectively. Each of the companies is wholly owned by Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.
Additions for 2022 also relate to the construction of the abovementioned hulls. Upon the vessels’ respective deliveries, the total amount relating to vessels under construction is transferred to Vessels, net.
 
F-23

 
9. Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses are analyzed as follows:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Accrued payroll related taxes
15,645 15,842 135,724
Accrued voyage expenses
1,021,539 30,406 60,521
Accrued loan interest
3,781,363 1,254,301 1,407,128
Accrued social insurance contributions
91,573 94,530 145,878
Accrued operating expenses
1,036,952 826,166 557,617
Sundry Liabilities
77,827 402,500
Total 6,024,899 2,623,745 2,306,868
10. Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses are analyzed as follows:
For the year ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Crew costs
23,283,420 27,617,203 27,697,465
Insurances
3,084,189 3,332,394 3,101,525
Stores
1,566,555 1,206,306 1,276,312
Spares
1,382,223 1,450,609 1,409,271
Repairs and surveys
1,826,758 2,153,673 2,012,668
Flag expenses
531,871 417,241 534,819
Lubricants
2,466,943 2,282,815 2,371,416
Telecommunication expenses
195,605 280,936 314,796
Miscellaneous expenses
1,402,896 1,954,820 1,460,360
Total 35,740,460 40,695,997 40,178,632
11. Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses are analyzed as follows:
For the year ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Port expenses
17,962,872 13,678,442 20,557,287
Bunkers
55,671,538 31,070,105 27,258,361
Other voyage expenses
451,811 258,215 300,695
Total 74,086,221 45,006,762 48,116,343
12. General and Administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses are analyzed as follows:
For the period ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Employee costs
3,998,981 3,896,025 3,499,514
Directors’ fees and expenses
850,942 875,506 635,638
Professional fees
287,355 262,332 223,942
Other expenses
159,245 61,077 62,389
Total 5,296,523 5,094,940 4,421,483
Auditor remuneration for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 amounted to $180,042, $177,787 and $181,433, respectively. The Group records audit fees as incurred. Expenditure related to auditor
 
F-24

 
remuneration is reflected in professional fees which, for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, amounted to $182,540, $204,490 and $106,202, respectively.
Insurance cover, for certain Directors and executives of the Group, in respect to their potential liability towards the enterprise and third parties as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 amounted to $164,200, $200,000 and $130,000, respectively.
13. Long-Term Borrowings
The Companies have entered into loan agreements which are analyzed as follows:
Vessel/Hull Number
Outstanding Loan
Balance as of
December 31, 2022
Unamortized
Deferred Financing
Fees as of
December 31, 2022
Outstanding Net of
Loan Financing Fees
as of December 31, 2022
Interest Rate
(Libor(L)+Margin)
Milos
38,047,124 289,344 37,757,780 L+5.62%
Poliegos
34,729,699 273,146 34,456,553 L+6.76%
Kimolos
35,913,750 203,849 35,709,901 L+2.50%
Folegandros
33,810,750 243,033 33,567,717 L+2.60%
Nissos Sikinos
43,940,806 224,537 43,716,269 L+1.96%
Nissos Sifnos
43,940,806 225,967 43,714,839 L+1.96%
Nissos Rhenia
58,878,763 1,139,918 57,738,845 L+5.28%
Nissos Despotiko
59,425,570 1,156,267 58,269,303 L+5.28%
Nissos Donoussa
61,335,000 453,797 60,881,203 L+2.50%
Nissos Kythnos
61,335,000 453,797 60,881,203 L+2.50%
Nissos Keros
48,479,000 259,781 48,219,219 L+2.25%
Nissos Anafi
48,100,000 300,154 47,799,846 L+2.09%
Nissos Kea
86,691,250 319,907 86,371,343 L+2.65%(*)
Nissos Nikouria
88,495,250 329,550 88,165,700 L+2.65%(*)
Scrubber Financing
1,718,760 8,559 1,710,201 L+2.00%
Total 744,841,528 5,881,606 738,959,922 L+3.25%
*
Weighted average between primary lender margin & Sponsor debt fixed rate.
New Debt raised in 2020
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company drew new debt of $156.9 million related to the delivery of one newbuilding VLCC vessel, Nissos Anafi, and two newbuilding Suezmax vessels, Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos. The new term loan facilities have an average tenor of six years and carry normal shipping loan covenants, such as value-to-loan ratios, minimum liquidity requirements and leverage ratios. Details on contractual interest on these long-term borrowings are provided in the table above.
Therassia Marine Corp. and Ios Maritime Corp. have entered into bank loan facilities with HSH Nordbank (currently named Hamburg Commercial Bank) for the financing of Nissos Therassia and Nissos Schinoussa. The total proceeds of each loan were $36,500,000. The loan bears annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.60%. As at December 31, 2020 the Corporate Guarantor of the respective bank loan facilities was Kyklades Maritime Corporation.
Milos Marine Corp. has entered into a bank loan facility with BNP Paribas for the partial financing of Nissos Heraclea. The total proceeds of the loan were $40,000,000. The loan bears annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%.
Debt retired in connection with 2021 vessel sales
Up to December 31, 2021, the Group retired a total outstanding principal amount of $209.9 million in connection with the disposal of three Aframax and two VLCC vessels. Specifically, the Group retired
 
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$23.0 million of first mortgage debt outstanding on Nissos Therassia, $24.1 million of first mortgage debt outstanding on Nissos Schinoussa, $25.8 million of first mortgage debt outstanding on Nissos Heraclea and $2.8 million of second mortgage scrubber debt outstanding, $67.1 million of first mortgage debt outstanding on Nissos Santorini and $67.1 million of first mortgage debt outstanding on Nissos Antiparos.
Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. is the corporate guarantor for all bank loans as at December 31, 2022.
Description of Group borrowing arrangements
Omega Two Marine Corp. (“Omega Two”) has entered into a debt financing transaction with OCY Knight AS. On June 8, 2017, Omega Two transferred Poliegos to OCY Knight AS (the “original buyer”) for $54,000,000, and, as part of the agreement, bareboat chartered the vessel back for a period of 14 years, with penalty free purchase options at the end of the seventh, tenth and twelfth year. Omega Two received $47,000,000 in cash as part of the transaction, with $7,000,000 to be retained by the original buyer as a deposit which can be used towards the repurchase of the vessel pursuant to the purchase options. This transaction is treated as a financing transaction and Poliegos continues to be recorded as an asset on the consolidated statement of financial position, since the risks and rewards of ownership have effectively remained with Omega Two, and it is probable that Omega Two will exercise the purchase option by the end of year 12. Pursuant to a memorandum of agreement dated on August 23, 2018, the original buyer sold Poliegos to OCY Poliegos Limited (the “new buyer”) for an amount of $48,032,540. As a result, on the same date, both aforementioned parties and the Company accordingly novated the bareboat charter so that the new buyer could substitute the original buyer. Omega Two continues to technically manage, commercially charter, and operate Poliegos. Pursuant to this financing arrangement, Omega Two will pay a daily bareboat charter rate of $11,550, plus interest pursuant to U.S. dollar LIBOR adjustment.
On December 19, 2018, Anassa Navigation S.A. entered into a loan agreement with Credit Suisse AG for the financing of Nissos Kythnos. The total proceeds of the loan were $58,125,000. The loan bears annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%. This amount was repaid in full in May 2022.
On January 24, 2019, Arethusa Shipping Corp. entered into a loan agreement with BNP Paribas for the financing of Nissos Keros. The total proceeds of the loan were $58,175,000. The loan bears annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%.
On January 29, 2019, Omega One Marine Corp. entered into a debt financing transaction with Ocean Yield for the refinancing of Milos. On January 29, 2019, Omega One Marine Corp. transferred Milos to Ocean Yield Malta (the “original buyer”) for an agreed consideration of $56,000,000, and, as part of the agreement, bareboat chartered the vessel back for a period of 13 years, with purchase options at the end of the fifth, seventh, tenth, and twelfth year. Omega One Marine Corp. received $49,000,000 in cash as part of the transaction, with $7,000,000 to be retained by the original buyer as a deposit which can be used towards the repurchase of the vessel pursuant to the purchase options.
On February 14, 2019, Nellmare Marine Ltd. entered into a loan agreement with ABN AMRO for the financing of Nissos Donoussa. The total proceeds of the loan were $59,000,000. The loan bears annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.50%.
On February 27, 2019, Moonsprite Shipping Corp. entered into a loan agreement with CACIB and Export-Import Bank of Korea (“KEXIM”) for the financing of Nissos Anafi. The total proceeds of the loan were $58,000,000, consisting of a commercial facility by CACIB in the amount of $38,000,000 and a KEXIM facility loan in the amount of $20,000,000. The commercial facility bears interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% and the KEXIM facility loan bears annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 1.80%. In December 2020, through an assignment agreement, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank transferred to Siemens Financial Services, Inc. 50% of its outstanding loan balance, i.e. $18,587,500.
On February 10, 2018, Omega Five Marine Corp. entered into a debt financing transaction with OCY KNIGHT 1 LIMITED for the financing of Nissos Rhenia. On May 3, 2019, Omega Five Marine Corp. transferred Nissos Rhenia to OCY KNIGHT 1 LIMITED (the “original buyer”) for an agreed consideration of $83,750,000 and loan related fees of $1,010,000, and, as part of the agreement, bareboat chartered the vessel back for a period of 15 years, with purchase options at the end of the seventh, tenth, twelfth, and fourteenth year for an amount of $49,830,000, $36,300,000, $25,860,000, and $14,170,000 respectively. Omega
 
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Five Marine Corp. received $75,260,000 in cash as part of the transaction, with $9,500,000 to be retained by the original buyer as a deposit which can be used towards the repurchase of the vessel pursuant to the purchase options. This transaction was evaluated in accordance with IFRS 16, but treated as a financing transaction and Nissos Rhenia continues to be recorded as an asset on the consolidated statement of financial position, since control has effectively remained with Omega Five Marine Corp., and it is probable that Omega Five Marine Corp. will exercise the purchase option by the end of year 14. Pursuant to this financing arrangement, Omega Five Marine Corp., had initially agreed to pay a daily bareboat charter rate of $18,600 (year 1-5)/$18,350 (year 6-15), plus interest pursuant to U.S. dollar LIBOR adjustment. On June 28, 2021, the Company transferred the remaining 0.5 year time charter from Nissos Donoussa to Nissos Rhenia and the following action resulted in the acceleration of debt repayments of Nissos Rhenia for two years beginning May 2, 2021, by revising onwards the daily bareboat charter rate to $25,000 (year 3-4)/$17,200 (year 5-15), plus interest pursuant to U.S. dollar LIBOR adjustment.
On February 10, 2018, Omega Seven Marine Corp. entered into a debt financing transaction with OCY KNIGHT 2 LIMITED for the financing of Nissos Despotiko. On June 10, 2019, Omega Seven Marine Corp. transferred Nissos Despotiko to OCY KNIGHT 2 LIMITED (the “original buyer”) for an agreed consideration of $83,750,000 and loan related fees $1,010,000, and, as part of the agreement, bareboat chartered the vessel back for a period of 15 years, with purchase options at the end of the seventh, tenth, twelfth, and fourteenth year for an amount of $49,830,000, $36,300,000, $25,860,000, and $14,170,000 respectively. Omega Seven Marine Corp. received $75,260,000 in cash as part of the transaction, with $9,500,000 to be retained by the original buyer as a deposit which can be used towards the repurchase of the vessel pursuant to the purchase options. This transaction was evaluated in accordance with IFRS 16, but treated as a financing transaction and Nissos Despotiko continues to be recorded as an asset on the consolidated statement of financial position, since control has effectively remained with Omega Seven Marine Corp., and it is probable that Omega Seven Marine Corp. will exercise the purchase option by the end of year 14. Pursuant to this financing arrangement, Omega Seven Marine Corp., had initially agreed to pay a daily bareboat charter rate of $18,600 (year 1-5)/$18,350 (year 6-15), plus interest pursuant to U.S. dollar LIBOR adjustment. On June 28, 2021, the Company transferred the remaining 0.5 year time charter from Nissos Keros to Nissos Despotiko and the following action resulted in the acceleration of debt repayments of Nissos Despotiko for two years beginning June 9, 2021 by revising onwards the daily bareboat charter rate to $23,336 (year 3-4)/$17,200 (year 5-15), plus interest pursuant to U.S. dollar LIBOR adjustment.
On June 25, 2019, the Company entered into a loan agreement with BNP Paribas for its scrubber retrofit program. The total proceeds of the loan were $11,000,000. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.00%, a 5-year tenor, and a 4-year repayment profile beginning one year after drawdown. As a result of the Group’s Aframax vessels (Nissos Schinoussa and Nissos Therassia) disposal and according to the relevant loan agreement clause, on June 15, 2021, the Company further retired the amount of $2,750,004 in connection to the said disposal.
On October 22, 2019, Omega Six and Omega Ten entered into a loan agreement with Alpha Bank for an amount of $45,901,000 for the 88.95% financing of pre-delivery yard instalments of Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos. The loan bore annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50%. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had drawn the amount of $6,450,000. As of December 31, 2020, the total amount of the financing had been drawn down and repaid in full.
On July 7, 2020, Omega Four Marine Corp. entered into a loan agreement with BNP Paribas for an amount of $40,000,000 in order to refinance the existing loan of the Folegandros. The loan bears annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.60%.
On July 8, 2020, Omega Three Marine Corp. entered into a loan agreement with ABN AMRO for an amount of $44,000,000 in order to refinance the existing loan of the Kimolos. The loan bears annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.50%.
On September 9, 2020, Omega Six Marine Corp. and Omega Ten Marine Corp. entered into a loan agreement with Export-Import Bank of Korea, the BNK Busan Bank and the BNK Kyongnam Bank for the refinancing of the existing indebtedness of Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos and the financing of the vessels’ delivery instalments. The total proceeds of the loan were $103,208,000, consisting of a KEXIM facility
 
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of up to $61,924,800 and a commercial facility of up to $41,283,200. The KEXIM facility bears interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 1.80% and the commercial facility bears annual interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.20%.
ARK Marine S.A. entered into a debt financing transaction with SEA 289 LEASING CO LIMITED, a wholly owned subsidiary of CMB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., for the financing of Nissos Kea. On March 31, 2022, ARK Marine S.A. transferred Nissos Kea to SEA 289 LEASING CO. LIMITED for an agreed consideration of $72,750,000 and loan related fees of $363,750, and, as part of the agreement, bareboat chartered the vessel back for a period of 7 years, with purchase options at the end of each year. ARK Marine S.A. received $72,750,000 in cash as part of the transaction. This transaction was evaluated in accordance with IFRS 16, and it was concluded that it should be treated as a financing transaction and Nissos Kea should continue to be recorded as an asset on the consolidated statement of financial position, since ARK Marine S.A has a substantive repurchase option with respect of the asset and the risks and rewards of ownership have effectively remained with ARK Marine S.A. The facility is repaid in quarterly instalments, amortizes over a 20-year profile, matures in 7 years from drawdown and is priced at LIBOR plus 2.45%.
Theta Navigation Ltd entered into a debt financing transaction with SEA 290 LEASING CO LIMITED, a wholly owned subsidiary of CMB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. for the financing of Nissos Nikouria. On June 3, 2022, Theta Navigation Ltd transferred Nissos Nikouria to SEA 290 LEASING CO. LIMITED for an agreed consideration of $72,750,000 and loan related fees of $363,750, and, as part of the agreement, bareboat chartered the vessel back for a period of 7 years, with purchase options at the end of each year. Theta Navigation Ltd received $72,750,000 in cash as part of the transaction. This transaction was evaluated in accordance with IFRS 16, and it was concluded that it should be treated as a financing transaction and Nissos Nikouria should continue to be recorded as an asset on the consolidated statement of financial position, since Theta Navigation Ltd has a substantive repurchase option with respect of the asset and the risks and rewards of ownership have effectively remained with Theta Navigation Ltd. The facility is repaid in quarterly instalments, amortizes over a 20-year profile, matures in 7 years from drawdown and is priced at LIBOR plus 2.45%.
In connection with the acquisition of Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria, OET and Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos (the “Sponsor”), have agreed that the repayment of twenty percent of each of the vessel’s original contract price, amounting to $17,564,000 each, settled between the Sponsor and the shipyard may be deferred, at OET’s sole discretion, to any date two years from each vessel’s delivery at a fixed annual interest cost of 3.5% on the outstanding amount commencing from the date of each vessel’s delivery. The said transaction was formalized and documented by signing a respective loan agreement on April 18, 2022.
Nellmare Marine Ltd and Anassa Navigation S.A. signed, on May 23, 2022, a new loan agreement with the National Bank of Greece S.A. for a gross finance amount of $125,670,000 to refinance their existing indebtedness concerning the VLCC vessels Nissos Kythnos and Nissos Donoussa. The loan amount was evenly split between the two companies and the related loan related fees amounted to $1,005,360. The new facility bears a fixed annual interest cost of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.50%, amortizes over a 21-year profile and matures 7 years from drawdown.
Lease liabilities connected to Right-of-Use assets
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 the Group has recognized the following finance lease liabilities with respect to the Right-of-Use assets:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Office rent
36,249    —    —
Company car
39,510
Total 75,759
 
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The undiscounted cash outflows for the settlement of financial liabilities connected to the Right-of-Use assets as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 are the following:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
No later than one year
50,599    —    —
Later than one year and not later than five years
29,516
Total 80,115
Long-term debt net of current portion and current portion of long-term borrowings are analyzed as follows:
As of December 31, 2020
Long-term borrowings,
net of current portion
Current portion of
long-term borrowings
Total
Outstanding loan balance
767,827,742 76,724,086 844,551,828
Loan financing fees
(8,609,054) (1,466,133) (10,075,187)
Total 759,218,688 75,257,953 834,476,641
As of December 31, 2021
Long-term borrowings,
net of current portion
Current portion of
long-term borrowings
Total
Outstanding loan balance
539,586,057 43,252,075 582,838,132
Loan financing fees
(4,802,598) (1,039,265) (5,841,863)
Total 534,783,459 42,212,810 576,996,269
As of December 31, 2022
Long-term borrowings,
net of current portion
Current portion of
long-term borrowings
Total
Outstanding loan balance
673,022,123 71,819,405 744,841,528
Loan financing fees
(4,814,520) (1,067,086) (5,881,606)
Total 668,207,603 70,752,319 738,959,922
The loans are repayable as follows:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
No later than one year
71,819,405 43,252,075 76,724,086
Later than one year and not later than five years
298,690,490 336,790,145 378,579,849
Thereafter
374,331,633 202,795,912 389,247,893
Total 744,841,528 582,838,132 844,551,828
Less: Amounts due for settlement within 12 months
(71,819,405) (43,252,075) (76,724,086)
Long-term borrowings, net of current portion
673,022,123 539,586,057 767,827,742
 
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Cash flow reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities
A reconciliation of the Group’s financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are presented in the tables below:
Long-term borrowings – January 1, 2020
732,705,697
Cash flows – drawdowns
277,677,250
Cash flows – repayments
(175,908,202)
Deferred financing fees transferred to long-term borrowings on drawdown date during 2020
(751,505)
Loan financing fees incurred during 2020
(1,765,961)
Non-cash flows – amortisation of loan financing fees
2,519,362
Long-term borrowings – January 1, 2021
834,476,641
Cash flows – repayments
(261,713,694)
Non-cash flows – amortisation of loan financing fees
4,233,322
Long-term borrowings – January 1, 2022
576,996,269
Cash flows – drawdowns
306,298,000
Cash flows – repayments
(144,294,604)
Loan financing fees
(1,732,860)
Other Finance-lease liabilities
75,759
Non-cash flows – amortisation of loan financing fees
1,693,117
Long-term borrowings – December 31, 2022
739,035,681
All loans are secured by first preferred mortgages of the Companies’ vessels and assignment of earnings and insurances.
The loan agreements include several covenants, including restrictions as to changes in management and ownership of the vessels, payment of dividends in the event of default, further indebtedness, mortgaging of vessels without the bank’s prior consent and a several financial covenants including:

a hull cover ratio, being the ratio of a mortgaged vessel’s fair market value over its respective outstanding debt, of no less than 130%;

a hull cover ratio, being the ratio of a mortgaged vessel’s excess fair market values due to the scrubber installations over the respective outstanding debt, of no less than 150%;

minimum corporate liquidity, being the higher of $10,000,000 and $750,000 per vessel, in the form of free and unencumbered cash and cash equivalents;

A consolidated net worth of more than $100,000,000;

Omega Six Marine Corp. and Omega Ten Marine Corp. should at each year end have a Debt Service Coverage Ratio of more than 1.1 and

a ratio of total liabilities to the carrying value of total assets (adjusted for the vessel’s fair market value) of no more than 75%.
A number of the Companies’ financing agreements limit the Company’s ability to declare, make or pay any dividends or other distributions (whether in cash or in kind) or repay or distribute any dividend or share premium reserve following the occurrence of an event of default under the relevant financing agreement or if such action would result in the occurrence of an event of default under the relevant financing agreement.
As at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Group was in compliance with its loan covenants.
14. Transactions and Balances with Related Parties
The Group has entered into management agreements with Kyklades Maritime Corporation (“Kyklades,” “KMC” or the “Management Company”) as technical manager. Kyklades provides the vessels with a wide
 
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range of shipping services such as technical support, maintenance and insurance consulting in exchange for a daily fee of $900 per vessel, which is reflected under management fees in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. For the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, total technical management fees amounted to $4,381,200, $5,425,200 and $3,416,400, respectively.
KMC acts and pays on behalf of the Group the majority of its operating expenses, including crew cost (for an analysis refer to Note 10).
Amounts due to the Board of Directors as at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 amounting to $0, $698,153 and $379,803 represent outstanding fees payable to Directors.
“FRPEs” are “Family Related Party Entities” vessel owning companies privately owned by the Alafouzos family. For the sake of operational convenience, various expenses or other liabilities paid by/for the FRPEs and recorded as unsecured amounts payable/receivables, with no fixed terms of payment. Examples of the types of expenses and liabilities giving rise to such payables/receivables due to/from the FRPEs include, without limitation: (i) bunker fuel, (ii) port expenses, and (iii) canal fees.
The below table provides a reconciliation of the outstanding amounts due from the Management Company and from FRPEs:
As of December 31
2022
2021
2020
Amounts due from Management Company
449,629 389,925 2,332,400
Amounts due from FRPEs, net
680,176 4,731,219
Total 449,629 1,070,101 7,063,619
Amounts due from the Management Company as of December 31, 2022 of $449,629 as compared to December 31, 2021 of $389,925 and December 31, 2020 of $2,332,400, represent pre-payments made to the Management Company, per the terms of the respective vessel technical management agreements, which had not yet been incurred.
Amounts due from FRPEs as at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 amounting to $0, $680,176 and $4,731,219, represent amounts transferred to vessel owning companies privately owned by members of the Alafouzos family, for working capital purposes and to secure volumetric discounts on bunker procurement.
All balances noted above are unsecured, interest-free, with no fixed terms of payment and repayable on demand.
Related party balances’ analysis
The below table presents the Group’s outstanding balances due from/(to) related parties as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Related party balances
2022
2021
2020
Kyklades Maritime Corporation
449,629 389,925 6,456,738
Danais Maritime Corp.
449,510 392,045
Athinais Maritime Corp.
235,000 290,545
Bigal Shipping Corporation
291,275 (185,000)
Zenith Maritime Corp.
696,000 48,000
Christianna Marine Corporation
674,291 61,291
Chantilly Enterprises Co.
88,000
Anafi Marine Corp.
(620,000)
Clover Enterprises Co.
(1,133,900)
Fees payable to the Board of Directors
(698,153) (379,803)
Total 449,629 371,948 6,683,816
 
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Related party transactions’ analysis
The below table presents the Group’s transactions with its related parties as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Related party transactions
2022
2021
2020
Management fees
Kyklades Maritime Corporation
4,381,200 5,425,200 3,416,400
Total 4,381,200 5,425,200 3,416,400
KMC solely administers the transactions on behalf of OET’s subsidiaries, without recharging any expenditure back to the ship owning companies. All operating expenses are being incurred and charged directly to OET’s subsidiary companies.
For the above administrative and technical services provided during 2022, 2021 and 2020, KMC charged OET’s subsidiaries a daily fee of $900 (2022 and 2021) and of $600 (2020), corresponding to $4,381,200, $5,425,200 $3,416,400, respectively (as depicted above).
The below table presents an analysis of all payments executed by KMC on behalf of the Group for the period ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Payments on behalf of the Group
2022
2021
2020
Crew wages
18,572,373 22,411,827 23,672,365
Other crew expenses
3,357,800 3,555,432 3,069,655
Stores
3,098,044 2,999,210 4,556,158
Technical expenses
5,611,199 6,274,107 7,328,118
Insurance
3,193,137 2,490,958 3,965,736
HSQE expenses
525,210 672,704 1,074,034
Other
931,952 1,416,495 1,726,859
Total 35,289,715 39,820,734 45,392,925
Key management and Directors’ remuneration
Each of the Group’s directors, except for the Chairman of the Board of Directors, is entitled to an annual fee of $75,000. Directors’ fees for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 amounted to $450,000, $418,900 and $419,300. In addition, each director is entitled to reimbursement for travelling and other minor out-of-pocket expenses.
Furthermore, OET Chartering Inc. and OET provide compensation to members of key management personnel, which currently comprise of its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Development Officer. The remuneration structure comprises salaries, bonuses, insurance cover (also covering the members of the Board of Directors), telecommunications and other expenses which are minor in nature (e.g., travel expenses). For the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, key management personnel remuneration, covering all the above amounted to $1,704,665, $2,071,165 and $1,770,000. There was no amount payable related to key management remuneration as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
None of the members of the administrative, management or supervisory bodies of the Group have any service contracts with Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. or any of its subsidiaries in the Group providing for benefits upon termination of employment.
Acquisition of two Vessels
In June 2021, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire two Eco-design, open loop scrubber-fitted 300,000 DWT VLCC crude tankers (Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria) under construction at HHI (Nissos Kea and Nissos Nikouria) from entities controlled by Mr. Ioannis Alafouzos for a total consideration of $194 million, funded with a combination of cash, senior secured debt, and senior unsecured debt.
 
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15. Share Capital and Additional Paid-in Capital
The shares of the Company are issued under the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and primary recorded in Euronext Securities Oslo (the VPS) in book-entry form under their ISIN MHY641771016. Pursuant to a VPS registrar agreement between the Company and DNB Bank ASA (“DNB”), DNB acts as the Company’s VPS account operator for the VPS registration.
The Company has one class of shares. All shares rank in parity with one another and each one carries one vote in a meeting of the shareholders. All shares are equal in all respects.
On March 5, 2019, the board of directors of the Oslo Stock Exchange approved the Company’s listing application to trading on Oslo Axess. Trading in the shares on Oslo Axess commenced on March 8, 2019, under the trading symbol “OET.”
On May 14, 2019, the Company successfully conducted a private placement, raising gross proceeds of $15,000,000 through the placement of 1,580,000 new common shares at a subscription price of NOK 83 per share.
On August 30, 2019 the Company purchased 150,149 of its own shares for an aggregate consideration of $1,010,155 at an average price of NOK 61.0 per share
On March 9, 2020 the Company purchased 113,934 of its own shares for an aggregate consideration of $698,924 at an average price of NOK 57.3 per share.
On April 6, 2020 the Company purchased 250,000 of its own shares for an aggregate consideration of $1,359,181 at an average price of NOK 57.5 per share.
In June 2020, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.50 per share to its shareholders, amounting to $16.2 million
In September 2020, the Company paid a cash dividend to its shareholders of $0.75 per share, amounting to $24.3 million.
In December 2020, the Company paid a cash dividend to its shareholders of $0.10 per share, amounting to $3.2 million.
On January 27, 2021, the board of directors of the Oslo Stock Exchange approved the Company’s listing application to transfer its listing from Euronext Expand to Oslo Børs. Trading in the shares on Oslo Børs commenced on January 29, 2021, under the trading symbol “OET.”
In March 2021, the Company paid a cash dividend to its shareholders of $0.10 per share, amounting to $3.2 million.
In June 2021, the Company distributed an amount of $24.3 million or $0.75 per share via a return of paid-in capital.
On December 6, 2021, the Company purchased 28,736 of its own shares for an aggregate consideration of $235,772 at an average price of NOK 70.5 per share.
On December 9, 2021, the Company purchased 22,500 of its own shares for an aggregate consideration of $197,116 at an average price of NOK 75.3 per share.
On December 14, 2021, the Company purchased 8,000 of its own shares for an aggregate consideration of $70,642 at an average price of NOK 75.9 per share.
In December 2021, the Company distributed an amount of $10.0 million or $0.31 per share via a return of paid-in-capital.
In January 2022, the Company purchased 20,000 of its own shares at the price of NOK 69.69 per share.
Also in January 2022, the Company purchased 102,573 of its own shares at the price of NOK 71.25 per share.
 
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In September 2022, the Company distributed an amount of approximately $9.8 million or $0.30 per share via a return of paid-in-capital.
In December 2022, the Company distributed an amount of approximately $9.8 million or $0.30 per share via a return of paid-in-capital.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 32,194,108 shares outstanding (such amount does not include 695,892 treasury shares).
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have issued any restricted shares, share options, warrants, convertible loans or other instruments that would entitle a holder of any such instrument to subscribe for any shares in the Company or its subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have issued subordinated debt or transferable securities other than the shares in the Company and the shares in the Company’s subsidiaries which are held directly or indirectly by the Company.
The table below shows the movement in the Company’s issued share capital up to and for the year ended on December 31, 2022 hereof:
Date
Type of change
Change in
issued share
capital (USD)
New issued
share
capital
(USD)
No. of shares
outstanding
net of
treasury shares
Par value
per share
09-Mar-20
Share buy-back
32,625,917 0.001
06-Apr-20
Share buy-back
32,375,917 0.001
06-Dec-21
Share buy-back
32,353,417 0.001
09-Dec-21
Share buy-back
32,345,417 0.001
14-Dec-21
Share buy-back
32,316,681 0.001
24-Jan-22
Share buy-back
32,296,681 0.001
26-Jan-22
Share buy-back
32,194,108 0.001
16. Financial Risk Management
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise long-term borrowings, interest rate swaps (terminated in 2022), forward freight agreements, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to finance the Group’s operations and mitigate its exposure to market and interest rate fluctuations. The Group has various other financial assets and liabilities such as trade receivables, current accounts with related parties and payables which arise directly from its operations.
The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are credit risk, foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and market risk. The Group’s policies for addressing these risks are set out below:

Foreign currency risk
The Group’s vessels operate in international shipping markets, which utilize the U.S. dollar as the functional currency. Although certain operating expenses are incurred in foreign currencies, the Group does not consider the risk to be significant. The Group has no hedging mechanisms in place, however, when opportunity arises, it coverts significant cash balances from U.S. dollars to Euros to hedge against adverse fluctuations.

Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through its floating-rate borrowings that require the Group to make interest payments based on LIBOR. Significant increases in interest rates could adversely affect operating margins, results of operations and ability to service debt. From time to time, the Group uses interest rate swaps to reduce its exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates. The principal objective of these contracts is to manage the risks and costs associated with its floating-rate debt (Note 23).
As an indication of the sensitivity from changes in interest rates, an increase by 50 basis points in interest rates would increase interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 by $2,251,130
 
F-34

 
(2021 and 2020: $1,948,856 and $3,794,849, respectively) assuming all other variables held constant and taking into consideration that the Group has entered into interest rate swap agreements for some of its loans, therefore partially economically hedging part of its floating-rate borrowings.

Credit risk
The Group only trades with charterers who have been subject to satisfactory credit screening procedures. Furthermore, outstanding balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Group’s exposure to bad debts is not significant.
With respect to the credit risk arising from the Group’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, the Group’s exposure arises from default by the counterparties, with a maximum exposure equivalent to the carrying amount of these instruments. The Group mitigates such risks by dealing only with high credit quality financial institutions.

Market risk
The tanker shipping industry is cyclical with high volatility in charter rates and profitability. The Group charters its vessels principally in the spot market, being exposed to various unpredictable factors such as: supply and demand of energy resources, global economic and political conditions, natural or other disasters, disruptions in international trade, COVID-19 outbreak, environmental and other legal regulatory developments and so on. During 2022, the Group entered into Forward Freight Agreements (“FFAs”) in order to minimize losses from charter rate fluctuations and eliminate any adverse effect this may have in our operating cash flows and dividend policy.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that arises when the maturity of assets and liabilities does not match. An unmatched position potentially enhances profitability, but can also increase the risk of losses. The Group minimizes liquidity risk by maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents.
The following table details the Group’s expected cash outflows for its financial liabilities. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities, on the earliest date on which the Group would be required to pay to settle. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows. Variable future interest payments were determined based on the one-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2022, of 4.41% (2021 and 2020: 0.10% and 0.14% respectively), plus the margin applicable to the Group’s loans at the end of the year presented.
Weighted
average
effective
interest
rate
Less
than
1 month
1 – 3
months
3 – 12
months
1 – 5
years
5+ years
Total
December 31, 2020
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative financial instrument
20,297 50,472 307,454 659,387 1,037,610
Non-Derivative Liabilities
Trade payables
17,697,198 17,697,198
Accrued expenses
2,306,868 2,306,868
Current accounts due to related parties
379,803 379,803
Variable interest loans
2.44% 3,907,207 7,789,763 56,470,911 327,946,668 131,444,844 527,559,392
Variable interest for debt financing
4.65% 3,076,927 5,867,278 27,083,756 136,940,259 323,133,727 496,101,947
Total 7,004,431 13,707,513 104,245,990 465,546,315 454,578,570 1,045,082,819
 
F-35

 
Weighted
average
effective
interest
rate
Less
than
1 month
1 – 3
months
3 – 12
months
1 – 5
years
5+ years
Total
December 31, 2021
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative financial instrument
95,636 60,499 316,507 377,560 850,202
Non-Derivative Liabilities
Trade payables
15,960,456 15,960,456
Accrued expenses
2,623,745 2,623,745
Current accounts due to related parties
698,153 698,153
Variable interest loans
2.34% 3,703,399 5,306,980 26,865,137 335,093,434 34,729,947 405,698,897
Variable interest for debt
financing
5.28% 2,230,079 4,338,378 20,053,746 88,237,974 168,511,569 283,371,746
Total 6,029,114 9,705,857 66,517,744 423,708,968 203,241,516 709,203,199
Weighted
average
effective
interest
rate
Less
than
1 month
1 – 3
months
3 – 12
months
1 – 5
years
5+ years
Total
December 31, 2022
Non-Derivative Liabilities
Trade payables
11,771,964 11,771,964
Accrued expenses
6,024,899 6,024,899
Variable interest loans
6.26% 5,922,596 21,564,122 65,076,153 365,728,156 241,508,738 699,799,764
Variable interest for debt financing
10.02% 2,823,905 5,526,029 22,237,116 112,171,014 167,665,884 310,423,948
Total 8,746,501 27,090,151 105,110,132 477,899,170 409,174,622 1,028,020,575
17. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments under time charter agreements (Lessor)
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, future minimum contractual time charter revenue, based on our vessels’ committed, non-cancellable, time charter agreements, net of address commissions were as follows:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Less than one year
24,416,000 41,649,500 79,245,561
Between one and two years
24,015,000 38,872,500
Between two and three years
20,991,000
Total 24,416,000 65,664,500 139,109,061
 
F-36

 
Commitments under shipbuilding contracts
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s commitments regarding shipbuilding contracts are expected to be settled as follows:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Less than one year
   — 141,461,400    —
More than one year and less than three years
35,128,600
Total 176,590,000
18. Earnings/(loss) per Share
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2022,2021 and 2020, are presented below:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
From continuing operations
2.63 (0.03) 3.12
Earnings/(loss) per share, basic and diluted
2.63 (0.03) 3.12
The profit/(loss) and weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share are as follows:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to the Owners of
the Group
84,559,995 (902,899) 101,318,942
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period
32,202,394 32,372,393 32,462,659
Earnings/(loss) per share, basic and diluted
2.63 (0.03) 3.12
During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, there were no potentially dilutive instruments affecting weighted average number of shares, and hence diluted earnings per share equals basic earnings per share for the years presented.
19. Claims Receivable
As of December 31, 2022, the Group has recognized and presented under “Claims receivable” in the consolidated statement of financial position, receivable amounts from vessels’ insurers totaling $108,391 (2021 and 2020: $261,093 and $154,448, respectively) regarding various claims. The recognition of the respective receivable claims in the consolidated statement of financial position was made since the Group has an unconditional right to receive the claimable amounts from the insurers.
20. Capital Risk Management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, ensure that it maintains a strong credit rating and healthy capital ratios in order to support its business and maximize shareholders value.
The Group monitors capital using gearing ratio, which is total debt divided by total equity plus total debt, and its calculation is presented below:
As of December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Total borrowings
739,035,681 576,996,269 834,476,641
Total equity
422,243,261 358,292,858 397,228,193
Gearing ratio
64% 62% 68%
 
F-37

 
21. Lease and Non-Lease Components of Revenue and voyage charter revenue
IFRS 16 requires the identification of lease and non-lease components of revenue and account for each component in accordance with the applicable accounting standard. Regarding Time-charter arrangements, we have concluded that the direct lease component concerns the vessel and indirectly, the non-lease component concerns the technical management services provided to operate the vessel.
These components are being accounted for as follows:

All fixed lease revenue earned under these arrangements will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Lease revenue earned under Group’s time charter arrangements will be recognized as it is earned, since it is 100% variable.

The non-lease component will be accounted for as services revenue under IFRS 15. This revenue is recognized ‘over time’ as the customer (i.e., the charterer) is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the service.
The below table analyses revenue generated under time charter arrangements:
December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Lease component
50,536,021 59,098,416 79,685,623
Non-lease component
15,817,114 21,486,951 20,938,286
Total 66,353,135 80,585,367 100,623,909
22. Interest income, Interest expense and Other Finance Costs
Interest and finance related costs for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, are presented below:
For the period ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Interest expense
35,077,293 27,082,841 34,373,842
Amortization and write-off of financing fees
1,693,117 4,233,322 2,519,363
Finance costs related to covenants of early termination
4,092,000
Bank charges and loan commitment fees
729,711 781,978 628,442
Other finance costs
581,855 275,282 128,095
Total 38,081,975 36,465,423 37,649,743
Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, are presented below:
For the period ended December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Interest income from time deposits
668,032
Other interest income
53,496 3,470 50,499
Total 721,528 3,470 50,499
23. Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest rate swaps
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Group terminated all of the interest rate swap agreements it had entered into in 2021 and 2020. The net cash received from the said transactions amounted to $12.3 million in total.
 
F-38

 
An analysis of the effective interest rate swap agreements as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, is presented in the following tables:
Description
Expiration date
Notional Amount
Fair value
December 31, 2021
Swap pays 0.330%, receive floating
19-09-23 50,430,000 397,728
Swap pays 0.312%, receive floating
11-10-23 51,711,000 409,435
Swap pays 0.303%, receive floating
09-10-23 38,693,750 309,905
Swap pays 0.302%, receive floating
26-08-23 48,497,000 348,346
Swap pays 0.385%, receive floating
02-01-24 51,700,000 497,979
Swap pays 0.346%, receive floating
09-01-24 36,183,750 352,638
Swap pays 0.336%, receive floating
11-09-23 47,346,670 336,317
Swap pays 0.338%, receive floating
25-09-23 47,346,670 358,315
371,908,840 3,010,663
Description
Expiration date
Notional Amount
Fair value
December 31, 2020
Swap pays 0.330%, receive floating
19-09-23 53,850,000 (155,511)
Swap pays 0.312%, receive floating
13-10-23 54,943,000 (147,663)
Swap pays 0.303%, receive floating
09-10-23 41,473,750 (85,898)
Swap pays 0.302%, receive floating
26-08-23 53,165,000 (104,467)
Swap pays 0.385%, receive floating
02-01-24 54,400,000 (215,508)
Swap pays 0.346%, receive floating
09-01-24 37,963,500 (119,576)
Swap pays 0.336%, receive floating
11-09-23 50,752,534 (144,751)
Swap pays 0.338%, receive floating
25-09-23 50,752,534 (142,791)
397,300,318 (1,116,165)
Interest rate swap agreements are stated at fair value, which is determined using a discounted cash flow approach, based on market-based LIBOR swap yield rates. LIBOR swap rates are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full terms of the swaps and, therefore, are considered Level 2 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements approximates the amount that the Group would have to pay or receive for the early termination of the agreements.
As of December 31, 2022, the Group had no interest rate swaps.
Forward freight agreements
As of December 31, 2022, the Group’s Forward Freight Agreements (“FFAs”), had a notional amount of $0.2 million (2021: $0.1 million) with maturities falling in the first quarter of 2023. As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of the derivative financial asset related to the FFAs amounted to $0.2 million (2021: $0.1 million).
The realized gain on derivatives of $2,161,927, is included in the statement profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
Forward freight derivatives are considered to be Level 2 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no forward freight agreements.
 
F-39

 
Effect on the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss
2022
2021
2020
Unrealized gain on forward freight agreements
45,960 30,105
Unrealized gain/(loss) on interest rate swaps
4,126,828 (1,116,166)
Total unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives
45,960 4,156,933 (1,116,166)
2022
2021
2020
Realized gain/(loss) on forward freight agreements
2,161,927 (558,916)
Realized gain/(loss) on interest rate swaps
9,274,554 (23,770)
Total realized gain/(loss) on derivatives
11,436,481 (558,916) (23,770)
24. Revenue
The table below presents an analysis of revenue generated from voyage and time agreements as at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
2022
2021
2020
Voyage Charter
204,619,286 88,412,858 182,246,421
Time Charter (See Note 21)
66,353,135 80,585,367 100,623,909
Total 270,972,421 168,998,225 282,870,330
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 the Group had, within the scope of IFRS 15, unearned revenue from voyage charter agreements related to undelivered performance obligations of $9,861,064, $790,544 and $968,146 which will be/were recognized in the first quarter of 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Further, as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, capitalized contract fulfilment costs amounted to $1,646,450, $477,732 and $400,917, respectively.
The table below presents an analysis of earned revenue under voyage charters as at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
2022
2021
2020
Freight
192,579,493 77,334,155 162,690,599
Demurrages
12,039,793 11,078,703 19,555,822
Total
204,619,286 88,412,858 182,246,421
As at December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Group’s trade receivables amounted to $46,393,951, $7,448,390 and $11,556,609. Charterers, whose outstanding balance, exceed 10% of the total receivable amount are presented below:
Charterer
2022
2021
2020
Charterer A
59% 16% 29%
Charterer B
10% 15% 18%
Charterer C
10% 13% 11%
Charterer D
12%
Charterer E
10%
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, trade receivables include the amounts of $9,735,393, $810,814, and $3,433,234 respectively, generated from voyage charter agreements within the scope of IFRS 15.
 
F-40

 
Credit concentration
Customers individually accounting for more than 10% of our revenues during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were:
Customer
2022
2021
2020
A
   18%    13%    17%
B
14% 11% 16%
C
11% 14%
Total 43% 24% 47%
Revenue by country
The below table presents revenue generated per country, based on the Company’s customers’ headquarters, exceeding 10% of total revenues, for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
December 31,
2022
2021
2020
Singapore
42,408,360 37,250,890 83,308,427
United Kingdom
40,158,705 —- 53,608,982
Hong Kong
51,127,139 26,879,765 38,130,983
Switzerland 44,257,631 27,755,018
United States
37,069,299
Other 55,951,287 77,112,552 107,821,938
Total 270,972,421 168,998,225 282,870,330
All of the revenues above are reported under our single segment, the crude oil tanker segment.
25. Subsequent Events
On March 17, 2023, the Company distributed an amount of $1.25 per share, totaling $40.2 million as a return of capital to its shareholders.
On June 9, 2023, the Company distributed an amount of $1.60 per share, totaling $51.5 million as a return of capital to its shareholders.
On June 27, 2023, the Company entered into a $113 million senior secured credit facility provided by ABN AMRO Bank N.V. The proceeds were used to refinance existing indebtedness under the VLCC vessel Nissos Keros and the Suezmax vessels Kimolos and Folegandros, and prepay the Company’s scrubber financing. The Facility is repaid quarterly, matures in 5 years, is priced at 190 basis points above the Secured Overnight Financing Rate.
 
F-41

 
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR
LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the six months ended June 30,
USD
Note
2023
2022
Revenue 10 $ 232,359,933 $ 91,522,302
Operating expenses
Commissions
(3,706,413) (1,281,680)
Voyage expenses
(48,979,847) (27,766,746)
Vessel operating expenses
(20,289,865) (17,051,667)
Management fees
6 (2,280,600) (2,062,800)
Depreciation
3 (20,058,139) (18,254,890)
General and administrative expenses
(5,260,832) (2,444,877)
Total operating expenses
$ (100,575,696) $ (68,862,660)
Operating profit
$ 131,784,237 $ 22,659,642
Other income / (expenses)
Interest income
2,178,258 84,126
Interest and other finance costs
(30,433,851) (14,912,146)
Unrealized net (loss)/gain on derivatives
5 138,363 6,766,305
Realized gain on derivatives
5 204,955 2,963,496
Foreign exchange gain/(loss)
669,447 (337,239)
Total other expenses, net
$ (27,242,828) $ (5,435,458)
Profit for the period
$ 104,541,409 $ 17,224,184
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the period
$ 104,541,409 $ 17,224,184
Profit attributable to the owners of the Group
$ 104,541,409 $ 17,224,184
Total comprehensive income attributable to the owners of the Group
$ 104,541,409 $ 17,224,184
Earnings per share – basic & diluted
9 $ 3.25 $ 0.53
Weighted average no. of shares – basic & diluted
32,194,108 32,210,817
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-42

 
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
USD
Note
As of
June 30, 2023
As of
December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Vessels, net
3 $ 1,004,564,672 $ 1,024,296,035
Other fixed assets
109,737 132,223
Derivative financial instruments
5 29,996
Restricted cash
4,010,000 4,510,000
Total non-current assets
$ 1,008,714,405 $ 1,028,938,258
Current assets
Inventories
$ 21,481,437 $ 17,010,531
Trade and other receivables
65,071,882 49,630,484
Claims receivable
110,196 108,391
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
2,543,465 3,245,055
Current accounts due from related parties
6 449,629
Derivative financial instruments
5 199,361 209,238
Current portion of restricted cash
1,909,364 2,417,779
Cash & cash equivalents
80,173,189 81,345,877
Total current assets
$ 171,488,894 $ 154,416,984
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 1,180,203,299 $ 1,183,355,242
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY & LIABILITIES
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital
7 $ 32,890 $ 32,890
Additional paid-in capital
7 188,671,641 280,424,849
Treasury shares
7 (4,583,929) (4,583,929)
Other reserves
(28,606) (28,606)
Retained earnings
250,939,466 146,398,057
Total shareholders’ equity
$ 435,031,462 $ 422,243,261
Non-current liabilities
Long-term borrowings, net of current portion
4 $ 636,157,422 $ 668,236,463
Retirement benefit obligations
23,937 23,937
Derivative financial instrument
5 26,275
Total non-current liabilities
$ 636,207,634 $ 668,260,400
Current liabilities
Trade payables
$ 23,010,620 $ 11,771,964
Accrued expenses
5,528,807 6,024,899
Deferred revenue
1,790,250 4,255,500
Current accounts due to related parties
6 627,850
Derivative financial instrument
5 64,718
Current portion of long-term borrowings
4 77,941,958 70,799,218
Total current liabilities
$ 108,964,203 $ 92,851,581
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$ 745,171,837 $ 761,111,981
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY & LIABILITIES
$ 1,180,203,299 $ 1,183,355,242
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-43

 
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the six months ended
June 30, 2023 and 2022
USD, except share amounts
Number
of shares
Share
capital
Additional
paid-in capital
Treasury
Shares
Other
Reserves
Retained
Earnings
Total
Balance – January 1, 2022
32,316,681 32,890 300,019,846 (3,571,790) (26,150) 61,838,062 358,292,858
Profit for the period
17,224,184 17,224,184
Acquisition of treasury shares
(122,573) (1,012,139) (1,012,139)
Balance – June 30, 2022
32,194,108 32,890 300,019,846 (4,583,929) (26,150) 79,062,246 374,504,903
Balance – January 1, 2023
32,194,108 32,890 280,424,849 (4,583,929) (28,606) 146,398,057 422,243,261
Profit for the period
104,541,409 104,541,409
Capital distribution
(91,753,208) (91,753,208)
Balance – June 30, 2023
32,194,108 32,890 188,671,641 (4,583,929) (28,606) 250,939,466 435,031,462
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-44

 
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six months ended June 30,
USD
2023
2022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit for the period
$ 104,541,409 $ 17,224,184
Adjustments to reconcile profit to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
20,058,139 18,254,890
Interest expense
29,019,519 12,837,347
Amortization of loan financing fees
1,133,333 1,135,357
Unrealized gain/(loss), net on derivatives
6,156 (5,730,000)
Interest income
(2,178,258) (84,126)
Foreign exchange differences
(580,370) (196,257)
Other non-cash items
(26,008)
Total reconciliation adjustments
$ 47,432,511 $ 26,217,211
Changes in working capital:
Trade and other receivables
(15,443,668) (9,947,826)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
693,909 (946,645)
Inventories
(4,470,906) (7,087,236)
Trade payables
11,303,375 5,464,161
Accrued expenses
1,058,785 (682,120)
Deferred revenue
(2,465,250) 2,208,750
Claims receivable
(1,805) 97,762
Collections of amounts due from/due to related parties
1,077,479
Interest paid
(29,539,541) (11,854,265)
Total changes in working capital
$ (37,787,622) $ (22,747,419)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$ 114,186,298 $ 20,693,976
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments of amounts due to related parties
(2,077,165)
Decrease in restricted cash
1,008,415 365,880
Dry-dock expenses
(304,290) (1,274,758)
Payments for vessels and vessels under construction
(177,952,579)
Interest received
1,153,188 4,039
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
$ 1,857,313 $ (180,934,583)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
113,000,000 306,298,000
Repayments of long-term borrowings
(138,369,645) (119,560,681)
Capital distribution
(91,753,208)
Payments of loan financing fees
(678,000) (1,732,860)
Collections of amounts due to related parties
3,238,854
Acquisition of treasury stock
(1,012,139)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
$ (117,800,853) $ 187,231,174
Effects of exchange rate changes of cash held in foreign currency
584,554 199,395
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(1,757,242) 26,990,567
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
81,345,877 38,183,154
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$ 80,173,189 $ 65,373,116
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-45

 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1)
General information
Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. (“OET,” the “Company” or “Okeanis Eco Tankers” and together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, the “Group”), was incorporated on April 30, 2018 as a corporation under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands having its registered address at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands MH96960. Glafki Marine Corp. (“Glafki”), owned by Messrs. Ioannis and Themistoklis Alafouzos, were the controlling shareholders of OET until June 2022. In June 2022, the voting interests of Mr. Themistoklis Alafouzos were transferred to Hospitality Assets Corp. (“Hospitality”) and as of June 2022, Glafki and Hospitality, each owned by Messrs. Ioannis and Themistoklis Alafouzos, respectively, collectively hold a controlling interest in OET.
Glafki and Hospitality currently own 33.5% and 20.2% of the Company’s shares, respectively.
The Group, as of the date of this report, owns or bareboat charters-in under a finance lease fourteen vessels on the water. The principal activity of its subsidiaries is to own, charter-out and operate tanker vessels in the international shipping market.
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group.
The Alafouzos family currently holds a stake of 56.9% in the Company. The Company traded on the Merkur Market (currently named Euronext Growth) from July 3, 2018 until March 8, 2019, when it was then admitted for trading on the Oslo Axess (currently named Euronext Expand). In January 2021, the Company transferred its listing from Euronext Expand to Oslo Børs.
These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for issue by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) on August 10, 2023.
COVID-19 update
Impact on Operations
We have taken steps to protect our seafarers and shore employees and ensure uninterrupted service to our clients. Our operations are no longer materially affected by the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. On occasion, our vessels may deviate from optimal trading routes in order to effect crew changes, however transportation and mobilization costs in connection with those crew changes have been minimized.
Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. Response
Our primary concern continues to be the wellbeing of our seafarers and shore-based employees, and, in tandem, providing safe and reliable services to our clients. In line with industry response standards, we have updated our vessels’ procedures and supplied our fleet with protective equipment. We have effected crew changes in permissible ports, a vaccination programme for all of our ships’ seamen approaching Greek ports, remote superintendent surveys and are complying with applicable local directives and recommendations. Shore-side, all our employees are fully vaccinated. Management has established a range of safety protocols in the working space, such as regular cleaning/disinfection of our premises, availability of hand sanitizer and surgical masks throughout our premises, limited on-site visitors, elimination of non-essential travel, mandatory self-isolation of personnel returning from travel and substitution of physical meetings with virtual meetings. We have secured our online communications and have enhanced monitoring of our network. Lastly, we have created an infectious disease preparedness and response plan that we have communicated to all of our staff.
War in Ukraine
Russia’s invasion in Ukraine is a continuously evolving and unpredictable situation both from a humanitarian and market perspective. The Company’s ultimate goal is to protect the lives of its seafarers, safeguard its vessels and comply with global sanctions framework. Forecasts and estimates around the
 
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outcome of this situation continue to be highly uncertain, and the Company recognizes that further escalation could adversely affect global shipping markets. In February 2022, both the European Union (“EU”) and the United States began leading economic sanctions against Russia vis-à-vis the conflict in Ukraine.
According to the latest sanctions package, the EU introduced a ban on the direct or indirect purchase, import, or transfer into the EU of crude oil or petroleum products originating in Russia or exported from Russia. Effective from 5 December 2022, the EU also bans the maritime transport to third countries of crude oil (as of 5 February 2023 for petroleum products) which originate in or are exported from Russia. The latest ban on maritime transport is effective unless the respective crude oil or petroleum products are purchased at or below a pre-established price cap, which has currently been set to $60 per barrel.
The war has resulted in rerouting of crude oil voyages, leading to longer tonne-mile voyages. In particular, Europe is currently replacing Russian barrels from other exporting regions further away, such as, West and South Africa and the Middle East, while Russia is shifting its oil production to China and India.
Currently, the disruption of trade flows has created inefficiencies resulting to longer tonne miles benefiting the tanker market, while on the other hand, the recent increases in bunker fuel prices, following crude supply shortages, as well as the deterioration of economic general conditions could negatively affect the freight rates. These adverse economic factors might increase voyage costs for our fleet, albeit expected less severe than our industry peers that operate conventional, not equipped with scrubbers, vessels that consume more fuel and at higher prices per metric tonne.
2)
General accounting principles
Basis of preparation and consolidation
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). These statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are expressed in United States Dollars ($), since this is the currency in which the majority of the Company’s transactions are denominated. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments, measured at their fair value. The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated statement of financial position for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade and other receivables, receivable claims, and other current liabilities, approximate their respective fair values due to the relatively short-term maturity of these financial instruments.
These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards
Standards and interpretations adopted in the current period
There were no IFRS standards or amendments that became effective in the current year which were relevant to the Group or material with respect to the Group’s financial statements.
New accounting policy adopted in the first fiscal quarter
The Company entered into foreign exchange forward swaps (“FXAs”) to economically hedge its exposure to floating foreign exchange rates arising from the Company’s exposure to Euro versus USD
 
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fluctuations. FXAs are initially recognized at fair value on the consolidated statement of financial position on the date the derivative contracts are entered into and are subsequently re-measured to their fair value at each reporting date. The fair value of these derivative financial instruments is based on a discounted cash flow calculation. The resulting changes in fair value are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in the consolidated statement of profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. FXAs are presented as assets when their valuation is favorable to the Company and as liabilities when unfavorable to the Company. Cash outflows and inflows resulting from FXA derivative contracts are presented as cash flows from operations in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Foreign exchange forward swap agreements are considered Level 2 financial instruments.
Standards and amendments in issue not yet adopted
At the date of authorization of these consolidated financial statements, the following standards and amendments relevant to the Group were in issue but not yet effective:
In January 2020, the IASB issued a narrow-scope amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements, to clarify that liabilities are classified as either current or non-current, depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. Classification is unaffected by the expectations of the entity or events after the reporting date (for example, the receipt of a waiver or a breach of covenant). The amendment also clarifies what IAS 1 means when it refers to the “settlement” of a liability as the extinguishment of a liability with cash, other economic resources or an entity’s own equity instruments. The amendment will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024 and should be applied retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. Earlier application is permitted. Management anticipates that this amendment will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
In September 2022, the IASB issued “Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to IFRS 16)”. The amendments require a seller-lessee to measure the lease liability arising from a leaseback in a way that it does not result in recognition of a gain or loss that relates to the right of use it retains, after the commencement date. The amendments will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January, 2024 with earlier application permitted. Management anticipates that these amendments will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
In October 2022, the IASB has published “Non-current liabilities with covenants (Amendments to IAS 1)” to clarify how conditions with which an entity must comply within twelve months after the reporting period affect the classification of a liability. The amendments will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January, 2024 with earlier application permitted. Management anticipates that these amendments will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
In May 2023, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. With the amendments, the IASB has introduced new disclosure requirements in IFRS Standards to enhance the transparency and, thus, the usefulness of the information provided by entities about supplier finance arrangements. The amendments will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2024, with early application permitted. Management anticipates that this amendment will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
There are no other IFRS standards and amendments issued by but not yet adopted that are expected to have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements.
Financial risk factors
The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: credit risk, market risk, currency risk, interest risk and liquidity risk. Since the interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all financial risk management information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, they should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.
 
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There have been no significant changes in any other risk management policies since prior year-end.
3)
Vessels, net
USD
Vessels’ cost
Dry-docking
and special
survey costs
Total
Cost
Balance – January 1, 2023
1,138,221,805 13,705,520 1,151,927,325
Additions
304,291 304,291
Balance – June 30, 2023
1,138,221,805 14,009,811 1,152,231,616
Accumulated Depreciation
Balance – January 1, 2023
(120,665,575) (6,965,715) (127,631,290)
Depreciation charge for the period
(18,600,055) (1,435,599) (20,035,654)
Balance – June 30, 2023
(139,265,630) (8,401,314) (147,666,944)
Net Book Value – 1 January, 2023
1,017,556,230 6,739,805 1,024,296,035
Net Book Value – June 30, 2023
998,956,175 5,608,497 1,004,564,672
Depreciation as at June 30, 2023, presented in the consolidated Statement of Profit or loss, includes an amount of $22,485 connected to the Right-of-Use assets of the Company.
As of June 30, 2023, the charter-free market value of all our vessels exceeded their carrying value. Thus, no recoverable amount test was deemed necessary to be performed for any of our vessels.
4)
Long-Term borrowings and derivative financial instruments
Debt Obligations
Vessel
Outstanding
Loan Balance
as of June 30,
2023
Unamortized
Deferred
Financing
Fees as of
June 30, 2023
Outstanding
Net of Loan
Financing
Fees as of
June 30, 2023
Interest Rate
(SOFR(S)+
Margin)**
Milos
36,548,987 266,806 36,282,181
S+5.62%
Poliegos
33,517,335 251,558 33,265,777
S+6.76%
Kimolos
33,400,000 200,400 33,199,600
S+1.90%
Folegandros
33,400,000 200,400 33,199,600
S+1.90%
Nissos Sikinos
42,237,874 197,231 42,040,643
S+1.96%
Nissos Sifnos
42,237,874 198,667 42,039,207
S+1.96%
Nissos Rhenia
57,038,808 1,065,879 55,972,929
S+5.28%
Nissos Despotiko
57,372,005 1,081,015 56,290,990
S+5.28%
Nissos Donoussa
59,835,000 414,388 59,420,612
S+2.50%
Nissos Kythnos
59,835,000 414,388 59,420,612
S+2.50%
Nissos Keros
46,200,000 277,200 45,922,800
S+1.90%
Nissos Anafi
46,300,000 265,574 46,034,426
S+2.09%
Nissos Kea
84,872,500 291,641 84,580,859
S+2.65%(*)
Nissos Nikouria
86,676,500 301,127 86,375,373
S+2.65%(*)
Total 719,471,883 5,426,274 714,045,609
S+3.15%
Other Finance-lease liabilities
53,771
Total 714,099,380
*
Weighted average between primary lender margin & Sponsor debt fixed rate.
 
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**
Post the transition from LIBOR to SOFR as the base rate, certain financings include an applicable Credit Adjustment Spread (“CAS”) on top of the SOFR base rate.
On June 27, 2023, the Company entered into a $113 million senior secured credit facility provided by ABN AMRO Bank N.V. The proceeds were used to refinance existing indebtedness under the VLCC vessel Nissos Keros and the Suezmax vessels Kimolos and Folegandros. The Facility is repaid quarterly, matures in 5 years and is priced at 190 basis points above the Secured Overnight Financing Rate. Also, on June 27, 2023, the Company prepaid its scrubber financing amounting to $1.4 million.
The calculation of interest in most financing agreements in our industry has been historically based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). LIBOR has been the subject of recent national, international, and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. In response thereto, the Alternative Reference Rate Committee, a committee convened by the Federal Reserve that includes major market participants, has proposed the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or “SOFR,” as an alternative rate to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. Our financing arrangements previously used the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), including during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and the six month period ended June 30, 2023. We recently amended those loan agreements to transition from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or “SOFR”. As a result, none of our financing arrangements currently utilizes LIBOR, and those that have a reference rate use SOFR, in line with current market practice.
An increase in SOFR, including as a result of the interest rate increases effected by the United States Federal Reserve and the United States Federal Reserve’s recent hike of U.S. interest rates in response to rising inflation, would affect the amount of interest payable under our existing loan agreements, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings, cash flow and ability to pay dividends. Furthermore, the use of SOFR-based rates may result in interest rates and/or payments that are higher or lower than the rates and payments that were expected when interest was based on LIBOR. If SOFR performs differently than expected or if our lenders insist on a different reference rate to replace SOFR, that could increase our borrowing costs (and administrative costs to reflect the transaction), which would have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings, and cash flows.
As at June 30, 2023, the loans’ fair values approximate their carrying values.
Long-term borrowings, net of current portion and current portion of long-term borrowings are analyzed as follows:
USD
Long-term
borrowings,
net of current
portion
Current
portion of
long-term
borrowings
Total
As of June 30, 2023
Outstanding loan balance
640,731,325 78,740,558 719,471,883
Loan financing fees
(4,475,515) (950,759) (5,426,274)
Total 636,255,810 77,789,799 714,045,609
The loans are repayable as follows:
USD
As of June 30,
2023
No later than one year
78,740,558
Later than one year and not later than five years
313,356,936
Thereafter
327,374,389
Total 719,471,883
Less: Amounts due for settlement within 12 months
(78,740,558)
Long-term borrowings, net of current portion
640,731,325
 
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As of June 30, 2023, the Group was in compliance with its covenants.
5)
Derivative financial instruments
Forward freight agreements and Options
As of June 30, 2023, the Company’s Forward Freight Agreements (“FFAs”) and Options, with maturities up to September 2023 and December 2024, had a fair value of zero and minus $0.1 million, respectively. FFAs and Options are considered Level 2 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement.
As of June 30, 2023, the realized and unrealized profit/loss on FFAs/Options is included in the statement profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Their fair value approximates the amount that the Company would have to pay or receive for the early termination of the agreements.
Foreign exchange forward agreements
As of June 30, 2023, the Company’s Foreign Exchange Forward Agreements (“FXAs”) with a maturing date in January 2025 had a fair value of $0.2 million and the respective realized/unrealized gain or loss is included in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. FXAs are considered Level 2 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. Their fair value approximates the amount that the Company would have to pay or receive for the early termination of the agreements.
The below table illustrates the Company’s fair values of derivative assets/(liabilities) as at June 30, 2023:
Derivatives’ Fair values
As of June 30,
2023
As of December 31,
2022
Foreign exchange forward agreements
229,357
Forward freight Agreements
(638) 209,238
Options
(90,355)
Total 138,364 209,238
6)
Transactions and balances with related parties
The Group has entered into management agreements with Kyklades Maritime Corporation (“Kyklades” or “KMC” or “Management Company) as technical manager. Kyklades provides the vessels with a wide range of shipping services including technical support, maintenance and insurance consulting in exchange for a daily fee of $900 per vessel, which is reflected under management fees in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, total technical management fees amounted to $2,280,600 (June 30, 2022: $2,062,800).
Amounts due to related parties as at June 30, 2023 amounting to $477,850, represent accrued expenses and management fees to the Management Company. As at December 31, 2022, the respective amount due from related parties amounted to $449,629.
All balances noted above are unsecured, interest-free, with no fixed terms of payment and repayable on demand.
Total remuneration provided to the Company’s directors and senior officers for the six month period ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, amounted to $2.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
Amounts due to the Board of Directors as of June 30, 2023 amounted to $150,000 (December 31, 2022: $0). These amounts concern fees for the participation of the directors, as members, on the Company’s board, without receiving additional remuneration for participating on the Company’s committees.
 
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Amendments to management agreements
Technical management agreements
On November 1, 2023, the Company amended and restated its technical management agreements with KMC. The amended and restated technical management agreements, among others, retain the right to terminate for convenience, subject to a 36-month advance written notice, in addition to either party being able to terminate for cause. Furthermore, KMC has the right to terminate each technical management agreement, subject to 30-days’ advance written notice, in the event of a change of control of the relevant ship-owning entity without KMC’s consent. In each case, unless the cause for termination is KMC’s failure to meet its obligations under the relevant technical management agreement, the Company is required to continue payment of the management fees thereunder for 36 months from the termination date (or, if a notice of termination for convenience has preceded such for cause termination, 36 months from the date of such notice). If required by KMC, the daily fee may be increased in line with the relevant annual inflation rates.
Shared Services Agreement
In addition, our wholly owned subsidiary, OET Chartering Inc., has entered into a shared services agreement with KMC to document the mutual exchange of business support in respect of the management of our vessels by way of corporate, accounting, financial and other operational and administrative services. The shared services agreement does not provide for any additional fee payable. The agreement may be terminated by either party thereto (i) for cause, immediately upon written notice or (ii) for any other reason, upon two months’ written notice.
7)
Share capital and additional paid-in capital
The Company’s common shares have been registered under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Pursuant to an agreement with DNB Bank ASA (“DNB”), DNB is recorded as the sole shareholder in the records of the Company and maintains, in its role as VPS registrar, a sub-register of shareholders in the VPS where the ownership of the shares is registered in book-entry form under their ISIN MHY641771016.
In March 2023, the Company distributed an amount of approximately $40.2 million or $1.25 per share via a return of paid-in-capital.
In June 2023, the Company distributed an amount of approximately $51.5 million or $1.60 per share via a return of paid-in-capital.
On August 11, 2023, the Company had 32,194,108 shares outstanding (net of 695,892 treasury shares).
8)
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments under time charter agreements
As of June 30, 2023, future minimum contractual time charter revenue, based on vessels’ committed, non-cancellable, time charter agreements, net of address commissions for the next year amount to $3,006,750.
Contingencies
Various claims, suits and complaints, including those involving government regulations, arise in the ordinary course of the shipping business. In addition, losses may arise from disputes with charterers, environmental claims, agents and insurers and from claims with suppliers relating to the operations of the Group’s vessels. Currently, management is not aware of any such claims or contingent liabilities requiring disclosure in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
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9)
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are presented below:
For the Six months ended
June 30,
USD per Share
2023
2022
From continuing operations
3.25 0.53
Earnings per share, basic and diluted
3.25 0.53
The profit and weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
For the Six months ended
June 30,
USD per Share
2023
2022
Profit for the period attributable to the Owners of the Group
104,541,409 17,224,184
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period
32,194,108 32,210,817
Earnings per share, basic and diluted
3.25 0.53
10)
Revenue
The table below presents an analysis of revenue generated from voyage and time charter agreements for the six months ended, June 30, 2023 and 2022:
June 30,
2023
2022
Voyage Charter
204,484,668 57,394,432
Time Charter
28,875,265 34,127,870
Total 232,359,933 91,522,302
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The table below presents an analysis of earned revenue in the spot market (voyage charter) as at June 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023
2022
Freight
185,530,482 53,698,894
Demurrages
18,954,186 3,695,538
Total 204,484,668 57,394,432
Lease and non-lease components of revenue
The table below presents an analysis of earned revenue under time charter agreements for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023
2022
Lease component
22,836,275 25,634,463
Non-lease component
6,038,990 8,493,407
Total 28,875,265 34,127,870
 
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Revenue by country
The below table presents revenue generated per country, based on the Company’s customers’ headquarters, exceeding 10% of total revenues, for the six month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:
June 30,
2023
2022
Singapore 33,615,354 23,325,397
Norway 10,128,000
Hong Kong
19,056,635
Switzerland 55,679,452 13,246,187
Brazil 52,040,320
Other 91,024,807 25,766,083
Total 232,359,933 91,522,302
11)
Subsequent events
On July 18, 2023, the Company declared its option to purchase back the Suezmax vessel Milos, from its sale and lease back financier in February 2024. The company intends to finance the transaction through proceeds from a new debt facility for the vessel, to be explored in due course.
On August 11, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a return of capital of $1.50 per share to shareholders. The cash payment was made on September 8, 2023 and was recorded as a return of paid-in-capital to shareholders of record as of September 1, 2023. The shares were traded ex-capital distribution as of August 31, 2023 through the date of payment.
In September 2023, Omega Six Marine Corp. and Omega Ten Marine Corp., entered into an $84.0 million senior secured credit facility with CACIB to refinance the then-existing indebtedness on the vessels, Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos. The facility bears interest at Term SOFR, plus a margin of 1.85% per annum and is expected to have a final maturity date in September 2029. Each of the two tranches is repayable in 24 equal consecutive quarterly installments of $787,500, with a balloon payment of $23,100,000 due upon maturity. This facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on each of Nissos Sikinos and Nissos Sifnos and is guaranteed by Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.
On November 1, 2023, the Company amended and restated its technical management agreements and entered into a shared services agreement with KMC. For further information, please refer to Note 6 “Transactions and balances with related parties”.
 
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