UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 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 December 31, 2018
   
OR
   

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from  _____________ to _______________________________
   
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
 
Commission file number 001-38502
 
   


EURODRY LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
 
 
Marshall Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, 151 24 Maroussi Greece
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Tasos Aslidis, Tel: (908) 301-9091, info@eurodry.gr , EuroDry Ltd. c/o Tasos Aslidis,
11 Canterbury Lane, Watchung, NJ 07069
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
 


Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common shares, $0.01 par value
 
Nasdaq Capital Market
     
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
 
None
(Title of Class)
 
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
 
 
None
(Title of Class)
 
 
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report
 
2,279,920 common shares, $0.01 par value
   
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
☐ Yes        ☒   No
 
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
☐ Yes       ☒    No
 
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
☒ Yes       ☐   No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit 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 definition of "accelerated filer," "large 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 which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
 
☒   U.S. GAAP
 
 ☐   International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
 
☐   Other
 
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow
 
 
☐ Item 17   ☐  Item 18
 
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐ Yes       ☒   No
 
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
☐ Yes       ☐   No


TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
1
PART I
 
2
Item 1.
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
2
Item 2.
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
2
Item 3.
Key Information
2
Item 4.
Information on the Company
37
Item 4A.
Unresolved Staff Comments
54
Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
54
Item 6.
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
65
Item 7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
70
Item 8.
Financial Information
73
Item 9.
The Offer and Listing
74
Item 10.
Additional Information
74
Item 11.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
86
Item 12.
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
87
PART II
 
87
Item 13.
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
87
Item 14.
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
87
Item 15.
Controls and Procedures
88
Item 16A.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
89
Item 16B.
Code of Ethics
89
Item 16C.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
89
Item 16D.
Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
89
Item 16E.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
89
Item 16F.
Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
89
Item 16G.
Corporate Governance
89
Item 16H.
Mine Safety Disclosure
90
PART III
 
90
Item 17.
Financial Statements
90
Item 18.
Financial Statements
90
Item 19.
Exhibits
90


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
EuroDry Ltd., or the Company, desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation.  This annual report contains forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations or our performance. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

·
our future operating or financial results;

·
future, pending or recent acquisitions, joint ventures, business strategy, areas of possible expansion, and expected capital spending or operating expenses;

·
drybulk industry trends, including charter rates and factors affecting vessel supply and demand;

·
our financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate activities;

·
availability of crew, number of off-hire days, drydocking requirements and insurance costs;

·
our expectations about the availability of vessels to purchase or the useful lives of our vessels;

·
our expectations relating to dividend payments and our ability to make such payments;

·
our ability to leverage to our advantage our manager's relationships and reputations in the drybulk shipping industry;

·
changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns;

·
changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities;

·
potential liability from future litigation;

·
global and regional political conditions;

·
acts of terrorism and other hostilities, including piracy; and

·
other factors discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors."
WE UNDERTAKE NO OBLIGATION TO PUBLICLY UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY LAW, OR THE DOCUMENTS TO WHICH WE REFER YOU IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT, TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN OUR EXPECTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH STATEMENTS OR ANY CHANGE IN EVENTS, CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ON WHICH ANY STATEMENT IS BASED.
1

PART I
Item 1.   Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not Applicable.
Item 2.   Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not Applicable.
Item 3.   Key Information
Please note:  Throughout this report, all references to "we," "our," "us" and the "Company" refer to EuroDry Ltd. and its subsidiaries. We use the term deadweight ton, or dwt, in describing the size of vessels. Dwt, expressed in metric tons, each of which is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, refers to the maximum weight of cargo and supplies that a vessel can carry. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "dollars" and "$" in this report are to, and amounts are presented in, U.S. dollars.
A.
Selected Financial Data
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

On May 30, 2018, Euroseas Ltd. ("Euroseas" or "Former Parent Company") contributed to the Company seven subsidiaries (the "Subsidiaries") in connection with the spin-off of its drybulk fleet held for use as of December 31, 2017 comprising six vessels, one Ultramax and two Kamsarmax vessels built between 2016 and 2018, and three Japanese-built Panamax vessels built between 2000 and 2004 and one dormant company, which was the hull-owning company of Hull No. DY161, the shipbuilding contract of which was cancelled in 2016 (the "Spin-off"). Historical comparative periods reflect the results of the carve-out operations of the seven Subsidiaries that were contributed to the Company.

The following table presents selected consolidated financial and other data of EuroDry Ltd. for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018. The table should be read together with "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects." Excluding fleet data, the selected consolidated financial data of EuroDry Ltd. is a summary of, is derived from, and is qualified by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or "U.S. GAAP."

Our audited consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2018, together with the notes thereto, are included in "Item 18. Financial Statements" and should be read in their entirety.









See next page for table of EuroDry Ltd. – Summary of Selected Historical Financials.
2

   
EuroDry Ltd. – Summary of Selected Historical Financials
(in U.S. Dollars except for the Fleet Data and number of shares)
 
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Statement of Operations Data
                 
Time charter revenue
   
8,331,821
     
16,985,607
     
25,934,204
 
Voyage charter revenue
   
-
     
3,294,608
     
-
 
Commissions
   
(452,868
)
   
(1,122,196
)
   
(1,411,333
)
Net revenue
   
7,878,953
     
19,158,019
     
24,522,871
 
Voyage expenses
   
(82,627
)
   
(2,396,318
)
   
(410,676
)
Vessel operating expenses
   
(4,308,418
)
   
(6,892,388
)
   
(9,183,152
)
Dry-docking expenses
   
-
     
(127,509
)
   
(1,465,079
)
Vessel depreciation
   
(3,828,634
)
   
(4,786,272
)
   
(5,422,155
)
Related party management fees
   
(780,135
)
   
(1,409,716
)
   
(1,701,340
)
Loss on termination and impairment of shipbuilding contracts
   
(7,050,179
)
   
-
     
-
 
Other general and administrative expenses
   
(798,828
)
   
(917,160
)
   
(2,346,502
)
Operating (loss) / income
   
(8,969,868
)
   
2,628,656
     
3,993,967
 
Interest and other financing costs
   
(1,161,169
)
   
(1,817,574
)
   
(2,913,141
)
Gain on derivatives, net
   
-
     
49,167
     
13,786
 
Other (expenses) / income
   
(10,316
)
   
(10,548
)
   
25,123
 
Net (loss) / income
   
(10,141,353
)
   
849,701
     
1,119,735
 
Dividends to Series B preferred shares
   
-
     
-
     
(565,229
)
Net (loss) / income attributable to common shareholders
   
(10,141,353
)
   
849,701
     
554,506
 
(Loss) / earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted
   
(6.21
)
   
0.38
     
0.25
 
Preferred stock dividends declared
   
-
     
-
     
565,229
 
Preferred dividends declared per preferred share
   
-
     
-
     
28.83
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during period, basic and diluted
   
1,633,141
     
2,213,505
     
2,232,821
 
3


   
EuroDry Ltd. – Summary of Selected Historical Financials (continued)
As of December 31,
 
Balance Sheet Data
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Current assets
   
2,819,911
     
7,620,376
     
14,465,269
 
Vessels, net
   
64,439,364
     
81,979,636
     
110,637,462
 
Deferred assets and other long term assets
   
19,430,520
     
7,852,664
     
2,605,030
 
Total assets
   
86,689,795
     
97,452,676
     
127,707,761
 
 
Current liabilities including current portion of long term debt
   
2,124,590
     
9,641,000
     
8,983,748
 
Long term debt, including current portion
   
29,513,283
     
38,331,302
     
63,358,755
 
Total liabilities
   
55,592,898
     
64,590,553
     
65,411,848
 
Preferred shares
   
-
     
-
     
18,757,358
 
Former Parent Company investment
   
41,603,370
     
42,518,895
     
-
 
Common shares outstanding
   
-
     
-
     
2,279,920
 
Share capital
   
-
     
-
     
22,799
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
31,096,897
     
32,862,123
     
43,538,555
 
Cash Flow Data
         
Year Ended December 31,
 
     
2016
     
2017
     
2018
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
4,255,829
     
2,910,287
     
3,970,170
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(24,243,012
)
   
(9,635,504
)
   
(29,045,685
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
20,472,737
     
9,283,359
     
27,928,885
 

4


Fleet Data (1)
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
                   
Number of vessels
   
2.85
     
4.94
     
5.74
 
Calendar days
   
1,043
     
1,802
     
2,096
 
Available days
   
1,043
     
1,802
     
2,052
 
Voyage days
   
1,043
     
1,781
     
2,045
 
Utilization Rate (percent)
   
100.0
%
   
98.8
%
   
99.7
%
                         
           
(In U.S. dollars per day per vessel)
 
Average TCE rate (2)
   
7,909
     
10,042
     
12,481
 
Vessel Operating Expenses
   
4,131
     
3,825
     
4,381
 
Management Fees
   
748
     
782
     
812
 
G&A Expenses
   
766
     
509
     
1,120
 
Total Operating Expenses excluding drydocking expenses
   
5,645
     
5,116
     
6,313
 
Drydocking expenses
   
-
     
71
     
699
 

  (1) For the definition of calendar days, available days, voyage days and utilization rate, see "Item 5.A – Operating Results".

(2) Time charter equivalent rate, or TCE rate, is determined by dividing time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue less voyage expenses or time charter equivalent revenue, or TCE revenues, by the number of voyage days during the relevant time period. TCE revenues, a non-GAAP measure, provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with time charter revenues and voyage charter revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, because it assists Company management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of its vessels and because the Company believes that it provides useful information to investors regarding the Company's financial performance. TCE revenues and TCE rate are also standard shipping industry performance measures used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company's performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods (see also "Item 5.A – Operating Results"). Our definition of TCE revenues and TCE rate may not be comparable to that used by other companies in the shipping industry.
5


The following table reflects the reconciliation of TCE revenues to time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue as reflected in the consolidated statement of operations (see discussion above) and our calculation of TCE rates for the periods presented.
           Year Ended December 31,  
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
(In U.S. dollars, except for voyage days and TCE rates which are expressed in U.S. dollars per day)
 
Time charter revenue
   
8,331,821
     
16,985,607
     
25,934,204
 
Voyage charter revenue
   
-
     
3,294,608
     
-
 
Voyage expenses
   
(82,627
)
   
(2,396,318
)
   
(410,676
)
Time Charter Equivalent or TCE Revenues
   
8,249,194
     
17,883,897
     
25,523,528
 
Voyage days
   
1,043
     
1,781
     
2,045
 
Average TCE rate
   
7,909
     
10,042
     
12,481
 

B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not Applicable.
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable.
D.
Risk Factors
Any investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following factors, as well as the other information set forth in this annual report, before making an investment in our common stock. Some of the following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate and our business in general. Other risks relate to the securities market for, and ownership of, our common stock. Any of the described risks could significantly and negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results and common stock price. The following risk factors describe the material risks that are presently known to us.

Industry Risk Factors
The cyclical nature of the shipping industry may lead to volatile changes in freight rates, which may reduce our revenues and negatively affect our results of operations.
We are an independent shipping company that operates in the drybulk shipping industry. Our profitability is dependent upon the charter rates we are able to charge for our ships. The supply of, and demand for, shipping capacity strongly influences charter rates. The demand for shipping capacity is determined primarily by the demand for the types of commodities carried and the distance that those commodities must be moved by sea. The demand for commodities is affected by, among other things, world and regional economic and political conditions (including developments in international trade, fluctuations in industrial and agricultural production and armed conflicts), environmental concerns, weather patterns, and changes in seaborne and other transportation costs. The size of the existing fleet in a particular market, the number of new vessel deliveries, the scrapping of older vessels and the number of vessels out of active service (i.e., laid-up, drydocked, awaiting repairs or otherwise not available for hire) determine the supply of shipping capacity, which is measured by the amount of suitable tonnage available to carry cargo. The cyclical nature of the shipping industry may lead to volatile changes in freight rates, which may reduce our revenues and net income.

In addition to the prevailing and anticipated charter rates, factors that affect the rate of newbuilding, scrapping and laying-up include newbuilding prices, secondhand vessel values in relation to scrap prices, costs of bunkers and other operating costs, costs associated with classification society surveys, normal maintenance and insurance coverage, the efficiency and age profile of the existing fleet in the market and government and industry regulation of maritime transportation practices, particularly environmental protection laws and regulations. These factors influencing the supply of and demand for shipping capacity are outside of our control, and we may not be able to correctly assess the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions. Some of these factors may have a negative impact on our revenues and net income.
6


Our future profitability will be dependent on the level of charter rates in the international drybulk shipping industry.

Over the period 2016 to 2018, the BDI (Baltic Drybulk Index, an index that reflects the average daily equivalent rate of renting a vessel and operating crew) has fluctuated between a very low level of 290 points in February 2016 to 1,702 points by December 2017 before closing the year at 1,366 points. In 2018, the BDI again fluctuated between 1,082 points in February 2018 to 1,772 points in July then dropping to 1,002 points before closing the year at around 1,400 points. The year 2019 began in a gloomy fashion with the BDI receding to 595 points by mid-February (-58% since the previous peak). Until mid-March, however, the index recovered some of its losses reaching 685 points (+17%) by April 1. This volatility in dry bulk charter rates is due to various factors affecting demand for and supply of vessels, including the lack of trade financing for purchases of commodities carried by sea, which may result in a significant decline in cargo shipments, trade disruptions caused by natural disasters, and increased newbuilding deliveries. There is no certainty that the dry bulk charter market will experience any recovery over the next months and the market could decline from its current level, especially given the large number of scheduled newbuilding deliveries.

Rates in drybulk market are influenced by the balance of demand for and supply of vessels and may remain depressed or decline again in the future.  Because the factors affecting the supply of and demand for vessels are outside of our control and are unpredictable, the nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable, and as a result so are the rates at which we can charter our vessels.  In addition, we may not be able to successfully charter our vessels in the future or renew existing charters at rates sufficient to allow us to meet our obligations or to pay dividends to our shareholders.

Some of the factors that influence demand for vessel capacity include:

 
·
supply of, and demand for, drybulk commodities;
 
·
changes in the exploration or production of energy resources and commodities, and the resulting changes in the international pattern of trade;
 
·
global and regional economic and political conditions, including armed conflicts and terrorist activities;
 
·
embargoes and strikes;
 
·
the location of regional and global exploration, production and manufacturing facilities;
 
·
availability of credit to finance international trade;
 
·
the location of consuming regions for energy resources and commodities;
 
·
the distance drybulk commodities are to be moved by sea;
 
·
environmental and other regulatory developments;
 
·
currency exchange rates;
 
·
changes in global production and manufacturing distribution patterns of finished goods that utilize drybulk commodities;
 
·
changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns; and
 
·
weather and other natural phenomena.

Some of the factors that influence the supply of vessel capacity include:

 
·
the number of newbuilding deliveries;
 
·
the scrapping rate of older vessels;
 
·
the price of steel and other materials;
 
·
port and canal congestion;
 
·
changes in environmental and other regulations that may limit the useful life of vessels;
 
·
vessel casualties;
 
·
the number of vessels that are out of service; and
 
·
changes in global commodity production.

We anticipate that the future demand for our drybulk vessels and the charter rates of the drybulk market will be dependent upon economic recovery in the United States, Europe and Japan, among other economies, as well as continued economic growth in China, India and the overall world economy, seasonal and regional changes in demand
7


and changes to the capacity of the world fleet. The capacity of the world fleet may increase and economic growth may not continue. Adverse economic, political, social or other developments could also have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

An over-supply of drybulk carrier capacity may lead to further reductions in charter rates and profitability   and may require us to raise additional capital in order to remain compliant with our loan covenants and affect our ability to pay dividends or redeem preferred stock in the future.

The market supply of drybulk carriers has been increasing, and the number of both drybulk vessels on order reached historic highs in 2014. It remains high, by historical standards, despite a number of order cancellations, delivery delays and an increased scrapping rate for drybulk vessels during 2015 and 2016. In 2017 drybulk scrapping rates halved year on year, returning to their 5-year average. In 2018, scrapping of the world drybulk fleet declined significantly, 70% year on year to 4.4 million dwt. If the number of new ships delivered exceeds the number of vessels being scrapped and lost, vessel capacity will increase. As of March 1, 2019, as reported by industry sources, the capacity of the worldwide drybulk fleet was approximately 845.4 million dwt with another 94.8 million dwt, or about 11% of the present fleet capacity, on order. If the supply of vessel capacity increases but the demand for vessel capacity does not increase correspondingly, charter rates and vessel values could materially decline.

If such a rate decline occurs upon the expiration or termination of our current charters, we may only be able to re-charter those vessels at reduced rates or we may not be able to charter these vessels at all. A number of the drybulk carrier charters we renewed or concluded during 2016 and 2017 were at unprofitable rates and were entered into because they resulted in lower losses than would have resulted had we put the vessels in lay-up; charter rates have improved since and reached profitable levels during most of 2018 but remained volatile and fluctuated significantly during the year (see discussion above). The first three months of 2019 saw rates declining significantly before recovering somewhat by April 2019.  Any inability to enter into more profitable charters may require us to raise additional capital in order to remain compliant with our loan covenants and may also affect our ability to pay dividends or redeem preferred stock in the future.

The market value of our vessels can fluctuate significantly,   which may adversely affect our financial condition, cause us to breach financial covenants, result in the incurrence of a loss upon disposal of a vessel or increase the cost of acquiring additional vessels.

The value of our vessels may fluctuate, adversely affecting our earnings and liquidity and causing us to breach our secured credit agreements.

The fair market values of our vessels are related to prevailing charter rates. While the fair market value of vessels and the freight charter market have a very close relationship as the charter market moves from trough to peak, the time lag between the effect of charter rates on market values of ships can vary. A decrease in the market values of our vessels could limit the amount of funds that we can borrow or trigger certain financial covenants under our current or future credit facilities, and we may incur a loss if we sell vessels following a decline in their market value.  Furthermore, a decrease in the market value of our vessels could require us to raise additional capital at costs unfavorable to our shareholders in order to remain compliant with our loan covenants, or could result in foreclosure of our vessels and adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

The market value of our vessels may increase or decrease depending on the following factors:
 
·
general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry in general;
 
·
supply of drybulk vessels, including newbuildings;
 
·
demand for drybulk vessels;
 
·
types and sizes of vessels;
 
·
scrap values;
 
·
other modes of transportation;
 
·
cost of newbuildings;
 
·
technological advances;
 
·
new regulatory requirements from governments or self-regulated organizations;
 
·
competition from other shipping companies; and
 
·
prevailing level of charter rates.

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As vessels grow older, they generally decline in value. Due to the cyclical nature of the drybulk shipping industry, if for any reason we sell vessels at a time when prices have fallen, we could incur a loss and our business, results of operations, cash flow, financial condition and ability to pay dividends could be adversely affected.

In addition, we periodically re-evaluate the carrying amount and period over which vessels are depreciated to determine if events have occurred that would require modification to such assets' carrying values or their useful lives. A determination that a vessel's estimated remaining useful life or fair value has declined below its carrying amount could result in an impairment charge against our earnings and a reduction in our shareholders' equity.

Our secured loan agreements, which are secured by mortgages on our vessels, contain various financial covenants. Any change in the assessed market value of any of our vessels might also cause a violation of the covenants of each secured credit agreement, which, in turn, might restrict our cash and affect our liquidity. Among those covenants are requirements that relate to our net worth, operating performance and liquidity. For example, there is a maximum fleet leverage covenant and a minimum equity ratio requirement that are based, in part, upon the market value of the vessels securing the loans, as well as requirements to maintain a minimum ratio of the market value of our vessels mortgaged thereunder to our aggregate outstanding balance under each respective loan agreement. If the assessed market value of our vessels declines below certain thresholds, we may violate these covenants and may incur penalties for breach of our credit agreements. For example, these penalties could require us to prepay the shortfall between the assessed market value of our vessels and the value of such vessels required to be maintained pursuant to the secured credit agreement, or to provide additional security acceptable to the lenders in an amount at least equal to the amount of any shortfall. If we are unable to pledge additional collateral, our lenders could accelerate our debt and foreclose on our fleet. Furthermore, we may enter into future loans, which may include various other covenants, in addition to the vessel-related ones, that may ultimately depend on the assessed values of our vessels. Such covenants could include, but are not limited to, minimum fair net worth covenants.

A decrease in the level of imports of raw materials and other commodities will reduce demand for our ships and, in turn, harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The employment of our vessels and our revenues depend on the international shipment of raw commodities primarily to China, Japan, South Korea and Europe from North and South America, India and Australia. Any reduction in or hindrance to the demand for such materials could negatively affect demand for our vessels and, in turn, harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. For instance, the government of China has implemented economic policies aimed at reducing the consumption of coal which may, in turn, result in a decrease in shipping demand.

Our international operations expose us to the risk that increased trade protectionism will harm our business. If global economic challenges exist, governments may turn to trade barriers to protect their domestic industries against foreign imports, thereby depressing shipping demand. In particular, the leaders of the United States have indicated the United States may seek to implement more protective trade measures, and even remove the country from multilateral trading fora. Increasing trade protectionism in the markets that our customers serve has caused and may continue to cause an increase in: (a) the cost of goods exported from Asia Pacific, (b) the length of time required to deliver goods from the region and (c) the risks associated with exporting goods from the region. Such increases may also affect the quantity of goods to be shipped, shipping time schedules, voyage costs and other associated costs.

Any increased trade barriers or restrictions on trade, especially trade with China, would 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. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.

Adverse economic conditions, especially in the Asia Pacific region, the European Union or the United States, could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 China has been one of the world's fastest growing economies in terms of gross domestic product, or GDP, which has increased the demand for shipping. However, China's high rate of real GDP growth has already reached a plateau and posted a 0.3 percentage points decline, year on year, in 2018. The United States has imposed tariffs on certain goods and may seek to implement more protectionist trade measures to protect and enhance its domestic economy. Additionally, the European Union, or the EU, and certain of its member states are facing significant economic and political challenges, including a risk of increased protectionist policies. Our business, results of operations and financial condition will likely be harmed by any significant economic downturn and economic instability in the Asia Pacific region, including China, or in the EU or the United States.
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Eurozone's potential inability to deal with the sovereign debt issues of some of its members could have a material adverse effect on the profitability of our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Despite the efforts of the European Council since 2011 to implement a structured financial support mechanism for Eurozone countries experiencing financial difficulties, questions remain about the capability of a number of member countries to refinance their sovereign debt and meet their debt obligations. In March 2011, the European Council agreed on the need for Eurozone countries to establish a permanent stability mechanism, the European Stability Mechanism (or the "ESM"), which will be activated by mutual agreement to provide external financial assistance to Eurozone countries. Despite these measures, concerns persist regarding the debt burden of certain Eurozone countries and their ability to meet future financial obligations and the overall stability of the euro.  An extended period of adverse development in the outlook for European countries could reduce the overall demand for our services. These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

The drybulk industry is highly competitive, and we may be unable to compete successfully for charters with established companies or new entrants that may have greater resources and access to capital, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

The drybulk industry is highly competitive, capital intensive and highly fragmented. Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners, some of whom may have greater resources and access to capital than we will have. Competition among vessel owners for the seaborne transportation of semi-finished and finished consumer and industrial products can be intense and depends on the charter rate, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the vessel and its operators to charterers. Due in part to the highly fragmented market, many of our competitors with greater resources and access to capital than we have could operate larger fleets than we may operate and thus be able to offer lower charter rates or higher quality vessels than we are able to offer. If this were to occur, we may be unable to retain or attract new charterers on attractive terms or at all, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

Changes in the economic and political environment in China and policies adopted by the Chinese government to regulate China's economy may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, (or "OECD"), in such respects as structure, government involvement, level of development, growth rate, capital reinvestment, allocation of resources, rate of inflation and balance of payments position. Prior to 1978, the Chinese economy was a planned economy. Since 1978, increasing emphasis has been placed on the utilization of market forces in the development of the Chinese economy. Annual and five year State Plans are adopted by the Chinese government in connection with the development of the economy. Although state-owned enterprises still account for a substantial portion of the Chinese industrial output, in general, the Chinese government is reducing the level of direct control that it exercises over the economy through State Plans and other measures. There is an increasing level of freedom and autonomy in areas such as allocation of resources, production, pricing and management and a gradual shift in emphasis to a "market economy" and enterprise reform. Limited price reforms were undertaken, with the result that prices for certain commodities are principally determined by market forces. Many of the reforms are unprecedented or experimental and may be subject to revision, change or abolition based upon the outcome of such experiments. The Chinese government may not continue to pursue a policy of economic reform. The level of imports to and exports from China could be adversely affected by the nature of the economic reforms pursued by the Chinese government, as well as by changes in political, economic and social conditions or other relevant policies of the Chinese government, such as changes in laws, regulations or export and import restrictions, all of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
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We conduct business in China, where the legal system is not fully developed and has inherent uncertainties that could limit the legal protections available to us.

Some of our vessels may be chartered to Chinese customers and from time to time on our charterers' instructions, our vessels may call on Chinese ports. Such charters and voyages may be subject to regulations in China that may require us to incur new or additional compliance or other administrative costs and may require that we pay to the Chinese government new taxes or other fees. Applicable laws and regulations in China may not be well publicized and may not be known to us or to our charterers in advance of us or our charterers becoming subject to them, and the implementation of such laws and regulations may be inconsistent. Changes in Chinese laws and regulations, including with regards to tax matters, or changes in their implementation by local authorities could affect our vessels if chartered to Chinese customers as well as our vessels calling to Chinese ports and could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may become dependent on spot charters in the volatile shipping markets, which may result in decreased revenues and/or profitability.

Although all of our vessels are currently under time charters, in the future, we may have some or all of these vessels on spot charters. The spot market is highly competitive and rates within this market are subject to volatile fluctuations, while time charters provide income at pre-determined rates over more extended periods of time. If we decide to spot charter our vessels, we may not be able to keep all our vessels fully employed in these short-term markets.  In addition, we may not be able to predict whether future spot rates will be sufficient to enable our vessels to be operated profitably. A significant decrease in charter rates has affected and could continue affecting the value of our fleet and could adversely affect our profitability and cash flows with the result that our ability to pay debt service to our lenders and reinstate currently suspended dividends to our shareholders could be adversely affected.

The current state of global financial markets and current economic conditions may adversely impact our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all, which may hinder or prevent us from expanding our business.

Global financial markets and economic conditions have been, and continue to be, volatile. This volatility has negatively affected the general willingness of banks and other financial institutions to extend credit, particularly in the shipping industry, due to the historically, volatile and, currently below historical average asset values of vessels. As the shipping industry is highly dependent on the availability of credit to finance and expand operations, it has been and may continue to be negatively affected by this decline in lending. In addition, the current state of global financial markets and current economic conditions might adversely impact our ability to issue additional equity at prices which will not be dilutive to our existing shareholders or preclude us from issuing equity at all.

Also, as a result of concerns about the stability of financial markets generally and the solvency of counterparties specifically, the cost of obtaining money from the credit markets has increased as many lenders have increased interest rates, enacted tighter lending standards, refused to refinance existing debt at all or on terms similar to current debt and reduced, and in some cases ceased, to provide funding to borrowers. Due to these factors, we cannot be certain that additional financing will be available, if needed, and to the extent required, on acceptable terms or at all. If additional financing is not available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to meet our obligations as they come due or we may be unable to enhance our existing business, complete additional vessel acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities as they arise.

We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.

Our operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the form of international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and national and international regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate or are registered, which can significantly affect the ownership and operation of our vessels. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, collectively referred to as MARPOL 73/78 and herein as MARPOL, including the designation of emission control areas, ECAs, thereunder, the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, or the LL Convention, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as amended by different Protocol in 1976, 1984 and 1992, and amended in 2000, and generally referred to as the CLC, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or Bunker Convention, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, or SOLAS, the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or ISM Code, the International Convention for the
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Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention, the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the U.S. Clean Water Act, or the CWA, the U.S. Clean Air Act, or the CAA, the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, or the MTSA, and European Union regulations. Compliance with such laws, regulations and standards, where applicable, may require installation of costly equipment or operational changes and may affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels.

Furthermore, events like the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon and the subsequent release of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, or other events, may result in further regulation of the shipping industry, and modifications to statutory liability schemes. Thus   we may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations, including, but not limited to, costs relating to air emissions including greenhouse gases, the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection, development and implementation of emergency procedures and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents. These costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of our operations.

Environmental laws often impose strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous substances, which could subject us to liability without regard to whether we were negligent or at fault. Because such conventions, laws and regulations are often revised, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with such conventions, laws and regulations or the impact thereof on the resale price or useful life of our vessels. Additional conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted which could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business and which may materially adversely affect our operations. We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our operations.   Under OPA, for example, owners, operators and bareboat charterers are jointly and severally strictly liable for the discharge of oil within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone around the United States. An oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties and criminal liability and remediation costs for natural resource damages under other federal, state and local laws, as well as third-party damages. We are required to satisfy insurance and financial responsibility requirements for potential oil (including marine fuel) spills and other pollution incidents. There can be no assurance that any such insurance we have arranged to cover certain environmental risks will be sufficient to cover all such risks or that any claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends. We currently maintain, for each of our vessels, pollution liability coverage insurance of $1.0 billion per incident. If the damages from a catastrophic spill exceeded our insurance coverage, it would severely and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.

Environmental requirements can also require a reduction in cargo capacity, ship modifications or operational changes or restrictions, lead to decreased availability of insurance coverage for environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports, or detention in certain ports.  Under local, national and foreign laws, as well as international treaties and conventions, we could incur material liabilities, including clean up obligations and natural resource damages in the event that there is a release of bunkers or hazardous substances from our vessels or otherwise in connection with our operations.  We could also become subject to personal injury or property damage claims relating to the release of hazardous substances associated with our existing or historic operations.  Violations of, or liabilities under, environmental requirements can result in substantial penalties, fines and other sanctions, including in certain instances, seizure or detention of our vessels.

We are subject to international safety regulations and the failure to comply with these regulations may subject us to increased liability, may adversely affect our insurance coverage and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.

The operation of our vessels is affected by the requirements set forth in the ISM Code set forth in Chapter IX of Solas. The ISM Code requires shipowners, ship managers and bareboat charterers to develop and maintain an extensive "Safety Management System" that includes 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 rely upon the safety management system that we and our technical managers have developed for compliance with the ISM Code. The failure of a shipowner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject it to increased liability, may invalidate existing insurance or decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.  Currently, each of our vessels,   Eurobulk Ltd. ("Eurobulk") and Eurobulk Far East ("Eurobulk FE"), our affiliated ship management companies (each a "Manager"
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and together, the "Managers"), are ISM Code-certified, but we may not be able to maintain such certification indefinitely.
The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel's management with the ISM Code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a safety management certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code. We have obtained documents of compliance for our offices and safety management certificates for all of our vessels for which the certificates are required by the United Nations' International Maritime Organization, the IMO. The document of compliance, the DOC, and safety management certificate, or the SMC, are renewed as required.
In addition, vessel classification societies also impose significant safety and other requirements on our vessels. In complying with current and future environmental requirements, vessel-owners and operators may also incur significant additional costs in meeting new maintenance and inspection requirements, in developing contingency arrangements for potential spills and in obtaining insurance coverage. Government regulation of vessels, particularly in the areas of safety and environmental requirements, can be expected to become stricter in the future and require us to incur significant capital expenditures on our vessels to keep them in compliance.
The operation of our vessels is also affected by other government regulation in the form of international conventions, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which the vessels operate, as well as in the country or countries of their registration. Because such conventions, laws, and regulations are often revised, we may not be able to predict the ultimate cost of complying with such conventions, laws and regulations or the impact thereof on the resale prices or useful lives of our vessels. Additional conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted which could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business and which may materially adversely affect our operations. We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses, certificates and financial assurances with respect to our operations. See Item 4: "Information on the Company – Business Overview – Environmental and Other Regulations   in the Shipping Industry" for more information.
Regulations relating to ballast water discharge coming into effect during September 2019 may adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
The IMO has imposed updated guidelines for ballast water management systems specifying the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged from a vessel's ballast water.  Depending on the date of the IOPP renewal survey, existing vessels constructed before September 8, 2017 must comply with the updated D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2019.  For most vessels, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms.  Ships constructed on or after September 8, 2017 are to comply with the D-2 standards on or after September 8, 2017. We currently have 4 vessels that do not comply with the updated guideline and costs of compliance may be substantial and adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Furthermore, United States regulations are currently changing. Although the 2013 Vessel General Permit ("VGP") program and U.S. National Invasive Species Act ("NISA") are currently in effect to regulate ballast discharge, exchange and installation, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act ("VIDA"), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018, requires that the U.S. Coast Guard develop implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations regarding ballast water within two years. The new regulations could require the installation of new equipment, which may cause us to incur substantial costs.
Regulations relating to low sulfur emissions coming into effect on January 1, 2020 may adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Under maritime regulations due to take effect on January 1, 2020, ships will have to reduce sulfur emissions, for which the principal solutions are the use of scrubbers or buying fuel with low sulfur content which is more expensive than standard marine fuel.  We do not currently intend to install scrubbers on our fleet. We expect that our fuel costs and fuel inventories will increase beginning in 2019 as a result of these sulfur emission regulations. Low sulfur fuel is more expensive than standard marine fuel containing 3.5% sulfur content and may become more expensive or difficult to obtain as a result of increased demand, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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If our vessels fail to maintain their class certification and/or fail any annual survey, intermediate survey, drydocking or special survey, those vessels would be unable to carry cargo, thereby reducing our revenues and profitability and violating certain covenants in our loan agreements.
The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and SOLAS. Our vessels are currently classed with Bureau Veritas, Rina and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai. ISM and International Ship and Port Facilities Security, or ISPS, certifications have been awarded to the vessels by Bureau Veritas or Liberian Flag Administration and to the Managers by Bureau Veritas.
A vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys, drydockings and special surveys. In lieu of a special survey, a vessel's machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Every vessel is also required to be drydocked every 30 to 36 months for inspection of the underwater parts of such 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. That status could cause us to be in violation of certain covenants in our loan agreements.   Any such inability to carry cargo or be employed, or any such violation of covenants, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage that a vessel be certified as "in class" by a classification society that is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, or IACS. All of our vessels that we have purchased, and may agree to purchase in the future, must be certified as being "in class" prior to their delivery under our standard purchase contracts and memorandum of agreement. If the vessel is not certified on the date of closing, we have no obligation to take delivery of the vessel. We have all of our vessels, and intend to have all vessels that we acquire in the future, classed by IACS members. See Item 4: "Information on the Company – Business Overview – Environmental and Other Regulations   in the Shipping Industry" for more information.
Rising fuel prices may adversely affect our results of operations   and the marketability of our vessels.
Fuel (bunkers) is a significant, if not the largest, operating expense for many of our shipping operations when our vessels are under voyage charter. When a vessel is operating under a time charter, these costs are paid by the charterer. However, fuel costs are taken into account by the charterer in determining the amount of time charter hire and, therefore, fuel costs also indirectly affect time charter rates. Fuel prices are highly based and are highly correlated to the price of oil. While the price of fuel is currently at relatively low levels due to the price of oil, the price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC") and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns. Fuel prices had been at historically high levels through mid-2014 by the first quarter of 2016 fuel prices had fallen by more than 50%. Oil prices began rising in February 2016 until June 2016, due to, among other reasons, the war in Syria, oscillated until November 2016, due to movements in the U.S. dollar exchange rate and various geopolitical events, surging again since end-November 2016, due to the announcement by OPEC of future production cuts. In January 2017, oil prices maintained their levels while in February 2017 they further rose, reaching $53.83/bbl (for West Texas Intermediate, "WTI") on March 1, 2017. Oil prices subsequently oscillated until May 23, 2017 in the $45.5 to $54 range. In the following 30 days oil prices fell 17%, before beginning a rally of more than 40% until December 31, 2017. In 2018, oil prices continued to rise, albeit with significant fluctuations, to $74.15/bbl as on June 29, (+23% year to date). Until August 15 the price corrected by 9.6% to $67.04/bbl. A rising trend resumed until early October by which time the WTI had gained 14% ($76.41/bbl). In the fourth quarter of 2018, lower demand and the IMF's lower GDP forecasts reversed the trend once more, reducing the oil price by 44% to $42.53 by December 24, 2018. Thereafter, oil prices rebounded responding, at least partly, to a 90 day trade-war truce agreed between the USA and China. By April 1, 2019 the WTI has risen by 49.1% to $63.43/bbl. Oil prices, however, remain below their 10-year average of ca. $71/bbl (for WTI). Any further increases in the price of fuel may adversely affect our operations, especially if such increases are combined with lower drybulk rates.
Upon redelivery of vessels at the end of a period time or trip time charter, we may be obligated to repurchase bunkers on board at prevailing market prices, which could be materially higher than fuel prices at the inception of the charter period. We may also be obligated to value our bunkers, inventories, on board at the end of a period time or trip time charter, at a lower value than the acquisition value, if prevailing market prices are significantly lower at the time of the vessel redelivery from the charterer.
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Rising crew costs may adversely affect our profits.

Crew costs are a significant expense for us under our charters. There is a limited supply of well-qualified crew. We generally bear crewing costs under our charters. An increase in the world vessel operating fleet will likely result in higher demand for crews which, in turn, might drive crew costs further up. Any increase in crew costs may adversely affect our profitability especially if such increase is combined with lower drybulk rates.

Maritime claimants could arrest or attach our vessels, which would interrupt our business or have a negative effect on our cash flows.

Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo, lenders and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lien holder may enforce its lien by arresting or attaching a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. The arresting or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt our cash flow and require us to pay large sums to have the arrest or attachment lifted which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, in some jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the "sister ship" theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both the vessel that is subject to the claimant's maritime lien, and any "associated" vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same owner. Claimants could try to assert "sister ship" liability against one of our vessels for claims relating to another of our vessels.

The smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels may lead to governmental claims against us.

We expect that our vessels will call in ports in South America and other areas where smugglers attempt to hide drugs and other contraband on vessels, with or without the knowledge of crew members. To the extent our vessels are found with contraband, whether inside or attached to the hull of our vessel and whether with or without the knowledge of any of our crew, we may face governmental or other regulatory claims, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.

Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency, resulting in loss of earnings.

A government could requisition for title or seize one or more of our vessels. Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes the owner. Also, a government could requisition one or more of our vessels for hire. Requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes the charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during a period of war or emergency. Even if we would be entitled to compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our vessels, the amount and timing of the payment would be uncertain. Government requisition of one or more of our vessels could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

World events outside our control may negatively affect our ability to operate, thereby reducing our revenues and results of operations or our ability to obtain additional financing, thereby restricting the implementation of our business strategy.

We operate in a sector of the economy that is likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political conflicts, including the current political instability in the Middle East, terrorist or other attacks, war or international hostilities. Terrorist attacks such as the attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, in Madrid, Spain on March 11, 2004, in London, England on July 7, 2005 and March 22, 2017, in Mumbai, India in December 2008 and, more recently, in Paris in 2015 and 2017, Brussels, Berlin, Nice and Istanbul in 2016 and the continuing response to these attacks, as well as the threat of future terrorist attacks, continue to cause uncertainty in the world financial markets and may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.  The continuing conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, Ukraine, Syria, amongst other countries, may lead to additional acts of terrorism and armed conflict around the world, which may contribute to further economic instability in the global financial markets. These uncertainties could also have a material adverse effect on our ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. Terrorist attacks on vessels may in the future also negatively affect our operations and financial condition and directly impact our vessels or our customers. Future terrorist attacks could result in increased volatility and turmoil of the financial markets in the United States of America and globally and could result in an economic recession in the United States of America or the world. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, costs and operating cash flows.
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Disruptions in world financial markets and the resulting governmental action could have a material adverse impact on our ability to obtain financing, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, and could cause the market price of our common stock to further decline.

Europe, the United States and other parts of the world have exhibited weak economic conditions, are exhibiting volatile economic trends or have been in a recession. For example, during the 2008-2009 crisis, the credit markets in the United States experienced sudden and significant contraction, deleveraging and reduced liquidity, and the United States federal government and state governments have since implemented a broad variety of governmental action and/or new regulation of the financial markets. Securities and futures markets and the credit markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and other requirements. The Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, other regulators, self-regulatory organizations and exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of market emergencies, and may effect changes in law or interpretations of existing laws. A number of financial institutions and especially banks that traditionally provide debt to shipping companies like ours have experienced serious financial difficulties and, in some cases, have entered bankruptcy proceedings or are in regulatory enforcement actions. As a result access to credit markets around the world has been reduced. The extension of Quantitative Easing (or "QE"), high levels of Non-Performing Loans (or "NPLs") in Europe and stricter lending requirements may reduce bank lending capacity and/or make the terms of any lending more onerous.

We face risks related to changes in economic environments, changes in interest rates, and instability in the banking and securities markets around the world, among other factors. Major market disruptions and the changes in market conditions and regulatory changes worldwide may adversely affect our business or impair our ability to borrow amounts under our credit facilities or any future financial arrangements. We cannot predict how long the current market conditions will last. However, these recent and developing economic and governmental factors, including proposals to reform the financial system, together with the concurrent decline in charter rates and vessel values, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, and might cause the price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market to decline.

We may require substantial additional financing to fund acquisitions of additional vessels and to implement our business plans. Sufficient financing may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. If we cannot raise the financing we need in a timely manner and on acceptable terms, we may not be able to acquire the vessels necessary to implement our business plans and consequently we may not be able to pay dividends.

Effects and events related to the Greek sovereign debt crisis may adversely affect our operating results.

Greece has experienced a macroeconomic downturn in recent years, including as a result of the sovereign debt crisis and the related austerity measures implemented by the Greek government. Eurobulk's operations in Greece may be subjected to new regulations or regulatory action that may require us to incur new or additional compliance or other administrative costs and may require that we or Eurobulk pay to the Greek government new taxes or other fees. We and Eurobulk also face the risk that strikes, work stoppages, civil unrest and violence within Greece may disrupt our and Eurobulk's shore-side operations located in Greece. The Greek government's taxation authorities have increased their scrutiny of individuals and companies to secure tax law compliance. If economic and financial market conditions remain uncertain, persist or deteriorate further, the Greek government may impose further changes to tax and other laws to which we and Eurobulk may be subject or change the ways they are enforced, which may adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.

We rely on information technology, and if we are unable to protect against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, our operations could be disrupted and our business could be negatively affected.

We rely on information technology networks and systems to process, transmit and store electronic and financial information; to capture knowledge of our business; to coordinate our business across our operation bases; and to communicate internally and with customers, suppliers, partners and other third-parties. These information technology systems, some of which are managed by third parties, may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns, hardware or software failures, power outages, computer viruses, cyberattacks, telecommunication failures, user errors or catastrophic events. Our information technology systems are becoming increasingly integrated, so damage, disruption or shutdown to the system could result in a more widespread impact. Our business operations could be targeted by individuals or groups seeking to sabotage or disrupt our information technology systems and networks, or to steal data. A successful cyber-attack could materially disrupt our operations, including the safety of our operations, or lead to unauthorized release of information or alteration of information in our systems. Any such attack or other breach of our information technology systems could have a material adverse effect on our business and
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results of operations. If our information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown, and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our operations could be disrupted and our business could be negatively affected. In addition, cyber-attacks could lead to potential unauthorized access and disclosure of confidential information and data loss and corruption. There is no assurance that we will not experience these service interruptions or cyber-attacks in the future. Further, as the methods of cyber-attacks continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks.

The vote by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union could adversely affect us.

The United Kingdom ("UK") referendum on its membership in the European Union resulted in a majority of U.K. voters voting to exit the E.U. ("Brexit"). We have activities in the E.U., and as a result, we face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and disruptions that may follow Brexit, including volatility in exchange rates and interest rates and potential material changes to the regulatory regime applicable to our business or global trading parties. While the exact way that Brexit will be achieved is uncertain, Brexit could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets generally and in the UK specifically. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others we cannot anticipate or that may evolve over time, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations, which could affect our operating results and the amount of available cash with which we service our debt or could pay dividends.

We operate our vessels in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, as a result, in charter rates. To the extent we operate vessels in the spot market, this seasonality may result in quarter-to-quarter volatility in our operating results which could affect our ability to reinstate payment of dividends to our common shareholders. For example, the dry bulk carrier market is typically stronger in the fall and winter months in anticipation of increased consumption of coal and other raw materials in the northern hemisphere during the winter months. The celebration of Chinese New Year in the first quarter of each year also results in lower volumes of seaborne trade into China during this period. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns in these months tend to disrupt vessel scheduling and supplies of certain commodities. While this seasonality has not materially affected our operating results and cash available for distribution to our shareholders as dividends, as long as our fleet is employed on period time charters, if our vessels are employed in the spot market in the future, seasonality may materially affect our operating results in the future.

We may have difficulty securing profitable employment for our vessels if their charters expire in a depressed market.

All of our seven vessels are currently employed on time charter contracts. Four of our vessels are under time charters scheduled to expire during 2019, two are under time charters scheduled to expire in 2020 and one vessel is under a pool agreement scheduled to expire also during 2019. When the current charters of our vessels are due for renewal, we may be unable to re-charter these vessels at better rates if the current market rates do not hold or we might not be able to charter them at all. Although we do not receive any revenues from our vessels while not employed, we are required to pay expenses necessary to maintain the vessel in proper operating condition, insure it and service any indebtedness secured by such vessel. If we cannot re-charter our vessels on time charters or trade them in the spot market profitably, our results of operations and operating cash flow will be adversely affected.

Reliance on suppliers may limit our ability to obtain supplies and services when needed.

We rely on a significant number of third party suppliers of consumables, spare parts and equipment to operate, maintain, repair and upgrade our fleet of ships. Delays in delivery or unavailability or poor quality of supplies could result in off-hire days due to consequent delays in the repair and maintenance of our fleet or lead to our time charters being terminated. This would negatively impact our revenues and cash flows. Cost increases could also negatively impact our future operations.
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The derivative contracts we have entered into to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates can result in higher than market rates and reductions in our stockholders' equity as well as charges against our income, while there is no assurance of the credit worthiness of our counterparties.

We have entered into interest rate swaps generally for purposes of managing our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates applicable to indebtedness under our credit facilities which were advanced at floating rates based on LIBOR. Interest rates and currency hedging may result in us paying higher than market rates. As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate notional amount of interest rate swaps relating to our fleet as of such date was $10 million. There is no assurance that our derivative contracts or any that we enter into in the future will provide adequate protection against adverse changes in interest rates or that our bank counterparties will be able to perform their obligations. In addition, as a result of the implementation of new regulation of the swaps markets in the United States, the European Union and elsewhere over the next few years, the cost of interest rate swaps may increase or suitable hedges may not be available. While we monitor the credit risks associated with our bank counterparties, there can be no assurance that these counterparties would be able to meet their commitments under our derivative contracts or any future derivative contract. Our bank counterparties include financial institutions that are based in European Union countries that have faced and might face again financial stress. The potential for our bank counterparties to default on their obligations under our derivative contracts may be highest when we are most exposed to the fluctuations in interest and currency rates such contracts are designed to hedge, and several or all of our bank counterparties may simultaneously be unable to perform their obligations due to the same events or occurrences in global financial markets. To the extent our existing interest rate swaps do not, and future derivative contracts may not, qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting purposes we would recognize fluctuations in the fair value of such contracts in our income statement. In addition, to the extent any future derivative contracts qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting purposes, changes in the fair value of our derivative contracts would be recognized in "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" affecting our accumulated deficit, and may affect compliance with the net worth covenant requirements in our credit facilities. Changes in the fair value of our derivative contracts that do not qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting and financial reporting purposes affect, among other things, our net income and our earnings per share. For additional information see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk".

We may be subject to litigation that, if not resolved in our favor and not sufficiently insured against, could have a material adverse effect on us.

We may be involved in various litigation matters from time to time. These matters may include, among other things, contract disputes, personal injury claims, environmental claims or proceedings, asbestos and other toxic tort claims, employment matters, governmental claims for taxes or duties, and other litigation that arises in the ordinary course of our business. Although we intend to defend these matters vigorously, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any claim or other litigation matter, and the ultimate outcome of any litigation or the potential costs to resolve them may have a material adverse effect on us. Insurance may not be applicable or sufficient in all cases and/or insurers may not remain solvent which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating cash flows.

Company Risk Factors
We depend entirely on Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE to manage and charter our fleet, which may adversely affect our operations if Eurobulk or Eurobulk FE fails to perform its obligations.

We have no employees and we currently contract the commercial and technical management of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance and repair, to Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE, our affiliated ship management companies. We may lose a Manager's services or a Manager may fail to perform its obligations to us which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of our operations. Although we may have rights against either Manager if it defaults on its obligations to us, you will have no recourse against either Manager. Further, we will need to seek approval from our lenders to change either Manager as our ship manager.

Because the Managers are privately held companies, there is little or no publicly available information about them and there may be very little advance warning of operational or financial problems experienced by the Managers that may adversely affect us.

The ability of a Manager to continue providing services for our benefit will depend in part on its own financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair a Manager's financial strength, and because each Manager is privately held it is unlikely that information about its financial strength would become public unless such Manager
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began to default on its obligations. As a result, there may be little advance warning of problems affecting the Managers, even though these problems could have a material adverse effect on us.

We may have difficulty properly managing our growth through acquisitions of new or secondhand vessels and we may not realize expected benefits from these acquisitions, which may negatively impact our cash flows, liquidity and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

We intend to grow our business by ordering newbuild vessels and through selective acquisitions of high-quality secondhand vessels to the extent that they are available. Our future growth will primarily depend on:
• the operations of the shipyards that build any newbuild vessels we may order;
• the availability of employment for our vessels;
• locating and identifying suitable high-quality secondhand vessels;
• obtaining newbuild contracts at acceptable prices;
• obtaining required financing on acceptable terms;
• consummating vessel acquisitions;
• enlarging our customer base;
• hiring additional shore-based employees and seafarers;
• continuing to meet technical and safety performance standards; and
• managing joint ventures or significant acquisitions and integrating the new ships into our fleet.

Ship values are correlated with charter rates. During periods in which charter rates are high, ship values are generally high as well, and it may be difficult to consummate ship acquisitions or enter into shipbuilding contracts at favorable prices. During periods in which charter rates are low and employment is scarce, ship values are low and any vessel acquired without an attached time charter will automatically incur additional expenses to operate, insure, maintain and finance the ship, thereby significantly increasing the acquisition cost. In addition, any vessel acquisition may not be profitable at or after the time of acquisition and may not generate cash flows sufficient to justify the investment. We may not be successful in executing any future growth plans and we cannot give any assurance that we will not incur significant expenses and losses in connection with such growth efforts. Other risks associated with vessel acquisitions that may harm our business, financial condition and operating results include the risks that we may:

• fail to realize anticipated benefits, such as new customer relationships, cost-savings or cash flow enhancements;
• be unable to hire, train or retain qualified shore-based and seafaring personnel to manage and operate our growing business and fleet;
• decrease our liquidity by using a significant portion of available cash or borrowing capacity to finance acquisitions;
• significantly increase our interest expense or financial leverage if we incur additional debt to finance acquisitions;
• incur or assume unanticipated liabilities, losses or costs associated with any vessels or businesses acquired; or
• incur other significant charges, such as impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, asset devaluation or restructuring charges.

If we fail to properly manage our growth through acquisitions of newbuild or secondhand vessels we may not realize expected benefits from these acquisitions, which may negatively impact our cash flows, liquidity and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. Unlike newbuild vessels, secondhand vessels typically do not carry warranties as to their condition. While we generally inspect existing vessels prior to purchase, such an inspection would normally not provide us with as much knowledge of a vessel's condition as we would possess if it had been built for us and operated by us during its life. Repairs and maintenance costs for secondhand vessels are difficult to predict and may be substantially higher than for vessels we have operated since they were built. These costs could decrease our cash flows, liquidity and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

Our business depends upon certain members of our senior management who may not necessarily continue to work for us.

Our future success depends to a significant extent upon our chairman and chief executive officer, Aristides J. Pittas, certain members of our senior management and our Managers. Mr. Pittas has substantial experience in the drybulk shipping industry and has worked with us and our Managers for many years. He, our Managers and certain of our senior management team are crucial to the execution of our business strategies and to the growth and development of our business. If these individuals were no longer to be affiliated with us or our Managers, or if we
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were to otherwise cease to receive services from them, we may be unable to recruit other employees with equivalent talent and experience, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Certain of our shareholders hold shares of EuroDry in amounts to give them a significant percentage of the total outstanding voting power represented by our outstanding shares.

As of April 22, 2019, Dry Friends Investment Company Inc., or Dry Friends, our largest shareholder and an affiliate of the Company partly owned by our Chairman and CEO, Vice Chairman and people affiliated or working with Eurobulk amongst others, owns approximately 38.1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and unvested incentive award shares, representing 33.9% of total voting power (after accounting for the voting rights of our Series B Preferred Shares (defined below). As a result of this share ownership and for as long as Dry Friends owns a significant percentage of our outstanding common stock, Dry Friends will be able to influence the outcome of any shareholder vote, including the election of directors, the adoption or amendment of provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation or bylaws, as amended, and possible mergers, corporate control contests and other significant corporate transactions. In addition, as of  April 1, 2019, funds advised by Tennenbaum Capital Partners LLC ("TCP") and Preferred Friends Investment Company Inc., an affiliate of the Company partly owned by our Chairman and CEO, Vice Chairman and people affiliated or working with Eurobulk amongst others, owned shares of our Series B Preferred Shares, to which we will refer as the Series B Preferred Shares, that are convertible into 17.5% and 4.0%, respectively, of our common shares and unvested incentive award shares on an as-converted basis. In addition, we cannot enter into certain transactions without consent from holders of our Series B Preferred Shares.  This concentration of ownership and the consent rights of holders of Series B Preferred Shares may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us, and could also discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which could in turn have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

Our corporate governance practices are in compliance with, and are not prohibited by, the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and as such we are entitled to exemption from certain Nasdaq corporate governance standards. As a result, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.

Our Company's corporate governance practices are in compliance with, and are not prohibited by, the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Therefore, we are exempt from many of Nasdaq's corporate governance practices other than the requirements regarding the disclosure of a going concern audit opinion, submission of a listing agreement, notification of material non-compliance with Nasdaq corporate governance practices, and the establishment and composition of an audit committee and a formal written audit committee charter. For a list of the practices followed by us in lieu of Nasdaq's corporate governance rules, we refer you to the section of this annual report entitled "Board Practices—Corporate Governance" under Item 6.

Our growth depends on our ability to expand relationships with existing charterers, establish relationships with new customers and obtain new time charters, for which we will face substantial competition from new entrants and established companies with significant resources.

One of our principal objectives is to acquire additional vessels in conjunction with entering into additional long-term, fixed-rate charters for these vessels. The process of obtaining new long-term, fixed-rate charters is highly competitive and generally involves an intensive screening process and competitive bids, and often extends for several months. Generally, we compete for charters based upon charter rate, customer relationships, operating expertise, professional reputation and vessel specifications, including size, age and condition.

In addition, as vessels age, it can be more difficult to employ them on profitable time charters, particularly during periods of decreased demand in the charter market. Accordingly, we may find it difficult to continue to find profitable employment for our vessels as they age.

We face substantial competition from a number of experienced companies, including state-sponsored entities and financial organizations. Some of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources than we do, and can therefore operate larger fleets and may be able to offer better charter rates. In the future, we may also face competition from reputable, experienced and well-capitalized marine transportation companies, including state-sponsored entities, that do not currently own vessels, but may choose to do so. Any increased competition may cause greater price competition for time charters, as well as for the acquisition of high-quality secondhand vessels and newbuild vessels. Further, since the charter rate is generally considered to be one of the principal factors in a charterer's decision to charter a vessel, the rates and available tonnage offered by our competitors can place downward
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pressure on rates throughout the charter market. As a result of these factors, we may be unable to charter our vessels, expand our relationships with existing customers or to obtain new customers on a profitable basis, if at all, which 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 stockholders.

We and our principal officers have affiliations with the Managers that could create conflicts of interest detrimental to us.

Our principal officers are also principals, officers and employees of the Managers, which are our ship management companies. These responsibilities and relationships could create conflicts of interest between us and the Managers. Conflicts may also arise in connection with the chartering, purchase, sale and operations of the vessels in our fleet versus other vessels that are or may be managed in the future by the Managers. Circumstances in any of these instances may make one decision advantageous to us but detrimental to the Managers and vice versa. Eurobulk currently manages vessels for EuroDry, and four bulkers that are not owned by EuroDry, potentially causing conflicts such as those described above. Further, it is possible that in the future Eurobulk may manage additional vessels which will not belong to EuroDry and in which the Pittas family may have non-controlling, little or even no power or participation, and Eurobulk may not be able to resolve all conflicts of interest in a manner beneficial to us and our shareholders.

Companies affiliated with Eurobulk or our officers and directors may acquire vessels that compete with our fleet.

Companies affiliated with Eurobulk or our officers and directors own drybulk carriers and may acquire additional drybulk carriers in the future. These vessels could be in competition with our fleet and other companies affiliated with Eurobulk might be faced with conflicts of interest with respect to their own interests and their obligations to us. Eurobulk, Friends and Aristides J. Pittas, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, have granted us a right of first refusal to acquire any drybulk vessel that any of them may consider for acquisition in the future. In addition, Aristides J. Pittas will use his best efforts to cause any entity with respect to which he directly or indirectly controls to grant us this right of first refusal. Were we, however, to decline any such opportunity offered to us or if we did not have the resources or desire to accept any such opportunity, Eurobulk, Friends and Aristides J. Pittas, and any of their respective affiliates, could acquire such vessels.

Our officers do not devote all of their time to our business.

Our officers are involved in other business activities that may result in their spending less time than is appropriate or necessary in order to manage our business successfully. Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Internal Auditor and Secretary are not employed directly by us, but rather their services are provided pursuant to our Master Management Agreement with Eurobulk. Our CEO is also President of Eurobulk and involved in the management of other affiliates and member of the board of other companies. Therefore our officers may spend a material portion of their time providing services to other companies.  They may also spend a material portion of their time providing services to Eurobulk and its affiliates on matters unrelated to us.

We are an "emerging growth company", and we cannot be certain that the reduced disclosure and other requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will not 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. 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 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 our shareholders may be different from information provided by other public companies.
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We are a holding company, and we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial obligations or to make dividend payments.

We are a holding company and our subsidiaries, which are all wholly-owned by us, conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets. We have no significant assets other than the equity interests in our wholly-owned subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to make dividend payments to you depends on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. If we are unable to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, we may be unable or our Board of Directors may exercise its discretion not to pay dividends.

We may not be able to pay dividends.

We have not declared any dividends on our common stock and we may not earn sufficient revenues or we may incur expenses or liabilities that would reduce or eliminate the cash available for distribution as dividends. Our loan agreements may also limit the amount of dividends we can pay under some circumstances based on certain covenants included in the loan agreements.

The declaration and payment of any dividends will be subject at all times to the discretion of our Board of Directors. Our Series B Preferred Shares provide that we must pay a cash dividend to holders of the Series B Preferred Shares in an amount equal to 40% of any dividend we pay on our common shares on an as-converted-basis in addition to the dividend of the Series B Preferred Shares that is payable at the time.  This provision may be an important factor when our Board of Directors determines whether to declare dividends on our common shares. The timing and amount of dividends will depend on our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, restrictions in our loan agreements, growth strategy, charter rates in the drybulk shipping industry, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of dividends and other factors. Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus (retained earnings and the excess of consideration received for the sale of shares above the par value of the shares), but, if there is no surplus, dividends may be declared out of the net profits (basically, the excess of our revenue over our expenses) for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared or the preceding fiscal year. Marshall Islands law also prohibits the payment of dividends while a company is insolvent or if it would be rendered insolvent upon the payment of a dividend. As a result, we may not be able to pay dividends.

We may not have sufficient cash from our operations to enable us to pay dividends on or to redeem our Preferred Shares following the payment of expenses and the establishment of any reserves.

The Series B Preferred Shares pay dividends (in cash or in-kind at the option of the Company, subject to certain exceptions) until January 29, 2019. The Series B Preferred Shares' dividend rate will increase to 12% from January 29, 2019 to January 29, 2021 and to 14% thereafter and will be payable in cash. In the future, we may have insufficient cash available to redeem our Preferred Shares. The amount we can pay for dividends or use to redeem Preferred Shares depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which may fluctuate.


If we are unable to fund our future capital expenditures, we may not be able to continue to operate some of our vessels, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to pay dividends.

In order to fund our future capital expenditures, we may be required to incur borrowings or raise capital through the sale of debt or equity securities. Our ability to access the capital markets through future offerings may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such offering as well as by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. Our failure to obtain the funds for necessary future capital expenditures would limit our ability to continue to operate some of our vessels and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends. Even if we are successful in obtaining such funds through financings, the terms of such financings could further limit our ability to pay dividends.

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Our existing loan agreements contain restrictive covenants that may limit our liquidity and corporate activities.

Our existing loan agreements impose operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions may limit our ability to:

 
·
incur additional indebtedness;
 
·
create liens on our assets;
 
·
sell capital stock of our subsidiaries;
 
·
make investments;
 
·
engage in mergers or acquisitions;
 
·
pay dividends;
 
·
make capital expenditures;
 
·
change the management of our vessels or terminate or materially amend the management agreement relating to each vessel; and
 
·
sell our vessels.

Therefore, we may need to seek permission from our lenders in order to engage in some corporate actions. The lenders' interests may be different from our interests, and we may not be able to obtain the lenders' permission when needed. This may prevent us from taking actions that are in our best interest.

Servicing future debt would limit funds available for other purposes.

To finance our fleet, we have incurred secured debt under loan agreements for our vessels. We also currently expect to incur additional secured debt to finance the acquisition of additional vessels we may decide to acquire in the future. We must dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to pay the principal and interest on our debt. These payments limit funds otherwise available for working capital expenditures and other purposes. As of December 31, 2018, we had total bank debt of approximately $63.9 million. Our debt repayment schedule as of December 31, 2018 required us to repay $14.0 million of debt during the next two years. As of April 1, 2019, we repaid $2.2 million of our total debt decreasing our outstanding debt to $61.7 million. If we are unable to service our debt, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

A further rise in interest rates could cause an increase in our costs and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. To finance vessel purchases, we have borrowed, and may continue to borrow, under loan agreements that provide for periodic interest rate adjustments based on indices that fluctuate with changes in market interest rates. If interest rates increase significantly, it would increase our costs of financing our acquisition of vessels, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Any increase in debt service would also reduce the funds available to us to purchase other vessels.

Our ability to obtain additional debt financing may be dependent on the performance of our then existing charters and the creditworthiness of our charterers.

The actual or perceived credit quality of our charterers, and any defaults by them, may be one of the factors that materially affect our ability to obtain the additional debt financing that we will require to purchase additional vessels or may significantly increase our costs of obtaining such financing. We may be unable to obtain additional financing, or may be able to obtain additional financing only at a higher-than-anticipated cost, which may materially affect our results of operations, cash flows and our ability to implement our business strategy.

As we expand our business, we may need to upgrade our operations and financial systems, and add more staff and crew. If we cannot upgrade these systems or recruit suitable employees, our performance may be adversely affected.

Our Managers' current operating and financial systems may not be adequate if we expand the size of our fleet, and our attempts to improve those systems may be ineffective. In addition, if we expand our fleet, we will have to rely on our Managers to recruit suitable additional seafarers and shore-side administrative and management personnel. Our Managers may not be able to continue to hire suitable employees as we expand our fleet. If our Managers' affiliated crewing agent encounters business or financial difficulties, we can make satisfactory arrangements with unaffiliated crewing agents or else we may not be able to adequately staff our vessels. If we are unable to operate our financial and operations systems effectively or to recruit suitable employees, our performance may be materially adversely affected.
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If we acquire additional ships, whether on the secondhand market or newbuildings, and those vessels are not delivered on time or are delivered with significant defects, our earnings and financial condition could be adversely affected.

We expect to acquire additional vessels in the future either from the secondhand markets or by placing newbuilding orders. A delay in the delivery of any of these vessels to us or the failure of the contract counterparty to deliver a vessel at all could cause us to breach our obligations under a related time charter and could adversely affect our earnings, our financial condition and the amount of dividends, if any, that we pay in the future. The delivery of any drybulk vessels we might decide to acquire, whether newbuildings or secondhand vessels, could be delayed or certain events may arise which could result in us not taking delivery of a vessel, such as a total loss of a vessel, a constructive loss of a vessel, substantial damage to a vessel prior to delivery or construction not in accordance with agreed upon specification or with substantial defects.

We may have difficulty properly managing our planned growth through acquisitions of our newbuilds and additional vessels.

We intend to grow our business through the acquisition of newbuilding vessels or selective acquisitions of additional vessels. Our future growth will primarily depend on our ability to locate and acquire suitable additional vessels, enlarge our customer base, operate and supervise any newbuilds we may order and obtain required debt or equity financing on acceptable terms.
A delay in the delivery to us of any such vessel, or the failure of the shipyard to deliver a vessel at all, could cause us to breach our obligations under a related charter and could adversely affect our earnings. In addition, the delivery of any of these vessels with substantial defects could have similar consequences.
A shipyard could fail to deliver a newbuild on time or at all because of:

work stoppages or other hostilities, political or economic disturbances that disrupt the operations of the shipyard;

quality or engineering problems;

bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the shipyard;

a backlog of orders at the shipyard;

disputes between us and the shipyard regarding contractual obligations;

weather interference or catastrophic events, such as major earthquakes or fires;

our requests for changes to the original vessel specifications or disputes with the shipyard; or

shortages of or delays in the receipt of necessary construction materials, such as steel, or equipment, such as main engines, electricity generators and propellers.
During periods in which charter rates are high, vessel values generally are high as well, and it may be difficult to consummate vessel acquisitions or enter into newbuilding contracts at favorable prices. During periods when charter rates are low, we may be unable to fund the acquisition of newbuilding vessels, whether through lending or cash on hand. For these reasons, we may be unable to execute our growth plans or avoid significant expenses and losses in connection with our future growth efforts.

Credit market volatility may affect our ability to refinance our existing debt or incur additional debt.

The credit markets have recently experienced extreme volatility and disruption, which has limited credit capacity for certain issuers, and lenders have requested shorter terms and lower leverage ratios. The market for new debt financing is extremely limited and in some cases not available at all. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, we may not be able to refinance our existing debt or incur additional debt, which may require us to seek other funding sources to meet our liquidity needs or to fund planned expansion.
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Labor interruptions could disrupt our business.

Our vessels are manned by masters, officers and crews that are employed by third parties. If not resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner, industrial action or other labor unrest could prevent or hinder our operations from being carried out normally and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.

We will not be able to take advantage of potentially favorable opportunities in the current spot market with respect to vessels employed on time charters.

As of April 1, 2019, all of our vessels are employed under time charters with remaining terms ranging from less than one month to 12 months based on the minimum duration of the charter contracts.  The percentage of our fleet that is under time charter contracts represents approximately 49% of our vessel capacity in the remainder of 2019 and 5% of our capacity in 2020.  Although time charters provide relatively steady streams of revenue, vessels committed to time charters may not be available for spot charters during periods of increasing charter hire rates, when spot charters might be more profitable. If we cannot re-charter these vessels on time charters or trade them in the spot market profitably, our results of operations and operating cash flow may suffer. We may not be able to secure charter rates in the future that will enable us to operate our vessels profitably. Although we do not receive any revenues from certain of our vessels while such vessels are unemployed, we are required to pay expenses necessary to maintain the vessel in proper operating condition, insure it and service any indebtedness secured by such vessel.   Despite the fact that as of April 1, 2019 all of our vessels are employed, we may be forced to lay up vessels if rates drop to levels below daily running expenses or if we are unable to find employment for the vessels for prolonged periods of time.

We or our Managers may be unable to attract and retain key management personnel and other employees in the shipping industry, which may negatively affect the effectiveness of our management and our results of operations.

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and efforts of our management team. Our success will depend upon our and our Manager's ability to hire additional employees and to retain key members of our management team. The loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition and operating cash flows. Difficulty in hiring and retaining personnel could adversely affect our results of operations. We do not currently intend to maintain "key man" life insurance on any of our officers.

Risks involved with operating ocean-going vessels could affect our business and reputation, which may reduce our revenues.

The operation of an ocean-going vessel carries inherent risks. These risks include, among others, the possibility of:

 
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marine disaster;
 
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piracy;
 
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environmental accidents;
 
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grounding, fire, explosions and collisions;
 
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cargo and property losses or damage;
 
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business interruptions caused by mechanical failure, human error, war, terrorism, political action in various countries, labor strikes or adverse weather conditions; and
 
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work stoppages or other labor problems with crew members serving on our vessels including crew strikes and/or boycotts.

Such occurrences could result in death or injury to persons, loss of property or environmental damage, delays in the delivery of cargo, loss of revenues from or termination of charter contracts, governmental fines, penalties or restrictions on conducting business, higher insurance rates, and damage to our reputation and customer relationships generally. Any of these circumstances or events could increase our costs or lower our revenues, which could result in reduction in the market price of our shares of common stock. The involvement of our vessels in an environmental disaster may harm our reputation as a safe and reliable vessel owner and operator.
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The operation of drybulk carriers has certain unique operational risks which could affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

The operation of drybulk carriers has certain unique risks. With a drybulk carrier, the cargo itself and its interaction with the ship can be a risk factor. By their nature, drybulk cargoes are often heavy, dense, easily shifted, and react badly to water exposure. In addition, drybulk carriers are often subjected to battering treatment during unloading operations with grabs, jackhammers (to pry encrusted cargoes out of the hold), and small bulldozers. This treatment may cause damage to the vessel. Vessels damaged due to treatment during unloading procedures may be more susceptible to breach to the sea. Hull breaches in drybulk carriers may lead to the flooding of the vessels holds. If a drybulk carrier suffers flooding in its forward holds, the bulk cargo may become so dense and waterlogged that its pressure may buckle the vessels bulkheads leading to the loss of a vessel. If we are unable to adequately maintain our vessels we may be unable to prevent these events. Any of these circumstances or events could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends. In addition, the loss of any of our vessels could harm our reputation as a safe and reliable vessel owner and operator.

Our vessels may suffer damage and may face unexpected drydocking costs, which could affect our cash flows and financial condition.

If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking facility. The costs of drydock repairs are unpredictable and may be substantial. We may have to pay drydocking costs that our insurance does not cover. The loss of earnings while these vessels are being repaired and reconditioned, as well as the actual cost of these repairs, would decrease our earnings. In addition, space at drydocking facilities is sometimes limited and not all drydocking facilities are conveniently located.  We may be unable to find space at a suitable drydocking facility or our vessels may be forced to travel to a drydocking facility that is not conveniently located near our vessels' positions.  The loss of earnings and any costs incurred while these vessels are forced to wait for space or to steam to more distant drydocking facilities would decrease our earnings.

Purchasing and operating previously owned vessels may result in increased operating costs and vessels off-hire, which could adversely affect our earnings. The aging of our fleet may result in increased operating costs in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Although we inspect the secondhand vessels prior to purchase, this inspection does not provide us with the same knowledge about their condition and cost of any required (or anticipated) repairs that it would have had if these vessels had been built for and operated exclusively by us. Generally, we do not receive the benefit of warranties on secondhand vessels.

In general, the costs to maintain a vessel in good operating condition increase with the age of the vessel. As of April 1, 2019, the vessels in our fleet had an average age of approximately 10.6 years.  As our vessels age, they may become less fuel efficient and more costly to maintain and will not be as advanced as more recently constructed vessels due to improvements in design and engine technology. Rates for cargo insurance, paid by charterers, also increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers. Governmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which our vessels may engage. As our vessels age, market conditions may not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.

In addition, charterers actively discriminate against hiring older vessels. For example, Rightship, the ship vetting service founded by Rio Tinto and BHP-Billiton that has become the major vetting service in the dry bulk shipping industry, ranks the suitability of vessels based on a scale of one to five stars. Most major carriers will not charter a vessel that Rightship has vetted with fewer than three stars. Rightship automatically downgrades any vessel over 18 years of age to two stars, which significantly decreases its chances of entering into a charter. Therefore, as our vessels approach and exceed 18 years of age, we may not be able to operate these vessels again profitably or even generate positive cash flows during the remainder of their useful lives even if the market rates improve, which could adversely affect our earnings. As of April 1, 2019, two of our vessels are over 18 years of age.

If we sell vessels, we are not certain that the price for which we sell them will equal their carrying amount at that time.
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Unless we set aside reserves for vessel replacement, at the end of a vessel's useful life, our revenue will decline, which would adversely affect our cash flows and income.

As of April 1, 2019, the vessels in our fleet had an average age of approximately 10.6 years. Unless we maintain cash reserves for vessel replacement, we may be unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives. We estimate the useful life of our vessels to be 25 years from the completion of their construction. Our cash flows and income are dependent on the revenues we earn by chartering our vessels to customers. If we are unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected. Any reserves set aside for vessel replacement would not be available for other cash needs or dividends.

Technological innovation could reduce our charter income and the value of our vessels.

The charter rates and the value and operational life of a vessel are determined by a number of factors including the vessel's efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life. Efficiency includes speed, fuel economy and the ability to load and discharge cargo quickly. Flexibility includes the ability to enter harbors, utilize related docking facilities and pass through canals and straits. The length of a vessel's physical life is related to its original design and construction, its maintenance and the impact of the stress of operations. If new vessels are built that are more efficient or more flexible or have longer physical lives than our vessels, competition from these more technologically advanced vessels could adversely affect the amount of charter hire payments we receive for our vessels and the resale value of our vessels could significantly decrease. As a result, our available cash could be adversely affected.

We are subject to certain risks with respect to our counterparties on contracts, and failure of such counterparties to meet their obligations could cause us to suffer losses or otherwise adversely affect our business.

We enter into, among other things, charter-party agreements. Such agreements subject us to counterparty risks. The ability and willingness of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the maritime and offshore industries, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, charter rates received for specific types of vessels, and various expenses. In addition, in depressed market conditions, our charterers may no longer need a vessel that is currently under charter or may be able to obtain a comparable vessel at lower rates. As a result, charterers may seek to renegotiate the terms of their existing charter parties or avoid their obligations under those contracts, especially when the contracted charter rates are significantly above market levels. Should a counterparty fail to honor its obligations under agreements with us, it may be difficult to secure substitute employment for such vessel, and any new charter arrangements we secure in the spot market or on time charters would be at lower rates given currently decreased charter rate levels. If our charterers fail to meet their obligations to us or attempt to renegotiate our charter agreements, it may be difficult to secure substitute employment for such vessel, and any new charter arrangements we secure in the spot market or on time charters may be at lower rates given currently decreased charter rate levels. As a result we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as our ability to pay dividends in the future and compliance with covenants in our credit facilities.

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

When we enter into a time charter, charter rates under that charter are fixed for the term of the charter. If the spot charter rates or short-term time charter rates in the drybulk, tanker or offshore support shipping industries remain significantly lower than the time charter equivalent rates that some of our charterers are obligated to pay us under our existing charters, the charterers may have incentive to default under that charter or attempt to renegotiate the charter. If our charterers fail to pay their obligations, we would have to attempt to re-charter our vessels at lower charter rates, which would affect our ability to operate our vessels profitably and may affect our ability to comply with covenants contained in our current or future credit facilities and financing agreements.

We may not have adequate insurance to compensate us adequately for damage to, or loss of, our vessels.

We procure insurance for our fleet against risks commonly insured against by vessel owners and operators which includes hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance (which, in turn, includes environmental damage and pollution insurance) and war risk insurance and freight, demurrage and defense insurance for our fleet. We generally do not maintain insurance against loss of hire which covers business interruptions that result in the loss of use of a vessel except in cases we consider such protection appropriate. We may not be adequately insured against all risks and we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for our fleet in the future. The
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insurers may not pay particular claims. Even if our insurance coverage is adequate to cover our losses, we may not be able to timely obtain a replacement vessel in the event of a loss. Our insurance policies contain deductibles for which we will be responsible and limitations and exclusions which may increase our costs. Since it is possible that a large number of claims may be brought, the aggregate amount of these deductibles could be material. Moreover, the insurers may default on any claims they are required to pay. If our insurance is not enough to cover claims that may arise, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Because we obtain some of our insurance through protection and indemnity associations, we may also be subject to calls in amounts based not only on our own claim records, but also the claim records of other members of the protection and indemnity associations.

We are indemnified for legal liabilities incurred while operating our vessels through membership in P&I associations or clubs.  P&I associations are mutual insurance associations whose members must contribute to cover losses sustained by other association members.  The objective of a P&I association is to provide mutual insurance based on the aggregate tonnage of a member's vessels entered into the association.  Claims are paid through the aggregate premiums of all members of the association, although members remain subject to calls for additional funds if the aggregate premiums are insufficient to cover claims submitted to the association.  We cannot assure you that the P&I association to which we belong will remain viable or that we will not become subject to additional funding calls which could adversely affect us.  Claims submitted to the association may include those incurred by members of the association as well as claims submitted to the association from other P&I associations with which our P&I association has entered into inter-association agreements.

We may be subject to calls in amounts based not only on our claim records but also the claim records of other members of the protection and indemnity associations through which we receive insurance coverage for tort liability, including pollution-related liability. Our payment of these calls could result in significant expense to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.

Our vessels are exposed to operational risks, including terrorism, cyber-terrorism and piracy that may not be adequately covered by our insurance.

The operation of any vessel includes risks such as weather conditions, mechanical failure, collision, fire, contact with floating objects, cargo or property loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in countries, piracy, terrorist and cyber-terrorist attacks, armed hostilities and labor strikes. Such occurrences could result in death or injury to persons, loss, damage or destruction of property or environmental damage, delays in the delivery of cargo, loss of revenues from or termination of charter contracts, governmental fines, penalties or restrictions on conducting business, higher insurance rates and damage to our reputation and customer relationships generally.

Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean and in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. Although the frequency of sea piracy worldwide has generally decreased since 2013, sea piracy incidents continue to occur, particularly in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia and increasingly in the Sulu Sea and the Gulf of Guinea, with dry bulk vessels and tankers particularly vulnerable to such attacks. Acts of piracy could result in harm or danger to the crews that man our vessels.

If these piracy attacks occur in regions in which our vessels are deployed that insurers characterized as "war risk" zones or Joint War Committee "war and strikes" listed areas, premiums payable for such coverage could increase significantly and such insurance coverage may be more difficult to obtain. In addition, crew costs, including the employment of onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. Furthermore, while we believe the charterer remains liable for charter payments when a vessel is seized by pirates, the charterer may dispute this and withhold charterhire until the vessel is released. A charterer may also claim that a vessel seized by pirates was not "on-hire" for a certain number of days and is therefore entitled to cancel the charter party, a claim that we would dispute. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, any detention hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or an increase in cost, or unavailability, of insurance for our vessels, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and earnings.
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We may not be adequately insured against all risks, and our insurers may not pay particular claims. With respect to war risks insurance, which we usually obtain for certain of our vessels making port calls in designated war zone areas, such insurance may not be obtained prior to one of our vessels entering into an actual war zone, which could result in that vessel not being insured. Even if our insurance coverage is adequate to cover our losses, we may not be able to timely obtain a replacement vessel in the event of a loss. Under the terms of our credit facilities, we will be subject to restrictions on the use of any proceeds we may receive from claims under our insurance policies. Furthermore, in the future, we may not be able to maintain or obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates for our fleet. We may also be subject to calls, or premiums, in amounts based not only on our own claim records but also the claim records of all other members of the protection and indemnity associations through which we receive indemnity insurance coverage for tort liability. Our insurance policies also contain deductibles, limitations and exclusions which, although we believe are standard in the shipping industry, may nevertheless increase our costs in the event of a claim or decrease any recovery in the event of a loss. If the damages from a catastrophic oil spill or other marine disaster exceeded our insurance coverage, the payment of those damages could have a material adverse effect on our business and could possibly result in our insolvency.

Recent action by the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and U.S. agencies indicate that cybersecurity regulations for the maritime industry are likely to be further developed in the near future in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats.  This might cause companies to cultivate additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional expenses and/or capital expenditures. However, the impact of such regulations is hard to predict at this time. We do not carry cyber-attack insurance, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In general, we do not carry loss of hire insurance. Occasionally, we may decide to carry loss of hire insurance when our vessels are trading in areas where a history of piracy has been reported. Loss of hire insurance covers the loss of revenue during extended vessel off-hire periods, such as those that occur during an unscheduled drydocking or unscheduled repairs due to damage to the vessel. Accordingly, any loss of a vessel or any extended period of vessel off-hire, due to an accident or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If our vessels call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions, sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the European Union, the United Nations and other governments, it could adversely affect our reputation and the market for our shares of common stock and its trading price.

From time to time, vessels in our fleet on charterers' instructions may call on ports located in countries subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the European Union, the United Nations, and other countries identified by the U.S. or other governments as state sponsors of terrorism, such as North Korea, Iran, Sudan and Syria. We endeavor to have trade exclusion clauses included in the charter contracts. All of our charters contain trade exclusion clauses relating to, among other locations, countries deemed by the United States as state sponsors of terrorism. 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 strengthened over time. The U.S. government has recently lifted certain sanctions with respect to Libya and made changes to the scope of the sanctions regime for Iran. The United States sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the U.S. Department of the Treasury principally apply, with limited exception, to U.S. persons (defined as any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, or any person in the United States) only, not to non-U.S. companies. The United States can, however, extend sanctions liability to non-U.S. persons, including non-U.S. companies, such as our Company.

With effect from July 1, 2010, the U.S. enacted the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act, or CISADA, which expanded the scope of the Iran Sanctions Act. Among other things, CISADA expands the application of the prohibitions to companies, such as ours, and introduces limits on the ability of companies and persons to do business or trade with Iran when such activities relate to the investment, supply or export of refined petroleum or petroleum products. In addition, on May 1, 2012, President Obama signed Executive Order 13608 which prohibits foreign persons from violating or attempting to violate, or causing a violation of any sanctions in effect against Iran or facilitating any deceptive transactions for or on behalf of any person subject to U.S. sanctions. Any persons found to be in violation of Executive Order 13608 will be deemed a foreign sanctions evader and will be banned from all contacts with the United States, including conducting business in U.S. dollars. Also in 2012, President Obama signed into law the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, or the Iran Threat Reduction Act, which created new sanctions and strengthened existing sanctions. Among other things, the Iran Threat Reduction Act intensifies existing sanctions regarding the provision of goods, services, infrastructure or technology to Iran's
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petroleum or petrochemical sector. The Iran Threat Reduction Act also includes a provision requiring the President of the United States to impose five or more sanctions from Section 6(a) of the Iran Sanctions Act, as amended, on a person the President determines is a controlling beneficial owner of, or otherwise owns, operates, or controls or insures a vessel that was used to transport crude oil from Iran to another country and (1) if the person is a controlling beneficial owner of the vessel, the person had actual knowledge the vessel was so used or (2) if the person otherwise owns, operates, or controls, or insures the vessel, the person knew or should have known the vessel was so used. Such a person could be subject to a variety of sanctions, including exclusion from U.S. capital markets, exclusion from financial transactions subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and exclusion of that person's vessels from U.S. ports for up to two years.

On November 24, 2013, the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China) entered into an interim agreement with Iran entitled the Joint Plan of Action ("JPOA"). Under the JPOA it was agreed that, in exchange for Iran taking certain voluntary measures to ensure that its nuclear program is used only for peaceful purposes, the United States and European Union would voluntarily suspend certain sanctions for a period of six months.

On January 20, 2014, the United States and European Union indicated that they would begin implementing the temporary relief measures provided for under the JPOA. These measures include, among other things, the suspension of certain sanctions on the Iranian petrochemicals, precious metals, and automotive industries, initially for the six-month period beginning January 20, 2014 and ending July 20, 2014. The JPOA was subsequently extended twice.

On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 and the EU announced that they reached a landmark agreement with Iran titled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran's Nuclear Program (the "JCPOA"), which is intended to significantly restrict Iran's ability to develop and produce nuclear weapons for 10 years while simultaneously easing sanctions directed toward non-U.S. persons for conduct involving Iran, but taking place outside of U.S. jurisdiction and does not involve U.S. persons. On January 16, 2016 ("Implementation Day"), the United States joined the EU and the UN in lifting a significant number of their nuclear-related sanctions on Iran following an announcement by the International Atomic Energy Agency ("IAEA") that Iran had satisfied its respective obligations under the JCPOA.

The United States can also remove sanctions it has previously imposed. On January 16, 2016, the United States suspended certain sanctions against Iran applicable to non-U.S. companies, such as us, pursuant to the nuclear agreement reached between Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. To implement these changes, beginning on January 16, 2016, the United States waived enforcement as to non-U.S. companies of many of the sanctions against Iran's energy and petrochemical sectors described above, among other things, including certain provisions of CISADA, ITRA, and IFCA. U.S. sanctions prohibiting certain conduct that was after January 16, 2016 permitted under the JCPOA were not actually repealed or permanently terminated but rather, the U.S. government implemented changes to the sanctions regime by: (1) issuing waivers of certain statutory sanctions provisions; (2) committing to refrain from exercising certain discretionary sanctions authorities; (3) removing certain individuals and entities from OFAC's sanctions lists; and (4) revoking certain Executive Orders and specified sections of Executive Orders. These sanctions would not have been permanently "lifted" until the earlier of "Transition Day," set to occur on October 20, 2023, or upon a report from the IAEA stating that all nuclear material in Iran is being used for peaceful activities. On October 13, 2017, President Trump announced he would not certify Iran's compliance with the JCPOA.  In May 2018, President Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and almost all of the U.S. sanctions waived and lifted in January 2016 were reinstated in August 2018 and November 2018, respectively.

All of the Company's revenues are from chartering-out its vessels on voyage or time charter contracts or from entering into pooling arrangements under which an international company and trading house involved in the use and/or transportation of drybulk commodities directs the Company's vessel to carry cargoes on its behalf. In time charters and pooling arrangements, the Company has no contractual relationship with the owner of the cargo and does not know the identity of the cargo owner. The vessel is directed to a load port to load the cargo, and to a discharge port to offload the cargo, based solely on the instructions of the charterer. Under its time charters and pooling arrangements, the terms of which are consistent with industry standards, the Company may not have the ability to prohibit its charterers from sending its vessels to Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria or Cuba to carry cargoes that do not violate applicable laws.  As of March 31, 2019, none of our vessels have called on ports at the aforementioned countries in the past or are arranged to call such ports in the future.  The vessels' shipowning companies do not presently have, and have not in the past had, any agreements, arrangements or contracts with the governments of Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria or Cuba or entities that these countries control.
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Although we believe that we have been in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in fines, penalties or other sanctions that could severely impact our ability to access U.S. capital markets and conduct our business, and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. In addition, certain institutional investors may have investment policies or restrictions that prevent them from holding securities of companies that have contracts with countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. The determination by these investors not to invest in, or to divest from, our common stock may adversely affect the price at which our common stock trades. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation. In addition, our reputation and the market for our securities may be adversely affected if we engage in certain other activities, such as entering into charters with individuals or entities in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargo laws that are not controlled by the governments of those countries, or engaging in operations associated with those countries pursuant to contracts with third parties that are unrelated to those countries or entities controlled by their governments. Investor perception of the value of our common stock may be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries.

We expect to operate substantially outside the United States, which will expose us to political and governmental instability, which could harm our operations.
We expect that our operations will be primarily conducted outside the United States and may be adversely affected by changing or adverse political and governmental conditions in the countries where our vessels are flagged or registered and in the regions where we otherwise engage in business. Any disruption caused by these factors may interfere with the operation of our vessels, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Past political efforts to disrupt shipping in these regions, particularly in the Arabian Gulf, have included attacks on ships and mining of waterways. In addition, terrorist attacks outside this region, such as the attacks that occurred against targets in the United States on September 11, 2001, Spain on March 11, 2004, London on July 7, 2005 and March 22, 2017, Mumbai on November 26, 2008, Paris on November 13, 2015 and August 9, 2017, Brussels on March 22, 2016, Nice on July 14, 2016, Berlin and Istanbul on December 31, 2016 and continuing or new unrest and hostilities in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere in the world may lead to additional armed conflicts or to further acts of terrorism and civil disturbance. Any such attacks or disturbances may disrupt our business, increase vessel operating costs, including insurance costs, and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our operations may also be adversely affected by expropriation of vessels, taxes, regulation, tariffs, trade embargoes, economic sanctions or a disruption of or limit to trading activities or other adverse events or circumstances in or affecting the countries and regions where we operate or where we may operate in the future.

The international nature of our operations may make the outcome of any bankruptcy proceedings difficult to predict.

We are incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and we conduct operations in countries around the world. Consequently, in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding involving us or any of our subsidiaries, bankruptcy laws other than those of the United States could apply. If we become a debtor under U.S. bankruptcy law, bankruptcy courts in the United States may seek to assert jurisdiction over all of our assets, wherever located, including property situated in other countries. There can be no assurance, however, that we would become a debtor in the United States, or that a U.S. bankruptcy court would be entitled to, or accept, jurisdiction over such a bankruptcy case, or that courts in other countries that have jurisdiction over us and our operations would recognize a U.S. bankruptcy court's jurisdiction if any other bankruptcy court would determine it had jurisdiction.

Obligations associated with being a public company require significant company resources and management attention.

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the other rules and regulations of the SEC, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Sarbanes-Oxley. Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
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We work with our legal, accounting and financial advisors to identify any areas in which changes should be made to our financial and management control systems to manage our growth and our obligations as a public company. We evaluate areas such as corporate governance, corporate control, internal audit, disclosure controls and procedures and financial reporting and accounting systems. We will make changes in any of these and other areas, including our internal control over financial reporting, which we believe are necessary. However, these and other measures we may take may not be sufficient to allow us to satisfy our obligations as a public company on a timely and reliable basis. In addition, compliance with reporting and other requirements applicable to public companies do create additional costs for us and require the time and attention of management. Our limited management resources may exacerbate the difficulties in complying with these reporting and other requirements while focusing on executing our business strategy. We may not be able to predict or estimate the amount of the additional costs we may incur, the timing of such costs or the degree of impact that our management's attention to these matters will have on our business.

Exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations will result in fluctuations in our cash flows and operating results.
We generate all our revenues in U.S. dollars, but we incur approximately 22% of our vessel operating expenses and drydocking expenses, all of our vessel management fees, and approximately 9% in 2018 of our general and administrative expenses in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. This could lead to fluctuations in our operating expenses, which would affect our financial results. Expenses incurred in foreign currencies increase when the value of the U.S. dollar falls, which would reduce our profitability and cash flows.

Investment in derivative instruments such as freight forward agreements could result in losses.
From time to time, we may take positions in derivative instruments including freight forward agreements, or FFAs. FFAs and other derivative instruments may be used to hedge a vessel owner's exposure to the charter market by providing for the sale of a contracted charter rate along a specified route and period of time. 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 period, the seller of the FFA is required to pay the buyer an amount equal to the difference between the contracted rate and the settlement rate, multiplied by the number of days in 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 and do not correctly anticipate charter rate movements over the specified route and time period, we could suffer losses in the settling or termination of the FFA. This could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has entered into interest rate swap and FFA agreements. See "Note 14 – Derivative Financial Instruments" under the "Consolidated Financial Statements" (page F-38)

Interest rates in most loan agreements in our industry are based on variable components, such as LIBOR, and if such variable components increase significantly, it could affect our profitability, earnings and cash flows.
LIBOR in the past has been volatile, with the spread between LIBOR and the prime lending rate widening significantly at times. These conditions can be the result of disruptions in the international credit markets. Because the interest rates borne by our outstanding indebtedness fluctuate with changes in LIBOR, if this volatility were to continue, it would affect the amount of interest payable to service our debt, which in turn, could have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings and cash flows.

Furthermore, interest rates in most loan agreements in our industry have been based on published LIBOR rates. Our loan agreements contain provisions that entitle the lenders, in their discretion, to replace published LIBOR as the base for the interest calculation with their cost-of-funds rate if the quoted LIBOR rate does not reflect their true cost-of-funds or if it is unavailable. Since some of our loans have such clauses, our borrowing costs could increase significantly if there is a market disruption of LIBOR, which could have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings and cash flows.

In addition, the banks currently reporting information used to set LIBOR will likely stop such reporting after 2021, when their commitment to reporting information ends. The Alternative Reference Rate Committee, or "Committee", a committee convened by the Federal Reserve that includes major market participants, has proposed an alternative rate to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR: the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or "SOFR." The impact of such a transition away from LIBOR would be significant for us because of our substantial indebtedness. In order to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations, we may from time to time use interest rate derivatives to effectively fix some of our floating rate debt obligations. No assurance can however be given that the use of these derivative instruments, 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.
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We depend upon a few significant customers, due to our currently small fleet, for a large part of our revenues and the loss of one or more of these customers could adversely affect our financial performance.

We have historically derived a significant part of our revenues from a small number of charterers. During 2018, approximately 69% of our revenues derived from our top five charterers. During 2017 and 2016, approximately 74% and 91%, respectively, of our revenues derived from our top five charterers. If one or more of our charterers chooses not to charter our vessels or is unable to perform under one or more charters with us and we are not able to find a replacement charter, we could suffer a loss of revenues that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

United States tax authorities could treat us as a "passive foreign investment company," which could have adverse United States federal income tax consequences to United States holders.

A foreign corporation will be treated as a "passive foreign investment company," or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of "passive income" or (2) at least 50% of the average value of the corporation's assets produce or are held for the production of those types of "passive income." For purposes of these tests, "passive income" includes dividends, interest, and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties which are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute "passive income." United States shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous United States federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC. In addition, United States shareholders of a PFIC are required to file annual information returns with the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS.

Based on our current method of operation, we do not believe that we have been, are or will be a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. In this regard, we treat the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering activities as services income, rather than rental income. Accordingly, we believe that our income from our time chartering activities should not constitute "passive income," and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the production of that income should not constitute passive assets.

There is substantial legal authority supporting this position consisting of case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income for other tax purposes.  However, it should be noted that there is also authority which characterizes time charter income as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes.  Accordingly, in the absence of legal authority directly relating to PFIC rules, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court of law will accept this position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we would not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if the nature and extent of our operations changed.

If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year, our United States shareholders will face adverse United States federal income tax consequences. Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders make an election available under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such shareholders, as discussed in Item 10 of this Annual Report under "Taxation — United States Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders"), such shareholders would be subject to 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 our shares, as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the United States shareholder's holding period of our shares. See "Taxation — United States Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders" in this Annual Report under Item 10 for a more comprehensive discussion of the United States federal income tax consequences to United States shareholders if we are treated as a PFIC.

Based on the current and expected composition of our and our subsidiaries' assets and income, it is not anticipated that we will be treated as a PFIC. Our actual PFIC status for any taxable year, however, will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year. Accordingly, there can be no assurances regarding our status as a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year. See the discussion in the section entitled "Item 10.E. Taxation — Passive Foreign Investment Company Regulations." We urge U.S. Holders to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible application of the PFIC rules.
33


We may have to pay tax on United States source income, which would reduce our earnings.

Under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation, such as us and our subsidiaries, that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States may be subject to a 4% United States federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code, or Section 883, and the applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

We intend to take the position that we qualified for this statutory tax exemption for U.S. federal income tax return reporting purposes for our 2018 taxable year and we intend to so qualify for future taxable years. However, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause us to lose the benefit of this tax exemption for any future taxable year and thereby become subject to U.S. federal income tax on our U.S.-source shipping income. For example, in certain circumstances we may no longer qualify for exemption under Code Section 883 for a particular taxable year if shareholders, other than "qualified shareholders", with a five percent or greater interest in our common shares owned, in the aggregate, 50% or more of our outstanding common shares for more than half the days during the taxable year. Due to the factual nature of the issues involved, there can be no assurances on our tax-exempt status.  In addition, we may fail to qualify if our common stock comes to represent 50% or less of the value or outstanding voting power of our stock.

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

Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could result in fines, criminal penalties, and an adverse effect on our business.

We operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which is consistent and in full compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. We are subject, 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 U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. 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.

If management is unable to provide reports as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could result in a decrease in the value of our common stock.

Under Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, we are required to include in each of our annual reports on Form 20-F a report containing our management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. If, in such annual reports on Form 20-F, our management cannot provide a report as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could result in a decrease in the value of our common stock.

It may be difficult to enforce service of process and enforcement of judgments against us and our officers and directors.

We are a Marshall Islands corporation, and our subsidiaries are incorporated in jurisdictions outside of the United States. Our executive offices are located outside of the United States in Maroussi, Greece. A majority of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States, and a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of our officers and directors are located outside of the United States. As a result, you may have difficulty serving legal process within the United States upon us or any of these persons. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside of the United States, judgments you may obtain in the U.S. courts against us or these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal or state securities laws.
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There is also substantial doubt that the courts of the Marshall Islands, Greece or jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries are organized would enter judgments in original actions brought in those courts predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws. In addition, the protection afforded minority shareholders in the Marshall Islands is different than those offered in the United States.

Risk Factors Relating To Our Common Stock
The trading volume for our common stock has been low, which may cause our common stock to trade at lower prices and make it difficult for you to sell your common stock.

Although our shares of common stock traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market since May 31, 2018 the trading volume has been low. Our shares may not actively trade in the public market and any such limited liquidity may cause our common stock to trade at lower prices and make it difficult to sell your common stock.

The market price of our common stock has been and may in the future be subject to significant fluctuations.

The market price of our common stock has been and 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 have in the past and could in the future affect our stock price are:

 
·
actual or anticipated fluctuations in quarterly and annual variations in our results of operations;
 
·
changes in market valuations or sales or earnings estimates or publication of research reports by analysts;
 
·
changes in earnings estimates or shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecasted by securities analysts;
 
·
speculation in the press or investment community about our business or the shipping industry;
 
·
changes in market valuations of similar companies and stock market price and volume fluctuations generally;
 
·
payment of dividends;
 
·
strategic actions by us or our competitors such as mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances or restructurings;
 
·
changes in government and other regulatory developments;
 
·
additions or departures of key personnel;
 
·
general market conditions and the state of the securities markets; and
 
·
domestic and international economic, market and currency factors unrelated to our performance.

The international drybulk shipping industry has been highly unpredictable.  In addition, the stock markets in general, and the markets for drybulk shipping and shipping stocks in general, have experienced extreme volatility that has sometimes been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.  Our shares may trade at prices lower than you originally paid for such shares.

If our common stock does not meet the Nasdaq Capital Market's minimum share price requirement, and if we cannot cure such deficiency within the prescribed timeframe, our common stock could be delisted.

Under the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market, listed companies are required to maintain a share price of at least $1.00 per share.  If the share price declines below $1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive business days, then the listed company has a cure period of at least 180 days to regain compliance with the $1.00 per share minimum. If the price of our common stock closes below $1.00 for 30 consecutive days, and if we cannot cure that deficiency within the 180-day timeframe, then our common stock could be delisted.

If the market price of our common stock falls below $5.00 per share, under stock exchange rules, our shareholders will not be able to use such shares as collateral for borrowing in margin accounts. This inability to continue to use our common stock as collateral may lead to sales of such shares creating downward pressure on and increased volatility in the market price of our common stock.
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If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or publish negative reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.

 The trading market for our common shares will depend, in part, upon the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over analysts as to whether they will cover us, and if they do, whether such coverage will continue. If analysts do not commence coverage of the Company, or if one or more of these analysts cease coverage of the Company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share price or trading volume to decline. In addition, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our shares or change their opinion of our shares, our share price may likely decline.

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Shareholders' Rights Plan contain anti-takeover provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent (1) our merger or acquisition and/or (2) the removal of incumbent directors and officers and (3) the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control.

Our current amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws contain certain anti-takeover provisions. These provisions include blank check preferred stock, the prohibition of cumulative voting in the election of directors, a classified Board of Directors, advance written notice for shareholder nominations for directors, removal of directors only for cause, advance written notice of shareholder proposals for the removal of directors and limitations on action by shareholders. In addition, we adopted a shareholders' rights plan pursuant to which our Board of Directors may cause the substantial dilution of any person that attempts to acquire us without the approval of our Board of Directors.  These anti-takeover provisions, including provisions of our shareholders' rights plan, either individually or in the aggregate, may discourage, delay or prevent (1) our merger or acquisition by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, that a shareholder may consider in its best interest, (2) the removal of incumbent directors and officers, and (3) the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of shareholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and shareholders' ability to realize any potential change of control premium.

Future sales of our stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, may depress the market price for our common stock. These sales could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities in the future.

We may issue additional shares of our stock in the future and our stockholders may elect to sell large numbers of shares held by them from time to time. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorize us to issue up to 200,000,000 shares of common stock and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock.

Sales of a substantial number of any of the shares of common stock mentioned above may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

Issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the voting power of our shareholders and have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a merger or acquisition, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Our Board of Directors approved the issuance of 19,042 shares of our Series B Preferred Shares at the Spin-off date and may decide in the future to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions with respect to, among other things, dividends, conversion, voting, redemption, liquidation and the number of shares constituting any series subject to prior shareholders' approval. If our Board determines to issue preferred shares, such issuance may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that shareholders may consider favorable. The issuance of preferred shares with voting and conversion rights may also adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common shares. This could substantially impede the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and shareholders' ability to realize any potential change of control premium.
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Our Series B Preferred Shares are senior obligations of ours and rank prior to our common stock with respect to dividends, distributions and payments upon liquidation, which could have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock.
The rights of the holders of our Series B Preferred Shares rank senior to the obligations to holders of our common shares. Upon our liquidation, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus all accrued but unpaid dividends, prior and in preference to any distribution to the holders of any other class of our equity securities, including our common shares. The existence of the Series B Preferred Shares could have an adverse effect on the value of our common shares.

Because the Republic of the Marshall Islands, where we are incorporated, does not have a well-developed body of corporate law, shareholders may have fewer rights and protections than under typical state law in the United States, such as Delaware, and shareholders may have difficulty in protecting their interests with regard to actions taken by our Board of Directors.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, as amended, and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, 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 U.S. jurisdictions. Stockholder rights may differ as well. For example, under Marshall Islands law, a copy of the notice of any meeting of the shareholders must be given not less than 15 days before the meeting, whereas in Delaware such notice must be given not less than 10 days before the meeting. Therefore, if immediate shareholder action is required, a meeting may not be able to be convened as quickly as it can be convened under Delaware law. Also, under Marshall Islands law, any action required to be taken by a meeting of shareholders may only be taken without a meeting if consent is in writing and is signed by all of the shareholders entitled to vote, whereas under Delaware law action may be taken by consent if approved by the number of shareholders that would be required to approve such action at a meeting. Therefore, under Marshall Islands law, it may be more difficult for a company to take certain actions without a meeting even if a majority of the shareholders approve of such action. While the BCA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction.
Item 4.   Information on the Company
A.
History and Development of the Company
EuroDry Ltd. is a Marshall Islands company incorporated under the BCA on January 8, 2018. We are a provider of worldwide ocean-going transportation services. We own and operate drybulk carriers that transport major bulks such as iron ore, coal and grains, and minor bulks such as bauxite, phosphate and fertilizers. As of April 1, 2019, our fleet consisted of seven drybulk carriers (comprising four Panamax drybulk carriers, two Kamsarmax and one Ultramax drybulk carrier). The total cargo carrying capacity of our seven drybulk carriers is 528,931 dwt.

On May 30, 2018, EuroDry was spun-off from our Former Parent Company and issued 2,254,830 shares of its common stock to holders of common stock of Euroseas as of the applicable record date (one share of EuroDry for every five shares of Euroseas held). Our common shares trade under the symbol EDRY on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Our executive offices are located at 4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, 151 24, Maroussi, Greece. Our telephone number is +30-211-1804005.
B.
Business Overview
Our fleet consists of drybulk carriers that transport iron ore, coal, grain and other dry cargoes along worldwide shipping routes.  Please see information in the section "Our Fleet", below. During 2016, 2017 and 2018 we had a fleet utilization of 100%, 98.8% and 99.7%, respectively, our vessels achieved daily time charter equivalent rates of $7,909, $10,042 and $12,481, respectively, and we generated voyage charter and time charter revenues of $8.33, $20.28 million and $25.93 million, respectively.

Our business strategy is focused on providing consistent shareholder returns by carefully selecting the timing and the structure of our investments in drybulk vessels and by reliably, safely and competitively operating the vessels we own, through our affiliates, Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE. Representing a continuous shipowning and management

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history that dates back to the 19th century, we believe that one of our advantages in the industry is our ability to select and safely operate drybulk vessels of any age.
Our Fleet
As of April 1, 2019, the profile and deployment of our fleet is the following:
Name
Type
Dwt
Year Built
Employment (*)
TCE Rate ($/day)
Dry Bulk Vessels
         
EKATERINI
Kamsarmax
82,000
2018
TC until Apr- 20
$13,000
XENIA
Kamsarmax
82,000
2016
TC until Jan-20
+1 year in charterer's option
$14,100
Option at $14,350
EIRINI P
Panamax
76,466
2004
TC until Aug-19
Hire 103% of Average BPI 4TC (**)
PANTELIS
Panamax
74,020
2000
TC until May-19
$9,850
TASOS
Panamax
75,100
2000
TC until April-19
$12,250 plus a Gross Ballast Bonus of $225k (total equivalent to about $7,500)
ALEXANDROS P
Ultramax
63,500
2017
Guardian Navigation GMax LLC Pool
Pool revenue from August 2018
STARLIGHT
Panamax
75,845
2004
TC until Jul-19
Hire 100% of Average BPI 4TC (**)
Total Vessels
7
528,931
     

(*)
TC denotes time charter. All dates listed are the earliest redelivery dates under each TC.
(**)
Denotes the Baltic Panamax Index; The Average BPI 4TC is an index based on four time charter routes.

We plan to expand our fleet by investing in vessels in the drybulk market under favorable market conditions. We also intend to take advantage of the cyclical nature of the market by buying and selling ships when we believe favorable opportunities exist.  We employ our vessels in the spot and time charter market and through pool arrangements. As of April 1, 2019, all of our vessels are employed under time charter contracts.
As of April 1, 2019, approximately 49% of our ship capacity days in the remainder of 2019 and approximately 5% of our ship capacity days in 2020 are under contract.
In "Critical Accounting Policies – Impairment of vessels" below, we discuss our policy for impairing the carrying values of our vessels. During the past few years, the market values of vessels have experienced extraordinarily high volatility, and substantial declines in many vessel classes.  As a result, the charter-free market value, or basic market value, of certain of our vessels may have declined below those vessels' carrying value. We may not impair those vessels' carrying value under our accounting impairment policy, due to our belief that future undiscounted cash flows expected to be earned by such vessels over their operating lives would exceed such vessels' carrying amounts.
The table set forth below indicates (i) the carrying value of each of our vessels as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively, (ii) which of our vessels we believe has a basic market value below its carrying value, and (iii) the aggregate difference between carrying and market value represented by such vessels.  This aggregate difference represents the approximate analysis of the amount by which we believe we would have to reduce our net income/ (loss) if we sold all of such vessels in the current environment, using industry-standard valuation methodologies, in cash, in arm's-length transactions.  For purposes of this calculation, we have assumed that the vessels would be sold at a price that reflects our estimate of their current basic market values. However, we are not holding our vessels for sale, except as otherwise noted in this report.
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Our estimates of basic market value assume that our vessels are all in good and seaworthy condition without need for repair and if inspected would be certified in class without any notations.  Our estimates are based on information available from various industry sources, including:

 
·
reports by industry analysts and data providers that focus on our industry and related dynamics affecting vessel values;
 
·
news and industry reports of similar vessel sales;
 
·
news and industry reports of sales of vessels that are not similar to our vessels where we have made certain adjustments in an attempt to derive information that can be used as part of our estimates;
 
·
approximate market values for our vessels or similar vessels that we have received from shipbrokers, whether solicited or unsolicited, or that shipbrokers have generally disseminated;
 
·
offers that we may have received from potential purchasers of our vessels; and
 
·
vessel sale prices and values of which we are aware through both formal and informal communications with shipowners, shipbrokers, industry analysts and various other shipping industry participants and observers.
As we obtain information from various industry and other sources, our estimates of basic market value are inherently uncertain.  In addition, vessel values are highly volatile; as such, our estimates may not be indicative of the current or future basic market value of our vessels or prices that we could achieve if we were to sell them.
Name
Capacity
Purchase Date
Carrying Value as of December 31, 2017
Carrying Value as of December 31, 2018
Dry Bulk Vessels
(dwt)
 
 (million USD)
 (million USD)
PANTELIS
74,020
Jul-2009
$13.88 (1)
$12.26 (2)
EIRINI P
76,466
May-2014
$16.84 (1)
$15.59 (2)
XENIA
82,000
Feb-2016
$29.73 (1)
$28.59 (2)
TASOS
75,100
Jan-2017
$4.29
$4.07
ALEXANDROS P.
63,500
Jan-2017
$17.24
$16.65
EKATERINI
82,000
May-2018
-
$23.34
STARLIGHT
75,845
Nov-2018
-
$10.14 (2)
Total Dry Bulk Vessels
528,931
 
$81.98
$110.64
(1) Indicates vessels for which we believe, as of December 31, 2017, the basic charter-free market value is lower than the vessel's carrying value as of December 31, 2017.  We believe that the aggregate carrying value of these vessels, assessed separately, of $60.45 million as of December 31, 2017 exceeds their aggregate basic charter-free market value of approximately $46.90 million by approximately $13.55 million.  As further discussed in "Critical Accounting Policies – Impairment of vessels" below, we believe that the carrying values of our vessels as of December 31, 2017 were recoverable.
(2) Indicates drybulk vessels for which we believe, as of December 31, 2018, the basic charter-free market value is lower than the vessel's carrying value as of December 31, 2018.  We believe that the aggregate carrying value of these vessels, assessed separately, of $66.58 million as of December 31, 2018 exceeds their aggregate basic charter-free market value of approximately $52.9 million by approximately $13.68 million.  As further discussed in "Critical Accounting Policies – Impairment of vessels" below, we believe that the carrying values of our vessels as of December 31, 2018 were recoverable.
We note that all of our drybulk vessels, are currently employed under time charter contracts of durations from less than one to 11 months until the earliest redelivery charter period.  If we sell those vessels with the charters attached, the sale price may be affected by the relationship of the charter rate to the prevailing market rate for a comparable charter with the same terms.

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We refer you to the risk factor entitled " The market value of our vessels can fluctuate significantly,   which may adversely affect our financial condition, cause us to breach financial covenants, result in the incurrence of a loss upon disposal of a vessel or increase the cost of acquiring additional vessels " and the discussion in Item 3.D under "Industry Risk Factors".

Management of Our Fleet
The operations of our vessels are managed by Eurobulk Ltd., or Eurobulk, and Eurobulk (Far East) Ltd. Inc., or Eurobulk FE, both affiliated companies. Eurobulk manages our fleet under a Master Management Agreement with us and separate management agreements with each shipowning company. Eurobulk was founded in 1994 by members of the Pittas family and is a reputable ship management company with strong industry relationships and experience in managing vessels. Under our Master Management Agreement, Eurobulk is responsible for providing us with: (i) executive services associated with us being a public company; (ii) other services to our subsidiaries and commercial management services, which include obtaining employment for our vessels and managing our relationships with charterers; and (iii) technical management services, which include managing day-to-day vessel operations, performing general vessel maintenance, ensuring regulatory and classification society compliance, supervising the maintenance and general efficiency of vessels, arranging our hire of qualified officers and crew, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, arranging insurance for vessels, purchasing stores, supplies, spares and new equipment for vessels, appointing supervisors and technical consultants and providing technical support and shoreside personnel who carry out the management functions described above and certain accounting services.

Our Master Management Agreement with Eurobulk compensates Eurobulk with an annual fee and a daily management fee per vessel managed. Our Master Management Agreement is similar to the master management agreement between Euroseas and Eurobulk relating to our vessels that were previously owned by Euroseas.  The Master Management Agreement is terminable by Eurobulk only for cause or under other limited circumstances, such as sale of the Company or Eurobulk or the bankruptcy of either party. The Master Management Agreement runs through May 30, 2023 and will automatically be extended after the initial period for an additional five-year period unless terminated on or before the 90th day preceding the initial termination date. Pursuant to the Master Management Agreement, vessels we might acquire in the future can enter into a separate management agreement with Eurobulk with the term and daily rate as specified in the Master Management Agreement.  The fee under the management agreements between Eurobulk FE and the shipowning companies follows substantially the same terms of the similar agreements with Eurobulk.

The management fee will be adjusted annually for Eurozone inflation every January 1 st . Under the Master Management Agreement, we pay Eurobulk an annual fee of $1,250,000 and a fee of 685 Euros per vessel per day in operation and 342.50 Euros per vessel per day in lay-up. In the case of newbuilding vessel contracts, the same management fee of 685 Euros will become effective when construction of the vessels actually begins.

Eurobulk FE was founded in 2015 and is based in The Philippines. Eurobulk FE manages our vessels M/V "Xenia," M/V "Tasos," M/V "Alexandros P" and M/V "Ekaterini," pursuant to a management agreement with each vessel's shipowning company and Master Management Agreement with Eurobulk FE, with terms substantially similar to the corresponding agreements of Eurobulk with the other shipowning companies.
During 2018, in exchange for providing us with the services described above, we paid Eurobulk an annual fee of $731,456. We also paid Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE a management fee of 685 Euros per vessel per day for any operating vessel and 50% (i.e. 342.5 Euros) of that amount for any vessel laid-up.  There was no adjustment for inflation from January 1, 2019, to date and, hence, we continue to pay an annual fee of $1,250,000 and a fee of 685 Euros per vessel per day in operation and 342.5 Euros per vessel per day in lay-up. In the case of newbuilding vessel contracts, the same management fee of 685 Euros becomes effective when construction of the vessels actually begins.
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Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that we possess the following competitive strengths:

·
Experienced Management Team . Our management team has significant experience in all aspects of commercial, technical, operational and financial areas of our business. Aristides J. Pittas, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, holds a dual graduate degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and Ocean Systems Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has worked in various technical, shipyard and ship management capacities and since 1991 has focused on the ownership and operation of vessels carrying dry cargoes. Dr. Anastasios Aslidis, our Chief Financial Officer, holds a Ph.D. in Ocean Systems Management also from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has over 20 years of experience, primarily as a partner at a Boston based international consulting firm focusing on investment and risk management in the maritime industry.

·
Cost Efficient Vessel Operations . We believe that because of the efficiencies afforded to us through Eurobulk, the strength of our management team and the quality of our fleet, we are, and will continue to be, a reliable, low cost vessel operator, without compromising our high standards of performance, reliability and safety. Our total vessel operating expenses, including management fees and general and administrative expenses but excluding drydocking expenses were $6,313 per day for the year ended December 31, 2018. Our technical and operating expertise allows us to efficiently manage and transport a wide range of cargoes with a flexible trade route profile, which helps reduce ballast time between voyages and minimize off-hire days. Our professional, well-trained masters, officers and on board crews further help us to control costs and ensure consistent vessel operating performance. We actively manage our fleet and strive to maximize utilization and minimize maintenance expenditures for operational and commercial utilization. For the year ended December 31, 2018, our operational fleet utilization was 99.7%, from 98.8% in 2017, while our commercial utilization rate was at 100% for both years. Our total fleet utilization rate in 2018 was 99.7%.

·
Strong Relationships with Customers and Financial Institutions . We believe ourselves, Eurobulk, Eurobulk FE and the Pittas family to have developed strong industry relationships and to have gained acceptance with charterers, lenders and insurers because of long-standing reputation for safe and reliable service and financial responsibility through various shipping cycles. Through Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE, we offer reliable service and cargo carrying flexibility that enables us to attract customers and obtain repeat business. We also believe that the established customer base and reputation of ourselves, Eurobulk, Eurobulk FE and the Pittas family help us to secure favorable employment for our vessels with well-known charterers.
Our Business Strategy
Our business strategy is focused on providing consistent shareholder returns by carefully timing and structuring acquisitions of drybulk carriers and by reliably, safely and competitively operating our vessels through Eurobulk. We continuously evaluate purchase and sale opportunities, as well as long term employment opportunities for our vessels.   Key elements of the above strategy are:

·
Renew and Expand our Fleet . We expect to grow our fleet in a disciplined manner through timely and selective acquisitions of quality vessels. We perform in-depth technical review and financial analysis of each potential acquisition and only purchase vessels as market opportunities present themselves. We focus on purchasing well-maintained secondhand vessels, newbuildings or newbuilding resales based on the evaluation of each investment option at the time it is made. In March 2017, we signed an addendum to our newbuilding contract with Jiangsu Tianyuan Marine Import & Export Co., Ltd., and Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. to proceed with the construction of an 82,000 DWT bulk carrier, which was delivered on May 7, 2018. In December 2018, we acquired another second hand Panamax drybulk carrier.

·
Maintain Balanced Employment . We intend to employ our fleet on either longer term time charters, i.e. charters with duration of more than a year, or shorter term time/spot charters. We seek longer term time charter employment to obtain adequate cash flow to cover as much as possible of our fleet's recurring costs, consisting of vessel operating expenses, management fees, general and administrative expenses, interest expense and drydocking costs for the upcoming 12-month period. We also may use FFAs – as a substitute for time charter employment – to partly provide coverage for our drybulk vessels in order to increase the predictability of our revenues.  We look to deploy the remainder of our fleet on spot charters, shipping pools or contracts of affreightment depending on our view of the direction of the markets and other tactical or strategic considerations. When we expect charter rates to improve we try to increase the percentage of our fleet employed in shorter term contracts (allowing us to take advantage of higher rates in the future), while when we expect the market to weaken we try to increase the percentage of our fleet employed in longer term contracts (allowing us to take advantage of higher current rates). We believe this balanced employment
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strategy will provide us with more predictable operating cash flows and sufficient downside protection, while allowing us to participate in the potential upside of the spot market during periods of rising charter rates. As of April 1, 2019, on the basis of our existing time charters, approximately 49% of our vessel capacity in the remainder of 2019 and approximately 5% in 2020 are under time charter contracts, which will ensure employment of a portion of our fleet, partly protect us from market fluctuations and increase our ability us to make principal and interest payments on our debt and pay dividends to our shareholders.

·
Optimize Use of Financial Leverage . We intend to use bank debt to partly fund our vessel acquisitions and increase financial returns for our shareholders. We actively assess the level of debt we incur in light of our ability to repay that debt based on the level of cash flow generated from our balanced chartering strategy and efficient operating cost structure. Our debt repayment schedule as of December 31, 2018 calls for a reduction of more than 11% of our debt by the end of 2019 and an additional reduction of about 11% by the end of 2020 for a total of 22% reduction over the next two years, excluding any new debt that we assumed or may assume. As our debt is being repaid we expect that our ability to raise or borrow additional funds more cheaply in order to grow our fleet and generate better returns for our shareholders will increase.
Our Customers
Our major charterer customers during the last three years include Klaveness, Amaggi, Norden, Panocean, Cargill and Noble amongst others. We are a relationship driven company, and our top five customers in 2018 include two of our top five customers from 2017 (Klaveness, and Amaggi) and one from 2016 (Klaveness). Our top five customers accounted for approximately 69% of our revenues in 2018 and our top four customers accounted for approximately 74% of our revenues in 2017.  In 2018, Klaveness and Amaggi accounted for 32% and 11% of our revenues, respectively.  In 2017, Klaveness, Norden, Amaggi, China National Chartering and Quadra accounted for 26%, 18%, 17% and 13% of our revenues, respectively. In 2016, Klaveness, Norden and Quadra accounted for 52%, 26% and 13% of our revenues, respectively. Our dependence on our key charterer customers is moderate as in the event of a charterer default, our vessels can generally be re-chartered at the market rate, in the spot or charter market, although such a rate could be lower than the charter rate agreed with the charterer.
The Dry Cargo Industry

Dry cargo shipping refers to the transport of certain commodities by sea between various ports in bulk or containerized form.

Drybulk commodities are typically divided into two categories — major and minor bulks. Major bulks include coal, iron ore and grains, while minor bulks include aluminum, phosphate rock, fertilizer, raw materials, agricultural and mineral cargo, cement, forest products and some steel products, including scrap.

There are five main classes of drybulk carriers — Handysize, Handymax, Panamax, Kamsarmax and Capesize. These classes represent the sizes of the vessel carrying the cargo in terms of deadweight (dwt) capacity, which is defined as the total weight including cargo that the vessel can carry when loaded to a defined load line of the vessel. Handysize vessels are the smallest of the five categories and include those vessels weighing up to 40,000 dwt. Handymax carriers are those vessels that weigh between 40,000 and 60,000 dwt, while Panamax vessels are those ranging from 60,000 dwt to 80,000 dwt. Vessels over 80,000 dwt are called Kamsarmax vessels, while vessels over 100,000 dwt are called Capesize vessels (mini-Capes 100-140,000 dwt).

Drybulk carriers are ordinarily chartered either through a voyage charter or a time charter, under a longer term contract of affreightment ("COA") or in pools. Under a voyage charter, the owner agrees to provide a vessel for the transport of cargo between specific ports in return for the payment of an agreed freight rate per ton of cargo or an agreed dollar lump sum amount. Voyage costs, such as canal and port charges and bunker expenses, are the responsibility of the owner. Under a time charter, the ship owner places the vessel at the disposal of a charterer for a given period of time in return for a specified rate (either hire per day or a specified rate per dwt capacity per month) with the voyage costs being the responsibility of the charterer. In both voyage charters and time charters, operating costs (such as repairs and maintenance, crew wages and insurance premiums), as well as drydockings and special surveys, are the responsibility of the ship owner. The duration of time charters varies, depending on the evaluation of market trends by the ship owner and by charterers. Occasionally, drybulk vessels are chartered on a bareboat basis. Under a bareboat charter, operations of the vessels and all operating costs are the responsibility of the charterer, while the owner only pays the financing costs of the vessel.
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A COA is another type of charter relationship where a charterer and a ship owner enter into a written agreement pursuant to which a specific cargo will be carried over a specified period of time. COAs benefit charterers by providing them with fixed transport costs for a commodity over an identified period of time. COAs benefit ship owners by offering ascertainable revenue over that same period of time and eliminating the uncertainty that would otherwise be caused by the volatility of the charter market. A shipping pool is a collection of similar vessel types under various ownerships, placed under the care of a single commercial manager. The manager markets the vessels as a single fleet and collects the earnings which are distributed to individual owners under a pre-arranged weighing system by which each participating vessel receives its share. Pools have the size and scope to combine voyage charters, time charters and COA with freight forward agreements for hedging purposes, to perform more efficient vessel scheduling thereby increasing fleet utilization.

The international drybulk shipping industry is cyclical and volatile, having reached historical highs in 2008 and historical lows in 2016. Charter rates improved in 2017, however, they remained below profitable levels for most of the year. In 2018 the charter rates improved significantly before turning back to the 2017 levels at the beginning of 2019. The development of charter rates is dependent on the supply of and demand for drybulk vessels. Demand for vessels depends on the international trade of drybulk commodities which, in turn, is affected by the economic growth, infrastructure investment and industrial production of major importing regions like Europe and Far East amongst others as well as the production of drybulk commodities by exporters like Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Argentina and Russia amongst others. During 2017, global seaborne dry bulk trade growth (in tons) reached 4.1% according to industry analysts the highest annual growth since 2014, however, trade growth in 2018 slowed down to 2.5%. In Apri 2019, the International Monetary Fund revised downward its world economic growth forecast for 2019 and 2020 indicating a challenging macroeconomic environment for continuing drybulk seaborne trade growth.

At the same time, the supply of drybulk vessels cannot be changed drastically in the short term as it takes about nine months to build a ship and, usually, there is a lag of, at least, fifteen to eighteen months between placing an order to build a vessel and its delivery. In the near term, supply is limited by the existing number of vessels and can only be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the operating speed of a vessel but various economic and operational factors could limit the range of such adjustments. As of April 1, 2019, the backlog of vessels under construction ("orderbook") is about 11% of the fleet and it is scheduled to be delivered mostly over the next three years. This level of orderbook reflects lower newbuilding orders placed during 2016 and 2017 due to the depressed charter rates in those years and will limit supply growth during 2019 while supply growth in 2020 might be higher due to higher level of orders placed in 2018. More than half of the orderbook is concentrated on Capesize vessels (14.8% of the Capesize fleet), while vessels below 100,000 dwt, the segment in which our vessels compete, face an orderbook of 8.6% of the fleet and, consequently, less supply growth. The above levels of orderbook along with trends of vessel withdrawals in 2019 indicate that growth of fleet is likely to remain comparable to drybulk trade growth, thus, providing a foundation for charter rates to retain the present levels.

Typically, periods of high charter rates result in an increased rate of new vessel ordering, often more than what the demand levels warrant; these vessels beginning to be delivered eighteen months or more later when demand growth for vessels often slows down creating oversupply and quick correction of charter rates. The cyclicality of charter rates is also reflected in vessel values.

Our Competitors
We operate in markets that are highly competitive and based primarily on supply and demand. We compete for charters on the basis of price, vessel location, size, age and vessel condition, as well as on reputation. Eurobulk arranges our charters (whether spot charters, time charters or shipping pools) through Eurochart S.A. ("Eurochart"), an affiliated brokering company which negotiates the terms of the charters based on market conditions. We compete primarily with other shipowners of carriers in the drybulk sector. Ownership of drybulk carriers is highly fragmented and is divided among state controlled and independent shipowners. Some of our publicly listed competitors include Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (NASDAQ: EGLE), Genco Shipping and Trading Limited (NYSE: GNK), Navios Maritime Partners Inc. (NYSE: NMM), Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: SBLK), Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE: SB) and Globus Maritime Limited (NASDAQ: GLBS).
Seasonality
Coal, iron ore and grains trades, the major commodities of the drybulk shipping industry, are somewhat seasonal in nature. Energy markets primarily affect the demand for coal, higher demand is witnessed mainly during summer periods when air conditioning and refrigeration require more electricity and towards the end of the calendar year in anticipation of the forthcoming winter period. Demand for iron ore tends to decline in the summer months
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because many of the major steel users, such as automobile makers, significantly reduce their level of production. Grains are completely seasonal as they are driven by the harvest within a climate zone. Because three of the five largest grain producers (the United States, Canada and the European Union) are located in the northern hemisphere and the other two (Argentina and Australia) in the southern one, harvests occur throughout the year and are shipped accordingly.
Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry
Government regulation and laws significantly affect the ownership and operation of our fleet. We are subject to international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the countries in which our vessels may operate or are registered relating to safety and health and environmental protection including the storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and the remediation of contamination and liability for damage to natural resources.  Compliance with such laws, regulations and other requirements entails significant expense, including vessel modifications and implementation of certain operating procedures.
A variety of government and private entities subject our vessels to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. These entities include the local port authorities (applicable national authorities such as the United States Coast Guard ("USCG"), harbor master or equivalent), classification societies, flag state administrations (countries of registry) and charterers, particularly terminal operators. Certain of these entities require us to obtain permits, licenses, certificates and other authorizations for the operation of our vessels. Failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur substantial costs or result in the temporary suspension of the operation of one or more of our vessels.
Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for vessels that conform to stricter environmental standards. We are required to maintain operating standards for all of our vessels that emphasize operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with United States and international regulations. We believe that the operation of our vessels is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that our vessels have all material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations necessary for the conduct of our operations. However, because such laws and regulations frequently change and may impose increasingly stricter requirements, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. In addition, a future serious marine incident that causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our profitability.
While we do not carry oil as cargo, we do carry fuel oil (bunkers) in our drybulk carriers. We currently maintain, for each of our vessels, pollution liability insurance coverage of $1.0 billion per incident. If the damages from a catastrophic spill exceeded our insurance coverage, that would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating cash flows.
International Maritime Organization
 The 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 MARPOL, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974 ("SOLAS Convention") , and the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966 (the "LL Convention"). MARPOL establishes environmental standards relating to oil leakage or spilling, garbage management, sewage, air emissions, handling and disposal of noxious liquids and the handling of harmful substances in packaged forms.  MARPOL is applicable to drybulk, tanker and LNG carriers, among other vessels, and is broken into six Annexes, each of which regulates a different source of pollution. Annex I relates to oil leakage or spilling; Annexes II and III relate to harmful substances carried in bulk in liquid or in packaged form, respectively; Annexes IV and V relate to sewage and garbage management, respectively; and Annex VI, lastly, relates to air emissions. Annex VI was separately adopted by the IMO in September of 1997.
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Air Emissions
In September of 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to MARPOL to address air pollution from vessels.  Effective May 2005, Annex VI sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from all commercial vessel exhausts and prohibits "deliberate emissions" of ozone depleting substances (such as halons and chlorofluorocarbons), emissions of volatile compounds from cargo tanks, and the shipboard incineration of specific substances. Annex VI also includes a global cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions, as explained below.  Emissions of "volatile organic compounds" from certain vessels, and the shipboard incineration (from incinerators installed after January 1, 2000) of certain substances (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs) are also prohibited.  We believe that all our vessels are currently compliant in all material respects with these regulations.
The IMO's Marine Environmental Protection Committee (" MEPC") adopted amendments to Annex VI regarding emissions of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and ozone depleting substances, which entered into force on July 1, 2010.  The amended Annex VI seeks to further reduce air pollution by, among other things, implementing a progressive reduction of the amount of sulfur contained in any fuel oil used on board ships.  On October 27, 2016, at its 70 th session, the MEPC agreed to implement a global 0.5% m/m sulfur oxide emissions limit (reduced from the current 3.50%) starting from January 1, 2020.  This limitation can be met by using low-sulfur compliant fuel oil, alternative fuels, or certain exhaust gas cleaning systems.  Once the cap becomes effective, ships will be required to obtain bunker delivery notes and International Air Pollution Prevention ("IAPP") Certificates from their flag states that specify sulfur content.
Additionally, at MEPC 73, amendments to Annex VI to prohibit the carriage of bunkers above 0.5% sulfur on ships were adopted and will take effect on March 1, 2020. These regulations subject ocean-going vessels to stringent emissions controls, and may cause us to incur substantial costs. Sulfur content standards are even stricter within certain "Emission Control Areas," or ("ECAs").  As of January 1, 2015, ships operating within an ECA were not permitted to use fuel with sulfur content in excess of 0.1%.  Amended Annex VI establishes procedures for designating new ECAs.  Currently, the IMO has designated four ECAs, including specified portions of the Baltic Sea area, North Sea area, North American area and United States Caribbean area. Ocean-going vessels in these areas will be subject to stringent emission controls and may cause us to incur additional costs. Other areas in China are subject to local regulations that impose stricter emission controls. If other ECAs are approved by the IMO, or other new or more stringent requirements relating to emissions from marine diesel engines or port operations by vessels are adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or the states where we operate, compliance with these regulations could entail significant capital expenditures or otherwise increase the costs of our operations.
Amended Annex VI also establishes new tiers of stringent nitrogen oxide emissions standards for marine diesel engines, depending on their date of installation.  At the MEPC meeting held from March to April 2014, amendments to Annex VI were adopted which address the date on which Tier III Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) standards in ECAs will go into effect.  Under the amendments, Tier III NOx standards apply to ships that operate in the North American and U.S. Caribbean Sea ECAs designed for the control of NOx produced by vessels with a marine diesel engine installed and constructed on or after January 1, 2016.  Tier III requirements could apply to areas that will be designated for Tier III NOx in the future.  At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, the MEPC approved the North Sea and Baltic Sea as ECAs for nitrogen oxide for ships built after January 1, 2021. The EPA promulgated equivalent (and in some senses stricter) emissions standards in late 2009.  As a result of these designations or similar future designations, we may be required to incur additional operating or other costs.
As determined at the MEPC 70, the new Regulation 22A of MARPOL Annex VI became effective as of March 1, 2018 and requires ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to collect and report annual data on fuel oil consumption to an IMO database, with the first year of data collection commencing on January 1, 2019.   The IMO intends to use such data as the first step in its roadmap (through 2023) for developing its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, as discussed further below.
As of January 1, 2013, MARPOL made mandatory certain measures relating to energy efficiency for ships. All ships are now required to develop and implement Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans ("SEEMPS"), and new ships must be designed in compliance with minimum energy efficiency levels per capacity mile as defined by the Energy Efficiency Design Index ("EEDI").  Under these measures, by 2025, all new ships built will be 30% more energy efficient than those built in 2014.
We may incur costs to comply with these revised standards. Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could require the installation of expensive emission control systems and could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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Safety Management System Requirements
The SOLAS Convention was amended to address the safe manning of vessels and emergency training drills.  The Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (the "LLMC") sets limitations of liability for a loss of life or personal injury claim or a property claim against ship owners. We believe that our vessels are in substantial compliance with SOLAS and LLMC standards.
Under Chapter IX of the SOLAS Convention, or the ISM Code, our operations are also subject to environmental standards and requirements. The ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies. We rely upon the safety management system that we and our technical management team have developed for compliance with the ISM Code. The failure of a vessel owner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject such party to increased liability, may decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel's management with the ISM Code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a safety management certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code. We have obtained applicable documents of compliance for our offices and safety management certificates for all of our vessels for which the certificates are required by the IMO. The document of compliance and safety management certificate are renewed as required.
Although all our vessels are currently ISM Code-certified, such certification may not be maintained by all our vessels at all times. Non-compliance with the ISM Code may subject such party to increased liability, invalidate existing insurance or decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard and E.U. authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and E.U. ports.
Regulation II-1/3-10 of the SOLAS Convention governs ship construction and stipulates that ships over 150 meters in length must have adequate strength, integrity and stability to minimize risk of loss or pollution. Goal-based standards amendments in SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 entered into force in 2012, with July 1, 2016 set for application to new oil tankers and bulk carriers.   The SOLAS Convention regulation II-1/3-10 on goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers, which entered into force on January 1, 2012, requires that all oil tankers and bulk carriers of 150 meters in length and above, for which the building contract is placed on or after July 1, 2016, satisfy applicable structural requirements conforming to the functional requirements of the International Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (GBS Standards).
Amendments to the SOLAS Convention Chapter VII apply to vessels transporting dangerous goods and require those vessels be in compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code ("IMDG Code"). Effective January 1, 2018, the IMDG Code includes (1) updates to the provisions for radioactive material, reflecting the latest provisions from the International Atomic Energy Agency, (2) new marking, packing and classification requirements for dangerous goods, and (3) new mandatory training requirements.
The IMO has also adopted the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers ("STCW").  As of February 2017, all seafarers are required to meet the STCW standards and be in possession of a valid STCW certificate.  Flag states that have ratified SOLAS and STCW generally employ the classification societies, which have incorporated SOLAS and STCW requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance.
Furthermore, recent action 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 near future in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats. For example, cyber-risk management systems must be incorporated by ship-owners and managers by 2021. This might cause companies to create additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional expenses and/or capital expenditures. The impact of such regulations is hard to predict at this time.
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Pollution Control and Liability Requirements
The IMO has negotiated international conventions that impose liability for pollution in international waters and the territorial waters of the signatories to such conventions. For example, the IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (the "BWM Convention") in 2004. The BWM Convention entered into force on September 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.
On December 4, 2013, the IMO Assembly passed a resolution revising the application dates of BWM Convention so that the dates are triggered by the entry into force date and not the dates originally in the BWM Convention.  This, in effect, makes all vessels delivered before the entry into force date "existing vessels" and allows for the installation of ballast water management systems on such vessels at the first International Oil Pollution Prevention ("IOPP") renewal survey following entry into force of the convention. The MEPC adopted updated guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) at MEPC 70. At MEPC 71, the schedule regarding the BWM Convention's implementation dates was also discussed and amendments were introduced to extend the date existing vessels are subject to certain ballast water standards.  Ships over 400 gross tons generally must comply with a "D-1 standard," requiring the exchange of ballast water only in open seas and away from coastal waters.  The "D-2 standard" specifies the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged, and compliance dates vary depending on the IOPP renewal dates. Depending on the date of the IOPP renewal survey, existing vessels must comply with the D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2019. For most ships, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms.  Ballast Water Management systems, which include systems that make use of chemical, biocides, organisms or biological mechanisms, or which alter the chemical or physical characteristics of the Ballast Water, must be approved in accordance with IMO Guidelines (Regulation D-3). Costs of compliance may be substantial.
Once mid-ocean ballast water treatment requirements become mandatory under the BWM Convention, the cost of compliance could increase for ocean carriers and may have a material effect on our operations. However, many countries already regulate the discharge of ballast water carried by vessels from country to country to prevent the introduction of invasive and harmful species via such discharges. The U.S., for example, requires vessels entering its waters from another country to conduct mid-ocean ballast exchange, or undertake some alternate measure, and to comply with certain reporting requirements.
The IMO also adopted the Bunker Convention to impose strict liability on ship owners (including the registered owner, bareboat charterer, manager or operator) for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel. The Bunker Convention requires registered owners of ships over 1,000 gross tons to maintain insurance for pollution damage in an amount equal to the limits of liability under the applicable national or international limitation regime (but not exceeding the amount calculated in accordance with the LLMC).  With respect to non-ratifying states, liability for spills or releases of oil carried as fuel in ship's bunkers typically is determined by the national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where the events or damages occur.
Ships are required to maintain a certificate attesting that they maintain adequate insurance to cover an incident. In jurisdictions, such as the United States where the Bunker Convention has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or on a strict-liability basis.
Anti‑Fouling Requirements
In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti‑fouling Systems on Ships, or the "Anti‑fouling Convention." The Anti‑fouling Convention, which entered into force on September 17, 2008, prohibits the use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels. Vessels of over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages will also be required to undergo an initial survey before the vessel is put into service or before an International Anti‑fouling System Certificate is issued for the first time; and subsequent surveys when the anti‑fouling systems are altered or replaced. We have obtained Anti‑fouling System Certificates for all of our vessels that are subject to the Anti‑fouling Convention.
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Compliance Enforcement
Noncompliance with the ISM Code or other IMO regulations may subject the ship owner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The USCG and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code by applicable deadlines will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively.  As of the date of this report, each of our vessels is ISM Code certified. However, there can be no assurance that such certificates will be maintained in the future .   The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulations might have on our operations.
United States Regulations
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA") established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills. OPA affects all "owners and operators" whose vessels trade or operate within the U.S., its territories and possessions or whose vessels operate in U.S. waters, which includes the U.S.'s territorial sea and its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone around the U.S.  The U.S. has also enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), which applies to the discharge of hazardous substances other than oil, except in limited circumstances, whether on land or at sea. OPA and CERCLA both define "owner and operator" in the case of a vessel as any person owning, operating or chartering by demise, the vessel.  Both OPA and CERCLA impact our operations.
Under OPA, vessel owners and operators are "responsible parties" and are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war) for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages arising from discharges or threatened discharges of oil from their vessels, including bunkers (fuel).  OPA defines these other damages broadly to include:

(i)
injury to, destruction or loss of, or loss of use of, natural resources and related assessment costs;

(ii)
injury to, or economic losses resulting from, the destruction of real and personal property;

(iii)
loss of subsistence use of natural resources that are injured, destroyed or lost;

(iv)
net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees or net profit revenues resulting from injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property, or natural resources;

(v)
lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property or natural resources; and

(vi)
net cost of increased or additional public services necessitated by removal activities following a discharge of oil, such as protection from fire, safety or health hazards, and loss of subsistence use of natural resources.
OPA contains statutory caps on liability and damages; such caps do not apply to direct cleanup costs.  Effective December 21, 2015, 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 $1,100 per gross ton or $939,800 (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 where the responsible party knows or has reason to know of the incident; (ii) reasonably cooperate and assist as requested in connection with oil removal activities; or (iii) without sufficient cause, comply with an order issued under the Federal Water Pollution Act (Section 311 (c), (e)) or the Intervention on the High Seas Act.
CERCLA contains a similar liability regime whereby owners and operators of vessels are liable for cleanup, removal and remedial costs, as well as damages for injury to, or destruction or loss of, natural resources, including the reasonable costs associated with assessing the same, and health assessments or health effects studies. There is no liability if the discharge of a hazardous substance results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war. Liability under CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5.0 million for vessels carrying a hazardous substance as cargo and the greater of $300 per gross ton or $500,000 for any other vessel. These limits do not apply (rendering the responsible person liable for the total cost of response and damages) if the release
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or threat of release of a hazardous substance resulted from willful misconduct or negligence, or the primary cause of the release was a violation of applicable safety, construction or operating standards or regulations.  The limitation on liability also does not apply if the responsible person fails or refused to provide all reasonable cooperation and assistance as requested in connection with response activities where the vessel is subject to OPA.
OPA and CERCLA each preserve the right to recover damages under existing law, including maritime tort law.  OPA and CERCLA both require owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the USCG evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the maximum amount of liability to which the particular responsible person may be subject. Vessel owners and operators may satisfy their financial responsibility obligations by providing a proof of insurance, a surety bond, qualification as a self-insurer or a guarantee. We comply and plan to comply going forward with the USCG's financial responsibility regulations by providing applicable certificates of financial responsibility.
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in additional regulatory initiatives or statutes, including higher liability caps under OPA, new regulations regarding offshore oil and gas drilling, and a pilot inspection program for offshore facilities. However, several of these initiatives and regulations have been or may be revised. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement's ("BSEE") revised Production Safety Systems Rule ("PSSR"), effective December 27, 2018, modified and relaxed certain environmental and safety protections under the 2016 PSSR. Additionally, the BSEE released proposed changes to the Well Control Rule,   which could roll back certain reforms regarding the safety of drilling operations, and pursuant to orders by the U.S. President in early 2017, the BSEE announced in August 2017 that this rule would be revised. In January 2018, the U.S. President proposed leasing new sections of U.S. waters to oil and gas companies for offshore drilling, expanding the U.S. waters that are available for such activity over the next five years.  The effects of these proposals are currently unknown. Compliance with any new requirements of OPA and future legislation or regulations applicable to the operation of our vessels could impact the cost of our operations and adversely affect our business.
OPA specifically permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, provided they accept, at a minimum, the levels of liability established under OPA and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills. Many U.S. states that border a navigable waterway have enacted environmental pollution laws that impose strict liability on a person for removal costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance.  These laws may be more stringent than U.S. federal law.  Moreover, some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within their waters, although in some cases, states which have enacted this type of legislation have not yet issued implementing regulations defining vessel owners' responsibilities under these laws. The Company intends to comply with all applicable state regulations in the ports where the Company's 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, it could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operation.
Other United States Environmental Initiatives
The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970 (including its amendments of 1977 and 1990) ("CAA") requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants.  The CAA requires states to adopt State Implementation Plans, or SIPs, some of which regulate emissions resulting from vessel loading and unloading operations which may affect our vessels.
The U.S. Clean Water Act ("CWA") prohibits the discharge of oil, hazardous substances and ballast water in U.S. navigable waters unless authorized by a duly-issued permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for any unauthorized discharges. The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA and CERCLA. In 2015, the EPA expanded the definition of "waters of the United States" ("WOTUS"), thereby expanding federal authority under the CWA. Following litigation on the revised WOTUS rule, in December 2018, the EPA and Department of the Army proposed a revised, limited definition of "waters of the United States."

The EPA and the USCG have also enacted rules relating to ballast water discharge, compliance with which requires the installation of equipment on our vessels to treat ballast water before it is discharged or the implementation of other port facility disposal arrangements or procedures at potentially substantial costs, and/or otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. Waters.  The EPA will regulate these ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain vessels within United States waters pursuant to the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act ("VIDA"), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018 and will replace the 2013 Vessel General
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Permit ("VGP") program (which authorizes discharges incidental to operations of commercial vessels and contains numeric ballast water discharge limits for most vessels to reduce the risk of invasive species in U.S. waters, stringent requirements for exhaust gas scrubbers, and requirements for the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants) and current Coast Guard ballast water management regulations adopted under the U.S. National Invasive Species Act ("NISA"), such as mid-ocean ballast exchange programs and installation of approved USCG technology for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks bound for U.S. ports or entering U.S. waters. VIDA establishes a new framework for the regulation of vessel incidental discharges under Clean Water Act (CWA), requires the EPA to develop performance standards for those discharges within two years of enactment, and requires the U.S. Coast Guard to develop implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations within two years of EPA's promulgation of standards. Under VIDA, all provisions of the 2013 VGP and USCG regulations regarding ballast water treatment remain in force and effect until the EPA and U.S. Coast Guard regulations are finalized. Non-military,   non-recreational vessels greater than 79 feet in length must continue to comply with the requirements of the VGP, including submission of a Notice of Intent ("NOI") or retention of a PARI form and submission of annual reports. We have submitted NOIs for our vessels where required.

Compliance with the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard and state regulations could require the installation of ballast water treatment equipment on our vessels or the implementation of other port facility disposal procedures at potentially substantial cost, or may otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. waters.
European Union Regulations
In October 2009, the European Union amended a directive to impose criminal sanctions for illicit ship-source discharges of polluting substances, including minor discharges, if committed with intent, recklessly or with serious negligence and the discharges individually or in the aggregate result in deterioration of the quality of water.  Aiding and abetting the discharge of a polluting substance may also lead to criminal penalties.  The directive applies to all types of vessels, irrespective of their flag, but certain exceptions apply to warships or where human safety or that of the ship is in danger.  Criminal liability for pollution may result in substantial penalties or fines and increased civil liability claims.
Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 (amending EU Directive 2009/16/EC) governs the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport, and, subject to some exclusions, requires companies with ships over 5,000 gross tonnage to monitor and report carbon dioxide emissions annually starting on January 1, 2018, which may cause us to incur additional expenses.  The maritime EU-MRV regulation applies to all merchant ships of 5,000 gross tons or above on voyages from, to and between ports under jurisdiction of E.U. member states. Ships above 5,000 gross tons account for around 55.0% of the number of ships calling into E.U. ports and represent around 90.0% of the related emissions. Companies operating the vessels will have to monitor the CO2 emissions released while in port and for any voyages to or from a port under the jurisdiction of an E.U. member state and to keep records on CO2 emissions on both per-voyage and annual bases.  We submitted a monitoring plan to verifiers for each of our ships indicating the method chosen to monitor and report CO2 emissions and other relevant information, and, as of January 1, 2018, such plans were subsequently dispatched to each of our vessels for implementation. These or other developments may result in financial impacts on our operations that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.
The European Union has adopted several regulations and directives requiring, among other things, more frequent inspections of high-risk ships, as determined by type, age, and flag as well as the number of times the ship has been detained.  The European Union also adopted and extended a ban on substandard ships and enacted a minimum ban period and a definitive ban for repeated offenses.  The regulation also provided the European Union with greater authority and control over classification societies, by imposing more requirements on classification societies and providing for fines or penalty payments for organizations that failed to comply. Furthermore, the EU has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines. The EU Directive 2005/33/EC (amending Directive 1999/32/EC) introduced requirements parallel to those in Annex VI relating to the sulfur content of marine fuels. In addition, the EU imposed a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in EU ports.
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International Labour Organization
The International Labor Organization (the "ILO") is a specialized agency of the UN that has adopted the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 ("MLC 2006"). A Maritime Labor Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance is required to ensure compliance with the MLC 2006 for all ships above 500 gross tons in international trade.  We believe that all our vessels are in substantial compliance with and are certified to meet MLC 2006.
Greenhouse Gas Regulation
Currently, the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which entered into force in 2005 and pursuant to which adopting countries have been required to implement national programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with targets extended through 2020.  International negotiations are continuing with respect to a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, and restrictions on shipping emissions may be included in any new treaty. In December 2009, more than 27 nations, including the U.S. and China, signed the Copenhagen Accord, which includes a non-binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris resulted in the Paris Agreement, which entered into force on November 4, 2016   and does not directly limit greenhouse gas emissions from ships.  On June 1, 2017, the U.S. President announced that the United States is withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.  The timing and effect of such action has yet to be determined, but the Paris Agreement provides for a four-year exit process.
At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, a draft outline of the structure of the initial strategy for developing a comprehensive IMO strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships was approved. In accordance with this roadmap, in April 2018, nations at the MEPC 72 adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships.  The initial strategy identifies "levels of ambition" to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including (1) decreasing the carbon intensity from ships through implementation of further phases of the EEDI for new ships; (2) reducing carbon dioxide emissions per transport work, as an average across international shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008 emission levels; and (3) reducing the total annual greenhouse emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 while pursuing efforts towards phasing them out entirely. The initial strategy notes that technological innovation, alternative fuels and/or energy sources for international shipping will be integral to achieve the overall ambition. These regulations could cause us to incur additional substantial expenses.
The EU made a unilateral commitment to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions from its member states from 20% of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU also committed to reduce its emissions by 20% under the Kyoto Protocol's second period from 2013 to 2020.  Starting in January 2018, large ships calling at EU ports are 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. However, in March 2017, the U.S. President signed an executive order to review and possibly eliminate the EPA's plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA or individual U.S. states could enact environmental regulations that would affect our operations.
Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the EU, the U.S. or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level to succeed the Kyoto Protocol or Paris Agreement, that restricts emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures which we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Even in the absence of climate control legislation, our business may be indirectly affected to the extent that climate change may result in sea level changes or certain weather events.
Vessel Security Regulations
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, there have been a variety of initiatives intended to enhance vessel security such as the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 ("MTSA"). To implement certain portions of the MTSA, the USCG issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and at certain ports and facilities, some of which are regulated by the EPA.
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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 ("the ISPS Code").  The ISPS Code is designed to enhance the security of ports and ships against terrorism.  To trade internationally, a vessel must attain an International Ship Security Certificate ("ISSC"), from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel's flag state.  Ships operating without a valid certificate may be detained, expelled from, or refused entry at port until they obtain an ISSC. The various requirements, some of which are found in the SOLAS Convention   include, for example, on-board installation of automatic identification systems to provide a means for the automatic transmission of safety-related information from among similarly equipped ships and shore stations, including information on a ship's identity, position, course, speed and navigational status; on-board installation of ship security alert systems, which do not sound on the vessel but only alert the authorities on shore; the development of vessel security plans; ship identification number to be permanently marked on a vessel's hull; a continuous synopsis record kept onboard showing a vessel's history including the name of the ship, the state whose flag the ship is entitled to fly, the date on which the ship was registered with that state, the ship's identification number, the port at which the ship is registered and the name of the registered owner(s) and their registered address; and compliance with flag state security certification requirements.
The USCG regulations, intended to align with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from MTSA vessel security measures, provided such vessels have on board a valid ISSC that attests to the vessel's compliance with the SOLAS Convention security requirements and the ISPS Code. Future security measures could have a significant financial impact on us. We intend to comply with the various security measures addressed by MTSA, the SOLAS Convention and the ISPS Code.
The cost of vessel security measures has also been affected by the escalation in the frequency of acts of piracy against ships, notably off the coast of Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea area. Substantial loss of revenue and other costs may be incurred as a result of detention of a vessel or additional security measures, and the risk of uninsured losses could significantly affect our business. Costs are incurred in taking additional security measures in accordance with Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy, notably those contained in the BMP5 industry standard.
Inspection by Classification Societies
The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and SOLAS. Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage and lending that a vessel be certified "in class" by a classification society which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, the IACS. The IACS has adopted harmonized Common Structural Rules, or the Rules, which apply to oil tankers and bulk carriers constructed on or after July 1, 2015.  The Rules attempt to create a level of consistency between IACS Societies.   All of our vessels are certified as being "in class" by all the applicable Classification Societies. Our vessels are currently classed with Lloyd's Register of Shipping, Bureau Veritas and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai. ISM and ISPS certification have been awarded by Bureau Veritas and the Panama Maritime Authority to our vessels and Eurobulk, our ship management company.
A vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys, drydockings and special surveys. In lieu of a special survey, a vessel's machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Every vessel is also required to be drydocked every 30 to 36 months for inspection of the underwater parts of the vessel. If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, drydocking or special survey, the vessel will be unable to carry cargo between ports and will be unemployable and uninsurable which could cause us to be in violation of certain covenants in our loan   agreements. Any such inability to carry cargo or be employed, or any such violation of covenants, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
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The following table lists the upcoming intermediate or special survey for the vessels in our current fleet. Special surveys typically require drydocking of the vessels while intermediate surveys may not, depending on the age of the vessel and its condition.  The intermediate surveys listed in the table below will not require drydocking of the vessels.

Vessel
Next
Type
     
STARLIGHT
May 2019
Special Survey
EIRINI P
September 2019
Special Survey
PANTELIS
January 2020
Intermediate Survey (Drydocking)
TASOS
January 2020
Intermediate Survey (Drydocking)
XENIA
February 2021
Special Survey
ALEXANDROS P
January 2020
Intermediate Survey
EKATERINI
May 2021
Intermediate Survey
Risk of Loss and Liability Insurance
General
The operation of any cargo vessel includes risks such as mechanical failure, physical damage, collision, property loss, cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, piracy incidents, hostilities and labor strikes. In addition, there is always an inherent possibility of marine disaster, including oil spills and other environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating vessels in international trade. OPA, which imposes virtually unlimited liability upon shipowners, operators and bareboat charterers of any vessel trading in the exclusive economic zone of the United States for certain oil pollution accidents in the United States, has made liability insurance more expensive for shipowners and operators trading in the United States market. We carry insurance coverage as customary in the shipping industry. However, not all risks can be insured, specific claims may be rejected, and we might not be always able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates.
Hull and Machinery Insurance
We procure hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes environmental damage and pollution insurance and war risk insurance and freight, demurrage and defense insurance for our fleet. We generally do not maintain insurance against loss of hire (except for certain charters for which we consider it appropriate), which covers business interruptions that result in the loss of use of a vessel.
Protection and Indemnity Insurance
Protection and indemnity insurance is provided by mutual protection and indemnity associations, or P&I Associations, covers our third-party liabilities in connection with our shipping activities. This includes third-party liability and other related expenses of injury or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels, damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances, and salvage, towing and other related costs, including wreck removal. Protection and indemnity insurance is a form of mutual indemnity insurance, extended by protection and indemnity mutual associations, or "clubs."
Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage for pollution is $1 billion per vessel per incident. The 13 P&I Associations that comprise the International Group insure approximately 90% of the world's commercial tonnage and have entered into a pooling agreement to reinsure each association's liabilities. The International Group's website states that the Pool provides a mechanism for sharing all claims in excess of US$10 million up to, currently, approximately US$8.2 billion. As a member of a P&I Association, which is a member of the International Group, we are subject to calls payable to the associations based on our claim records as well as the claim records of all other members of the individual associations and members of the shipping pool of P&I Associations comprising the International Group.
C.
Organizational structure
EuroDry is the sole owner of all outstanding shares of the subsidiaries listed in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements under "Item 18. Financial Statements" and in Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report.
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D.
Property, plants and equipment
We do not own any real estate property.  As part of the management services provided by Eurobulk during the period in which we have conducted business to date, we have shared, at no additional cost, offices with Eurobulk.  We do not have current plans to lease or purchase office space, although we may do so in the future.
Our interests in our vessels are owned through our wholly-owned vessel owning subsidiaries and these are our only material properties. Please refer to Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and General Information", of the attached Financial Statements for a listing of our vessel owning subsidiaries.  Our vessels are subject to priority mortgages, which secure our obligations under our various credit facilities. For further details regarding our credit facilities, refer to "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Credit Facilities."
Item 4A.   Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 5.   Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with "Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors", "Item 4. Business Overview", and our financial statements and footnotes thereto contained in this annual report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements, which are based on our assumptions about the future of our business. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Please read "Forward-Looking Statements" for additional information regarding forward-looking statements used in this annual report. Reference in the following discussion to "we," "our" and "us" refer to EuroDry and our subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise indicates or requires.

We actively manage the deployment of our fleet between spot market voyage charters, which generally last from several days to several weeks, and time charters, which can last up to several years.  Some of our vessels may participate in shipping pools, or, in some cases in contracts of affreightment. We may also use FFA contracts to provide partial coverage for our drybulk vessels – as a substitute for time charters – in order to increase the predictability of our revenues.

Vessels operating on time charters provide more predictable cash flows but can yield lower profit margins than vessels operating in the spot market during periods characterized by favorable market conditions. Vessels operating in the spot market generate revenues that are less predictable but may enable us to achieve increased profit margins during periods of high vessel rates although we are exposed to the risk of declining vessel rates, which may have a materially adverse impact on our financial performance. Vessels operating in pools benefit from better scheduling, and thus increased utilization, and better access to contracts of affreightment due to the larger commercial operation of the pool. We are constantly evaluating opportunities to increase the number of our vessels deployed on time charters or to participate in shipping pools (if available for our vessels), however we only expect to enter into additional time charters or shipping pools if we can obtain contract terms that satisfy our criteria.  We carefully evaluate the length and the rate of the time charter contract at the time of fixing or renewing a contract considering market conditions, trends and expectations.

We constantly evaluate vessel purchase opportunities to expand our fleet accretive to our earnings and cash flow. Additionally, we will consider selling certain of our vessels when favorable sales opportunities present themselves. If, at the time of sale, the carrying value is less than the sales price, we will realize a gain on sale, which will increase our earnings, but if , at the time of sale, the carrying value of a vessel is more than the sales price, we will realize a loss on sale, which will negatively impact our earnings. Please see "Critical Accounting Policies", below, for a further discussion of the consequences of selling our vessels for amounts below their carrying values.
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A.   Operating results
Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
We believe that the important measures for analyzing trends in the results of our operations consist of the following:
Calendar days . We define calendar days as the total number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet was in our possession including off-hire days associated with major repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys. Calendar days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that we record during that period.
Available days. We define available days as the total number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet was in our possession net of off-hire days associated with scheduled repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys. The shipping industry uses available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels were available to generate revenues.
Voyage days. We define voyage days as the total number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet was in our possession net of off-hire days associated with scheduled and unscheduled repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys or days waiting to find employment but including days our vessels were sailing for repositioning. The shipping industry uses voyage days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels actually generate revenues.
Fleet utilization . We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of our voyage days during a period by the number of our available days during that period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company's efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the amount of days that its vessels are off-hire either waiting to find employment, or commercial off-hire, or for reasons such as unscheduled repairs or other off-hire time related to the operation of the vessels, or operational off-hire.  We distinguish our fleet utilization into commercial and operational. We calculate our commercial fleet utilization by dividing our available days net of commercial off-hire days during a period by our available days during that period.  We calculate our operational fleet utilization by dividing our available days net of operational off-hire days during a period by our available days during that period.
Spot Charter Rates . Spot charter rates are volatile and fluctuate on a seasonal and year to year basis. The fluctuations are caused by imbalances in the availability of cargoes for shipment and the number of vessels available at any given time to transport these cargoes.
Time Charter Equivalent, or TCE. A standard maritime industry performance measure used to evaluate performance is the daily time charter equivalent, or daily TCE. Daily TCE revenues are time charter revenues and voyage charter revenues minus voyage expenses divided by the number of voyage days during the relevant time period. Voyage expenses primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise be paid by a charterer under a time charter whereas under spot market voyage charters, we pay such voyage expenses. We believe that the daily TCE neutralizes the variability created by unique costs associated with particular voyages or the employment of drybulk carriers on time charter or on the spot market (drybulk vessels are, generally, chartered on a time charter basis) and presents a more accurate representation of the revenues generated by our vessels. Our definition of TCE may not be comparable to that used by other companies in the shipping industry.
Basis of Presentation and General Information
We use the following measures to describe our financial performance:
Time charter revenue and Voyage charter revenue. Our charter revenues are driven primarily by the number of vessels in our fleet, the number of voyage days during which our vessels generate revenues and the amount of daily charter revenue that our vessels earn under charters, which, in turn, are affected by a number of factors, including our decisions relating to vessel acquisitions and disposals, the amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels, the amount of time that our vessels spend in drydock undergoing repairs, maintenance and upgrade work, the age, condition and specifications of our vessels, levels of supply and demand in the transportation market, the number of vessels on time charters, spot charters and in pools and other factors affecting charter rates in the drybulk market.
Commissions. We pay commissions on all chartering arrangements of 1.25% to Eurochart, a company affiliated with our CEO, plus additional commission of usually up to 5% to other brokers involved in the transaction, plus address commission of usually up to 3.75% deducted from charter hire. These additional commissions, as well as changes to charter rates will cause our commission expenses to fluctuate from period to period. Eurochart also
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receives a fee equal to 1% calculated as stated in the relevant memorandum of agreement for any vessel sold by it on our behalf.
Voyage expenses. Voyage expenses primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage which would otherwise be paid by the charterer under a time charter contract, as well as commissions. Under time charters, the charterer pays voyage expenses whereas under spot market voyage charters, we pay such expenses. The amounts of such voyage expenses are driven by the mix of charters undertaken during the period.
Vessel operating expenses. Vessel operating expenses include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance, the costs of spares and consumable stores, tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses. Our vessel operating expenses, which generally represent fixed costs, have historically changed in line with the size of our fleet. Other factors beyond our control, some of which may affect the shipping industry in general (including, for instance, developments relating to market prices for insurance or inflationary increases) may also cause these expenses to increase.
Related party management fees. These are the fees that we pay to our affiliated ship managers under our management agreements for the technical and commercial management that Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE perform on our behalf.
Vessel depreciation . We depreciate our vessels on a straight-line basis with reference to the cost of the vessel, age and scrap value as estimated at the date of acquisition. Depreciation is calculated over the remaining useful life of the vessel. Remaining useful lives of property are periodically reviewed and revised to recognize changes in conditions, new regulations or other reasons. Revisions of estimated lives are recognized over current and future periods.
Drydocking and special survey expense. Our vessels are required to be drydocked approximately every 30 to 60 months for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while the vessels are trading. Drydocking and special survey expenses are accounted on the direct expense method as this method eliminates the significant amount of time and subjectivity to determine which costs and activities related to drydocking and special survey should be deferred.
Interest expense and loan costs. We traditionally finance vessel acquisitions partly with debt on which we incur interest expense. The interest rate we pay is generally linked to the 3-month LIBOR rate, although from time to time we may utilize fixed rate loans or could use interest rate swaps to eliminate our interest rate exposure. Interest due is expensed in the period incurred. Loan costs are deferred and amortized over the period of the loan; the un-amortized portion is written-off if the loan is prepaid early.
Other general and administrative expenses. We incur expenses consisting mainly of executive compensation, professional fees, directors' liability insurance and reimbursement of our directors' and officers' travel-related expenses. We acquire executive services of our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief administrative officer, internal auditor and corporate secretary, through Eurobulk as part of our Master Management Agreement.
In evaluating our financial condition, we focus on the above measures to assess our historical operating performance and we use future estimates of the same measures to assess our future financial performance.  In addition, we use the amount of cash at our disposal and our total indebtedness to assess our short term liquidity needs and our ability to finance additional acquisitions with available resources (see also discussion under "Capital Expenditures" below).  In assessing the future performance of our present fleet, the greatest uncertainty relates to the spot market performance which affects those of our vessels that are not employed under fixed time charter contracts as well as the level of the new charter rates for the charters that are to expire. Decisions about the acquisition of additional vessels or possible sales of existing vessels are based on financial and operational evaluation of such action and depend on the overall state of the drybulk vessel market, the availability of purchase candidates, available employment, anticipated drydocking cost and our general assessment of economic prospects for the sectors in which we operate.

Results from Operations
Year ended December 31, 2018 compared to year ended December 31, 2017
Time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue . Time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue for 2018 amounted to $25.93 million, increasing by 27.9% compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 during which voyage revenues amounted to $20.28 million. In 2018, we operated an average of 5.74 vessels, a 16.2% increase over the average of 4.94 vessels we operated during the same period in 2017. In the year 2018 our fleet had 2,045 voyage days earning revenue as compared to 1,781 voyage days earning revenue in 2017.  While employed, our vessels generated a time-charter equivalent (or "TCE") rate, of $12,481 per day per vessel in 2018 compared to a TCE rate of $10,042 per day per vessel in 2017, an increase of 24.3%.  The average TCE rate our vessels achieve is a combination of the time charter rate earned by our vessels under time charter contracts and pool agreements, which is not influenced by market developments during the duration of the charter (unless the two charter parties renegotiate the terms of the
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charter or the charterer is unable to make the contracted payments or we enter into new charter party agreements), and the TCE rate earned by our vessels employed in the spot market which is influenced by market developments.
Commissions . We paid a total of $1.41 million in charter commissions for the year ended December 31, 2018, representing 5.4% of charter revenues. This represents an increase over the year ended December 31, 2017, where commissions paid were $1.12 million, representing 5.5% of charter revenues.
Voyage expenses . Voyage expenses for the year were $0.41 million and relate to expenses for repositioning voyages between time charter contracts   and ballast voyages, and owners expenses at certain ports. For the year ended December 31, 2017, voyage expenses amounted to $2.4 million. Our vessels are, generally, chartered under time charter contracts. Voyage expenses, usually, represent a small fraction (1.58% and 11.82% in each of 2018 and 2017, respectively) of voyage revenues.  In 2017 some of our drybulk vessels were chartered on voyage charters to capitalise on the rising drybulk market, hence the higher percentage compared to 2018. Voyage expenses are dependent on the number of voyage charters, the cost of fuel, port costs and canal tolls and the number of days our vessels sailed without a charter.
Vessel operating expenses . Vessel operating expenses were $9.18 million in 2018 compared to $6.89 million in 2017 reflecting the higher average number of vessels operated during 2018 and the higher daily operating costs per vessel.  Daily vessel operating expenses per vessel amounted to $4,381 per day in 2018 versus $3,825 per day in 2017, an increase of 14.5%, mainly due to the timing of certain maintenance expenses occurring in the beginning of 2018 and higher initial expenses for the secondhand vessel acquired in the same year alongside some  repairs and spare replacements performed concurrently with the drydocking of the two vessels that underwent special survey.
Related party management fees . These are part of the fees we pay to Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE under our Master Management Agreement. During 2018, Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE charged us 685 Euros per day per vessel totalling $1.7 million for the year, or $812 per day per vessel. During 2017, Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE charged us 685 Euros per day per vessel totalling $1.41 million for the year, or $782 per day per vessel. The increase in the total amount of U.S. dollars paid within 2018 is due to the higher number of vessels operated within the year 2018 compared to the previous year and due to unfavorable movement in the $/euro exchange rates during 2018 compared to 2017.
Other general and administrative expenses . These expenses include the fixed portion of our management fees, incentive awards, legal and auditing fees, directors' and officers' liability insurance and other miscellaneous corporate expenses. Up to the Spin-off date, these expenses represent an allocation of the expenses incurred by Euroseas based on the number of calendar days of our vessels compared to total Euroseas fleet. For the year 2018 these expenses include a number of costs associated with the completion of the Spin-off and the listing of the Company. In 2018, we had a total of $2.35 million of general and administrative expenses as compared to $0.92 million in 2017.
Drydocking expenses. These are expenses we pay for our vessels to complete a drydocking as part of an intermediate or special survey. In 2018, we had two vessels undergoing drydocking and one vessel undergoing its intermediate survey (in-water)   for a total of $1.47 million.  During 2017, one vessel underwent its intermediate survey (in-water) for a total of $0.13 million.
Vessel depreciation . Vessel depreciation for 2018 was $5.42 million. Comparatively, vessel depreciation for 2017 amounted to $4.79 million. The increase is due to the higher number of vessels operated within the year 2018 compared to the previous year.
Interest and other financing costs. Interest expense and other financing costs for the year were $2.91 million. Comparatively, during the same period in 2017, interest and other financing costs amounted to $1.82 million. Interest incurred and loan fees were higher in 2018 due to the higher LIBOR and higher average outstanding debt during the year, as compared to 2017.
Derivatives gain/(loss). In 2018, we had a marginal realized gain and an unrealized loss of $0.05 million from the mark to market valuation on our interest rate swap contracts that we entered into in August 2017 and July 2018 compared to a marginal realized loss and an unrealized gain of $0.05 million in 2017 from the mark to market valuation on the interest rate swap entered into in August 2017. We had entered into the interest rate swaps to mitigate our exposure to possible increases in interest rates. In October 2018 we also entered into an FFA, and had a marginal realized loss and a $0.05 unrealized gain. We had entered into FFA contracts to mitigate our exposure to possible declines in the drybulk market rates.
Dividend Series B Preferred Shares. The Series B Preferred Shares paid dividends in-kind until January 29, 2019 at a rate of 5%. In 2018, the Company declared and paid in kind dividends of $0.57 million. In 2017, the Company declared and paid no dividends, since our Series B Preferred Shares were distributed at the Spin-off date.
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Net income available to common shareholders. As a result of the above, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $0.55 million compared to a net income of $0.85 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Year ended December 31, 2017 compared to year ended December 31, 2016
Time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue . Time charter revenue and voyage charter revenue for 2017 amounted to $20.28 million, increasing by 143% compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 during which voyage revenues amounted to $8.33 million. In 2017, we operated an average of 4.94 vessels, a 73% increase over the average of 2.85 vessels we operated during the same period in 2016. Specifically, during 2017, our fleet had 1,781 voyage days earning revenue as compared to 1,043 voyage days earning revenue in 2016.  While employed, our vessels generated a time-charter equivalent (or "TCE") rate, of $10,042 per day per vessel in 2017 compared to a TCE rate of $7,909 per day per vessel in 2016, an increase of 27%, which was due to significantly improved market charter rates. The average TCE rate our vessels achieve is a combination of the time charter rate earned by our vessels under time charter contracts, which is not influenced by market developments during the duration of the charter (unless the two charter parties renegotiate the terms of the charter or the charterer is unable to make the contracted payments or we enter into new charter party agreements), and the TCE rate earned by our vessels employed in the spot market which is influenced by market developments.
Commissions . We paid a total of $1.12 million in charter commissions for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing 5.5% of charter revenues. This represents a marginal increase over the year ended December 31, 2016, where commissions paid were $0.45 million, representing 5.4% of charter revenues.
Voyage expenses . Voyage expenses for the year amounted to $2.4 million and relate to expenses for certain voyage charters. For the year ended December 31, 2016, voyage expenses amounted to $0.08 million. Our vessels are generally chartered under time charter contracts. Voyage expenses usually represent a small fraction (11.8% and 1.0% in each of 2017 and 2016, respectively) of voyage revenues.  In 2017 some of our drybulk vessels were chartered on voyage charters to capitalise on the rising drybulk market, which explains the higher amount of voyage expenses compared to the year 2016. Voyage expenses are dependent on the number of voyage charters, the cost of fuel, port costs and canal tolls and the number of days our vessels sailed without a charter.
Vessel operating expenses . Vessel operating expenses amounted to $6.89 million in 2017 compared to $4.31 million in 2016.  Daily vessel operating expenses per vessel amounted to $3,825 per day in 2017 versus $4,131 per day in 2016 a decrease of 7.4% which was the result of our continuous drive to control costs and the addition of a newbuild vessel, M/V "Alexandros , " to our fleet which had lower running expenses and reduced the fleet average.
Related party management fees . These are part of the fees we pay to Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE under our Master Management Agreement. During 2017, Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE charged us 685 Euros per day per vessel totalling $1.41 million for the year, or $782 per day per vessel. During 2016, Eurobulk charged us 685 Euros per day per vessel totalling $0.78 million for the year, or $748 per day per vessel. The increase in the total amount of U.S. dollars paid within 2017 is due to the higher exchange rates of the Euro with respect to the U.S. dollar compared to the previous year and the higher number of vessels operated within the year 2017 compared to the previous year.
Other general and administrative expenses . These expenses include the fixed portion of our management fees, legal and auditing fees, directors' and officers' liability insurance and other miscellaneous corporate expenses and represent an allocation of the expenses incurred by Euroseas based on the number of calendar days of our vessels compared to total Euroseas fleet. In 2017, we had a total of $0.92 million of general and administrative expenses as compared to $0.80 million in 2016.
Drydocking expenses. These are expenses we pay for our vessels to complete a drydocking as part of an intermediate or special survey. In 2017, we had one vessel undergoing its intermediate survey (in-water) for a total of $0.13 million.  During 2016, we had no vessels undergoing drydocking.
Vessel depreciation . Vessel depreciation for 2017 was $4.79 million. Comparatively, vessel depreciation for 2016 amounted to $3.83 million. Vessel depreciation in 2017 was higher compared to 2016, due to a higher number of vessels operated in 2017.
Loss on termination and impairment of shipbuilding contracts . For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a $3.25 million loss on termination of the two Ultramax shipbuilding contracts and a $3.85 million impairment charge on one of the Kamsarmax shipbuilding contracts based on the probability of terminating the contract at the time given the significantly above-market price of the contract; subsequent to December 31, 2016, we negotiated a lower price for the newbuilding contract and decided to proceed with the construction of the vessel.
Interest and other financing costs. Interest expense and other financing costs for the year were $1.82 million. Comparatively, during the same period in 2016, interest and other financing costs amounted to $1.16 million. Interest
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incurred and loan fees were higher in 2017 due to the higher average outstanding debt during the year as compared to 2016.
Derivatives gain. In 2017, we had an unrealized gain of $0.05 million from the mark to market valuation on our interest rate swap contract that we entered into in August 2017. We entered into the interest rate swap to mitigate our exposure to possible increases in interest rates.
Net (loss) / income. As a result of the above, net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $0.85 million compared to a net loss of $10.14 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. The preparation of those financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Critical accounting policies are those that reflect significant judgments or uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We have described below what we believe are our most critical accounting policies that involve a high degree of judgment and the methods of their application.
Depreciation
We record the value of our vessels at their cost (which includes acquisition costs directly attributable to the vessel and expenditures made to prepare the vessel for its initial voyage) less accumulated depreciation and impairment (if any). Depreciation is based on cost less the estimated residual scrap value. An increase in the useful life of the vessel or in the residual value would have the effect of decreasing the annual depreciation charge and extending it into later periods. A decrease in the useful life of the vessel or in the residual value would have the effect of increasing the annual depreciation charge and possibly an impairment charge. We depreciate our vessels on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, estimated to be 25 years from date of initial delivery from the shipyard and the residual value of our vessels is estimated to be $250 per lightweight ton.
Impairment of vessels
We review our vessels held for use for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as vessel market values, vessel sales and purchases, business plans and overall market conditions) indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If we identify indication for impairment for a vessel, we determine undiscounted projected net operating cash flows for each vessel and compare it to the vessel carrying value. When the estimate of undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to be generated by the use of the asset is less than its carrying amount, we evaluate the asset for an impairment loss. In the event that impairment occurred, we would determine the fair value of the related asset and we record a charge to operations calculated by comparing the asset's carrying value to the estimated fair market value. We estimate fair market value primarily through the use of third party valuations performed on an individual vessel basis.
The carrying values of the Company's vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time since the market prices of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of newbuildings.
The Company determines the rates to be used in its impairment analysis based on the prevailing market charter rates for the first two years and on inflation-unadjusted historical average rates, from year three onwards. The Company calculates the historical average rates over a 17-year period for 2018 and a 16-year period for 2017, which both start in 2002 and take into account complete market cycles, and which provide a more representative reference for the long term rates. These rates are used for the period a vessel is not under a charter contract; if there is a contract, the charter rate of the contract is used for the period of the contract.
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Our impairment exercise is highly sensitive on variances in the time charter rates and vessel operating costs; it also requires assumptions for:

·
the effective fleet utilization rate;

·
estimated scrap values;

·
future drydocking costs; and

·
probabilities of sale for each vessel.
Our estimates for the time charter rates for the first two years are based on market information available for future rates (based on the length of charters that can be secured at the time of the analysis, generally, one to two years). Vessel utilization estimates are based on the status of each vessel at the time of the assessment and the Company's past experience in finding employment for its vessels at comparable market conditions. Cost estimates, like drydocking and operating costs, are based on the Company's data for its own vessels; past estimates for such costs have generally been very close to the actual levels observed. Specifically, we use our budgeted operating expenses escalated by 1.5% per annum and our budgeted drydocking costs, assuming a five-year special survey cycle. Overall, the assumptions are based on historical trends as well as future expectations. Although management believes that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate, such assumptions are highly subjective. Our impairment test for the year ended December 31, 2018 identified four of our vessels with indication for impairment as presented in the following table. For these vessels, we performed our impairment analysis which indicated no impairment. Furthermore, we performed sensitivity analysis for the charter rates and operating cost assumptions (which are the inputs most sensitive to variations) allowing for variances of up to 10% without an impairment indication.
There can be no assurance as to how long term charter rates and vessel values will increase as compared to their current levels and approach historical average levels for similarly aged vessels or whether they will improve by any significant degree. Charter rates, which improved significantly during 2017 and the first half of 2018 but gradually weakened in the second half of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019 before recovering somewhat, may return to their previously depressed levels which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability, and future assessments of vessel impairment. The impairment analysis may determine that the carrying value of a vessel is recoverable if the vessel is held and operated to the end of its useful life, however, if the vessel is sold when the market is depressed, the Company might suffer a loss on the sale. Whether the Company realizes a gain or loss on the sale of a vessel is primarily a function of the relative market values of vessels at the time the vessel was acquired less the accumulated depreciation and impairment, if any, versus the relative market values on the date a vessel is sold.

For a discussion of the potential loss in the case of sale of all of our vessels with market value below their carrying value, we refer to the "Item 4.B. Business Overview – Our Fleet".
For the four vessels which had impairment indication, a comparison of the average estimated daily time charter equivalent rate used in our impairment analysis with the average "break even rate" for the uncontracted period for each of the vessels is presented below:
Vessel
 
Charter Rate as of 12/31/2018
   
Remaining
Months Chartered
   
Remaining Life (years)
   
Rate Year 1 (2019)
   
Rate Year 2 (2020)
   
Rate Year 3+ (2021+)
   
Breakeven Rate (USD/day)
 
Eirini P*
   
0
     
0
     
10
     
12,318
     
12,318
     
20,374
     
11,887
 
Xenia
   
14,100
     
13
     
22
     
12,436
     
12,436
     
20,569
     
9,647
 
Pantelis
   
9,050
     
1
     
6
     
11,962
     
11,962
     
19,786
     
12,123
 
Starlight
   
9,000
     
6
     
10
     
12,318
     
12,318
     
20,734
     
9,973
 
 (*) This vessel is chartered at a market index linked rate.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Please refer to Note 2 of the financial statements attached to this annual report.
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Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We had less than $1.07 billion in revenue during our last fiscal year, which means that we qualify as an "emerging growth company" as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or 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 the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

·
exemption from new or revised financial accounting standards applicable to public companies until such standards are also applicable to private companies; and

·
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.
We may take advantage of these provisions until the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering 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 $1.07 billion in "total annual gross revenues" during the most recently completed fiscal year. 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.
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, our sources of funds have been equity provided by our shareholders, operating cash flows and long-term borrowings. Our principal use of funds has been capital expenditures to establish and expand our fleet, maintain the quality of our vessels during operations and the periodically required drydockings, comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations, fund working capital requirements and if necessary operating shortfalls, make principal repayments on outstanding loan facilities, and pay dividends. We expect to rely on cash available, funds generated from operating cash flows, funds from our shareholders, equity offerings and long term borrowings to meet our liquidity needs going forward and to finance our capital expenditures and working capital needs in 2019 and beyond.
Cash Flows
Net cash from operating activities.
Our net surplus from operating activities for 2018 was $3.97 million as compared to a net surplus from cash flows provided by operating activities of $2.91 million in 2017 and $4.26 million in 2016.

The major drivers of the change of cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, are the following: the significant recovery of the market rates during the year ended December 31, 2018, which resulted in a significantly higher TCE rate of $12,481 compared to $10,042 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in TCE rates as well as the increase in the average number of vessels in our fleet is also reflected in the increase of our operating income (excluding non-cash items) to $9.55 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $7.41 million for the corresponding period in 2017. This positive effect was partly offset by (i) a net working capital outflow of $3.27 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to a net working capital outflow of $2.88 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 mainly due to the significant increase of the Due from related companies balance during both periods and (ii) by higher net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the corresponding period in 2017.
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The major drivers of the change of cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, are the following: the significant recovery of the market rates during the year ended December 31, 2017, which resulted in a significantly higher TCE rate of $10,042 compared to $7,909 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in TCE rates as well as the increase in the average number of vessels in our fleet is also reflected in the increase of our operating income (excluding non-cash items) to $7.41 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $5.14 million of operating loss (excluding non-cash items) for the corresponding period in 2017. This positive effect was offset by (i) a net working capital outflow of $2.88 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to a net working capital inflow of $3.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 mainly due to the significant increase of the Due from related companies balance during 2017 and (ii) by higher net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the corresponding period in 2016.
Net cash from investing activities.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $29.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $9.64 million used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017. The net increase in cash flows used in investing activities of $19.41 million from 2017 is attributable to an increase in payments for vessels under construction and vessel acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017.

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $9.64 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $24.24 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The net decrease in cash flows used in investing activities of $14.6 million is attributable to a decrease in payments for vessel acquisitions, vessels under construction and major improvements during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016.

Net cash from financing activities.

Net cash flows provided by financing activities were $27.93 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to net cash flows provided by financing activities of $9.28 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase in cash flows provided by financing activities of $18.65 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, is attributable to an increase of $37.15 million in proceeds from long term debt (net of loan arrangement fees paid) during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017 and a net inflow of funds invested by the Former Parent Company (Euroseas) of $3.02 million during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, which is partially offset by an increase of $21.52 million in payments of long term debt for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017.

Net cash flows provided by financing activities were $9.28 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to net cash flows provided by financing activities of $20.47 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease in cash flows provided by financing activities of $11.19 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, is mainly attributable to a decrease of $9.27 million in the funds invested by the Former Parent Company (Euroseas), a net decrease of $2.45 million in the proceeds from long-term debt (net of loan arrangement fees paid) during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, partially offset by a decrease of $0.53 million in repayments of  long term debt during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period of 2016.
Debt Financing

We operate in a capital intensive industry which requires significant amounts of investment, and we fund a major portion of this investment through long term debt. We maintain debt levels we consider prudent based on our market expectations, cash flow, interest coverage and percentage of debt to capital.

As of December 31, 2018, we had five outstanding loans with a combined outstanding balance of $63.89 million. These loans have maturity dates between 2019 and 2025. Our long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 comprises bank loans granted to our vessel-owning subsidiaries.  A description of our loans, as of December 31, 2018, is provided in Note 8 of our attached financial statements. As of December 31, 2018, we are scheduled to repay approximately $7.07 million of the above bank loans in 2019.

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Our loan agreements contain covenants.
Our loans have various covenants such as minimum requirements regarding the hull ratio cover (the ratio of fair value of vessel to outstanding loan less cash in retention accounts) and restrictions as to changes in management and ownership of the vessel ship-owning companies, distribution of profits or assets (in effect not permitting dividend payment or other distributions in cases that an event of default has occurred), additional indebtedness and mortgage of vessels without the lender's prior consent, sale of vessels, maximum fleet-wide leverage, sale of capital stock of our subsidiaries, ability to make investments and other capital expenditures, entering in mergers or acquisitions, minimum cash balance requirements and minimum cash retention accounts (restricted cash). When necessary, we do provide supplemental collateral in the form of restricted cash or cross-collateralize vessels to ensure compliance with hull cover ratio ("loan-to-value" ratio).  Increases in restricted cash required to satisfy loan covenants would reduce funds available for investment or working capital and could have a negative impact on our operations.  If we cannot cure any violated covenants, we might be required to repay all or part of our loans, which, in turn, might require us to sell one or more of our vessels under distressed conditions. As of December 31, 2018, we were not in default of any credit facility covenant.
Capital Expenditures
We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with our vessel acquisitions or capital enhancements to our vessels.
In November 2016, our Former Parent Company, Euroseas,  signed a memorandum of agreement to purchase the M/V "Capetan Tassos" (renamed M/V "Tasos"), a Panamax size drybulk carrier of 75,100 dwt built in 2000 in Japan for approximately $4.5 million. The vessel was delivered  in January 2017.  In January 2017, Euroseas took delivery of the Ultramax newbuilding Hull DY 160 (named "Alexandros P.") for a total cost of $17.81 million. In March 2017, Euroseas declared the option to build a Kamsarmax vessel which was delivered in May 2018 for $23.9 million and named Ekaterini. In November 2018, we took delivery of the Panamax drybulk carrier of 75,845 dwt built in 2004 in Japan (renamed M/V "Starlight") for approximately $10.21 million.
We currently have two vessels scheduled for drydocking over the next 12 months. (refer to section above "B. Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Flows" for a discussion of how we plan to cover our working capital requirements and capital commitments).
Dividends
In 2018, the Company declared no dividend on its common stock. Within 2018 the Company declared three consecutive quarterly dividends on its Series B Preferred Shares, amounting to $0.57 million which were paid in-kind.
C.
Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
Not applicable.
D.
Trend information
Our results of operations depend primarily on the charter rates that we are able to realize. Charter rates paid for drybulk carriers are primarily a function of the underlying balance between vessel supply and demand.
The demand for drybulk carrier capacity is determined by the underlying demand for commodities transported in these vessels, which in turn is influenced by trends in the global economy. One of the main drivers of the drybulk trade has been the growth in imports by China of iron ore, coal and steel products during the last ten years and exports of finished goods. Demand for drybulk carrier capacity is also affected by the operating efficiency of the global fleet, i.e., the average speed the fleet operates, and port congestion.
The supply of drybulk carriers is dependent on the delivery of new vessels and the removal of vessels from the global fleet, either through scrapping or loss.  As of April 1, 2019, as reported by industry sources, the capacity of the worldwide drybulk fleet was approximately 846.7 million dwt with another 93.6 million dwt, or, about 11% of the present fleet capacity, on order.
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The level of scrapping activity is generally a function of scrapping prices in relation to current and prospective charter market conditions, as well as operating, repair and survey costs. The average age at which a vessel is scrapped over the last ten years has been between 25 and 27 years, with smaller vessels scrapped at a later age. During strong markets, the average age at which the vessels are scrapped increases; during 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and the first nine months of 2008, the majority of the Handysize and Handymax bulkers that were scrapped were in excess of 30 years of age.  During the same period, Panamax drybulk carriers were scrapped at an average age of 29 years. However, the scrapping rate increased significantly and the average age decreased since the beginning of October of 2008 when daily charter rates declined. Increased charter rates in the drybulk market commencing in the second quarter of 2009 resulted in decreased scrapping rates of drybulk vessels throughout 2010. However, as the drybulk market declined throughout 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, scrapping rates of drybulk vessels increased again. In 2016 dry bulk rates increased, however, scrapping activity remained strong, at close to 2015 levels. In 2017 scrapping of drybulk vessels declined to almost half of its 2016 level. 2018 saw a further decline in scrapping to 4.4 m dwt, a decline of 70% year on year. In 2019 scrapping appears to have picked up, since a third of the 2018 level has been scrapped during the first two months of the year.
Declining shipping charter hire rates have a negative impact on our earnings when our vessels are employed in the spot market or when they are to be re-chartered after completing a time charter contract. As of April 1, 2019, approximately 49% of our ship capacity days for the remainder of 2019 and approximately 5% of our ship capacity days in 2020, are under time charter contracts. If the market rates decrease from current levels or the supply of vessels increases, our vessels may have difficulty securing employment and, if so, may be employed at rates lower than their present charters.
E.
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2018, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
F.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Contractual obligations are set forth in the following table as of December 31, 2018:

In U.S. dollars (US$)
Total
Less Than One Year
One to
 Three Years
Three to Five Years
More Than Five Years
Bank debt
63,885,000
7,071,444
20,267,778
26,245,778
10,300,000
Interest Payments (1)
13,252,003
3,522,869
5,655,263
2,966,176
1,107,695
Vessel Management fees (2)
9,170,464
2,006,926
4,135,070
3,028,468
-
Other Management fees  (3)
5,711,761
1,250,000
2,575,500
1,886,261
-
Total
92,019,228
13,851,239
32,633,611
34,126,683
11,407,695
(1)   Assuming the amortization of the loans as of December 31, 2018 described above, each loan's interest rate margin over LIBOR and average LIBOR rates of about 3.01%, 2.31%, 2.11%, 2.02%, 2.03% per annum for the five years, respectively, based on the LIBOR yield curve as of December 31, 2018. Also includes our obligation to make payments required as of December 31, 2018 under our interest rate swap agreements based on the same LIBOR forward rate assumptions.
(2)   Refers to our obligation for management fees we expect to incur under our Master Management agreements and management agreements with the shipowning companies in effect as of January 1, 2019 and expiring on May 30, 2023.  These agreements were renewed for five years effective May 30, 2018.The management fees have been computed for 2019 based on the agreed rate of 685 Euros per day per vessel (approximately $785). For the years after 2019 we have assumed an annual increase in the rate of 2.0% for inflation. We assumed no changes in the US Dollar to Euro exchange rate (assumed at 1.15 USD/Euro). We further assume that we hold our vessels until they reach 25 years of age, after which they are considered to be scrapped and no long bear obligations and a fleet of 7 vessels in 2019 and the subsequent years.
(3)   Refers to our obligation for management fees of $1.25 million per year under our Master Management Agreement with Eurobulk for the cost of providing executive services to the Company.  This fee is adjusted for inflation in Greece during the previous calendar year every January 1st. From January 1, 2020 on, we have assumed an inflation rate of 2.0% per year. The agreement expires on May 30, 2023.
64


G.   Safe Harbor
See "Forward-Looking Statements" at the beginning of this annual report.
Item 6.   Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A.
Directors and Senior Management
The following sets forth the name and position of each of our directors and executive officers.
Name
        Age
Position
Aristides J. Pittas
          59
     Chairman, President and CEO; Class A Director
Dr. Anastasios Aslidis
59
CFO and Treasurer; Class A Director
Aristides P. Pittas
67
Vice Chairman; Class A Director
Stephania Karmiri
51
Secretary
Panagiotis Kyriakopoulos
58
Class B Director
George Taniskidis
58
Class C Director
Apostolos Tamvakakis
61
     Class C Director
Christian Donohue
51
Series B Director

Aristides J. Pittas   has been a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EuroDry since its inception on January 8, 2018. He is also member of the Board of Directors and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Euroseas since its inception on May 5, 2005 . Since 1997, Mr. Pittas has also been the President of Eurochart, our affiliate. Eurochart is a shipbroking company specializing in chartering and selling and purchasing ships. Since January 1995, Mr. Pittas has been the President and Managing Director of Eurobulk, our affiliated ship management company. He resigned as Managing Director of Eurobulk in June 2005. Eurobulk is a ship management company that provides ocean transportation services. From September 1991 to December 1994, Mr. Pittas was the Vice President of Oceanbulk Maritime SA, a ship management company. From March 1990 to August 1991, Mr. Pittas served both as the Assistant to the General Manager and the Head of the Planning Department of Varnima International SA, a shipping company operating tanker vessels. From June 1987 until February 1990, Mr. Pittas was the head of the Central Planning department of Eleusis Shipyards S.A. From January 1987 to June 1987, Mr. Pittas served as Assistant to the General Manager of Chios Navigation Shipping Company in London, a company that provides ship management services. From December 1985 to January 1987, Mr. Pittas worked in the design department of Eleusis Shipyards S.A. where he focused on shipbuilding and ship repair. Mr. Pittas has a B.Sc. in Marine Engineering from University of Newcastle - Upon-Tyne and a MSc in both Ocean Systems Management and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Dr. Anastasios Aslidis   has been the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry since May 5, 2018. He is also member of the Board of Directors, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Euroseas since September 2005 . Prior to joining Euroseas, Dr. Aslidis was a partner at Marsoft, an international consulting firm focusing on investment and risk management in the maritime industry. Dr. Aslidis has more than 25 years of experience in the maritime industry. He also served as consultant to the Boards of Directors of shipping companies (public and private) advising on strategy development, asset selection and investment timing. Dr. Aslidis holds a Ph.D. in Ocean Systems Management (1989) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.S. in Operations Research (1987) and M.S. in Ocean Systems Management (1984) also from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Diploma in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (1983).
Aristides P. Pittas   has been a member of EuroDry's Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of the Board of EuroDry since its inception on January 8, 2018. He is also member of the Board of Directors of Euroseas since its inception on May 5, 2005 and its Vice Chairman since September 1, 2005 . Mr. Pittas has been a shareholder in over 100 oceangoing vessels during the last 20 years. Since February 1989, Mr. Pittas has been the Vice President of Oceanbulk Maritime SA , a ship management company. From November 1987 to February 1989, Mr. Pittas was employed in the supply department of Drytank SA, a shipping company. From November 1981 to June 1985, Mr. Pittas was employed at Trust Marine Enterprises, a brokerage house as a sale and purchase broker. From September 1979 to November 1981, Mr. Pittas worked at Gourdomichalis Maritime SA in the operation and Freight Collection department. Mr. Pittas has a B.Sc in Economics from Athens School of Economics.
65


Stephania Karmiri   has been a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry since its inception on January 8, 2018 until May 5, 2018, and EuroDry's Secretary since May 5, 2018. She has also been Euroseas' Secretary since its inception on May 5, 2005 . Since July 1995, Mrs. Karmiri has been executive secretary to Eurobulk, our affiliated ship management company. Eurobulk is a ship management company that provides ocean transportation services. At Eurobulk, Mrs. Karmiri has been responsible for dealing with sale and purchase transactions, vessel registrations/deletions, bank loans, supervision of office administration and office/vessel telecommunication. From May 1992 to June 1995, she was secretary to the technical department of Oceanbulk Maritime SA, a ship management company. From 1988 to 1992, Mrs. Karmiri served as assistant to brokers for Allied Shipbrokers, a company that provides shipbroking services to sale and purchase transactions. Mrs. Karmiri has taken assistant accountant and secretarial courses from Didacta college.
Panagiotis Kyriakopoulos   has been a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry since May 5, 2018. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors of Euroseas since its inception on May 5, 2005 . Since July 2002, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of STAR INVESTMENTS S.A., one of the leading Mass Media Companies in Greece, running television and radio stations. From July 1997 to July 2002 he was the C.E.O. of the Hellenic Post Group, the Universal Postal Service Provider, having the largest retail network in Greece for postal and financial services products. From March 1996 until July 1997, Mr. Kyriakopoulos was the General Manager of ATEMKE SA, one of the leading construction companies in Greece listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. From December 1986 to March 1996, he was the Managing Director of Globe Group of Companies, a group active in the areas of shipowning and management, textiles and food and distribution. The company was listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. From June 1983 to December 1986, Mr. Kyriakopoulos was an assistant to the Managing Director of Armada Marine S.A., a company active in international trading and shipping, owning and managing a fleet of twelve vessels. Presently he is Chairman of the Hellenic Private Television Owners Association, BoD member of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) and BoD member of Digea S.A. He has also been an investor in the shipping industry for more than 20 years. Mr. Kyriakopoulos has a B.Sc. degree in Marine Engineering from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, a MSc. degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering with specialization in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Imperial College, London.
George Taniskidis   has been a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry since May 5, 2018. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors of Euroseas since its inception on May 5, 2005 . He is the Chairman of Core Capital Partners, a consulting firm specializing in debt restructuring. He was Chairman and Managing Director of Millennium Bank and a member of the Board of Directors of BankEuropa (subsidiary bank of Millennium Bank in Turkey) until May 2010. He was also a member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Banks Association. From 2003 until 2005, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Visa International Europe, elected by the Visa issuing banks of Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Israel and Greece. From 1990 to 1998, Mr. Taniskidis worked at XIOSBANK (until its acquisition by Piraeus Bank in 1998) in various positions, with responsibility for the bank's credit strategy and network. Mr. Taniskidis studied Law in the National University of Athens and in the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he received a L.L.M. After law school, he joined the law firm of Rogers & Wells in New York, where he worked until 1989 and was also a member of the New York State Bar Association. He is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization.
Apostolos Tamvakakis has been a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry since May 5, 2018. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors of Euroseas since June 25, 2013 . From January 2015 to February 2017 he was independent non-executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Piraeus Bank. Since July 2012 he participated as a Member of the Board of Directors and Committees in various companies. From December 2009 to June 2012, Mr. Tamvakakis was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Greece. From May 2004 to March 2009, he served as Chairman and Managing Director of Lamda Development, a real estate development company of the Latsis Group and from March 2009 to December 2009, he served on the management team of the Geneva-based Latsis Group, as Head of Strategy and Business Development. From October 1998 to April 2004, he served as Deputy CEO of National Bank of Greece. Prior to that, he worked as Deputy Governor of National Mortgage Bank of Greece, as Deputy General Manager of ABN AMRO Bank, as Manager of Corporate Finance at Hellenic Investment Bank and as Planning Executive at Mobil Oil Hellas. He also served as Vice-Chairman of Athens Stock Exchange, Chairman of the Steering Committee of Interalpha Group of Banks, Chairman of Ethnokarta, National Securities, AVIS (Greece), ETEVA and the Southeastern European Board of the Europay Mastercard Group. Mr. Tamvakakis has also served in numerous boards of directors and committees. He is the Chairman and Managing Partner of EOS Capital Partners Alternative Investment Fund Manager, the investment manager of a private equity fund "EOS Hellenic Renaissance Fund". He holds the positions of Vice Chairman of Gek Terna, Member of the BoD of Quest Holdings, Chairman of the Liquidations Committee of PQH Single Special Liquidation S.A. and member of the Marketing Commission of the Hellenic Olympic Committee. He is a graduate of the Athens University of Economics and has an M.A. in Economics from the Saskatchewan University in Canada with major in econometrics and economics.
66


Christian Donohue has been a member of the Board of Directors of EuroDry since May 30, 2018. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors of Euroseas since December 7, 2017.   Mr. Donohue was appointed pursuant to the provisions of the Statement of Designation of our Series B Preferred Shares. Mr. Donahue is a Managing Director at BlackRock. Prior to joining BlacRock in 2017, he was a Managing Director at Tennenbaum Capital Partners.
Family Relationships
Aristides P. Pittas, Vice Chairman, is the cousin of Aristides J. Pittas, our Chairman, President and CEO.
B.
Compensation
Executive Compensation
We have no direct employees. The services of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Internal Auditor and Secretary are provided by Eurobulk. These services are provided to us under our Master Management Agreement with Eurobulk under which we pay a fee, before bonuses, adjusted annually for Greek inflation to account for the increased management cost associated with us being a public company and other services to our subsidiaries. During 2018, under this Master Management Agreement, as amended, we paid Eurobulk $731,456 for the services of our executives, Mr. Aristides J. Pittas, Dr. Anastasios Aslidis and Mr. Symeon Pariaros, our Secretary, Mrs. Stephania Karmiri, and our Internal Auditor. The amount of such executive compensation allocated to the Company prior to the Spin-off was based on the proportion of the number of calendar days that related to EuroDry's vessels to the number of days of the entire fleet of Euroseas. For the Company post Spin-off the annual compensation for such services was set at $1,250,000.   As of January 1,2019, this fee remained the same at $1,250,000.
Director Compensation
Our directors who are also our officers or have executive positions or beneficially own greater than 10% of the outstanding common shares will receive no compensation for serving on our Board of Directors or its committees.
Directors who are not our officers, do not have any executive position or do not beneficially own greater than 10% of the outstanding common shares will receive the following compensation: an annual retainer of $7,500, plus $1,875 for attending a quarterly meeting of the Bo a rd of Directors, plus an additional retainer of $3,750 if serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee. They also participate in the Company's Equity Incentive Plan.
All directors are reimbursed reasonable out-of- pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of our Board of Directors or any committee of our Board of Directors.
Equity Incentive Plan
In May 2018, our Board of Directors approved an equity incentive plan. The equity incentive plan is administered by the Board of Directors which can make awards totaling in aggregate up to 150,000 shares over five years after the equity incentive plan's adoption date. Officers, directors and employees (including any prospective officer or employee) of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and consultants and service providers to (including persons who are employed by or provide services to any entity that is itself a consultant or service provider to) the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the equity incentive plan.  Awards may be made under the equity incentive plan in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares.
On November 21, 2018, the Board of Directors awarded 25,090 shares of restricted stock to our directors, officers and key employees of Eurobulk, 50% of which will vest on November 16, 2019, and the remainder will vest on November 16, 2020. Vesting of the awards is conditioned on continuous employment throughout the period to the vesting date.
67


C.   Board Practices
The current term of our Class A directors expires in 2020, the term of our Class B directors expires in 2021 and the term of our Class C directors expires in 2019.
There are no service contracts between us and any of our directors providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service.
Our Board of Directors does not have separate compensation or nomination committees, and instead, the entire Board of Directors performs those responsibilities.
Audit Committee
We currently have an Audit Committee comprised of three independent members of our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company's accounting controls and the appointment of the Company's outside auditors. The members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Panos Kyriakopoulos (Chairman and "audit committee financial expert" as such term is defined under SEC regulations), Mr. Apostolos Tamvakakis and Mr. George Taniskidis.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that complies with the applicable guidelines issued by the SEC. Our code of ethics is posted on our website: http://www.eurodry.gr under "Corporate Governance."
Corporate Governance
Our Company's corporate governance practices are in compliance with, and are not prohibited by, the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. We are exempt from many of Nasdaq's corporate governance practices other than the requirements regarding the disclosure of a going concern audit opinion, submission of a listing agreement, notification of material non-compliance with Nasdaq corporate governance practices, and the establishment and composition of an audit committee and a formal written audit committee charter. The practices that we follow in lieu of Nasdaq's corporate governance rules are described below.


·
We are not required under Marshall Islands law to maintain a Board of Directors with a majority of independent directors, and we may not be able to maintain a Board of Directors with a majority of independent directors in the future.

·
In lieu of a compensation committee comprised of independent directors, our Board of Directors will be responsible for establishing the executive officers' compensation and benefits. Under Marshall Islands law, compensation of the executive officers is not required to be determined by an independent committee.

·
In lieu of a nomination committee comprised of independent directors, our Board of Directors will be responsible for identifying and recommending potential candidates to become board members and recommending directors for appointment to board committees. Shareholders may also identify and recommend potential candidates to become candidates to become board members in writing. No formal written charter has been prepared or adopted because this process is outlined in our bylaws.

·
In lieu of obtaining an independent review of related party transactions for conflicts of interests, consistent with Marshall Islands law requirements, a related party transaction will be permitted if: (i) the material facts as to his or her relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, or, if the votes of the disinterested directors are insufficient to constitute an act of the Board of Directors as defined in Section 55 of the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, by unanimous vote of the disinterested directors; or (ii) the material facts as to his relationship or interest are disclosed and the shareholders are entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by a simple majority vote of the shareholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Company as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified, by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the shareholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.
68



·
As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to solicit proxies or provide proxy statements to Nasdaq pursuant to Nasdaq corporate governance rules or Marshall Islands law. Consistent with Marshall Islands law, we will notify our shareholders of meetings between 15 and 60 days before the meeting. This notification will contain, among other things, information regarding business to be transacted at the meeting. In addition, our bylaws provide that shareholders must give us advance notice to properly introduce any business at a meeting of the shareholders. Our bylaws also provide that shareholders may designate in writing a proxy to act on their behalf.

·
In lieu of holding regular meetings at which only independent directors are present, our entire Board of Directors, a majority of whom are independent, will hold regular meetings as is consistent with the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

·
The Board of Directors adopted a new Equity Incentive Plan in May 2018.  Shareholder approval was not necessary since Marshall Islands law permits the Board of Directors to take such actions.

·
As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to obtain shareholder approval if any of our directors, officers, or 5% or greater shareholders has a 5% or greater interest (or such persons collectively have a 10% or greater interest), directly or indirectly, in the company, or assets to be acquired, or in the consideration to be paid in the transaction(s) and the present or potential issuance of common stock, or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock, could result in an increase in outstanding common stock or voting power of 5% or more.

·
In lieu of obtaining shareholder approval prior to the issuance of designated securities, the Company will comply with provisions of the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, providing that the Board of Directors approves share issuances.
Other than as noted above, we are in full compliance with all other applicable Nasdaq corporate governance standards.
D.   Employees
We have no salaried employees, although we pay Eurobulk for the services of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Internal Auditor and Secretary: Mr. Aristides J. Pittas, Dr. Anastasios Aslidis, Mr. Symeon Pariaros, Mr. Konstantinos Siadimas and Ms. Stephania Karmiri, respectively.  Eurobulk also ensures that all seamen have the qualifications and licenses required to comply with international regulations and shipping conventions, and that all of our vessels employ experienced and competent personnel.  As of December 31, 2018, approximately 56 officers and 98 crew members served on board the vessels in our fleet.
E.   Share Ownership
With respect to the ownership of our common stock by each of our directors and executive officers, and all of our directors and executive officers as a group, see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions".
All of the shares of our common stock have the same voting rights and are entitled to one vote per share.
Equity Incentive Plan
See Item 6.B of this annual report, "Compensation."
Options
No options were granted during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. There are currently no options outstanding to acquire any of our shares.
Warrants
We do not currently have any outstanding warrants.
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Item 7.   Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A.
Major Stockholders
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our voting stock as of April 22, 2019 by each person or entity known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our voting stock, each of our directors and executive officers, and all of our directors and executive officers and 5% owners as a group. All of our shareholders, including the shareholders listed in this table, are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held.
Name of Beneficial Owner (1)
 
Number of Shares of Voting Common Stock Beneficially Owned
   
Percent of Voting of Common Stock (13)
   
Number of Shares of Voting Series B Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned (14)
   
Percent of Voting of Series B Preferred Shares (14)
   
Number of Shares of Voting Common Stock Beneficially Owned Upon Conversion; 50% Voting Before Conversion
   
Percent of Total Voting Securities
 
Dry Friends Investment Company Inc(2)
   
868,181
     
38.1
%
   
-
     
-
     
506,669
     
29.9
%
Tennenbaum Opportunities Fund VI, LLC (3, 4)
   
58,320
     
2.6
%
   
16,031
     
81.4
%
   
-
     
19.5
%
Tennenbaum Opportunities Partners V, LLC (3, 4)
   
121,680
     
5.3
%
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
4.2
%
Family United Navigation Co
   
310,644
     
13.6
%
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
10.7
%
Preferred Friends Investment Company Inc(4)
   
-
     
-
     
3,655
     
18.6
%
   
115,518
     
4.0
%
Aristides J Pittas(5)
   
19,614
     
*
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
*
 
George Taniskidis(6)
   
831
     
*
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
*
 
Panagiotis Kyriakopoulos(7)
   
9,682
     
*
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
*
 
Aristides P Pittas(8)
   
3,019
     
*
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
*
 
Anastasios Aslidis(9)
   
17,572
     
*
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
*
 
Apostolos Tamvakakis(10)
   
1,598
     
*
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
*
 
Christian Donohue
   
-
     
*
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
*
 
Stephania Karmiri(11)
   
-
     
*
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
*
 
Symeon Pariaros(12)
   
11,013
     
*
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
*
 
All directors and officers and 5% owners as a group
   
1,422,154
     
62.4
%
   
19,686
     
100
%
   
622,187
     
70.4
%
*      Indicates less than 1.0%.
(1)
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the Rule 13d-3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Except as subject to community property laws, where applicable, the person named above has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by him/her.
(2)
Represents 868,181 shares of common stock held of record by Dry Friends. A majority of the shareholders of Dry Friends are members of the Pittas family. Investment power and voting control by Dry Friends resides in its Board of Directors which consists of five directors, a majority of whom are members of the Pittas family. Actions by Dry Friends may be taken by a majority of the members on its Board of Directors.
(3)
Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC serves as investment advisor to, inter alia, Tennenbaum Opportunities Partners V, LP and Tennenbaum Opportunities Fund VI, LLC, which are the registered holders of the Common Shares and Series B Preferred Shares of EuroDry Ltd. beneficially owned by Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC. Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC is indirectly controlled by BlackRock, Inc., which may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of shares beneficially owned by Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC. The address of Tennenbaum Opportunities Partners V, LP, Tennenbaum Opportunities Fund V, LLC and Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC is 2951 28th Street, Suite 1000, Santa Monica, CA 90405. The address of BlackRock, Inc. is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055. Tennenbaum Opportunities Partners V, LP and Tennenbaum Opportunities Fund VI, LLC currently hold (a) 180,000 shares of common stock and (b) Series B Preferred Shares that are convertible into 506,669 shares of common stock.
(4)
Common shares are issuable upon conversion of Series B Preferred Shares (or any convertible notes into which the Series B Preferred Shares may convert) owned by this shareholder (based on the current conversion ratio).
(5)
Does not include 82,105 shares of common stock held of record by Dry Friends, by virtue of ownership interest in Dry Friends by Mr. Pittas. Mr. Pittas disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Does not include 1,041 Series B Preferred Shares held of record by Preferred Friends Investment Company Inc., by virtue of ownership interest in Preferred Friends Investment Company Inc. by Mr. Pittas. Mr. Pittas disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Includes 2,228 shares vesting on July 1, 2019, 2,785 shares of common stock vesting on November 16, 2019 and 2,785 shares vesting on November 16, 2020.
70


(6)
Does not include 3,986 shares held of record by Dry Friends, by virtue of Mr. Taniskidis' ownership in Dry Friends. Mr. Taniskidis disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Does not include 96 Series B Preferred Shares held of record by Preferred Friends Investment Company Inc., by virtue of ownership interest in Preferred Friends Investment Company Inc. by Mr. Taniskidis and members of his family. Mr. Taniskidis disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Includes 237 shares vesting on July 1, 2019, 297 shares of common stock vesting on November 16, 2019 and 297 shares vesting on November 16, 2020.
(7)
Includes 237 shares vesting on July 1, 2019, 297 shares of common stock vesting on November 16, 2019 and 297 shares vesting on November 16, 2020.
(8)
Does not include 290,011 shares of common stock held of record by Dry Friends and Family United Navigation Co., by virtue of ownership interest in Dry Friends and Family United Navigation Co. of Mr. Pittas and members of his family. Mr. Pittas disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Does not include 24 shares of Series B Preferred stock held of record by Preferred Friends Investment Company Inc., by virtue of ownership interest in Preferred Friends Investment Company Inc.by Mr. Pittas and members of his family. Mr. Pittas disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. Includes 608 shares vesting on July 1, 2019, 760 shares of common stock vesting on November 16, 2019 and 760 shares vesting on November 16, 2020.
(9)
Includes 1,512 shares vesting on July 1, 2019, 1,890 shares of common stock vesting on November 16, 2019 and 1,890 shares vesting on November 16, 2020.
(10)
Includes 237 shares vesting on July 1, 2019, 297 shares of common stock vesting on November 16, 2019 and 297 shares vesting on November 16, 2020.
(11)
Does not include 109 shares of common stock held of records by Dry Friends, by virtue of Mrs. Karmiri's ownership in Dry Friends. Mrs. Karmiri disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of her pecuniary interest.
(12)
Includes 237 shares vesting on July 1, 2019, 297 shares of common stock vesting on November 16, 2019 and 297 shares vesting on November 16, 2020.
(13)
Voting stock includes 35,117 unvested shares for a total of 2,279,920 issued and outstanding shares of the Company as of April 22, 2019.
(14)   As of April 22, 2019, Series B Preferred Shares vote on an as-converted basis weighted by 50%.
B.
Related Party Transactions
The operations of our vessels are managed by Eurobulk and Eurobulk FE, both affiliated companies.  Eurobulk manages certain corporate matters and certain vessels of our fleet under a Master Management Agreement with us and separate management agreements with each shipowning company. Eurobulk FE manages four of our vessels under similar management agreements with the respective ship-owning companies.
Under our Master Management Agreement, Eurobulk is responsible for providing us with executive services associated with us being a public company. Under the separate management agreements with the shipowning companies, Eurobulk or Eurobulk FE are responsible to provide (i) other administration services to our subsidiaries and commercial management services, which include obtaining employment for our vessels and managing our relationships with charterers; and (ii) technical management services, which include managing day-to-day vessel operations, performing general vessel maintenance, ensuring regulatory and classification society compliance, supervising the maintenance and general efficiency of vessels, arranging our hire of qualified officers and crew, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, arranging insurance for vessels, purchasing stores, supplies, spares and new equipment for vessels, appointing supervisors and technical consultants and providing technical support and shoreside personnel who carry out the management functions described above and certain accounting services.
EuroDry signed new Master Management Agreements ("MMAs") with the Managers which took effect after the completion of the Spin-off. Our Master Management Agreement with Eurobulk compensates Eurobulk with an annual executive compensation and a daily management fee per vessel managed. The amount of such executive compensation allocated to the Company prior to the Spin-off was based on the proportion of the number of calendar days that related to EuroDry's vessels to the number of days of the entire fleet of Euroseas. For the Company post Spin-off the annual compensation for such services was set at $1,250,000. This amount was $520,626, $693,524 and $731,456 for 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.   Our Master Management Agreement is substantially similar to the master management agreement between Euroseas and Eurobulk relating to our vessels that were previously owned by Euroseas.  The Master Management Agreement is terminable by Eurobulk only for cause or under other limited circumstances, such as sale of the Company or Eurobulk or the bankruptcy of either party.   The fee under the management agreements between Eurobulk FE and the ship-owning companies follow substantially the same terms of the similar agreements with Eurobulk.
The Euroseas' Master Management Agreement ("MMA") with the Managers provides for an annual adjustment of the daily vessel management fee due to inflation to take effect on January 1 of each year. The vessel
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management fee for laid-up vessels is half of the daily fee. This MMA, as periodically amended and restated, will automatically be extended after the initial five-year period for an additional five-year period unless terminated on or before the 90th day preceding the initial termination date. Pursuant to the MMA, each ship-owning company has signed – and each future ship owning company when a vessel is acquired will sign - with the Managers, a management agreement with the rate and term of these agreements set in the MMA effective at such time.

The MMA was amended and restated on January 1, 2012 to reflect a 5% discount on the daily vessel management fee for the period during which the number of the Euroseas-owned vessels (including vessels in which Euroseas is a part owner) managed by the Managers is greater than 20 ("volume discount"); it was renewed on January 1, 2014 for a new five year term until January 1, 2019. Starting January 1, 2013, the daily vessel management fee was adjusted to 720 Euros per day per vessel in operation and 360 Euros per day per vessel in lay-up before the 5% discount. The fee remained unchanged for the subsequent years starting January 1, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The MMA was further renewed on January 1, 2018 for an additional five year term until January 1, 2023 with the 5% volume discount permanently incorporated in the daily management fee. The daily management fee remained unchanged at Euros 685 for the year 2018 and will be adjusted annually for inflation in the Eurozone. Vessel management fees paid to the Managers amounted to $780,135, $1,409,716 and $1,701,340 in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively . The fee remained unchanged for 2019.

The management of the M/V "Xenia", M/V "Alexandros P.", M/V "Tasos" and M/V "Ekaterini" is performed by Eurobulk FE, which provides technical, commercial and accounting services. The remaining fleet (M/V "Pantelis, M/V "Eirini P." and M/V "Starlight") is managed by Eurobulk.
As of December 31, 2016, the amount Due to Former Parent Company was $25,224,830 and related to payments made by Euroseas on behalf of the Subsidiaries in relation to the shipbuilding contracts for the construction of Hull No. DY160 amounting to $10.2 million, of Hull No. DY161 amounting to $10.0 million and of Hull No. YZJ2013-1153 amounting to $3.8 million and restricted cash requirements amounting to $1.2 million. As of December 31, 2017, the amount Due to Former Parent Company was $24,585,518. This amount refers to the balance of previous year including the additional payments made by Euroseas on behalf of the Subsidiaries in 2017 in relation to the shipbuilding contract for the construction of Hull No. DY160 amounting to $0.73 million, the shipbuilding contract for the construction of Hull No. YZJ2013-1153 amounting to $5.0 million and the acquisition of M/V "Tasos" amounting to $4.5 million. The amount of $10.86 million of the loan drawn by Ultra One Shipping Ltd. using as collateral M/V "Alexandros P" (ex- Hull No. DY160) on January 25, 2017 repaid part of the amount due to the Former Parent Company during 2017. The amount Due to Former Parent Company as of December 31, 2017 amounting to $24,585,518 was allocated or settled through the issuance of EuroDry Series B Preferred shares during 2018 as follows: (i) $17,806,879 as an  increase in the Series B Preferred shares balance of the Company that would be outstanding as of December 31, 2017 as a result of the distribution of EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares representing 50% of the outstanding Series B Preferred stock of Euroseas on the Spin-off date, (ii) $5,490,106 was allocated to equity of the Company for contributions for the construction cost of the newbuilding vessels spun-off paid in prior years comprising the amount recognized as loss on termination of the shipbuilding contract of Hull No. DY 161 and impairment of the shipbuilding contract of Hull No. YZJ2013-1153 (named "Ekaterini") and (iii) $1,288,533 as a reduction to the "Due from related companies" receivable.   As of December 31, 2018, there was no amount Due to Former Parent Company.
We receive chartering and sale and purchase services from Eurochart, an affiliate, and pay a commission of 1.25% on charter revenue and 1% on vessel sale price. We pay additional commissions to major charterers and their brokers as well that usually range from 3.75% to 5.00%. Eurochart also receives 1% commission of the acquisition price from the seller of the vessel for the vessels we acquire. During 2018, Eurochart received $324,178 for chartering services calculated as 1.25% of chartering revenues and commissions of $101,100 for acquisition of M/V "Starlight" from the sellers of the vessel. During 2017, Eurochart received chartering commissions of $253,503 and commissions of $134,000 from us for the vessels acquired. During 2016, Eurochart received chartering commissions of $104,148 and commissions of $213,500 from us for the vessels we acquired. Eurochart also receives 1% commission of the acquisition price from the seller of the vessel for the vessels we acquire.
Technomar S.A., a crewing agent, and Sentinel Marine Services Inc., an insurance brokering company are affiliates to whom we paid a fee of about $50 per crew member per month and pay a commission on premium not exceeding 5%, respectively.
Aristides J. Pittas is currently the Chairman of each of Eurochart and Eurobulk, all of which are our affiliates.
We have entered into a registration rights agreement with Friends, our largest shareholder, pursuant to which we granted Friends the right, under certain circumstances and subject to certain restrictions, to require us to register under the Securities Act shares of our common stock held by Friends. Under the registration rights agreement, Friends
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has the right to request us to register the sale of shares held by it on its behalf and may require us to make available shelf registration statements permitting sales of shares into the market from time to time over an extended period. In addition, Friends has the ability to exercise certain piggyback registration rights in connection with registered offerings initiated by us.

Eurobulk, Eurobulk FE, Friends Investment Company Inc. and Aristides J. Pittas, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, have granted us a right of first refusal to acquire any drybulk vessel or containership which any of them may consider for acquisition in the future. In addition, Mr. Pittas has granted us a right of first refusal to accept any chartering out opportunity for a drybulk vessel which may be suitable for any of our vessels, provided that we have a suitable vessel, properly situated and available, to take advantage of the chartering out opportunity. Mr. Pittas has also agreed to use his best efforts to cause any entity he directly or indirectly controls to grant us this right of first refusal.

The Company may also draw down up to $2.00 million under a commitment from COLBY Trading Ltd., a company controlled by the Pittas family and affiliated with the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The Company has not yet drawn down on this commitment.

C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not Applicable.
Item 8.   Financial Information
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See Item 18.
Legal Proceedings
To our knowledge, there are no material legal proceedings to which we are a party or to which any of our properties are subject, other than routine litigation incidental to our business. In our opinion, the disposition of these lawsuits should not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Dividend Policy
Thus far we have not paid a dividend to our common shareholders.  The exact timing and amount of any future dividend payments to our common stock will be determined by our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our earnings, financial condition, cash requirement and availability, restrictions in its loan agreements, growth strategy, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of distributions to shareholders and other factors, such as the acquisition of additional vessels.
The payment of dividends to our common stock is not guaranteed or assured, and may again be discontinued at any time at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Because we are a holding company with no material assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries, our ability to pay dividends will depend on the earnings and cash flow of these subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends to us. If there is a substantial decline in the drybulk charter market, our earnings would be negatively affected, thus limiting our ability to pay dividends. Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent upon the payment of such dividends. Dividends may be declared in conformity with applicable law by, and at the discretion of, our Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be declared and paid in cash, stock or other property of the Company.
The Series B Preferred Shares pay dividends (in cash or in-kind at the option of the Company, subject to certain exceptions) until January 29, 2019 at a rate of 0% or 5%, depending on the trading price of the Company's common stock. In addition, if a cash dividend is paid on the Company's common stock during such time, then if the dividend paid on the Series B Preferred Shares is 5%, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall receive such dividend in cash and shall also receive an additional cash dividend in an amount equal to 40% of the common stock dividend it would have received on an as-converted basis. If, however, the dividend on the Series B Preferred Shares is 0%, then the holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall receive a cash dividend equal to the greater of 100% of the common stock dividend it would have received on an as-converted basis, and 5%. If a cash dividend is paid on the Company's common stock after January 29, 2019, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall receive an additional
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cash dividend in an amount equal to 40% of the common stock dividend it would have received on an as-converted basis. The Series B Preferred Shares' dividend rate will increase to 12% from January 29, 2019 to January 29, 2021 and to 14% thereafter and will be payable in cash. The Company declared $0.55 million in dividends on its preferred shares during 2018, all of which were paid in kind.

B.
Significant Changes
For significant events that occurred after December 31, 2018, please refer to Note 17 of the financial statements on page F-44 below.
Item 9.   The Offer and Listing
A.
Offer and Listing Details
The trading market for shares of our common stock is the Nasdaq Capital Market, on which our shares have traded under the symbol "EDRY" since May 31, 2018.

B.
Plan of Distribution
Not Applicable.
C.
Markets
The trading market for shares of our common stock is the Nasdaq Capital Market, on which our shares have traded under the symbol "EDRY" since May 31, 2018.  Our shares began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market on May 24, 2018 under the symbol "EDRYV" and continued through the close of trading on May 30, 2018. Beginning on May 31, 2018, "when-issued" trading under the symbol "EDRYV" ended and EuroDry Ltd. begun "regular-way" trading on the NASDAQ under the symbol "EDRY".
D.
Selling Shareholders
Not Applicable.
E.
Dilution
Not Applicable.
F.
Expenses of the Issue
Not Applicable.
Item 10.   Additional Information
A.
Share Capital
Not Applicable.
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B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended
Our current amended and restated articles of incorporation are filed with the SEC as Exhibit 1.1 (Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation) to this Annual Report on Form 20-F, and our current bylaws, as amended, are filed with the SEC as Exhibit 1.2 (Amended and Restated Bylaws) to this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Purpose
Our purpose, as stated in our amended and restated articles of incorporation, is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the Business Corporations Act of the Marshall Islands, or the BCA.
Authorized Capitalization
Under our amended and restated articles of incorporation, our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock par value $0.01 per share. All of our shares of stock are in registered form.
Common Stock

As of April 1, 2019, we are authorized to issue up to 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which there are 2,279,920 shares issued and outstanding. Each outstanding share of common stock is entitled to one vote, either in person or by proxy, on all matters that may be voted upon by their holders at meetings of the shareholders. Holders of our common stock (i) have equal ratable rights to dividends from funds legally available therefore, if declared by the Board of Directors; (ii) are entitled to share ratably in all of our assets available for distribution upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up; and (iii) do not have preemptive, subscription or conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions. All issued shares of our common stock when issued will be fully paid for and non-assessable.

Preferred Stock

As of April 1, 2019, we are authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which there are 19,686 shares issued and outstanding. The preferred stock may be issued in one or more series and our Board of Directors, without further approval from our shareholders, is authorized to fix the dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights, liquidation preferences and other rights and restrictions relating to any series. Issuances of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible financings, acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock. Additional Series B Convertible Preferred Shares were issued when dividends to preferred shares were paid in-kind (see below).
The Series B Preferred Shares pay dividends quarterly in arrears (in cash or in-kind at the option of the Company, subject to certain exceptions) until January 29, 2019 at a rate of 0% or 5% per annum, depending on the trading price of the Company's common stock. The first payment of dividend was made in-kind on June 30, 2018 at a dividend rate of 5%. In addition, if a cash dividend is paid on the Company's common stock during such time, then if the dividend paid on the Series B Preferred Shares is 5%, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall receive such dividend in cash and shall also receive an additional cash dividend in an amount equal to 40% of the common stock dividend it would have received on an as-converted basis. If, however, the dividend on the Series B Preferred Shares is 0%, then the holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall receive a cash dividend equal to the greater of 100% of the common stock dividend it would have received on an as-converted basis, and 5%. If a cash dividend is paid on the Company's common stock after January 29, 2019, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall receive an additional cash dividend in an amount equal to 40% of the common stock dividend it would have received on an as-converted basis. The Series B Preferred Shares dividend rate will increase to 12% per annum from January 29, 2019 to January 29, 2021 and to 14% per annum thereafter. The Series B Preferred Shares can be converted at the option of their holders at any time, and at the option of the Company only if certain share price and liquidity milestones are met, including the Company's common stock trading that a volume-weighted average price of $25.00 (subject to adjustment), the Company having sold its common stock in a public offering at a per share price of at least $25.00 (subject to adjustment) resulting in gross proceeds of at least $20 million and an effective registration statement for the common stock into which the Series B Preferred Shares would convert being effective. Each Series B Preferred
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Share is convertible into common stock at an initial conversion price of $31.64 (subject to adjustment, including upon a default). The Series B Preferred Shares are redeemable in cash by the Company at any time after the fifth anniversary of the original issue date. Holders of the Series B Preferred Shares may require the Company to redeem their shares only upon the occurrence of certain corporate events.
Subject to certain ownership thresholds, holders of Series B Preferred Shares have the right to appoint one director to the Company's board of directors and TCP also has consent rights over certain corporate actions including authorizing, creating or issuing any class or series of capital stock that runs senior or in parity with the Series B Preferred Shares, engaging in certain transactions with affiliates or engaging in transactions that increase the leverage of the Company more than a certain level. In addition, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares will vote as one class with the Company's common stock on all matters on which shareholders are entitled to vote, with each Series B Preferred Share having a number of votes equal to 50% of the numbers of shares of common stock of the Company into which such Series B Preferred Share would be convertible on the applicable record date.
The rights and privileges of the Series B Preferred Shares are set forth in the Amended and Restated Statement of Designation of the Rights, Preferences and Privileges of the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 2.4 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

Directors

Our directors, except the Series B Director (defined below), are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of the shareholders by the holders of shares entitled to vote in the election. Cumulative voting may not be used to elect directors.
Our Board of Directors must consist of at least three directors, such number to be determined by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of the entire Board of Directors from time to time. Shareholders may change the number of our directors only by an affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes as set out below in "Classified Board of Directors." Each director, except the Series B Director, is elected to serve until the third succeeding annual meeting after his election and until his successor shall have been elected and qualified, except in the event of his death, resignation or removal.
Our Series B Director was appointed pursuant to the provisions of the Statement of Designation of our Series B Preferred Shares. The holders of Series B Preferred Shares have the right, voting separately as a class, to nominate and elect one member of the Board of Directors (the "Series B Director") who shall (i) have no family relationship with any other officer or director of the Corporation; (ii) be independent pursuant to the rules of Nasdaq if the Corporation is required to be subject to the rules of Nasdaq requiring a listed company to maintain a majority independent board; and (iii) be determined by the Board of Directors to meet its nominating standards.  The Series B Director shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Series B Preferred Shares. Any Series B Director elected as provided herein may be removed and replaced at any time by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Series B Preferred Shares.  Upon any termination of the right of the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares to vote as a class for a Series B Director, the term of office of the Series B Director then in office elected by such holders voting as a class shall terminate immediately and the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall automatically be reduced by one.  The Series B Director is entitled to one vote on any matter before the Board of Directors.  The Series B Director is not entitled to remuneration by the Corporation for acting as director, but is entitled to the reimbursement of reasonable expenses, including all out-of-pocket expenses, incurred in connection therewith. The right of the Holders of Series B Preferred Shares to elect a member of the Board of Directors shall terminate once Tennenbaum Opportunities Fund VI, LLC, a fund managed by TCP, and allowed transferees no longer hold at least 65% of the number of shares of Common Stock (on an as-converted basis) that the Series B Preferred Shares acquired by Tennenbaum Opportunities Fund VI, LLC would have converted into at the time of purchase.
Shareholder Meetings
Under our bylaws, as amended, annual shareholder meetings will be held at a time and place selected by our Board of Directors. The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands. Special meetings may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or by the President. Notice of every annual and special meeting of shareholders must be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at least 15 but no more than 60 days before such meeting.
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Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the BCA, our shareholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, including any merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual course of our business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares. In the event of any further amendment of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, a shareholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares. The dissenting shareholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment. In the event that we and any dissenting shareholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the institution of proceedings in the high court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or in any appropriate court in any jurisdiction in which the Company's shares are primarily traded on a local or national securities exchange.
Shareholders Derivative Actions
Under the BCA, any of our shareholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the shareholder bringing the action is a holder of common stock both at the time the derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
The BCA authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors and officers to corporations and their shareholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors' fiduciary duties. Our bylaws, as amended, include a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Our bylaws, as amended, provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by law. We are also expressly authorized to carry directors' and officers' insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our bylaws, as amended, may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.
Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as Amended
Several provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, as amended, which are summarized below, may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change in control and enhance the ability of our Board of Directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also discourage, delay or prevent (1) the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise that a shareholder may consider in its best interest and (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
Blank Check Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, our Board of Directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. Our Board of Directors may issue shares of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or the removal of our management.
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Classified Board of Directors
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide for the division of our Board of Directors into three classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible, serving staggered, three year terms. Approximately one-third of our Board of Directors will be elected each year. This classified board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of us. It could also delay shareholders who do not agree with the policies of our Board of Directors from removing a majority of our Board of Directors for two years.
Election and Removal of Directors
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors. Our bylaws, as amended, require parties other than the Board of Directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation also provide that our directors may be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for those directors. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
Limited Actions by Shareholders
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our bylaws, as amended, provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by our shareholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of shareholders or by the unanimous written consent of our shareholders. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our bylaws, as amended, provide that, subject to certain exceptions, our Board of Directors, our Chairman of the Board or by the President and the business transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Accordingly, a shareholder may not call a special meeting and shareholder consideration of a proposal may be delayed until the next annual meeting.
Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations
Our bylaws, as amended, provide that shareholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. Generally, to be timely, a shareholder's notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 150 days nor more than 180 days prior to the one year anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders. Our bylaws, as amended, also specify requirements as to the form and content of a shareholder's notice. These provisions may impede shareholders' ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of shareholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of shareholders.
Certain Business Combinations
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation also prohibit us, subject to several exclusions, from engaging in any "business combination" with any interested shareholder for a period of three years following the date the shareholder became an interested shareholder.
Shareholders' Rights Plan
We adopted a shareholders' rights plan on May 5, 2018 Each right entitles the registered holder, upon the occurrence of certain events, to purchase from us one-thousandth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $26, subject to adjustment. The rights will expire on the earliest of (i) May 30, 2028 or (ii) redemption or exchange of the rights. The plan was designed to enable us to protect shareholder interests in the event that an unsolicited attempt is made for a business combination with or takeover of the company. We believe that the shareholders' rights plan should enhance the board of directors' negotiating power on behalf of shareholders in the event of a coercive offer or proposal. We are not currently aware of any such offers or proposals and we adopted the plan as a matter of prudent corporate governance. A copy of the plan is filed as Exhibit 2.5 to this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
C.
Material Contracts
We have a number of credit facilities with commercial banks. For a discussion of our facilities, please see the section of this annual report entitled "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Financing", and Note 8 of our attached financial statements.
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We are a party to a registration rights agreement with Friends.   For a discussion of these agreements, please see the section of this annual report entitled "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions." Furthermore, we are a party to a   registration rights agreement with TCP and 12 West Capital Management LP and a registration obligation agreement with two funds managed by TCP. For a discussion of these agreements, please see the section of this annual report entitled "Item 3—Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Company Risk Factors—Future sales of our stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline."
We adopted a new Equity Incentive Plan in May 2018. For a discussion of this agreement, please see the section of this annual report entitled "Item 6—B. Compensation—Equity Incentive Plan."
There are no other material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party.
D.
Exchange Controls
Under Marshall Islands law, there are currently no restrictions on the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls or restrictions that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our shares.
E.
Taxation
The following is a discussion of the material Marshall Islands, Liberian and United States federal income tax considerations applicable to us and U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders, each as discussed below, of our common stock.
Marshall Islands Tax Considerations
We are incorporated in the Marshall Islands. Under current Marshall Islands law, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains, and no Marshall Islands withholding tax will be imposed upon payments of dividends by us to holders of our common stock that are not residents or domiciled or carrying any commercial activity in the Marshall Islands. The holders of our common stock will not be subject to Marshall Islands tax on the sale or other disposition of such common stock.
Liberian Tax Considerations
Certain of our subsidiaries are incorporated in the Republic of Liberia.  Under the Consolidated Tax Amendments Act of 2010, our Liberian subsidiaries will be deemed non-resident Liberian corporations wholly exempted from Liberian taxation effective as of 1977, and distributions we make to our shareholders will be made free of any Liberian withholding tax.
United States Federal Income Tax
The following are the material United States federal income tax consequences to us of our activities and to U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders, each as defined below, of our common stock. The following discussion of United States federal income tax matters is based on the Code, judicial decisions, administrative pronouncements, and existing and proposed regulations issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, or the Treasury Regulations, all as of the date of this Annual Report, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion is also based in part upon Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 883 of the Code. The discussion below is based, in part, on the description of our business as described in "Business" above and assumes that we conduct our business as described in that section. References in the following discussion to "we" and "us" are to EuroDry and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
United States Federal Income Taxation of Our Company
Taxation of Operating Income: In General
Unless exempt from United States federal income taxation under the rules discussed below, a foreign corporation is subject to United States federal income taxation in respect of any income that is derived from the use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time, voyage or bareboat charter basis, from the participation in a pool, partnership, strategic alliance, joint operating agreement, code sharing arrangement or other joint venture it directly or indirectly owns or participates in that generates such income, or from the performance of services directly related to those uses, which we refer to as "shipping income," to the extent that the shipping income is derived from sources within the United States. For these purposes, 50% of shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States exclusive of certain U.S. territories and possessions constitutes income from sources within the United States, which we refer to as "U.S.-source shipping income."
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Shipping income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States. We are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that produces income which is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States.
Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-United States ports will be considered to be 100% derived from sources outside the United States. Shipping income derived from sources outside the United States will not be subject to any United States federal income tax.
In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code, our gross U.S.-source shipping income would be subject to a 4% tax imposed without allowance for deductions as described below.
Exemption of Operating Income from United States Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, we will be exempt from United States federal income taxation on our U.S.-source shipping income if:


·
we are organized in a foreign country, or our country of organization, that grants an "equivalent exemption" to corporations organized in the United States; and
either

·
more than 50% of the value of our stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by "qualified shareholders," individuals who are "residents" of our country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an "equivalent exemption" to corporations organized in the United States, which we refer to as the "50% Ownership Test," or

·
our stock is "primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market" in our country of organization, in another country that grants an "equivalent exemption" to United States corporations, or in the United States, which we refer to as the "Publicly-Traded Test."
The Marshall Islands and Liberia, the jurisdictions where we and our shipowning subsidiaries were incorporated during 2018, each grants an "equivalent exemption" to United States corporations. Therefore, we will be exempt from United States federal income taxation with respect to our U.S.-source shipping income if we satisfy either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test.
We do not believe that we can establish that we satisfied the 50% Ownership Test for the 2018 taxable year due to the widely-held nature of our stock.
The Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that the stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be "primarily traded" on an established securities market in a country if the number of shares of each class of stock that is traded during the taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in each such class that is traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. Our common stock is "primarily traded" on the Nasdaq Capital Market, which is an established securities market for these purposes.
The Treasury Regulations also require that our stock be "regularly traded" on an established securities market. Under the Treasury Regulations, our 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, which we refer to as the "listing threshold." We intend to take the position that our common stock, which is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market constituted more than 50% of our outstanding shares by value and total combined voting power for the 2018 taxable year. Accordingly, we intend to take the position that we satisfied the listing threshold for the 2018 taxable year.  However, it is possible that our common stock may come to constitute 50% or less of our outstanding shares by value in a future taxable year in which case we may not be able to satisfy the listing threshold or the Publicly Traded Test.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the regulations provide, in pertinent part, that a class of shares will not be considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities market for any taxable year in which 50% or more of the vote and value of the outstanding shares of such class are owned, actually or constructively under specified share attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of the vote and value of such class of stock, to which we refer as the "Five Percent Override Rule."
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For purposes of being able to determine the persons who actually or constructively own 5% or more of the vote and value of our common stock, or "5% Shareholders," the regulations permit us to rely on those persons that are identified on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the SEC, as owning 5% or more of our common stock. The regulations further provide that an investment company which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, will not be treated as a 5% Shareholder for such purposes.  In the event the Five Percent Override Rule is triggered, the regulations provide that the Five Percent Override Rule will nevertheless not apply if we can establish that within the group of 5% Shareholders, there are sufficient qualified shareholders for purposes of Section 883 to preclude non-qualified shareholders in such group from owning 50% or more of our common stock for more than half the number of days during the taxable year.
We believe that we were subject to the Five Percent Override Rule, but nonetheless satisfied the Publicly-Traded Test for the 2018 taxable year because the nonqualified 5% Shareholders did not own more than 50% of our common stock for more than half of the days during the taxable year. We intend to take this position on our 2018 U.S. federal income tax returns.
Taxation in Absence of Exemption
To the extent the benefits of Section 883 are unavailable for any taxable year, our U.S.-source shipping income, to the extent not considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described below, 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 is treated as being derived from United States sources, the maximum effective rate of United States federal income tax on our shipping income will not exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax regime.
To the extent the benefits of the Section 883 of the Code are unavailable and our U.S.-source shipping income is considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described below, any such "effectively connected" U.S.-source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to the United States federal corporate income tax currently imposed at rates of up to 21%. In addition, we may be subject to the 30% United States federal "branch profits" taxes on earnings effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid attributable to the conduct of such United States trade or business.
Our U.S.-source shipping income would be considered "effectively connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business only if:

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

·
substantially all of our U.S.-source shipping income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation, such as the operation of a vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States.
We do not intend to have, or permit circumstances that would result in having, any vessel 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 do not anticipate that any of our U.S.-source shipping income will be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
United States Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels
Regardless of whether we qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code, we will not be subject to United States federal income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under United States federal income tax principles. In general, a sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside of the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us will be considered to occur outside of the United States.
United States Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of common stock that is a United States citizen or resident, United States corporation or other United States entity taxable as a corporation, an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.
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This discussion does not purport to deal with the tax consequences of owning common stock to all categories of investors, some of which, such as dealers in securities, investors whose functional currency is not the United States dollar, persons required to recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is reported on an "applicable financial statement" and investors that own, actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules, 10% or more of our common stock, may be subject to special rules. This discussion deals only with holders who hold the common stock as a capital asset. You are encouraged to consult your own tax advisors concerning the overall tax consequences arising in your own particular situation under United States federal, state, local or foreign law of the ownership of common stock. This discussion does not address the tax consequences of owning our preferred stock.
If a partnership holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our common stock, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor.
Distributions
Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies below, any distributions made by us with respect to our common stock to a U.S. Holder will generally constitute dividends, which may be taxable as ordinary income or "qualified dividend income" as described in more detail below, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in his common stock on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain. Because we are not a United States corporation, U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from us. Dividends paid with respect to our common stock will generally be treated as "passive category income" or, in the case of certain types of U.S. Holders, "general category income" for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for United States foreign tax credit purposes.

Dividends paid on our common stock to a U.S. Holder who is an individual, trust or estate, or a U.S. Individual Holder, will generally be treated as "qualified dividend income" that is taxable to such U.S. Individual Holders at preferential tax rates provided that (1) we are not a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which we do not believe we are, have been or will be), (2) our common stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the Nasdaq Capital Market, on which our common stock is listed), (3) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the common stock for more than 60 days in the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common stock becomes ex-dividend, and (4) the U.S. Individual Holder is not under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make payments with respect to positions in similar or related property. There is no assurance that any dividends paid on our common stock will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder. Dividends paid on our stock prior to the date on which our common stock became listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market were not eligible for these preferential rates.  Any dividends paid by us which are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a U.S. Individual Holder.

Special rules may apply to any "extraordinary dividend" generally, a dividend paid by us in an amount which is equal to or in excess of ten percent of a shareholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value in certain circumstances) in a share of our common stock. If we pay an "extraordinary dividend" on our common stock that is treated as "qualified dividend income," then any loss derived by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such common stock will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of such dividend.
Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Common Stock
Assuming we do not constitute a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder's tax basis in such stock. Such gain or loss will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Such capital gain or loss will generally be treated as U.S.-source income or loss, as applicable, for United States foreign tax credit purposes. A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
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Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences
Special United States federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that holds stock in a foreign corporation classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which such holder held our common stock, either:


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

·
at least 50% of the average value of our assets during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income, which we refer to as "passive assets".
For purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as earning and owning our proportionate share of the income and assets, respectively, of any of our subsidiary corporations in which we own at least 25% of the value of the subsidiary's stock. Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income would generally constitute "passive income" unless we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business.
Based on our current operations and future projections, we do not believe that we are, nor do we expect to become, a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. Although there is no legal authority directly on point, and we are not relying upon an opinion of counsel on this issue, our belief is based principally on the position that, for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from the time chartering and voyage chartering activities of our wholly-owned subsidiaries should constitute services income, rather than rental income. Correspondingly, such income should not constitute passive income, and the assets that we or our wholly-owned subsidiaries own and operate in connection with the production of such income, in particular, the vessels, should not constitute passive assets for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. We believe there is substantial legal authority supporting our position consisting of case law and United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income for other tax purposes. However, there is also authority which characterizes time charter income as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes.  Moreover, in the absence of any legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing PFICs, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, there can be no assurance that the nature of our operations will not change in the future.
As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year which included a U.S. Holder's holding period in our common stock, then such U.S. Holder would be subject to different 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 we refer to as a "QEF election". As an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our common stock, as discussed below.  In addition, if we were to be treated as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of our common stock would be required to file annual information returns with the IRS.
In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our common stock and we are a PFIC, such U.S. Holder must generally file IRS Form 8621 with the IRS.
U.S. Holders Making a Timely QEF Election
A U.S. Holder who makes a timely QEF election with respect to our common stock, or an Electing Holder, would report for U.S. federal income tax purposes his pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and our net capital gain, if any, for our taxable year that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder.  Our net operating losses or net capital losses would not pass through to the Electing Holder and will not offset our ordinary earnings or net capital gain reportable to the Electing Holder in subsequent years (although such losses would ultimately reduce the gain, or increase the loss, if any, recognized by the Electing Holder on the sale of his common stock).  Distributions received from us by an Electing Holder are excluded from the Electing Holder's gross income to the extent of the Electing Holder's prior inclusions of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain. The Electing Holder's tax basis in his common stock would be increased by any amount included in the Electing Holder's income. Distributions received by an Electing Holder, which are not includible in income because they have been previously taxed, would decrease the Electing Holder's tax basis in the common stock.  An Electing Holder would generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or exchange of common stock.
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U.S. Holders Making a Timely Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder who makes a timely mark-to-market election with respect to our common stock would include annually in the U.S. Holder's income, as ordinary income, any excess of the fair market value of the common stock at the close of the taxable year over the U.S. Holder's then adjusted tax basis in the common stock. The excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis at the close of the taxable year over the then fair market value of the common stock would be deductible in an amount equal to the lesser of the amount of the excess or the net mark-to-market gains that the U.S. Holder included in income in previous years with respect to the common stock. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in his common stock would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss amount recognized pursuant to the mark-to-market election.  A U.S. Holder would recognize ordinary income or loss on a sale, exchange or other disposition of the common stock; provided, however, that any ordinary loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition may not exceed the net mark-to-market gains that the U.S. Holder included in income in previous years with respect to the common stock.
U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF Election or Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder who does not make a timely QEF Election or a timely mark-to-market election, which we refer to as a "Non-Electing Holder", would be subject to special rules with respect to (i) any "excess distribution" (generally, the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on the common stock in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the Non-Electing Holder's holding period for the common stock), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the common stock. Under these rules, (i) the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder's holding period for the common stock; (ii) the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, would be taxed as ordinary income; and (iii) the amount allocated to each of the other prior taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed tax deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year. If a Non-Electing Holder dies while owning the common stock, the Non-Electing Holder's successor would be ineligible to receive a step-up in the tax basis of that common stock.
United States Federal Income Taxation of "Non-U.S. Holders"
A beneficial owner of common stock (other than a partnership) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to herein as a "Non-U.S. Holder."
Dividends on Common Stock
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on dividends received from us with respect to our common stock, unless that income is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a trade or business in the United States. If the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a United States income tax treaty with respect to those dividends, that income is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Stock
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock, unless:


·
such gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a trade or business in the United States, if the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a United States income tax treaty with respect to that gain, that gain is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States; or

·
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 United States trade or business for United States federal income tax purposes, the income from the common stock, including dividends and the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the stock that is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business will generally be subject to regular United States federal income tax in the same manner as discussed in the previous section relating to the
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taxation of U.S. Holders. In addition, in the case of a corporate Non-U.S. Holder, its earnings and profits that are attributable to the effectively connected income, subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to an additional United States federal "branch profits" tax at a rate of 30%, or at a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable United States income tax treaty.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, dividend payments, or other taxable distributions, made within the United States to you will be subject to information reporting requirements. Such payments will also be subject to backup withholding tax if a U.S. Individual Holder:


·
fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;

·
is notified by the IRS that he failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on your United States federal income tax returns; or

·
in certain circumstances, fails to comply with applicable certification requirements.
Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on an appropriate IRS Form W-8.
If a shareholder sells our common stock to or through a United States office of a broker, the payment of the proceeds is subject to both United States backup withholding and information reporting unless the shareholder certifies that it is a non-U.S. person, under penalties of perjury, or the shareholder otherwise establishes an exemption. If a shareholder sells our common stock through a non-United States office of a non-United States broker and the sales proceeds are paid outside the United States then information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to that payment. However, United States information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made outside the United States, if a shareholder sells our common stock through a non-United States office of a broker that is a United States person or has some other contacts with the United States.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a shareholder generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under backup withholding rules that exceed the shareholder's United States federal income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.
Individuals who are U.S. Holders (and to the extent specified in the applicable Treasury Regulations, certain individuals who are Non-U.S. Holders and certain United States entities) who hold "specified foreign financial assets" (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations) are required to file IRS Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) with information relating to each such asset for each taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds $75,000 at any time during the taxable year or $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year.  Specified foreign financial assets would include, among other assets, our common stock, unless the common stock were held through an account maintained with a United States financial institution.  Substantial penalties apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.  Additionally, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of United States federal income tax with respect to a taxable year for which the filing of IRS Form 8938 is required may not close until three years after the date on which IRS Form 8938 is filed.  U.S. Holders (including United States entities) and Non-U.S. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations under Section 6038D of the Code.
We encourage each shareholder to consult with his, her or its own tax advisor as to particular tax consequences to it of holding and disposing of our common stock, including the applicability of any state, local or foreign tax laws and any proposed changes in applicable law.
F.
Dividends and paying agents
Not Applicable.
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G.
Statement by experts
Not Applicable.
H.
Documents on display
We file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual report and the accompanying exhibits, may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or from the SEC's website: http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling 1 (800) SEC-0330 and you may obtain copies at prescribed rates.
I.
Subsidiary Information
Not Applicable.
Item 11.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
In the normal course of business, we face risks that are non-financial or non-quantifiable. Such risks principally include country risk, credit risk and legal risk. Our operations may be affected from time to time in varying degrees by these risks but their overall effect on us is not predictable. We have identified the following market risks as those which may have the greatest impact upon our operations:
Interest Rate Fluctuation Risk
The international drybulk shipping industry is capital intensive, requiring significant amounts of investment. Much of this investment is financed by long term debt. Our debt usually contains interest rates that fluctuate with LIBOR.
We are subject to market risks relating to changes in interest rates because we have floating rate debt outstanding, which is based on U.S. dollar LIBOR plus, in the case of each credit facility, a specified margin. Our objective is to manage the impact of interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flow in relation to our borrowings and to this effect, when we deem appropriate, we use derivative financial instruments. Effective on August 8, 2017, Euroseas Ltd. (our parent company before the Spin-off) entered into an interest rate swap with HSBC Bank Plc. ("HSBC") for a notional amount of $5.0 million, in order to manage interest costs and the risk associated with changing interest rates of the loans associated with M/V "Eirini P."/M/V "Tasos" and M/V "Pantelis" which was allocated to the Company. Under the terms of the swap, HSBC Bank Plc. makes a quarterly payment to Euroseas equal to the 3-month LIBOR while Euroseas pays an adjustable rate averaging 1.93% (HSBC Bank Plc. makes a quarterly payment to the Company equal to the 3-month LIBOR while the Company pays the fixed rate of 1.40% until August 8, 2018 then 1.75% until August 8, 2019 then 1.85% until August 8, 2020 and then 2.32% until August 8, 2022) based on the notional amount. The swap is effective from August 8, 2017 to August 8, 2022. As of May 30, 2018, the swap agreement has been novated to EuroDry.
On July 24, 2018, EuroDry Ltd. entered into an interest rate swap with HSBC for a notional amount of $5.0 million. Under this contract HSBC makes a quarterly payment to EuroDry equal to the 3-month LIBOR while EuroDry pays a rate of 2.93% based on the notional amount. The swap is effective from July 24, 2018 to July 24, 2023. As at December 31, 2018. our average debt coverage for 2019 was approximately 17% and for the two-year period of 2020 and 2021 was approximately 21%.
As at December 31, 2018, we had $63.89 million of floating rate debt outstanding with margins over LIBOR ranging from 2.80% to 3.75%. Our interest expense is affected by changes in the general level of interest rates. As an indication of the extent of our sensitivity to interest rate changes, an increase of 100 basis points would have decreased our net income and decreased our cash flows in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2018 by approximately $508,913 assuming the same debt profile throughout the year.
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The following table sets forth the sensitivity of our loans and the interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2018 in U.S. dollars to a 100 basis points increase in LIBOR during the next five years. Specifically, the interest we will have to pay for our loans will increase but net payments we will have to make under our interest rate swap contracts will decrease.

Year Ended December 31,
 
Amount in $ (loans)
   
Amount in $ (swap)
 
2019
   
601,788
     
(100,000
)
2020
   
532,649
     
(100,000
)
2021
   
455,835
     
(100,000
)
2022
   
332,600
     
(82,055
)
2023 and thereafter
   
367,411
     
(27,945
)

Inflation Risk
The general rate of inflation has been relatively low in recent years and as such its associated impact on costs has been minimal. We do not believe that inflation has had, or is likely to have in the foreseeable future, a significant impact on expenses. Should inflation increase, it will increase our expenses and subsequently have a negative impact on our earnings.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
The international drybulk shipping industry's functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. We generate all of our revenues in U.S. dollars, but incur approximately 22% of our vessel operating expenses (excluding depreciation and other operating income) in 2018 in currencies other than U.S. dollars.  In addition, our vessel management fee is denominated in Euros and certain general and administrative expenses (about 9% in 2018) are mainly in Euros and some other currencies. On December 31, 2018, approximately 51% of our outstanding trade accounts payable were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, mainly in Euros. We do not use currency exchange contracts to reduce the risk of adverse foreign currency movements but we believe that our exposure from market rate fluctuations is unlikely to be material. Net foreign exchange gain for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $0.01 million, and for the year ended December 31, 2017 we had a net foreign exchange loss of $0.01 million.
A hypothetical 10% immediate and uniform adverse move in all currency exchange rates from the rates in effect as of December 31, 2018, would have increased our operating expenses by approximately $0.23 million and the fair value of our outstanding trade accounts payable by approximately $0.04 million.

Item 12.   Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Not Applicable.

PART II
Item 13.   Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
Item 14.   Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
We adopted a shareholders' rights plan on May 5, 2018 and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right to purchase one one-thousandth of our Series A Participating Preferred Stock for each outstanding share of our common stock, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 30, 2018. Each right entitles the registered holder, upon the occurrence of certain events, to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $26, subject to adjustment. The rights will expire on the earliest of (i) May 30, 2028 or (ii) redemption or exchange of the rights. The plan was designed to enable us to protect shareholder interests in the event that an unsolicited attempt is made for a business combination with or takeover of the company. We believe that the shareholders' rights plan should enhance the board of directors' negotiating power on behalf of shareholders in the event of a coercive offer or proposal. We are not currently aware of any such offers or proposals and we adopted the plan as a matter of prudent corporate governance.
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Item 15.   Controls and Procedures
(a)     Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, the Company's management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2018. The term disclosure controls and procedures is defined under SEC rules as controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2018, our disclosure controls and procedures, which include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC.

(b)     Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

This annual report does not include a report of management's assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting of the Company's registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for newly public companies.

(c)       Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

This annual report does not contain an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting as the Company is an emerging growth company and is exempt from this requirement.

(d)      Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections
88


of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
Item 16A.   Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our Board of Directors has determined that all the members of our Audit Committee qualify as financial experts and they are all considered to be independent according to Nasdaq and SEC rules.  Mr. Panos Kyriakopoulos serves as the Chairman of our Audit Committee and as the Audit Committee's financial expert with Mr. Apostolos Tamvakakis and Mr. George Taniskidis as members.
Item 16B.   Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to officers and employees. Our code of ethics is posted in our website, www.eurodry.gr, under "Corporate Governance".
Item 16C.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Our principal auditors, Deloitte Certified Public Accountants, S.A. have charged us for audit, audit-related and non-audit services as follows:
   
2017
(dollars in thousands)
   
2018
(dollars in thousands)
 
Audit Fees
 
$
0
   
$
193
 
Audit related fees
 
-
   
-
 
Tax fees
 
-
   
-
 
All other fees / expenses
 
-
   
-
 
Total
 
$
0
   
$
193
 
Audit fees relate to compensation for professional services rendered for the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the Company and for the review of the quarterly financial information as well as in connection with any other audit services required for SEC or other regulatory filings or offerings.
The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, replacement, compensation, evaluation and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm. As part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee pre-approves the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm in order to assure that they do not impair the auditor's independence from the Company. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy which sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services proposed to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm may be pre-approved.
All services provided by Deloitte Certified Public Accountants, S.A., were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
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
None.
Item 16G.   Corporate Governance
Please see Item 6.C. Board Practices - Corporate Governance.
OTHER THAN AS NOTED IN THE SECTION ABOVE, WE ARE IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH ALL OTHER APPLICABLE NASDAQ CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STANDARDS.
89


Item 16H.   Mine Safety Disclosure
Not Applicable.

PART III
Item 17.   Financial Statements
See Item 18.
Item 18.   Financial Statements
The financial statements set forth on pages F-1 through F-44, together with the report of independent registered public accounting firm, are filed as part of this annual report.
Item 19.   Exhibits

1.1
 
1.2
 
2.1
 
2,2
 
   
2.3
 
2.4
 
2.5
 
4.1
 
4.2
 
4.3
 
4.4
 
4.5
 
4.6
 
4.7
 
4.8
 
4.9
 
4.10
 
4.11
 
4.12
 
4.13
 
4.14
 
4.15
 
4.16
 
90


4.17
 
4.18
 
4.19
 
4.20
 
4.21
 
4.22
 
4.23
 
4.24
 
4.25
 
4.26
 
4.27
 
4.28
 
8.1
 
12.1
 
12.2
 
13.1
 
13.2
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
________________
*
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

(1)   Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Form 6-K (File No. 001-38502) on May 29, 2018.
(2)   Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement (File No. 333-224732) on May 8, 2018.
(3)   Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Form 6-K (File No. 001-38502) on May 31, 2018.

91

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 Amendment to its annual report on its behalf.

   
EURODRY LTD.
(Registrant)
     
   
By:
/s/ Aristides J. Pittas
     
Aristides J. Pittas
     
Chairman, President and CEO
     
Date: April 30, 2019
   








92


 
 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Pages
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
F-2
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2018
 
F-3
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
 
F-5
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
 
F-6
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
 
F-7
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
F-9
 
 
 
F-1


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of EuroDry Ltd.
 
Opinion on the Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EuroDry Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company” ) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, 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, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
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

April 29, 2019
 
 
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

 
F-2



 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(All amounts, except share data, expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
 
 
Notes
 
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,257,058
 
 
 
4,375,972
 
Restricted cash
 
 
8
 
 
 
894,499
 
 
 
828,955
 
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
593,787
 
 
 
2,236,210
 
Other receivables
 
 
 
 
 
 
644,062
 
 
 
341,952
 
Prepaid expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
72,520
 
 
 
147,789
 
Due from related companies
 
 
7
 
 
 
3,706,259
 
 
 
5,967,444
 
Inventories
 
 
3
 
 
 
452,191
 
 
 
566,947
 
Total current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
7,620,376
 
 
 
14,465,269
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vessels, net
 
 
5
 
 
 
81,979,636
 
 
 
110,637,462
 
Advances for vessel under construction
 
 
4
 
 
 
5,051,211
 
 
 
-
 
Restricted cash
 
 
8
 
 
 
2,750,000
 
 
 
2,550,000
 
Derivatives
 
 
14
 
 
 
51,453
 
 
 
55,030
 
Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
97,452,676
 
 
 
127,707,761
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term bank loans, current portion
 
 
8
 
 
 
7,967,267
 
 
 
6,930,655
 
Trade accounts payable
 
 
 
 
 
 
346,968
 
 
 
690,653
 
Accrued expenses
 
 
6
 
 
 
1,037,027
 
 
 
1,166,209
 
Deferred revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
289,738
 
 
 
196,231
 
Total current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
9,641,000
 
 
 
8,983,748
 
 
 
(Consolidated balance sheets continue on the next page)
 
F-3


 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(All amounts, except share data, expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
(continued)
 
 
Notes
 
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
Long-term liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term bank loans, net of current portion
 
 
8
 
 
 
30,364,035
 
 
 
56,428,100
 
Due to former Parent Company
 
 
7
 
 
 
24,585,518
 
 
 
-
 
Total long-term liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
54,949,553
 
 
 
56,428,100
 
Total liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
64,590,553
 
 
 
65,411,848
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
10
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mezzanine Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred shares (par value $0.01, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 0 and 19,608 issued and outstanding, respectively)
 
 
15
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
18,757,358
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock (par value $0.03, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 0 and 2,279,920 issued and outstanding)
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
22,799
 
Former Parent Company investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
42,518,895
 
 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
52,618,022
 
Accumulated deficit
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9,656,772
)
 
 
(9,102,266
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
32,862,123
 
 
 
43,538,555
 
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
97,452,676
 
 
 
127,707,761
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F-4



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts, except for share data, expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
Notes
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time charter revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
8,331,821
 
 
 
16,985,607
 
 
 
25,934,204
 
Voyage charter revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
3,294,608
 
 
 
-
 
Commissions (including, $104,148, $253,503 and $324,178, respectively, to related party)
 
 
7
 
 
 
(452,868
)
 
 
(1,122,196
)
 
 
(1,411,333
)
Net revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
7,878,953
 
 
 
19,158,019
 
 
 
24,522,871
 
Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Voyage expenses
 
 
13
 
 
 
82,627
 
 
 
2,396,318
 
 
 
410,676
 
Vessel operating expenses (including, $57,316, $102,131 and $115,026, respectively, to related party)
 
 
7, 13
 
 
 
4,308,418
 
 
 
6,892,388
 
 
 
9,183,152
 
Dry-docking expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
127,509
 
 
 
1,465,079
 
Vessel depreciation
 
 
5
 
 
 
3,828,634
 
 
 
4,786,272
 
 
 
5,422,155
 
Related party management fees
 
 
7
 
 
 
780,135
 
 
 
1,409,716
 
 
 
1,701,340
 
Other general and administrative expenses (including $520,626, $693,524 and $731,456, respectively, to related party)
 
 
7, 11
 
 
 
798,828
 
 
 
917,160
 
 
 
2,346,502
 
Loss on termination and impairment of shipbuilding contracts
 
 
4
 
 
 
7,050,179
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
Total operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
16,848,821
 
 
 
16,529,363
 
 
 
20,528,904
 
Operating (loss) / income
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8,969,868
)
 
 
2,628,656
 
 
 
3,993,967
 
Other income / (expenses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and other financing costs
 
 
8
 
 
 
(1,161,169
)
 
 
(1,817,574
)
 
 
(2,913,141
)
Gain on derivatives, net
 
 
14
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
49,167
 
 
 
13,786
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
53
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
14,083
 
Foreign exchange gain / (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(10,369
)
 
 
(10,548
)
 
 
11,040
 
Other expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,171,485
)
 
 
(1,778,955
)
 
 
(2,874,232
)
Net (loss) / income
 
 
 
 
 
 
(10,141,353
)
 
 
849,701
 
 
 
1,119,735
 
Dividends to Series B preferred shares
 
 
15
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
(565,229
)
Net (loss) / income attributable to common shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
(10,141,353
)
 
 
849,701
 
 
 
554,506
 
(Loss) / Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted
 
 
12
 
 
 
(6.21
)
 
 
0.38
 
 
 
0.25
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, basic and diluted
 
 
12
 
 
 
1,633,141
 
 
 
2,213,505
 
 
 
2,232,821
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
F-5


 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts, except share data, expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
 
Number
of
Shares Outstanding
   
Common Stock
Amount
   
Additional Paid - in
Capital
   
Accumulated Deficit
   
Former Parent Company investment
   
Total
 
Balance January 1, 2016
                     
(365,120
)
   
32,779,443
     
32,414,323
 
Net increase in former Parent Company investment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
8,823,927
     
8,823,927
 
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(10,141,353
)
   
-
     
(10,141,353
)
Balance December 31, 2016
                           
(10,506,473
)
   
41,603,370
     
31,096,897
 
Net increase in former Parent Company investment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
915,525
     
915,525
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
849,701
     
-
     
849,701
 
Balance December 31, 2017
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(9,656,772
)
   
42,518,895
     
32,862,123
 
Net increase in former Parent Company investment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
9,984,409
     
9,984,409
 
Capitalization at spin-off, including issuance of common stock
   
2,254,830
     
22,548
     
52,480,756
     
-
     
(52,503,304
)
   
-
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,119,735
     
-
     
1,119,735
 
Dividends to Series B preferred shares
                           
(565,229
)
           
(565,229
)
Issuance of restricted shares for stock incentive award and share-based compensation
   
25,090
     
251
     
137,266
     
-
     
-
     
137,517
 
Balance December 31, 2018
   
2,279,920
     
22,799
     
52,618,022
     
(9,102,266
)
   
-
     
43,538,555
 
 
 
 
 
F-6



 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) / income
 
 
(10,141,353
)
 
 
849,701
 
 
 
1,119,735
 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) / income to net cash (used in)/ provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation of vessels
 
 
3,828,634
 
 
 
4,786,272
 
 
 
5,422,155
 
Amortization and write off of deferred charges
 
 
471,443
 
 
 
209,231
 
 
 
396,925
 
Share-based compensation
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
137,517
 
Provision for doubtful debts
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
167,019
 
Loss on termination and impairment of shipbuilding contracts
 
 
7,050,179
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
Unrealized gain on derivatives
 
 
-
 
 
 
(51,453
)
 
 
(3,577
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Increase) / decrease in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts receivable
 
 
(241,359
)
 
 
44,436
 
 
 
(1,809,442
)
Prepaid expenses
 
 
469
 
 
 
(29,368
)
 
 
(75,269
)
Other receivables
 
 
(17,835
)
 
 
(527,943
)
 
 
302,110
 
Inventories
 
 
(99,499
)
 
 
(184,071
)
 
 
(114,756
)
Due from related companies
 
 
2,564,940
 
 
 
(3,045,377
)
 
 
(1,968,521
)
Increase / (decrease) in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
 
128,508
 
 
 
37,630
 
 
 
360,599
 
Accrued expenses
 
 
645,680
 
 
 
612,037
 
 
 
129,182
 
Deferred revenues
 
 
66,022
 
 
 
209,192
 
 
 
(93,507
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
4,255,829
 
 
 
2,910,287
 
 
 
3,970,170
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for vessels under construction, capitalized expenses and vessel acquisition
 
 
(24,243,012
)
 
 
(9,635,504
)
 
 
(29,045,685
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(24,243,012
)
 
 
(9,635,504
)
 
 
(29,045,685
)
 
(Consolidated statements of cash flows continue on the next page)
 
 
F-7



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
(Continued)
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in former Parent Company investment
 
 
8,823,927
 
 
 
915,525
 
 
 
3,298,356
 
Loan arrangement fees paid
 
 
(529,810
)
 
 
(42,125
)
 
 
(432,200
)
Proceeds from long-term bank loans
 
 
13,800,000
 
 
 
10,862,500
 
 
 
48,400,000
 
Repayment of long-term bank loans
 
 
(2,347,000
)
 
 
(1,813,229
)
 
 
(23,337,271
)
Due to former Parent Company
 
 
725,620
 
 
 
(639,312
)
 
 
-
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
 
20,472,737
 
 
 
9,283,359
 
 
 
27,928,885
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
 
485,554
 
 
 
2,558,142
 
 
 
2,853,370
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
 
 
1,857,861
 
 
 
2,343,415
 
 
 
4,901,557
 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year
 
 
2,343,415
 
 
 
4,901,557
 
 
 
7,754,927
 
Cash Breakdown
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
591,108
 
 
 
1,257,058
 
 
 
4,375,972
 
Restricted cash, current
 
 
502,307
 
 
 
894,499
 
 
 
828,955
 
Restricted cash, long term
 
 
1,250,000
 
 
 
2,750,000
 
 
 
2,550,000
 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows
 
 
2,343,415
 
 
 
4,901,557
 
 
 
7,754,927
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized expenses
 
 
488,764
 
 
 
1,462,852
 
 
 
2,220,713
 
Financing, and investing activities fees:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan arrangement fees accrued
 
 
38,400
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
Payment-in-kind dividends
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
565,229
 
Capital expenditures included in liabilities
 
 
75,962
 
 
 
64,476
 
 
 
47,562
 
Preferred shares distributed to EuroDry
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
18,192,129
 
Prior year contributions from the former Parent Company recognized in paid-in capital
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
5,490,106
 
Due to former Parent Company amount allocated to Due from related companies balance
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
903,283
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F-8



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
  
1.   Basis of Presentation and General Information
 
EuroDry Ltd. (the “Company” or “EuroDry”) was formed by Euroseas Ltd. (“Euroseas” or “former Parent Company”) on January 8, 2018 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to serve as the holding company of seven subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) contributed by Euroseas to EuroDry in connection with the spin-off of Euroseas’ drybulk vessels held for use as of December 31, 2017 (the “Spin-off”). On May 30, 2018, Euroseas contributed these Subsidiaries to EuroDry in exchange for 2,254,830 common shares in EuroDry, which Euroseas, distributed to holders of Euroseas common stock on a pro rata basis. Further, on May 30, 2018 Euroseas distributed shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock (the “EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares”) to holders of Euroseas’ Series B Preferred Shares, representing 50% of Euroseas Series B Preferred Stock. For periods up to May 30, 2018, the accompanying financial statemnets reflect the financial position and results of the carve-out operations of the seven Subsidiaries that were contributed to the Company.
 
The operations of the vessels are managed by Eurobulk Ltd. (“Eurobulk” or “Manager”) and Eurobulk (Far East) Ltd. Inc. (“Eurobulk FE”) , collectively the “Managers”, corporations controlled by members of the Pittas family. Eurobulk has an office in Greece located at 4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, Maroussi, Greece; Eurobulk FE has an office at Manilla, Philippines Suite 1003, 10th Floor Ma. Natividad Building, 470 T.M. Kalaw cor. Cortada Sts., Ermita. Both provide the Company with a wide range of shipping services such as technical support and maintenance, insurance consulting, chartering, financial and accounting services, while Eurobulk also provides executive management services, in consideration for fixed and variable fees (see Note 7).
 
The Pittas family is the controlling shareholder of Friends Dry Investment Company Inc. which, in turn, owns 38.1% of the Company’s shares as of December 31, 2018. Mr. Aristides J. Pittas is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Euroseas.
 
The Company is engaged in the ocean transportation of dry bulk through ownership and operation of dry bulk ship-owning companies. Details of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries are set out below:
  
·
Pantelis Shipping Corp., incorporated in Republic of Liberia on December 4, 2009, owner of the Liberian flag 74,020 DWT bulk carrier M/V “Pantelis” which was built in 2000 and acquired on July 23, 2009.
 
·
Eirini Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on February 2, 2014, owner of the Liberian flag 76,466 DWT bulk carrier M/V “Eirini P” which was built in 2004 and acquired on May 26, 2014.
 
·
Ultra One Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on November 21, 2013, owner of Liberian flag 63,500 DWT bulk carrier M/V “Alexandros P.” (ex- Hull DY 160). M/V “Alexandros P” was built and delivered on January 16, 2017.
 
 
F-9



 
 
 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
1.   Basis of Presentation and General Information – Continued
 
·
Ultra Two Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Liberia on November 21, 2013, entered on November 29, 2013, into a shipbuilding contract with Yangzhou Dayang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Sumec Marine Co., Ltd., for the construction of a 63,500 DWT bulk carrier (Hull No. DY161). The shipbuilding contract was cancelled on September 2, 2016 due to excessive construction delays. Ultra Two Shipping Ltd has no assets and operations as of December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
 
·
Kamsarmax One Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on April 4, 2014, owner of the Marshall Islands flag 82,000 DWT bulk carrier M/V “Xenia”. M/V “Xenia” was built and delivered on February 25, 2016.
 
·
Kamsarmax Two Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on April 4, 2014, entered on April 4, 2014, into a shipbuilding contract with Jiangsu Tianyuan Marine Import & Export Co., Ltd., and Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., for the construction of an eco-design fuel efficient 82,000 DWT bulk carrier (Hull No. YZJ2013-1153). In July 2016, Kamsarmax Two Shipping Ltd. signed an amended agreement which provided it with an option to terminate the contract by December 31, 2016 (subsequently, extended to March 31, 2017) without any additional cost. In March 2017, the Company decided not to exercise the option to terminate the contract but to proceed with the construction of Hull No. YZJ2013-1153 (named “Ekaterini”) which was delivered on May 7, 2018.
 
·
Areti Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on November 15, 2016, owner of the Cypriot flag 75,100 DWT bulk carrier M/V “Tasos” which was built in 2000 and acquired on January 9, 2017.
 
·
Light Shipping Ltd., incorporated in the Republic of Marshall Islands on November 6, 2018, owner of the Cypriot flag 75,845 DWT bulk carrier M/V “Starlight” which was built in 2004 and acquired on November 30, 2018.
 
 
F-10



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
Years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
1.   Basis of Presentation and General Information – Continued
 
The following charterers individually accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenues as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
Charterer
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
A/S Klaveness Chartering
   
52
%
   
26
%
   
32
%
Amaggi Europe B.V.
   
-
     
17
%
   
11
%
Dampskibsselskabet Norden A/S
   
26
%
   
18
%
   
-
 
China National Chartering (Hong Kong) Co., Limited
   
-
     
13
%
   
-
 
Quadra Commodities S.A.
   
13
%
   
-
     
-
 
 
2.   Significant Accounting Policies
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The following are the significant accounting policies adopted by the Company:
 
Principles of consolidation
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EuroDry Ltd. and its subsidiaries. Inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated on consolidation.
 
Use of estimates
 
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the stated amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Other comprehensive income / (loss)
 
The Company has no other comprehensive income / (loss) and accordingly comprehensive income / (loss) equals net income / (loss) for all periods presented. As such, no statement of comprehensive income / (loss) has been presented.
 
F-11



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)

2.   Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
Foreign currency translation
 
The Company’s functional currency as well as the functional currency of all its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. The resulting exchange gains and/or losses on settlement or translation are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
 
Cash equivalents
 
Cash equivalents are cash in bank accounts, time deposits or other certificates purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.
 
Restricted cash
 
Restricted cash reflects deposits with certain banks that can only be used to pay the current loan installments or are required to be maintained as a certain minimum cash balance per mortgaged vessel and amounts that are pledged, blocked or held as cash collateral.
 
Trade accounts receivable
 
The amount shown as trade accounts receivable, at each balance sheet date, includes estimated recoveries from each voyage or time charter. At each balance sheet date, the Company provides for doubtful accounts on the basis of specific identified doubtful receivables.

The Company recorded a provision for doubtful accounts of $167,019 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company did not record any material provisions for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
 
Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price less reasonably predictable costs of disposal and transportation. Inventories are valued using the FIFO (First-In First-Out) method.
 
Vessels
 
Vessels are stated at cost, which comprises the vessel contract price, costs of major repairs and improvements upon acquisition, direct delivery and other acquisition expenses to prepare the vessel for her initial voyage, less accumulated depreciation and impairment, if any. Subsequent expenditures for conversions and major improvements are also capitalized when they appreciably extend the life, increase the earning capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels; otherwise these amounts are charged to expense as incurred. Vessels under construction are presented at cost, which includes shipyard installment payments and other vessel costs incurred during the construction period that are directly attributable to the construction of the vessels, including interest costs incurred during the construction period.
 
Expenditures for vessel repair and maintenance are charged against income in the period incurred.
F-12



 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
2.   Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the vessel with reference to the cost of the vessel, and estimated scrap value. Remaining useful lives of vessels are periodically reviewed and revised to recognize changes in conditions and such revisions, if any, are recognized over current and future periods. The Company estimates that its vessels have a useful life of 25 years from the completion of their construction.
 
Insurance claims and insurance proceeds
 
Claims receivable are recorded on the accrual basis and represent the amounts to be received, net of deductibles incurred through each balance sheet date, for which recovery from insurance companies is probable and the claim is not subject to litigation. Any remaining costs to complete the claims are included in accrued liabilities. Insurance proceeds are recorded according to type of claim that gives rise to the proceeds in the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of cash flow.
 
Revenue and expense recognition
 
Revenues are generated from time charters and voyage charters. Under a time charter agreement, a contract is entered into for the use of a vessel for a specific period of time and a specified daily charter hire rate. Under a voyage charter agreement, a contract is made in the spot market for the use of a vessel for a specific voyage to transport a specified agreed upon cargo at a specified freight rate per ton or occasionally a lump sum amount. Under a voyage charter agreement, the charter party generally commits to a minimum amount of cargo and the charterer is liable for any short loading of cargo or “dead” freight.
 
The Company’s time charter agreements are classified as operating leases pursuant to ASC 840 “Leases”, according to which revenues under operating lease arrangements are recognized when a charter agreement exists, the charter rate is fixed and determinable, the vessel is made available to the lessee and collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured.  Revenues are recognized ratably on a straight line basis over the period of the respective charter agreement in accordance with ASC 840, adjusted for the off-hire days that a vessel spends undergoing repairs, maintenance or upgrade work. A time charter contract is deemed to commence from the time of the delivery of the vessel to an agreed port and is deemed to end upon the re-delivery of the vessel at an agreed port.
F-13


 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)


2.   Significant Accounting Policies – Continued

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This standard is effective for public entities with reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods therein, and shall be applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company adopted the provisions of the new standard on revenue from contracts with customers (ASC 606) on January 1, 2018 and elected to use the modified retrospective transition method for the implementation of this standard. The implementation of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements, as the Company did not have any voyage charters in progress as of December 31, 2017 and 2018. Revenues from voyage charters were nil for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 Voyage charter agreements are considered service contracts that fall under the provisions of ASC 606, because the Company as the shipowner retains the control over the operation of the vessel such as directing the routes taken or the vessel speed. The Company accounts for a voyage charter when all the following criteria are met: (i) the parties to the contract have approved the contract in the form of a written charter agreement or fixture recap and are committed to perform their respective obligations, (ii) the Company can identify each party’s rights regarding the services to be transferred, (iii) the Company can identify the payment terms for the services to be transferred, (iv) the charter agreement has commercial substance (that is, the risk, timing, or amount of the future cash flows is expected to change as a result of the contract) and (v) it is probable that the Company will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the services that will be transferred to the charterer. The Company has determined that there is one single performance obligation for each of its voyage contracts, which is to provide the charterer with an integrated transportation service within a specified time period. In addition, the Company has concluded that a contract for a voyage charter meets the criteria to recognize revenue over time because the charterer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the Company’s performance as the Company performs. Therefore, since the Company’s performance obligation under each voyage contract is met evenly as the voyage progresses, revenue is recognized on a straight line basis over the voyage days from the loading of cargo to its discharge. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, revenue from voyage contracts was recognized from the later of the discharge of the vessel’s previous cargo or the time it receives a contract that is not cancelable, until the discharge of the current cargo. The majority of revenue from voyage charter agreements is usually collected in advance. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, there have only been two instances in 2017 where a vessel was employed under a voyage charter and in both cases the voyage had begun and ended in the same period.
 
 
F-14



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
2.   Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
 
Demurrage income, which is included in “Voyage charter revenue” in the consolidated statements of operations, represents revenue earned from the charterer when loading or discharging time exceeded the stipulated time in the voyage charter agreement. Demurrage income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 was not material.
 
Charter fees received in advance are recorded as a liability (deferred revenue) until charter services are rendered.
 
Vessel operating expenses are comprised of all expenses relating to the operation of the vessels, including crewing, insurance, repairs and maintenance, stores, lubricants, spares and consumables, professional and legal fees and miscellaneous expenses. Vessel operating expenses are recognized as incurred; payments in advance of services or use are recorded as prepaid expenses. Under voyage charter agreements, voyage expenses relate to bunkers, port charges, canal tolls, and agency fees and are all paid by the Company. Costs incurred prior to loading which are directly related to the voyage may be deferred if they meet certain conditions, and are amortized over the duration of the voyage from load port to discharge port. Costs incurred during the voyage are expensed as incurred. Under time charter agreements, voyage expenses which are also recognized as incurred by the Company include costs for draft surveys, hold cleaning, postage, extra war risk insurance, bunkers during ballast period and other minor miscellaneous expenses related to the voyage. The charterer is responsible for paying the cost of bunkers and other voyage expenses whilst the vessel is on time charter. Certain voyage expenses paid by the Company, such as extra war risk insurance and holds cleaning may be recovered from the charterer; such amounts recovered are recorded as other income.
 
Commissions (address and brokerage), regardless of charter type, are always paid by the Company, are deferred and amortized over the related charter period and are presented as a separate line item in revenues to arrive at net revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
 
Dry-docking and special survey expenses
 
Dry-docking and special survey expenses are expensed as incurred.
 
Pension and retirement benefit obligations – crew
 
The ship-owning companies contract the crews on board the vessels under short-term contracts (usually up to 9 months). Accordingly, they are not liable for any pension or post-retirement benefits.
 
Financing costs
 
Loan arrangement fees are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the duration of the underlying loan using the effective interest method. Unamortized fees relating to loans repaid or refinanced are expensed in the period the repayment or refinancing occurs.
 
Offering costs
 
Deferred offering expenses are charged against paid-in capital when financing is completed or expensed to “Other general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations when the offering is aborted.
 
F-15



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
2.   Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
 
Stock incentive plan awards
 
Share-based compensation represents vested and non-vested restricted shares granted to officers and directors as well as to non-employees and are included in “Other general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations. The shares to employees and directors are measured at their fair value equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The shares that do not contain any future service vesting conditions are considered vested shares and the total fair value of such shares is expensed on the grant date. The shares that contain a time-based service vesting condition are considered non-vested shares on the grant date and the total fair value of such shares is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. In addition, non-vested awards granted to non-employees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining period service is provided. The fair value of the awards granted to non-employees are measured at the fair value at each reporting period until the non-vested shares vest and performance is complete.
 
Impairment of long-lived assets
 
The Company reviews its long-lived assets “held and used” for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, the Company performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. When the estimate of future undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to be generated by the use of the asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company evaluates the asset for an impairment loss. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. In this respect, management regularly reviews the carrying amount of the vessels in connection with the estimated recoverable amount for each of the Company’s vessels.
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
Derivative instruments are recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value with changes in the instruments’ fair value recognized as either a component in other comprehensive income if specific hedge accounting criteria are met in accordance with guidance relating to “Derivatives and Hedging” or in earnings if hedging criteria are not met.
 
Preferred shares
 
Preferred shares are recorded at the initial amount of preferred stock assumed based on the initial consideration received by the former Parent Company less offering expenses and adjusted by including the redemption value of dividends paid in-kind. The Company recognizes changes in the redemption value of the preferred shares immediately as they occur and adjusts the carrying amount of the preferred shares to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period to that effect.
 
 
F-16



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
2.   Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
 
Earnings / (loss) per common share
 
Basic earnings / (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) attributable to common shareholders, after the deduction of dividends paid (in cash or in-kind) to preferred shareholders, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding does not include any potentially dilutive securities or any non-vested restricted shares of common stock. These non-vested restricted shares, although classified as issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018, are considered contingently returnable until the restrictions lapse and are not included in the basic net income per share calculation until the shares are vested.
 
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share gives effect to all potentially dilutive securities to the extent that they are dilutive, using the treasury stock method. The Company uses the treasury stock method for non-vested restricted shares, while for the preferred shares issued the Company uses the if-converted method to assess the dilutive effect.
 
Segment reporting
 
The Company reports financial information and evaluates its operations by charter revenue and not by the type of ship employment for its customers, i.e. voyage or time charters. The Company does not use discrete financial information to evaluate the operating results for each such type of charter. Although revenue can be identified for these types of charters, management cannot and does not identify expenses, profitability or other financial information for these charters. As a result, management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operating results solely by revenue per day and operating results of the fleet and thus the Company has determined that it operates under one operating segment. Furthermore, when the Company charters a vessel to a charterer, the charterer is free to trade the vessel worldwide and, as a result, the disclosure of geographical information is impracticable.
 
 
 
 
 
F-17



 
 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
2.   Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
 
Recent accounting pronouncements
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, which amends the existing accounting standard for lease accounting and adds additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by most leases, while lessor accounting remains largely unchanged. ASC 842, as amended, subject to certain transition relief options, requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, or allows entities to elect not to recast the comparative periods presented when transitioning to ASC 842 and to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. ASC 842 also provides a practical expedient to lessors by class of underlying asset, to not separate non lease components from the associated lease component, similar to the expedient provided for lessees, when the following criteria are met i) the timing and pattern of transfer for the lease component is the same as those for the non-lease component associated with that lease component and (ii) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. ASC 842 is effective for public entities with reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal periods. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. The Company will adopt ASC 842 for its reporting period commencing January 1, 2019 and has elected not to recast the comparative periods presented when transitioning to ASC 842. The Company’s time charter agreements are classified as operating leases pursuant to ASC 842, because (i) the vessel is an identifiable asset, (ii) the Company does not have substantive substitution rights and (iii) the charterer has the right to control the use of the vessel, during the term of the contract, and derives the economic benefits from such use. The nature of the lease component and non-lease component that were combined as a result of applying the practical expedient are the contract for the hire of a vessel and the fees for operating and maintaining the vessel respectively. The Company has elected not to separate the lease and non-lease components. The lease component is the predominant component and the Company accounts for the combined component as an operating lease in accordance with Topic 842. Since lessor accounting remains largely unchanged from current U.S. GAAP, the implementation of this standard will not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements, however it will increase the disclosures relating to the Company’s leasing arrangements.
F-18



 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 

2.   Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
 
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The main objective of this Update is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this Update replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The ASU requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. In November 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-19 “Codification Improvements to topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses”. The amendments in this update clarify that operating lease receivables are not within the scope of ASC 326-20 and should instead be accounted for under the new leasing standard, ASC 842. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
 
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718). This ASU expands the scope of Topic 718, which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to also include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. Currently, nonemployee awards are measured at the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever can be more reliably measured. Under ASU 2018-07, equity-classified nonemployee awards within the scope of Topic 718 will be measured at grant-date fair value. The ASU simplified the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services, therefore guidance on such payments to nonemployees would be mostly aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
F-19



 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
2.   Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
 
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. The amendments in this Update modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, based on the concepts in the Concepts Statement, including the consideration of costs and benefits. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of this Update. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this Update and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

3.   Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
 
 
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
Lubricants
 
 
418,650
 
 
 
533,300
 
Victualing
 
 
33,541
 
 
 
33,647
 
Total
 
 
452,191
 
 
 
566,947
 
 
 
F-20



 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
4.   Advances for Vessel under Construction
 
 
 
Costs
 
Balance, January 1, 2017
 
 
17,753,737
 
Advances for vessels under construction
 
 
5,784,204
 
Vessel acquisition deposit
 
 
3,824,668
 
Delivery of M/V “Alexandros P”
 
 
(17,807,934
)
Delivery of M/V “Tasos”
 
 
(4,503,464
)
Balance, December 31, 2017
 
 
5,051,211
 
Advances for vessel under construction
 
 
18,818,171
 
Delivery of M/V “Ekaterini”
 
 
(23,869,382
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
 
 
-
 
 
The shipbuilding contracts for Hull No. DY160 and Hull No. DY161, both with Yangzhou Dayang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Sumec Marine Co., Ltd., and originally scheduled for delivery in the second and third quarters of 2016, respectively, were cancelled on June 29, 2016 and September 2, 2016, respectively, due to excessive construction delays. As a result, Ultra One Shipping Ltd. and Ultra Two Shipping Ltd. recognized a receivable of $17.1 million from Yangzhou Dayang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Sumec Marine Co., Ltd. representing the shipyard instalments paid and costs of other spares/supplies incorporated into the vessels in accordance with the shipbuilding contracts and, in addition, recorded a $3.2 million loss on the termination of the shipbuilding contracts representing other capitalized expenses which were considered would not be recoverable under the shipbuilding contracts.
 
On December 21, 2016, Ultra One Shipping Ltd. signed an agreement to acquire from Yangzhou Dayang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Sumec Marine Co., Ltd. Hull No. DY160 for $16.9 million. The Company recognized as part of the cost of Hull No. DY160 the amount of $0.4 million representing the additional spares/supplies acquired for Hull No. DY160, which had been originally included in the receivable of $17.1 million, noted above. As a result, the receivable was reduced to $16.7 million. In accordance with the agreement, the Company applied the remaining $16.7 million receivable, representing the shipyard instalments paid and cost of spares/supplies incorporated into Hull No. DY161 against the cost of Hull No. DY 160, and paid the remaining amount in cash. Additional advances of $0.5 million were made in 2017 representing capitalized expenses or total of $17.8 million. Hull No. DY160 was delivered to the Company on January 16, 2017 and was named M/V “Alexandros P”.
 
 
 
F-21



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
4.   Advances for Vessels under Construction – Continued
 
In December 2016, Kamsarmax Two Shipping Ltd. took an impairment charge on Hull No. YZJ2013-1153 as it considered it likely at that time that it would exercise its option to terminate the shipbuilding contract without any additional penalty. The Company recognized an impairment of $3.8 million representing the deposit paid to the shipyard as well as legal and other costs related to the shipbuilding contract. In March 2017, the Company decided not to exercise the option to terminate the contract but to proceed with the construction of Hull No. YZJ2013-1153, which was delivered on May 7, 2018. The balance as of December 31, 2017 represents advances made by Kamsarmax Two Shipping Ltd. during 2017 for the construction of Hull No. YZJ2013-1153 (named M/V “Ekaterini”) amounting to $5.1 million. Additional advances of $18.8 million were made in 2018 representing a total of $23.9 million. M/V “Ekaterini” was delivered to the Company on May 7, 2018.
 
On November 11, 2016, Areti Shipping Ltd. signed a memorandum of agreement to purchase M/V “Tasos”, a 75,100 dwt 2000-built drybulk carrier, for approximately $4.4 million. The deposit made under the memorandum of agreement and other capitalized costs amounted to $0.7 million as of December 31, 2016. The balance of the amount payable under the memorandum of agreement and other capitalized costs paid during 2017 amounted to $3.8 million or a total of $4.5 million together with the amount paid in 2016. M/V “Tasos” was delivered to the Company on January 9, 2017.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-22

 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
5.   Vessels, Net
 
The amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
 
 
 
 
Costs
 
 
Accumulated
Depreciation
 
 
Net Book
Value
 
Balance, January 1, 2017
 
 
80,712,825
 
 
 
(16,273,461
)
 
 
64,439,364
 
-   Delivery of M/V “Alexandros P”
 
 
17,807,934
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
17,807,934
 
-   Delivery of M/V “Tasos”
 
 
4,503,464
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
4,503,464
 
-   Capitalized expenses
 
 
15,146
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
15,146
 
-   Depreciation for the year
 
 
-
 
 
 
(4,786,272
)
 
 
(4,786,272
)
Balance, December 31, 2017
 
 
103,039,369
 
 
 
(21,059,733
)
 
 
81,979,636
 
-   Delivery of M/V “Ekaterini”
 
 
23,869,382
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
23,869,382
 
-   Delivery of M/V “Starlight”
 
 
10,210,599
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
10,210,599
 
-   Depreciation for the year
 
 
-
 
 
 
(5,422,155
)
 
 
(5,422,155
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
 
 
137,119,350
 
 
 
(26,481,888
)
 
 
110,637,462
 
  
The Company considers the potential sale of its vessels, for scrap or further trading, depending on a vessel’s age, any additional capital expenditures required, the expected revenues from continuing to own the vessel and the overall market prospects.
 
On November 5, 2018, Light Shipping Ltd. signed a memorandum of agreement to purchase M/V “Starlight” a 75,845 DWT 2004-built drybulk carrier, for a purchase price plus costs to make the vessel available for use of $10,210,599. M/V “Starlight” was delivered to the Company on November 30, 2018.
 
The Company performed the undiscounted cash flow test as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 for those operating vessels whose carrying values were above their respective market values, and determined that the net book value of its vessels held for use was recoverable.
 
All the Company’s vessels have been mortgaged as security for the Company’s loans (refer Note 8).
 
 
 
F-23



 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
6.   Accrued Expenses
  
The accrued expenses consist of:
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued payroll expenses
 
 
118,644
 
 
 
74,169
 
Accrued interest expense
 
 
398,934
 
 
 
694,437
 
Accrued general and administrative expenses
 
 
-
 
 
 
114,432
 
Accrued commissions
 
 
69,631
 
 
 
15,039
 
Other accrued expenses
 
 
449,818
 
 
 
268,132
 
Total
 
 
1,037,027
 
 
 
1,166,209
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-24


 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
7.   Related Party Transactions
 
The Managers (see Note 1) provided technical and commercial vessel management for a fixed daily fee per vessel of Euro 685 for 2016, 2017 and 2018. Vessel management fees paid to the Managers amounted to $780,135, $1,409,716 and $1,701,340 in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, and are recorded under “Related party management fees” in the consolidated statements of operations. An additional fixed management fee is paid to Eurobulk relating to executive compensation. The amount of such executive compensation allocated to the Company prior to the Spin-off was based on the proportion of the number of calendar days that related to EuroDry’s vessels to the number of days of the entire fleet of Euroseas. After the Spin-off, the annual compensation for such services was set at $1,250,000. This amount was $520,626, $693,524 and $731,456 for 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, and is recorded in “Other general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
The Euroseas’ Master Management Agreement (“MMA”) with the Managers provides for an annual adjustment of the daily vessel management fee due to inflation to take effect on January 1 of each year. The vessel management fee for laid-up vessels is half of the daily fee. This MMA, as periodically amended and restated, will automatically be extended after the initial five-year period for an additional five-year period unless terminated on or before the 90th day preceding the initial termination date. Pursuant to the MMA, each ship-owning company has signed – and each future ship owning company when a vessel is acquired will sign - with the Managers, a management agreement with the rate and term of these agreements set in the MMA effective at such time.
 
The MMA was amended and restated on January 1, 2012 to reflect a 5% discount on the daily vessel management fee for the period during which the number of the Euroseas-owned vessels (including vessels in which Euroseas is a part owner) managed by the Managers is greater than 20 (“volume discount”); it was renewed on January 1, 2014 for a new five year term until January 1, 2019.
 
Starting January 1, 2013, the daily vessel management fee was adjusted to Euro 720 per day per vessel in operation and 360 Euros per day per vessel in lay-up before the 5% discount. The fee remained unchanged for the subsequent years starting January 1, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.
 
The MMA was further renewed on January 1, 2018 for an additional five year term until January 1, 2023 with the 5% volume discount permanently incorporated in the daily management fee. The daily management fee remained unchanged at Euro 685 for the year 2018 and will be adjusted annually for inflation in the Eurozone. EuroDry signed new MMAs with the Managers which took effect after the completion of the spin-off. EuroDry’s MMAs are substantially on the same terms as the MMA between Euroseas and Eurobulk relating to the vessels that were previously owned by Euroseas. The fee will remain unchanged for 2019.
 
The vessels M/V “Xenia”, M/V “Alexandros P.”, M/V “Tasos” and M/V “Ekaterini” are managed by Eurobulk FE, which provides technical, commercial and accounting services. The remaining fleet of the Company (M/V “Pantelis, M/V “Eirini P.” and M/V “Starlight”) is managed by Eurobulk.
 
Amounts due to or from related companies represent net disbursements and collections made on behalf of the ship-owning companies by the Managers during the normal course of operations for which a right of off-set exists. As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the amounts due from related companies were $3,706,259 and $5,967,444 respectively. Based on the MMA, an estimate of the quarter’s operating expenses, expected dry-dock expenses, vessel management fee and fee for management executive services are to be advanced by the Company’s ship-owning subsidiaries in the beginning of the quarter to the respective Manager.
 
F-25



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 
7.   Related Party Transactions – Continued
 
As of December 31, 2017, the amount Due to former Parent Company was $24,585,518 and refers to payments made by Euroseas on behalf of the Subsidiaries in relation to: (i) the shipbuilding contracts for the construction of Hull No. DY160 amounting to $10.1 million, (ii) the shipbuilding contract for the construction of Hull No. YZJ2013-1153 amounting to $8.8 million, (iii) the acquisition of M/V “Tasos” amounting to $4.5 million and (iv) restricted cash requirements amounting $1.2 million.

The amount Due to former Parent Company as of December 31, 2017 amounting to $24,585,518 was allocated or settled through the issuance of EuroDry Series B Preferred shares during 2018 as follows: (i) $17,806,879 to the Series B Preferred shares balance of the Company that would be outstanding as of December 31, 2017 as a result of the distribution of EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares representing 50% of the outstanding Series B Preferred stock of Euroseas on the spin-off date (refer to Note 15), (ii) $5,490,106 was allocated to equity of the Company for contributions for the construction cost of the newbuilding vessels spun-off paid in prior years comprising the amount recognized as loss on termination of the shipbuilding contract of Hull No. DY 161 and impairment of the shipbuilding contract of Hull No. YZJ2013-1153 (named “Ekaterini”) and (iii) $1,288,533 as a reduction to the “Due from related companies” receivable. As of December 31, 2018, there was no amount Due to former Parent Company.
 
The Company uses brokers for various services, as is industry practice.  Eurochart S.A. (“Eurochart”), a company controlled by certain members of the Pittas family, provides vessel sale and purchase services, and chartering services to the Company whereby the Company pays commission of 1% of the vessel sales price and 1.25% of charter revenues. A commission of 1% of the purchase price is also paid to Eurochart by the seller of the vessel for acquisitions the Company makes. The Company withheld and then paid to Eurochart a commission of $213,500 in 2016, on behalf of Eurochart, for payments made under the shipbuilding contract for M/V “Xenia.” During 2017, the Company withheld commissions of $179,000, on behalf of Eurochart, for payments made under the shipbuilding contracts for Hull No. DY 160, Hull No. YZJ2013-1153 and for the acquisition of M/V “Tasos”. In November 2018 the Company paid $101,100 to Eurochart for the acquisition of M/V “Starlight”. Commissions to Eurochart for chartering services totaled $104,148, $253,503 and $324,178 in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, recorded in “Commissions” in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
Certain members of the Pittas family, together with another unrelated ship management company, have formed a joint venture with the insurance broker Sentinel Maritime Services Inc. (“Sentinel”); and with a crewing agent Technomar Crew Management Services Corp (“Technomar”). Technomar is a company owned by certain members of the Pittas family, together with two other unrelated ship management companies. Sentinel is paid a commission on insurance premiums not exceeding 5%; Technomar is paid a fee of about $50 per crew member per month. Total fees charged by Sentinel and Technomar were $26,178 and $31,138 in 2016, $42,421 and $59,710 in 2017 and $48,734 and $66,292 in 2018, respectively.  These amounts are recorded in “Vessel operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
 
F-26



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 
8.   Long-Term Bank Loans
 
These consist of bank loans of the ship-owning companies and are as follows:
 
Borrower
 
 
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pantelis Shipping Corp.
 
(a)
 
 
4,440,000
 
 
 
-
 
Eirini Shipping Ltd. / Areti Shipping Ltd.
 
(b)
 
 
11,600,000
 
 
 
4,820,000
 
Kamsarmax One Shipping Ltd.
 
(c)
 
 
12,399,000
 
 
 
11,465,000
 
Ultra One Shipping Ltd.
 
(d), (e)
 
 
10,383,271
 
 
 
15,000,000
 
Kamsarmax Two Shipping Ltd
 
(f)
 
 
-
 
 
 
17,600,000
 
Light Shipping Ltd. / Areti Shipping Ltd. / Pantelis Shipping Corp.
 
(g)
 
 
-
 
 
 
15,000,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
38,822,271
 
 
 
63,885,000
 
Less: Current portion
 
 
 
 
(8,162,972
)
 
 
(7,071,444
)
Long-term portion
 
 
 
 
(30,659,299
)
 
 
(56,813,556
)
Deferred charges, current portion
 
 
 
 
195,705
 
 
 
140,789
 
Deferred charges, long-term portion
 
 
 
 
295,264
 
 
 
385,456
 
Long-term bank loans, current portion net of deferred charges
 
 
 
 
7,967,267
 
 
 
6,930,655
 
Long-term bank loans, long-term portion net of deferred charges
 
 
 
 
30,364,035
 
 
 
56,428,100
 
 
The future annual loan repayments are as follows:
 
To December 31:
 
 
 
2019
 
 
7,071,444
 
2020
 
 
6,908,889
 
2021
 
 
13,358,889
 
2022
 
 
5,626,778
 
2023
 
 
20,619,000
 
Thereafter
 
 
10,300,000
 
Total
 
 
63,885,000
 
  
 
F-27



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 
8.   Long-Term Debt – Continued
 
 
(a)
This loan is a $13,000,000 loan drawn by Pantelis Shipping Corp. on December 15, 2009. The loan was payable in 32 consecutive quarterly instalments, four in the amount of $500,000 and twenty-eight in the amount of $280,000, with a $3,160,000 balloon payment to be paid together with the final instalment in September 2017. The loan bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.70%. The loan was secured with the following: (i) first priority mortgage over M/V “Pantelis”, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V “Pantelis”, (iii) a corporate guarantee of Euroseas Ltd. (replaced by EuroDry Ltd. following the Spin-off) and (iv) a minimum cash balance equal to an amount of no less than $300,000 in an account maintained by Pantelis Shipping Corp. maintained with HSBC Bank Plc.
 
On September 30, 2016, the Company signed a Supplemental Agreement with HSBC Bank PLC to defer the six remaining consecutive quarterly instalments of $280,000 each (being $1,680,000 in aggregate) until (a) 29 September 2017 (being the initial final repayment date together with the balloon payment of $3,160,000 in one bullet payment of $4,840,000) or (b) to extend the final repayment date of the deferred amount and the balloon payment until 29 December 2018 if Euroseas agreed with the current lender of M/V “Evridiki G” (being Credit Agricole) or any other bank the extension of the repayment date of her balloon instalment at least until her current charter matures in the first quarter of 2018, which was finally agreed. In this case, the outstanding amount of $4,840,000 would be paid in four quarterly instalments, the first two instalments of $280,000 each, the third instalment in the amount of $560,000 and the fourth instalment of $3,720,000 comprised by $560,000 and the balloon payment. The first instalment was paid in March 2018 and the following instalments at quarterly intervals thereafter and the last one in December 2018. The asset coverage ratio was reduced from 130% to 75% until December 31, 2017. A cash sweep mechanism was put in place until the entire deferred amount is repaid. A cash collateral amount of $300,000 (corresponding to the minimum cash balance requirement) was pledged in the cash collateral account of the owner of M/V “Eirini P”/M/V “Tasos” or of Euroseas as corporate guarantor. A prepayment of $0.4 million was also made within 2017 and a prepayment of $1.0 million was made in 2018 for the loan of Pantelis Shipping Corp. These prepayments were deducted from balloon repayment of the said loan based on the agreement between Euroseas and HSBC Bank Plc. The loan was fully repaid and refinanced by the National Bank of Greece, as explained in note (g) below, in November 2018.
 

 
 
F-28



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
8.   Long-Term Debt – Continued
 
 
(b)
This loan is a $15,300,000 loan drawn by Eirini Shipping Ltd. and Eleni Shipping Ltd. jointly, (“Eirini Loan”), on June 25, 2014. The parties agreed in principle on September 30, 2016 to replace one of the underlying collaterals of the Eirini Loan (M/V “Eleni P”) with a similar vessel, which in December 2016, was approved to be M/V “Tasos” (owned by Areti Shipping Ltd.). The loan was payable in 20 equal consecutive quarterly instalments of $350,000 each, with an $8.3 million balloon payment to be paid together with the final instalment in June 2019. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.75%. The loan was secured with the following: (i) first priority mortgage over M/V “Eirini P.” and M/V “Tasos.”, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V “Eirini P.” and M/V “Tasos”, (iii) a corporate guarantee of Euroseas Ltd. (replaced by EuroDry Ltd. following the Spin-off).
 
On September 30, 2016, the Company signed a Supplemental Agreement with HSBC Bank PLC. The outstanding balance of the “Eirini Loan” of $12,850,000 prior to the closing of the Supplemental Agreement was reduced to $11,600,000 via prepayment using the cash collateral of $1,250,000 (which was effected after the signing of the Supplemental Agreement). In addition, seven principal instalments of $350,000 each, from June 2016 to December 2017 were deferred. Repayment of the loan resumed in March 2018 and the outstanding balance of $11,600,000 will be repaid in two quarterly instalments of $350,000 each, four of $725,000 each plus a balloon payment of $8,000,000 due in May 2019.  The asset coverage ratio was reduced from 130% to 75% until December 31, 2017. A cash sweep mechanism was put in place until the entire deferred amount is repaid. A cash collateral amount of $600,000 (corresponding to the minimum cash balance requirement) is to be pledged in the cash collateral account of M/V “Eirini P” / M/V “Tasos”. For the avoidance of doubt the aforementioned cash collateral is in addition to the cash collateral required to be maintained in the cash collateral account pursuant to the loan agreement of Pantelis Shipping Corp. M/V “Eleni P” was sold on January 26, 2017 and the proceeds from the sale were contributed to the Company by Euroseas during 2017 and were used to partly pay for the acquisition of M/V “Tasos”.  HSBC Bank Plc. agreed to the sale of M/V “Eleni P” and the substitution of such vessel with M/V “Tasos” as collateral for the loan. A prepayment of $0.45 million was also made within 2018, which was deducted from the balloon repayment of the said loan based on the agreement between Euroseas and HSBC Bank Plc. The loan was partly repaid in December 2018 through the refinancing by the National Bank of Greece as explained in note (g) below. The only vessel remaining in the facility is Eirini P whilst there are two quarterly principal payments of $405,000 each due in 2019 and a balloon amount of $4,010,000 million due on May 26, 2019 to be paid together with the last instalment. The Security Cover ratio for this facility stands at 130%. In April 2019, the Company entered into a term sheet with HSBC Bank PLC to refinance the specific loan, as explained in Note 17.
     
 
(c)
On February 17, 2016, the Company signed a term loan facility with Nord LB and, on February 25, 2016, a loan of $13,800,000 was drawn by Kamsarmax One Shipping Ltd. to partly finance the pre-delivery installment of M/V “Xenia”. The loan is to be repaid in fourteen consecutive equal semi-annual installments of $467,000 plus a balloon amount of $7,262,000. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.95%. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgage over M/V “Xenia”, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V “Xenia”, (iii) a corporate guarantee of Euroseas Ltd (replaced by EuroDry Ltd. following the Spin-off) and other covenants and guarantees similar to the rest of the loans of the Company.

F-29



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
8.   Long-Term Debt – Continued
 
(d)
On March 20, 2015, the Company signed a term loan facility with HSH Nordbank AG of up to the lesser of $19.00 million or 62.5% of the market value of Hull No. DY160 (named Alexandros P) upon its delivery to partly finance the construction cost. A commitment fee of 0.9% per annum was payable until the loan was drawn. On April 28, 2016 and on October 27, 2016, the Company signed supplemental loan agreements to the term loan facility signed on March 20, 2015 extending the allowed drawdown period until October 31, 2016 and subsequently until January 31, 2017 to account for delays in the construction of the Hull No. DY160, and reducing the maximum loan amount to 55% of the market value of the vessel at delivery. On January 25, 2017 the Company drew $10,862,500 from HSH Nordbank AG, to partly finance the pre-delivery installment of M/V “Alexandros P”. The loan is payable in thirteen equal consecutive quarterly instalments of $159,743 each commencing from April 2017, with a balloon payment of $8,785,841 to be paid together with the last instalment in April 2020. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.00%. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgage over M/V “Alexandros P.”, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V “Alexandros P.”, (iii) a corporate guarantee of Euroseas Ltd (replaced by EuroDry Ltd. following the Spin-off) and other covenants and guarantees similar to the rest of the loans of the Company. This loan was fully refinanced in October 2018 by Eurobank as explained in note (e) below.
     
 
(e)
On October 1, 2018, the Company signed a term loan facility with Eurobank Ergasias S.A. (EFG) of up to $15.00 million or the 60% of the market value of M/V “Alexandros P.” , for the purpose of refinancing the outstanding loan facility of HSH Nordbank AG and providing working capital. The new facility was drawn in October 2018. The loan is payable in twenty-eight consecutive equal quarterly instalments of $235,000 each, followed by a balloon payment of $8,420,000 to be paid together with the last instalment in October 2025. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.25%. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgage over M/V “Alexandros P.”, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V “Alexandros P.”, (iii) a corporate guarantee of EuroDry Ltd and other covenants and guarantees similar to the rest of the loans of the Company. The Security Cover ratio for this facility stands at 120%. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $135,000 for this loan.
     
 
(f)
On April 27, 2018, the Company signed a term loan facility with HSBC Bank plc. of $18.4 million drawn by Kamsarmax Two Shipping Ltd. to finance 70% of the construction cost but no more than 70% of the market value of M/V “Ekaterini”, subject to the existence of a time charter at the time of drawdown, for a minimum period of 24 months approved by the lender. The loan is payable in twenty consecutive quarterly instalments commencing from July 2018, eight in the amount of $400,000 and twelve in the amount of $325,000, with a $11,300,000 balloon payment to be paid together with the last instalment in April 2023.  The interest rate margin is 2.80% over LIBOR. The loan will be secured with (i) first priority mortgage over M/V “Ekaterini”, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V “Ekaterini” and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company. The Security Cover ratio for this facility stands at 130%. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $147,200 for this loan.


 
F-30



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 

8.   Long-Term Debt – Continued
 
(g)
On November 27, 2018, the Company signed a term loan facility with the National Bank of Greece S.A. (NBG) and a loan of $15,000,000 was drawn by Light Shipping Ltd., Areti Shipping Ltd. and Pantelis Shipping Corp. for the purpose of refinancing the existing loans with HSBC Bank PLC regarding M/V “Pantelis” and M/V “Tasos” and financing part of the acquisition cost of M/V “Starlight”. The loan is payable in twelve consecutive equal quarterly installments of $700,000, commencing from February 2019, plus a balloon amount of $6,600,000 to be paid together with the last instalment in November 2021. The margin of the loan is 3.25% above LIBOR. The loan is secured with (i) first priority mortgages over M/V “Starlight”, M/V “Pantelis” and M/V “Tasos” (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of M/V “Starlight”, M/V “Pantelis” and M/V “Tasos”, (iii) a corporate guarantee of EuroDry Ltd and other covenants and guarantees similar to remaining loans of the Company. The Security Cover ratio for this facility stands at 125%. The Company paid loan arrangement fees of $150,000 for this loan.

In addition to the terms specific to each loan described above, all the above loans are secured with a pledge of all the issued shares of each borrower.
 
The loan agreements also contain covenants such as minimum requirements regarding the hull ratio cover (the ratio of fair value of vessel to outstanding loan less cash in retention accounts ranging from 120% to 130% as of December 31, 2018), restrictions as to changes in management and ownership of the ship-owning companies, distribution of profits or assets (i.e. not permitting dividend payment or other distributions in cases that an event of default has occurred), additional indebtedness and mortgage of vessels without the lender’s prior consent, sale of vessels, maximum fleet-wide leverage, sale of capital stock of our subsidiaries, ability to make investments and other capital expenditures, entering in mergers or acquisitions, minimum cash balance requirements and minimum cash retention accounts (restricted cash). The loan agreements also require the Company to make deposits in retention accounts with certain banks that can only be used to pay the current loan instalments. Minimum cash balance requirements are in addition to cash held in retention accounts. These cash deposits amounted to $3,644,499 and $3,378,955 as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively, and are included in “Restricted cash” under “Current assets” and “Long-term assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2018, all the debt covenants are satisfied.
 
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 amounted to $689,726, $1,608,348 and $2,516,216, respectively. Capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 amounted to $497,813, $123,697 and $173,841, respectively.
 
 
 
F-31



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
  
9.   Income Taxes
 
Under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the U.S. source gross transportation income of a ship-owning or chartering corporation, such as the Company, is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. U.S. source gross transportation income consists of 50% of the gross shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States.
 
Under IRS regulations, a Company’s shares will be considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market if (i) one or more classes of its shares representing 50% or more of its outstanding shares, by voting power of all classes of shares of the corporation entitled to vote and of the total value of the shares of the corporation, are listed on the market and (ii) (A) such class of share is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or one sixth of the days in a short taxable year; and (B) the aggregate number of shares of such class of share traded on such market during the taxable year must be at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of share outstanding during such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the treasury regulations provide, in pertinent part, that a class of the Company’s shares will not be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market for any taxable year in which 50% or more of the vote and value of the outstanding shares of such class are owned, actually or constructively under specified share attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of the vote and value of such class of the Company’s outstanding shares, (“5% Override Rule”).
 
For the taxable years 2016 and 2017 the Company believes that it was not exempt from U.S. federal income tax of 4% on U.S. source shipping income, as it believes that it did not satisfy the Publicly Traded Test for these years before the Spin-off, while being part of Euroseas, since Euroseas’ common stock did not constitute more than 50% of Euroseas’ outstanding shares by value for the respective taxable years.  As a result, tax charge of approximately $7,200 and $23,477 were paid on June 16, 2017 and on September 17, 2018, respectively and were recorded within “Vessel operating expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations when paid.
 
For the taxable year 2018 the Company believes that it was exempt from U.S. federal income tax of 4% on U.S. source shipping income, as it believes that it satisfies the Publicly Traded Test for this year, although it is subject to the 5% Override Rule, because there were nonqualified 5% shareholders that did not own more than 50% of our common stock for more than half of the days during the taxable year.
F-32


 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
  
 
10.   Commitments and Contingencies
 
 
(a)
As of December 31, 2017, Areti Shipping Ltd. had a dispute with Windrose SPS Shipping and Trading (“Windrose”), a charterer, regarding Windrose’s failure to pay the balance of the charter fee of $52,019 in relation to charter party agreement dated January 20, 2017. Additionally, Areti Shipping Ltd. paid an amount of $115,000 to a bunker supplier for portion of the total claim of $179,281, after facing an arrest of M/V “Tasos” in Brazil. The Company took the case to London arbitration and obtained an award of approximately $215,000. The Company has hired Swiss lawyers in order to proceed with the recovery of the funds in Switzerland where Windrose is based. In February 2018 Windrose was declared bankrupt and a liquidator was appointed by the Swiss Court. According to the Swiss Law, Areti Shipping Ltd. through their lawyers had to seek recovery of the claim from the Directors of Windrose, who may be personally liable for company’s debts. In May 2018 in view of the uncertain recovery prospects our Freight Demurrage and Defence club has withdrawn its support on the case. In view of high costs, the management has decided to abstain from any action against Windrose directors. Further, Areti Shipping Ltd. has filed their claim with the liquidator; however, the amounts recoverable will be small, if any. In view of the above, the management decided to take a provision of the full amount of $167,019.

  There are no other material legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or to which any of its properties are subject, other than routine litigation incidental to the Company’s business. In the opinion of the management, the disposition of these lawsuits should not have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
As of December 31, 2018, future gross minimum revenues upon collection of hire under non-cancellable time charter agreements in excess of 1 year relate to the M/V “Xenia” and M/V “Ekaterini” total $11.4 million. In arriving at the future gross minimum revenues, the Company has deducted an estimated one off-hire day per quarter. Such off-hire estimate may not be reflective of the actual off-hire in the future. In addition, the actual revenues could be affected by early delivery of the vessel by the charterers or any exercise of the charterers’ options to extend the terms of the charters, which however cannot be estimated and hence not reflected above.
 
 
F-33



 
 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
 
11.   Stock Incentive Plan
 
On July 31, 2014, the Board of Directors of Euroseas approved the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The plan is administered by Euroseas’ Board of Directors which could make awards totaling in aggregate up to 2,500,000 shares, respectively over 10 years after the plan’s adoption date. The persons eligible to receive awards under the plan are officers, directors, and executive, managerial, administrative and professional employees of Euroseas or Eurobulk or Eurochart (collectively, “key persons”) as the Board, in its sole discretion, shall select based upon such factors as the Board shall deem relevant. Awards may be made under the plan in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. Following the Spin-off, each shareholder of Euroseas received one share of EuroDry, for every five shares of Euroseas held. Awardees of the Euroseas stock incentive awards with unvested shares received unvested shares of EuroDry with the same ratio, one share of EuroDry for every five shares of Euroseas, taking also into account that the awardees described above are common in both Euroseas and EuroDry. Shares of EuroDry issued for unvested shares of Euroseas will vest on the same schedule with the original Euroseas shares.
 
Details of awards granted under the 2014 Plan of Euroseas, which had unvested shares as of the Spin-off date, are noted below.
 
 
a)
On November 3, 2016 an award of 82,080 non-vested restricted shares, was made to 19 key persons of which 50% vested on November 1, 2017 and 50% vested on November 1, 2018; awards to officers and directors amounted to 48,048 shares and the remaining 34,032 shares were awarded to employees of Eurobulk.
     
 
b)
On November 2, 2017 an award of 100,270 non-vested restricted shares, was made to 18 key persons of which 50% vested on July 1, 2018 and 50% will vest on July 1, 2019; awards to officers and directors amounted to 57,700 shares and the remaining 42,570 shares were awarded to employees of Eurobulk.


 
F-34



 
 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
11.   Stock Incentive Plan – Continued
 
In May 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an equity incentive plan (the “May 2018 Plan”). The May 2018 Plan will be administered by the Company’s Board of Directors which can make awards totaling in aggregate up to 150,000 shares over five years after the May 2018 Plan’s adoption date. Officers, directors and employees (including any prospective officer or employee) of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and consultants and service providers to (including persons who are employed by or provide services to any entity that is itself a consultant or service provider to) the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates will be eligible to receive awards under the equity incentive plan.  Awards may be made under the May 2018 Plan in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. Details of awards granted under the May 2018 Plan during the year ended December 31, 2018 are noted below.
 
On November 21, 2018 an award of 25,090 non-vested restricted shares, was made to 18 key persons of which 50% will vest on November 16, 2019 and 50% will vest on November 16, 2020; awards to officers and directors amounted to 14,434 shares and the remaining 10,656 shares were awarded to employees of Eurobulk.
 
All non-vested restricted shares are conditional upon the grantee’s continued service as an employee of the Company, Eurobulk or as a director until the applicable vesting date. The grantee does not have the right to vote on such non-vested restricted shares until they vest or exercise any right as a shareholder of these shares, however, the non-vested shares will accrue dividends as declared and paid which will be retained by the Company until the shares vest at which time they are payable to the grantee. As non-vested restricted share grantees accrue dividends on awards that are expected to vest, such dividends are charged to retained earnings.
 
The Company estimates the forfeitures of non-vested restricted shares to be immaterial and hence accounts for forfeitures as they occur. No forfeitures occurred in the year ended December 31, 2018.
 
The compensation cost that has been charged against income for awards was $137,517 for the year ended December 31, 2018 and is included within “Other general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company has used the straight-line method to recognize the cost of the awards.
 
 
 
F-35



 
EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
11.   Stock Incentive Plan – Continued
 
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested shares as of December 31, 2018 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2018, are presented below:
 
Non-vested Shares
 
Shares
 
 
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested on May 31, 2018
 
 
28,072
 
 
 
8.30
 
Granted
 
 
25,090
 
 
 
10.14
 
Vested
 
 
(18,045
)
 
 
(8.30
)
Forfeited
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
Non-vested on December 31, 2018
 
 
35,117
 
 
 
9.61
 
 
As of December 31, 2018, there was $241,339 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2014 Plan and the May 2018 Plan and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.06 years. The total fair value at grant-date of shares granted during the year ended December 31, 2018, was $254,413.
 
 

F-36



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
 
12.   (Loss) / Earnings per Share
 
Basic and diluted (loss) / earnings per common share are computed as follows:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) / income
 
 
(10,141,353
)
 
 
849,701
 
 
 
1,119,735
 
Dividends to Series B preferred shares
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
(565,229
)
Net (loss) / income attributable to common shareholders
 
 
(10,141,353
)
 
 
849,701
 
 
 
554,506
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares - outstanding
 
 
1,633,141
 
 
 
2,213,505
 
 
 
2,232,821
 
Basic and diluted (loss) / earnings per share
 
 
(6.21
)
 
 
0.38
 
 
 
0.25
 
 
During 2018, the effect of the non-vested stock awards and of Series B Preferred Shares was anti-dilutive. The number of dilutive securities was nil shares in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
   
13.   Voyage and Vessel Operating Expenses
  
These consist of:
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2018
 
Voyage expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Port charges and canal dues
 
 
34,850
 
 
 
578,468
 
 
 
260,139
 
Bunkers
 
 
47,777
 
 
 
1,817,850
 
 
 
150,537
 
Total
 
 
82,627
 
 
 
2,396,318
 
 
 
410,676
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vessel operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crew wages and related costs
 
 
2,621,166
 
 
 
4,616,900
 
 
 
5,532,463
 
Insurance
 
 
399,371
 
 
 
609,354
 
 
 
682,991
 
Repairs and maintenance
 
 
109,399
 
 
 
181,174
 
 
 
407,324
 
Lubricants
 
 
421,406
 
 
 
379,853
 
 
 
520,452
 
Spares and consumable stores
 
 
480,209
 
 
 
706,855
 
 
 
1,404,080
 
Professional and legal fees
 
 
97,584
 
 
 
186,306
 
 
 
257,250
 
Other
 
 
179,283
 
 
 
211,946
 
 
 
378,592
 
Total
 
 
4,308,418
 
 
 
6,892,388
 
 
 
9,183,152
 
 
 
 
F-37



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
 
14.   Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Effective on August 8, 2017, Euroseas Ltd. entered into an interest rate swap with HSBC Bank Plc. (“HSBC”) for a notional amount of $5.0 million, in order to manage interest costs and the risk associated with changing interest rates of the loans associated with M/V “Eirini P.”, M/V “Tasos” and M/V “Pantelis” and, therefore, was allocated to the Company. Under the terms of the swap, HSBC Bank Plc. makes a quarterly payment to Euroseas equal to the 3-month LIBOR while Euroseas pays an adjustable rate averaging 1.93% (HSBC Bank Plc. makes a quarterly payment to the Company equal to the 3-month LIBOR while the Company pays the fixed rate of 1.40% until August 8, 2018 then 1.75% until August 8, 2019 then 1.85% until August 8, 2020 and then 2.32% until August 8, 2022) based on the notional amount. The swap is effective from August 8, 2017 to August 8, 2022. The swap agreement was novated to EuroDry on May 30, 2018.
 
On July 24, 2018, EuroDry entered into an interest rate swap with HSBC for a notional amount of $5.0 million. Under this contract HSBC makes a quarterly payment to EuroDry equal to the 3-month LIBOR while EuroDry pays a fixed rate of 2.93% based on the notional amount. The swap is effective from July 24, 2018 to July 24, 2023.
 
The interest rate swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting as of December 31, 2017 and 2018.
F-38



  EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
14.   Derivative Financial Instruments – Continued

Freight Forward Agreements (“FFA”)
 
In October 2018, the Company entered into one FFA contract on the Baltic Panamax Index (“BPI”) for the first three calendar months of 2019, totaling 90 days at an average time charter equivalent rate of $12,200 per day. The contract is settled on a monthly basis using the average of the BPI for the days of the month the BPI is published.  The Company receives a payment if the average BPI for the month is below the contract rate equal to the difference of the contract rate less the average BPI for the month times the number of contract days sold; if the average BPI for the month is greater than the contract rate the Company makes a payment equal to the difference of the average BPI for the month less the contract rate times the number of contract days sold. If the Company buys contracts previously sold (or the opposite) the Company receives or pays the difference of the two rates for the period covered by the contracts.
 
The FFA contract did not qualify for hedge accounting. The Company follows guidance relating to “Fair value measurements” to calculate the fair value of the FFA contract (see Note 16).
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
FFA contract
 
Long-term assets– Derivatives
 
 
-
 
 
 
49,350
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Long-term assets – Derivatives
 
 
51,453
 
 
 
5,680
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total derivative assets
 
 
 
 
51,453
 
 
 
55,030
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
Location of gain (loss) recognized
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
Interest rate swap contracts– Unrealized gain / (loss)
 
Gain on derivatives, net
 
 
51,453
 
 
 
(45,773
)
Interest rate swap contracts   - Realized (loss) / gain
 
Gain on derivatives, net
 
 
(2,286
)
 
 
10,209
 
FFA contract – Fair value
 
Gain on derivatives, net
 
 
-
 
 
 
49,350
 
Total net gain on derivatives
 
 
 
 
49,167
 
 
 
13,786
 
 
 
F-39



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)


 
15.   Preferred Shares
 
 
 
Number
of
Shares
 
 
Preferred Shares
Amount
 
 
Dividends paid-in-kind
 
 
Total
 
Issued, May 30, 2018
 
 
19,042
 
 
 
18,192,129
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
18,192,129
 
Dividends declared
 
 
566
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
565,229
 
 
 
565,229
 
Balance, December 31, 2018
 
 
19,608
 
 
 
18,192,129
 
 
 
565,229
 
 
 
18,757,358
 
 
On January 27, 2014, Euroseas issued 25,000 shares of its Series B Convertible Perpetual Preferred Shares to a fund managed by Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC (“TCP”) and 5,700 shares to Preferred Friends Investment Company Inc, an affiliate of Euroseas and the Company, for total net proceeds of approximately $29 million. The redemption amount of the Series B Preferred Shares is $1,000 per share.
 
Under the Company’s amended and restated articles of incorporation, effective after the Spin-off, the Company is authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The preferred stock may be issued in one or more series and the Company’s Board of Directors, without further approval from the Company’s shareholders, is authorized to fix the dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights, liquidation preferences and other rights and restrictions relating to any series.  On May 30, 2018, in connection with the Spin-off, 19,042 EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares, representing 50% of Euroseas Series B Preferred Stock, were issued and distributed to holders of Euroseas’ Series B Preferred Shares in exchange for the cancelation of an equal number of such Euroseas Series B Preferred Shares. The rights of the holders of EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares rank senior to the obligations to holders of our common shares. Additionally, EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares were issued when dividends to EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares are paid in-kind.
 
The EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares will pay dividends (in cash or in-kind at the option of the Company, subject to certain exceptions) up to January 29, 2019 of 5% per annum, or 0%, depending on the trading price of the Company’s common stock. In addition, if a cash dividend is paid on the Company’s common stock during such time, then if the dividend paid on the EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares is 5%, the holders of EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares will receive such dividend in cash and will also receive an additional cash dividend in an amount equal to 40% of the common stock dividend it would have received on an as-converted basis. If, however, the dividend on EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares is 0%, then the holders of EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares will receive a cash dividend equal to the greater of 100% of the common stock dividend it would have received on an as-converted basis, and 5%. If a cash dividend is paid on the Company’s common stock after January 29, 2019 the holders of EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares will receive an additional cash dividend in an amount equal to 40% of the common stock dividend it would have received on an as-converted basis. The dividend rate will increase to 12% for the two years following January 29, 2019 and to 14% thereafter and will be payable in cash. Cash dividends will be declared at each quarter, with actual payments to be made within the following quarter. The EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares are convertible to common shares at the option of their holders at any time, and at the option of the Company only if certain share price and liquidity milestones are met. Each EuroDry Series B Preferred Share will be convertible into common stock at an initial conversion price of $31.64 (subject to adjustment for certain events, including upon a default). EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares are redeemable in cash by the Company at any time after January 29, 2019. Holders of EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares may require the Company to redeem their shares only upon the occurrence of certain corporate events.
 
 
F-40



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
15.   Dividends Series B Preferred Shares – Continued
 
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company declared three consecutive dividends totaling $0.6 million (or dividends of $28.83 per preferred share), all of which were paid in kind. The redemption liability as of December 31, 2018 is $19,607,358. After January 2019, the dividend will be payable only in cash as described above.
 
Subject to certain ownership thresholds, holders of EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares have the right to appoint one director to the Company’s board of directors and TCP also has consent rights over certain corporate actions. In addition, the holders of EuroDry Series B Preferred Shares will vote as one class with the Company’s common stock on all matters on which shareholders are entitled to vote, with each EuroDry Series B Preferred Share having a number of votes equal to 50% of the numbers of shares of common stock of the Company into which such EuroDry Series B Preferred Share would be convertible on the applicable record date.
 
16.   Financial Instruments
 
The principal financial assets of the Company consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade accounts receivable, other receivables, derivatives and due from related companies. The principal financial liabilities of the Company consist of long-term bank loans, trade accounts payable and accrued expenses.
 
Interest rate risk
 
The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts as economic hedges to manage some of its exposure to variability in its floating rate long term bank loans. Under the terms of the interest rate swaps the Company and HSBC agreed to exchange, at specified intervals the difference between a paying fixed rate and receiving floating rate interest amount calculated by reference to the agreed principal amounts and maturities.  Interest rate swap allows the Company to convert long-term bank loans issued at floating rates into equivalent fixed rates. Even though the interest rate swaps were entered into for economic hedging purposes, as noted in Note 14 they do not qualify for hedge accounting, under the guidance relating to Derivatives and Hedging, as the Company does not have currently written contemporaneous documentation identifying the risk being hedged and, both on a prospective and retrospective basis, performing an effectiveness test to support that the hedging relationship is highly effective. Consequently, the Company recognizes the change in fair value of the derivative in the “Gain on derivatives, net” in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had two open interest rate swap contracts for a notional amount of $10.0 million.
 
 
F-41



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
16.   Financial Instruments – Continued
 
Concentration of credit risk
 
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its temporary cash investments, consisting mostly of deposits, with high credit qualified financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluation of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions that are considered in the Company’s investment strategy. The Company limits its credit risk with trade accounts receivable by performing ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral for its trade accounts receivable.
 
Fair value of financial instruments
 
The Company follows guidance relating to “Fair value measurements”, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements.  This statement enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The statement requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
 
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data;
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
 
The fair value of the Company’s investment in FFA contract is determined based on quoted prices in active markets and therefore are considered Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in guidance relating to “Fair value measurements”.
 
The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements is determined using a discounted cash flow approach based on market-based LIBOR swap rates.  LIBOR swap rates are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full terms of the swaps and therefore are considered Level 2 items. The fair values of the interest rate swaps determined through Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in guidance relating to “Fair value measurements” are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets, liabilities (risk adjusted) and market-corroborated inputs, such as market comparables, interest rates, yield curves and other items that allow value to be determined.
 
 
F-42



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
16.   Financial Instruments – Continued
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
 
Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2018
 
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Assets
               
Interest rate swap contracts, current and long term portion
 
$
5,680
     
-
   
$
5,680
     
-
 
FFA contract, long term portion
 
$
49,350
   
$
49,350
     
-
     
-
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2017
 
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Assets
               
Interest rate swap contracts, current and long term portion
 
$
51,453
     
-
   
$
51,453
     
-
 
 
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate their individual carrying amounts as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, due to their short-term maturity. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are considered Level 1 items as they represent liquid assets with short-term maturities. The fair value of the Company’s total borrowings approximates $63.8 million as of December 31, 2018 or $0.1 million less than its carrying value of $63.9 million. The fair value of the long term borrowings are estimated based on current interest rates offered to the Company for similar loans. LIBOR rates are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full terms of the loans and hence fair values of the long-term bank loans are considered Level 2 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy due to their variable interest rate, being the LIBOR.
 
 
 
F-43



EuroDry Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the
years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars)
 
 
17.   Subsequent Events
 
The following events occurred after December 31, 2018:
 
In April 2019, the Company entered into a term sheet with HSBC Bank PLC for a loan up to the lesser of 49.9% of the market value of M/V “Eirini P” and $4.5 million to refinance the existing indebtedness of Eirini Shipping Ltd. The outstanding amount of the loan that will be refinanced will be payable in twelve consecutive quarterly equal instalments in the amount of $200,000 each, commencing three months after drawdown, with a $2,100,000 balloon payment to be paid together with the last installment. The interest rate margin is 2.70% over LIBOR. The loan will be secured with (i) first priority mortgage over the aforementioned vessel, (ii) first assignment of earnings and insurance of the aforementioned vessel and (iii) other covenants and guarantees similar to the remaining loans of the Company. The respective loan is expected to be drawn in the second quarter of 2019.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





F-44


Exhibit 4.27

DATED: l st OCTOBER 2018
ULTRA ONE SHIPPING LTD
(THE BORROWER ”)
-AND-
THE BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
LISTED IN SCHEDULE 1
(As LENDERS )
-AND-
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
(AS ARRANGER, ACCOUNT BANK, AGENT AND SECURITY TRUSTEE )
 
 
LOAN AGREEMENT (NO. 161 )
IN RESPECT OF A TERM LOAN
OF UP TO US$15,000,000
 
 


INDEX
CLAUSE
 
PAGE
1.
PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1
2.
FACILITY
18
3.
POSITION OF THE LENDERS
18
4.
DRAWDOWN
19
5.
INTEREST
20
6.
INTEREST PERIODS
22
7.
DEFAULT INTEREST
22
8.
REPAYMENT AND PREPAYMENT
23
9.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
25
10.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
26
11.
GENERAL UNDERTAKINGS
28
12.
CORPORATE UNDERTAKINGS
32
13.
INSURANCE
33
14.
SHIP' COVENANTS
38
15.
SECURITY COVER
42
16.
PAYMENTS AND CALCULATIONS
44
17.
APPLICATION OF RECEIPTS
46
18.
APPLICATION OF EARNINGS
47
19.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
48
20.
FEES AND EXPENSES
53
21.
INDEMNITIES
54
22.
NO SET-OFF OR TAX REDUCTION
57
23.
ILLEGALITY, ETC
58
24.
INCREASED COSTS
59
25.
SET-OFF
61
26.
TRANSFERS AND CHANGES IN LENDING OFFICES
61
27.
VARIATIONS AND WAIVERS
66
28.
NOTICES
67
29.
SUPPLEMENTAL
69
30.
LAW AND JURISDICTION
70

SCHEDULE I
71
SCHEDULE II
 72
SCHEDULE III
 73
SCHEDULE IV
 76
SCHEDULE V
80

THIS AGREEMENT is dated the 1 st  day of October 2018 and made BETWEEN:
(1)
ULTRA ONE SHIPPING LTD , being a company incorporated in accordance with  the laws of the Republic of Liberia whose registered office is situated at 80, Broad Street, Monrovia, Liberia (the "Borrower");
(2)
THE BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Schedule 1, as lenders (the " Lenders ");
(3)
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A. , a banking societé anonyme duly incorporated under the laws of Greece, having its registered office at 8, Othonos Street, Athens, Greece, acting for the purposes of this Agreement through its office at 83, Akti Miaouli, 185 38 Piraeus, Greece, as arranger (the " Arranger ");
(4)
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A. , a banking societé anonyme duly incorporated under the laws of Greece, having its registered office at 8, Othonos Street, Athens, Greece, acting for the purposes of this Agreement through its office at 83, Akti Miaouli, 185 38 Piraeus, Greece, as account bank (the " Account Bank ");
(5)
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A. , a banking societé anonyme duly incorporated under the laws of Greece, having its registered office at 8, Othonos Street, Athens, Greece, acting for the purposes of this Agreement through its office at 83, Akti Miaouli, 185 38 Piraeus, Greece, as agent (the " Agent "); and
(6)
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A. , a banking societé anonyme duly incorporated under the laws of Greece, having its registered office at 8, Othonos Street, Athens, Greece, acting for the purposes of this Agreement through its office at 83, Akti Miaouli, 185 38 Piraeus, Greece, as security trustee (the " Security   Trustee ").
AND IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:
1.
PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1
Purpose
This Agreement sets out the terms and conditions upon and subject to which it is agreed that the Lenders will make available to the Borrower a secured term loan of up to the lesser of (a) US$15,000,000 and (b) 60% of the market value of the Ship, for the purpose of refinancing the outstanding indebtedness of the Borrower with another lender and providing working capital to the Borrower.
1.2
Definitions.   Subject to Clause 1.5, in this Agreement:
" Account Bank ” means, in relation to any of the Earnings Account or the Retention Account, EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A., acting through its Shipping Division at 83, Akti Miaouli, 185 38 Piraeus, Greece, or any other branch or financial institution designated by the Agent from time to time at its sole discretion;
1


" Accounting Information " means the annual audited accounts for the Guarantor to be provided to the Agent in accordance with Clause 11.6 (a) of this Agreement (as the context may require);
" Accounts Pledges " means, together, the deed or deeds of pledge creating security over the Earnings Account and the Retention Account, to be executed by Borrower in favour of the Security Trustee and/or the Account Bank, in such form as the Lenders may approve or require;
" Affected Lender " has the meaning given in Clause 5.5;
" Affiliate " means a subsidiary of that person or a parent company of that person or any other subsidiary of that parent company;
" Agency and Trust Deed " means the agency and trust deed executed or to be executed between the Borrower, the Lenders, the Arranger, the Account Bank, the Agent and the Security Trustee, in such form as the Lenders may approve or require;
" Agent " means EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A., having its registered office at 8, Othonos Street, Athens, Greece and acting through its office at 83, Akti Miaouli, 185 38 Piraeus, Greece or any successor of it appointed under clause 5 of the Agency and Trust Deed;
" Approved Manager " means EUROBULK (FAR EAST) LTD. INC., a company incorporated in the Philippines with its principal office at 12 th Floor Ma. Natividad Bldg., 470 TM Kalaw cor., Sts., Ermita, Manila, Philippines or any other company appointed by the Borrower with the prior written consent of the Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld)  from time to time as the commercial, technical and operational manager of the Ship;
" Approved   Manager's Undertaking-Assignment " means, in relation to the Ship, a letter of undertaking executed or (as the context may require) to be executed   by the Approved Manager in favour of the Security Trustee for the Ship in the terms reasonably required by the Security Trustee, agreeing certain matters in relation to the Approved Manager and subordinating the rights of the Approved Manager against the Ship and the Borrower to the rights of the Creditor Parties under the Finance Documents and incorporating also a first priority assignment of all the rights which the Approved Manager may have in the Insurances relating to the Ship (other than the right to be reimbursed for P&I claims under the "pay and be paid" rule), in such form as the Agent, acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders, may approve or require;
" Approved Flag " means the Republic of Liberia or such other flag as the Agent may, in its sole and absolute discretion, approve as the flag on which the Ship shall be registered;
" Approved Flag State " means the Republic of Liberia or any other country in which the Agent may, in its sole and absolute discretion, approve that the Ship be registered;
" Arranger " means EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A., having its registered office at 8, Othonos Street, Athens, Greece and acting through its office at 83, Akti Miaouli, 185 38 Piraeus, Greece;

2


" Assignment " means   a first priority deed of assignment of all Insurances, Earnings, Requisition Compensation as well as of any Charter Rights in respect of any Charter in relation to the Ship, to be executed by the Borrower in favour of the Security Trustee,   in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) and respective notices of assignment and acknowledgements thereof and an " Assignment " means any of them;
" Availability Period " means the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on:

(a)
the Latest Permissible Drawdown Date or such later date as the Lenders may agree with the Borrower; or

(b)
if earlier, the date on which the Total Commitments are fully borrowed, cancelled or terminated;
" Bail-In Action ” means the exercise of any Write-down and Conversion Powers;
" Bail-In Legislation ” means, in relation to an EEA Member Country which has implemented, or which at any time implements, Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms, the relevant implementing law or regulation as described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule from time to time;
Basel III Framework ” means the global regulatory standards on bank capital adequacy and liquidity referred to by the BCBS as "Basel III" or "the Basel III Framework" published in December 2010, together with any further guidance or standards in relation to "Basel III" or "the Basel III Framework" published or to be published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision;
Borrower ” means the Borrower as specified in the beginning of this Agreement;
" Business Day "  means a day other that a Saturday or Sunday on which banks are open in New York, London, Athens, Piraeus, Nicosia and, in respect of a day on which a payment is required to be made under a Finance Document, also in New York City;
" Capital Control Approval " means the approval of the competent authorities of Greece in accordance with the applicable regulations of the Bank of Greece and the legislation relating to capital controls and other economic measures imposed by the Government of Greece;
Charter   means any charter or other contract of employment of more than twelve months' duration in respect of the Ship acceptable to the Agent;
" Charterer " in respect of any Charter, means a first class charterer in the opinion of the Agent and acceptable to the Agent in its discretion, the Agent's approval not to be unreasonably withheld;
" Charter Rights " in respect of the Ship, means all rights and benefits accruing to the Borrower under or arising out of the relevant Charter and not forming part of the Earnings;
3


" Code " means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended);
" Commitment " means, in relation to a Lender, the amount set opposite its name in Schedule 1, or, as the case may require, the amount specified in the relevant Transfer Certificate, as that amount may be reduced, cancelled or terminated in accordance with this Agreement (and " Total Commitments " means the aggregate of the Commitments of all the Lenders);
Commitment Fee   means the fee to be paid by the Borrowers to the Agent pursuant to Clause 20.1;
Commitment Letter   means the Commitment Letter dated 20 August 2018 duly accepted by the Borrower and the Guarantor on 28 August 2018;
" Compliance Certificate " means a certificate referring to a compliance date in the form set out in Schedule 5 (or in any other form which the Agent approves) to be provided together with the financial accounts provided in accordance with Clauses 11.6 and 12.8;
" Compliance Date " means 31 December of each calendar year (or such other dates as the Agent may agree pursuant to Clause 12.8);
" Contractual Currency " has the meaning given in Clause 21.5;
" Contribution " means, in relation to a Lender, the part of the Loan which is owing to that Lender;
" Creditor Party " means the Agent, the Security Trustee, the Arranger, the Account Bank and any Lender, whether as at the date of this Agreement or at any later time;
" Dollars " and " US$ " means the lawful currency for the time being of the United States of America;
" Drawdown Date " means the date, being a Business Day falling not later than the Latest Permissible Drawdown Date on which the Loan is or, as the context may require, shall be advanced to the Borrower;
" Drawdown Notice " means a notice in the form set out in Schedule 2 (or in any other form which the Agent approves or reasonably requires);
" Earnings " means all moneys whatsoever which are now, or later become, payable (actually or contingently) to the owner of the Ship or (as the case may be) to the Security Trustee pursuant to the Assignment in connection with the Ship and which arise out of the use or operation of the Ship, including (but not limited to):

(a)
all freight, hire and passage moneys, compensation payable to the owner of the Ship or (as the case may be) to the Security Trustee pursuant to the Assignment in connection with the Ship in the event of requisition of the Ship for hire, remuneration for salvage and towage services, demurrage and detention moneys and damages for breach (or payments for variation or termination) of any charterparty or other contract for the employment of the Ship;
4



(b)
all moneys which are at any time payable under Insurances in respect of loss of earnings;

(c)
contributions of any nature whatsoever in respect of general average; and

(d)
if and whenever the Ship is employed on terms whereby any moneys falling within paragraphs (a) or (b) above are pooled or shared with any other person, that proportion of the net receipts of the relevant pooling or sharing arrangement which is attributable to the Ship;
" Earnings Account " means an account in the name of the Borrower with the Account Bank and/or the Security Trustee and/or any other Creditor Party, or any other account (with that or another branch of the Account Bank and/or the Security Trustee and/or any other Creditor Party) which is designated by the Agent from time to time at its sole discretion, as the Earnings Account for the purposes of this Agreement;
" EEA Member Country " means any member state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway;
" Environmental Claim " means:

(d)
any claim by any governmental, judicial or regulatory authority which arises out of an Environmental Incident or an alleged Environmental Incident or which relates to any Environmental Law; or

(e)
any claim by any other person which relates to an Environmental Incident or to an alleged Environmental Incident,
and " claim " means a claim for damages, compensation, fines, penalties or any other payment of any kind whether or not similar to the foregoing; an order or direction to take, or not to take, certain action or to desist from or suspend certain action; and any form of enforcement or regulatory action, including the arrest or attachment of any asset;
" Environmental Incident " means:

(a)
any release of Environmentally Sensitive Material from the Ship; or

(b)
any incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released from a vessel other than the Ship and which involves a collision between the Ship and such other vessel or some other incident of navigation or operation, in either case, in connection with which the Ship is actually or potentially liable to be arrested, attached, detained or injuncted and/or the Ship or the owner of the Ship and/or any operator or manager is at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action; or

(c)
any other incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released otherwise than from the Ship and in connection with which the Ship is actually or potentially liable to be arrested and/or where the owner of the Ship and/or any operator or manager of the Ship is at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action;
5


" Environmental Law " means any law relating to pollution or protection of the environment, to the carriage of Environmentally Sensitive Material or to actual or threatened releases of Environmentally Sensitive Material;
" Environmentally Sensitive Material " means oil, oil products and any other substance (including any chemical, gas or other hazardous or noxious substance) which is (or is capable of being or becoming) polluting, toxic or hazardous;
" EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule " means the document described as such and published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person) from time to time;
" Event of Default " means any of the events or circumstances described in Clause 19.1;
" FATCA " means:

(a)
sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code or any associated regulations or other official guidance;

(b)
any treaty, law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any other jurisdiction, or relating to an intergovernmental agreement between the US and any other jurisdiction, which (in either case) facilitates the implementation of paragraph (a) above; or

(c)
any agreement pursuant to the implementation of paragraphs (a) or (b) above with the US Internal Revenue Service, the US government or any governmental or taxation authority in any other jurisdiction;
" FATCA Application Date " means:

(a)
in relation to a "withholdable payment" described in section 1473(1)(A)(i) of the Code (which relates to payments of interest and certain other payments from sources within the US), 1 January 2014;

(b)
in relation to a "withholdable payment" described in section 1473(1)(A)(ii) of the Code (which relates to "gross proceeds" from the disposition of property of a type that can produce interest from sources within the US), 1 January 2019; or

(c)
in relation to a "passthru payment" described in section 1471(d)(7) of the Code not falling within paragraphs (a) or (b) above, 1 January 2019,
or, in each case, such other date from which such payment may become subject to a deduction or withholding required by FATCA as a result of any change in FATCA after the date of this Agreement;
" FATCA Deduction " means a deduction or withholding from a payment under a Finance Document required by FATCA;
" FATCA Exempt Party " means a Party that is entitled to receive payments free from any FATCA Deduction;
" FATCA FFI " means a foreign financial institution as defined in section
6


1471(d)(4) of the Code which, if any Creditor Party is not a FATCA Exempt Party, could be required to make a FATCA Deduction;
" FATCA Non-Exempt Lender " means any Lender who is not a FATCA Exempt Party;
" FATCA Protected Lender " means any Lender irrevocably designated as a "FATCA Protected Lender" by the Borrower by notice to that Lender and the Agent at least six months prior to the earliest FATCA Application Date for a payment by a Party to that Lender (or to the Agent for the account of that Lender);
Final Maturity Date ” means in respect of the Loan the date falling seven years after the Drawdown Date of the Commitment but no later than 25 October, 2025;
" Finance Documents " means:

(a)
this Agreement;

(b)
the Drawdown Notice;

(c)
the Agency and Trust Deed;

(d)
the Guarantee;

(e)
the Mortgage;

(f)
the Assignment;

(g)
the Accounts Pledges;

(h)
the Approved Manager's Undertaking;

(i)
the Guarantor's Undertaking-Assignment; and

(j)
any other document (whether creating a Security Interest or not) which is executed at any time by the Borrower or any other person as security for, or to establish any form of subordination or priorities arrangement in relation to, any amount payable to the Lenders under this Agreement or any of the documents referred to in this definition;
" Financial Indebtedness " means, in relation to a person (the " debtor "), a liability of the debtor:

(a)
for principal, interest or any other sum payable in respect of any moneys borrowed or raised by the debtor;

(b)
under any loan stock, bond, note or other security issued by the debtor;

(c)
under any acceptance credit, guarantee or letter of credit facility made available to the debtor;

(d)
under a financial lease, a deferred purchase consideration arrangement or any other agreement having the commercial effect of a borrowing or raising of money by the debtor;
7




(e)
under any interest or currency swap or any other kind of derivative transaction entered into by the debtor or, if the agreement under which any such transaction is entered into requires netting of mutual liabilities, the liability of the debtor for the net amount; or

(f)
under a guarantee, indemnity or similar obligation entered into by the debtor in respect of a liability of another person which would fall within (a) to (e) if the references to the debtor referred to the other person;
" Financial Year " means, in relation to the Borrower, each period of 1 year commencing on 1 January in respect of which its accounts are or ought to be prepared;
" Front end Fee " means the fee to be paid by the Borrower to the Agent pursuant to Clause 20.1 hereof;
" GAAP " means generally accepted accounting principles as from time to time in effect in the United States of America;
" Group " means the Guarantor and its subsidiaries (including the Borrower);
Guarantee   means the guarantee and indemnity given or, as the context may require, to be given by the Guarantor in favour of the Security Trustee in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, as security for the Secured Liabilities and any and all obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement;
Guarantor   means EURODRY LTD. being a company incorporated in accordance with the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, whose registered office is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH 96960 or any other legal entity nominated by the Borrower and accepted by the Agent which have, or as the context may require, shall or may at any time guarantee the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and/or those of the other Security Parties to the Lenders and/or any other Creditor Party;
" Guarantor's Undertaking-Assignment " means, in relation to the Ship, an undertaking to the Security Trustee in respect of the Ship executed or (as the context may require) to be executed by the Guarantor, being nominated as co-assured in the insurance policies for the Ship whereby the Guarantor would undertake throughout the Security Period, to subordinate any and all claims it may have against the Borrower and/or the Ship to the claims of the Lenders under the Loan Agreement and the Security Documents and would incorporate also a first priority assignment of all the rights which the Guarantor may have in the Insurances relating to the Ship (other than the right to be reimbursed for P&I claims under the "pay and be paid" rule);
" IACS " means the International Association of Classification Societies;
" Insurances " means:

(a)
all policies and contracts of insurance, including entries of the Ship in any protection and indemnity or war risks association, which are effected in respect of the Ship; and

(b)
all rights and other assets relating to, or derived from, any of the
8


foregoing, including any rights to a return of a premium;
" Interest Period " means a period determined in accordance with Clause 6;
" ISM Code " means the International Safety Management Code (including the guidelines on its implementation), adopted by the International Maritime Organisation Assembly as Resolutions A.741 (18) (as amended by MSC 104 (73)) and A.913(22) (superseding Resolution A.788(19)), as the same may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time (and the terms " safety management system ", " Safety Management Certificate " and " Document of Compliance " have the same meanings as are given to them in the ISM Code);
" ISPS Code " means the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (as the same may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time);
" ISSC " means a valid and current International Ship Security Certificate issued under the ISPS Code;
Latest Permissible Drawdown Date ” means the 25 th October 2018 being the latest date for drawdown of Loan pursuant to Clause 2 hereof or such later date as the Lenders may agree in writing;
" Lender " means, subject to Clause 26.6:

(a)
a bank or financial institution listed in Schedule 1 and acting through its branch indicated in Schedule 1 (or through another branch notified to the Borrower under Clause 26.14), its successor or assign, unless it has delivered a Transfer Certificate or Certificates covering the entire amounts of its Commitment and its Contribution; and

(b)
the holder for the time being of a valid Transfer Certificate;
" LIBOR " means, in relation to any amount and for any period, the offered rate (if any) for deposits of United States Dollars for such amount and for the period which is:

(a)
the London interbank offered rate administrated by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (or if ICE Benchmark Administration Limited ceases to act in the role of administrating and publishing LIBOR rates, the equivalent rate published by a subsequently appointed administrator of LIBOR) for United States Dollars for the relevant period displayed on the appropriate page of the Reuters screen at or about 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Quotation Date for such period (and if the agreed page is replaced or service ceases to be available, the Agent may specify another page or service displaying the appropriate rate after consultation with the Borrower); or

(b)
if on such date no such rate is displayed, the arithmetic mean of the rates (rounded upwards to the nearest 1/16th of one per cent) quoted to the Agent as the rate for deposits of United States Dollars in an amount comparable to the amount in relation to which LIBOR is to be determined and for a period equivalent to the relevant period offered by
9


the Agent to prime banks in the London Interbank Market at or about 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Quotation Date for such period,
provided however that if the rate determined pursuant to paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) above is lower than zero (0), then LIBOR shall be zero (0);" Loan " means the principal amount for the time being outstanding under this Agreement;
" Major Casualty " means any casualty to the Ship in respect of which the claim or the aggregate of the claims against all insurers, before adjustment for any relevant franchise or deductible, exceeds US$500,000 or the equivalent in any other currency;
" Majority Lenders " means:

(a)
before the Loan has been made, Lenders whose Commitments are equal to or greater than 66 ⅔ per cent. of the Total Commitments; and

(b)
after the Loan has been made, Lenders whose Contributions are equal to or greater than 66 ⅔ per cent. of the Loan;
" Mandatory Costs " shall have the meaning given to it in Clause 21.8;
" Margin " means three point twenty five per cent (3.25%) per annum;
Market Value " means the market value of the Ship determined prior to the Drawdown Date of the Loan and at least once a year thereafter by one separate, independent and reputable first class sale and purchase broker, appointed by and reporting to the Agent certifying the market value of the Ship on the basis of the value of the Ship charter free at the expense of the Borrower in accordance with Clause 15.4 and 15.9 hereof;
" Material Adverse Effect " means, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, a material adverse effect on the Borrower's ability to meet its obligations under any of the Finance Documents;
" Material Adverse Change " means any event or series of events which, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, has or will have a Material Adverse Effect;
Minimum Liquidity ” means, at any time, free and unencumbered minimum liquidity balances of at least Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$500,000) which is to be held during the Security Period in an account opened or to be opened with the Lenders or the Agent or the Account Bank in the name of the Borrower or the Guarantor to be assessed on an annual average basis;
" Mortgage " means the first priority ship mortgage on the Ship to be executed by the Borrower in favour of the Security Trustee under the Approved Flag (and deed of covenant collateral thereto if applicable), in such form as the Security Trustee may approve or require, as the same may from time to time be amended and/or supplemented;
" Negotiation Period " has the meaning given in Clause 5.8;
10


Net Worth   means the value of the total assets of the Guarantor minus total liabilities, as expressed in its financial statements;
" Notifying Lender " has the meaning given in Clause 23.1 or Clause 24.1 as the context requires;
" Participating Member State " means any member state of the European Union that has the euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to Economic and Monetary Union;
" Party " means a party to this Agreement or a Finance Document;
" PATRIOT Act " means the United States Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R. 3199);
" Payment Currency " has the meaning given in Clause 21.5;
" Permitted Security Interests " means:

(a)
Security Interests created by the Finance Documents;

(b)
liens for unpaid crew's wages in accordance with usual maritime practice;

(c)
liens for salvage;

(d)
liens arising by operation of law for not more than 2 months' prepaid hire under any charter in relation to the Ship not prohibited by this Agreement;

(e)
liens for master's disbursements incurred in the ordinary course of trading and any other lien arising by operation of law or otherwise in the ordinary course of the operation, repair or maintenance of the Ship, provided such liens do not secure amounts more than 30 days overdue (unless the overdue amount is being contested by the owner of the Ship in good faith by appropriate steps) and subject, in the case of liens for repair or maintenance, to Clause 14.12(h);

(f)
any Security Interest created in favour of a plaintiff or defendant in any action of the court or tribunal before whom such action is brought as security for costs and expenses where the Borrower is prosecuting or defending such action in good faith by appropriate steps; and

(g)
Security Interests arising by operation of law in respect of taxes which are not overdue for payment other than taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate steps and in respect of which appropriate reserves have been made;
" Pertinent Jurisdiction ", in relation to a company, means:

(a)
England and Wales;

(b)
the country under the laws of which the company is incorporated or formed;
11



(c)
a country in which the company's central management and control is or has recently been exercised;

(d)
a country in which the overall net income of the company is subject to corporation tax, income tax or any similar tax;

(e)
a country in which assets of the company (other than securities issued by, or loans to, related companies) having a substantial value are situated, in which the company maintains a permanent place of business, or in which a Security Interest created by the company must or should be registered in order to ensure its validity or priority; and

(f)
a country the courts of which have jurisdiction to make a winding up, administration or similar order in relation to the company or which would have such jurisdiction if their assistance were requested by the courts of a country referred to in paragraphs (b) or (c) above;
" Potential Event of Default " means an event or circumstance which, with the giving of any notice, the lapse of time and/or the satisfaction of any other condition, would constitute an Event of Default;
" Prohibited Person " means any person (whether designated by name or by reason of being included in a class of persons) against whom Sanctions are directed;
" Quotation Date " means, in relation to any Interest Period (or any other period for which an interest rate is to be determined under any provision of a Finance Document), the day on which quotations would ordinarily be given by leading banks in the London Interbank Market for deposits in the currency in relation to which such rate is to be determined for delivery on the first day of that Interest Period or other period;
" Repayment Date " means a date on which a repayment is required to be made under Clause 8;
" Requisition Compensation " includes all compensation or other moneys payable by reason of any act or event such as is referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of "Total Loss";
" Resolution Authority " means any body which has authority to exercise any Write-down and Conversion Powers;
" Retention Account " means an interest bearing account in the name of the Borrower with the Account Bank and/or the Security Trustee and/or any other Creditor Party, or any other account (with that or another office of the Account Bank and/or the Security Trustee and/or any other Creditor Party) which is designated by the Agent as the Retention Account following consultation with the Borrower and the Guarantor for the purposes of this Agreement;
" Restricted Party " means a person:

(a)
that is listed on, owned or controlled by a person listed on, or acting on behalf of a person listed on, any Sanctions List; or

(b)
is located, organised or resident in a Sanctioned Country; or
12



(c)
otherwise a target of Sanctions (being a person with whom a US person or other national of a Sanctions Authority would be prohibited or restricted by law from engaging in trade, business or other activities or against whom Sanctions are otherwise directed);
Sanctioned Country ” means a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions broadly prohibiting dealings with such government, country or territory (including, without limitation, currently, Cuba, Iran, Burma, North Korea and Syria).
" Sanctions " means any economic sanctions laws, regulations, embargoes or restrictive measures applicable to any Security Party that are administered, enacted or enforced by:

(a)
the United States government;

(b)
the United Nations;

(c)
the European Union or any of its Member States, including without limitation, the United Kingdom;

(d)
any country to which the Borrower, or any other member of the Group is bound; or

(e)
the respective governmental institutions and agencies of any of the foregoing, including without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of Treasury ( OFAC ), the United States Department of State and Her Majesty's Treasury ( HMT ) (together Sanctions Authorities );
" Sanctions Lis t" means the "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons" list issued by OFAC, the "Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets and Investment Ban List" issued by HMT, or any similar list issued or maintained or made public by any of the Sanctions Authorities as applicable to any Security Party;
" Secured Liabilities " means all liabilities which the Borrower, the Security Parties or any of them have, at the date of this Agreement or at any later time or times, under or by virtue of the Finance Documents and in the case of the Approved Manager under or by virtue of the Approved Manager's Undertaking-Assignment or any judgment relating to such Finance Documents; and for this purpose, there shall be disregarded any total or partial discharge of these liabilities, or variation of their terms, which is effected by, or in connection with, any bankruptcy, liquidation, arrangement or other procedure under the insolvency laws of any country;
" Security Interest " means:

(a)
a mortgage, charge (whether fixed or floating) or pledge, any maritime or other lien or any other security interest of any kind;

(b)
the rights of the plaintiff under an action in rem in which the vessel concerned has been arrested or a writ has been issued or similar step taken; and

(c)
any arrangement entered into by a person (A) the effect of which is to place another person (B) in a position which is similar, in economic terms, to the position in which B would have been had he held a
13


security interest over an asset of A; but (c) does not apply to a right of set off or combination of accounts conferred by the standard terms of business of a bank or financial institution;
" Security Party " means the Borrower, the Guarantor, the Approved Manager, and any other person (except a Creditor Party) who, as a surety or mortgagor, as a party to any subordination or priorities arrangement, or in any similar capacity, executes a document falling within paragraph ( j ) of the definition of "Finance Documents";
" Security Period " means the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on such date as all obligations whatsoever of all of the Security Parties under or pursuant to the Finance Documents whensoever arising have been irrevocably paid, performed and/or complied with;
" Security Trustee " means EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A., having its registered office at 8, Othonos Street, Athens, Greece and acting through its office at 83, Akti Miaouli, 185 38 Piraeus, Greece or any successor of it appointed under clause 5 of the Agency and Trust Deed;
" Ship " means  the m.v. "ALEXANDROS", built in 2017, being of 35.812 tons gross and 21.224 net tons, currently registered under the flag of the Republic of Liberia with IMO No 9723045 and Official Number 17150 in the name of the Borrower;
" Total Loss " means:

(a)
actual, constructive, compromised, agreed or arranged total loss of the Ship;

(b)
any expropriation, confiscation, requisition or acquisition of the Ship, whether for full consideration, a consideration less than her proper value, a nominal consideration or without any consideration, which is effected by any government or official authority or by any person or persons claiming to be or to represent a government or official authority, excluding a requisition for hire unless she is within 40 days redelivered to the full control of the Ship's owner;

(c)
any arrest, capture, seizure or detention of the Ship (including any hijacking or theft) unless she is within 40 days redelivered to the full control of the Ship's owner;
" Total Loss Date " means:

(a)
in the case of an actual loss of the Ship, the date on which it occurred or, if that is unknown, the date when the Ship was last heard of;

(b)
in the case of a constructive, compromised, agreed or arranged total loss of the Ship, the earliest of:

(i)
the date on which a notice of abandonment is given to the insurers; and

(ii)
the date of any compromise, arrangement or agreement made by or on behalf of the owner of the Ship, with the Ship's insurers in
14


which the insurers agree to treat the Ship as a total loss; and

(c)
in the case of any other type of total loss, on the date (or the most likely date) on which it appears to the Agent that the event constituting the total loss occurred;
" Transfer Certificate " has the meaning given in Clause 26.2;
" Trust Property " has the meaning given in clause 3.1 of the Agency and Trust Deed; and
"US Tax Obligor " means:

(a)
a Party which is resident for tax purposes in the United States of America; or

(b)
a Party some or all of whose payments under the Finance Documents are from sources within the United States for US Federal income tax purposes.
Write-down and Conversion Powers ” means, in relation to any Bail-In Legislation described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule from time to time, the powers described as such in relation to that Bail-In Legislation in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
1.3
Construction of certain terms .  In this Agreement:
" approved "  means, for the purposes of Clause 13, approved in writing by the Agent;
" asset " includes every kind of property, asset, interest or right, including any present, future or contingent right to any revenues or other payment;
" company " includes any partnership, joint venture and unincorporated association;
" consent " includes an authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, registration, notarisation and legalisation;
" contingent liability " means a liability which is not certain to arise and/or the amount of which remains unascertained;
" document " includes a deed; also a letter, fax or telex;
" excess risks "  means the proportion of claims for general average, salvage and salvage charges not recoverable under the hull and machinery policies in respect of the Ship in consequence of her insured value being less than the value at which the Ship is assessed for the purpose of such claims;
" expense " means any kind of cost, charge or expense (including all legal costs, charges and expenses) and any value added or other tax applicable thereon;
" law " includes any form of delegated legislation, any order or decree, any treaty or international convention and any regulation or resolution of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the United Nations or its Security Council;
15


" legal or administrative action " means any legal proceeding or arbitration and any administrative or regulatory action or investigation;
" liability " includes every kind of debt or liability (present or future, certain or contingent), whether incurred as principal or surety or otherwise;
" months "  shall be construed in accordance with Clause 1.4;
" obligatory insurances "  means all insurances effected, or which the Borrower is obliged to effect, under Clause 13 below or any other provision of this Agreement or another Finance Document;
" parent company "  has the meaning given in Clause 1.5;
" person "  includes any company; any state, political sub-division of a state and local or municipal authority; and any international organisation;
" policy ", in relation to any insurance, includes a slip, cover note, certificate of entry or other document evidencing the contract of insurance or its terms;
" protection and indemnity risks "  means the usual risks covered by a protection and indemnity association managed in London, including pollution risks and the proportion (if any) of any sums payable to any other person or persons in case of collision which are not recoverable under the hull and machinery policies by reason of the incorporation therein of clause 1 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls)(1/10/83) or clause 8 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls) (1/11/1995) or the Institute Amended Running Down Clause (1/10/71) or any equivalent provision in the Norwegian Marine Insurance Plan;
" regulation " includes any regulation, rule, official directive, request or guideline (either having the force of law or compliance with which is reasonable in the ordinary course of business of the party concerned) of any governmental, intergovernmental or supranational body, agency, department or regulatory, self‑regulatory or other authority or organisation;
" subsidiary "  has the meaning given in Clause 1.5;
" successor " includes any person who is entitled (by assignment, novation, merger or otherwise) to any other person's rights under this Agreement or any other Finance Document (or any interest in those rights) or who, as administrator, liquidator or otherwise, is entitled to exercise those rights; and in particular references to a successor include a person to whom those rights (or any interest in those rights) are transferred or pass as a result of a merger, division, reconstruction or other reorganisation of it or any other person;
" tax "  includes any present or future tax, duty, impost, levy or charge of any kind which is imposed by any state, any political sub-division of a state or any local or municipal authority (including any such imposed in connection with exchange controls), and any connected penalty, interest or fine; and
" war risks "  includes the risk of mines and all risks excluded by clause 23 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls) (1/10/83) or clause 24 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls) (1/11/1995).
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1.4
Meaning of month .   A period of one or more "months" ends on the day in the relevant calendar month numerically corresponding to the day of the calendar month on which the period started (" the numerically corresponding day "), but:
(a)
on the Business Day following the numerically corresponding day if the numerically corresponding day is not a Business Day or, if there is no later Business Day in the same calendar month, on the Business Day preceding the numerically corresponding day; or
(b)
on the last Business Day in the relevant calendar month, if the period started on the last Business Day in a calendar month or if the last calendar month of the period has no numerically corresponding day;
and " month " and " monthly " shall be construed accordingly.
1.5
Meaning of subsidiary . A company (S) is a subsidiary of another company (P) if:
(a)
a majority of the issued shares in S (or a majority of the issued shares in S which carry unlimited rights to capital and income distributions) are directly owned by P or are indirectly attributable to P; or
(b)
P has direct or indirect control over a majority of the voting rights attached to the issued shares of S; or
(c)
P has the direct or indirect power to appoint or remove a majority of the directors of S; or
(d)
P otherwise has the direct or indirect power to ensure that the affairs of S are conducted in accordance with the wishes of P;
and any company of which S is a subsidiary is a parent company of S.
1.6
General Interpretation.
(a)
In this Agreement:

(i)
references to, or to a provision of, a Finance Document or any other document are references to it as amended or supplemented, whether before the date of this Agreement or otherwise;

(ii)
references to, or to a provision of, any law include any amendment, extension, re-enactment or replacement, whether made before the date of this Agreement or otherwise; and

(iii)
words denoting the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa.
(b)
Clauses 1.1 to 1.4 and paragraph (a) of this Clause 1.5 apply unless the contrary intention appears.
(c)
References in Clause 1.1 to a document being in the form of a particular Appendix include references to that form with any modifications to that form
17


which the Agent (with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders in the case of substantial modifications) approves or reasonably requires.
(d)
The clause headings shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
1.7
Event of Default.   A Potential Event of Default and/or an Event of Default) are " continuing " if either of them has not been remedied or waived.
2.
FACILITY
2.1
Amount of facility.   Subject to the satisfaction of all conditions precedent and in reliance on the representations and warranties made in or in accordance with them and furthermore subject to Capital Control Approval and the other provisions of this Agreement, the Lenders shall make available to the Borrower in one advance the principal amount of up to US$ 15,000,000.
2.2
Lenders' participations in Loan.   Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, each Lender shall participate in the Loan in the proportion which, as at the Drawdown Date, its Commitment bears to the Total Commitments.
2.3
Purpose of Loan.   The Borrower undertakes with each Creditor Party to use the Loan only for the purpose stated in the preamble to this Agreement.
3.
POSITION OF THE LENDERS
3.1
Interests of Lenders several.   The rights of the Lenders under this Agreement (but without prejudice to the provisions of this Agreement relating to or requiring action by the Majority Lenders) are several; accordingly each Lender shall have the right to protect and enforce its rights arising out of this Agreement and it shall not be necessary for any other Lender and/or any other Creditor Party to be joined as an additional party in any proceedings for this purpose.
3.2
Independent action by a Lender.   None of the Lenders shall enforce, exercise any rights, remedies or powers or grant any consents or releases under or pursuant to, or otherwise have a direct recourse to the security and/or guarantees constituted by any of the Finance Documents without the prior written consent of the Majority Lenders but, provided such consent has been obtained, it shall not be necessary for any other Lender to be joined as an additional party in any proceedings for this purpose.
3.3
Obligations of Lenders several.   The obligations of the Lenders under this Agreement are several; and a failure of a Lender to perform its obligations under this Agreement to which it is a party shall not result in:
(a)
the obligations of the other Lenders being increased; nor
(b)
the Borrower, any Security Party, any other Lender being discharged (in whole or in part) from its obligations under any Finance Document,
and in no circumstances shall a Lender have any responsibility for a failure of another Lender to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
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3.4
Parties bound by certain actions of Majority Lenders.   Every Lender and any other Creditor Party, the Borrower and each Security Party shall be bound by:
(a)
any determination made, or action taken, by the Majority Lenders under any provision of a Finance Document;
(b)
any instruction or authorisation given by the Majority Lenders to the Agent or the Security Trustee under or in connection with any Finance Document;
any action taken (or in good faith purportedly taken) by the Agent or the Security Trustee in accordance with such an instruction or authorisation.
3.5
Reliance on action of Agent.   The Borrower and each Security Party shall be entitled to assume that the Majority Lenders have duly given any instruction or authorisation which, under any provision of a Finance Document, is required in relation to any action which the Agent has taken or is about to take.
3.6
Construction.   In Clauses 3.4 and 3.5 references to action taken include (without limitation) the granting of any waiver or consent, an approval of any document and an agreement to any matter.
4.
DRAWDOWN
4.1
Request for Loan.   Subject to the following conditions, the Borrower may request the Loan to be advanced by ensuring that the Agent receives the Drawdown Notice not later than 10.00 a.m. (London time) 3 Business Days prior to the intended Drawdown Date.
4.2
Availability.   The conditions referred to in Clause 4.1 are that:
(a)
the Drawdown Date has to be a Business Day up to and including the Latest Permissible Drawdown Date;
(b)
the amount of the Loan shall not exceed the lesser of (i) US$15,000,000 and (ii) 60% of the market value of the Ship as at the Drawdown Date;  and
(c)
the Borrower has complied with the provisions of Clause 9.1 with respect to the Loan.
4.3
Notification to Lenders of receipt of the Drawdown Notice.   The Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders that it has received the Drawdown Notice and shall inform each Lender of:
(a)
the amount of the Loan and the Drawdown Date;
(b)
the amount of that Lender's participation in the Loan; and
(c)
the duration of the first Interest Period.
4.4
Drawdown Notice irrevocable.   The Drawdown Notice must be signed by a director or other authorised person of the Borrower; and once served, the Drawdown Notice cannot be revoked without the prior consent of the Agent, acting on the authority of the Majority Lenders.
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4.5
Lenders to make available Contributions.   Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each Lender shall, on and with value on the Drawdown Date, make available to the Agent for the account of the Borrower the amount due from that Lender on the Drawdown Date under Clause 2.2.
4.6
Disbursement of Loan.   Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Agent shall on the Drawdown Date pay to the Borrower the amounts which the Agent receives from the Lenders under Clause 4.5; and that payment to the Borrower shall be made:
(a)
to the account which the Borrower specify in the Drawdown Notice; and
(b)
in the same funds as the Agent received the payments from the Lenders.
4.7
Disbursement of Loan to third party.    The relevant payment by the Agent under Clause 4.6 shall constitute the advancement of the Loan and the Borrower shall thereupon become indebted, as principal and direct obligors, to each Lender in an amount equal to that Lender's Contribution.
5.
INTEREST
5.1
Payment of normal interest.   Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, interest on the Loan in respect of each Interest Period shall be paid by the Borrower on the last day of that Interest Period.
5.2
Normal rate of interest.   Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the rate of interest on the Loan in respect of an Interest Period shall be the aggregate of the Margin and LIBOR for that Interest Period.
5.3
Payment of accrued interest.   In the case of an Interest Period longer than 3 months, accrued interest shall be paid every 3 months during that Interest Period and on the last day of that Interest Period.
5.4
Notification of Interest Periods and rates of normal interest.  The Agent shall notify the Borrower and each Lender of:
(a)
each rate of interest; and
(b)
the duration of each Interest Period;
as soon as reasonably practicable after each is determined.
5.5
Market disruption.   The following provisions of this Clause 5 apply if:
(a)
at least one Business Day before the start of an Interest Period, Lenders having Contributions together amounting to more than 40 per cent. of the Loan (or, if the Loan has not been advanced, Commitments amounting to more than 40 per cent. of the Total Commitments) notify the Agent that LIBOR fixed by the Agent would not accurately reflect the cost to those Lenders of funding their respective Contributions (or any part of them) during the Interest Period in the London Interbank Dollar Market at or about 11.00 a.m. (London time) on the second Business Day before the commencement of the Interest Period (provided always that any such notifications by any such Lenders shall be duly substantiated); or
20



(b)
at least one Business Day before the start of an Interest Period, the Agent is notified by a Lender (the " Affected Lender ") that for any reason it is unable to obtain Dollars in the London Interbank Market in order to fund its Contribution (or any part of it) during the Interest Period.
5.6
Notification of market disruption. The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and each of the Lenders stating the circumstances falling within Clause 5.5 which have caused its notice to be given.
5.7
Suspension of drawdown.   If the Agent's notice under Clause 5.6 is served before the Loan is advanced:
(a)
in a case falling within paragraph (a) of Clause 5.5, the Lenders' obligations to advance the Loan;
(b)
in a case falling within paragraph (b) of Clause 5.5, the Affected Lender's obligation to participate in the Loan;
shall be suspended while the circumstances referred to in the Agent's notice continue.
5.8
Negotiation of alternative rate of interest.   If the Agent's notice under Clause 5.6 is served after the Loan is advanced, the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders or (as the case may be) the Affected Lender shall use reasonable endeavours to agree, within the 30 Business Days after the date on which the Agent serves its notice under Clause 5.6 (the " Negotiation Period "), an alternative interest rate or (as the case may be) an alternative basis for the Lenders or (as the case may be) the Affected Lender to fund or continue to fund their or its Contribution during the Interest Period concerned.
5.9
Application of agreed alternative rate of interest.   Any alternative interest rate or an alternative basis which is agreed during the Negotiation Period shall take effect in accordance with the terms agreed.
5.10
Alternative rate of interest in absence of agreement.   If an alternative interest rate or alternative basis is not agreed within the Negotiation Period, and the relevant  circumstances are continuing at the end of the Negotiation Period, then the Agent shall, with the agreement of each Lender or (as the case may be) the Affected Lender, set an interest period and interest rate representing the cost of funding of the Lenders or (as the case may be) the Affected Lender in Dollars or in any available currency of their or its Contribution plus the Margin; and the procedure provided for by this Clause 5.10 shall be repeated if the relevant circumstances are continuing at the end of the interest period so set by the Agent.
5.11
Notice of prepayment.   If the Borrower does not agree with an interest rate set by the Agent under Clause 5.10, the Borrower may give the Agent not less than 15 Business Days' notice of its intention to prepay the Loan at the end of the interest period set by the Agent.
5.12
Prepayment ; termination of Commitments.   A notice under Clause 5.11 shall be irrevocable; the Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders or (as the case may require) the Affected Lender of the Borrower's notice of intended prepayment; and:
21



(a)
on the date on which the Agent serves that notice, the Total Commitments or (as the case may require) the Commitment of the Affected Lender shall be cancelled; and
(b)
on the last Business Day of the interest period set by the Agent, the Borrower shall prepay (without premium or penalty) the Loan or, as the case may be, the Affected Lender's Contribution, together with accrued interest thereon at the applicable rate plus the Margin.
5.13
Application of prepayment.   The provisions of Clause 8 shall apply in relation to the prepayment.
6.
INTEREST PERIODS
6.1
Commencement of Interest Periods. The initial Interest Period shall commence on the Drawdown Date and each subsequent Interest Period shall commence on the expiry of the preceding Interest Period;
6.2
Duration of normal Interest Periods.   Subject to Clauses 6.3 and 6.4, each Interest Period shall be:
(a)
3 or 6 months as notified by the Borrower to the Agent not later than 11.00 am (London time) 3 Business Days before the commencement of the initial Interest Period; or
(b)
3 months, if the Borrower fails to notify the Agent by the time specified in paragraph (a); or
(c)
such other period as the Agent may, with the Majority Lenders' authority, agree with the Borrower.
6.3
Duration of Interest Periods for repayment instalments. In respect of an amount due to be repaid under Clause 8 on a particular Repayment Date, an Interest Period shall end on that Repayment Date. No Interest Period shall extend beyond the final Repayment Date.
6.4
Non-availability of matching deposits for Interest Period selected.   If, after the Borrower has selected and the Lenders have agreed to an Interest Period, any Lender notifies the Agent by 10:00 a.m. (London time) on the second Business Day before the commencement of the Interest Period that it is not satisfied that deposits in Dollars for a period equal to the Interest Period will be available to it in the London Interbank Market when the Interest Period commences, then that Interest Period shall have such duration as the Agent after having consulted with the Borrower may determine.
7.
DEFAULT INTEREST
7.1
Payment of default interest on overdue amounts.   The Borrower shall pay interest in accordance with the following provisions of this Clause 7 on any amount payable by the Borrower under any Finance Document which the Agent, the Security Trustee or any other Creditor Party does not receive on or before the relevant due date for payment thereunder, that is:
(a)
the date on which such Finance Documents provide that such amount is due for payment; or
22



(b)
if a Finance Document provides that such amount is payable on demand, three (3) days following the date on which the demand is served; or
(c)
if such amount has become immediately due and payable under Clause 19.4, the date on which it became immediately due and payable.
7.2
Default rate of interest and its calculation.   Interest shall accrue on an overdue amount from (and including) the relevant date until the date of actual payment (as well after as before judgment) at the rate per annum determined by the Agent to be two point fifty per cent (2.50%) per annum above the Margin plus, in respect of successive periods of any duration (including at call) up to 3 months which the Agent may select from time to time:

(i)
LIBOR; or

(ii)
if the Agent determines that Dollar deposits for any such period are not being made available to a Lender or (as the case may be) Lenders by leading banks in the London Interbank Market in the ordinary course of business, a rate from time to time determined by the Agent by reference to the cost of funds to the Agent from such other sources as the Agent may from time to time determine.
7.3
Notification of interest periods and default rates.   The Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders and the Borrower of each interest rate determined by the Agent under Clause 7.2 and of each period selected by the Agent for the purposes of that Clause; but this shall not be taken to imply that the Borrower is liable to pay such interest only with effect from the date of the Agent's notification.
7.4
Payment of accrued default interest.   Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, any interest due under this Clause shall be paid on the last day of the period by reference to which it was determined; and the payment shall be made to the Agent for the account of the Creditor Party to which the overdue amount is due.
7.5
Compounding of default interest.   Any such interest which is not paid at the end of the period by reference to which it was determined shall thereupon be compounded.
8.
REPAYMENT AND PREPAYMENT
8.1
Amount of repayment instalments.   The Borrower shall repay the Loan by twenty eight (28) consecutive equal quarterly instalments, each of which shall be in the amount of two hundred and thirty five thousand Dollars (US$235,000) followed by a balloon payment of eight million four hundred twenty thousand Dollars (US$8,420,000).
8.2
Repayment Dates.  The first instalment shall be repaid on the date falling three (3) months after the Drawdown Date and in any case not later than 25 January 2019, each subsequent instalment shall be repaid at three monthly intervals thereafter and the balloon payment shall be repaid concurrently with the twenty eighth and final repayment instalment, which shall be repaid on the final Repayment Date being the date falling on the earlier of (i) the seventh annual anniversary of the Drawdown Date and (ii) the Final Maturity Date.
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Provided always that if the amount of the Loan drawn down hereunder is less than US$15,000,000 then the amount of the repayment instalments and of the balloon payment shall be reduced in inverse order of maturity starting from the balloon payment.
8.3
Final Repayment Date.   On the final Repayment Date, the Borrower shall additionally pay to the Lenders all other sums then accrued or owing under any Finance Document.
8.4
Voluntary prepayment.   Subject to the following conditions, the Borrower may prepay the whole or part of the Loan on the last day of an Interest Period.
8.5
Conditions for voluntary prepayment.   The conditions referred to in Clause 8.4 are that:
(a)
a partial prepayment shall be in the minimum amount of United States Dollars One Hundred Thousand (US$100,000) or a multiple thereof;
(b)
the Agent has received from the Borrower at least ten (10) Business Days prior written confirmative and irrevocable notice specifying the amount to be prepaid and the date on which the prepayment is to be made (such date shall be the last day of an Interest Period); and
(c)
the Borrower has provided evidence satisfactory to the Agent that any consent required by the Borrower or any Security Party in connection with the prepayment has been obtained and remains in force, and that any requirement relevant to this Agreement which affects the Borrower or any Security Party has been complied with.
8.6
Effect of notice of prepayment.   A prepayment notice may not be withdrawn or amended without the consent of the Agent, given with the authority of the Majority Lenders, and the amount specified in the prepayment notice shall become due and payable by the Borrower on the date for prepayment specified in the prepayment notice.
8.7
Notification of notice of prepayment.   The Agent shall notify the Lenders promptly upon receiving a prepayment notice, and shall provide any Lender which so requests with a copy of any document delivered by the Borrower under Clause 8.5(c).
8.8
Mandatory prepayment.   The Borrower shall, within one hundred eighty (180) days of the Ship becoming a Total Loss or such other later day as may be agreed in writing by the Lender, or upon the Ship being sold, with the prior written consent of the Lender, fully prepay the Loan together with accrued interest to the date of prepayment and all other sums payable by the Borrower to the Lender pursuant to this Agreement and the other Finance Documents (and if the Commitment or any portion thereof has not been drawn yet, it shall be reduced to zero).
8.9
Amounts payable on prepayment.   A prepayment shall be made together with accrued interest (and any other amount payable under Clause 21 below or otherwise) in respect of the Loan and, if the prepayment is not made on the last day of an Interest Period, together with any sums payable under Clause 21.2 but without premium or penalty).
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8.10
Application of partial prepayment.  Each partial prepayment shall be applied against the repayment instalments specified in Clause 8.1 (including the balloon payment) in inverse order of maturity starting from the balloon payment.
8.11
No reborrowing .  No amount prepaid or repaid may be re-borrowed.
9.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
9.1
Documents, fees and no default.   Each Lender's obligation to contribute to the Loan is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(a)
that, on or before the date of signing of this Agreement, the Agent receives the documents described in Part A of Schedule 3 in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and its lawyers;
(b)
that, on or before the date of drawdown of the Loan, the Lender receives the documents described in Part B in Schedule 3 in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and its lawyers;
(c)
that, on or before the service of the Drawdown Notice, the Agent receives the relevant fees payable pursuant to Clause 20.1 and has received payment of the expenses referred to in Clause 20.2;
(d)
that at the date of the Drawdown Notice, at the Drawdown Date on the first day of each Interest Period and on the date of each Compliance Certificate:

(i)
no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the borrowing of the Loan;

(ii)
the representations and warranties in Clause 10 and those of the Borrower or any Security Party which are set out in the other Finance Documents would be true and not misleading in any material respect if repeated on each of those dates with reference to the circumstances then existing;

(iii)
none of the circumstances contemplated by Clause 5.5 has occurred and is continuing;

(iv)
there has not been a Material Adverse Change in the financial positon or state of affairs of the Borrower and/or the Group from that disclosed to the Agent prior to the date of this Agreement;
(e)
that, if the ratio set out in Clause 15.1 were applied immediately following the advancement of the Loan, the Borrower would not be obliged to provide additional security or prepay part of the Loan under that Clause; and
(f)
that the Agent has received, and found to be acceptable to it, any further opinions, consents, agreements and documents in connection with the Finance Documents which the Agent (acting reasonably) may, with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders, request by notice to the Borrower prior to the Drawdown Date.
9.2
Waiver of conditions precedent.   If the Majority Lenders, at their discretion, permit the Loan to be advanced before certain of the conditions referred to in
25


Clause 9.1 are satisfied, the Borrower shall ensure that those conditions are satisfied within 5 Business Days after the Drawdown Date (or such longer period as the Agent may, with the authority of the Majority Lenders, specify).
10.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
10.1
General.   The Borrower represents and warrants to each Creditor Party as follows:
10.2
Status.   The Borrower is duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its country of incorporation; neither the Borrower nor any Security Party is a FATCA FFI or a US Tax Obligor.
10.3
Share capital and ownership.   The Borrower is incorporated in Liberia and has an authorised share capital divided into 500 registered shares; the legal title and ownership of all those shares is held, free of any Security Interest or other claim, by the Guarantor.
10.4
Corporate power.   The Borrower has the corporate capacity, and has taken all corporate action and obtained all consents necessary for it:
(a)
to execute the Finance Documents to which it is a party; and
(b)
to borrow under this Agreement and to make all the payments contemplated by, and to comply with, the Finance Documents to which the Borrower is a Party.
10.5
Consents in force.   All the consents referred to in Clause 10.4 remain in force and nothing has occurred which makes any of them liable to revocation.
10.6
Legal validity ; effective Security Interests.   The Finance Documents to which the Borrower is a party, do now or, as the case may be, will, upon execution and delivery (and, where applicable, registration as provided for in the Finance Documents):
(a)
constitute that Borrower's legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms; and
(b)
create legal, valid and binding Security Interests enforceable in accordance with their respective terms over all the assets to which they, by their terms, relate, subject to any relevant insolvency laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
10.7
No third party Security Interests.   Without limiting the generality of Clause 10.6, at the time of the execution and delivery of each Finance Document:
(a)
the Borrower will have the right to create all the Security Interests which that Finance Document purports to create; and
(b)
no third party will have any Security Interest (except for Permitted Security Interests) or any other interest, right or claim over, in or in relation to any asset to which any such Security Interest, by its terms, relates.
10.8
No conflicts.   The execution by the Borrower of each Finance Document to which it is a party, and the borrowing by the Borrower of the Loan, and its
26


compliance with each Finance Document to which it is a party will not involve or lead to a contravention of:
(a)
any law or regulation in any Pertinent Jurisdiction; or
(b)
the constitutional documents of the Borrower; or
(c)
any contractual or other obligation or restriction which is binding on the Borrower or any of its assets, and will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
10.9
No withholding taxes.   All payments which the Borrower is liable to make under the Finance Documents to which it is a party may be made without deduction or withholding for or on account of any tax payable under any law of any Pertinent Jurisdiction.
10.10
No default.   No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
10.11
Information.   All information which has been provided in writing by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Security Party to any Creditor Party in connection with any Finance Document satisfied the requirements of Clause 11.6; all audited and consolidated accounts which have been so provided satisfied the requirements of Clause 11.7; and there has been no Material Adverse Change in the financial position or state of affairs of the Borrower from that disclosed in the latest of those accounts which constitutes a Material Adverse Effect.
10.12
No litigation.   No legal or administrative action involving the Borrower or any Security Party (including action relating to any alleged or actual breach of the ISM Code or the ISPS Code) has been commenced or taken or, to the Borrower's knowledge, is likely to be commenced or taken which, in either case and if determined adversely, would be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
10.13
Compliance with certain undertakings.   At the date of this Agreement, the Borrower is in compliance with Clauses 11.2, 11.5, 11.9, 11.11 and 11.17.
10.14
Taxes paid.   The Borrower has paid all taxes applicable to, or imposed on or in relation to it and its business.
10.15
ISM Code and ISPS Code compliance.   All requirements of the ISM Code and the ISPS Code as they relate to the Borrower, the Approved Manager and the Ship have been complied with.
10.16
No Money Laundering.   Without prejudice to the generality of Clause 2.3, in relation to the borrowing by the Borrower of the Loan, the performance and discharge of its obligations and liabilities under the Finance Documents, and the transactions and other arrangements effected or contemplated by the Finance Documents to which the Borrower is a party, the Borrower confirms that (i) it is acting for its own account, (ii) that it will use the proceeds of the Loan for its own benefit, under its full responsibility and exclusively for the purposes specified in this Agreement and (iii) that the foregoing will not involve or lead to contravention of any law, official requirements or other regulatory measure or procedure implemented to combat "money laundering"
27


(as defined in Article 1 of the Directive (91/308/EEC) of the Council of the European Communities).
10.17
Patriot Act.  To the extent applicable to the Borrower, the Borrower is in compliance with (i) the Trading with the Enemy Act, and each of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 C.F.R., Subtitle B, Chapter V) and any other enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto and (ii) the PATRIOT Act. No part of the proceeds of the Loan will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any government official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
11.
GENERAL UNDERTAKINGS
11.1
General.   The Borrower undertakes with each Creditor Party to comply with the following provisions of this Clause 11 at all times during the Security Period except as the Agent may, with the authority of the Majority Lenders, otherwise permit.
11.2
Title; negative pledge; pari passu.   The Borrower will:
(a)
ensure that the Ship will maintain her present ownership, management, control and ultimate beneficial ownership and the Borrower will hold the legal title to, and own the entire beneficial interest in the Ship's Insurances and Earnings, free from all Security Interests and other interests and rights of every kind, except for those created by the Finance Documents and except for Permitted Security Interests. For the avoidance of doubt the Lenders consent and agree to any changes relating to the shareholders of the Guarantor's trading shares in the normal course of business and confirm that such changes do not violate the terms of this Agreement;
(b)
not create or permit to arise any Security Interest (except for Permitted Security Interests) over any of its asset, present or future; and
(c)
procure that its liabilities under the Finance Documents to which it is a party to will rank at least pari passu with all its other present and future unsecured liabilities, except for liabilities which are mandatorily preferred by law.
11.3
No disposal of assets.   The Borrower will not (without the prior written consent of the Agent, acting with authority from the Majority Lenders) transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of:
(a)
all or a substantial part of its assets, whether by one transaction or a number of transactions, whether related or not; or
(b)
any debt payable to it or any other right (present, future or contingent right) to receive a payment, including any right to damages or compensation.
11.4
No other liabilities or obligations to be incurred.   The Borrower will not incur any liability or obligation except (i) liabilities and obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is a party and (ii) liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary course of its business of operating and chartering the Ship.
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11.5
Information provided to be accurate.   All financial and other information which is provided in writing by or on behalf of the Borrower under or in connection with any Finance Document will be true and not misleading in any material respect and will not omit any material fact or consideration.
11.6
Provision of financial statements.   The Borrower will:
(a)
procure that the Guarantor furnishes the Agent, with annual, audited and consolidated financial statements of the Guarantor within 180 days after the end of the financial year concerned, and prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, such obligation commencing from 1 st January 2018 or latest from 31 st May 2018 (being the date of the Guarantor's spin out);
(b)
send to the Agent, together with the Accounting Information referred to in paragraph (a) above, a Compliance Certificate; and
(c)
provide the Agent from time to time as the Agent may reasonably request and in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent with any information on the financial condition, commitments, business and operations of the Borrower and any other Security Party.
11.7
Form of financial statements.   All financial statements delivered under Clause 11.6 will:
(a)
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Guarantor, or as the case may be, of the Borrower at the date of those accounts and of the profit for the period to which those accounts relate; and
(b)
fully disclose or provide for all significant liabilities of the Guarantor, or as the case may be, of the Borrower for the period to which those accounts relate,
to the Agent's satisfaction.
11.8
Consents.   The Borrower will maintain in force and promptly obtain or renew, and will promptly send certified copies to the Agent of, all consents required:
(a)
for the Borrower and any Security Party to perform their respective obligations under each of the Finance Documents to which each of them is a party;
(b)
for the validity or enforceability of any Finance Document to which the Borrower and any Security Party are party,
and the Borrower will comply (and will ensure that each Security Party will comply) with the terms of all such consents.
11.9
Maintenance of Security Interests.  The Borrower will:
(a)
at their own cost, do all that they reasonably can to ensure that any Finance Document validly creates the obligations and the Security Interests which it purports to create; and
(b)
without limiting the generality of paragraph (a) above, at their own cost, promptly register, file, record or enrol any Finance Document with any court or authority in all Pertinent Jurisdictions, pay any stamp, registration or similar tax in all Pertinent Jurisdictions in respect of any Finance Document, give
29


any notice or take any other step which, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, is or has become necessary or desirable for any Finance Document to be valid, enforceable or admissible in evidence or to ensure or protect the priority of any Security Interest which it creates.
11.10
Notification of litigation.   The Borrower will provide the Agent with details of any legal or administrative action involving the Borrower, the Approved Manager and any other Security Party or the Ship, her Earnings or her Insurances as soon as such action is instituted or it becomes apparent to the Borrower that it is likely to be instituted, unless it is clear that the legal or administrative action cannot be considered as having a material adverse effect on the business, assets or financial condition of the Borrower or as affecting the validity or enforceability of any Finance Document.
11.11
Principal place of business.   The Borrower will not establish, or do anything as a result of which it would be deemed to have, a place of business in the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
11.12
Confirmation of no default.   The Borrower will, not more than once per quarter and within 2 Business Days after service by the Agent of a written request, serve on the Agent a notice which is signed by at least one (1) director of the Borrower and which:
(a)
states that no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred; or
(b)
states that no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred, except for a specified event or matter, of which all material details are given.
11.13
Notification of default.   The Borrower will notify the Agent as soon as the Borrower becomes aware of:
(a)
the occurrence of an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default which is continuing; or
(b)
any matter which indicates that an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default may have occurred,
and will thereafter keep the Agent fully up‑to‑date with all developments.
11.14
Provision of further information.   The Borrower will inform the Agent of all major financial developments in the Borrower and the Guarantor such as new loans, refinancing/restructuring of existing loans, new acquisitions and sales, contracts for term employment of the Ship and furthermore will, as soon as practicable after receiving the request, provide the Agent with any additional financial or other information relating to:
(a)
the Borrower, the Ship, her Insurances or her Earnings; or
(b)
any other matter relevant to, or to any provision of, a Finance Document,
which may be requested by any Creditor Party at any time.
11.15
Provision of customer information. The Borrower will produce such documents and evidence as the Lenders shall from time to time require, based on applicable laws and regulations from time to time and the Lenders'
30


own internal guidelines from time to time, relating to the Lenders' knowledge of its customers.
11.16
Ownership.   The Borrower or, as the case may be, any other corporate Security Party shall ensure that, throughout the Security Period without the prior written consent of the Agent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, there shall be no change in the Directors and Officers in the Borrower and in the Chief Executive Officer(s) of the Guarantor and moreover the Borrower shall ensure that no change shall be made directly or indirectly in the ownership of the Borrower, the beneficial ownership of the Guarantor, or the control of the Borrower without the prior written consent of the Agent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. For the avoidance of doubt the Lenders consent and agree to any changes relating to the Guarantor's trading shares in the normal course of business and confirm that such changes do not violate the terms of this Agreement.
11.17
Sanctions
The Borrower undertakes (and shall procure that each Security Party and any Affiliate of any of them undertakes) that:
(a)
no member of the Group, no Security Party nor any of their subsidiaries, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees (nor, to the knowledge of such Security Party, any of their affiliates, agents or representatives):

(i)
is a Restricted Party;

(ii)
is owned or controlled by or acting directly or indirectly on behalf of or for the benefit of, a Restricted Party, and none of such persons owns or controls a Restricted Party;

(iii)
owns or controls a Restricted Party; or

(iv)
has received notice of or is aware of or is subject to any claim,proceedings, formal notice or investigation with respect to Sanctions;
(b)
no proceeds of the Loan or any part thereof shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person to fund any trade, business or other activities involving or for the benefit of a Restricted Party or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is a Sanctioned Country nor shall they be otherwise directly or indirectly, applied in a manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions by any Security Party or for any purpose prohibited by Sanctions;
(c)
no Security Party nor any of their subsidiaries, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees (nor, to the knowledge of such Security Party, any of their affiliates, agents or representatives) has taken any action resulting in a violation by such persons of Sanctions or which constitutes or would constitute any such violation by the Borrower or any Security Party.
11.18
Provision of copies and translation of documents.   The Borrower will supply the Agent with a sufficient number of copies of the documents referred to above to provide 1 copy for each Creditor Party.
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12.
CORPORATE UNDERTAKINGS
12.1
General.   The Borrower also undertakes with each Creditor Party to comply with the following provisions of this Clause 12 at all times during the Security Period except as the Agent may, with the authority of the Majority Lenders, otherwise permit.
12.2
Maintenance of status.   The Borrower will maintain its separate corporate existence and remain in good standing under the laws of its incorporation.
12.3
Negative undertakings.   The Borrower will not:
(a)
carry on any type of business other than the ownership, chartering and operation of the Ship in accordance with its constitutional documents;
(b)
make any form of distribution (other than payment of a dividend pursuant to Clause 12.4) or effect any form of redemption, purchase, reduction or return of share capital or issue, allot or grant any person a right to any shares in its capital; or
(c)
without the prior written consent of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders), which consent and instructions will not be unreasonably be withheld, incur any debt or provide any form of credit or issue any guarantee to any person, except in the ordinary course of business; or
(d)
without the prior written consent of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders), open or maintain any account with any bank or financial institution except accounts with the Account Bank for the purposes of the Finance Documents and accounts notified to the Agent prior to the date of this Agreement; or
(e)
acquire any shares or other securities other than US or UK Treasury bills and certificates of deposit issued by major North American or European banks, or enter into any transaction in a derivative; or
(f)
enter into any form of amalgamation, merger or de-merger or any form of reconstruction or reorganisation, or change its name; or
(g)
purchase any further assets (other than the Ship owned by the Borrower), either directly or indirectly (through subsidiaries); or
(h)
without the prior written consent of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders), which consent and instructions will not be unreasonably be withheld, incur any other Financial Indebtedness. Any shareholder loans, inter company loans, affiliate loans and third party loans to the Borrower shall be fully subordinated to the rights of the Creditor Parties under the Loan Agreement and the Finance Documents, on terms satisfactory to the Agent in its sole discretion.
12.4
Dividends.   The Borrower may declare or pay any dividends or other distribution as long as no Event of Default has occurred which is continuing and such declaration of payment would not result to an Event of Default.
32



12.5
Liquidity. The Borrower will ensure that throughout the Security Period the Borrower or any other entity acceptable to the Lender maintains with the Lenders or the Agent or the Account Bank the Minimum Liquidity
12.6
Debt to equity ratio. The Borrower will   ensure that the Guarantor's total debt net of cash will not exceed 75% of the total market value of its assets.
12.7
Minimum Net Worth. The Borrower will ensure   that   the Guarantor's minimum Net Worth   listed in Nasdaq will be United States Dollars fifteen million (USD15,000,000).
12.8
Compliance Check.   On each Compliance Date, compliance with the undertakings contained in Clause 15.1 shall be determined by reference to the Accounting Information for the twelve month period in each Financial Year of the Borrower (commencing with the twelve month period commencing on 1 January 2018 or latest on 31 st May 2018 (being the date of the Guarantor's spin out)) delivered to the Agent pursuant to the Agreement.  At the same time as it delivers that Accounting Information, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent a Compliance Certificate signed by a director of the Borrower. If, prior to the delivery of a Compliance Certificate, the Borrower becomes aware that such undertakings will not be complied with, the Borrower shall immediately notify the Agent thereof.
12.9
Application of FATCA
The Borrower shall not become (and shall procure that no Security Party shall become) a FATCA FFI or a US Tax Obligor, without the prior written consent of the Lenders.
13.
INSURANCE
13.1
General.   The Borrower undertakes with each Creditor Party to comply with the following provisions of this Clause 13 at all times during the Security Period, except as the Agent may (with the authority of the Majority Lenders), otherwise permit.
13.2
Maintenance of obligatory insurances.   The Borrower shall keep the Ship insured at the expense of the Borrower against:
(a)
fire and usual marine risks (including hull and machinery and excess risks);
(b)
war risks (including war protection and indemnity liabilities, terrorism, piracy and confiscation); and
(c)
protection and indemnity risks (including cover for oil pollution liability risks); and
(d)
loss of hire; and
(e)
any other risks against which the Majority Lenders consider, having regard to practices and other circumstances prevailing at the relevant time, it would in the opinion of the Majority Lenders be reasonable for the Borrower to insure and which are specified by the Security Trustee by notice to the Borrower.
33



13.3
Terms of obligatory insurances.   The Borrower shall effect such insurances:
(a)
in Dollars;
(b)
in the case of fire and usual marine risks and war risks, in an amount on an agreed value basis at least the greater of (i) 120% of the amount of the Loan and (ii) the Market Value of the Ship;
(c)
in the case of oil pollution liability risks, for an aggregate amount equal to the highest level of cover from time to time available under basic protection and indemnity club entry (with the international group of protection and indemnity clubs) and the international marine insurance market (currently US$1,000,000,000);
(d)
in relation to protection and indemnity risks in respect of the full value and tonnage of the Ship;
(e)
on approved terms; and
(f)
through approved brokers and with approved insurance companies and/or underwriters and/or war risks associations, and protection and indemnity risks shall be placed with a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs.
13.4
Further protections for the Creditor Parties.   In addition to the terms set out in Clause 13.3, the Borrower shall procure that the obligatory insurances shall:
(a)
be in the name of the Borrower or whenever the Security Trustee so requires, name (or be amended to name) the Security Trustee as additional named assured for its rights and interests, warranted no operational interest and with full waiver of rights of subrogation against the Security Trustee, but without the Security Trustee thereby being liable to pay (but having the right to pay) premiums, calls or other assessments in respect of such insurance;
(b)
procure that the insurers shall note the Security Trustee's interest and endorse the relevant notices of assignment and Loss Payable Clause on the relevant certificates of entry or policies and shall furnish the Security Trustee with a copy of such certificates of entry or policies;
(c)
use their best endeavors to provide that all payments by or on behalf of the insurers under the obligatory insurances to the Security Trustee shall be made without set‑off, counterclaim or deductions or condition whatsoever;
(d)
provide that following an Event of Default which is continuing the Security Trustee may make proof of loss if the Borrower fails to do so.
13.5
Renewal of obligatory insurances .  The Borrower shall:
(a)
at least 21 days before the expiry of any obligatory insurance:

(i)
notify the Security Trustee of the brokers (or other insurers) and any protection and indemnity or war risks association through or with whom the Borrower proposes to renew that insurance and of the proposed terms of renewal; and
34




(ii)
in case of any material change in insurance cover, obtain the Majority Lenders' approval to the matters referred to in paragraph (i) above;
(b)
at least 14 days before the expiry of any obligatory insurance, renew the insurance; and
(c)
procure that the approved brokers and/or the war risks and protection and indemnity associations with which such a renewal is effected shall before the expiry of the current insurances notify the Security Trustee in writing of the terms and conditions of the renewal.
13.6
Copies of policies ; letters of undertaking.   The Borrower shall ensure that all approved brokers provide the Security Trustee with copies of all policies relating to the obligatory insurances which they effect or renew and of a letter or letters or undertaking in a form required by the Security Trustee and including undertakings by the approved brokers that:
(a)
they will have endorsed on each policy, immediately upon issue, a loss payable clause and a notice of assignment complying with the provisions of Clause 13.4;
(b)
they will hold such policies, and the benefit of such insurances, to the order of the Security Trustee in accordance with the said loss payable clause;
(c)
they will advise the Security Trustee immediately of any material change to the terms of the obligatory insurances;
(d)
they will notify the Security Trustee, not less than 7 days before the expiry of the obligatory insurances, in the event of their not having received notice of renewal instructions from the Borrower or its agents and, in the event of their receiving instructions to renew, they will promptly notify the Security Trustee of the terms of the instructions; and
(e)
if the insurances form part of a fleet cover, they will not set off any claims on the Ship against premiums due for other vessels under the fleet cover or against premiums due for other insurances; neither will they cancel the insurance cover of the Ship for reason of non-payment of such premiums; and they will arrange for a separate policy to be issued in respect of the Ship forthwith upon being so requested by the Security Trustee.
13.7
Copies of certificates of entry.   The Borrower shall ensure that, from any protection and indemnity and/or war risks associations in which the Ship is entered, the Security Trustee is provided with:
(a)
a certified copy of the certificate of entry for the Ship;
(b)
a letter or letters of undertaking in such form as may be required by the Security Trustee; and
(c)
a certified copy of each certificate of financial responsibility for pollution by oil or other Environmentally Sensitive Material issued by the relevant certifying authority in relation to the Ship.
35



13.8
Deposit of original policies.   The Borrower shall ensure that all policies relating to obligatory insurances are deposited with the approved brokers through which the insurances are effected or renewed.
13.9
Payment of premiums.   The Borrower shall punctually pay all premiums or other sums payable in respect of the obligatory insurances and produce all relevant receipts when so required by the Security Trustee.
13.10
Guarantees.   The Borrower shall ensure that any guarantees required by a protection and indemnity or war risks association are promptly issued and remain in full force and effect.
13.11
Restrictions on employment.   The Borrower shall not employ the Ship owned by it, nor permit it to be employed, outside the cover provided by any obligatory insurances.
13.12
Compliance with terms of insurances.   The Borrower shall not do or omit to do (or permit to be done or not to be done) any act or thing which would or might render any obligatory insurance invalid, void, voidable or unenforceable or render any sum payable thereunder repayable in whole or in part; and, in particular:
(a)
the Borrower shall take all necessary action and comply with all requirements which may from time to time be applicable to the obligatory insurances, and (without limiting the obligation contained in Clause 13.7(c) above) ensure that the obligatory insurances are not made subject to any exclusions or qualifications to which the Security Trustee has not given its prior approval;
(b)
the Borrower shall not make any changes relating to the classification or classification society or manager or operator of the Ship approved by the underwriters of the obligatory insurances; and
(c)
the Borrower shall not employ the Ship, nor allow it to be employed, otherwise than in conformity with the terms and conditions of the obligatory insurances, without first obtaining the consent of the insurers and complying with any requirements (as to extra premium or otherwise) which the insurers specify.
13.13
Alteration to terms of insurances.   The Borrower shall neither make or agree to any material alteration to the terms of any obligatory insurance or waive any right relating to any obligatory insurance without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee (not to be unreasonably withheld).
13.14
Settlement of claims.   The Borrower shall not settle, compromise or abandon any claim under any obligatory insurance for Total Loss or for a Major Casualty without the prior written consent of the Security Trustee (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), and shall do all things necessary and provide all documents, evidence and information to enable the Security Trustee to collect or recover any moneys which at any time become payable in respect of the obligatory insurances in accordance with the Finance Documents.
13.15
Provision of copies of communications.   The Borrower shall, if required by the Security Trustee, provide the Security Trustee, at the time of each such communication, copies of all material written communications between the Borrower and:
36



(a)
the approved brokers; and
(b)
the approved protection and indemnity and/or war risks associations; and
(c)
the approved insurance companies and/or underwriters, which relate directly or indirectly to:

(i)
the Borrower's obligations relating to the obligatory insurances including, without limitation, all requisite declarations and payments of additional premiums or calls; and

(ii)
any credit arrangements made between the Borrower and any of the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above relating wholly or partly to the effecting or maintenance of the obligatory insurances .
13.16
Provision of information.   In addition, the Borrower shall promptly provide the Security Trustee (or any persons which it may designate) with any information which the Security Trustee (or any such designated person) reasonably requests for the purpose of:
(a)
obtaining or preparing any report from an independent marine insurance broker as to the adequacy of the obligatory insurances effected or proposed to be effected; and/or
(b)
effecting, maintaining or renewing any such insurances as are referred to in Clause 13.17 below or dealing with or considering any matters relating to any such insurances,
and the Borrower shall, forthwith upon demand, indemnify the Security Trustee in respect of all fees and other expenses incurred by or for the account of the Security Trustee in connection with any such report as is referred to in paragraph (a) above (it being understood however that prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing the Borrower will only bear the costs of such insurance reports once per year).
13.17
Mortgagee's interest, additional perils.   The Agent shall be entitled from time to time to effect, maintain and renew a mortgagee's interest additional perils pollution insurance and a mortgagees' interest insurance in an amount equal to 110% of the Loan and otherwise on such terms, through such insurers and generally in such manner as the Lenders may from time to time consider appropriate and the Borrower shall upon demand against appropriate vouchers/invoices fully indemnify the Lenders in respect of all premiums and other expenses which are incurred in connection with or with a view to effecting, maintaining or renewing any such insurance or dealing with, or considering, any matter arising out of any such insurance.
13.18
Review of insurance requirements.   The Majority Lenders shall be entitled to review the requirements of this Clause 13 from time to time in order to take account of any changes in circumstances after the date of this Agreement which are, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, significant and capable of affecting the Borrower or the Ship and her insurance (including, without limitation, changes in the availability or the cost of insurance coverage or the risks to which the Borrower may be subject), and, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing, may appoint insurance
37


consultants in relation to this review at the cost of the Borrower, subject to such appointment taking place once per year.
13.19
Modification of insurance requirements.   The Security Trustee shall notify the Borrower of any proposed modification under Clause 13.18 to the requirements of this Clause 13 which the Majority Lenders (acting reasonably) consider appropriate in the circumstances.
13.20
Compliance with instructions.   The Security Trustee shall be entitled but will not be bound to (without prejudice to or limitation of any other rights which it may have or acquire under any Finance Document) to effect the insurances of the Ship in the amount and in terms acceptable to the Security Trustee from time to time at the cost and on behalf of the Borrower.
14.
SHIP'S COVENANTS
14.1
General.  The Borrower also undertakes with each Creditor Party to comply with the following provisions of this Clause 14 at all times during the Security Period, except as the Agent (with the authority of the Majority Lenders) may otherwise permit.
14.2
Ship's name and registration.   The Borrower shall keep the Ship registered in its name under the Approved Flag; shall not do or allow to be done anything as a result of which such registration might be cancelled or imperilled; and shall not change the name or port of registry or flag of the Ship without the prior written consent of the Agent (acting on the authority of the Majority Lenders), such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
14.3
Repair and classification.   The Borrower shall keep the Ship in a good and safe condition and state of repair:
(a)
consistent with first‑class ship ownership and management practice;
(b)
so as to maintain the Ship with the highest classification available for vessels of the same age, type and specification as the Ship with Lloyd's Register of Shipping (or such other first class classification society being a member of IACS and as may be approved by the Security Trustee), free of overdue recommendations and conditions affecting the Ship's class; and
(c)
so as to comply with all laws and regulations applicable to vessels registered at ports in the Approved Flag State or to vessels trading to any jurisdiction to which the Ship may trade from time to time, including but not limited to the ISM Code and the ISPS Code.
14.4
Modification.   The Borrower shall not make any modification or repairs to, or replacement of, the Ship or equipment installed on her which would or might materially alter the structure, type or performance characteristics of the Ship or materially reduce her value.
14.5
Removal of parts.   The Borrower shall not remove any material part of the Ship, or any item of equipment installed on, the Ship unless the part or item so removed is forthwith replaced by a suitable part or item which is in the same condition as or better condition than the part or item removed, is free from any Security Interest or any right in favour of any person other than the Lenders and becomes on installation on the Ship the property of the Borrower
38


and subject to the security constituted by the relevant Mortgage Provided that the Borrower may install leased equipment owned by a third party if the equipment can be removed without any risk of damage to the Ship.
14.6
Surveys.   The Borrower shall submit the Ship regularly to all periodical or other surveys which may be required for classification purposes, at the cost and expense of the Borrower. The Agent shall have the right to request one or more technical survey reports of the Ship by surveyors appointed to by the Agent at the cost of the Borrower, provided that the frequency of such reports shall be limited to one per year (unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing).
14.7
Inspection.   The Borrower shall permit the Security Trustee (by surveyors or other persons appointed by it for that purpose) to board the Ship at all reasonable times, but without interference to the Ship's trading and operations, to inspect her condition or to satisfy themselves about proposed or executed repairs and shall afford all proper facilities for such inspections. Provided that the Ship is found to be in satisfactory condition, the cost of such inspections shall be borne by the Borrower not more than once per year.
14.8
Prevention of and release from arrest.   Unless contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, the Borrower shall promptly discharge:
(a)
all liabilities which give or may give rise to maritime or possessory liens on or claims enforceable against the Ship, her Earnings or her Insurances; and
(b)
all taxes, dues and other amounts charged in respect of the Ship, her Earnings or her Insurances;
and, forthwith upon receiving notice of the arrest of the Ship, or of her detention in exercise or purported exercise of any lien or claim, the Borrower shall procure her prompt release by providing bail or otherwise as the circumstances may require.
14.9
Compliance with laws etc.  The Borrower shall:
(a)
comply, or procure compliance with the ISM Code, the ISPS Code, all Environmental Laws and all other laws or regulations relating to the Ship owned by it, its ownership, operation and management or to the business of the Borrower (including, without limitation, the obtaining of all relevant certificates of financial responsibility and any other matters required for entering United States territorial waters or calling at any United States Port);
(b)
comply (and procure that each Security Party and each Affiliate of any of them shall comply) in all aspects with all Sanctions;
(c)
not employ the Ship nor allow her employment in any manner contrary to any Sanctions;
(d)
in the event of hostilities in any part of the world (whether war is declared or not), not cause or permit the Ship to enter or trade to any zone which is declared a war zone by any government or by the Ship's war risks insurers unless the prior written consent of the Majority Lenders has been given and the Borrower has (at its expense) effected any special, additional or modified insurance cover which the Majority Lenders may require.
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14.10
Provision of information.   The Borrower shall promptly provide the Security Trustee with any information which the Majority Lenders reasonably request regarding:
(a)
the Ship, her employment, position and engagements;
(b)
the Earnings and payments and amounts due to the master and crew of the Ship;
(c)
any expenses incurred, or likely to be incurred, in connection with the operation, maintenance or repair of the Ship and any payments made in respect of the Ship;
(d)
any towages and salvages;
(e)
its compliance, the Approved Manager's compliance or the compliance of the Ship with the ISM Code
and, upon the Security Trustee's request, provide copies of any current charter relating to the Ship and of any current charter guarantee, and copies of the ISM Code and ISPS Code documentation.
14.11
Notification of certain events.   The Borrower shall immediately notify the Security Trustee by letter of:
(a)
any casualty which is or is likely to be or to become a Major Casualty;
(b)
any occurrence as a result of which the Ship has become or is, by the passing of time or otherwise, likely to become a Total Loss;
(c)
any requirement or recommendation made by any insurer or classification society (or any withdrawal of class) or by any competent authority which is not complied with in accordance with its terms;
(d)
any arrest or detention of the Ship which is not lifted within forth eight (48) hours, any exercise or purported exercise of any lien on the Ship or her Earnings or any requisition of the Ship for hire;
(e)
any intended dry docking of the Ship;
(f)
any Environmental Claim made against the Borrower or in connection with the Ship or any Environmental Incident;
(g)
any claim for breach of the ISM Code or the ISPS Code being made against the Borrower, the Approved Manager or otherwise in connection with the Ship; or
(h)
any other matter, event or incident, actual or threatened, the effect of which will or could lead to the ISM Code or the ISPS Code not being complied with,
and the Borrower shall keep the Security Trustee advised in writing on a regular basis and in such detail as the Security Trustee shall require of the Borrower's, the Approved Manager's or any other person's response to any of those events or matters.
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14.12
Restrictions on chartering, appointment of managers, etc.   The Borrower shall not without the prior written consent of the Agent (acting on the authority of the Majority Lenders):
(a)
let the Ship on demise charter for any period;
(b)
enter into any time or consecutive voyage charter in respect of the Ship for a term which exceeds, or which by virtue of any optional extensions may exceed, 12 months;
(c)
enter into any charter in relation to the Ship under which more than 2 months' hire (or the equivalent) is payable in advance;
(d)
charter the Ship otherwise than on bona fide arm's length terms  at the time when the Ship is fixed;
(e)
appoint a commercial, technical or operational manager of the Ship (other than the Approved Manager) or agree to any material alteration to the terms of the Approved Manager's appointment (and in respect of which, the consent of the Agent shall not be unreasonably withheld);
(f)
de‑activate or lay up the Ship;
(g)
change the legal ownership of the shares in the Ship;
(h)
put the Ship into the possession of any person for the purpose of work being done upon her in an amount exceeding or likely to exceed United States Dollars Five Hundred Thousand (US$500,000) (or the equivalent in any other currency) unless that person has first given to the Security Trustee and in terms satisfactory to it a written undertaking not to exercise any lien on the Ship or her Earnings for the cost of such work or otherwise; or
(i)
change the classification society with which the Ship is classed (and in respect of which, the consent of the Agent and the authority of the Majority Lenders shall not be unreasonably withheld).
14.13
Notice of Mortgage.   The Borrower shall keep the Mortgage registered against the Ship as a valid first priority mortgage, carry on board the Ship a certified copy of the Mortgage and place and maintain in a conspicuous place in the navigation room and the Master's cabin of the Ship a framed printed notice stating that the Ship is mortgaged by the Borrower to the Lenders.
14.14
Sharing of Earnings.    The Borrower shall not enter into any agreement or arrangement for the sharing of any Earnings other than a profit sharing agreed at arm's length under a charter party provided that it is not a part of any pool arrangement, in which case the Agent's prior written consent will be required (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld). For the avoidance of doubt the Agent has provided its consent for the Borrower to enter into the charter party dated 10/8/18 with Guardian Navigation GMax LLC and the entry of the Ship in the pool of Guardian Navigation GMax LLC.
14.15
ISPS Code.   The Borrower shall comply with the ISPS Code and in particular, without limitation, shall:
41



(a)
procure that the Ship and the company responsible for the Ship's compliance with the ISPS Code, comply with the ISPS Code; and
(b)
maintain for the Ship an ISSC; and
(c)
notify the Lender immediately in writing of any actual or threatened withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of the ISSC.
14.16
Time charter assignment.  If the Borrower enters into any time charter or contract of affreightment in respect of the Ship which is of twelve (12) months or more in duration, or is capable of exceeding twelve (12) months in duration, the Borrower shall execute in favour of the Security Trustee an assignment and notice of assignment (and shall use its best endeavours to obtain an acknowledgement of the same from the relevant charterer or counterparty) of such time charter or contract of affreightment in such form and on such terms as the Agent may reasonably require, and shall deliver to the Agent such other documents equivalent to those referred to at paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of Schedule 3 (Part A) hereof as the Agent may require.
15.
SECURITY COVER
15.1
Provision of additional security cover ; prepayment of Loan.   The Borrower undertake with each Creditor Party that if the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) notifies the Borrower that:
(a)
the market value (determined as provided below) of the Ship; plus
(b)
the net realisable value of any additional security previously provided under this Clause 15 (excluding any amounts standing to the credit of the Earnings Account, the Retention Account),
is during the Security Period below one hundred and twenty per cent (120%) of the outstanding amount of the Loan, the Borrower will, within thirty (30) days after the date on which the Agent's notice is served, either:

(i)
provide, or ensure that a third party provides, additional security which, in the opinion of the Majority Lenders, has a net realisable value at least equal to the shortfall and which consists of either (aa) cash pledged to the Security Trustee which when in the form of cash in Dollars, will be valued on a Dollar for Dollar basis or (bb) a Security Interest (including, but not limited to, a first priority mortgage or a second priority mortgage over another vessel), covering such asset or assets and documented in such terms as the Agent may, with authorisation from the Majority Lenders, approve or require; or

(ii)
prepay in accordance with Clause 8 such part of the Loan as will eliminate the shortfall, to be applied against repayment instalments (including the balloon payment) on a pro rata basis.
15.2
Meaning of additional security.   In Clause 15.1 " security " means a Security Interest over an asset or assets (whether securing the Borrower's liabilities under the Finance Documents or a guarantee in respect of those liabilities), or a guarantee, letter of credit or other security in respect of the Borrower's liabilities under the Finance Documents, in each case in a form and substance acceptable to the Agent in its sole discretion.
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15.3
Requirement for additional documents.   The Borrower shall not be deemed to have complied with Clause 15.1(i) above until the Agent has received in connection with the additional security certified copies of documents of the kinds referred to in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of Schedule 3 (Part A) and such legal opinions in terms acceptable to lawyers selected by the Agent in its sole discretion.
15.4
Valuation of Ship.   Subject to the following provisions of this Clause 15.4, the Market Value of the Ship shall be determined:
(a)
in Dollars, as at the date of (or no earlier than 30 days prior to) such valuation;
(b)
by an independent shipbroker selected by or acceptable to the Agent and reporting to the Agent;
(c)
with or without physical inspection of the Ship (as the Agent may require);
(d)
on the basis of a sale for prompt delivery for cash on normal arm's length commercial form as between a willing seller and a willing buyer, free of any existing charter or other contract of employment.
15.5
Value of additional vessel security.   The net realisable value of any additional security which is provided under Clause 15.2 and which consists of a Security Interest over a vessel other than the Ship shall be that shown by way of a valuation complying with the requirements of Clause 15.4.
15.6
Valuations binding and conclusive.   Any valuation under Clause 15.1(i), 15.4 or 15.5 shall be binding and conclusive evidence of the Market Value of the Ship or of the other assets it refers to at the date of such valuation.
15.7
Provision of information.   The Borrower shall promptly provide the Agent and any shipbroker or expert acting under Clause 15.4 or 15.5 with any information which the Agent or the shipbroker or expert may reasonable request for the purposes of the valuation; and, if the Borrower fails to provide the information by the date specified in the request, the valuation may be made on any basis and assumptions which the shipbroker or the Majority Lenders (or the expert appointed by them) consider prudent.
15.8
Payment of valuation expenses. Without prejudice to the generality of the Borrower's obligations under Clauses 20.2, 20.3 and 21.3, the Borrower shall, subject to the provisions of Clause 15.9, on demand, pay the Agent the amount of the fees and expenses of any shipbrokers or experts instructed by the Agent under this Clause and all legal and other expenses incurred by any Creditor Party in connection with any matter arising out of this Clause.
15.9
Frequency of valuations. The Agent shall be entitled to obtain written valuations of the Ship prior to the drawdown of the Loan and any time during the Security Period, provided that after drawdown of the Loan the costs and expenses of such shall only be borne by the Borrower once per year (unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or a mandatory prepayment event under Clause 8.8 has occurred, in which case the Agent shall be entitled to obtain a valuation at any time, at the cost and expense of the Borrower).
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16.
PAYMENTS AND CALCULATIONS
16.1
Currency and method of payments.   All payments to be made by the Lenders or by the Borrower under a Finance Document shall be made to the Agent or to the Security Trustee, in the case of an amount payable to it:

(i)
by not later than 11.00 a.m. (New York City time) on the due date;

(ii)
in same day Dollar funds settled through the New York Clearing House Interbank Payments System (or in such other Dollar funds and/or settled in such other manner as the Agent shall specify as being customary at the time for the settlement of international transactions of the type contemplated by this Agreement);

(iii)
if in Dollars, to the account of the Agent with such corresponding bank in New York as the Agent may from time to time notify to the Borrower and the other Creditor Parties; and

(iv)
in the case of an amount payable to the Security Trustee, to such account as it may from time to time notify to the Borrower and the other Creditor Parties.
16.2
Payment on non-Business Day.   If any payment by the Borrower under a Finance Document would otherwise fall due on a day which is not a Business Day:
(a)
the due date shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day; or
(b)
if the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next calendar month, the due date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day,
and interest shall be payable during any extension under paragraph (a) at the rate payable on the original due date.
16.3
Basis for calculation of periodic payments. All interest and commitment fee and any other payments under any Finance Document which are of an annual or periodic nature shall accrue from day to day and shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 360 day year.
16.4
Distribution of payments to Creditor Parties. Subject to Clauses 16.5, 16.6 and 16.7:
(a)
any amount received by the Agent under a Finance Document for distribution or remittance to a Lender, or the Security Trustee shall be made available by the Agent to that Lender, or, as the case may be, the Security Trustee by payment, with funds having the same value as the funds received, to such account as the Lender or the Security Trustee may have notified to the Agent not less than 5 Business Days previously; and
(b)
amounts to be applied in satisfying amounts of a particular category which are due to the Lenders generally shall be distributed by the Agent to each Lender pro rata to the amount in that category which is due to it.
16.5
Permitted deductions by Agent. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other Finance Document, the Agent may, before making an
44


amount available to a Lender, deduct and withhold from that amount any sum which is then due and payable to the Agent from that Lender under any Finance Document or any sum which the Agent is then entitled under any Finance Document to require that Lender to pay on demand.
16.6
Agent only obliged to pay when monies received. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other Finance Document, the Agent shall not be obliged to make available to the Borrower or any Lender any sum which the Agent is expecting to receive for remittance or distribution to the Borrower or that Lender until the Agent has satisfied itself that it has received that sum.
16.7
Refund to Agent of monies not received. If and to the extent that the Agent makes available a sum to the Borrower or a Lender, without first having received that sum, the Borrower or (as the case may be) the Lender concerned shall, on demand:
(a)
refund the sum in full to the Agent; and
(b)
pay to the Agent the amount (as certified by the Agent) which will indemnify the Agent against any funding or other loss, liability or expense incurred by the Agent as a result of making the sum available before receiving it.
16.8
Agent may assume receipt. Clause 16.7 shall not affect any claim which the Agent has under the law of restitution, and applies irrespective of whether the Agent had any form of notice that it had not received the sum which it made available.
16.9
Creditor Party accounts. Each Creditor Party shall maintain accounts showing the amounts owing to it by the Borrower and each Security Party under the Finance Documents and all payments in respect of those amounts made by the Borrower and any Security Party.
16.10
Agent's memorandum account. The Agent shall maintain a memorandum account showing the amounts advanced by the Lenders and all other sums owing to the Agent, the Security Trustee and each Lender from the Borrower and each Security Party under the Finance Documents and all payments in respect of those amounts made by the Borrower and any Security Party.
16.11
Accounts prima facie evidence. If any accounts maintained under Clauses 16.9 and 16.10 show an amount to be owing by the Borrower or a Security Party to a Creditor Party, those accounts shall, absent manifest error, be prima facie evidence that that amount is owing to that Creditor Party.
16.12
Contractual recognition of Bail-In.
Notwithstanding any other term of any Finance Document or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding between the Parties, each Party acknowledges and accepts that any liability of any Party to any other Party under or in connection with the Finance Documents may be subject to Bail-In Action by the relevant Resolution Authority and acknowledges and accepts to be bound by the effect of:
(a)
any Bail-In Action in relation to any such liability, including (without limitation):
45




(i)
a reduction, in full or in part, in the principal amount, or outstanding amount due (including any accrued but unpaid interest) in respect of any such liability;

(ii)
a conversion of all, or part of, any such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership that may be issued to, or conferred on, it; and

(iii)
a cancellation of any such liability; and
(b)
a variation of any term of any Finance Document to the extent necessary to give effect to any Bail-In Action in relation to any such liability.
17.
APPLICATION OF RECEIPTS
17.1
Normal order of application.   Except as any Finance Document may otherwise provide, any sums which are received or recovered by any Creditor Party under or by virtue of any Finance Document shall be applied:‑
(a)
FIRST: in or towards satisfaction of any amounts then due and payable under the Finance Documents in the following order and proportions:

(i)
first, in or towards satisfaction pro rata of all amounts then due and payable to the Creditor Parties under the Finance Documents other than those amounts referred to at (ii) and (iii) below (including, but without limitation, all amounts payable by the Borrower under Clauses 20, 21 and 22 of this Agreement or by the Borrower or any Security Party under any corresponding or similar provision in any other Finance Document);

(ii)
secondly, in or towards satisfaction pro rata of any and all amounts of interest or default interest payable to the Creditor Parties under the Finance Documents but shall have failed to pay or deliver to the Creditor Parties at the time of application or distribution under this Clause 17); and

(iii)
thirdly, in or towards satisfaction pro rata of the Loan;
(b)
SECONDLY: in retention of an amount equal to any amount not then due and payable under any Finance Document but which the Agent, by notice to the Borrower, the Security Parties and the other Creditor Parties, states in its reasonable opinion will or may become due and payable in the future and, upon those amounts becoming due and payable, in or towards satisfaction of them in accordance with the provisions of Clause 17.1(a); and
(c)
THIRDLY: any surplus shall be paid to the Borrower or to any other person appearing to be entitled to it.
17.2
Variation of order of application.   The Agent may, following the occurrence of an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default which is continuing, with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders by notice to the Borrower, the Security Parties and the other Creditor Parties provide for a different manner of application from that set out in Clause 17.1 either as regards a specified sum or sums or as regards sums in a specified category or categories.
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17.3
Appropriation rights overriden. This Clause 17 and any notice which the Agent gives under Clause 17.2 shall override any right of appropriation possessed, and any appropriation made, by the Borrower or any Security Party.
18.
APPLICATION OF EARNINGS
18.1
Payment and application of Earnings.   The Borrower undertakes with the Lenders to ensure that, throughout the Security Period (and subject only to the provisions of an Assignment for the Ship), all the Earnings of the Ship are paid to the Earnings Account and shall be applied as follows:
(a)
first, towards payment of all sums other than principal and interest due to the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Finance Documents;
(b)
secondly, towards payment of the next instalment of principal and the next payment of interest due to the Lenders in accordance with the provisions of Clause 18.2; and
(c)
thirdly, any surplus shall (subject always to the other provisions of this Clause 18 and provided no Event of Default is continuing) be available to the Borrower, and
it is expressly agreed that so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, the Borrower shall be entitled to withdraw from the Earnings Account any amount provided, however, that if in the opinion of the Agent or the Security Trustee (as the case may be) there will be insufficient sums standing to the credit of the Earnings Account to meet payments under (a) and (b) above, the Agent or the Security Trustee (as the case may be) shall be entitled to refuse any withdrawal from the Earnings Account.
18.2
Monthly retentions.   The Borrower undertakes with the Lender to ensure that, in each calendar month of the Security Period commencing one month after the Drawdown Date, on such dates as the Lenders may from time to time specify, there is transferred to the Retention Account out of the Earnings received in the Earnings Account during the preceding calendar month:
(a)
one‑third of the amount of the repayment instalment falling due under Clause 8 on the next Repayment Date; and
(b)
the relevant fraction of the aggregate amount of interest on the Loan which is payable on the next due date for payment of interest under this Agreement.
The " relevant fraction " is a fraction of which the numerator is 1 and the denominator the number of months comprised in the then current Interest Period (or, if the period is shorter, the number of months from the later of the commencement of the current Interest Period or the last due date for payment of interest to the next due date for payment of interest under this Agreement).
18.3
Shortfall in Earnings.   If the Earnings received in the Earnings Account are insufficient in any month for the required amount to be transferred to the Retention Account under Clause 18.2, the Borrower shall make up the amount of the insufficiency on demand from the Lenders; but, without thereby prejudicing the Lenders' right to make such demand at any time, the Lenders may permit the Borrower to make up all or part of the insufficiency by
47


increasing the amount of any transfer under Clause 18.2 from the Earnings received in the next or subsequent months.
18.4
Application of retentions.   Until an Event of Default occurs, the Lenders shall on each Repayment Date and on each due date for the payment of interest under this Agreement apply in accordance with the payment details set out in Clause 16.1 so much of the balance on the Retention Account as equals:
(a)
the repayment instalment due on that Repayment Date; or
(b)
the amount of interest payable on that interest payment date;
in discharge of the Borrower's liability for that repayment instalment or that interest.
18.5
Interest accrued on Retention Account.   Any credit balance on the Retention Account shall bear interest at the rate from time to time offered by the Lenders to its customers for Dollar deposits of similar amounts and for periods similar to those for which such balance appears to the Lenders likely to remain on the Retention Account.
18.6
Location of accounts.   The Borrower shall promptly:
(a)
comply with any requirement of the Agent as to the location or re‑location of the Earnings Account and the Retention Account (or either of them);
(b)
execute any documents which the Lenders specify to create or maintain in favour of the Security Trustee a Security Interest over (and/or rights of set-off, consolidation or other rights in relation to) the Earnings Account and the Retention Account.
18.7
Debits for expenses etc.   The Lenders shall be entitled (but not obliged) from time to time to debit the Earnings Account with prior notice in order to discharge any amount due and payable to them under Clause 20 or 21 or payment of which they have become entitled to demand under Clause 20 or 21.
18.8
Borrower's obligations unaffected.   The provisions of this Clause 18 do not affect:
(a)
the liability of the Borrower to make payments of principal and interest on the due dates; or
(b)
any other liability or obligation of the Borrower or any Security Party under any Finance Document.
19.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
19.1
Events of Default.   An Event of Default occurs if:
(a)
the Borrower or any Security Party fail to pay when due or (if payable on demand) three (3) days following the date on which the written demand is served any sum payable under a Finance Document or under any document relating to a Finance Document, unless such failure to pay is caused by an
48


administrative or technical error or any disruption event in the payment/communication system which is beyond the control of the Borrower, in which case the Borrower shall rectify such error within three (3) Business Days; or
(b)
any breach occurs of Clauses 9.2, 11.2, 11.11, 11.17, 12.2, 12.3, 13 or 15.1 and in case any such breach (other than those referred to in Clauses 9.2. 13 and 15.1 hereinabove to which other grace periods are applicable, as therein provided) is in the opinion of the Security Trustee, capable of remedy, if it will continue un-remedied for seven (7) Business Days after its occurrence; or
(c)
any breach by the Borrower or any Security Party occurs of any provision of a Finance Document (other than a breach covered by paragraph (a) or (b)) which, in the opinion of the Majority Lenders, is capable of remedy, and such default continues unremedied ten (10) days after written notice from the Agent requesting action to remedy the same; or
(d)
(subject to any applicable grace period specified in the Finance Document) any breach by the Borrower or any Security Party occurs of any provision of a Finance Document (other than a breach covered by paragraphs (a), (b) or (c)); or
(e)
any representation, warranty or statement made by, or by an officer of, the Borrower or a Security Party in a Finance Document or in a Drawdown Notice or any other notice or document relating to a Finance Document is untrue or misleading in a material way when it is made; or
(f)
any of the following occurs in relation to any Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower:

(i)
any Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower is not paid when due or, if  payable on demand, three (3) days following the date on which the written demand is served; or

(ii)
any Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower becomes due and payable or capable of being declared due and payable prior to its stated maturity date as a consequence of any event of default; or

(iii)
a lease, hire purchase agreement or charter creating any Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower is terminated by the lessor or owner or becomes capable of being terminated as a consequence of any termination event; or

(iv)
any overdraft, loan, note issuance, acceptance credit, letter of credit, guarantee, foreign exchange or other facility, or any swap or other derivative contract or transaction, relating to any Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower ceases to be available or becomes capable of being terminated as a result of any event of default, or cash cover is required, or becomes capable of being required, in respect of such a facility as a result of any event of default; or

(v)
any Security Interest securing any Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower becomes enforceable; or
(g)
any of the following occurs in relation to the Borrower:
49




(i)
the Borrower becomes, in the opinion of the Majority Lenders, unable to pay its debts as they fall due; or

(ii)
any assets of the Borrower are subject to any form of execution, attachment, arrest, sequestration or distress in respect of a sum of, or sums aggregating, US$500,000 or more or the equivalent in another currency unless such execution, attachment, arrest, sequestration or distress is being contested in good faith and on substantial grounds and is discussed or withdrawn within thirty (30) days of the occurrence thereof; or

(iii)
any administrative or other receiver is appointed over any asset of the Borrower; or

(iv)
the Borrower makes any formal declaration of bankruptcy or any formal statement to the effect that it is insolvent or likely to become insolvent, or a winding up or administration order is made in relation to the Borrower, or the members or directors of the Borrower pass a resolution to the effect that it should be wound up, placed in administration; or

(v)
a petition is presented in any Pertinent Jurisdiction for the winding up or administration, or the appointment of a provisional liquidator, of the Borrower unless the petition is being contested in good faith and on substantial grounds and is dismissed or withdrawn within 30 days of the presentation of the petition; or

(vi)
the Borrower petitions a court, or presents any proposal for, any form of judicial or non‑judicial suspension or deferral of payments, reorganisation of its debt (or certain of its debt) or arrangement with all or a substantial proportion (by number or value) of its creditors or of any class of them or any such suspension or deferral of payments, reorganisation or arrangement is effected by court order, contract or otherwise; or

(vii)
any meeting of the members or directors of the Borrower is summoned for the purpose of considering a resolution or proposal to authorise or take any action of a type described in paragraphs (iii), (iv), (v) or (vi) above; or

(viii)
in a Pertinent Jurisdiction other than England, any event occurs or any procedure is commenced which, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, is similar to any of the foregoing; or
(h)
the Borrower ceases or suspends carrying on its business or a part of its business which, in the opinion of the Majority Lenders, is material in the context of this Agreement; or
(i)
it becomes unlawful in any Pertinent Jurisdiction or impossible:

(i)
for the Borrower or any Security Party to discharge any liability under a Finance Document or to comply with any other obligation which the Majority Lenders consider material under a Finance Document; or
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(ii)
for the Agent, the Security Trustee, the Account Bank or the Lenders to exercise or enforce any right under, or to enforce any Security Interest created by, a Finance Document; or
(j)
any consent necessary to enable the Borrower to own, operate or charter the Ship or to enable the Borrower or any Security Party to comply with any provision which the Majority Lenders (acting reasonably) consider material of a Finance Document is not granted, expires without being renewed, is revoked or becomes liable to revocation or any condition of such a consent is not fulfilled; or
(k)
it appears to the Majority Lenders that, without their prior consent, a change has occurred after the date of this Agreement in the beneficial ownership of the shares in the Borrower as declared to the Agent prior to the execution of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt the Agent consents and agrees to any changes relating to the Guarantor's trading shares in the normal course of business and confirm that such changes do not violate the terms of this Agreement; or
(l)
any provision which the Majority Lenders (acting reasonably) consider material of a Finance Document proves to have been or becomes invalid or unenforceable, or a Security Interest created by a Finance Document proves to have been or becomes invalid or unenforceable or such a Security Interest proves to have ranked after, or loses its priority to, another third party claim or interest; or
(m)
the security constituted by a Finance Document is in any way imperilled or in jeopardy; or
(n)
If any debt of any Security Party (which in the case of the Guarantor exceeds an aggregate amount of US$850,000 is not paid when due or any debt of any Security Party (which in the case of the Guarantor exceeds an aggregate amount of US$850,000 becomes due and payable prior to the date when it would otherwise have become due (unless as a result of the exercise by the relevant Security Party of a voluntary right of prepayment), or any creditor of any Security Party becomes entitled to declare its claim (which in the case of the Guarantor exceeds an aggregate amount of US$850,000 due and payable, or any facility or commitment available to any Security Party is withdrawn, suspended or cancelled by reason of any default (however described) of such Security Party, and such debt is not discharged within seven (7) Business Days ; or
(o)
any other event occurs or any other circumstances arise or develop including, without limitation:

(i)
a Material Adverse Effect; or

(ii)
any accident or other event involving the Ship,
in the light of which the Majority Lenders (acting reasonably) consider that there is a significant risk that the Borrower is, or will later become, unable to discharge its liabilities under the Finance Documents as they fall due.
19.2
Actions following an Event of Default.   On, or at any time after, the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing:
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(a)
the Agent may, and if so instructed by the Majority Lenders, the Agent shall:

(i)
serve on the Borrower a notice stating that the Commitments and all other obligations of each Lender to the Borrower under this Agreement are terminated; and/or

(ii)
serve on the Borrower a notice stating that the Loan, all accrued interest and all other amounts accrued or owing under this Agreement are immediately due and payable or are due and payable on demand; and/or

(iii)
take any other action which, as a result of the Event of Default or any notice served under paragraph (i) or (ii) above, the Agent and/or the Lenders are entitled to take under any Finance Document or any applicable law; and/or
(b)
the Security Trustee may, and if so instructed by the Agent, acting with the authorisation of the Majority Lenders, the Security Trustee shall take any action which, as a result of the Event of Default or any notice served under paragraph (a) (i) or (ii) above, the Security Trustee, the Agent and/or the Lenders are entitled to take under any Finance Document or any applicable law.
19.3
Termination of Commitments.   On the service of a notice under paragraph (a)(i) of Clause 19.2, the Commitments and all other obligations of each Lender to the Borrower under this Agreement shall terminate.
19.4
Acceleration of Loan.   On the service of a notice under paragraph (a)(ii) of Clause 19.2, the Loan, all accrued interest and all other amounts accrued or owing from the Borrower or any Security Party under this Agreement and every other Finance Document shall become immediately due and payable or, as the case may be, payable on demand.
19.5
Multiple notices ; action without notice.   The Agent may serve notices under paragraphs (a) (i) and (ii) of Clause 19.2 simultaneously or on different dates and it and/or the Security Trustee may take any action referred to in that Clause if no such notice is served or simultaneously with or at any time after the service of both or either of such notices.
19.6
Notification of Creditor Parties and Security Parties.   The Agent shall send to each Lender, the Security Trustee, the Account Bank and each Security Party a copy or the text of any notice which the Agent serves on the Borrower under Clause 19.2; but the notice shall become effective when it is served on the Borrower, and no failure or delay by the Agent to send a copy or the text of the notice to any other person shall invalidate the notice or provide the Borrower or any Security Party with any form of claim or defence.
19.7
Creditor Parties' rights unimpaired.   Nothing in this Clause shall be taken to impair or restrict the exercise of any right given to individual Lenders under a Finance Document or the general law; and, in particular, this Clause is without prejudice to Clause 3.1 and Clause 3.2.
19.8
Exclusion of Creditor Party Liability.   No Creditor Party, and no receiver or manager appointed by the Security Trustee, shall have any liability to the Borrower or a Security Party:
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(a)
for any loss caused by an exercise of rights under, or enforcement of a Security Interest created by, a Finance Document or by any failure or delay to exercise such a right or to enforce such a Security Interest; or
(b)
as mortgagee in possession or otherwise, for any income or principal amount which might have been produced by or realised from any asset comprised in such a Security Interest or for any reduction (however caused) in the value of such an asset;
except that this does not exempt a Creditor Party or a receiver or manager from liability for losses shown to have been caused by the gross negligence or the wilful misconduct of such Creditor Party's own officers and employees or (as the case may be) such receiver's or manager's own partners or employees.
19.9
Interpretation.   In Clause 19.1(f) references to an event of default or a termination event include any event, howsoever described, which is similar to an event of default in a facility agreement or a termination event in a finance lease; and in Clause 19.1(g) " petition " includes an application.
20.
FEES AND EXPENSES
20.1
Fees- Front End Fee– Commitment Fee.
(a)
The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the account of the Arranger a front end flat fee corresponding to zero point ninety per cent (0.90%) of the amount of the Loan actually drawn down, payable on the Drawdown Date of the Loan.
(b)
The Borrower shall pay to the Agent quarterly in arrears during the period from and including 28 August 2018, being the date of acceptance by the Borrower of the Commitment Letter, until the earlier of (i) 25 October 2018, (ii) the Drawdown Date or (iii) the date upon which the Borrower cancels the facility in writing to the Agent prior to the Drawdown Date, a commitment fee at the rate of zero point fifty per cent (0.50%) per annum on the amount of the Commitment.
(c)
The Front End Fee and Commitment Fee referred to in this Clause 20.1 shall not be refundable.
20.2
Costs of negotiation, preparation etc.   The Borrower shall pay to the Agent on its demand the amount of all expenses (including, but not limited to, all legal expenses and VAT, if applicable) incurred by the Agent or the Security Trustee in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution or registration of any Finance Document or any related document or with any transaction contemplated by a Finance Document or a related document, other than any syndication costs/expenses.
20.3
Costs of variations, amendments, enforcement etc.   The Borrower shall pay to the Agent, on the Agent's demand, the amount of all expenses incurred by a Lender in connection with:
(a)
any amendment or supplement to a Finance Document;
(b)
any consent or waiver by the Lenders, the Majority Lenders or the Creditor Party concerned under or in connection with a Finance Document;
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(c)
the valuation of any security provided or offered under Clause 15 or any other matter relating to such security;
(d)
any step taken by the Agent or the Security Trustee concerned with a view to the protection, exercise or enforcement of any right or Security Interest created by a Finance Document or for any similar purpose.
20.4
Documentary taxes. The Borrower shall promptly pay any tax payable on or by reference to any Finance Document, and shall, on the Agent's demand, fully indemnify each Creditor Party against any liabilities and expenses resulting from any failure or delay by the Borrower to pay such a tax.
20.5
Certification of amounts.   A notice which is signed by one officer of a Creditor Party, which states that a specified amount, or aggregate amount, is due to that Creditor Party under this Clause 20 and which indicates (without necessarily specifying a detailed breakdown) the matters in respect of which the amount, or aggregate amount, is due shall, save for manifest error, be prima facie evidence that the amount, or aggregate amount, is due.
21.
INDEMNITIES
21.1
Indemnities regarding borrowing and repayment of Loan.   The Borrower shall fully indemnify the Agent and each Lender on the Agent's written demand and the Security Trustee on its demand in respect of all expenses, liabilities and losses which are incurred by that Creditor Party, or which that Creditor Party reasonably and with due diligence estimates that it will incur, as a result of or in connection with:
(a)
the Loan not being borrowed on the date specified in the Drawdown Notice for any reason other than a default by the Lender claiming the indemnity;
(b)
the receipt or recovery of all or any part of the Loan or an overdue sum otherwise than on the last day of an Interest Period or other relevant period;
(c)
any failure (for whatever reason) by the Borrower to make payment of any amount due under a Finance Document on the due date or, if  payable on demand, three (3) days following the date on which the written demand is served (after giving credit for any default interest paid by the Borrower on the amount concerned under Clause 7);
(d)
the occurrence and/or continuance of an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default (including, but not limited to, a breach of Clauses 11.17 or 11.18) and/or the acceleration of repayment of the Loan under Clause 19;
and in respect of any tax (other than tax on its overall net income or which relates to a FACTA Deduction) for which a Creditor Party is liable in connection with any amount paid or payable to that Creditor Party (whether for its own account or otherwise) under any Finance Document.
21.2
Breakage costs.   Without limiting its generality, Clause 21.1 covers any liability, expense or loss, incurred by a Lender:
(a)
in liquidating or employing deposits from third parties acquired or arranged to fund or maintain all or any part of its Contribution and/or any overdue amount
54


(or an aggregate amount which includes its Contribution or any overdue amount); and
(b)
in terminating, or reversing or otherwise in connection with, any open position arising under this Agreement.
21.3
Miscellaneous indemnities.   The Borrower shall fully indemnify the Agent and the Security Trustee severally on their respective demands in respect of all claims, demands, proceedings, liabilities, taxes, losses and expenses of every kind (" liability items ") which may be made or brought against, or incurred by, the Agent or the Security Trustee, in any country, in relation to:
(a)
any action taken, or omitted or neglected to be taken, under or in connection with any Finance Document by the Agent, the Security Trustee or any other Creditor Party or by any receiver appointed under a Finance Document;
(b)
any other event, matter or question which occurs or arises at any time during the Security Period and which has any connection with, or any bearing on, any Finance Document, any payment or other transaction relating to a Finance Document or any asset covered (or previously covered) by a Security Interest created (or intended to be created) by a Finance Document;
other than liability items which are shown to have been caused by the gross negligence or the wilful misconduct of the Agent's or (as the case may be) the Security Trustee's own officers or employees.
Without prejudice to its generality, this Clause 21.3 covers any claims, expenses, liabilities and losses which arise, or are asserted, under or in connection with any law relating to safety at sea, the ISM Code, the ISPS Code or any Environmental Law.
21.4
Extension of indemnities ; environmental indemnity.   Without prejudice to its generality, Clause 21.3 covers:
(a)
any matter which would be covered by Clause 21.3 if any of the references in that Clause to a Lender were a reference to the Agent or (as the case may be) to the Security Trustee; and
(b)
any liability items which arise, or are asserted, under or in connection with any law relating to safety at sea, pollution or the protection of the environment if such liability items would not have arise or asserted against the Lender or Agent or the Security Trustee (as the case may be) if any of them had not entered into any of the Finance Documents and/or exercised any of its rights, powers and discretions thereby conferred and/or performed any of its obligations thereunder and/or been involved in any of the transactions contemplated by the Finance.
21.5
Currency indemnity.   If any sum due from the Borrower or any Security Party to a Creditor Party under a Finance Document or under any order or judgment relating to a Finance Document has to be converted from the currency in which the Finance Document provided for the sum to be paid (the " Contractual Currency ") into another currency (the " Payment Currency ") for the purpose of:
55



(a)
making or lodging any claim or proof against the Borrower or any Security Party, whether in its liquidation, any arrangement involving it or otherwise; or
(b)
obtaining an order or judgment from any court or other tribunal; or
(c)
enforcing any such order or judgment;
the Borrower shall indemnify the Creditor Party concerned against any loss arising when the amount of the payment actually received by that Creditor Party is converted at the available rate of exchange into the Contractual Currency.
In this Clause 21.5, the " available rate of exchange " means the rate at which the Creditor Party concerned is able at the opening of business (London time) on the Business Day after it receives the sum concerned to purchase the Contractual Currency with the Payment Currency.
This Clause 21.5 creates a separate liability of the Borrower which is distinct from its other liabilities under the Finance Documents and which shall not be merged in any judgment or order relating to those other liabilities.
21.6
Certification of amounts.   A notice which is signed by 1 officer of a Creditor Party, which states that a specified amount, or aggregate amount, is due to that Creditor Party under this Clause 21 and which indicates (without necessarily specifying a detailed breakdown) the matters in respect of which the amount, or aggregate amount, is due shall, save for manifest error, be prima facie evidence that the amount, or aggregate amount, is due.
21.7
Sums deemed due to a Lender.   For the purposes of this Clause 21, a sum payable by the Borrower to the Agent or the Security Trustee for distribution to a Lender shall be treated as a sum due to that Lender.
21.8
Mandatory Costs.  The Borrower shall, on demand by the Agent, pay to the Agent for the account of the relevant Lender, such amount which any Lender certifies in a notice to the Agent to be its good faith determination of the amount necessary to compensate it for complying with:
(a)
in the case of a Lender lending from a lending office in a Participating Member State, the minimum reserve requirements (or other requirements having the same or similar purpose) of the European Central Bank or any other authority or agency which replaces all or any of its functions) in respect of loans made from that lending office; and
(b)
in the case of any Lender lending from a lending office in the United Kingdom, any reserve asset, special deposit or liquidity requirements (or other requirements having the same or similar purpose) of the Bank of England (or any other governmental authority or agency) and/or paying any fees to the Financial Conduct Authority and/or the Prudential Regulation Authority (or any other governmental authority or agency which replaces all or any of their functions), which, in each case, is referable to that Lender's participation in the Loan.
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22.
NO SET-OFF OR TAX DEDUCTION
22.1
No deductions.   All amounts due from the Borrower under a Finance Document shall be paid:
(a)
without any form of set‑off, cross-claim or condition; and
(b)
free and clear of any tax deduction except a tax deduction which the Borrower is required by law to make.
22.2
Grossing-up for taxes.   If the Borrower is required by law to make a tax deduction from any payment:
(a)
the Borrower shall notify the Agent as soon as it becomes aware of the requirement;
(b)
the Borrower shall pay the tax deducted to the appropriate taxation authority promptly, and in any event before any fine or penalty arises;
(c)
the amount due in respect of the payment shall be increased by the amount necessary to ensure that each Creditor Party receives and retains (free from any liability relating to the tax deduction) a net amount which, after the tax deduction, is equal to the full amount which it would otherwise have received.
22.3
Evidence of payment of taxes.   Within 1 month after making any tax deduction, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent documentary evidence satisfactory to the Agent that the tax had been paid to the appropriate taxation authority.
22.4
Exclusion of tax on overall net income.   In this Clause 22 " tax deduction " means any deduction or withholding for or on account of any present or future tax except tax on a Creditor Party's overall net income.
22.5
FATCA Information.
(a)
Subject to paragraph (c) below, each Party shall, within ten (10) Business Days of a reasonable request by another Party:

(i)
confirm to that other Party whether it is a FATCA Exempt Party or is not a FATCA Exempt Party; and

(ii)
supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status under FATCA (including its applicable "passthru payment percentage" or other information required under the US Treasury regulations or other official guidance including intergovernmental agreements) as that other Party reasonably requests for the purposes of that other Party's compliance with FATCA.
(b)
If a Party confirms to another Party pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) above that it is a FATCA Exempt Party and it subsequently becomes aware that it is not, or has ceased to be a FATCA Exempt Party, that Party shall notify that other Party reasonably promptly.
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(c)
Paragraph (a) above shall not oblige any Creditor Party to do anything which would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of any law or regulation, any policy of that party, any fiduciary duty or any duty of confidentiality, or to disclose any confidential information (including, without limitation, its tax returns and calculations); provided, however, that information required (or equivalent to the information so required) by United States Internal Revenue Service Forms W-8 or W-9 (or any successor forms) shall not be treated as confidential information of such party for purposes of this paragraph (c).
(d)
If a Party fails to confirm its status or to supply forms, documentation or other information requested in accordance with paragraph (a) above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where paragraph (c) above applies), then:

(i)
if that Party failed to confirm whether it is (and/or remains) a FATCA Exempt Party then such Party shall be treated for the purposes of the Finance Documents as if it is not a FATCA Exempt Party; and

(ii)
if that Party failed to confirm its applicable "passthru payment percentage" then such Party shall be treated for the purposes of the Finance Documents (and payments made thereunder) as if its applicable "passthru payment percentage" is 100%,
until (in each case) such time as the Party in question provides the requested confirmation, forms, documentation or other information.
22.6
FATCA Withholding.
(a)
Each Party may make any FATCA Deduction it is required to make by FATCA, and any payment required in connection with that FATCA Deduction, and no Party shall be required to increase any payment in respect of which it makes such a FATCA Deduction or otherwise compensate the recipient of the payment for that FATCA Deduction.
(b)
Each Party shall promptly, upon becoming aware that it must make a FATCA Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such FATCA Deduction) notify the Party to whom it is making the payment and, in addition, shall notify the Borrower, the Agent and the other Creditor Parties.
23.
ILLEGALITY, ETC
23.1
Illegality.   This Clause 23 applies if a Lender (the " Notifying Lender ") notifies the Agent that it has become, or will with effect from a specified date, become:
(a)
unlawful or prohibited (including, without limitation, due to a breach of Clauses 11.17 or 11.18) as a result of the introduction of a new law, an amendment to an existing law or a change in the manner in which an existing law is or will be interpreted or applied; or
(b)
contrary to, or inconsistent with, any regulation,
for the Notifying Lender to maintain or give effect to any of its obligations under this Agreement in the manner contemplated by this Agreement.
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23.2
Notification of illegality.   The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower, the Security Parties, the Security Trustee and the other Lenders of the notice under Clause 23.1 which the Agent receives from the Notifying Lender.
23.3
Prepayment ; termination of Commitment. On the Agent notifying the Borrower under Clause 23.2, the Notifying Lender's Commitment shall terminate; and thereupon or, if later, on the date specified in the Notifying Lender's notice under Clause 23.1 as the date on which the notified event would become effective the Borrower shall prepay the Notifying Lender's Contribution in accordance with Clause 8.
23.4
Mitigation .  If circumstances arise which would result in a notification under Clause 23.1 then, without in any way limiting the rights of the Notifying Lender under Clause 23.3, the Notifying Lender shall use reasonable endeavours to transfer its obligations, liabilities and rights under this Agreement and the Finance Documents to another office or financial institution not affected by the circumstances but the Notifying Lender shall not be under any obligation to take any such action if, in its opinion, to do would or might:
(a)
have an adverse effect on its business, operations or financial condition; or
(b)
involve it in any activity which is unlawful or prohibited or any activity that is contrary to, or inconsistent with, any regulation; or
(c)
involve it in any expense (unless indemnified to its satisfaction) or tax disadvantage.
24.
INCREASED COSTS
24.1
Increased costs.   This Clause 24 applies if a Lender (the " Notifying Lender ") notifies the Agent that the Notifying Lender considers that as a result of:
(a)
the introduction or alteration after the date of this Agreement of a law or an alteration after the date of this Agreement in the manner in which a law is interpreted or applied (disregarding any effect which relates to the application to payments under this Agreement of a tax on the Notifying Lender's overall net income); or
(b)
the effect of complying with any regulation (including any regulation which relates to capital adequacy or liquidity controls or which affects the manner in which the Notifying Lender allocates capital resources to its obligations under this Agreement) which is introduced, or altered, or the interpretation or application of which is altered, after the date of this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the Basel III Framework, CRR and CRD IV costs),
is that the Notifying Lender (or a parent company of it) has incurred or will incur an "increased cost", that is to say,:

(i)
an additional or increased cost incurred as a result of, or in connection with, the Notifying Lender having entered into, or being a party to, this Agreement or a Transfer Certificate, of funding or maintaining its Commitment or Contribution or performing its obligations under this Agreement, or of having outstanding all or any part of its Contribution or other unpaid sums; or
59




(ii)
a reduction in the amount of any payment to the Notifying Lender under this Agreement or in the effective return which such a payment represents to the Notifying Lender or on its capital;

(iii)
an additional or increased cost of funding all or maintaining all or any of the advances comprised in a class of advances formed by or including the Notifying Lender's Contribution or (as the case may require) the proportion of that cost attributable to the Contribution; or

(iv)
a liability to make a payment, or a return foregone, which is calculated by reference to any amounts received or receivable by the Notifying Lender under this Agreement;
but not an item attributable to a change in the rate of tax on the overall net income of the Notifying Lender (or a parent company of it) or an item covered by the indemnity for tax in Clause 21.1 or by Clause 22 or which is attributable to a FATCA Deduction.
For the purposes of this Clause 24.1 the Notifying Lender may in good faith allocate or spread costs and/or losses among its assets and liabilities (or any class thereof) on such basis as it considers appropriate.
24.2
Notification to Borrower of claim for increased costs.   The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Security Parties of the notice which the Agent received from the Notifying Lender under Clause 24.1.
24.3
Payment of increased costs.   The Borrower shall pay to the Agent, on the Agent's demand, for the account of the Notifying Lender the amounts which the Agent from time to time notifies the Borrower that the Notifying Lender has specified to be necessary to compensate the Notifying Lender for the increased cost.
24.4
Notice of prepayment.   If the Borrower is not willing to continue to compensate the Notifying Lender for the increased cost under Clause 24.3, the Borrower may give the Agent not less than 14 days' notice of its intention to prepay the Notifying Lender's Contribution at the end of an Interest Period.
24.5
Prepayment ; termination of Commitment.   A notice under Clause 24.4 shall be irrevocable; the Agent shall promptly notify the Notifying Lender of the Borrower's notice of intended prepayment; and:
(a)
on the date on which the Agent serves that notice, the Commitment of the Notifying Lender shall be cancelled; and
(b)
on the date specified in its notice of intended prepayment, the Borrower shall prepay (without premium or penalty) the Notifying Lender's Contribution, together with accrued interest thereon at the applicable rate plus the Margin.
24.6
Application of prepayment.   Clause 8 shall apply in relation to the prepayment.
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25.
SET‑OFF
25.1
Application of credit balances.   Each Creditor Party may without prior notice at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing:
(a)
apply any balance (whether or not then due) which at any time stands to the credit of any account in the name of the Borrower at any office in any country of that Creditor Party in or towards satisfaction of any sum then due from the Borrower to that Creditor Party under any of the Finance Documents; and
(b)
for that purpose:

(i)
break, or alter the maturity of, all or any part of a deposit of the Borrower;

(ii)
convert or translate all or any part of a deposit or other credit balance into Dollars;

(iii)
enter into any other transaction or make any entry with regard to the credit balance which the Creditor Party concerned considers appropriate.
25.2
Existing rights unaffected.   No Creditor Party shall be obliged to exercise any of its rights under Clause 25.1; and those rights shall be without prejudice and in addition to any right of set‑off, combination of accounts, charge, lien or other right or remedy to which a Creditor Party is entitled (whether under the general law or any document).
25.3
Sums deemed due to a Lender.   For the purposes of this Clause 25, a sum payable by the Borrower to the Agent or the Security Trustee for distribution to, or for the account of, a Lender shall be treated as a sum due to that Lender; and each Lender's proportion of a sum so payable for distribution to, or for the account of, the Lenders shall be treated as a sum due to such Lender.
25.4
No Security Interest.   This Clause 25 gives the Lenders a contractual right of set off only, and does not create any equitable charge or other Security Interest over any credit balance of the Borrower.
25.5
No Borrowers set off.   The Borrower shall not have a right of set off in relation to sums that may be due from any Creditor Party under this Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents.
26.
TRANSFERS AND CHANGES IN LENDING OFFICES
26.1
Transfer by the Borrower.  The Borrower may not:
(a)
without the prior written consent of the Agent (given on the instructions of all of the Lenders), transfer any of its rights or obligations under any Finance Document;
(b)
without the prior written consent of the Agent (given on the instructions of all the Lenders), enter into any merger, de-merger or other reorganisation, or
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carry out any other act, as a result of which any of its rights or liabilities would vest in, or pass to, another person.
26.2
Transfer by a Lender.   Subject to Clause 26.4, a Lender (the " Transferor Lender ") may, at its sole discretion, without the consent of and/or the prior consultation with the Borrower (but with notice to the Borrower) and/or any Security Party, at any time assign or transfer:
(a)
its rights in respect of all or part of its Contribution; or
(b)
its obligations in respect of all or part of its Commitment; or
(c)
a combination of (a) and (b);
to be (in the case of its rights) assigned or transferred to, or (in the case of its obligations) assumed by, another bank or financial institution, or by a trust, fund or other entity which is regularly engaged in or established for the purpose of making, purchasing or investing in loans, securities or other financial assets (a " Transferee Lender ") by delivering to the Agent a completed certificate in the form set out in Schedule 4 with any modifications approved or required by the Agent (a " Transfer Certificate ") executed by the Transferor Lender and the Transferee Lender and should the Transfer Certificate alone be not sufficient in the Transferor Lender's or Transferee Lender's jurisdiction for a Transferor Lender to transfer all or a proportionate share of the Transferor Lender's interest in the security constituted by the Finance, the Borrower hereby undertakes, immediately on being requested to do so by the Agent and at the cost of the Transferor Lender, to enter into, and procure that the other Security Parties shall (at the cost of the Transferor Lender) enter into, such documents as may be necessary or desirable to transfer to the Transferee Lender all or the relevant part of such Lender's interest in the Finance Documents and all relevant references in this Agreement to such Lender shall thereafter be construed as a reference to the Transferor Lender and/or its Transferee Lender (as the case may be) to the extent of their respective interests.
However any rights and obligations of the Transferor Lender in its capacity as Agent or Security Trustee shall be dealt with separately in accordance with the Agency and Trust Deed.
26.3
Transfer Certificate, delivery and notification.   As soon as reasonably practicable after a Transfer Certificate is delivered to the Agent, it shall (unless it has reason to believe that the Transfer Certificate may be defective):
(a)
sign the Transfer Certificate on behalf of itself, the Borrower, the Security Parties, the Security Trustee, the Arranger, the Account Bank and each of the Lenders;
(b)
on behalf of the Transferee Lender, send to the Borrower and each Security Party letters or faxes notifying them of the Transfer Certificate and attaching a copy of it;
(c)
send to the Transferee Lender copies of the letters or faxes sent under paragraph (b) above.
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26.4
Effective Date of Transfer Certificate.   A Transfer Certificate becomes effective on the date, if any, specified in the Transfer Certificate as its effective date Provided that it is signed by the Agent under Clause 26.3 on or before that date.
26.5
No transfer without Transfer Certificate.   No assignment or transfer of any right or obligation of a Lender under any Finance Document is binding on, or effective in relation to, the Borrower, any Security Party, the Agent or the Security Trustee unless it is effected, evidenced or perfected by a Transfer Certificate.
26.6
Lender re-organisation ; waiver of Transfer Certificate.   However, if a Lender enters into any merger, de-merger or other reorganisation as a result of which all its rights or obligations vest in another person (the " successor "), the Agent may, if it sees fit, by notice to the successor and the Borrower and the Security Trustee waive the need for the execution and delivery of a Transfer Certificate; and, upon service of the Agent's notice, the successor shall become a Lender with the same Commitment and Contribution as were held by the predecessor Lender.  In addition, where security rights (such as pledge and mortgage rights) created in the interest of the Lender concerned were transferred to the successor as a result of such a merger, de-merger or other reorganisation, then such rights will serve as if they were created in the interest of the successor.
26.7
Effect of Transfer Certificate.   A Transfer Certificate takes effect in accordance with English law as follows:
(a)
to the extent specified in the Transfer Certificate, all rights and interests (present, future or contingent) which the Transferor Lender has under or by virtue of the Finance Documents are assigned to the Transferee Lender absolutely, free of any defects in the Transferor Lender's title and of any rights or equities which the Borrower or any Security Party had against the Transferor Lender;
(b)
the Transferor Lender's Commitment is discharged to the extent specified in the Transfer Certificate;
(c)
the Transferee Lender becomes a Lender with the Contribution previously held by the Transferor Lender and a Commitment of an amount specified in the Transfer Certificate;
(d)
the Transferee Lender becomes bound by all the provisions of the Finance Documents which are applicable to the Lenders generally, including those about pro‑rata sharing and the exclusion of liability on the part of, and the indemnification of, the Agent and the Security Trustee and, to the extent that the Transferee Lender becomes bound by those provisions (other than those relating to exclusion of liability), the Transferor Lender ceases to be bound by them;
(e)
any part of the Loan which the Transferee Lender advances after the Transfer Certificate's effective date ranks in point of priority and security in the same way as it would have ranked had it been advanced by the transferor, assuming that any defects in the transferor's title and any rights or equities of the Borrower or any Security Party against the Transferor Lender had not existed;
63



(f)
the Transferee Lender becomes entitled to all the rights under the Finance Documents which are applicable to the Lenders generally, including but not limited to those relating to the Majority Lenders and those under Clause 5.7 and Clause 20, and to the extent that the Transferee Lender becomes entitled to such rights, the Transferor Lender ceases to be entitled to them; and
(g)
in respect of any breach of a warranty, undertaking, condition or other provision of a Finance Document or any misrepresentation made in or in connection with a Finance Document, the Transferee Lender shall be entitled to recover damages by reference to the loss incurred by it as a result of the breach or misrepresentation, irrespective of whether the original Lender would have incurred a loss of that kind or amount.
The rights and equities of the Borrower or any Security Party referred to above include, but are not limited to, any right of set off and any other kind of cross‑claim.
26.8
Maintenance of register of Lenders .  During the Security Period the Agent shall maintain a register in which it shall record the name, Commitment, Contribution and administrative details (including the lending office) from time to time of each Lender holding a Transfer Certificate and the effective date (in accordance with Clause 26.4) of the Transfer Certificate; and the Agent shall make the register available for inspection by any Lender, the Security Trustee and the Borrower during normal banking hours, subject to receiving at least 3 Business Days prior notice.
26.9
Reliance on register of Lenders.   The entries on that register shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive in determining the identities of the Lenders and the amounts of their Commitments and Contributions and the effective dates of Transfer Certificates and may be relied upon by the Agent and the other parties to the Finance Documents for all purposes relating to the Finance Documents.
26.10
Authorisation of Agent to sign Transfer Certificates.   The Borrower, the Arranger, the Account Bank, the Security Trustee, each Lender irrevocably authorise the Agent to sign Transfer Certificates on its behalf.
26.11
Registration fee. In respect of any Transfer Certificate, the Agent shall be entitled to recover a registration fee of US$2,500 from the Transferor Lender or (at the Agent's option) the Transferee Lender. Such fees will not burden any of the Security Parties under any circumstances.
26.12
Sub-participation ; subrogation assignment.   A Lender may sub‑participate all or any part of its rights and/or obligations under or in connection with the Finance Documents without the consent of, or any notice to, the Borrower, any Security Party, the Agent or the Security Trustee; and the Lenders may assign, in any manner and terms agreed by the Majority Lenders, the Agent and the Security Trustee, all or any part of those rights to an insurer or surety who has become subrogated to them.
26.13
Disclosure of information.   A Lender may disclose to a potential Transferee Lender or sub‑participant any information necessary to effect the relevant transaction which the Lender has received in relation to the Borrower, any Security Party or their affairs under or in connection with any Finance
64


Document, provided that the potential Transferee Lender or sub-participant shall have first signed a confidentiality undertaking in relation thereto.
26.14
Change of lending office.   A Lender may change its lending office without consultation with the Borrower by giving notice to the Agent and the change shall become effective on the later of:
(a)
the date on which the Agent receives the notice; and
(b)
the date, if any, specified in the notice as the date on which the change will come into effect.
26.15
Notification.   On receiving such a notice, the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Security Trustee; and, until the Agent receives such a notice, it shall be entitled to assume that a Lender is acting through the lending office of which the Agent last had notice.
26.16
Security over Lenders' rights .  In addition to the other rights provided to Lenders under this Clause 26, each Lender may without consulting with or obtaining consent from, the Borrower or any Security Party, at any time charge, assign or otherwise create a Security Interest in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document to secure obligations of that Lender including, without limitation:
(a)
any charge, assignment or other Security Interest to secure obligations to a federal reserve or central bank; and
(b)
in the case of any Lender which is a fund, any charge, assignment or other Security Interest granted to any holders (or trustee or representatives of holders) of obligations owed, or securities issued, by that Lender as security for those obligations or securities;
except that no such charge, assignment or Security Interest shall:

(i)
release a Lender from any of its obligations under the Finance Documents or substitute the beneficiary of the relevant charge, assignment or Security Interest for Lender as a party to any of the Finance Documents; or

(ii)
require any payments to be made by the Borrower or any Security Party or grant to any person any more extensive rights than those required to  be made or granted to the relevant Lender under the Finance Documents.
26.17
Consent to disclosure.  The Borrower authorises any of the Lenders to disclose all information related or connected to:
(a)
the Ship or any other vessel owned or operated by a Security Party;
(b)
the negotiation, drafting and content of this Agreement and the Finance Documents;
(c)
the Loan; or
(d)
any Security Party,
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to any service provider (included but not limited to professional advisers, auditors, lawyers, accountants, surveyors, valuers, insurers, insurance advisers and brokers) which any of the Lenders may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable in connection with this Agreement or any other Finance Documents and/or the protection or enforcement of its rights thereunder, provided that the recipient has agreed to treat the information as confidential.
27.
VARIATIONS AND WAIVERS
27.1
Variations, waivers etc. by Majority Lenders.   Subject to Clause 27.2, a document shall be effective to vary, waive, suspend or limit any provision of a Finance Document, or any Creditor Party's rights or remedies under such a provision or the general law, only if the document is signed, or specifically agreed to by fax, by the Borrower, by the Agent on behalf of the Majority Lenders, by the Agent and the Security Trustee in their own rights, and, if the document relates to a Finance Document to which a Security Party is party, by that Security Party.
27.2
Variations, waivers etc. requiring agreement of all Lenders.   However, as regards the following, Clause 27.1 applies as if the words "by the Agent on behalf of the Majority Lenders" were replaced by the words "by or on behalf of every Lender":
(a)
a change in the Margin or in the definition of LIBOR;
(b)
a change to the date for, the amount of, any payment of principal, interest, fees, or other sums payable under this Agreement;
(c)
a change to any Lender's Commitment;
(d)
an extension of the Availability Period;
(e)
a change to the definition of "Majority Lenders" or "Finance Documents";
(f)
a change to the preamble or to Clause 2, 3, 4, 5.1, 11.17, 11.18, 17, 19 or 30;
(g)
a change to this Clause 27;
(h)
any release of, or material variation to, a Security Interest, guarantee, indemnity or subordination arrangement set out in a Finance Document; and
(i)
any other change or matter as regards which this Agreement or another Finance Document expressly provides that each Lender's consent is required.
27.3
Exclusion of other or implied variations.   Except for a document which satisfies the requirements of Clauses 27.1 and 27.2, no document, and no act, course of conduct, failure or neglect to act, delay or acquiescence on the part of the Creditor Parties or any of them (or any person acting on behalf of any of them) shall result in the Creditor Parties or any of them (or any person acting on behalf of any of them) being taken to have varied, waived, suspended or limited, or being precluded (permanently or temporarily) from enforcing, relying on or exercising:
(a)
a provision of this Agreement or another Finance Document; or
66



(b)
an Event of Default; or
(c)
a breach by the Borrower or a Security Party of an obligation under a Finance Document or the general law; or
(d)
any right or remedy conferred by any Finance Document or by the general law,
and there shall not be implied into any Finance Document any term or condition requiring any such provision to be enforced, or such right or remedy to be exercised, within a certain or reasonable time.
27.4
Notification of Variation or Waiver.  No variation or waiver may be made before the date falling ten (10) Business Days after the terms of that variation or waiver have been notified by the Agent to the Lenders, unless each Lender is a FATCA Protected Lender. The Agent shall notify the Lenders reasonably promptly of any variations or waivers proposed by the Borrower.
27.5
Variation or Waiver: FATCA.
(a)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Agent or a Lender reasonably believes that an amendment or waiver may constitute a "material modification" for the purposes of FATCA that may result (directly or indirectly) in a Party being required to make a FATCA Deduction and the Agent or that Lender (as the case may be) notifies the Borrower and the Agent accordingly, that amendment or waiver may, subject to paragraph (b) below, not be effected without the consent of the Agent or that Lender (as the case may be).
(b)
The consent of a Lender shall not be required pursuant to paragraph (a) above if that Lender is a FATCA Protected Lender.
28.
NOTICES
28.1
General.  Unless otherwise specifically provided, any notice under or in connection with any Finance Document shall be given by letter or fax; and references in the Finance Documents to written notices, notices in writing and notices signed by particular persons shall be construed accordingly.
28.2
Addresses for communications.  A notice shall be sent:
(a)
to the Borrower:
c/o Eurodry Ltd
4, Messogiou & Evropis Street
151 24, Maroussi
Athens, Greece
Fax No: +30 2111 804097
Attn:  Mr. Tassos Aslidis/Mr. George Kavalis
     
(b)
to a Lender:
At the address below its name in  Schedule 1 or (as the case may require) in the relevant Transfer Certificate;
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(c)
to the Arranger, Account Bank and Security Trustee:
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
83, Akti Miaouli Street
185 38 Piraeus
Greece
Fax No: +30 210 4587877;
     
(d)
to the Agent:
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
83, Akti Miaouli Street
185 38 Piraeus
Greece
Fax: +30 210 4587877
Attn:  Mr S. Yagos

or to such other address as the relevant party may notify the Agent or, if the relevant party is the Agent or the Security Trustee, the Borrower, the Lenders, the Arranger, the Account Bank and the Security Parties.
28.3
Effective date of notices.   Subject to Clauses 28.4 and 28.5:
(a)
a notice which is delivered personally or posted shall be deemed to be served, and shall take effect, at the time when it is delivered;
(b)
a notice which is sent by fax shall be deemed to be served, and shall take effect, 2 hours after its transmission is completed.
28.4
Service outside business hours.   However, if under Clause 28.3 a notice would be deemed to be served:
(a)
on a day which is not a business day in the place of receipt; or
(b)
on such a business day, but after 5 p.m. local time;
the notice shall (subject to Clause 28.5) be deemed to be served, and shall take effect, at 9 a.m. on the next day which is such a business day.
28.5
Illegible notices.   Clauses 28.3 and 28.4 do not apply if the recipient of a notice notifies the sender within one hour after the time at which the notice would otherwise be deemed to be served that the notice has been received in a form which is illegible in a material respect.
28.6
Valid notices.   A notice under or in connection with a Finance Document shall not be invalid by reason that its contents or the manner of serving it do not comply with the requirements of this Agreement or, where appropriate, any other Finance Document under which it is served if,
in the case of incorrect and/or incomplete contents, it should have been reasonably clear to the party on which the notice was served what the correct or missing particulars should have been.
28.7
English language.   Any notice under or in connection with a Finance Document shall be in English.
28.8
Meaning of " notice " . In this Clause "notice" includes any demand, consent, authorisation, approval, instruction, waiver or other communication.
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28.9
Electronic communication.
(a)
Any communication to be made between the Agent and a Lender under or in connection with the Finance Documents may be made by electronic mail or other electronic means, if the Agent and the relevant Lender:

(i)
agree that, unless and until notified to the contrary, this is to be an accepted form of communication;

(ii)
notify each other in writing of their electronic mail address and/or any other information required to enable the sending and receipt of information by that means; and

(iii)
notify each other of any change to their respective addresses or any other such information supplied to them.
(b)
Any electronic communication made between the Agent and a Lender will be effective only when actually received in readable form and, in the case of any electronic communication made by a Lender to the Agent, only if it is addressed in such a manner as the Agent shall specify for this purpose.
29.
SUPPLEMENTAL
29.1
Rights cumulative, non-exclusive.   The rights and remedies which the Finance Documents give to each Creditor Party are:
(a)
cumulative;
(b)
may be exercised as often as appears expedient; and
(c)
shall not, unless a Finance Document explicitly and specifically states so, be taken to exclude or limit any right or remedy conferred by any law.
29.2
Severability of provisions.   If any provision of a Finance Document is or subsequently becomes void, unenforceable or illegal, that shall not affect the validity, enforceability or legality of the other provisions of that Finance Document or of the provisions of any other Finance Document.
29.3
Third party rights.   A person who is not a party to this Agreement has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce or to enjoy the benefit of any term of this Agreement.
29.4
Counterparts.   A Finance Document may be executed in any number of counterparts.
29.5
PATRIOT Act Notice.  Each of the Agent and the Lenders hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the PATRIOT Act and the policies and practices of the Agent and each Lender, the Agent and each of the Lenders is required to obtain, verify and record certain information and documentation that identifies the Borrower and each Security Party, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and each Security Party and such other information that will allow the Agent and each of the Lenders to identify the Borrower and each Security Party in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.
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30.
LAW AND JURISDICTION
30.1
English law.   This Agreement (and any non-contractual obligations connected with it) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
30.2
Exclusive English jurisdiction.   Subject to Clause 30.3, the courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Agreement.
30.3
Choice of forum for the exclusive benefit of the Creditor Parties.   Clause 30.2 is for the exclusive benefit of the Creditor Parties, each of which reserves the right:
(a)
to commence proceedings in relation to any matter which arises out of or in connection with this Agreement in the courts of any country other than England and which have or claim jurisdiction to that matter; and
(b)
to commence such proceedings in the courts of any such country or countries concurrently with or in addition to proceedings in England or without commencing proceedings in England.
The Borrower shall not commence any proceedings in any country other than England in relation to a matter which arises out of or in connection with this Agreement.
30.4
Process agent. The Borrower irrevocably appoints Hill Dickinson Services (London) Ltd at their office for the time being, presently at The Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2EW, England, to act as its agent to receive and accept on its behalf any process or other document relating to any proceedings in the English courts which are connected with this Agreement.
30.5
Creditor Party rights unaffected.   Nothing in this Clause 30 shall exclude or limit any right which any Creditor Party may have (whether under the law of any country, an international convention or otherwise) with regard to the bringing of proceedings, the service of process, the recognition or enforcement of a judgment or any similar or related matter in any jurisdiction.
30.6
Meaning of proceedings .   In this Clause 30, " proceedings " means proceedings of any kind, including an application for a provisional or protective measure.
AS WITNESS the hands of the duly authorised officers or attorneys of the parties the day and year first before written.
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SCHEDULE 1
THE LENDERS AND COMMITMENTS

Lender
Lending Office
Commitment
 
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
83, Akti Miaouli Street
185 38 Piraeus
Greece
Fax No: +30 210 4587877
Attn:  Loans Administration
US$15,000,000
     







71

SCHEDULE 2
DRAWDOWN NOTICE

To:
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
83, Akti Miaouli
185 38 Piraeus
Greece
   
Attention:
[Loans Administration]




[ ]   2018
DRAWDOWN NOTICE

1.
We refer to the loan agreement (the " Loan Agreement ") dated [ ] 2018  and made between (1) ourselves as Borrower, (2) the Lenders referred to therein and (3) yourselves as Arranger, Account Bank, Agent and as Security Trustee in connection with a secured term loan of up to US$15,000,000. Terms defined in the Loan Agreement have their defined meanings when used in this Drawdown Notice.
2.
We request to draw the Loan as follows:
(a)
Amount: US$ [ ] ;
(b)
Drawdown Date:  [ ] 2018;
(c)
Duration of the first Interest Period shall be [ ] months;
(d)
Payment instructions: account of [ ] and numbered [ ] held with [ ] of [ ] .
3.
We represent and warrant that:
(a)
the representations and warranties in Clause 10 of the Loan Agreement are true and correct at the date hereof as if made with respect to the facts and circumstances existing at this date;
(b)
no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred or will result from the borrowing of the Loan.
4.
This notice cannot be revoked without the prior consent of the Majority Lenders.

Yours faithfully

--------------------------------------
[ ]
authorised signatory for
ULTRA ONE SHIPPING LTD

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SCHEDULE 3
CONDITION PRECEDENT DOCUMENTS
PART A
The following are the documents referred to in Clause 9.1(a):
1.
A duly executed original of this Agreement, the Agency and Trust Deed, the Guarantee, the Accounts Pledge (together with all notices of assignment required thereunder).

2.
Copies of the certificate of incorporation and constitutional documents of the Borrower, the Guarantor and the Approved Manager, together with up to date evidence of the good standing of the Borrower, the Guarantor and the Approved Manager or equivalent documents establishing the incorporation and/or good standing (as the case may be) of the Approved Manager.
3.
Originals of resolutions of the directors and shareholders of the Borrower and originals of the relevant minutes containing the resolutions of the directors of the Guarantor and the Approved Manager authorising the execution of each of the Finance Documents referred to at 1 above to which the Borrower and/or any other Security Party is a party and authorising named officers to give the Drawdown Notice and other notices under this Agreement.
4.
The original of any power of attorney under which any Finance Document referred to at 1 above is executed on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantor and the Approved Manager.
5.
Copies of all consents which the Borrower or any Security Party requires to enter into, or make any payment under, any Finance Document.
6.
All documentation required by the Agent in respect of the Borrower and any other Security Party pursuant to each Lender's "Know your customer" requirements based on applicable laws and regulations from time to time and the Agent's own internal guidelines from time to time, together with such other documents or evidence as the Lenders may reasonably require with respect to money laundering regulations.
7.
Documentary evidence that the agent for service of process named in Clause 30 of this Agreement has accepted its appointment.
8.
Favourable legal opinions from lawyers appointed by the Agent on such matters concerning English law and the laws of Liberia and/or the Marshall Islands and such other relevant jurisdictions as the Agent may require.
9.
A certificate in a form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders confirming the legal ownership and the beneficial ownership of the shares in the Borrower, in a form and substance satisfactory to the Agent in its sole discretion.
10.
The originals of any mandates or other documents required in connection with the opening and operation of the Earnings Account and the Retention Account.


73


11.
Receipt by the Agent and the Arranger of all fees due under Clause 20 of this Agreement.
12.
If the Agent so requires, in respect of any of the documents referred to above, a certified English translation prepared by a translator approved by the Agent.
PART B
The following are the documents referred to in Clause 9.1(b):
1.
In respect of the Ship, a duly executed original of the Mortgage and the Assignment (together with all notices of assignment and acknowledgements required thereunder), together with original resolutions of directors/shareholders and a power of attorney of the Borrower with respect to the execution of such Finance Documents by the Borrower.
2.
Documentary evidence that:
(a)
the Ship will on the Drawdown Date be definitively and permanently registered in the name of the Borrower under the Approved Flag;
(b)
the Ship will on the Drawdown Date (or as soon as reasonably practicable therafter) be in the absolute and unencumbered ownership of the Borrower  save as contemplated by the Finance Documents;
(c)
the Ship will on the Drawdown Date be classed with the highest available class with Lloyds Register of Ships (or IACS equivalent) free of all overdue recommendations and conditions of such classification society affecting Class;
(d)
the Mortgage in respect of the Ship has been executed by the Borrower and has been, or will immediately following drawdown of the Loan be, registered against the Ship as a valid first priority ship mortgage in accordance with the laws of the Approved Flag State; and
(e)
the Ship will on the Drawdown Date be insured in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and all requirements therein in respect of insurances shall have been complied with.
3.
Documents establishing that the Ship will, as from the Drawdown Date, be managed by the Approved Manager on terms acceptable to the Agent, together with:
(a)
the Approved Manager's Undertaking in respect of the Ship, together with a copy of the ship management agreement for the Ship;
(b)
the Guarantor's Undertaking-Assignment in respect of the Ship;
(c)
copies of the Document of Compliance and Safety Management Certificate and ISSC;
(d)
copies of such other ISM Code or ISPS Code documentation as the Agent may by written notice to the Borrower have requested not later than 2 days before the Drawdown Date, certified as true and complete in all material respects by the Borrower and the Approved Manager.
74



5.
Evidence that the Minimum Liquidity is maintained in an account of the Borrower or the Guarantor.
6.
Valuation of the Ship addressed to the Agent (at the cost and the expense of the Borrower), prepared in accordance with Clause 15.4 of this Agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Agent.
7.
A favourable opinion from an independent insurance consultant appointed by the Agent on such matters relating to the insurances for the Ship as the Agent may require, and at the cost and expense of the Borrower.
8.
Favourable legal opinions from lawyers appointed by the Lenders on such matters concerning English law and the laws of Liberia, the laws of the Marshall Islands, the laws of the Approved Flag State (if different) and such other relevant jurisdictions as the Lenders may require.
9.
Receipt by the Agent of any fees due under Clause 20 of this Agreement.
10.
Evidence of the lightweight displacement of the Ship;
Every copy document delivered under this Schedule shall be certified as a true and up to date copy by a director or the secretary (or equivalent officer) of the Borrower or an Attorney at Law.
75

SCHEDULE 4
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE
The Transferor and the Transferee accept exclusive responsibility for ensuring that this Certificate and the transaction to which it relates comply with all legal and regulatory requirements applicable to them respectively.
To:
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A. for itself and for and on behalf of the Borrower, each Security Party, the Arranger, the Account Bank, the Agent, the Security Trustee and each Lender, as defined in the Loan Agreement referred to below.

[●]
This Certificate relates to a Loan Agreement (the " Loan Agreement ") dated  [●] 2018 and made between (1) the entity named therein as borrower (the " Borrower "), (2) the banks and financial institutions named therein as Lenders, (3) EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A. as Arranger, Account Bank, Agent and Security Trustee, for a secured term loan of up to US$15,000,000.
1.
In this Certificate:
" the Relevant Parties " means the Borrower, each Security Party, the Arranger, the Account Bank, the Agent, the Security Trustee and each Lender;
" the Transferor " means [full name] of [lending office];
" the Transferee " means [full name] of [lending office].
Terms defined in the Loan Agreement shall, unless the contrary intention appears, have the same meanings when used in this Certificate.
3.
The effective date of this Certificate is [●] Provided that this Certificate shall not come into effect unless it is signed by the Agent on or before that date.
4.
The Transferor assigns to the Transferee absolutely all rights and interests (present, future or contingent) which the Transferor has as Lender under or by virtue of the Loan Agreement and every other Finance Document in relation to [●] per cent of the Contribution outstanding to the Transferor (or its predecessors in title) which is set out below:
Contribution
Amount transferred
   
5.
By virtue of this Transfer Certificate and Clause 26 of the Loan Agreement, the Transferor is discharged [entirely from its Commitment which amounts to US$[●]] [from [●] per cent. of its Commitment, which percentage represents   UD$[●]] and the Transferee acquires a Commitment of US$[●].
6.
The Transferee undertakes with the Transferor and each of the Relevant Parties that the Transferee will observe and perform all the obligations under the Finance Documents which Clause 26 of the Loan Agreement provides will become binding on it upon this Certificate taking effect. [For the avoidance of doubt the Transferor shall remain as [●] under the Loan Agreement and the Finance Documents].
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7.
The Agent, at the request of the Transferee (which request is hereby made) accepts, for the Agent itself and for and on behalf of every other Relevant Party, this Certificate as a Transfer Certificate taking effect in accordance with Clause 26 of the Loan Agreement.
8.             The Transferor:
(a)
warrants to the Transferee and each Relevant Party:

(i)
that the Transferor has full capacity to enter into this transaction and has taken all corporate action and obtained all consents which are in connection with this transaction; and

(ii)
that this Certificate is valid and binding as regards the Transferor;
(b)
warrants to the Transferee that the Transferor is absolutely entitled, free of encumbrances, to all the rights and interests covered by the assignment in paragraph 4 above;
(c)
undertakes with the Transferee that the Transferor will, at its own expense, execute any documents which the Transferee reasonably requests for perfecting in any relevant jurisdiction the Transferee's title under this Certificate or for a similar purpose.
9.
The Transferee:
(a)
confirms that it has received a copy of the Loan Agreement and each other Finance Document;
(b)
agrees that it will have no rights of recourse on any ground against either the Transferor, the Arranger, the Account Bank, the Agent, the Security Trustee or any Lender in the event that:

(i)
the Finance Documents prove to be invalid or ineffective,

(ii)
the Borrower or any Security Party fails to observe or perform its obligations, or to discharge its liabilities, under the Finance Documents;

(iii)
it proves impossible to realise any asset covered by a Security Interest created by a Finance Document, or the proceeds of such assets are insufficient to discharge the liabilities of the Borrower or Security Party under the Finance Documents;
(c)
agrees that it will have no rights of recourse on any ground against the Arranger, the Account Bank, the Agent, the Security Trustee or any Lender in the event that this Certificate proves to be invalid or ineffective;
(d)
warrants to the Transferor and each Relevant Party (i) that it has full capacity to enter into this transaction and has taken all corporate action and obtained all official consents which it needs to take or obtain in connection with this transaction; and (ii) that this Certificate is valid and binding as regards the Transferee; and
77



(e)
confirms the accuracy of the administrative details set out below regarding the Transferee.
10.
The Transferor and the Transferee each undertake with the Agent and the Security Trustee severally, on demand, fully to indemnify the Agent and/or the Security Trustee in respect of any claim, proceeding, liability or expense (including all legal expenses) which they or either of them may incur in connection with this Certificate or any matter arising out of it, except such as are shown to have been mainly and directly caused by the gross and culpable negligence or dishonesty of the Agent's or the Security Trustee's own officers or employees.
11.
The Transferee shall repay to the Transferor on demand so much of any sum paid by the Transferor under paragraph 10 above as exceeds one-half of the amount demanded by the Agent or the Security Trustee in respect of a claim, proceeding, liability or expense which was not reasonably foreseeable at the date of this Certificate; but nothing in this paragraph shall affect the liability of each of the Transferor and the Transferee to the Agent or the Security Trustee for the full amount demanded by it.
12.   This Certificate (and any non-contractual obligations connected with it) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law, and may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original).
[Name of Transferor]
 
[Name of Transferee]
     
By:
[●]
 
By:
[●]
Date:
[●]
 
Date:
[●]


Agent

Signed for itself and for and on behalf of itself
as Agent and for every other Relevant Party

EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.

By:
[●]
     
Date:
[●]
     



Administrative Details of Transferee
Name of Transferee:
Lending Office:
Contact Person
(Loan Administration Department):
Telephone:
Telex:
Fax:
Contact Person
(Credit Administration Department):
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
Account for payments:
78



Note :
This Transfer Certificate alone may not be sufficient to transfer a proportionate share of the Transferor's interest in the security constituted by the Finance Documents in the Transferor's or Transferee's jurisdiction. It is the responsibility of each Lender to ascertain whether any other documents are required for this purpose.


79

SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

To:
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
83, Akti Miaouli
185 38 Piraeus
Greece
   
Attn:
Loans Administration
   


Dear Sirs
[date]
 

Loan Agreement dated [●] 2018 (the Loan Agreement ”) made between (i ) the Borrower referred to therein, (ii ) the Lenders referred to therein and (iii ) EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A. as Arranger, Account Bank, Agent and Security Trustee in connection with a loan facility of up to US$15,000,000.
Terms defined in the Loan Agreement have their defined meanings when used in this Compliance Certificate.
We enclose with this certificate a copy of the audited consolidated annual accounts of the Guarantor referred to in the Loan Agreement (the " Guarantor ") for the financial year commencing on 31.01.2018 or latest on 31 st May 2018 (being the date of the Guarantor's spin out). The accounts (i) have been prepared in accordance with all applicable laws and GAAP consistently applied, (ii) give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Guarantor at the date of the accounts and of its profit for the period to which the accounts relate and (iii) fully disclose or provide for all significant liabilities of the Guarantor.
We also enclose copies of the valuations of the Ship which are used in calculating the asset cover ratio under Clause 15.1 of the Loan Agreement as at [●] .
The Borrower represents that no Event of Default has occurred as at the date of this certificate [(except for the following matter or event [ set out all material details of mater or event ]).]
We now certify that, as at [●] the asset cover ratio under Clause 15.1 of the Loan Agreement is [●] %.
We hereby repeat the representations and warranties set out in Clause 10 of the Loan Agreement and confirm that they remain true and correct by reference to the facts and circumstances existing on the date of this Compliance Certificate.
This certificate shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.

Signed

____________________
[●]
authorised signatory for
ULTRA ONE SHIPPING LTD
80

EXECUTION PAGES


THE BORROWER
   
     
Signed by
)
 
STEFANIA KARMIRI
)
/s/ Stefania Karmiri
for and on behalf of
)
 
ULTRA ONE SHIPPING LTD
)
 
of the Marshall Islands
)
 
in the presence of
   
     
Witness:
/s/
   
Name:
     
Address:
     
Occupation:
Attorney-at-law
   
       
       
THE LENDERS
   
     
Signed by
)
 
STAVROS YAGOS
)
/s/ Stavros Yagos
and
)
 
for and on behalf of Nikoletta Mitropoulou
)
 
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
)
 
in the presence of
)
 
     
     
Witness:
/s/
   
Name:
     
Address:
     
Occupation:
Attorney-at-law
   
       
       
       
THE ARRANGER
   
     
Signed by
)

STAVROS YAGOS
)
/s/ Stavros Yagos
and
)
 
for and on behalf of Nikoletta Mitropoulou
)
 
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
)
 
in the presence of
   
     
Witness:
/s/
   
Name:
     
Address:
     
Occupation:
Attorney-at-law
   
       
       


81


THE ACCOUNT BANK
   
     
Signed by
   
STAVROS YAGOS
)

and
)
/s/ Stavros Yagos
for and on behalf of Nikoletta Mitropoulou
)
 
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
)
 
in the presence of
)
 
     
     
Witness:
/s/
   
Name:
     
Address:
     
Occupation:
Attorney-at-law
   
       
       
THE AGENT
   
     
Signed by
   
STAVROS YAGOS
)

and
)
/s/ Stavros Yagos
for and on behalf of Nikoletta Mitropoulou
)
 
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
)
 
in the presence of
)
 
     
     
Witness:
/s/
   
Name:
     
Address:
     
Occupation:
Attorney-at-law
   
       
       
THE SECURITY TRUSTEE
   
     
Signed by
   
STAVROS YAGOS
)

and
)
/s/ Stavros Yagos
for and on behalf of Nikoletta Mitropoulou
)
 
EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A.
)
 
in the presence of
)
 
     
     
Witness:
/s/
   
Name:
     
Address:
     
Occupation:
Attorney-at-law
   
       
       

82
Exhibit 4.28
Dated              27 November 2018







PANTELIS SHIPPING CORP.
ARETI SHIPPING LTD.
LIGHT SHIPPING LTD
as joint and several Borrowers

and

NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE S.A.
as Lender










LOAN AGREEMENT
relating to
a loan facility of up to US$15,000,000
for the purpose of (i) refinancing certain existing indebtedness secured over
m.vs. "PANTELIS" and "TASOS" and
(ii) financing part of the acquisition cost of m.v. "STAR OF NIPPON" (tbr "STARLIGHT")


Index

Clause
 
Page
     
1
Interpretation
2
2
Facility
17
3
Drawdown
17
4
Interest
19
5
Interest Periods
20
6
Default Interest
21
7
Repayment and Prepayment
22
8
Conditions Precedent
24
9
Representations and Warranties
25
10
General Undertakings
28
11
Corporate Undertakings
32
12
Insurance
33
13
Ship Covenants
39
14
Security Cover
44
15
Payments and Calculations
46
16
Application of Receipts
47
17
Application of Earnings
48
18
Events of Default
50
19
Fees and Expenses
55
20
Indemnities
56
21
No Set-off or Tax Deduction
58
22
Illegality, etc
59
23
Increased costs
60
24
Set-Off
61
25
Transfers and Changes in Lending Office
62
26
Variations and Waivers
63
27
Notices
64
28
Joint and Several Liability
65
29
BAIL IN
66
30
Supplemental
67
31
Law and Jurisdiction
67
Schedule 1 Drawdown Notice
69
Schedule 2 Condition Precedent Documents
70
Schedule 3 Form of Compliance Certificate
74
Execution Page
76







THIS AGREEMENT is made on              November 2018
PARTIES
(1)
PANTELIS SHIPPING CORP., a corporation incorporated in the Republic of Liberia whose registered office is at 80 Broad Street, Monrovia, Liberia , ARETI SHIPPING LTD. and LIGHT SHIPPING LTD ,   each   a corporation incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, MH96960, the Marshall Islands as joint and several borrowers (together, the " Borrowers ") and
(2)
NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE S.A. , acting through its branch at 2 Bouboulinas Street and Akti Miaouli, Piraeus 185 35, Greece (as " Lender ").
BACKGROUND
The Lender has agreed to make available to the Borrowers a term loan facility in an amount of up to the lesser of (a) $15,000,000 and (b) 55 per cent. of the aggregate Initial Market Value of the Ships, in two advances, for the purpose of:

(i)
refinancing the Existing Indebtedness secured on Ship A and Ship B; and

(ii)
financing part of the Acquisition Cost of Ship C.
OPERATIVE PROVISIONS

1
INTERPRETATION
1.1
Definitions
Subject to Clause 1.5, in this Agreement:
" Acquisition Cost " means, in respect of Ship C,  the purchase price payable by Borrower C to the Seller under the MOA for the acquisition of Ship C;
" Advance " means each of Advance A and Advance B and, in the plural, means both of them;
" Advance A " means the amount which may be drawn by the Borrowers in accordance with Clause 2.1(a) to refinance the Existing Indebtedness or, as the context may require, the principal amount thereof outstanding at any relevant time;
" Advance B " means the amount which may be drawn by the Borrowers in accordance with Clause Error! Reference source not found. (b) to finance part of the Acquisition Cost of Ship C or, as the context may require, the principal amount thereof outstanding at any relevant time;
" Agreed Form " means in relation to any document, that document in the form approved in writing by the Lender or as otherwise approved in accordance with any other approved procedure specified in any relevant provision of any Finance Document;
" Approved Broker " means each of Arrow Valuations (Arrow Shipbroking Group), Simpson Spence and Young Shipbrokers Ltd, Clarksons Platou, Howe Robinson Partners, Braemer ACM, Intermodal Shipbrokers Co., Allied Shipbroking Inc. and any other company agreed between the Borrowers and the Lender and, in the plural means, two or more of them;
" Approved Charter "means, in relation to a Ship, any time charterparty having a duration (or capable of exceeding a duration) of 12 months or any bareboat charterparty approved by the Lender in form and on terms and conditions in all respects acceptable to the Lender (including, for the avoidance of doubt, a charterer acceptable to the Lender) in respect of such Ship;
" Approved Flag "  means the flag of the Republic of Liberia, the Republic of Cyprus  or such other flag as the Lender may, in its sole and absolute discretion, approve as the flag under which a Ship may be registered;
" Approved Flag State "  means the Republic of Liberia, the Republic of Cyprus or any other country under which the Lender may approve that a Ship be registered;
" Approved Manager " means, in relation to a Ship, Eurobulk Ltd, a corporation incorporated in Liberia whose registered office is at 80 Broad Street, Monrovia, Liberia and having a place of business at 4 Messogiou & Evropis Street, Maroussi 151 24, and/or Eurobulk (Far East) Ltd Philippines, a corporation incorporated in the Philippines, whose registered office and its principal office is at of 10th Floor Maria Natividad Building, 470 T.M Kalaw Cor Cortada Sts, Ermita 1000, Manila, Philippines and/or any other company which the Lender may approve from time to time as the technical and/or commercial manager of that Ship;
" Availability Period " means, in relation to an Advance, the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on:
2



(a)
31 December 2018 (or such later date as the Lender may agree with the Borrowers); or

(b)
if earlier, the Drawdown Date of that Advance or the date on which the Lender's obligation to make that Advance available is cancelled or terminated;
" Bail-In Action " means the exercise of any Write-down and Conversion Powers;
" Bail-In Legislation ": means:

(a)
in relation to an EEA Member Country which has implemented, or which at any time implements, Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms, the relevant implementing law or regulation as described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule from time to time; and

(b)
in relation to any other state, any analogous law or regulation from time to time which requires contractual recognition of any Write-down and Conversion Powers contained in that law or regulation;
"Balloon Instalment"  has the meaning given to that term in Clause 7.1(b);
" Basel II Approach " means either the Standardised Approach or the relevant Internal Ratings Based Approach (each as defined in the Basel II Capital Accord) adopted (or otherwise followed, wholly or in part) by the Lender (or its Holding Company) for the purposes of implementing or complying with the Basel II Capital Accord;
" Basel II Capital Accord " means the "International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards, a Revised Framework" published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in June 2004 in the form existing on the date of this Agreement or any other law or regulation which implements the Basel II Capital Accord (whether such implementation, application or compliance is by a government, regulator, the Lender or any of its affiliates);
" Basel II Regulation " means (a) any law or regulation implementing the Basel II Capital Accord or (b) any Basel II Approach adopted by the Lender;
" Basel III Approach " means either the Standardised Approach or the relevant Internal Ratings Based Approach (each as defined in the Basel III Capital Accord) adopted by any Lender for the purposes of implementing or complying with the Basel III Capital Accord;
" Basel III Capital Accord " means the "International framework for liquidity risk management, standard and monitoring" published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010, the "Global systemically important banks: assessment methodology and the additional loss absorbency requirement - Rules text" published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in November 2011 each as amended, supplemented or restated in the form existing at the date of this Agreement or any further guidance or standards published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision relating to Basel III or any other law or regulation which implements the Basel III Capital Accord (whether such implementation, application or compliance is by a government, regulator, the Lender or any of its affiliates);
" Basel III Regulation " means (a) any law or regulation implementing the Basel III Capital Accord or (b) any Basel III Approach adopted by the Lender;
"Borrower" means each of Borrower A, Borrower B and Borrower C and, in the plural, means all of them;
3


"Borrower A" means Pantelis Shipping Corp., a corporation incorporated in the Republic of Liberia whose registered office is at 80 Broad Street, Monrovia, Liberia;
"Borrower B" means Areti Shipping Ltd, a corporation incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, MH96960, the Marshall Islands;
"Borrower C" means Light Shipping Ltd, a corporation incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, MH96960, the Marshall Islands;
" Borrowers'   Equity Portion " means that part of the Existing Indebtedness or the Acquisition Cost, as the case may be, which shall not be funded by either Advance A or Advance B, but shall instead be funded by way of Borrowers' equity;
" Business Day " means a day on which banks are open in London , Athens and Piraeus, and, in respect of a day on which a payment is required to be made under a Finance Document, also in New York City;
"Charterparty Assignment" means a first priority assignment of the rights of a Borrower under any Approved Charter to which such Borrower is a party executed or to be executed by that Borrower in the Agreed Form;
" Code " means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
"Commitment" means $15,000,000, as that amount may be reduced, cancelled or terminated in accordance with this Agreement;
" Compliance Certificate " means a certificate in the form set out in Schedule 3 (or in any other Agreed Form) to be provided at the times and in the manner set out in Clause 10.8;
" Contractual Currency " has the meaning given in Clause 20.4;
" Deed of Release " means, in respect of each Existing Agreement, the deed of release and reassignment releasing the relevant Borrower from its obligations under that Existing Agreement and the other Security Documents (as such term is defined in the relevant Existing Agreement), in the Agreed Form;
" Dollars " and " $ " means the lawful currency for the time being of the United States of America;
" Drawdown Date " means, in relation to an Advance, the date requested by the Borrowers for that Advance to be made, or (as the context requires) the date on which that Advance is actually made;
" Drawdown Notice " means a notice in the form set out in Schedule 1 (or in any other form which the Lender approves or requires);
" Earnings " means, in relation to a Ship, all moneys whatsoever which are now, or later become, payable (actually or contingently) to the Borrower owning that Ship or the Lender and which arise out of the use or operation of that Ship, including (but not limited to):

(a)
except to the extent that they fall within paragraph (b);

(i)
all freight, hire and passage moneys;
4



(ii)
compensation payable to any Borrower or the Lender in the event of requisition of a Ship for hire;

(iii)
remuneration for salvage and towage services;

(iv)
demurrage and detention moneys;

(v)
damages for breach (or payments for variation or termination) of any charterparty or other contract for the employment of a Ship;

(vi)
all moneys which are at any time payable under any Insurances in respect of loss of hire;

(vii)
all monies which are at any time payable to that Borrower in relation to general average contribution; and

(b)
if and whenever a Ship is employed on terms whereby any moneys falling within paragraphs (a)(i) to (vii) are pooled or shared with any other person, that proportion of the net receipts of the relevant pooling or sharing arrangement which is attributable to a Ship;
" Earnings Account " means, in relation to a Ship, an account in the name of the Borrower owing that Ship with the Lender in Piraeus designated "[ name of the Borrower ] ‑ Earnings Account", or any other account (with that or another office of the Lender) which is designated by the Lender as the Earnings Account in relation to that Ship for the purposes of this Agreement, and in the plural, means all of them;
" Environmental Claim " means:

(a)
any claim by any governmental, judicial or regulatory authority which arises out of an Environmental Incident or an alleged Environmental Incident or which relates to any Environmental Law; or

(b)
any claim by any other person which relates to an Environmental Incident or to an alleged Environmental Incident,
and " claim " means a claim for damages, compensation, fines, penalties or any other payment of any kind, whether or not similar to the foregoing; an order or direction to take, or not to take, certain action or to desist from or suspend certain action; and any form of enforcement or regulatory action, including the arrest or attachment of any asset;
" Environmental Incident " means:

(a)
any release of Environmentally Sensitive Material from a Ship; or

(b)
any incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released from a vessel other than a Ship and which involves a collision between a Ship and such other vessel or some other incident of navigation or operation, in either case, in connection with which a Ship is actually or potentially liable to be arrested, attached, detained or injuncted and/or a Ship and/or any Borrower and/or any operator or manager of a Ship is at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action; or
5



(c)
any other incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released otherwise than from a Ship and in connection with which a Ship is actually or potentially liable to be arrested and/or where any Borrower and/or any operator or manager of a Ship is at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action;
" Environmental Law " means any law relating to pollution or protection of the environment, to the carriage of Environmentally Sensitive Material or to actual or threatened releases of Environmentally Sensitive Material;
" Environmentally Sensitive Material " means oil, oil products and any other substance (including any chemical, gas or other hazardous or noxious substance) which is (or is capable of being or becoming) polluting, toxic or hazardous;
" Existing Agreement " means each of Existing Agreement A and Existing Agreement B and, in the plural, means both of them;
" Existing Agreement A " means the loan agreement dated 15 December 2009 (as from time to time amended and/or supplemented) and entered into between Borrower A and the Existing Lender as lender in relation to a term loan facility of (originally) up to $13,000,000;
" Existing Agreement B " means the loan agreement dated 25 June 2014 (as from time to time amended and/or supplemented) and (initially) entered into between Borrower B and Eirini Shipping Ltd. as joint and several borrowers and the Existing Lender as lender in relation to a term loan facility of (originally) up to $16,500,000;
" Existing Indebtedness " means, together the Existing Indebtedness A and the Existing Indebtedness B;
" Existing Indebtedness A "   means, at any date,   the outstanding Financial Indebtedness of Borrower A on that date under the Existing Agreement A   secured on Ship A ;
" Existing Indebtedness B" means, at any date,   the outstanding Financial Indebtedness of Borrower B on that date under the Existing Agreement B   secured on Ship B;
" Existing Lender "   means, HSBC Bank PLC;
" EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule " means the document described as such and published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person) from time to time;
" Event of Default " means any of the events or circumstances described in Clause 18.1;
" FATCA Deduction " means a deduction or withholding from a payment under a Finance Document required by FATCA;
" FATCA Exempt Party " means a party to a Finance Document that is entitled to receive payments free from any FATCA Deduction;
" Final Repayment Date "  means, the date falling on the earlier of (i) the date falling on the third anniversary of the Drawdown Date and (ii) 31 December 2021;
" Finance Documents " means:

(a)
this Agreement;
6



(b)
the Guarantee;

(c)
the General Assignments;

(d)
the Mortgages;

(e)
the Retention Account Pledge;

(f)
the Manager's Undertakings;

(g)
any Charterparty Assignment; and

(h)
any other document (whether creating a Security Interest or not) which is executed at any time by any Borrower or Security Party or any other person as security for, or to establish any form of subordination or priorities arrangement in relation to, any amount payable to the Lender under this Agreement or any of the other documents referred to in this definition;
" Financial Indebtedness " means, in relation to a person (the " debtor "), a liability of the debtor:

(a)
for principal, interest or any other sum payable in respect of any moneys borrowed or raised by the debtor;

(b)
under any loan stock, bond, note or other security issued by the debtor;

(c)
under any acceptance credit, guarantee or letter of credit facility or dematerialised equivalent made available to the debtor;

(d)
under a financial lease, a deferred purchase consideration arrangement or any other agreement having the commercial effect of a borrowing or raising of money by the debtor;

(e)
under any foreign exchange transaction, any interest or currency swap or any other kind of derivative transaction entered into by the debtor or, if the agreement under which any such transaction is entered into requires netting of mutual liabilities, the liability of the debtor for the net amount; or

(f)
under a guarantee, indemnity or similar obligation entered into by the debtor in respect of a liability of another person which would fall within ((a)) to ((e)) if the references to the debtor referred to the other person;
" Financial Year "  means, in relation to each of the Borrowers, the Guarantor and the Group, each period of 1 year commencing on 1 January in respect of which their individual or, as the case may be, consolidated accounts are or ought to be prepared;
" GAAP "  means generally accepted accounting principles in the USA;
" General Assignment " means, in relation to a Ship, a first priority general assignment of the Earnings, the Insurances and any Requisition Compensation in respect of that Ship executed or to be executed by the Borrower owing that Ship, in the Agreed Form and, in the plural, means all of them;
" Group " means, together, the Borrowers, the Guarantor and all consolidated subsidiaries of the Guarantor from time to time and " member of the Group " shall be construed accordingly;
7


"Guarantor"  means Eurodry Ltd., a corporation incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, MH96960, the Marshall Islands;
" Guarantee " means, a guarantee executed or to be executed by the Guarantor in the Agreed Form;
"Initial Market Value"  means the Market Value of a Ship determined in accordance with paragraph 8 of Schedule 2, Part A;
" Insurances " means, in relation to a Ship:

(a)
all policies and contracts of insurance, including entries of that Ship in any protection and indemnity or war risks association, effected in respect of that Ship, its Earnings (if applicable) or otherwise in relation to it whether before, on or after the date of this Agreement; and

(b)
all rights and other assets relating to, or derived from, any of the foregoing, including any rights to a return of a premium and any rights in respect of any claim whether or not the relevant policy, contract of insurance or entry has expired on or before the date of this Agreement;
" Insured Value " means, in relation to a Ship, the value of the Insurances of that Ship effected pursuant to Clause 12.2 (b).
" Interest Period " means, a period determined in accordance with Clause 5;
" ISM Code " means the International Safety Management Code (including the guidelines on its implementation), adopted by the International Maritime Organisation Assembly as Resolutions A.741 (18) (as amended by MSC 104 (73)) and A.913(22) (superseding Resolution A.788 (19)), as the same may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time (and the terms " safety management system ", " Safety Management Certificate " and " Document of Compliance " have the same meanings as are given to them in the ISM Code);
" ISPS Code " means the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code adopted by the International Maritime Organisation as the same may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time;
" ISSC " means a valid and current International Ship Security Certificate issued under the ISPS Code;
" Lender " means National Bank of Greece S.A., acting through its shipping branch at 2 Bouboulinas Street and Akti Miaouli, Piraeus 185 35, Greece (or through another branch notified to the Borrower under Clause 25.6) or its successor or assign;
" LIBOR " means, in relation to any period for which an interest rate is to be determined under any provision of a Finance Document:

(a)
the applicable Screen Rate; or

(b)
if no Screen Rate is available for that period, the rate per annum determined by the Lender to be the arithmetic mean (rounded upwards to 4 decimal places) of the rates, as supplied to the Lender at its request, quoted by the Reference Bank to leading banks in the London Interbank Market,
8


as of 11 a.m. (London time) on the Quotation Date for that period for the offering of deposits in Dollars and for a period comparable to that period,
and if, in either case, that rate is less than zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero;
" Loan " means the principal amount for the time being outstanding under this Agreement;
" Major Casualty " means, in relation to a Ship, any casualty to that Ship in respect of which the claim or the aggregate of the claims against all insurers, before adjustment for any relevant franchise or deductible, exceeds $400,000 or the equivalent in any other currency;
"Manager's Undertaking" means, in relation to a Ship, a letter of undertaking executed or to be executed by an Approved Manager in favour of the Lender in the Agreed Form, subordinating the rights of that Approved Manager against that Ship and the Borrower which is the owner thereof to the rights of the Lender under the Finance Documents and, in the plural, means all of them;
" Mandatory Cost " means the cost incurred by the Lender in respect of the Loan (or any part thereof) in complying with any applicable regulations of any relevant regulatory authority;
" Margin " means 3.25 per cent. per annum;
"Market Value"  means the market value of a Ship determined in accordance with Clause 14.5;
" Material Adverse Change " means any event or series of events which, in the opinion of the Lender, has or will have a Material Adverse Effect;
"Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on:

(a)
the business, property, assets, liabilities, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of a Borrower and/or the Guarantor taken as a whole; or

(b)
the ability of a Borrower and/or the Guarantor to comply with or perform any of its obligations or discharge any of its liabilities, under any Finance Document as they fall due.
"Material Adverse Change Letter"  means a letter to be issued by the Borrowers and countersigned by the Guarantor on the Drawdown Date in which they confirm that, as at the first Drawdown Date, there has been no material adverse change in the financial position, state of affairs or prospects of any Borrower or the Guarantor or any other member of the Group since the date of acceptance of the Lender's offer letter (being 7 November 2018) which may affect the compliance by any of them with the provisions of this Agreement and the Finance Documents or the performance of their respective obligations thereunder or the Security itself;
"Minimum Liquidity" has the meaning given in Clause 11.5;
"MOA" means the memorandum of agreement dated 5 November 2018 and entered into between the Seller and Borrower C in respect of the sale of Ship C;
" Mortgage " means, in relation to a Ship, the first priority or as the case may be preferred ship mortgage on that Ship under the applicable Approved Flag, together with any deed of covenant collateral thereto (if applicable), securing the Borrowers' obligations under this Agreement, in the Agreed Form and if, in accordance with the applicable Approved Flag, an amount is required to be expressed in the Mortgage representing the amount secured by the
9


Mortgage, such amount to be equal to 130 per cent. of the Loan, and, in the plural, means all of them;
" Negotiation Period " has the meaning given in Clause 4.6;
" Payment Currency " has the meaning given in Clause 20.4;
" Permitted Security Interests " means:

(a)
Security Interests created by the Finance Documents;

(b)
liens for unpaid crew's wages in accordance with usual maritime practice;

(c)
liens for salvage;

(d)
liens arising by operation of law for not more than 2 months' prepaid hire under any charter in relation to a Ship not prohibited by this Agreement;

(e)
liens for master's disbursements incurred in the ordinary course of trading and any other lien arising by operation of law or otherwise in the ordinary course of the operation, repair or maintenance of a Ship, provided such liens do not secure amounts more than 30 days overdue and subject, in the case of liens for repair or maintenance, to Clause 13.13 (g);

(f)
any Security Interest created in favour of a plaintiff or defendant in any action of the court or tribunal before whom such action is brought as security for costs and expenses where the Borrower is prosecuting or defending such action in good faith by appropriate steps (having a capped value of $250,000); and

(g)
Security Interests arising by operation of law in respect of taxes which are not overdue for payment other than taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate steps and in respect of which appropriate reserves have been made.
" Pertinent Document " means:

(a)
any Finance Document;

(b)
any policy or contract of insurance contemplated by or referred to in Clause 12 or any other provision of this Agreement or another Finance Document; and

(c)
any other document contemplated by or referred to in any Finance Document.
" Pertinent Jurisdiction ", in relation to a company, means:

(a)
England and Wales;

(b)
the country under the laws of which the company is incorporated or formed;

(c)
a country in which the company has the centre of its main interests or in which the company's central management and control is or has recently been exercised;

(d)
a country in which the overall net income of the company is subject to corporation tax, income tax or any similar tax;
10



(e)
a country in which assets of the company (other than securities issued by, or loans to, related companies) having a substantial value are situated, in which the company maintains a branch or a permanent place of business, or in which a Security Interest created by the company must or should be registered in order to ensure its validity or priority; and

(f)
a country the courts of which have jurisdiction to make a winding up, administration or similar order in relation to the company, whether as main or territorial or ancillary proceedings, or which would have such jurisdiction if their assistance were requested by the courts of a country referred to in paragraphs (b) or (c);
" Pertinent Matter " means:

(a)
any transaction or matter contemplated by, arising out of, or connection with a Pertinent Document; or

(b)
any statement relating to a Pertinent Document or to a transaction or matter falling within paragraph (a),
and covers any such transaction, matter or statement, whether entered into, arising or made at any time before the signing of this Agreement or on or at any time after that signing;
" Pittas Family "  means, together, each of the following:

(a)
Mr. Aristeidis J. Pittas;

(b)
the father, brothers and cousins of Mr. Aristeidis J. Pittas; and

(c)
all the lineal descendants in direct line of Mr. Aristeidis J. Pittas and any of the above persons,
and each one of the above shall be referred to as " a member of the Pittas Family ";
" Potential Event of Default " means an event or circumstance which, with the giving of any notice, the lapse of time, a determination of the Lender and/or the satisfaction of any other condition, would constitute an Event of Default;
" Prohibited Party " means a person, entity or party:

(a)
listed on, or owned or controlled by a person, entity or party listed on any Sanctions list; or

(b)
located in, incorporated under the laws of, or owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, a person, entity or party located in or organised under the laws of a country or territory that is the target of country-wide Sanctions as applicable; or

(c)
being at prohibited ports; or

(d)
being otherwise a target of Sanctions; or

(e)
acting or purporting to act on behalf of any of the parties listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; or

(f)
with which the Lender is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction pursuant to OFAC, UN, EU and HMT Sanctions;
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" Quotation Date " means, in relation to any Interest Period (or any other period for which an interest rate is to be determined under any provision of a Finance Document), the day on which quotations would ordinarily be given by leading banks in the London Interbank Market for deposits in the currency in relation to which such rate is to be determined for delivery on the first day of that Interest Period or other period;
" Reference Bank "  means National Bank of Greece S.A. acting through its branch at 75 King William Street, London EC4N 7BE, England or, such replacement bank as may be appointed by the Lender from time to time;
" Relevant Person " has the meaning given in Clause 18.7;
" Repayment Date " means a date on which a repayment is required to be made under Clause 7;
" Repayment Instalment " has the meaning given to that term in Clause 7.1(a);
" Requisition Compensation " includes all compensation or other moneys payable by reason of any act or event in respect of a Ship such as is referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of "Total Loss";
" Resolution Authority " means any body which has authority to exercise any Write-down and Conversion Powers;
" Retention Account " means an account in the joint names of the Borrowers with the Lender in Piraeus designated "[ names of Borrowers ] ‑ Retention Account", or any other account (with that or another office of the Lender) which is designated by the Lender as the Retention Account following prior consultation with the Borrowers for the purposes of this Agreement;
" Retention Account Pledge " means a pledge creating security in respect of the Retention Account in the Agreed Form;
" Sanctions " means any sanctions, embargoes, freezing provisions, prohibitions or other restrictions relating to trading, doing business, investment, exporting, financing or making assets available (or other activities similar to or connected with any of the foregoing):

(a)
imposed by law or regulation of Greece, the United Kingdom, the Council of the European Union, the United Nations or its Security Council or the United States of America; or

(b)
otherwise imposed by any law or regulation by which any Security Party or any other member of the Group or any affiliate or any of them is bound or, as regards a regulation, compliance with which is reasonable in the ordinary course of business of any Security Party or any other member of the Group, any affiliate of any of them.
" Screen   Rate " means the London interbank offered rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (or if ICE Benchmark Administration Limited ceases to act in the role of administering and publishing LIBOR rates, the equivalent rate published by a subsequently appointed administrator for LIBOR) for Dollars for the relevant period displayed on page LIBOR01 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate) or on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Reuters.  If such page or service ceases to be available, the Lender may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Borrowers;
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" Secured Liabilities " means all liabilities which the Borrowers, the Security Parties or any of them have, at the date of this Agreement or at any later time or times, under or by in connection with any Finance Document or any judgment relating to any Finance Document; and for this purpose, there shall be disregarded any total or partial discharge of these liabilities, or variation of their terms, which is effected by, or in connection with, any bankruptcy, liquidation, arrangement or other procedure under the insolvency laws of any country;
"Security Cover Ratio" means   at any relevant time:

(a)
the aggregate Market Value of the Ships then subject to a Mortgage; plus

(b)
the net realisable value of any additional security previously provided under Clause 14 of this Agreement,
expressed as a percentage of the Loan;
" Security Interest " means:

(a)
a mortgage, charge (whether fixed or floating) or pledge, any maritime or other lien or any other security interest of any kind;

(b)
the security rights of a plaintiff under an action in rem ; and

(c)
any arrangement entered into by a person (A) the effect of which is to place another person (B) in a position which is similar, in economic terms, to the position in which B would have been had he held a security interest over an asset of A; but this paragraph (c) does not apply to a right of set off or combination of accounts conferred by the standard terms of business of a bank or financial institution;
" Security Party " means the Guarantor, each Approved Manager and any other person (except the Lender) who, as a surety or mortgagor, as a party to any subordination or priorities arrangement, or in any similar capacity, executes a document falling within the definition of "Finance Documents";
" Security Period " means the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on the date on which the Lender is satisfied that there is no outstanding Commitment in force and that the Secured Liabilities have been irrevocably and unconditionally paid and discharged in full;
" Seller " means Scorpio Ocean Limited, a company organised and existing under the laws of the Republic of Cyprus whose registered office is at Kostaki Pantelidi, 1, P.C. 1010, Nicosia, Cyprus;
"Ship" means each of Ship A, Ship B and Ship C and, in the plural means, all of them;
"Ship A" means the 2000-built panamax vessel of 38380 gross tonnage and 25267 net tonnage with IMO number 9207730 currently named "PANTELIS" and registered in the ownership of Borrower A under an Approved Flag (which at the date of this Agreement is the Liberian flag);
"Ship B" means the 2000-built panamax vessel of 39,783 gross tonnage and 25,329 net tonnage with IMO number 9180906 currently named "TASOS" and registered in the ownership of Borrower B under an Approved Flag (which at the date of this Agreement is the Cypriot flag);
13


"Ship C" means the 75,611 metric tons deadweight Panamax bulk carrier currently registered in the ownership of the Seller under the Cypriot flag with the name "STAR OF NIPPON", which is to be purchased by Borrower C pursuant to the MOA and on delivery registered in the ownership of Borrower C under an Approved Flag with the name "STARLIGHT";
" Total Loss " means in relation to a Ship:

(a)
actual, constructive, compromised, agreed or arranged total loss of that Ship;

(b)
any expropriation, confiscation, requisition or acquisition of that Ship, whether for full consideration, a consideration less than its proper value, a nominal consideration or without any consideration, which is effected by any government or official authority or by any person or persons claiming to be or to represent a government or official authority (excluding a requisition for hire for a fixed period not exceeding 1 year without any right to an extension) unless it is within 40 days redelivered to the relevant Borrower's full control;

(c)
any arrest, capture, seizure, condemnation or detention of that Ship (including any hijacking or theft) unless it is within 40 days redelivered to the relevant Borrower's full control;
" Total Loss Date " means:

(a)
in the case of an actual loss of a Ship, the date on which it occurred or, if that is unknown, the date when that Ship was last heard of;

(b)
in the case of a constructive, compromised, agreed or arranged total loss of that Ship, the earliest of:

(i)
the date on which a notice of abandonment is given to the insurers; and

(ii)
the date of any compromise, arrangement or agreement made by or on behalf of the Borrower owing that Ship with that Ship's insurers) in which the insurers agree to treat that Ship as a total loss; and

(c)
in the case of any other type of total loss, on the date (or the most likely date) on which it appears to the Lender that the event constituting the total loss occurred; and
" Write-down and Conversion Powers " means in relation to any Bail-In Legislation described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule from time to time, the powers described as such in relation to that Bail-In Legislation in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
1.2
Construction of certain terms
In this Agreement:
" administration notice "  means a notice appointing an administrator, a notice of intended appointment and any other notice which is required by law (generally or in the case concerned) to be filed with the court or given to a person prior to, or in connection with, the appointment of an administrator;
" approved " means, for the purposes of Clause 12, approved in writing by the Lender;
14


" asset " includes every kind of property, asset, interest or right, including any present, future or contingent right to any revenues or other payment;
" company " includes any partnership, joint venture and unincorporated association;
" consent " includes an authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, registration, notarisation and legalisation;
" contingent liability " means a liability which is not certain to arise and/or the amount of which remains unascertained;
" document " includes a deed; also a letter or fax;
" excess risks " means the proportion of claims for general average, salvage and salvage charges not recoverable under the hull and machinery policies in respect of a Ship in consequence of its insured value being less than the value at which that Ship is assessed for the purpose of such claims;
" expense " means any kind of cost, charge or expense (including all legal costs, charges and expenses) and any applicable value added or other tax applicable thereto;
" law " includes any order or decree, any form of delegated legislation, any treaty or international convention and any regulation or resolution of the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the United Nations or its Security Council;
" legal or administrative action " means any legal proceeding or arbitration and any administrative or regulatory action or investigation;
" liability " includes every kind of debt or liability (present or future, certain or contingent), whether incurred as principal or surety or otherwise;
" months " shall be construed in accordance with Clause 1.3;
" obligatory insurances " means, in relation to a Ship, all insurances effected, or which the Borrower owning that Ship is obliged to effect, under Clause 12 or any other provision of this Agreement or another Finance Document;
" parent company " has the meaning given in Clause 1.4;
" person " includes any company; any state, political sub-division of a state and local or municipal authority; and any international organisation;
" policy ", in relation to any insurance, includes a slip, cover note, certificate of entry or other document evidencing the contract of insurance or its terms;
" protection and indemnity risks " means the usual risks covered by a protection and indemnity association being a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs (or any successor organisation), including pollution risks and the proportion (if any) of any sums payable to any other person or persons in case of collision which are not recoverable under the hull and machinery policies by reason of the incorporation in them of clause 6 of the International Hull Clauses (1/11/02 or 1/11/03), clause 8 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls) (1/11/95) or clause 8 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls) (1/10/83) or the Institute Amended Running Down Clause (1/10/71) or any equivalent provision;
15


" regulation " includes any regulation, rule, official directive, request or guideline whether or not having the force of law of any governmental, intergovernmental or supranational body, agency, department or regulatory, self‑regulatory or other authority or organisation;
" subsidiary " has the meaning given in Clause 1.4;
" tax " includes any present or future tax, duty, impost, levy or charge of any kind which is imposed by any state, any political sub-division of a state or any local or municipal authority (including any such imposed in connection with exchange controls), and any connected penalty, interest or fine;
"war risks" includes the risk of mines and all risks excluded by clauses 29, 30 or 31 of the International Hull Clauses (1/11/02), clauses 29 or 30 of the International Hull Clauses (1/11/03), clauses 24, 25 or 26 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls) (1/11/95) or clauses 23, 24 or 25 of the Institute Time Clauses (Hulls)(1/10/83) or any equivalent provisions; and
" which is continuing " or " is continuing ", an Event of Default and a Potential Event of Default is continuing if it has not been remedied or waived.
1.3
Meaning of "month"
A period of one or more " months " ends on the day in the relevant calendar month numerically corresponding to the day of the calendar month on which the period started (" the numerically corresponding day "), but:
(a)
on the Business Day following the numerically corresponding day if the numerically corresponding day is not a Business Day or, if there is no later Business Day in the same calendar month, on the Business Day preceding the numerically corresponding day; or
(b)
on the last Business Day in the relevant calendar month, if the period started on the last Business Day in a calendar month or if the last calendar month of the period has no numerically corresponding day,
and " month " and " monthly " shall be construed accordingly.
1.4
Meaning of "subsidiary"
A company (S) is a subsidiary of another company (P) if:
(a)
a majority of the issued shares in S (or a majority of the issued shares in S which carry unlimited rights to capital and income distributions) are directly owned by P or are indirectly attributable to P; or
(b)
P has direct or indirect control over a majority of the voting rights attaching to the issued shares of S; or
(c)
P has the direct or indirect power to appoint or remove a majority of the directors of S; or
(d)
P otherwise has the direct or indirect power to ensure that the affairs of S are conducted in accordance with the wishes of P,
and any company of which S is a subsidiary is a parent company of S.
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1.5
General Interpretation
In this Agreement:
(a)
references to, or to a provision of, a Finance Document or any other document are references to it as amended or supplemented, whether before the date of this Agreement or otherwise;
(b)
references to, or to a provision of, any law include any amendment, extension, re-enactment or replacement, whether made before the date of this Agreement or otherwise;
(c)
words denoting the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa; and
(d)
Clauses 1.1 to 1.5 apply unless the contrary intention appears.
1.6
Headings
In interpreting a Finance Document or any provision of a Finance Document, all clause, sub-clause and other headings in that and any other Finance Document shall be entirely disregarded.
2
FACILITY
2.1
Amount of facility
Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Lender has agreed to make available to the Borrowers a term loan facility in an amount of up to the lesser of (a) $15,000,000 and (b) 55 per cent. of the aggregate Initial Market Value of the Ships, in two advances as follows:
(a)
Advance A shall be in an amount of $6,879,192; and
(b)
Advance B shall be in an amount of $8,120,808.
2.2
Purpose of Advances
The Borrowers undertake with the Lender to use each Advance only for the purposes stated in the preamble to this Agreement and the definition of the relevant Advance.
2.3
Greek Currency Committee
The Loan is granted according to the provisions of the decision no. 187/1/19.10.1978 of the Credits sub-Committee of the Greek Currency Committee relevant to "Banking Transactions with Maritime Enterprises in foreign currency", which was ratified by Deed 142/13/20.11.1978 of the Council of Ministers published in the Government Gazette A No/195/20.11.1978.
3
DRAWDOWN
3.1
Request for Advance
Subject to the following conditions, the Borrowers may request an Advance to be made by ensuring that the Lender receives a completed Drawdown Notice not later than 11.00 a.m. (Athens time) 1 Business Day prior to the intended Drawdown Date.
17



3.2
Availability
The conditions referred to in Clause 3.1 are that:
(a)
the Drawdown Date in relation to an Advance has to be a Business Day during the Availability Period;
(b)
each Advance shall be drawn in a single amount which shall not exceed the amount applicable thereto referred to in Clause 2.1 and shall be used for the purpose referred to in the preamble to this Agreement;
(c)
any amount of an Advance not drawn on the Drawdown Date in respect of that Advance shall be cancelled and may not be borrowed by the Borrowers at a later date; and
(d)
the aggregate amount of the Advances shall not exceed the Commitment.
3.3
Drawdown Notice irrevocable
A Drawdown Notice must be signed by a duly authorised person on behalf of each Borrower; and once served, a Drawdown Notice cannot be revoked without the prior consent of the Lender.
3.4
Disbursement of Advance
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Lender shall on each Drawdown Date make the relevant Advance available to the Borrowers; and payment to the Borrowers shall be made to the account which the Borrowers specify in the relevant Drawdown Notice, Provided that the Lender shall be under no obligation to advance an Advance or any part thereof should the Committee of Approval of banking Transactions or any governmental or other body analogous thereto not approve the transfer of funds abroad to refinance the Existing Indebtedness and to finance part of the Acquisition Cost, (for the avoidance of doubt, the Lender shall have no obligation to advance an Advance or any part thereof if at the Drawdown Date of that Advance the disbursement of that Advance violates any law applicable at the time).
3.5
Disbursement of Advance to third party
The payment by the Lender under Clause 3.4 to the account of the Borrowers or the Existing Lender or the Seller (as the case may be) as specified in the relevant Drawdown Notice shall constitute the making of the Advance and the Borrowers shall at that time become indebted, as principal and direct obligors, to the Lender in an amount equal to that Advance.
3.6
Prepositioning of funds
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Clause 3 in the event that an Advance is required to be drawn down prior to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent listed in Schedule 2, Part B, paragraphs 1 to 4 inclusive (the " Relevant Conditions Precedent ") remitted to the Existing Lender or the Seller, as the case may be, (the " Relevant Bank "), the Lender may in its absolute discretion agree to remit such amount to the Relevant Bank prior to satisfaction of the Relevant Conditions Precedent Provided that :
(a)
the amount remitted shall be held in an account in the Lender's name and to the order of the Lender;
18


(b)
such amount will only be released to the Relevant Bank upon satisfaction of the conditions described in the remittance message with which the conditional payment is effected for the transfer of the funds to the Existing Lender or the Seller, as the case may be, including without limitation, (i) written instructions specifying the amount to be released signed on behalf of the Lender by a person named in the Lender's remittance instructions and/or (ii) a copy of the protocol of delivery and acceptance in respect of Ship C in the form agreed between the Seller and Borrower C and duly signed on behalf of the Seller and Borrower C and/or such other documents as the Lender may, at its absolute discretion, agrees to;
(c)
in the event that none of the said amount so remitted is released in accordance with the Lender's instructions or any part thereof is not so released, the money held by the Relevant Bank 5 days (or such longer period as the Lender may, at its absolute discretion, agree to) after its receipt by the Relevant Bank is returned to the account specified in the Lender's remittance instructions;
(d)
the Relevant Conditions Precedent shall be satisfied simultaneously with any release to the Relevant Bank pursuant to (b) above; and
(e)
the Borrowers shall, without duplication, indemnify the Lender against any costs, loss or liability it may incur in connection with such arrangement.
4
INTEREST
4.1
Payment of normal interest
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, interest on an Advance in respect of each Interest Period shall be paid by the Borrowers on the last day of that Interest Period.
4.2
Normal rate of interest
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the rate of interest on each Advance in respect of an Interest Period shall be the aggregate of (i) the Margin, (ii) LIBOR for that Interest Period and (iii) Mandatory Cost (if any) for that Interest Period.
4.3
Payment of accrued interest
In the case of an Interest Period longer than 3 months, accrued interest shall be paid every 3 months during that Interest Period and on the last day of that Interest Period.
4.4
Notification of market disruption
The Lender shall promptly notify the Borrowers if for any reason the Reference Bank does not provide a rate or both the Lender and the Reference Bank are unable to obtain Dollars in the London Interbank Market in order to fund the Loan (or any part of it) during any Interest Period or if the Screen Rate for that Interest Period is lower than the cost of funding of the Lender for the same period, stating the circumstances which have caused such notice to be given.
4.5
Suspension of drawdown
If the Lender's notice under Clause 4.4 is served before an Advance is made, the Lender's obligation to make that Advance available shall be suspended while the circumstances referred to in the Lender's notice continue.
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4.6
Negotiation of alternative rate of interest
If the Lender's notice under Clause 4.4 is served after an Advance is made, the Borrowers and the Lender shall use reasonable endeavours to agree, within the 30 days after the date on which the Lender serves its notice under Clause 4.4 (the " Negotiation Period "), an alternative interest rate or (as the case may be) an alternative basis for the Lender to fund or continue to fund that Advance during the Interest Period concerned.
4.7
Application of agreed alternative rate of interest
Any alternative interest rate or an alternative basis which is agreed during the Negotiation Period shall take effect in accordance with the terms agreed.
4.8
Alternative rate of interest in absence of agreement
If an alternative interest rate or alternative basis is not agreed within the Negotiation Period, and the relevant circumstances are continuing at the end of the Negotiation Period, then the Lender shall set an interest period and interest rate representing the cost of funding of the Lender in Dollars or in any available currency of the Advance plus the Margin; and the procedure provided for by this Clause 4.8 shall be repeated if the relevant circumstances are continuing at the end of the interest period so set by the Lender.
4.9
Notice of prepayment
If the Borrowers do not agree with an interest rate set by the Lender under Clause 4.8, the Borrowers may give the Lender not less than 15 Business Days' notice of their intention to prepay at the end of the interest period set by the Lender.
4.10
Prepayment
A notice under Clause 4.9 shall be irrevocable; and on the last Business Day of the interest period set by the Lender, the Borrowers shall prepay (without premium or penalty) the Loan, together with accrued interest thereon at the applicable rate plus the Margin.
4.11
Application of prepayment
The provisions of Clause 7 shall apply in relation to the prepayment.
5
INTEREST PERIODS
5.1
Commencement of Interest Periods
The first Interest Period applicable to an Advance shall commence on the Drawdown Date of that Advance and each subsequent Interest Period shall commence on the expiry of the preceding Interest Period.
5.2
Duration of normal Interest Periods
Subject to Clauses 5.3 and 5.4, each Interest Period shall be:
(a)
1, 2, 3, 6 or 12 months as notified by the Borrowers to the Lender not later than 11.00 a.m. (London time) 2 Business Days before the commencement of the Interest Period; or
(b)
3 months, if the Borrowers fail to notify the Lender by the time specified in paragraph (a); or
20



(c)
such other period requested by the Borrowers and accepted by the Lender in its sole discretion which is less than 12 months.
5.3
Duration of Interest Periods for Repayment Instalments
In respect of an amount due to be repaid under Clause 7 on a particular Repayment Date, an Interest Period shall end on that Repayment Date.
5.4
Non-availability of matching deposits for Interest Period selected
If, after the Borrowers have selected and the Lender has agreed an Interest Period longer than 3 months, the Lender notifies the Borrowers by 10.00 a.m. (London time) on the second Business Day before the commencement of the Interest Period that it is not satisfied that deposits in Dollars for a period equal to the Interest Period will be available to it in the London Interbank Market when the Interest Period commences, the Interest Period shall be of 3 months.
6
DEFAULT INTEREST
6.1
Payment of default interest on overdue amounts
If the Borrowers fail to pay any sum (including, without limitation, any sum payable pursuant to this Clause 6.1) on its due date for payment under any of the Finance Documents, the Borrowers shall pay interest on such sum on demand from the due date up to the date of actual payment (as well after as before judgment) at a rate determined by the Lender, on the due date for payment and thereafter on 30 June and 31 December in each calendar year. Each of such periods for the calculation of interest (other than the first, which shall commence on the due date for payment) shall commence on the last day of the preceding period. The rate of interest applicable to each such period shall be the aggregate (as determined by the Lender) of (a) 2 per cent. per annum, (b) the Margin, (c) LIBOR and (d) Mandatory Cost, if any, for such period. Such interest shall be due and payable on 30 June and 31 December in each calendar year and each such day shall, for the purposes of this Agreement, be treated as the final day of an Interest Period in respect of that amount. The Borrowers hereby specifically acknowledge and agree that the rate of default interest payable pursuant to this Clause 6.1 on any amount which is not paid on its due date shall be the aggregate (as determined by the Lender) of (a) 2 per cent. per annum, (b) the Margin, (c) LIBOR and (d) Mandatory Cost, if any, for the relevant period and that such interest shall also be determined and payable on 30 June and 31 December in each calendar year.  If, for the reasons specified in Clause 4.4, the Lender is unable to determine a rate in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Clause 6.1, interest on any sum not paid on its due date for payment shall be calculated at a rate determined by the Lender to be 2 per cent per annum above the aggregate of (i) the Margin and (ii) the cost of funds to the Lender.
6.2
Notification of interest periods and default rates
The Lender shall promptly notify the Borrowers of each interest rate determined by it under Clause 6.1 and of each period selected by it.
6.3
Payment of accrued default interest
Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, any interest due under this Clause 6 shall be paid on the last day of the period by reference to which it was determined.
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6.4
Compounding of default interest
Any such interest which is not paid at the end of the period by reference to which it was determined shall thereupon be compounded.
7
REPAYMENT AND PREPAYMENT
7.1
Amount of repayment instalments
The Borrowers shall repay the Loan:
(a)
12 consecutive quarterly instalments, in the amount of $700,000 each (each a " Repayment Instalment " and together, the " Repayment Instalments "); and
(b)
together with the twelfth Repayment Instalment, a balloon instalment in the amount of $6,600,000 (the " Balloon Instalment "),
Provided that if the amount drawn down is less than $15,000,000, the Repayment Instalments and the Balloon Instalment will be reduced pro rata by an amount equal to the undrawn amount of the Loan.
7.2
Repayment Dates
The first Repayment Instalment shall be repaid three months after the Drawdown Date of Advance A, each subsequent Repayment Instalment shall be repaid at quarterly intervals thereafter and the last Repayment Instalment together with the Balloon Instalment shall be repaid on the Final Repayment Date.
7.3
Final Repayment Date
On the Final Repayment Date, the Borrowers shall additionally pay to the Lender all other sums then accrued or owing under any Finance Document.
7.4
Voluntary prepayment
Subject to the following conditions, the Borrowers may prepay, without premium or penalty, the whole or any part of any Advance on the last day of an Interest Period.
7.5
Conditions for voluntary prepayment
The conditions referred to in Clause 7.4 are that:
(a)
a partial prepayment shall be $100,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 or any other amount as the Lender may agree with the Borrowers;
(b)
the Lender has received from the Borrowers at least 10 days' prior written notice specifying the amount to be prepaid and the date on which the prepayment is to be made; and
(c)
the Borrowers have provided evidence satisfactory to the Lender that any consent required by any Borrower or any Security Party in connection with the prepayment has been obtained and remains in force, and that any regulation relevant to this Agreement which affects any Borrower or any Security Party has been complied with.
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7.6
Effect of notice of prepayment
A prepayment notice may not be withdrawn or amended without the consent of the Lender and the amount specified in the prepayment notice shall become due and payable by the Borrowers on the date for prepayment specified in the prepayment notice.
7.7
Mandatory prepayment
The Borrowers shall be obliged to prepay the Relevant Amount if a Ship is sold or becomes a Total Loss:
(a)
in the case of a sale, on or before the date on which the sale is completed by delivery of the relevant Ship to the buyer thereof; or
(b)
in the case of a Total Loss, on the earlier of the date falling 90 days after the Total Loss Date and the date of receipt by the Lender of the proceeds of insurance relating to such Total Loss,
Provided that if no Event of Default has occurred which has not been remedied , any remaining proceeds of the sale or Total Loss of a Ship after the prepayment referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above has been made together with all other amounts that are payable on any such prepayment pursuant to the Finance Documents shall be paid to the Borrower that owned the relevant Ship or to any other person appearing to be entitled to it. For the avoidance of doubt, if at the time of sale or Total Loss of a Ship an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrowers shall prepay such part of the Loan as the Lender may require at the time.
(c)
In this Clause 7.7, " Relevant Amount " means an amount equal to the higher of:

(i)
the Loan multiplied by a fraction whose:

(A)
numerator is the sale price (in case of a sale) or the Insured Value (in case of Total Loss), as the case may be, of the Ship being sold or which has become a Total Loss; and

(B)
denominator is the aggregate of (i) the sale price or Insured Value, as the case may be, of the Ship being sold or which has become a Total Loss and (ii) the Market Value of the other Ships then subject to a Mortgage; and

(ii)
an amount, which after giving credit for the amount of the prepayment made pursuant to this Clause 7.7, results in the Security Cover Ratio being equal to the higher of (A) the Security Cover Ratio which needs to be maintained pursuant to Clause 14.1, (B) the Security Cover Ratio which applied immediately prior to the date of sale or the Total Loss Date for the Ship which has been sold or become a Total Loss and (C) 125 per cent..
7.8
Amounts payable on prepayment
A prepayment shall be made together with accrued interest (and any other amount payable under Clause 20 or otherwise) in respect of the amount prepaid and, if the prepayment is not made on the last day of an Interest Period together with any sums payable under Clause 20.1(b) but without premium or penalty.
23



7.9
Application of partial prepayment
Each partial prepayment shall be applied pro rata against the Repayment Instalments and the Balloon Instalment specified in Clause 7.1.
7.10
No reborrowing
No amount repaid or prepaid may be reborrowed.
8
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
8.1
Documents, fees and no default
The Lender's obligation to make an Advance available is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(a)
that, on or before the service of the first Drawdown Notice, the Lender receives the documents described in Part A of Schedule 2 in form and substance satisfactory to it and its lawyers;
(b)
that, on each Drawdown Date but prior to the making of any Advance, the Lender receives the documents described in Part B of Schedule 2 in form and substance satisfactory to it and its lawyers;
(c)
that, on or before the service of each Drawdown Notice, the Lender has received payment of the arrangement fee referred to in Clause 19.1 and has received payment of the expenses referred to in Clause 19.2; and
(d)
that both at the date of each Drawdown Notice and at each Drawdown Date:

(i)
no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred or would result from the borrowing of the relevant Advance;

(ii)
the representations and warranties in Clause 9.1 and those of the Borrowers or any Security Party which are set out in the other Finance Documents would be true and not misleading in any respect if repeated on each of those dates with reference to the circumstances then existing;

(iii)
none of the circumstances contemplated by Clause 4.4 has occurred and is continuing; and

(iv)
there has been no Material Adverse Change; and
(e)
that, if the ratio set out in Clause 14.1 were applied immediately following the making of the an Advance, the Borrowers would not be obliged to provide additional security or prepay part of the Loan under that Clause; and
(f)
that the Lender has received, and found to be acceptable to it, any further opinions, consents, agreements and documents in connection with the Finance Documents which the Lender may request by notice to the Borrowers prior to the Drawdown Date.
24



8.2
Waiver of conditions precedent
If the Lender, at its discretion, permits an Advance to be borrowed before certain of the conditions referred to in Clause 8.1 are satisfied, the Borrowers shall ensure that those conditions are satisfied within 5 Business Days after the Drawdown Date applicable to that Advance (or such longer period as the Lender may specify).
9
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
9.1
General
Each Borrower represents and warrants to the Lender as follows (the representations and warranties in this Clause 9 shall survive the execution of this Agreement and shall be deemed repeated throughout the Security Period on the last day of each Interest Period with respect to the facts and circumstances then existing).
9.2
Status
Each Borrower is duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Republic of Liberia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as the case may be.
9.3
Share capital and ownership
Each Borrower has an authorised share capital divided into 500 registered shares of par value of US$0.01 each, all of which shares have been issued in registered form. The legal title and beneficial ownership of all those shares is held by the Guarantor, in each case free of any Security Interest (other than any Permitted Security Interest) or other claim.
9.4
Corporate power
Each Borrower (and in the case of paragraph (a) below Borrower C has) has the corporate capacity, and has taken all corporate action and obtained all consents necessary for it:
(a)
to execute the MOA and to purchase and pay for Ship C;
(b)
to execute the Finance Documents to which that Borrower is a party; and
(c)
to borrow under this Agreement and to make all the payments contemplated by, and to comply with, those Finance Documents to which that Borrower is a party.
9.5
Consents in force
All the consents referred to in Clause 9.4 remain in force and nothing has occurred which makes any of them liable to revocation.
9.6
Legal validity; effective Security Interests
The Finance Documents to which each Borrower is a party, do now or, as the case may be, will, upon execution and delivery (and, where applicable, registration as provided for in the Finance Documents):
(a)
constitute that Borrower's legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable against that Borrower in accordance with their respective terms; and
25



(b)
create legal, valid and binding Security Interests enforceable in accordance with their respective terms over all the assets to which they, by their terms, relate,
subject to any relevant insolvency laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
9.7
No third party Security Interests
Without limiting the generality of Clause 9.6, at the time of the execution and delivery of each Finance Document:
(a)
each Borrower which is a party to that Finance Document will have the right to create all the Security Interests which that Finance Document purports to create; and
(b)
no third party will have any Security Interest (other than any Permitted Security Interests) or any other interest, right or claim over, in or in relation to any asset to which any such Security Interest, by its terms, relates.
9.8
No conflicts
The execution by (i) each Borrower of each Finance Document to which it is a party, and (ii) Borrower C of the MOA, and the borrowing by each Borrower of the Loan (or any part thereof), and its compliance with each Finance Document to which it is a party will not involve or lead to a contravention of:
(a)
any law or regulation in any Pertinent Jurisdiction; or
(b)
the constitutional documents of any Borrower; or
(c)
any contractual or other obligation or restriction which is binding on any Borrower or any of its assets.
9.9
No withholding taxes
All payments which each Borrower is liable to make under the Finance Documents may be made without deduction or withholding for or on account of any tax payable under any law of any Pertinent Jurisdiction.
9.10
No default
No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred.
9.11
Information
All information which has been provided in writing by or on behalf of the Borrowers or any Security Party to the Lender in connection with any Finance Document satisfied the requirements of Clause 10.5; all audited and unaudited accounts which have been so provided satisfied the requirements of Clause 10.7; and there has been no Material Adverse Change in the financial position or state of affairs of any Borrower or the Guarantor or any other member of the Group from that disclosed in the latest of those accounts.
9.12
No litigation
No legal or administrative action involving a Borrower (including action relating to any alleged or actual breach of the ISM Code or the ISPS Code) has been commenced or taken or, to any
26


Borrower's knowledge, is likely to be commenced or taken which, in either case, would be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on a Borrower's or any Security Party's financial position or profitability.
9.13
Compliance with certain undertakings
At the date of this Agreement, the Borrowers are in compliance with Clauses 10.2, 10.4 and 10.9, 10.10 and 10.12.
9.14
Taxes paid
Each Borrower has paid all taxes applicable to, or imposed on or in relation to that Borrower, its business or the Ship owned by it.
9.15
ISM Code and ISPS Code compliance
All requirements of the ISM Code and the ISPS Code as they relate to the Borrowers, the Approved Manager and the Ships have been complied with.
9.16
No money laundering
Without prejudice to the generality of Clause 2.2, in relation to the borrowing by the Borrowers of the Loan (or any part thereof), the performance and discharge of their obligations and liabilities under the Finance Documents, and the transactions and other arrangements effected or contemplated by the Finance Documents to which each Borrower is a party, each Borrower confirms (i) that it is acting for its own account, (ii) that it will use the proceeds of the Loan for its own benefit, under its full responsibility and exclusively for the purposes specified in this Agreement and (iii) that the foregoing will not involve or lead to contravention of any law, official requirement or other regulatory measure or procedure implemented to combat "money laundering" (as defined in Article 1 of the Directive (91/308/EEC) of the Council of the European Communities).
9.17
Sanctions
(a)
No Borrower nor any Security Party:

(i)
is a Prohibited Party;

(ii)
is owned or controlled by or acting directly or indirectly on behalf of or for the benefit of, a Prohibited Party;

(iii)
owns or controls a Prohibited Party;

(iv)
has a Prohibited Party serving as a director, officer or, to the best of its knowledge, employee; or

(v)
is domiciled or incorporated in any of the restricted countries.
(b)
No proceeds of the Loan shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of a Prohibited Party nor shall they be otherwise directly or indirectly, applied in a manner or for a purpose prohibited by Sanctions.
27



(c)
Each Security Party and each other member of the Group and each affiliate of any of them is in compliance with all Sanctions.
9.18
Validity and completeness of the MOA
The copy of the MOA delivered to the Lender before the date of this Agreement is a true and complete copy and:
(a)
it constitutes valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the parties thereto in accordance with its terms subject to any relevant insolvency laws affecting creditors' rights generally;
(b)
no amendments or additions to it have been agreed (other than those notified to the Lender prior to the date of this Agreement) nor has any of the parties thereto waived any of their respective rights thereunder; and
(c)
it has not been cancelled, terminated, rescinded or suspended or otherwise has ceased to remain in force for any reason.
9.19
No rebates etc.
There is no agreement or understanding to allow or pay any rebate, premium, commission, discount or other benefit or payment (howsoever described) to Borrower C, the Seller or a third party in connection with the purchase by Borrower C of Ship C, other than as disclosed to the Lender in writing on or prior to the date of this Agreement.
10
GENERAL UNDERTAKINGS
10.1
General
Each Borrower undertakes with the Lender to comply with the following provisions of this Clause 10 at all times during the Security Period, except as the Lender may otherwise permit (and in the case of Clause 10.3, such permission to be in writing).
10.2
Title; negative pledge and pari passu ranking
Each Borrower will:
(a)
hold the legal title to, and own the entire direct beneficial interest in the Ship owned by it, her Insurances and Earnings, free from all Security Interests and other interests and rights of every kind, except for those created or permitted by the Finance Documents and the effect of assignments contained in the Finance Documents;
(b)
not create or permit to arise any Security Interest over any other asset, present or future; and
(c)
ensure that its liabilities under the Finance Documents to which it is a party do and will rank at least pari passu with all its other present and future unsecured liabilities, except for liabilities which are mandatorily preferred by law.
10.3
No disposal of assets
No Borrower will transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of:
28



(a)
all or a substantial part of its assets, whether by one transaction or a number of transactions, whether related or not; or
(b)
any debt payable to it or any other right (present, future or contingent right) to receive a payment, including any right to damages or compensation,
but paragraph (a) does not apply to any charter of a Ship as to which Clause 13.13 applies.
10.4
No other liabilities or obligations to be incurred
No Borrower will incur any liability or obligation except (i) in the case of Borrower C liabilities and obligations under the MOA, (ii) liabilities and obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is a party and (iii) liabilities or obligations reasonably incurred in the ordinary course of operating and chartering the Ship owned by it Provided that they have been fully subordinated to the Lender's rights under the Finance Documents on terms acceptable to the Lender.
10.5
Information provided to be accurate
All financial and other information which is provided in writing by or on behalf of a Borrower under or in connection with any Finance Document will be true and not misleading and will not omit any material fact or consideration.
10.6
Provision of financial statements
The Borrowers will send, or procure there are sent, to the Lender:
(a)
as soon as possible, but in no event later than 120 days after the end of each Financial Year of each Borrower and the Guarantor, the individual management accounts of each Borrower and the consolidated audited annual financial statements of the Group for that Financial Year (commencing with the unaudited management accounts or the audited financial statements (as the case may be) for the Financial Year which ended on 31 December 2018 in respect of the Borrowers and on 31 December 2018 in respect of the Guarantor);
(b)
as soon as possible, but in no event later than 90 days after the end of each 6-month period ending on 30 June and 31 December in each Financial Year of each Borrower or, as the case may be, the Guarantor, the semi-annual individual unaudited management accounts in respect of each Borrower or, in the case of the Guarantor, the semi-annual consolidated unaudited financial statements of the Group, in each case, for that 6-month period (commencing with the management accounts for the 6-month period ending on 30 June 2018 in respect of each Borrower and the financial statements for the period ending on 30 June 2018 in respect of the Guarantor), duly certified as to their correctness by the chief financial officer of the Guarantor;
(c)
from time to time, and on demand such financial or other information relating to the Borrowers, the Guarantor, the Group and/or a Ship as may be requested by the Lender.
10.7
Form of financial statements
All accounts (audited and unaudited) delivered under Clause 10.6 will:
(a)
be prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;
29



(b)
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Borrowers, the Guarantor and the Group at the date of those accounts and of their profit for the period to which those accounts relate; and
(c)
fully disclose or provide for all significant liabilities of each Borrower, the Guarantor and the Group.
10.8
Compliance Certificate
(a)
The Borrowers shall supply to the Lender, together with each set of financial statements delivered pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of Clause 10.6, a Compliance Certificate.
(b)
Each Compliance Certificate shall be duly signed by the chief financial officer of the Guarantor and two directors of the Borrowers, evidencing the Guarantor's compliance with the financial covenants set out in the Guarantee.
10.9
Shareholder and creditor notices
Each Borrower will send the Lender, at the same time as they are despatched, copies of all communications which are despatched to that Borrower's creditors or any class of them.
10.10
Consents
Each Borrower will maintain in force and promptly obtain or renew, and will promptly send certified copies to the Lender of, all consents required:
(a)
in the case of Borrower C, to perform its obligations under the MOA;
(b)
for that Borrower to perform its obligations under any Finance Document to which it is a party;
(c)
for the validity or enforceability of any Finance Document to which it is a party;
(d)
for the validity or enforceability of the MOA; and
(e)
for that Borrower to continue to own and operate the Ship owned by it,
and that Borrower will comply with the terms of all such consents.
10.11
Maintenance of Security Interests
Each Borrower will:
(a)
at its own cost, do all that it can to ensure that any Finance Document, validly creates the obligations and the Security Interests which it purports to create; and
(b)
without limiting the generality of paragraph (a), at its own cost, promptly register, file, record or enrol any Finance Document with any court or authority in all Pertinent Jurisdictions, pay any stamp, registration or similar tax in all Pertinent Jurisdictions in respect of any Finance Document, give any notice or take any other step which may be or become necessary or desirable for any Finance Document to be valid, enforceable or admissible in evidence or to ensure or protect the priority of any Security Interest which it creates.
30



10.12
Notification of litigation
Each Borrower will promptly provide the Lender with details of any legal or administrative action involving that Borrower, any Security Party, the Approved Manager or the Ship owned by it, the Earnings or the Insurances as soon as such action is instituted or it becomes apparent to that Borrower that it is likely to be instituted, unless it is clear that the legal or administrative action cannot be considered material in the context of any Finance Document.
10.13
Principal place of business
Each Borrower will maintain its place of business, and keep its corporate documents and records, at the address stated in clause 27.2(a) and will not establish, or do anything as a result of which it would be deemed to have, a place of business in the Unites States or the United Kingdom.
10.14
Confirmation of no default
Each Borrower will, within 2 Business Days after service by the Lender of a written request, serve on the Lender a notice which is signed by a director of that Borrower and which:
(a)
states that no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred; or
(b)
states that no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred, except for a specified event or matter, of which all material details are given.
10.15
Notification of default
Each Borrower will notify the Lender as soon as that Borrower becomes aware of:
(a)
the occurrence of an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default; or
(b)
any matter which indicates that an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default may have occurred,
and will keep the Lender fully up‑to‑date with all developments.
10.16
Provision of further information
Each Borrower will, promptly after receiving the Lender's request, provide the Lender with any additional financial or other information relating:
(a)
to that Borrower, the Guarantor, the Ship owned by it, the Earnings or the Insurances; or
(b)
to any other matter relevant to, or to any provision of, a Finance Document,
which may be requested by the Lender at any time.
10.17
"Know your customer" checks
If:
(a)
the introduction of or any change in (or in the interpretation, administration or application of) any law or regulation made after the date of this Agreement;
31



(b)
any change in the status of a Borrower or any Security Party after the date of this Agreement; or
(c)
a proposed assignment or transfer by the Lender of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a party that is not a Lender prior to such assignment or transfer,
obliges the Lender (or, in the case of paragraph (c), any prospective new Lender) to comply with "know your customer" or similar identification procedures in circumstances where the necessary information is not already available to it, the Borrowers shall promptly upon the request of the Lender supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is requested by the Lender (for itself or, in the case of the event described in paragraph (c), on behalf of any prospective new Lender) in order for the Lender or, in the case of the event described in paragraph (c), any prospective new Lender to carry out and be satisfied it has complied with all necessary "know your customer" or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations pursuant to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents.
10.18
No amendment to the MOA
Borrower C will not agree to any amendment or supplement to, or waive or fail to enforce, the MOA or any of its provisions.
11
CORPORATE UNDERTAKINGS
11.1
General
Each Borrower also undertakes with the Lender to comply with the following provisions of this Clause 11 at all times during the Security Period except as the Lender may otherwise permit.
11.2
Maintenance of status
Each Borrower will maintain its separate corporate existence and remain in good standing under the laws of the Republic of Liberia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as the case may be.
11.3
Negative undertakings
No Borrower will:
(a)
carry on any type of business other than the ownership, chartering and operation of the Ship owned by it; or
(b)
pay any dividend if an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or will occur as a result of the payment of that dividend; or
(c)
make any other form of distribution or effect any form of redemption, purchase or return of share capital; or
(d)
provide any form of credit or financial assistance to:

(i)
a person who is directly or indirectly interested in that Borrower's share or loan capital; or
32




(ii)
any company in or with which such a person is directly or indirectly interested or connected,
or enter into any transaction with or involving such a person or company on terms which are, in any respect, less favourable to that Borrower than those which it could obtain in a bargain made at arms' length. Any shareholder loans, intercompany loans, affiliate loans and third party loans to any Borrower shall be fully subordinated to the rights of the Lender under this Agreement and the Finance Documents, on terms satisfactory to the Lender in its sole discretion;
(e)
open or maintain any account with any bank or financial institution except accounts with the Lender for the purposes of the Finance Documents (including, without limitation, the Earnings Accounts and the Retention Account);
(f)
issue, allot or grant any person a right to any shares in its capital or repurchase or reduce its issued share capital;
(g)
acquire any shares or other securities other than US or UK Treasury bills and certificates of deposit issued by major North American or European banks, or enter into any transaction in a derivative;
(h)
enter into any form of amalgamation, merger or de-merger or any form of reconstruction or reorganisation;
(i)
acquire any vessel other than the Ship owned by it; or
(j)
incur any Financial Indebtedness, other than (i) in the ordinary course of owning and operating the Ship owned by it, (ii) as otherwise contemplated pursuant to this Agreement and the other Finance Documents and (iii) at all times until the Drawdown Date the Existing Indebtedness.
11.4
Financial Developments
Without prejudice to the obligations of the Borrowers pursuant to Clause 11.3, each Borrower shall promptly inform the Lender of all major financial developments affecting any Borrower, the Guarantor or any member of the Group, including but not limited to the purchase or sale of any vessel other than the Ships and the creation of any Financial Indebtedness other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
11.5
Minimum Liquidity
Each Borrower shall maintain in its Earnings Account, from the Drawdown Date and at all times thereafter during the Security Period, a free cash deposit in an amount of not less than $300,000 (the " Minimum Liquidity ").
12
INSURANCE
Each Borrower also undertakes with the Lender to comply with the following provisions of this Clause 12 from the Drawdown Date of the Advance relative to its Ship at all times during the Security Period except as the Lender may otherwise permit.
33



12.1
Maintenance of obligatory insurances
Each Borrower shall keep the Ship owned by it insured at the expense of that Borrower against:
(a)
fire and usual marine risks (including, without limitation, hull and machinery and excess risks);
(b)
war risks   (including, without limitation, terrorism, piracy and confiscation);
(c)
protection and indemnity risks (including liability for oil pollution, excess war risk P&I cover and the proportion (if any) of any collision liability not covered under the terms of the hull cover) on standard club rules, covered by a Protection and Indemnity association which is a member of the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Associations (" IGA ") (or, if IGA ceases to exist, any other leading protection and indemnity association or other leading provider of protection and indemnity insurance acceptable to the Lender);
(d)
freight, demurrage and defence risks; and
(e)
any other risks against which the Lender, having regard to practices and other circumstances prevailing at the relevant time, may request from time to time and which, in the opinion of the Lender, are reasonable for that Borrower to insure and which are specified by the Lender by notice to that Borrower.
12.2
Terms of obligatory insurances
Each Borrower shall effect such insurances:
(a)
in Dollars;
(b)
in the case of fire and usual marine risks and war risks, in an amount on an agreed value basis at least the greater of (i) the Market Value of the Ship owned by it and (ii) an amount which, when aggregated with the amount for which the other Ships then subject to a Mortgage are insured pursuant to this Clause, is equal to 125 per cent. of the Loan;
(c)
in the case of oil pollution liability risks, for an aggregate amount equal to the highest level of cover from time to time available under basic protection and indemnity club entry and in the international marine insurance market (currently $1,000,000,000);
(d)
in relation to protection and indemnity risks in respect of the full tonnage of the Ship owned by it;
(e)
on approved terms; and
(f)
through first class approved brokers and with first class approved insurance companies and/or underwriters or, in the case of war risks and protection and indemnity risks, in approved war risks and protection and indemnity risks associations.
12.3
Further protections for the Lender
In addition to the terms set out in Clause 12.3, each Borrower shall procure that the obligatory insurances shall:
34



(a)
subject always to paragraph (b), name that Borrower as the sole named assured unless the interest of every other named assured is limited:

(i)
in respect of any obligatory insurances for hull and machinery and war risks;

(A)
to any provable out-of-pocket expenses that it has incurred and which form part of any recoverable claim on underwriters; and

(B)
to any third party liability claims where cover for such claims is provided by the policy (and then only in respect of discharge of any claims made against it); and

(ii)
in respect of any obligatory insurances for protection and indemnity risks, to any recoveries it is entitled to make by way of reimbursement following discharge of any third party liability claims made specifically against it;
and every other named assured has undertaken in writing to the Lender (in such form as it requires) that it shall do all things necessary and provide all documents, evidence and information to enable the Lender to collect or recover any moneys which at any time become payable in respect of the obligatory insurances;
(b)
in the case of any obligatory insurances against any risks other than protection and indemnity risks, and whenever the Lender requires, name (or be amended to name) the Lender as additional named assured for its rights and interests, warranted no operational interest and with full waiver of rights of subrogation against the Lender, but without the Lender thereby being liable to pay (but having the right to pay) premiums, calls or other assessments in respect of such insurance;
(c)
name the Lender as loss payee with such directions for payment as the Lender may specify;
(d)
provide that all payments by or on behalf of the insurers under the obligatory insurances to the Lender shall be made without set-off, counterclaim or deductions or condition whatsoever;
(e)
provide that such obligatory insurances shall be primary without right of contribution from other insurances which may be carried by the Lender;
(f)
provide that the Lender may make proof of loss if that Borrower fails to do so;
(g)
provide that the Lender will be notified promptly in case of any material changes to the obligatory insurances which adversely affects the interest of the Lender; and
(h)
provide that if any obligatory insurance is cancelled, or if any obligatory insurance is allowed to lapse for non-payment of premium, such cancellation, or lapse shall not be effective for 14 days (or 7 days in the case of war risks) after receipt by the Lender of prior written notice from the insurers of such cancellation or lapse.
12.4
Renewal of obligatory insurances
Each Borrower shall:
(a)
at least 21 days before the expiry of any obligatory insurance:
35




(i)
notify the Lender of the brokers (or other insurers) and any protection and indemnity or war risks association through or with whom that Borrower proposes to renew that obligatory insurance and of the proposed terms of renewal; and

(ii)
obtain the Lender's approval to the matters referred to in paragraph (i);
(b)
at least 14 days before the expiry of any obligatory insurance, renew that obligatory insurance in accordance with the Lender's approval pursuant to paragraph (a); and
(c)
procure that the approved brokers and/or the war risks and protection and indemnity associations with which such a renewal is effected shall promptly after the renewal notify the Lender in writing of the terms and conditions of the renewal.
12.5
Copies of policies; letters of undertaking
Each Borrower shall ensure that all approved brokers provide the Lender with pro forma copies of all policies relating to the obligatory insurances which they are to effect or renew and with a letter or letters or undertaking in a form approved by the Lender and including undertakings by the approved brokers that:
(a)
they will have endorsed on each policy, immediately upon issue, a loss payable clause and a notice of assignment complying with the provisions of Clause 12.2;
(b)
they will hold such policies, and the benefit of such insurances, to the order of the Lender in accordance with the said loss payable clause;
(c)
they will advise the Lender immediately of any material change to the terms of the obligatory insurances;
(d)
they will notify the Lender, not less than 14 days before the expiry of the obligatory insurances, in the event of their not having received notice of renewal instructions from that Borrower or its agents and, in the event of their receiving instructions to renew, they will promptly notify the Lender of the terms of the instructions;
(e)
if the insurances form part of a fleet cover they will not set off against any sum recoverable in respect of a claim relating to the Ship owned by that Borrower under such obligatory insurances any premiums or other amounts due to them or any other person whether in respect of the Ship owned by it or otherwise, they waive any lien on the policies, or any sums received under them, which they might have in respect of such premiums or other amounts,; and
(f)
they will not cancel such obligatory insurances by reason of non-payment of such premiums or other amounts for 14 days (or 7 days in the case of war risks) after the receipt by the Lender of a prior written notice and they will arrange for a separate policy to be issued in respect of the Ship forthwith upon being so requested by the Lender.
12.6
Copies of certificates of entry
Each Borrower shall ensure that any protection and indemnity and/or war risks associations in which the Ship owned by it is entered provides the Lender with:
(a)
a certified copy of the certificate of entry for that Ship;
36



(b)
a letter or letters of undertaking in such form as may be required by the Lender;
(c)
where required to be issued under the terms of insurance/indemnity provided by that Borrower's protection and indemnity association, a certified copy of each United States of America voyage quarterly declaration (or other similar document or documents) made by the Borrower in relation to the Ship owned by it in accordance with the requirements of such protection and indemnity association; and
(d)
a certified copy of each certificate of financial responsibility for pollution by oil or other Environmentally Sensitive Material issued by the relevant certifying authority in relation to that Ship.
12.7
Deposit of original policies
Each Borrower shall ensure that all policies relating to obligatory insurances are deposited with the approved brokers through which the insurances effected by it are effected or renewed.
12.8
Payment of premiums
Each Borrower shall punctually pay all premiums or other sums payable in respect of the obligatory insurances effected by it and produce all relevant receipts when so required by the Lender.
12.9
Guarantees
Each Borrower shall ensure that any guarantees required by a protection and indemnity or war risks association are promptly issued and remain in full force and effect.
12.10
Compliance with terms of insurances
No Borrower shall do nor omit to do (nor permit to be done or not to be done) any act or thing which would or might render any obligatory insurance invalid, void, voidable or unenforceable or render any sum payable under an obligatory insurance repayable in whole or in part; and, in particular:
(a)
each Borrower shall take all necessary action and comply with all requirements which may from time to time be applicable to the obligatory insurances, and (without limiting the obligation contained in Clause 12.6(c)) if applicable) ensure that the obligatory insurances are not made subject to any exclusions or qualifications to which the Lender has not given its prior approval;
(b)
no Borrower shall make any changes relating to the classification or classification society or any manager or operator of the Ship owned by it unless approved by the underwriters of the obligatory insurances;
(c)
each Borrower shall make (and promptly supply copies to the Lender of) all quarterly or other voyage declarations which may be required by the protection and indemnity risks association in which the Ship owned by it is entered to maintain cover for trading to the United States of America and Exclusive Economic Zone (as defined in the United States Oil Pollution Act 1990 or any other applicable legislation); and
(d)
no Borrower shall employ the Ship owned by it, nor allow it to be employed, otherwise than in conformity with the terms and conditions of the obligatory insurances, without first
37


obtaining the consent of the insurers and complying with any requirements (as to extra premium or otherwise) which the insurers specify.
12.11
Alteration to terms of insurances
No Borrower shall either make or agree to any alteration to the terms of any obligatory insurance nor waive any right relating to any obligatory insurance without the Lender's prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld).
12.12
Settlement of claims
No Borrower shall settle, compromise or abandon any claim under any obligatory insurance for Total Loss or for a Major Casualty without the Lender's prior consent, and shall do all things necessary and provide all documents, evidence and information to enable the Lender to collect or recover any moneys which at any time become payable in respect of the obligatory insurances in accordance with the Finance Documents.
12.13
Provision of copies of communications
Each Borrower shall provide the Lender, at the time of each such communication, copies of all written communications between that Borrower and:
(a)
the approved brokers; and
(b)
the approved protection and indemnity and/or war risks associations; and
(c)
the approved insurance companies and/or underwriters, which relate directly or indirectly to:

(i)
that Borrower's obligations relating to the obligatory insurances including, without limitation, all requisite declarations and payments of additional premiums or calls;

(ii)
any credit arrangements made between that Borrower and any of the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) relating wholly or partly to the effecting or maintenance of the obligatory insurances; and

(iii)
a claim in an amount higher than $400,000 under the obligatory insurances of the Ship owned by it.
12.14
Provision of information
In addition, each Borrower shall promptly provide the Lender (or any persons which it may designate) with any information which the Lender (or any such designated person) requests for the purpose of:
(a)
obtaining or preparing any report from an independent marine insurance broker as to the adequacy of the obligatory insurances effected or proposed to be effected; and/or
(b)
effecting, maintaining or renewing any such insurances as are referred to in Clause 12.16 below or dealing with or considering any matters relating to any such insurances,
and each Borrower shall, forthwith upon demand, indemnify the Lender in respect of all fees
38


and other expenses incurred by or for the account of the Lender in connection with any such report as is referred to in paragraph (a), Provided that at all times where (i) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) no alterations to the obligatory insurances and/or the insurers of the Ships have been made, the Borrowers will only bear the costs of such insurance reports once per year).
12.15
Mortgagee's interest, additional perils
The Lender shall be entitled from time to time to effect, maintain and renew a mortgagee's interest marine insurance in an amount equal to 115 per cent. of the Loan, on such terms, through such insurers and generally in such manner as the Lender may from time to time consider appropriate and each Borrower shall, following a 5 Business Days' prior written demand and the receipt  of appropriate vouchers and/or invoices, fully indemnify the Lender in respect of all premiums and other expenses which are incurred in connection with or with a view to effecting, maintaining or renewing any such insurance or dealing with, or considering, any matter arising out of any such insurance.
12.16
Review of insurance requirements
The Lender shall be entitled to review the requirements of this Clause 12 from time to time in order to take account of any changes in circumstances after the date of this Agreement which are, in the opinion of the Lender, significant and capable of affecting any Borrower or the Ships and its or their insurance (including, without limitation, changes in the availability or the cost of insurance coverage or the risks to which any Borrower may be subject), and may, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing and provided that no alterations to the terms of the obligatory insurances and/or the insurers of the Ships have been made, appoint insurance consultants in relation to this review at the cost of the Borrowers.
12.17
Modification of insurance requirements
The Lender shall notify the Borrowers of any proposed modification under Clause 12.11 to the requirements of this Clause 12 which the Lender (acting reasonably) consider appropriate in the circumstances, and such modification shall take effect on and from the date it is notified in writing to the Borrowers as an amendment to this Clause 12 and shall bind the Borrowers accordingly.
12.18
Compliance with mortgagee's instructions
The Lender shall be entitled (without prejudice to or limitation of any other rights which it may have or acquire under any Finance Document) to require a Ship to remain at any safe port or to proceed to and remain at any safe port designated by the Lender until the Borrower owing that Ship, implements any amendments to the terms of the obligatory insurances and any operational changes required as a result of a notice served under Clause 12.17.
13
SHIP COVENANTS
13.1
General
Each Borrower also undertakes with the Lender to comply with the following provisions of this Clause 13 from the Drawdown Date of the Advance relative to its Ship at all times during the Security Period except as the Lender may otherwise permit in writing.
39



13.2
Ship's name and registration
Each Borrower shall keep the Ship owned by it registered in its name under an Approved Flag; shall not do, omit to do or allow to be done anything as a result of which such registration might be cancelled or imperilled; and shall not change the name or port of registry of the Ship owned by it.
13.3
Repair and classification
Each Borrower shall keep the Ship owned by it in a good and safe condition and state of repair:
(a)
consistent with first‑class ship ownership and management practice;
(b)
so as to maintain the highest class with a first class classification society (which is a member of IACS acceptable to the Lender) free of overdue recommendations and conditions affecting class; and
(c)
so as to comply with all laws and regulations applicable to vessels registered under the applicable Approved Flag or to vessels trading to any jurisdiction to which that Ship may trade from time to time, including but not limited to the ISM Code and the ISPS Code,
and shall provide evidence acceptable to the Lender, upon the Lender's request, that its Ship maintains such class.
13.4
Classification society undertaking
Each Borrower shall or shall procure that the Approved Manager shall instruct the classification society referred to in Clause 13.3 (and procure that the classification society undertakes with the Lender):
(a)
to send to the Lender, following receipt of a written request from the Lender, certified true copies of all original class records held by the classification society in relation to that Ship;
(b)
to allow the Lender (or its agents), at any time and from time to time, to inspect the original class and related records of that Borrower and that Ship at the offices of the classification society and to take copies of them;
(c)
to notify the Lender immediately in writing if the classification society:

(i)
receives notification from that Borrower or any other person that that Ship's classification society is to be changed; or

(ii)
becomes aware of any facts or matters which may result in or have resulted in a change, suspension, discontinuance, withdrawal or expiry of that Ship's class under the rules or terms and conditions of that Borrower's or that Ship's membership of the classification society; and
(d)
following receipt of a written request from the Lender:

(i)
to confirm that that Borrower is not in default of any of its contractual obligations or liabilities to the classification society and, without limiting the foregoing, that it has paid in full all fees or other charges due and payable to the classification society; or
40




(ii)
if that Borrower is in default of any of its contractual obligations or liabilities to the classification society, to specify to the Lender in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances of such default, the consequences of such default, and any remedy period agreed or allowed by the classification society.
13.5
Modification
No Borrower shall make any modification or repairs to, or replacement of, any Ship or equipment installed on it which would or might materially and adversely alter the structure, type or performance characteristics of that Ship or materially reduce its market value.
13.6
Removal of parts
No Borrower shall remove any material part of any Ship, or any item of equipment installed on any Ship, unless the part or item so removed is forthwith replaced by a suitable part or item which is in the same condition as or better condition than the part or item removed, is free from any Security Interest or any right in favour of any person other than the Lender and becomes on installation on the relevant Ship the property of the relevant Borrower and subject to the security constituted by the relevant Mortgage  Provided that a Borrower may install equipment owned by a third party if the equipment can be removed without any risk of damage to the Ship owned by it.
13.7
Surveys
Each Borrower shall submit the Ship owned by it regularly to all periodical or other surveys which may be required for classification purposes and, if so required by the Lender provide the Lender, with copies of all survey reports.
13.8
Inspection
Each Borrower shall permit the Lender (by surveyors or other persons appointed by it for that purpose) to board the Ship owned by it at all times (with the cost of such inspections being for the account of that Borrower) to inspect its condition or to satisfy themselves about proposed or executed repairs and shall afford all proper facilities for such inspections Provided that until the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing the Borrowers shall incur the costs of not more than one (1) inspection per Ship annually.
13.9
Prevention of and release from arrest
Each Borrower shall promptly discharge:
(a)
all liabilities which give or may give rise to maritime or possessory liens on or claims enforceable against the Ship, the Earnings or the Insurances;
(b)
all taxes, dues and other amounts charged in respect of the Ship owned by it, the Earnings or the Insurances; and
(c)
all other outgoings whatsoever in respect of the Ship owned by it, the Earnings or the Insurances,
and, forthwith upon receiving notice of the arrest of the Ship owned by it, or of its detention in exercise or purported exercise of any lien or claim, that Borrower shall procure its release
41


promptly and in any event by no later than three (3) Business Days, by providing bail or otherwise as the circumstances may require.
13.10
Compliance with laws etc.
Each Borrower shall and shall procure that the Approved Manager shall:
(a)
comply, or procure compliance with the ISM Code, the ISPS Code, all Environmental Laws, all Sanctions and all other laws or regulations relating to the Ship owned by it, its ownership, operation and management or to the business of that Borrower;
(b)
not employ the Ship owned by it nor allow its employment in any manner contrary to any law or regulation in any Pertinent Jurisdiction including but not limited to the ISM Code and the ISPS Code; and
(c)
in the event of hostilities in any part of the world (whether war is declared or not), not cause or permit the Ship owned by it to enter or trade to any zone which is declared a war zone by any government or by the Ship's war risks insurers unless the prior written consent of the Lender has been given and that Borrower has (at its expense) effected any special, additional or modified insurance cover which the Lender may require.
13.11
Provision of information
Each Borrower shall promptly provide the Lender with any information which it reasonably requests regarding:
(a)
the Ship owned by it, its employment, position and engagements;
(b)
the Earnings and payments and amounts due to the master and crew of the Ship owned by it;
(c)
any expenses incurred, or likely to be incurred, in connection with the operation, maintenance or repair of the Ship owned by it and any payments made in respect of that Ship;
(d)
any towages and salvages; and
(e)
its compliance, the Approved Manager's and the compliance of the Ship owned by it with the ISM Code and the ISPS Code,
and, upon the Lender's request, provide copies of any current charter relating to the Ship owned by it, of any current charter guarantee and copies of the Borrower's or the Approved Manager's Document of Compliance.
13.12
Notification of certain events
Each Borrower shall immediately notify the Lender by fax, confirmed forthwith by letter, of:
(a)
any casualty which is or is likely to be or to become a Major Casualty;
(b)
any occurrence as a result of which the Ship owned by it has become or is, by the passing of time or otherwise, likely to become a Total Loss;
42



(c)
any requirement or recommendation made by any insurer or classification society or by any competent authority which is not immediately complied with in accordance with its terms;
(d)
any arrest or detention of the Ship owned by it which is not lifted within forth eight (48) hours, any exercise or purported exercise of any lien on that Ship or its Earnings or any requisition of that Ship for hire;
(e)
any intended dry docking of the Ship owned by it;
(f)
any Environmental Claim made against that Borrower or in connection with the Ship owned by it, or any Environmental Incident;
(g)
any claim for breach of the ISM Code or the ISPS Code being made against that Borrower, the Approved Manager or otherwise in connection with the Ship owned by it; or
(h)
any other matter, event or incident, actual or threatened, the effect of which will or could lead to the ISM Code or the ISPS Code not being complied with,
and that Borrower shall keep the Lender advised in writing on a regular basis and in such detail as the Lender shall require of that Borrower's, the Approved Manager's or any other person's response to any of those events or matters.
13.13
Restrictions on chartering, appointment of managers etc.
No Borrower shall, in relation to the Ship owned by it:
(a)
let that Ship on demise charter for any period;
(b)
enter into any time or consecutive voyage charter in respect of that Ship for a term which is equal to or exceeds, or which by virtue of any optional extensions may be equal to or exceed, 12 months;
(c)
enter into any charter in relation to that Ship under which more than 2 months' hire (or the equivalent) is payable in advance;
(d)
charter that Ship otherwise than on bona fide arm's length terms at the time when that Ship is fixed;
(e)
appoint a manager of that Ship other than the Approved Manager or agree to any alteration to the terms of the Approved Manager's appointment;
(f)
de‑activate or lay up that Ship; or
(g)
put that Ship into the possession of any person for the purpose of work being done upon it in an amount exceeding or likely to exceed $400,000 (or the equivalent in any other currency) unless that person has first given to the Lender and in terms satisfactory to it a written undertaking not to exercise any lien on that Ship or its Earnings for the cost of such work or for any other reason.
13.14
Notice of Mortgage
Each Borrower shall keep the relevant Mortgage registered against the Ship owned by it as a valid first priority or preferred (as the case may be) mortgage, carry on board that Ship a
43



certified copy of the relevant Mortgage and place and maintain in a conspicuous place in the navigation room and the Master's cabin of that Ship a framed printed notice stating that the Ship is mortgaged by that Borrower to the Lender.
13.15
Sharing of Earnings
No Borrower shall enter into any agreement or arrangement for the sharing of any Earnings other than a profit sharing agreed at arm's length under a charter party provided that it is not a part of any pool arrangement, in which case the Lender's prior written consent will be required.
13.16
Charterparty Assignment
If any Borrower enters into:
(a)
an Approved Charter, that Borrower shall at the request of the Lender execute in favour of the Lender (and register, if applicable) a Charterparty Assignment in respect of such Approved Charter and shall deliver to the Lender any documents in relation thereto which the Lender may require; or
(b)
a bareboat or demise charter, that Borrower shall at the request of the Lender execute in favour of the Lender a Charterparty Assignment and/ or a tripartite agreement (as the Lender may require) and shall deliver to the Lender such other documents, including, without limitation documents in respect of the relevant bareboat charterer, equivalent to those referred to at paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of Part A and paragraph 10 of Part B of Schedule 2 hereof as the Lender may require.
13.17
ISPS Code
Each Borrower shall comply with the ISPS Code and in particular, without limitation, shall:
(a)
procure that the Ship owned by that Borrower and the company responsible for that Ship's compliance with the ISPS Code comply with the ISPS Code; and
(b)
maintain for that Ship an ISSC; and
(c)
notify the Lender immediately in writing of any actual or threatened withdrawal, suspension, cancellation or modification of the ISSC.
13.18
Trading certificates
Each Borrower shall ensure that it and the Ship owned by it shall maintain at all times unexpired and valid certificates required for the trading of that Ship and procure that the Approved Managers will comply with the requirements of this Clause 13.18.
14
SECURITY COVER
14.1
Minimum required security cover
Clause 14.2 applies if the Lender notifies the Borrowers that the Security Cover Ratio is below 125 per cent. of the Loan.
44



14.2
Provision of additional prepayment
If the Lender serves a notice on the Borrowers under Clause 14.1, the Borrowers shall prepay such part (at least) of the Loan as will eliminate the shortfall on or before the date falling 30 days after the date on which the Lender's notice is served under Clause 14.1 (the " Prepayment   Date ") unless at least 1 Business Day before the Prepayment Date it has provided, or ensured that a third party (acceptable to the Lender) has provided, additional security which, in the opinion of the Lender, has a net realisable value at least equal to the shortfall and which has been documented in such terms as the Lender may approve or require, in its absolute discretion (including, without limitation, cash pledged in favour of the Lender and/or first preferred mortgage over a collateral vessel).
14.3
Meaning of additional security
In Clause 14.2 " security " means a Security Interest over an asset or assets (whether securing the Borrower's liabilities under the Finance Documents or a guarantee in respect of those liabilities), or a guarantee, letter of credit or other security in respect of the Borrowers' liabilities under the Finance Documents.
14.4
Requirement for additional documents
The Borrowers shall not be deemed to have complied with Clause 14.2 above until the Lender has received in connection with the additional security certified copies of documents of the kinds referred to in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of Schedule 2, Part A and such legal opinions in terms acceptable to the Lender from such lawyers as they may select.
14.5
Valuation of Ship
The Market Value of a Ship at any date is that shown by a valuation prepared:
(a)
as at a date not more than 30 days previously;
(b)
by an Approved Broker appointed by the Lender;
(c)
in Dollars;
(d)
with or without physical inspection of that Ship (as the Lender may require); and
(e)
on the basis of a sale for prompt delivery for cash on normal arm's length commercial terms as between a willing seller and a willing buyer free of any existing charter or other contract of employment.
14.6
Value of additional vessel security
The net realisable value of any additional security which is provided under Clause 14.2 and which consists of a Security Interest over a vessel shall be that shown by a valuation complying with the requirements of Clause 14.5 and if in the form of freely available Dollars in cash it will be valued on a dollar for dollar basis.
45



14.7
Valuations binding
Any valuation under Clause 14.2, 14.5 or 14.6 shall (absent manifest error) be binding and conclusive as regards the Borrowers, as shall be any valuation which the Lender makes of any additional security which does not consist of or include a Security Interest.
14.8
Provision of information
The Borrowers shall promptly provide the Lender and any Approved Broker or expert acting under Clause 14.5 or 14.6 with any information which the Lender or the Approved Broker or expert may request for the purposes of the valuation; and, if the Borrowers fail to provide the information by the date specified in the request, the valuation may be made on any basis and assumptions which the Approved Broker or the Lender (or the expert appointed by it) considers prudent.
14.9
Payment of valuation expenses
Without prejudice to the generality of the Borrowers' obligations under Clauses 19.2, 19.3 and 20.3, the Borrower shall, on demand, pay the Lender the amount of the fees and expenses of any Approved Broker or expert instructed by the Lender under this Clause and all legal and other expenses incurred by the Lender in connection with any matter arising out of this Clause.
14.10
Frequency of Valuations
The Borrowers acknowledge and agree that the Lender may commission valuations of a Ship at such times as the Lender shall deem necessary (in its absolute discretion) and, in any event, not less often than once during each 12 month period of the Security Period .
14.11
Application of prepayment
Clause 7 shall apply in relation to any prepayment pursuant to Clause 14.2.
15
PAYMENTS AND CALCULATIONS
15.1
Currency and method of payments
All payments to be made by any Borrower to the Lender under a Finance Document shall be made to the Lender:
(a)
by not later than 14.00 a.m. (Athens time) on the due date; and
(b)
in same day Dollar funds settled through the New York Clearing House Interbank Payments System (or in such other Dollar funds and/or settled in such other manner as the Lender shall specify as being customary at the time for the settlement of international transactions of the type contemplated by this Agreement).
15.2
Payment on non-Business Day
If any payment by any Borrower under a Finance Document would otherwise fall due on a day which is not a Business Day:
(a)
the due date shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day; or
46



(b)
if the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next calendar month, the due date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day,
and interest shall be payable during any extension under paragraph ((a)) at the rate payable on the original due date.
15.3
Basis for calculation of periodic payments
All interest and any other payments under any Finance Document which are of an annual or periodic nature shall accrue from day to day and shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 360 day year.
15.4
Lender accounts
The Lender shall maintain an account showing the amounts advanced by the Lender and all other sums owing to the Lender from the Borrowers and each Security Party under the Finance Documents and all payments in respect of those amounts made by the Borrowers and any Security Party.
15.5
Accounts prima facie evidence
If the account maintained under Clause 15.4 shows an amount to be owing by the Borrowers or a Security Party to the Lender, that account shall absent manifest error be prima facie evidence that that amount is owing to the Lender.
16
APPLICATION OF RECEIPTS
16.1
Normal order of application
Except as any Finance Document may otherwise provide, any sums which are received or recovered by the Lender under or by virtue of any Finance Document shall be applied:
(a)
FIRST: in or towards payment pro rata of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses of the Lender under the Finance Documents;
(b)
SECONDLY: in or towards payment pro rata of any accrued interest or commission due but unpaid under the Finance Documents;
(c)
THIRDLY: in or towards payment pro rata of any principal due but unpaid under this Agreement;
(d)
FOURTHLY: in or towards payment pro rata of any other amounts due but unpaid under any Finance Document;
(e)
FIFTHLY: in retention of an amount equal to any amount not then due and payable under any Finance Document but which the Lender, by notice to the Borrowers and the Security Parties, states in its opinion will or may become due and payable in the future and, upon those amounts becoming due and payable, in or towards satisfaction of them in accordance with the provisions of Clause 16.1(a), 16.1(b), 16.1(c) and 16.1(d);
(f)
SIXTHLY: any surplus shall be paid to the Borrowers or to any other person appearing to be entitled to it.
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16.2
Variation of order of application
Following the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Lender may, by notice to the Borrowers and the Security Parties, provide for a different manner of application from that set out in Clause 16.1 either as regards a specified sum or sums or as regards sums in a specified category or categories.
16.3
Notice of variation of order of application
The Lender may give notices under Clause 16.2 from time to time; and such a notice may be stated to apply not only to sums which may be received or recovered in the future, but also to any sum which has been received or recovered on or after the third Business Day before the date on which the notice is served.
16.4
Appropriation rights overridden
This Clause 16 and any notice which the Lender gives under Clause 16.2 shall override any right of appropriation possessed, and any appropriation made, by any Borrower or any Security Party.
17
APPLICATION OF EARNINGS
17.1
Payment of Earnings
Each Borrower undertakes with the Lender to ensure that, throughout the Security Period (and subject only to the provisions of the General Assignments), all the Earnings are paid to the relevant Earnings Account.
17.2
Monthly retentions
Each Borrower undertakes with the Lender to ensure that, in each calendar month of the Security Period (after the Drawdown Date) on such dates as the Lender may from time to time specify, there is transferred to the Retention Account out of the Earnings received in the Earnings Accounts during the preceding calendar month:
(a)
one‑third of the amount of the Repayment Instalment falling due under Clause 7 on the next Repayment Date; and
(b)
the relevant fraction of the aggregate amount of interest on the Loan which is payable on the next due date for payment of interest under this Agreement,
and if the Borrowers delay the transfer of the above amounts to the Retention Account, the Lender is hereby authorised to effect such transfer.
The " relevant fraction " is a fraction of which the numerator is 1 and the denominator the number of months comprised in the then current Interest Period (or, if the period is shorter, the number of months from the later of the commencement of the current Interest Period or the last due date for payment of interest to the next due date for payment of interest under this Agreement).
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17.3
Shortfall in Earnings
If the aggregate Earnings received in the Earnings Account are insufficient in any month for the required amount to be transferred to the Retention Account under Clause 17.2, the Borrowers shall make up the amount of the insufficiency on demand from the Lender; but, without thereby prejudicing the Lender's right to make such demand at any time, the Lender may permit the Borrowers to make up all or part of the insufficiency by increasing the amount of any transfer under Clause 17.2 from the Earnings received in the next or subsequent months.
17.4
Application of retentions
Until an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default occurs, the Lender shall on each Repayment Date and on each due date for the payment of interest under this Agreement apply in accordance with Clause 15.1 so much of the balance on the Retention Account as equals:
(a)
the Repayment Instalment due on that Repayment Date; or
(b)
the amount of interest payable on that interest payment date,
in discharge of the Borrowers' liability for that Repayment Instalment or that interest.
17.5
Interest accrued on Retention Account
Any credit balance on the Retention Account shall bear interest at the rate from time to time offered by the Lender to its customers for Dollar deposits of similar amounts and for periods similar to those for which such balances appear to the Lender likely to remain on the Retention Account.
17.6
No release of accrued interest
Interest accruing under Clause 17.5 shall be credited to the Retention Account and shall be applied towards repayment of the Loan but shall not be released to the Borrower until the end of the Security Period.
17.7
Location of accounts
The Borrowers shall promptly:
(a)
comply with any requirement of the Lender as to the location or re‑location of the Earnings Accounts and the Retention Account (or any of them); and
(b)
execute any documents which the Lender specifies to create or maintain in favour of the Lender a Security Interest over (and/or rights of set-off, consolidation or other rights in relation to) the Earnings Accounts and the Retention Account.
17.8
Debits for expenses etc.
The Lender shall be entitled (but not obliged) from time to time to debit the Earnings Accounts, after notifying the Borrowers, in order to discharge any amount due and payable to it under Clause 19 or 20 or payment of which it has become entitled to demand under Clause 19 or 20.
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17.9
Borrowers' obligations unaffected
The provisions of this Clause 17 (as distinct from a distribution effected under Clause 17.4) do not affect:
(a)
the liability of any Borrower to make payments of principal and interest on the due dates; or
(b)
any other liability or obligation of any Borrower or any Security Party under any Finance Document.
17.10
Release of surplus
Any amount remaining to the credit of an Earnings Account following the making of any payments required under this Agreement shall, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, be released to or to the order of the Borrowers and may (for the avoidance of doubt) be withdrawn from that Earnings Account.
18
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
18.1
Events of Default
An Event of Default occurs if:
(a)
A Borrower or any Security Party fails to pay when due or if so payable on demand 2 Business Days following the date on which the written demand is served, any sum payable under a Finance Document or under any document relating to a Finance Document unless such failure to pay is caused by an administrative or technical error or any disruption event in the payment/communication system which is beyond the control of the Borrowers, in which case the Borrowers shall rectify such error within three (3) Business Days; or
(b)
any breach occurs of Clause 8.2, 9.16, 9.17, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 11.2, 11.3, 12, 13.2, 13.10, 13.13 or 14.2 or clause 11.13 of the Guarantee; or
(c)
any breach by any Borrower or any Security Party occurs of any provision of a Finance Document (other than a breach covered by paragraph (a) or (b)) which in the opinion of the Lender, is capable of remedy and such default continues unremedied 10 days after written notice from the Lender requesting action to remedy the same; or
(d)
(subject to any applicable grace period specified in any Finance Document) any breach by any Borrower or any Security Party occurs of any provision of a Finance Document (other than a breach falling within by paragraph (a), (b) or (c)); or
(e)
any representation, warranty or statement made or repeated by, or by an officer of, a Borrower or a Security Party in a Finance Document or in the Drawdown Notice or any other notice or document relating to a Finance Document is untrue or misleading when it is made or repeated; or
(f)
any of the following occurs in relation to any Financial Indebtedness of a Borrower or the Guarantor:

(i)
any Financial Indebtedness of a Borrower or the Guarantor is not paid when due or, if so payable, on demand; or
50




(ii)
any Financial Indebtedness of a Borrower or the Guarantor becomes due and payable or capable of being declared due and payable prior to its stated maturity date as a consequence of any event of default; or

(iii)
a lease, hire purchase agreement or charter creating any Financial Indebtedness of a Borrower or the Guarantor is terminated by the lessor or owner or becomes capable of being terminated as a consequence of any termination event; or

(iv)
any overdraft, loan, note issuance, acceptance credit, letter of credit, guarantee, foreign exchange or other facility, or any swap or other derivative contract or transaction, relating to any Financial Indebtedness of a Borrower or the Guarantor ceases to be available or becomes capable of being terminated as a result of any event of default, or cash cover is required, or becomes capable of being required, in respect of such a facility as a result of any event of default; or

(v)
any Security Interest securing any Financial Indebtedness of a Borrower or the Guarantor becomes enforceable;
Provided that in respect of the Guarantor, no Event of Default under this Clause 18.1 (f) shall occur if the aggregate amount of the Financial Indebtedness falling within paragraphs (i) to (v) above is less than $1,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency or currencies); or
(g)
any of the following occurs in relation to a Borrower or the Guarantor:

(i)
a Borrower or the Guarantor becomes, in the opinion of the Lender, unable to pay its debts as they fall due; or

(ii)
any assets of a Borrower or the Guarantor are subject to any form of execution, attachment, arrest, sequestration or distress, or any form of freezing order in respect of a sum of, or sums aggregating, $400,000 (or $1,000,000 in the case of the Guarantor) or more or the equivalent in another currency unless such execution, attachment, arrest, sequestration or distress is being contested in good faith and on substantial grounds and is discussed or withdrawn within thirty (30) days of the occurrence thereof; or

(iii)
any administrative or other receiver is appointed over any asset of a Borrower or the Guarantor; or

(iv)
an administrator is appointed (whether by the court or otherwise) in respect of a Borrower or the Guarantor; or

(v)
any formal declaration of bankruptcy or any formal statement to the effect that a Borrower or the Guarantor is insolvent or likely to become insolvent is made by that Borrower or the Guarantor or by the directors of that Borrower or the Guarantor or, in any proceedings, by a lawyer acting for that Borrower or the Guarantor; or

(vi)
a provisional liquidator is appointed in respect of a Borrower or the Guarantor, a winding up order is made in relation to a Borrower or the Guarantor or a winding up resolution is passed by a Borrower or the Guarantor; or

(vii)
a resolution is passed, an administration notice is given or filed, an application or petition to a court is made or presented or any other step is taken by (aa) a Borrower or the Guarantor, (bb) the members or directors of a Borrower or the Guarantor, (cc)
51



a holder of Security Interests which together relate to all or substantially all of the assets of a Borrower or the Guarantor, or (dd) a government minister or public or regulatory authority of a Pertinent Jurisdiction for or with a view to the winding up of that Borrower or the Guarantor or the appointment of a provisional liquidator or administrator in respect of that Borrower or the Guarantor, or that Borrower or the Guarantor ceasing or suspending business operations or payments to creditors, save that this paragraph does not apply to a fully solvent winding up of a Borrower or the Guarantor which is, or is to be, effected for the purposes of an amalgamation or reconstruction previously approved by the Lender and effected not later than 3 months after the commencement of the winding up; or

(viii)
an administration notice is given or filed, an application or petition to a court is made or presented or any other step is taken by a creditor of a Borrower or the Guarantor (other than a holder of Security Interests which together relate to all or substantially all of the assets of a Borrower or the Guarantor) for the winding up of a Borrower or the Guarantor or the appointment of a provisional liquidator or administrator in respect of a Borrower or the Guarantor in any Pertinent Jurisdiction, unless the proposed winding up, appointment of a provisional liquidator or administration is being contested in good faith, on substantial grounds and not with a view to some other insolvency law procedure being implemented instead and either (aa) the application or petition is dismissed or withdrawn within 30 days of being made or presented, or (bb) within 30 days of the administration notice being given or filed, or the other relevant steps being taken, other action is taken which will ensure that there will be no administration and (in both cases (aa) or (bb)) that Borrower or the Guarantor will continue to carry on business in the ordinary way and without being the subject of any actual, interim or pending insolvency law procedure; or

(ix)
a Borrower or the Guarantor or its directors take any steps (whether by making or presenting an application or petition to a court, or submitting or presenting a document setting out a proposal or proposed terms, or otherwise) with a view to obtaining, in relation to that Borrower or the Guarantor, any form of moratorium, suspension or deferral of payments, reorganisation of debt (or certain debt) or arrangement with all or a substantial proportion (by number or value) of creditors or of any class of them or any such moratorium, suspension or deferral of payments, reorganisation or arrangement is effected by court order, by the filing of documents with a court, by means of a contract or in any other way at all; or

(x)
any meeting of the members or directors, or of any committee of the board or senior management, of a Borrower or the Guarantor is held or summoned for the purpose of considering a resolution or proposal to authorise or take any action of a type described in paragraphs (iv) to (ix) or a step preparatory to such action, or (with or without such a meeting) the members, directors or such a committee resolve or agree that such an action or step should be taken or should be taken if certain conditions materialise or fail to materialise; or

(xi)
in a Pertinent Jurisdiction other than England, any event occurs, any proceedings are opened or commenced or any step is taken which, in the opinion of the Lender is similar to any of the foregoing; or
(h)
any Borrower ceases or suspends carrying on its business or a part of its business which, in the opinion of the Lender, is material in the context of this Agreement; or
52



(i)
it becomes unlawful in any Pertinent Jurisdiction or impossible:

(i)
for any Borrower or any Security Party to discharge any liability under a Finance Document or to comply with any other obligation which the Lender considers material under a Finance Document; or

(ii)
for the Lender to exercise or enforce any right under, or to enforce any Security Interest created by, a Finance Document; or
(j)
it appears to the Lender that, without its prior written consent, a change has occurred or probably has occurred after the date of this Agreement in (i) the ultimate beneficial ownership of the shares in the Approved Manager or (ii) the legal ownership or any of the shares in a Borrower; or
(k)
without the Lender's prior written consent the Pittas Family (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pittas Family) cease to own and control (directly or indirectly) in aggregate at least 20 per cent. of the share capital of the Guarantor or a Borrower; or
(l)
members pf the Pittas family cease to be directly or indirectly involved in the management of the Guarantor or the management of a Ship; or
(m)
Mr Aristeidis Pittas ceases to be the Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Guarantor; or
(n)
any provision which the Lender considers material of a Finance Document proves to have been or becomes invalid or unenforceable, or a Security Interest created by a Finance Document proves to have been or becomes invalid or unenforceable or such a Security Interest proves to have ranked after, or loses its priority to, another Security Interest or any other third party claim or interest; or
(o)
the security constituted by a Finance Document is in any way imperilled or in jeopardy; or
(p)
any consent necessary to enable a Borrower to own, operate or charter the Ship owned by it or to enable a Borrower or any Security Party to comply with any provision which the Lender considers material of a Finance Document or the MOA is not granted, expires without being renewed, is revoked or becomes liable to revocation or any condition of such a consent is not fulfilled; or
(q)
any other event occurs or any other circumstances arise or develop including, without limitation:

(i)
a change in the financial position, state of affairs or prospects of any Relevant Person which may have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(ii)
any accident or other event involving a Ship,
in the light of which the Lender considers that there is a significant risk that the Borrowers or the Guarantor is, or will later become, unable to discharge its liabilities under the Finance Documents as they fall due.
53



18.2
Actions following an Event of Default
On, or at any time after, the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing the Lender may:
(a)
serve on the Borrowers a notice stating that all obligations of the Lender to the Borrowers under this Agreement are cancelled; and/or
(b)
serve on the Borrowers a notice stating that the Loan, all accrued interest and all other amounts accrued or owing under this Agreement are immediately due and payable or are due and payable on demand; and/or
(c)
take any other action which, as a result of the Event of Default or any notice served under paragraph (a) or (b), the Lender is entitled to take under any Finance Document or any applicable law.
18.3
Termination of obligations
On the service of a notice under Clause 18.2(a), all the obligations of the Lender to the Borrowers under this Agreement shall be cancelled.
18.4
Acceleration of Loan
On the service of a notice under Clause 18.2(b), or as the case may be, the part of the Loan specified in the notice together with all accrued interest and all other amounts accrued or owing from the Borrowers or any Security Party under this Agreement and every other Finance Document shall become immediately due and payable or, as the case may be, payable on demand.
18.5
Multiple notices; action without notice
The Lender may serve notices under Clauses 18.2(a) and (b) simultaneously or on different dates and it may take any action referred to in Clause 18.2 if no such notice is served or simultaneously with or at any time after the service of both or either of such notices.
18.6
Exclusion of Lender liability
Neither the Lender nor any receiver or manager appointed by the Lender, shall have any liability to a Borrower or a Security Party:
(a)
for any loss caused by an exercise of rights under, or enforcement of a Security Interest created by, a Finance Document or by any failure or delay to exercise such a right or to enforce such a Security Interest; or
(b)
as mortgagee in possession or otherwise, for any income or principal amount which might have been produced by or realised from any asset comprised in such a Security Interest or for any reduction (however caused) in the value of such an asset,
except that this does not exempt the Lender or a receiver or manager from liability for losses shown to have been caused directly and mainly by the dishonesty or the wilful misconduct of the Lender's own officers and employees or ( as the case may be) such receiver's or manager's own partners or employees.
54



18.7
Relevant Persons
In this Clause 18 a " Relevant Person " means a Borrower, a Security Party and any other member of the Group.
18.8
Interpretation
In Clause 18.1(f) references to an event of default or a termination event include any event, howsoever described, which is similar to an event of default in a facility agreement or a termination event in a finance lease; and in Clause 18.1(g) " petition " includes an application.
19
FEES AND EXPENSES
19.1
Arrangement fee
The Borrowers shall pay to the Lender on the date of this Agreement a non-refundable arrangement fee in an amount equal to 1 per cent. of the maximum amount of the Loan.
19.2
Costs of negotiation, preparation etc.
The Borrowers shall pay to the Lender on its demand the amount of all costs and expenses (including, without limitation, legal fees) incurred or to be incurred by the Lender in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution or registration of any Finance Document or any related document or with any transaction contemplated by a Finance Document or a related document (other than any syndications costs).
19.3
Costs of variation, amendments, enforcement etc.
The Borrowers shall pay to the Lender, on the Lender's demand, the amount of all expenses incurred by the Lender in connection with:
(a)
any amendment or supplement to a Finance Document, or any proposal for such an amendment to be made;
(b)
any consent or waiver by the Lender under or in connection with a Finance Document, or any request for such a consent or waiver;
(c)
the valuation of any security provided or offered under Clause 14 or any other matter relating to such security;
(d)
the opinion of the independent insurance consultant referred to in paragraph 9 of Part B of Schedule 2 and any opinion referred to in Clause 12.17; or
(e)
any step taken by the Lender with a view to the protection, exercise or enforcement of any right or Security Interest created by a Finance Document or for any similar purpose.
There shall be recoverable under paragraph (e) the full amount of all legal expenses, whether or not such as would be allowed under rules of court or any taxation or other procedure carried out under such rules.
19.4
Documentary taxes
The Borrowers shall promptly pay any tax payable on or by reference to any Finance Document, and shall, on the Lender's demand, fully indemnify the Lender against any claims,
55


expenses, liabilities and losses resulting from any failure or delay by the Borrowers to pay such a tax.
19.5
Certification of amounts
A notice which is signed by 2 officers of the Lender, which states that a specified amount, or aggregate amount, is due to the Lender under this Clause 19 and which indicates (without necessarily specifying a detailed breakdown) the matters in respect of which the amount, or aggregate amount, is due shall, save for a manifest error, be prima facie evidence that the amount, or aggregate amount, is due.
20
INDEMNITIES
20.1
Indemnities regarding borrowing and repayment of Loan
The Borrowers shall fully indemnify the Lender on its demand in respect of all claims, expenses, liabilities and losses which are made or brought against or incurred by the Lender, or which the Lender reasonably and with due diligence estimates that it will incur, as a result of or in connection with:
(a)
an Advance or the Loan not being borrowed on the date specified in the Drawdown Notice for any reason other than a default by the Lender;
(b)
the receipt or recovery of all or any part of the Loan or an overdue sum otherwise than on the last day of an Interest Period or other relevant period;
(c)
any failure (for whatever reason) by the Borrowers to make payment of any amount due under a Finance Document on the due date or, if so payable on demand, within 3 Business Days' from the service of the Lender's written demand (after giving credit for any default interest paid by the Borrowers on the amount concerned under Clause 6);
(d)
the occurrence of an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default and/or the acceleration of repayment of the Loan under Clause 18,
and in respect of any tax (other than tax on its overall net income or a FATCA Deduction) for which the Lender is liable in connection with any amount paid or payable to the Lender (whether for its own account or otherwise) under any Finance Document.
20.2
Breakage costs
Without limiting its generality, Clause 20.1 covers any claim, expense, liability or loss, including a loss of a prospective profit, incurred by the Lender:
(a)
in liquidating or employing deposits from third parties acquired or arranged to fund or maintain all or any part of the Loan and/or any overdue amount (or an aggregate amount which includes the Loan or any overdue amount); and
(b)
in terminating, or otherwise in connection with, any open position arising under this Agreement.
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20.3
Miscellaneous indemnities
The Borrowers shall fully indemnify the Lender on its demand in respect of all claims, expenses, liabilities and losses which may be made or brought against or incurred by the Lender, in any country, as a result of or in connection with:
(a)
any action taken, or omitted or neglected to be taken, under or in connection with any Finance Document by the Lender or by any receiver appointed under a Finance Document;
(b)
any other Pertinent Matter,
other than claims, expenses, liabilities and losses which are shown to have been directly and mainly caused by the gross negligence, dishonesty or wilful misconduct of the officers or employees of the Lender.
Without prejudice to its generality, this Clause 20.3 covers any claims, expenses, liabilities and losses which arise, or are asserted, under or in connection with any law relating to safety at sea, the ISM Code, the ISPS Code or any Environmental Law or any Sanctions.
20.4
Currency indemnity
If any sum due from any Borrower or any Security Party to the Lender under a Finance Document or under any order or judgment relating to a Finance Document has to be converted from the currency in which the Finance Document provided for the sum to be paid (the "Contractual Currency") into another currency (the "Payment Currency") for the purpose of:
(a)
making or lodging any claim or proof against any Borrower or any Security Party, whether in its liquidation, any arrangement involving it or otherwise; or
(b)
obtaining an order or judgment from any court or other tribunal; or
(c)
enforcing any such order or judgment,
the Borrowers shall indemnify the Lender against the loss arising when the amount of the payment actually received by the Lender is converted at the available rate of exchange into the Contractual Currency.
In this Clause 20.4, the " available rate of exchange " means the rate at which the Lender is able at the opening of business (London time) on the Business Day after it receives the sum concerned to purchase the Contractual Currency with the Payment Currency.
This Clause 20.4 creates a separate liability of the Borrowers which is distinct from their other liabilities under the Finance Documents and which shall not be merged in any judgment or order relating to those other liabilities.
20.5
Certification of amounts
A notice which is signed by 2 officers of the Lender, which states that a specified amount, or aggregate amount, is due to the Lender under this Clause 20 and which indicates (without necessarily specifying a detailed breakdown) the matters in respect of which the amount, or aggregate amount, is due save for a manifest error shall be prima facie evidence that the amount, or aggregate amount, is due.
57



21
NO SET-OFF OR TAX DEDUCTION
21.1
No deductions
All amounts due from the Borrowers under a Finance Document shall be paid:
(a)
without any form of set‑off, cross-claim or condition; and
(b)
free and clear of any tax deduction except a tax deduction which a Borrower is required by law to make.
21.2
Grossing-up for taxes
If a Borrower is required by law to make a tax deduction from any payment:
(a)
that Borrower shall notify the Lender as soon as it becomes aware of the requirement;
(b)
that Borrower shall pay the tax deducted to the appropriate taxation authority promptly, and in any event before any fine or penalty arises; and
(c)
the amount due in respect of the payment shall be increased by the amount necessary to ensure that the Lender receives and retains (free from any liability relating to the tax deduction) a net amount which, after the tax deduction, is equal to the full amount which it would otherwise have received.
21.3
Evidence of payment of taxes
Within one month after making any tax deduction, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Lender documentary evidence satisfactory to the Lender that the tax had been paid to the appropriate taxation authority.
21.4
Exclusion of tax on overall net income
In this Clause 21 " tax deduction " means any deduction or withholding for or on account of any present or future tax except tax on the Lender's overall net income or a FATCA Deduction.
21.5
FATCA information
(a)
Subject to paragraph (c) below, each party to the Finance Documents shall, within ten Business Days of a reasonable request by another party to the Finance Documents:

(i)
confirm to that other party whether it is:

(A)
a FATCA Exempt Party; or

(B)
not a FATCA Exempt Party; and

(ii)
supply to that other party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status under FATCA as that other party reasonably requests for the purposes of that other party's compliance with FATCA;
(b)
if a party to any Finance Document confirms to another party pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (a) above that it is a FATCA Exempt Party and it subsequently becomes aware
58



that it is not, or has ceased to be a FATCA Exempt Party, that party shall notify that other party reasonably promptly;
(c)
paragraph (a) above shall not oblige the Lender to do anything which would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of:

(i)
any law or regulation;

(ii)
any fiduciary duty; or

(iii)
any duty of confidentiality;
Provided however, that information required (or equivalent to the information so required) by United States Internal Revenue Service Forms W-8 or W-9 (or any successor forms) shall not be treated as confidential information of such party for purposes of this paragraph (c),
(d)
if a party to any Finance Document fails to confirm its status or to supply forms, documentation or other information requested in accordance with paragraph (a) above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where paragraph (c) above applies), then (i) if that party failed to confirm whether it is (and/or remains) a FATCA Exempt Party, such party shall be treated for the purposes of the Finance Documents as if it is not a FATCA Exempt Party, and (ii) if that party failed to confirm its applicable "passthru payment percentage" then such party shall be treated for the purposes of the Finance Documents (and payments made thereunder) as if its applicable "passthru payment percentage" is 100%, until (in each case) such time as the party in question provides the requested confirmation, forms, documentation or other information.
21.6
FATCA Deduction
(a)
Each party to a Finance Document may make any FATCA Deduction it is required to make by FATCA, and any payment required in connection with that FATCA Deduction, and shall not be required to increase any payment in respect of which it makes such a FATCA Deduction or otherwise compensate the recipient of the payment for that FATCA Deduction.
(b)
Each party to a Finance Document shall promptly, upon becoming aware that it must make a FATCA Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such FATCA Deduction), notify the party to a Finance Document to whom it is making the payment.
22
ILLEGALITY, ETC
22.1
Illegality
This Clause 22 applies if the Lender notifies the Borrowers that it has become, or will with effect from a specified date, become:
(a)
unlawful or prohibited as a result of the introduction of a new law, an amendment to an existing law or a change in the manner in which an existing law is or will be interpreted or applied; or
(b)
contrary to, or inconsistent with, any regulation,
for the Lender to maintain or give effect to any of its obligations under this Agreement in the manner contemplated by this Agreement.
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22.2
Notification and effect of illegality
On the Lender notifying the Borrowers under Clause 22.1, the Lender's obligation to make the Loan shall terminate; and thereupon or, if later, on the date specified in the Lender's notice under Clause 22.1 as the date on which the notified event would become effective the Borrowers shall prepay the Loan in full in accordance with Clause 7.
22.3
Mitigation
If circumstances arise which would result in a notification under Clause 22.1 then, without in any way limiting the rights of the Lender under Clause 22.3, the Lender shall use reasonable endeavours to transfer its obligations, liabilities and rights under this Agreement and the Finance Documents to another office or financial institution not affected by the circumstances but the Lender shall not be under any obligation to take any such action if, in its opinion, to do would or might:
(a)
have an adverse effect on its business, operations or financial condition; or
(b)
involve it in any activity which is unlawful or prohibited or any activity that is contrary to, or inconsistent with, any regulation; or
(c)
involve it in any expense (unless indemnified to its satisfaction) or tax disadvantage.
23
INCREASED COSTS
23.1
Increased costs
This Clause 23 applies if the Lender notifies the Borrower that it considers that as a result of:
(a)
the introduction or alteration after the date of this Agreement of a law, a regulation or an alteration after the date of this Agreement in the manner in which a law is interpreted or applied (disregarding any effect which relates to the application to payments under this Agreement of a tax on the Lender's overall net income); or
(b)
complying with any regulation (including any which relates to capital adequacy or liquidity controls or which affects the manner in which the Lender allocates capital resources to its obligations under this Agreement) which is introduced, or altered, or the interpretation or application of which is altered, after the date of this Agreement; or
(c)
the implementation or application of or compliance with the Basel II Capital Accord, the Basel III Accord or any other Basel II Regulation or Basel III Regulation (whether such implementation, application or compliance is by a government, regulator, supervisory authority, the Lender or its holding company) in all cases as applicable,
the Lender (or a parent company of it) has incurred or will incur an " increased cost ".
23.2
Meaning of "increased costs"
In this Clause 23, " increased costs " means:
(a)
an additional or increased cost incurred as a result of, or in connection with, the Lender having entered into, or being a party to, this Agreement or having taken an assignment of rights under this Agreement, of funding or maintaining the Loan or performing its obligations under this Agreement, or of having outstanding all or any part of the Loan or other unpaid sums; or
60



(b)
a reduction in the amount of any payment to the Lender under this Agreement or in the effective return which such a payment represents to the Lender or on its capital;
(c)
an additional or increased cost of funding all or maintaining all or any of the advances comprised in a class of advances formed by or including the Loan or (as the case may require) the proportion of that cost attributable to the Loan; or
(d)
a liability to make a payment, or a return foregone, which is calculated by reference to any amounts received or receivable by the Lender under this Agreement,
but not an item attributable to (i) a change in the rate of tax on the overall net income of the Lender (or a parent company of it) or (ii) an item covered by the indemnity for tax in Clause 20.1 or by Clause 21 or (iii) a FATCA Deduction.
For the purposes of this Clause 23.2 the Lender may in good faith allocate or spread costs and/or losses among its assets and liabilities (or any class of its assets and liabilities) on such basis as it considers appropriate.
23.3
Payment of increased costs
The Borrowers shall pay to the Lender, on its demand, the amounts which the Lender from time to time notifies the Borrowers that it has specified to be necessary to compensate it for the increased cost.
23.4
Notice of prepayment
If the Borrowers are not willing to continue to compensate the Lender for the increased cost under Clause 23.3, the Borrowers may give the Lender not less than 14 days' notice of its intention to prepay the Loan at the end of an Interest Period.
23.5
Prepayment
A notice under Clause 23.4 shall be irrevocable; and on the date specified in its notice of intended prepayment, the Borrowers shall prepay (without premium or penalty) the Loan, together with accrued interest thereon at the applicable rate plus the Margin.
23.6
Application of prepayment
Clause 7 shall apply in relation to the prepayment.
24
SET-OFF
24.1
Application of credit balances
The Lender may, following the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing, without prior notice:
(a)
apply any balance (whether or not then due) which at any time stands to the credit of any account in the name of a Borrower at any office in any country of the Lender in or towards satisfaction of any sum then due from that Borrower to the Lender under any of the Finance Documents; and/or
(b)
for that purpose:
61




(i)
break, or alter the maturity of, all or any part of a deposit of that Borrower;

(ii)
convert or translate all or any part of a deposit or other credit balance into Dollars; and

(iii)
enter into any other transaction or make any entry with regard to the credit balance which the Lender considers appropriate.
24.2
Existing rights unaffected
The Lender shall not be obliged to exercise any of its rights under Clause 24.1; and those rights shall be without prejudice and in addition to any right of set‑off, combination of accounts, charge, lien or other right or remedy to which the Lender is entitled (whether under the general law or any document).
24.3
No Security Interest
This Clause 24 gives the Lender a contractual right of set-off only, and does not create any equitable charge or other Security Interest over any credit balance of any Borrower.
25
TRANSFERS AND CHANGES IN LENDING OFFICE
25.1
Transfer by Borrower
No Borrower may, without the prior written consent of the Lender, transfer any of its rights, liabilities or obligations under any Finance Document.
25.2
Assignment by Lender
The Lender may, assign all or any of the rights and interests which it has under or by virtue of the Finance Documents without the consent of the Borrowers and the Security Parties Provided that no Borrower nor any Security Party will be burdened with any expenses in that respect.
25.3
Rights of assignee
In respect of any breach of a warranty, undertaking, condition or other provision of a Finance Document, or any misrepresentation made in or in connection with a Finance Document, a direct or indirect assignee of any of the Lender's rights or interests under or by virtue of the Finance Documents shall be entitled to recover damages by reference to the loss incurred by that assignee as a result of the breach or misrepresentation irrespective of whether the Lender would have incurred a loss of that kind or amount.
25.4
Sub-participation; subrogation assignment
The Lender may sub-participate all or any part of its rights and/or obligations under or in connection with the Finance Documents without the consent of, or any notice to, the Borrowers; and the Lender may assign, in any manner and terms agreed by it, all or any part of those rights to an insurer or surety who has become subrogated to them.
25.5
Disclosure of information
The Lender may disclose to a potential assignee or sub‑participant any information which the Lender has received in relation to any Borrower, any Security Party or their affairs under or in
62


connection with any Finance Document, unless the information is clearly of a confidential nature.
25.6
Change of lending office
The Lender may change its lending office by giving notice to the Borrowers and the change shall become effective on the later of:
(a)
the date on which the Borrowers receive the notice; and
(b)
the date, if any, specified in the notice as the date on which the change will come into effect.
25.7
Security over Lender's rights
In addition to the other rights provided to the Lender under this Clause 25, the Lender may without consulting with or obtaining consent from any Borrower or any Security Party, at any time charge, assign or otherwise create a Security Interest in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document to secure obligations of the Lender including, without limitation:
(a)
any charge, assignment or other Security Interest to secure obligations to a federal reserve or central bank; and
(b)
if the Lender is a fund, any charge, assignment or other Security Interest granted to any holders (or trustee or representatives of holders) of obligations owed, or securities issued, by the Lender as security for those obligations or securities;
except that no such charge, assignment or Security Interest shall:

(i)
release the Lender from any of its obligations under the Finance Documents or substitute the beneficiary of the relevant charge, assignment or Security Interest for the Lender as a party to any of the Finance Documents; or

(ii)
require any payments to be made by any Borrower or any Security Party or grant to any person any more extensive rights than those required to be made or granted to the Lender under the Finance Documents.
26
VARIATIONS AND WAIVERS
26.1
Variations, waivers etc. by Lender
Subject to Clause 26.2, a document shall be effective to vary, waive, suspend or limit any provision of a Finance Document, or any of the Lender's rights or remedies under such a provision or the general law, only if the document is signed, or specifically agreed to by fax or telex, by the Borrowers and the Lender and, if the document relates to a Finance Document to which a Security Party is party, by that Security Party.
26.2
Exclusion of other or implied variations
Except for a document which satisfies the requirements of Clause 26.1, no document, and no act, course of conduct, failure or neglect to act, delay or acquiescence on the part of the Lender (or any person acting on its behalf) shall result in the Lender (or any person acting on its behalf)
63


being taken to have varied, waived, suspended or limited, or being precluded (permanently or temporarily) from enforcing, relying on or exercising:
(a)
a provision of this Agreement or another Finance Document; or
(b)
an Event of Default; or
(c)
a breach by a Borrower or a Security Party of an obligation under a Finance Document or the general law; or
(d)
any right or remedy conferred by any Finance Document or by the general law,
and there shall not be implied into any Finance Document any term or condition requiring any such provision to be enforced, or such right or remedy to be exercised, within a certain or reasonable time.
27
NOTICES
27.1
General
Unless otherwise specifically provided, any notice under or in connection with any Finance Document shall be given by letter or fax; and references in the Finance Documents to written notices, notices in writing and notices signed by particular persons shall be construed accordingly.
27.2
Addresses for communications
A notice by letter or fax shall be sent:
(a)
to the Borrower:
4 Messogiou & Evropis Street
151 24, Maroussi
Greece
Fax No: +30 211 1804097
     
(b)
to a Lender:
National Bank of Greece S.A.
2 Bouboulinas Street & Akti Miaouli
Piraeus 185 35
Greece
Fax No:  +30 210 4144120

or to such other address as the relevant party may notify the other.
27.3
Effective date of notices
Subject to Clauses 27.4 and 27.5:
(a)
a notice which is delivered personally or posted shall be deemed to be served, and shall take effect, at the time when it is delivered;
64



(b)
a notice which is sent by fax shall be deemed to be served, and shall take effect, 2 hours after its transmission is completed.
27.4
Service outside business hours
However, if under Clause 27.3 a notice would be deemed to be served:
(a)
on a day which is not a business day in the place of receipt; or
(b)
on such a business day, but after 5 p.m. local time,
the notice shall (subject to Clause 27.5) be deemed to be served, and shall take effect, at 9 a.m. on the next day which is such a business day.
27.5
Illegible notices
Clauses 27.3 and 27.4 do not apply if the recipient of a notice notifies the sender within 1 hour after the time at which the notice would otherwise be deemed to be served that the notice has been received in a form which is illegible in a material respect.
27.6
Valid notices
A notice under or in connection with a Finance Document shall not be invalid by reason that its contents or the manner of serving it do not comply with the requirements of this Agreement or, where appropriate, any other Finance Document under which it is served if:
(a)
the failure to serve it in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement or other Finance Document, as the case may be, has not caused any party to suffer any significant loss or prejudice; or
(b)
in the case of incorrect and/or incomplete contents, it should have been reasonably clear to the party on which the notice was served what the correct or missing particulars should have been.
27.7
English language
Any notice under or in connection with a Finance Document shall be in English.
27.8
Meaning of "notice"
In this Clause 28 " notice " includes any demand, consent, authorisation, approval, instruction, waiver or other communication.
28
JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY
28.1
General
All liabilities and obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement shall, whether expressed to be so or not, be several and, if and to the extent consistent with Clause 28.2, joint.
28.2
No impairment of Borrower's obligations
The liabilities and obligations of a Borrower shall not be impaired by:
65



(a)
this Agreement being or later becoming void, unenforceable or illegal as regards any other Borrower;
(b)
the Lender entering into any rescheduling, refinancing or other arrangement of any kind with any other Borrower;
(c)
the Lender releasing any other Borrower or any Security Interest created by a Finance Document; or
(d)
any combination of the foregoing.
28.3
Principal debtors
Each Borrower declares that it is and will, throughout the Security Period, remain a principal debtor for all amounts owing under this Agreement and the Finance Documents and no Borrower shall in any circumstances be construed to be a surety for the obligations of any other Borrower under this Agreement.
28.4
Subordination
Subject to Clause 28.5, during the Security Period, no Borrower shall:
(a)
claim any amount which may be due to it from any other Borrower whether in respect of a payment made, or matter arising out of, this Agreement or any Finance Document, or any matter unconnected with this Agreement or any Finance Document; or
(b)
take or enforce any form of security from any other Borrower for such an amount, or in any other way seek to have recourse in respect of such an amount against any asset of any other Borrower; or
(c)
set off such an amount against any sum due from it to any other Borrower; or
(d)
prove or claim for such an amount in any liquidation, administration, arrangement or similar procedure involving any other Borrower or other Security Party; or
(e)
exercise or assert any combination of the foregoing.
28.5
Borrower's required action
If during the Security Period, the Lender, by notice to a Borrower, requires it to take any action referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) of Clause 28.4, in relation to any other Borrower, that Borrower shall take that action as soon as practicable after receiving the Lender's notice.
29
BAIL IN
29.1
Contractual recognition of bail-in
Notwithstanding any other term of any Finance Document or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding between the parties to a Finance Document, each Party acknowledges and accepts that any liability of any party to a Finance Document under or in connection with the Finance Documents may be subject to Bail-In Action by the relevant Resolution Authority and acknowledges and accepts to be bound by the effect of:
(a)
any Bail-In Action in relation to any such liability, including (without limitation):
66




(i)
a reduction, in full or in part, in the principal amount, or outstanding amount due (including any accrued but unpaid interest) in respect of any such liability;

(ii)
a conversion of all, or part of, any such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership that may be issued to, or conferred on, it; and

(iii)
a cancellation of any such liability; and
(b)
a variation of any term of any Finance Document to the extent necessary to give effect to any Bail-In Action in relation to any such liability.
30
SUPPLEMENTAL
30.1
Rights cumulative, non-exclusive
The rights and remedies which the Finance Documents give to the Lender are:
(a)
cumulative;
(b)
may be exercised as often as appears expedient; and
(c)
shall not, unless a Finance Document explicitly and specifically states so, be taken to exclude or limit any right or remedy conferred by any law.
30.2
Severability of provisions
If any provision of a Finance Document is or subsequently becomes void, unenforceable or illegal, that shall not affect the validity, enforceability or legality of the other provisions of that Finance Document or of the provisions of any other Finance Document.
30.3
Counterparts
A Finance Document may be executed in any number of counterparts.
30.4
Third party rights
A person who is not a party to this Agreement has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce or to enjoy the benefit of any term of this Agreement.
31
LAW AND JURISDICTION
31.1
English law
This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
31.2
Exclusive English jurisdiction
Subject to Clause 31.3, the courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any Dispute.
31.3
Choice of forum for the exclusive benefit of the Lender
Clause 31.2 is for the exclusive benefit of the Lender, which reserves the rights:
67



(a)
to commence proceedings in relation to any Dispute in the courts of any country other than England and which have or claim jurisdiction to that Dispute; and
(b)
to commence such proceedings in the courts of any such country or countries concurrently with or in addition to proceedings in England or without commencing proceedings in England.
No Borrower shall commence any proceedings in any country other than England in relation to a Dispute.
31.4
Process agent
Each Borrower irrevocably appoints Hill Dickinson Service (London) Limited at its registered office for the time being, presently at Irongate House, Duke's Place, London EC3A 7LP England,to act as its agent to receive and accept on its behalf any process or other document relating to any proceedings in the English courts which are connected with a Dispute.
31.5
Lender's rights unaffected
Nothing in this Clause 31 shall exclude or limit any right which the Lender may have (whether under the law of any country, an international convention or otherwise) with regard to the bringing of proceedings, the service of process, the recognition or enforcement of a judgment or any similar or related matter in any jurisdiction.
31.6
Meaning of "proceedings"
In this Clause 31, " proceedings " means proceedings of any kind, including an application for a provisional or protective measure and a " Dispute " means any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including a dispute relating to the existence, validity or termination of this Agreement) or any non-contractual obligation arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.
THIS AGREEMENT has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.
68

SCHEDULE 1


DRAWDOWN NOTICE
To:
National Bank of Greece S.A.
2 Bouboulinas & 2 Akti Miaouli
Piraeus 185 35
Greece
   
Attention:
Loans Administration

[ ] November 2018
DRAWDOWN NOTICE
1
We refer to the loan agreement (the " Loan Agreement ") dated [ ] November 2018 and made between ourselves, as Borrowers, and yourselves, as Lender, in connection with a facility of up to US$15,000,000. Terms defined in the Loan Agreement have their defined meanings when used in this Drawdown Notice.
2
We request to borrow [Advance A][Advance B] as follows:
(a)
Amount: US$[ ];
(b)
Drawdown Date:  [ ] November 2018;
(c)
[Duration of the first Interest Period shall be [ ] months;] and
(d)
Payment instructions: account in our name and numbered [ ] with [ ] of [ ].
3
We represent and warrant that:
(a)
the representations and warranties in Clause 9 of the Loan Agreement would remain true and not misleading if repeated on the date of this notice with reference to the circumstances now existing; and
(b)
no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred or will result from the borrowing of the above Advance [s].
4
This notice cannot be revoked without the prior consent of the Lender.
[Name of Signatory]
…………………………………
Director
for and on behalf of
PANTELIS SHIPPING CORP.
ARETI SHIPPING LTD.
LIGHT SHIPPING LTD
69


SCHEDULE 2


CONDITION PRECEDENT DOCUMENTS
PART A
The following are the documents referred to in Clause 8.1(a) required before service of the first Drawdown Notice.
1
A duly executed original of each Finance Document (and of each document required to be delivered by each Finance Document) other than those referred to in Part B.
2
Copies of the certificate of incorporation and constitutional documents of each Borrower and each Security Party.
3
Copies of resolutions of the shareholders and directors of each Borrower and each Security Party (and in the case of the Guarantor resolutions of its directors only) authorising the execution of each of the Finance Documents to which that Borrower or that Security Party is a party and, in the case of a Borrower, authorising named officers to give any Drawdown Notice and other notices under this Agreement and, in respect of Borrower C ratifying the execution of the MOA.
4
The original of any power of attorney under which any Finance Document is executed on behalf of a Borrower or a Security Party.
5
Copies of all consents which any Borrower or any Security Party requires to enter into, or make any payment under, any Finance Document.
6
The originals of any mandates or other documents required in connection with the opening or operation of the Earnings Accounts and the Retention Account.
7
The Material Adverse Change Letter duly signed by the Borrowers and countersigned by the Guarantor.
8
One valuation of each Ship (at the cost of the Borrowers), addressed to the Lender, stated to be for the purposes of this Agreement and dated not earlier than 15 days before the Drawdown Date from an Approved Broker appointed by the Lender and prepared in accordance with Clause 14.5 which show a value for that Ship in an amount acceptable to the Lender.
9
A copy of the MOA and all amendments and supplements thereto and of all documents signed or issued by each of Borrower C and the Seller (or any of them) under or in connection with the MOA.
10
Such documentary evidence as the Lender and its legal advisers may require in relation to the due authorisation and execution by the Seller of the MOA and of all documents to be executed by the Seller thereunder.
11
All documentation required by the Lender in relation to the Borrowers and any Security Party pursuant to the Lender's "know your customer" requirements (including, without limitation, evidence of beneficial ownership in such form as the Lender may require).
12
Written confirmation that the agent for service of process named in Clause 31 will accepted its appointment.
70



13
If the Lender so requires, in respect of any of the documents referred to above, a certified English translation prepared by a translator approved by the Lender.
71


PART B
The following are the documents referred to in Clause 8.1(b) required before the Drawdown Date of an Advance.
1
A duly executed original of each Mortgage, General Assignment, the Retention Account Pledge, (and of each document to be delivered by each of them).
2
A duly executed original of each Deed of Release (together with any document to be delivered under it).
3
Evidence that the Borrower's Equity Portion in respect of the Existing Indebtedness and the Acquisition Cost, as the case may be, has been received by the Lender, the Existing Lender, or the Seller (as applicable).
4
Evidence that all outstanding Existing Indebtedness under the Existing Agreements has been duly paid.
5
Documentary evidence that each Ship is:
(a)
in the case of Ship C, unconditionally delivered by the Seller to, and accepted by, Borrower C under the MOA, and the full Acquisition Cost  has been duly paid (together with a copy of each of the documents to be delivered by the Seller to Borrower C under the MOA (including, without limitation, a copy of the bill of sale evidencing the purchase price);
(b)
in the case of Ship A and Ship B, definitively and permanently registered in the name of the relevant Borrower under the Approved Flag;
(c)
is in the absolute and unencumbered ownership of the relevant Borrower save as contemplated by the Finance Documents;
(d)
maintains the highest available class with such first class classification society which is a member of IACS as the Lender may approve free of all overdue recommendations and conditions affecting class; and
(e)
insured in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and all requirements therein in respect of insurances have been complied with.
6
Documentary evidence that the Mortgage relating to each Ship has been duly registered against that Ship as a valid first preferred or, as the case may be, first priority ship mortgage in accordance with the laws of the Approved Flag.
7
Documents establishing that each Ship will, as from the Drawdown Date, be managed by the Approved Manager on terms acceptable to the Lender, together with:
(a)
a duly executed original of each Manager's Undertaking relating to that Ship; and
(b)
copies of the Approved Manager's Document of Compliance and of the Ship's Safety Management Certificate for the Relevant Ship and ISSC for that Ship.
8
If a Ship is subject to an Approved Charter:
(a)
a certified true copy of the Approved Charter; and
72



(b)
a duly executed original of the Charter Assignment.
9
Evidence satisfactory to the Lender that the Minimum Liquidity amount is standing to the credit of each Earnings Account pursuant to Clause 11.5.
10
A favourable opinion (at the cost of the Borrowers) from an independent insurance consultant acceptable to the Lender on such matters relating to the insurances for the Ships as the Lender may require.
11
Favourable legal opinions (at the cost of the Borrowers) from lawyers appointed by the Lender on such matters concerning the laws of Liberia, the Marshall Islands, Cyprus and such other relevant jurisdictions as the Lender may require.
12
Documentary evidence that the agent for service of process named in Clause 31 has accepted its appointment.
Each of the documents specified in paragraphs 2, 3, 5 and 9 of Part A and every other copy document delivered under this Schedule shall be certified as a true and up to date copy by a director or the secretary (or equivalent officer) of the Borrowers or a lawyer.
73


SCHEDULE 3


FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
To:
National Bank of Greece S.A.
2 Bouboulinas & 2 Akti Miaouli
Piraeus 185 35
Greece
 

[ ] 201[ ]
Dear Sirs,
We refer to:
(a)
a loan agreement dated [ ] 2018 (the " Loan Agreement ") made between (amongst others) yourselves and ourselves in relation to a term loan facility of up to $15,000,000; and
(b)
a guarantee dated [ ] 2018 (the " Guarantee ") made between the Guarantor and yourselves.
Words and expressions defined in the Loan Agreement and the Guarantee shall have the same meaning when used in this compliance certificate.
The Borrowers and the Guarantor represent that no Event of Default has occurred as at the date of this certificate [except for the following matter or event [set out all material details of matter or event]].  In addition as of [ ], the Borrowers and the Guarantor each confirm compliance with the [list here any other financial covenants which are applicable to the relevant transaction], of the Loan Agreement for the [6-month] period ending on the date of this certificate.
We now certify that, as at [ ]:
(a)
the ratio set out in clause 14.1 is at [ l ] per cent.;
(b)
the aggregate of all Cash is [ ]. Such amount [does][not] equal less than $300,000 in respect of each Fleet Vessel;
(c)
the Market Value Adjusted Net Worth is $[ ]; and
(d)
the Leverage Ratio is [ ] per cent.
This certificate shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
     
Chief Financial Officer
 
Director
for and on behalf of
 
for and on behalf of
EURODRY LTD.
 
PANTELIS SHIPPING CORP.

74


     
Director
 
Director
for and on behalf of
 
for and on behalf of
ARETI SHIPPING LTD.
 
LIGHT SHIPPING LTD
75


EXECUTION PAGE

BORROWERS
   
     
SIGNED by
)
 
STEFANIA KARMIRI
)
/s/ Stefania Karmiri
being an attorney-in-fact
)
 
for and on behalf of
)
 
PANTELIS SHIPPING CORP.
)
 
in the presence of:
)
 
Emmanouil Pontikis
)
/s/Emmanouil Pontikis
     
     
SIGNED by
)
 
STEFANIA KARMIRI
)
/s/ Stefania Karmiri
being an attorney-in-fact
)
 
for and on behalf of
)
 
ARETI SHIPPING LTD
)
 
in the presence of:
)
 
Emmanouil Pontikis
)
/s/Emmanouil Pontikis
     
     
SIGNED by
)
 
STEFANIA KARMIRI
)
/s/ Stefania Karmiri
being an attorney-in-fact
)
 
for and on behalf of
)
 
LIGHT SHIPPING LTD
)
 
in the presence of:
)
 
Emmanouil Pontikis
)
/s/Emmanouil Pontikis
     
     
LENDER
   
     
SIGNED by
)
 
M. Maniatakou
)
/s/M. Maniatakou
Amalia Kafka
)
/s/Amalia Kafka
for and on behalf of
)
 
NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE S.A.
)
 
in the presence of:
)
 
Emmanouil Pontikis
)
/s/Emmanouil Pontikis
     


76
Exhibit 8.1
List of Subsidiaries

Subsidiary
Country of Incorporation
Pantelis Shipping Corp.
Liberia
Eirini Shipping Ltd.
Liberia
Ultra One Shipping Ltd.
Liberia
Ultra Two Shipping Ltd.
Liberia
Kamsarmax One Shipping Ltd.
Marshall Islands
Kamsarmax Two Shipping Ltd.
Marshall Islands
Areti Shipping Ltd.
Marshall Islands
Light Shipping Ltd.
Marshall Islands

Exhibit 12.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Aristides J. Pittas, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of EuroDry Ltd. (the "Company");

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The Company's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:


a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


d)
disclosed in this report any change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Company's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company's auditors and the audit committee of the Company's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):


a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 30, 2019


/s/Aristides J. Pittas
Aristides J. Pittas
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 12.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Anastasios Aslidis, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of EuroDry Ltd. (the "Company");

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The Company's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)
disclosed in this report any change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Company's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company's auditors and the audit committee of the Company's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 30, 2019


/s/Anastasios Aslidis
Anastasios Aslidis
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 13.1


CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with this Annual Report of EuroDry Ltd. (the "Company") on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on or about the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Aristides J. Pittas, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.

Date: April 30, 2019


/s/Aristides J. Pittas         
Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 13.2

 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

 

In connection with the Annual Report of EuroDry Ltd. (the "Company") on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on or about the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Anastasios Aslidis, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 A signed original of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.

 Date: April 30, 2019 


/s/Anastasios Aslidis     

Chief Financial Officer