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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GASLOG PARTNERS LP INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One) | ||
o |
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
ý |
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 |
o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
o |
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
GasLog Partners LP
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
Not Applicable (Translation of Registrant's name into English) |
Republic of the Marshall Islands (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
c/o GasLog Monaco S.A.M. Gildo Pastor Center 7 Rue du Gabian MC 98000, Monaco (Address of principal executive offices) |
Nicola Lloyd, General Counsel c/o GasLog Monaco S.A.M. Gildo Pastor Center 7 Rue du Gabian MC 98000, Monaco Telephone: +377 97 97 51 15 Facsimile: +377 97 97 51 24 (Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Registrant 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 Units representing limited partner interests | New York Stock Exchange | |
Series A Preference Units | New York Stock Exchange | |
Series B Preference Units | New York Stock Exchange | |
Series C Preference Units | New York Stock Exchange |
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None
SECURITIES FOR WHICH THERE IS A REPORTING OBLIGATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
As of December 31, 2018, there were 45,448,993 Partnership common units, 5,750,000 Series A Preference Units, 4,600,000 Series B Preference Units and 4,000,000 Series C Preference Units outstanding.
Indicate by check mark if the Company is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ý No o
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the Company is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o No ý
Indicate by check mark whether the Company (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 ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Company 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 Company was required to submit such files).
Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Emerging growth company o |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
The term "new or revised financial accounting standard" refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the Company has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing.
U.S. GAAP o |
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board ý |
Other o |
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Company has elected to follow.
Item 17 o Item 18 o
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the Company is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No ý
i
In this annual report, unless otherwise indicated:
ii
iii
All statements in this annual report that are not statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements that address activities, events or developments that the Partnership expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, particularly in relation to our operations, cash flows, financial position, liquidity and cash available for dividends or distributions, plans, strategies, business prospects and changes and trends in our business and the markets in which we operate. In some cases, predictive, future-tense or forward-looking words such as "believe", "intend", "anticipate", "estimate", "project", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "may", "should", "could" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. In addition, we and our representatives may from time to time make other oral or written statements which are forward-looking statements, including in our periodic reports that we file with the SEC, other information sent to our security holders, and other written materials. We caution that these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this annual report or the date on which such oral or written statements are made, as applicable, about factors that are beyond our ability to control or predict, and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. Any of these factors or a combination of these factors could materially affect future results of operations and the ultimate accuracy of the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not unduly rely on any forward-looking statements.
Factors that might cause future results and outcomes to differ include, but are not limited to, the following:
iv
We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this annual report, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in our views or expectations or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
v
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
A. Selected Financial Data
This information should be read together with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in "Item 18. Financial Statements". You should also read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects".
Certain numerical figures included in the below tables have been rounded. Discrepancies in tables between totals and the sums of the amounts listed may occur due to such rounding.
A.1. IFRS Common Control Reported Results
The following table presents, in each case for the periods and as of the dates indicated, selected historical financial and operating data. The selected historical financial data as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in "Item 18. Financial Statements". The selected historical financial data as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 is a summary of and is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements after retroactive restatement for the transfer of vessels from GasLog to the Partnership that are not included in this report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB.
Prior to the closing of our IPO, we did not own any vessels. The following presentation assumes that our business was operated as a separate entity prior to its inception. For the periods prior to the closing of the IPO, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows reflected in our financial statements include all expenses allocable to our business, but may not be indicative of those that would have been incurred had we operated as a separate public entity for all years presented or of future results. The annual consolidated financial statements and our historical financial and operating data under "IFRS Common Control Reported Results" include the accounts of the Partnership and its subsidiaries assuming that they are consolidated from the date of their incorporation by GasLog, as they were under the common control of GasLog. The following transfers of vessels from GasLog to the Partnership were each accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control under IFRS and prior periods were retroactively restated:
Date
|
Vessel(s) Transferred | |
---|---|---|
May 12, 2014 | GasLog Santiago , GasLog Shanghai and GasLog Sydney | |
September 29, 2014 | Methane Jane Elizabeth and Methane Rita Andrea | |
July 1, 2015 | Methane Alison Victoria, Methane Heather Sally and Methane Shirley Elisabeth | |
November 1, 2016 | GasLog Seattle | |
May 3, 2017 | GasLog Greece | |
July 3, 2017 | GasLog Geneva | |
October 20, 2017 | Solaris | |
April 26, 2018 | GasLog Gibraltar | |
November 14, 2018 | Methane Becki Anne |
1
|
As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
|
|||||||||||
|
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per unit data)
|
|||||||||||||||
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION DATA |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 52,313 | $ | 70,279 | $ | 64,173 | $ | 149,455 | $ | 129,125 | ||||||
Short-term investments |
23,201 | 3,000 | 7,500 | | 10,000 | |||||||||||
Vessels |
1,706,619 | 1,887,316 | 2,439,092 | 2,363,668 | 2,315,823 | |||||||||||
Vessels under construction |
40,986 | 105,558 | | | | |||||||||||
Total assets |
1,833,649 | 2,084,955 | 2,543,545 | 2,528,263 | 2,488,638 | |||||||||||
Borrowingscurrent portion |
35,561 | 390,426 | 89,422 | 121,197 | 429,437 | |||||||||||
Borrowingsnon-current portion |
1,028,193 | 831,621 | 1,474,510 | 1,278,931 | 805,560 | |||||||||||
Total equity |
687,390 | 777,332 | 919,680 | 1,065,708 | 1,179,659 | |||||||||||
NUMBER OF UNITS OUTSTANDING |
||||||||||||||||
General partner units |
492,750 | 645,811 | 701,933 | 836,779 | 927,532 | |||||||||||
Common units |
14,322,358 | 21,822,358 | 24,572,358 | 41,002,121 | 45,448,993 | |||||||||||
Subordinated units (4) |
9,822,358 | 9,822,358 | 9,822,358 | | | |||||||||||
Preference Units |
| | | 5,750,000 | 14,350,000 |
2
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
|
|||||||||||
|
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|||||||||||||||
CASH FLOW DATA |
||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 140,961 | $ | 143,402 | $ | 204,930 | $ | 242,827 | $ | 185,107 | ||||||
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities |
(955,708 | ) | (219,169 | ) | (506,428 | ) | 3,381 | (31,851 | ) | |||||||
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities |
846,943 | 93,733 | 295,392 | (160,926 | ) | (173,586 | ) |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
|
|||||||||||
FLEET DATA* |
||||||||||||||||
Number of LNG carriers at end of period |
10 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | |||||||||||
Average number of LNG carriers during period |
7.6 | 10.8 | 12.2 | 14 | 14 | |||||||||||
Average age of LNG carriers (years) |
4.7 | 5.7 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.3 | |||||||||||
Total calendar days of fleet for the period |
2,779 | 3,926 | 4,456 | 5,110 | 5,110 | |||||||||||
Total operating days of fleet for the period (5) |
2,769 | 3,835 | 4,411 | 5,091 | 4,910 |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
|
|||||||||||
|
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|||||||||||||||
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA |
||||||||||||||||
EBITDA (6) |
$ | 148,401 | $ | 195,491 | $ | 236,874 | $ | 279,816 | $ | 261,025 | ||||||
Capital expenditures: |
||||||||||||||||
Payment for vessels and vessel additions |
934,050 | 239,422 | 502,132 | 5,131 | 24,177 | |||||||||||
Distributable cash flow (6) |
27,259 | 72,254 | 83,660 | 100,551 | 108,945 | |||||||||||
Cash distributions declared |
22,179 | (7) | 62,993 | (8) | 65,577 | (9) | 83,048 | (11) | 97,105 | (12) | ||||||
Cash distributions paid |
23,169 | (7) | 60,003 | (8) | 77,377 | (10) | 83,048 | (11) | 97,105 | (12) | ||||||
Preference Unit distributions declared and paid |
| | | 7,232 | 20,989 |
A.2. Partnership Performance Results
The financial and operating data below exclude amounts related to vessels currently owned by the Partnership for the periods prior to their respective transfers to GasLog Partners from GasLog, as the Partnership was not entitled to the cash or results generated in the periods prior to such transfers. The Partnership Performance Results are non-GAAP financial measures that the Partnership believes provide meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors regarding the financial and operating performance of the Partnership because such presentation is consistent with the
3
calculation of the quarterly distribution and the earnings per unit, which similarly exclude the results of vessels prior to their transfer to the Partnership.
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||
|
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|||||||||||||||
PARTNERSHIP PERFORMANCE STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues (6) |
$ | 65,931 | $ | 168,927 | $ | 206,424 | $ | 269,071 | $ | 316,991 | ||||||
Net pool allocation (6) |
| | | | 3,700 | |||||||||||
Voyage expenses and commissions (6) |
(817 | ) | (2,102 | ) | (2,841 | ) | (3,377 | ) | (6,678 | ) | ||||||
Vessel operating costs (6) |
(12,226 | ) | (33,656 | ) | (43,479 | ) | (55,692 | ) | (61,452 | ) | ||||||
Depreciation (6) |
(13,352 | ) | (35,981 | ) | (45,230 | ) | (58,193 | ) | (73,151 | ) | ||||||
General and administrative expenses (6) |
(4,591 | ) | (10,383 | ) | (11,219 | ) | (13,869 | ) | (18,905 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit from operations (6) |
34,945 | 86,805 | 103,655 | 137,940 | 160,505 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial costs (6) |
(15,206 | ) | (21,789 | ) | (30,187 | ) | (44,916 | ) | (60,258 | ) | ||||||
Financial income (6) |
23 | 24 | 179 | 972 | 2,398 | |||||||||||
(Loss)/gain on derivatives (6) |
(5,218 | ) | | 3,623 | 121 | (48 | ) | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other expenses, net (6) |
(20,401 | ) | (21,765 | ) | (26,385 | ) | (43,823 | ) | (57,908 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Partnership's profit (2)(6) |
$ | 14,544 | $ | 65,040 | $ | 77,270 | $ | 94,117 | $ | 102,597 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||
PARTNERSHIP PERFORMANCE FLEET DATA* |
||||||||||||||||
Number of LNG carriers at end of period |
5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | |||||||||||
Average number of LNG carriers during period |
2.4 | 6.5 | 8.2 | 10.4 | 12.8 | |||||||||||
Average age of LNG carriers (years) |
4.5 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 6.7 | 7.3 | |||||||||||
Total calendar days of fleet for the period |
885 | 2,377 | 2,989 | 3,783 | 4,676 | |||||||||||
Total operating days of fleet for the period (5) |
885 | 2,377 | 2,944 | 3,764 | 4,476 |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||
|
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|||||||||||||||
OTHER PARTNERSHIP PERFORMANCE FINANCIAL DATA |
||||||||||||||||
EBITDA (6) |
$ | 48,297 | $ | 122,786 | $ | 148,885 | $ | 196,133 | $ | 233,656 | ||||||
Distributable cash flow (6) |
27,259 | 72,254 | 83,660 | 100,551 | 108,945 | |||||||||||
Cash distributions declared and paid |
13,369 | (13) | 51,192 | (14) | 65,577 | (9) | 83,048 | (11) | 97,105 | (12) | ||||||
Preference Unit distributions declared and paid |
| | | 7,232 | 20,989 |
4
on February 24, 2017, resulting in 120,000 additional units being sold at the same price. In connection with the offering, the Partnership issued 78,980 general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest.
On May 16, 2017, the subordination period expired, and the 9,822,358 subordinated units held by GasLog converted on a one-for-one basis into common units and now participate pro rata with other common units in distributions for available cash.
Also, on May 16, 2017, GasLog Partners entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the "Equity Distribution Agreement") under which the Partnership may, from time to time, raise equity through the ATM Programme having an aggregate offering price of up to $100.0 million. On November 3, 2017, the Partnership entered into the Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement to increase the size of the ATM Programme from $100.0 million to $144.0 million. Since the commencement of the ATM Programme through December 31, 2018, GasLog Partners has issued and received payment for a total of 5,291,304 common units. In connection with the issuance of common units under the Equity Distribution Agreement during this period, the Partnership also issued 107,987 general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest. Earnings per share is presented for the periods in which the units were outstanding.
Partnership Performance Results. As described above, our IFRS Common Control Reported Results are derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership.
Our Partnership Performance Results presented below are non-GAAP measures and exclude amounts related to GAS-three Ltd., GAS-four Ltd. and GAS-five Ltd. (the owners of the GasLog Shanghai , the GasLog Santiago and the GasLog Sydney , respectively) for the period prior to the closing of the IPO, GAS-sixteen Ltd. and GAS-seventeen Ltd. (the owners of the Methane Rita Andrea and the Methane Jane Elizabeth , respectively) for the period prior to their transfer to the Partnership on September 29, 2014, the amounts related to GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd. and GAS-twenty one Ltd. (the owners of the Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth and the Methane Heather Sally , respectively) for the period prior to their transfer to the Partnership on July 1, 2015, the amounts related to GAS-seven Ltd. (the owner of the GasLog Seattle ) for the period prior to its transfer to the Partnership on November 1, 2016, the amounts related to GAS-eleven Ltd. (the owner of the GasLog Greece ) for the period prior to its transfer to the Partnership on May 3, 2017, the amounts related to GAS-thirteen Ltd. (the owner of the GasLog Geneva ) for the period prior to its transfer to the Partnership on July 3, 2017, the amounts related to GAS-eight Ltd. (the owner of the Solaris ) for the period prior to its transfer to the Partnership on October 20, 2017, the amounts related to GAS-fourteen Ltd. (the owner of the GasLog Gibraltar ) for the period prior to its transfer to the Partnership on April 26, 2018 and the amounts related to GAS-twenty seven Ltd. (the owner of the Methane Becki Anne ) for the period prior to its transfer on November 14, 2018. While such amounts are reflected in the Partnership's reported financial statements because the transfers to the Partnership were accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control under IFRS, the above mentioned entities were not owned by the Partnership prior to their transfers to the Partnership on the respective dates, and accordingly the Partnership was not entitled to the cash or results generated in the period prior to such transfers.
The Partnership Performance Results are non-GAAP financial measures. GasLog Partners believes that these financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors regarding the financial and operating performance of the Partnership because such presentation is consistent with the calculation of the quarterly distribution and the earnings per unit, which similarly exclude the results of vessels prior to their transfer to the Partnership. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be viewed in isolation or as substitutes to the equivalent GAAP measures presented in accordance with IFRS, but should be used in conjunction with the most directly comparable IFRS Common Control Reported Results.
Reconciliation of Partnership Performance Results to IFRS Common Control Reported Results in our Financial Statements:
|
Year ended December 31, 2015 | Year ended December 31, 2016 | Year ended December 31, 2017 | Year ended December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Results
attributable to GasLog |
Partnership
Performance Results |
IFRS
Common Control Reported Results |
Results
attributable to GasLog |
Partnership
Performance Results |
IFRS
Common Control Reported Results |
Results
attributable to GasLog |
Partnership
Performance Results |
IFRS
Common Control Reported Results |
Results
attributable to GasLog |
Partnership
Performance Results |
IFRS
Common Control Reported Results |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restated
(1)
|
|
Restated
(1)
|
Restated
(1)
|
|
Restated
(1)
|
Restated
(1)
|
|
Restated
(1)
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|
|
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|||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 100,150 | $ | 168,927 | $ | 269,077 | $ | 111,065 | $ | 206,424 | $ | 317,489 | $ | 102,075 | $ | 269,071 | $ | 371,146 | $ | 35,550 | $ | 316,991 | $ | 352,541 | |||||||||||||
Net pool allocation |
| | | | | | | | | | 3,700 | 3,700 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Voyage expenses and commissions |
(1,542 | ) | (2,102 | ) | (3,644 | ) | (1,492 | ) | (2,841 | ) | (4,333 | ) | (1,273 | ) | (3,377 | ) | (4,650 | ) | (444 | ) | (6,678 | ) | (7,122 | ) | |||||||||||||
Vessel operating costs |
(24,221 | ) | (33,656 | ) | (57,877 | ) | (19,597 | ) | (43,479 | ) | (63,076 | ) | (15,677 | ) | (55,692 | ) | (71,369 | ) | (7,273 | ) | (61,452 | ) | (68,725 | ) | |||||||||||||
Depreciation |
(25,425 | ) | (35,981 | ) | (61,406 | ) | (25,060 | ) | (45,230 | ) | (70,290 | ) | (22,896 | ) | (58,193 | ) | (81,089 | ) | (8,439 | ) | (73,151 | ) | (81,590 | ) | |||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(1,682 | ) | (10,383 | ) | (12,065 | ) | (1,987 | ) | (11,219 | ) | (13,206 | ) | (1,442 | ) | (13,869 | ) | (15,311 | ) | (464 | ) | (18,905 | ) | (19,369 | ) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit from operations |
47,280 | 86,805 | 134,085 | 62,929 | 103,655 | 166,584 | 60,787 | 137,940 | 198,727 | 18,930 | 160,505 | 179,435 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial costs |
(20,246 | ) | (21,789 | ) | (42,035 | ) | (30,060 | ) | (30,187 | ) | (60,247 | ) | (20,206 | ) | (44,916 | ) | (65,122 | ) | (6,029 | ) | (60,258 | ) | (66,287 | ) | |||||||||||||
Financial income |
17 | 24 | 41 | 30 | 179 | 209 | 47 | 972 | 1,019 | 15 | 2,398 | 2,413 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss)/gain on derivatives |
(5,895 | ) | | (5,895 | ) | (10,460 | ) | 3,623 | (6,837 | ) | | 121 | 121 | | (48 | ) | (48 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other expense |
(26,124 | ) | (21,765 | ) | (47,889 | ) | (40,490 | ) | (26,385 | ) | (66,875 | ) | (20,159 | ) | (43,823 | ) | (63,982 | ) | (6.014 | ) | (57,908 | ) | (63,922 | ) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit for the year |
$ | 21,156 | $ | 65,040 | $ | 86,196 | $ | 22,439 | $ | 77,270 | $ | 99,709 | $ | 40,628 | 94,117 | 134,745 | $ | 12,916 | 102,597 | 115,513 | |||||||||||||||||
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EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest income and expense, gain/loss on derivative financial instruments, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and external users of financial statements, such as
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our investors, to assess our operating performance. The Partnership believes that this non-GAAP financial measure assists our management and investors by increasing the comparability of our performance from period to period. The Partnership believes that including EBITDA assists our management and investors in (i) understanding and analyzing the results of our operating and business performance, (ii) selecting between investing in us and other investment alternatives and (iii) monitoring our ongoing financial and operational strength in assessing whether to purchase and/or to continue to hold our common units. This increased comparability is achieved by excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods of financial costs, gains/losses on derivatives, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which items are affected by various and possibly changing financing methods, financial market conditions, capital structure and historical cost basis and which items may significantly affect results of operations between periods.
EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered as an alternative to, or as a substitute for, or superior to profit, profit from operations, earnings per unit or any other measure of operating performance presented in accordance with IFRS. Some of these limitations include the fact that it does not reflect (i) our cash capital expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments, (ii) changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs and (iii) the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debt. Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements.
EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect profit and these measures may vary among other companies. Therefore, EBITDA as presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The following table reconciles EBITDA to profit, the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure, for the periods presented.
EBITDA is presented on the basis of IFRS Common Control Reported Results and Partnership Performance Results. Partnership Performance Results are non-GAAP measures. The difference between IFRS Common Control Reported Results and Partnership Performance Results are results attributable to GasLog as set out in the reconciliation above.
Reconciliation of Profit to EBITDA:
|
IFRS Common Control Reported Results Year ended
December 31, |
Partnership Performance Results Year ended
December 31, |
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2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Restated
(1)
|
Restated
(1)
|
Restated
(1)
|
Restated
(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
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Profit for the year |
$ | 47,473 | $ | 86,196 | $ | 99,709 | $ | 134,745 | $ | 115,513 | $ | 14,544 | $ | 65,040 | $ | 77,270 | $ | 94,117 | $ | 102,597 | |||||||||||
Depreciation |
42,433 | 61,406 | 70,290 | 81,089 | 81,590 | 13,352 | 35,981 | 45,230 | 58,193 | 73,151 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Financial costs |
39,992 | 42,035 | 60,247 | 65,122 | 66,287 | 15,206 | 21,789 | 30,187 | 44,916 | 60,258 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Financial income |
(51 | ) | (41 | ) | (209 | ) | (1,019 | ) | (2,413 | ) | (23 | ) | (24 | ) | (179 | ) | (972 | ) | (2,398 | ) | |||||||||||
Loss/(gain) on derivatives |
18,554 | 5,895 | 6,837 | (121 | ) | 48 | 5,218 | | (3,623 | ) | (121 | ) | 48 | ||||||||||||||||||
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EBITDA |
$ | 148,401 | $ | 195,491 | $ | 236,874 | $ | 279,816 | $ | 261,025 | $ | 48,297 | $ | 122,786 | $ | 148,885 | $ | 196,133 | $ | 233,656 | |||||||||||
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Distributable cash flow. Distributable cash flow means EBITDA, on the basis of the Partnership Performance Results, after considering financial costs for the year, including realized loss on derivatives and excluding amortization of loan fees, estimated dry-docking and replacement capital reserves established by the Partnership and accrued distributions on Preference Units, whether or not declared. Estimated dry-docking and replacement capital reserves represent capital expenditures required to renew and maintain over the long-term the operating capacity of, or the revenue generated by, our capital assets. The Partnership believes that Distributable cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is useful because it is a quantitative standard used by investors in publicly-traded partnerships to assess their ability to make quarterly cash distributions. Our calculation of Distributable cash flow may not be comparable to that reported by other companies.
Distributable cash flow has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered as an alternative to, or substitute for, or superior to, profit or loss, profit or loss from operations, earnings per unit or any other measure of operating performance presented in accordance with IFRS.
The table below reconciles Distributable cash flow and Cash distributions declared to EBITDA (Partnership Performance Results).
Reconciliation of EBITDA to Distributable Cash Flow*:
|
Partnership Performance Results
Year ended December 31, |
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2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
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(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
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EBITDA (Partnership Performance Results) * |
$ | 148,885 | $ | 196,133 | $ | 233,656 | ||||
Financial costs (excluding amortization of loan fees) and realized loss on derivatives |
(26,929 | ) | (41,722 | ) | (52,876 | ) | ||||
Dry-docking capital reserve |
(8,829 | ) | (12,234 | ) | (13,890 | ) | ||||
Replacement capital reserve |
(29,467 | ) | (33,877 | ) | (35,450 | ) | ||||
Paid and accrued preferred equity distribution |
| (7,749 | ) | (22,495 | ) | |||||
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Distributable cash flow |
83,660 | 100,551 | 108,945 | |||||||
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Other reserves ** |
(14,244 | ) | (14,207 | ) | (7,756 | ) | ||||
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Cash distributions*** |
$ | 69,416 | $ | 86,344 | $ | 101,189 | ||||
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B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of December 31, 2018:
This information should be read in conjunction with "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects", and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in "Item 18. Financial Statements".
|
As of
December 31, 2018 |
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|
(in thousands of
U.S. dollars) |
|||
Debt: (1) |
||||
Borrowingscurrent portion |
429,437 | |||
Borrowingsnon-current portion |
805,560 | |||
| | | | |
Total debt |
1,234,997 | |||
| | | | |
Partners' Equity: |
||||
Common unitholders: 45,448,993 units issued and outstanding |
812,863 | |||
General partner: 927,532 units issued and outstanding |
13,289 | |||
Preference unitholders: 5,750,000 Series A, 4,600,000 Series B and 4,000,000 Series C issued and outstanding |
348,331 | |||
Incentive distribution rights |
5,176 | |||
| | | | |
Total Partners' Equity |
1,179,659 | |||
| | | | |
Total capitalization |
2,414,656 | |||
| | | | |
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
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D. Risk Factors
Risks Inherent in Our Business
Our fleet consists of 14 LNG carriers. The charters on two of the Steam vessels expire in 2019, one of which has been rechartered, and five further charters expire in 2020, including four Steam vessels. On redelivery, the vessels may operate in the short-term spot market until we successfully secure new multi-year time charters. Operating vessels in the spot market could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and could significantly reduce or eliminate our ability to pay distributions on our common or Preference Units.
The Methane Jane Elizabeth is due to come off charter in October 2019 and the Methane Alison Victoria in December 2019, each plus or minus 30 days. A one-year charter has been secured for either the Methane Jane Elizabeth or the Methane Alison Victoria (as nominated by the Partnership) commencing in either November or December 2019 at the Partnership's option. The charter rate for this one-year charter is lower than the current charter rates of either the Methane Jane Elizabeth or the Methane Alison Victoria . In addition, the Methane Rita Andrea , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth , the Methane Heather Sally , the GasLog Sydney and either the Methane Jane Elizabeth or the Methane Alison Victoria are due to come off charter during 2020. We continue to pursue opportunities for new multi-year charters for these vessels, but we may have difficulty in securing new charters at attractive rates and durations. In the interim, we may have exposure to the volatile spot market which is highly competitive and subject to significant price fluctuations. Moreover, multi-year charters that we secure for on-the-water vessels may not be as long in duration as multi-year charters we have enjoyed in the past. In recent years, as a result of more LNG being traded on a short-term basis and greater liquidity in the LNG shipping market, there has been a decrease in the duration of term charters for on-the-water vessels with such charters now generally being anywhere between one and five years in duration. If we are unable to re-deploy a vessel, we will not receive any revenues from that vessel, and we will be required to pay expenses necessary to maintain the vessel in proper operating condition as well as to service the debt attached to that vessel.
Failure to secure new multi-year charters could adversely affect our future liquidity, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders, as well as our ability to meet certain of our debt covenants. A sustained decline in charter rates could also adversely affect the market value of our vessels, on which certain of the ratios and financial covenants with which we are required to comply are based. Vessel values may fluctuate substantially, which could result in an impairment charge, could impact our compliance with the covenants in our loan agreements and, if the values are lower at a time when we are attempting to dispose of vessels, could cause us to incur a loss.
Our fleet of 14 LNG carriers includes nine TFDE vessels and five Steam vessels. The charters on the five Steam vessels expire during 2019 and 2020. Whilst we will seek to recharter all five Steam vessels on multi-year contracts, advances in LNG carrier technology may negatively impact our ability to recharter these vessels on attractive terms. If we are unable to recharter the Steam vessels on multi-year charters with similar terms, our revenues and cash flows from these vessels will decline following expiration of our current charter arrangements.
Our Steam vessels are less efficient than larger and more modern LNG carriers and it may be more challenging to find spot and/or term employment for these vessels. However, we will continue to pursue new multi-year charters for these vessels. If we are unable to secure new multi-year charters, the Steam vessels may operate in the short-term spot market and the revenues and cash flows from these vessels are likely to decline following expiration of our current charter arrangements. Failure to secure new multi-year charters could adversely affect our future liquidity, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders, as well as our ability to meet certain of our debt covenants
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If the number of vessels available in the short-term or spot LNG carrier charter market continues to expand and results in reduced opportunities to secure multi-year charters for our vessels, our revenues and cash flows may become more volatile and may decline following expiration or early termination of our current charter arrangements.
Most shipping requirements for new LNG projects continue to be secured on a multi-year basis, though the level of spot voyages and short-term time charters of less than 12 months in duration has grown in the past few years. If the number of vessels available in the short-term or spot charter market continues to expand and results in reduced opportunities to secure multi-year charters for our vessels, we may only be able to enter into short-term time charters upon expiration or early termination of our current charters. As a result, our revenues and cash flows may become more volatile. In addition, an active short-term or spot charter market may require us to enter into charters based on changing market prices, as opposed to contracts based on fixed rates, which could result in a decrease in our revenues and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders, if we enter into charters during periods when the market price for shipping LNG is depressed.
An oversupply of LNG carriers may lead to a reduction in the charter hire rates we are able to obtain when seeking charters in the future which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.
While we currently believe that the global LNG carrier fleet may experience high levels of utilization over the next two to three years, the supply of LNG carriers has been increasing as a result of the delivery and ordering of new ships. The development of liquefaction projects in the United States and the anticipation of exports beginning in early 2016 drove significant ordering activity. Whilst we saw a decline in ordering of newbuilds during 2016 and 2017, ordering of newbuilds increased in 2018, driven by strengthening charter rates and increasing expectations for long-term LNG supply and demand. According to Poten, as of February 11, 2019, the global fleet of LNG carriers (>65,000 cbm) consisted of 493 vessels, with 105 LNG carriers on order, of which 66 have long term charters. This increase in ship orders, the large number of ordered newbuilds that are uncommitted and any future expansion of the global LNG carrier fleet in excess of the demand for LNG shipping may have a negative impact on charter hire rates, ship utilization and ship values.
If charter hire rates are lower when we are seeking new time charters, our revenues and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders, may decline.
Our future capital needs are uncertain and we may need to raise additional funds in the future.
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, we may need to raise additional capital to maintain, replace and expand the operating capacity of our fleet, fund our operations and meet our debt service obligations. Our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including the cost and timing of vessel acquisitions, the cost of retrofitting or modifying existing ships as a result of technological advances, changes in applicable environmental or other regulations or standards, customer requirements or otherwise. Our ability to obtain bank financing or to access the capital markets for future offerings may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such financing or offering, as well as by adverse market conditions that are beyond our control. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity or equity-linked securities, our unitholders may experience dilution or reduced distributions per unit. Inability to secure bank financing or access the capital markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, or financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distributions to our unitholders.
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Four of our credit facilities, including our intercompany credit facility, are due to mature between 2019 and 2022. We cannot guarantee that renewal or replacement of these lines of credit will occur on similar or more favourable terms.
Securing access to replacement funds in advance of the maturity of our current debt facilities cannot be assured on the same or similar terms. Debt financing, if available, may involve covenants restricting our operations or our ability to incur additional debt or to pay distributions to unitholders. Any future debt or equity financing raised may contain unfavorable terms to us or our unitholders. If we are unable to raise adequate funds, we may have to liquidate some or all of our assets, or delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate some or all of our fleet expansion plans. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distributions to our unitholders.
Our relationship with GasLog is key to our operations and to our future growth. If GasLog fails to maintain a drop-down pipeline of vessels with multi-year charters and to support our operations and commercial endeavours, this would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and could significantly reduce or eliminate our ability to pay distributions on our common or Preference Units.
Our current drop-down pipeline is composed solely of GasLog vessels. Our future growth, at this time, is largely dependent on a continuing relationship with GasLog and other factors related to that relationship, some of which are beyond our control including our ability to:
We and our operating subsidiaries have entered into various service agreements with GasLog and its subsidiaries, including GasLog LNG Services. Under such agreements, GasLog and its subsidiaries provide certain administrative, financial and other services, and provide substantially all of our crew, technical management services (including vessel maintenance, periodic dry-docking, cleaning and painting, performing work required by regulations and human resources and financial services) and other advisory and commercial management services, including the sourcing of new contracts and renewals of existing contracts. Our operational success and ability to execute our growth strategy depend significantly upon the satisfactory performance of these services by GasLog and its subsidiaries. Our business will be harmed if such subsidiaries fail to perform these services satisfactorily or if they stop providing these services to us or our operating subsidiaries.
Our ability to compete for new charters and expand our customer relationships depends largely on our ability to leverage our relationship with GasLog and its reputation and relationships in the shipping industry. If GasLog suffers material damage to its reputation or relationships, it may harm our ability to:
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If our ability to do any of the things described above is impaired, it would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
Our future growth depends on our ability to maintain our relationship with our existing customers, establish new customer relationships and obtain new time charter contracts, for which we face considerable competition from other established companies with significant resources, as well as recent and potential future new entrants.
One of our principal objectives is to enter into additional multi-year, fixed-rate charters. The process of obtaining multi-year, fixed rate charters for LNG carriers is highly competitive and generally involves an intensive screening process by potential customers and the submission of competitive bids, all of which can often extend for several months. We believe LNG carrier time charters are awarded based upon a variety of factors relating to the ship and the ship operator, including:
We expect substantial competition from a number of experienced companies and recent and potential future new entrants to the LNG shipping market. Competitors may include other independent ship owners, state-sponsored entities and major energy companies that own and operate LNG carriers, all of whom may compete with independent owners by using their own fleets to carry LNG for third parties. Some of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources and larger fleets than we or GasLog have, and some have particular relationships that may provide them with competitive advantages. During 2017 and 2018, a number of marine transportation companies, including companies with strong reputations and extensive resources and experience, have either entered or significantly increased their presence in the LNG transportation market. There are other
11
ship owners and managers who may also attempt to participate in the LNG market in the future. This increased competition may cause greater price competition for time charters. As a result, we may be unable to expand our relationships with existing customers or to obtain new customers on a profitable basis and we may not be successful in executing any future growth plans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders.
We may experience operational problems with vessels that reduce revenues and increase costs. In addition, there are risks associated with operating ocean-going ships. Any limitation in the availability or operation of our ships could have a material adverse effect on our business, our reputation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our fleet consists of 14 LNG carriers that are in operation. LNG carriers are complex and their operations are technically challenging. Marine transportation operations are subject to mechanical risks and problems. Operational problems may lead to loss of revenues or higher than anticipated operating expenses or require additional capital expenditures.
Furthermore, the operation of ocean-going ships carries inherent risks. These risks include the possibility of:
An accident involving any of our owned ships could result in any of the following:
If any of our ships are unable to generate revenues for any significant period of time for any reason, including unexpected periods of off-hire or early charter termination (which could result from damage to our ships), our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders, could be materially and adversely affected. The impact of any limitation in the operation of our ships or any early charter termination would be amplified, as a substantial portion of our cash flows and income is dependent on the revenues earned by the
12
chartering of our 14 LNG carriers in operation. In addition, the costs of ship repairs are unpredictable and can be substantial. In the event of repair costs that are not covered by our insurance policies, we may have to pay for such repair costs, which would decrease our earnings and cash flows. Any of these results could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
We currently derive the majority of our revenues from a single customer and in the immediate future we will continue to depend on one customer for nearly all of our revenues after our expected acquisition of additional vessels from GasLog. The loss of this customer would result in a significant loss of revenues and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We currently derive the majority of our revenues from wholly-owned subsidiaries of Shell. We could lose a customer or the benefits of our time charter arrangements for many different reasons. The customer may be unable or unwilling to make charter hire or other payments to us because of a deterioration in its financial condition, commercial disputes with us, long term force majeure events or otherwise. If a customer terminates its charters, chooses not to re-charter our ships or is unable to perform under its charters and we are not able to find replacement charters on similar terms, we will suffer a loss of revenues. Such a loss could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders.
If we cannot meet our charterers' quality and compliance requirements we may not be able to operate our vessels profitably which could have an adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Customers, and in particular those in the LNG industry, have a high and increasing focus on quality and compliance standards with their suppliers across the entire value chain, including the shipping and transportation segment. Our continuous compliance with these standards and quality requirements is vital for our operations. Related risks could materialize in multiple ways, including a sudden and unexpected breach in quality and/or compliance concerning one or more vessels and/or a continuous decrease in the quality concerning one or more LNG carriers occurring over time. Moreover, continuously increasing requirements from LNG industry constituents can further complicate our ability to meet the standards. We are largely dependent on GasLog for our compliance with the standards of our customers. Any noncompliance by us, either suddenly or over a period of time, on one or more LNG carriers, or an increase in requirements by our charterers above and beyond what we deliver, may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Any charter termination could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our charterer has the right to terminate a ship's time charter in certain circumstances, such as:
A termination right under one ship's time charter would not automatically give the charterer the right to terminate its other charter contracts with us. However, a charter termination could materially
13
affect our relationship with the customer and our reputation in the LNG shipping industry, and in some circumstances the event giving rise to the termination right could potentially impact multiple charters. Accordingly, the existence of any right of termination could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders.
Our future performance and ability to secure future time charters depends on continued growth in LNG production and demand for LNG and LNG shipping.
Our future performance, including our ability to profitably expand our fleet, will depend on continued growth in LNG production and the demand for LNG and LNG shipping. A complete LNG project includes natural gas production, liquefaction, storage, regasification and distribution facilities, in addition to the marine transportation of LNG. Increased infrastructure investment has led to an expansion of LNG production capacity in recent years, but material delays in the construction of new liquefaction facilities could constrain the amount of LNG available for shipping, reducing ship utilization. The rate of growth of the LNG industry has fluctuated due to several factors, including the rate of global economic growth, fluctuations in global commodity prices, including natural gas, oil and coal as well as other sources of energy, and energy and environmental policy in markets which produce and/or consume LNG. Continued growth in LNG production and demand for LNG and LNG shipping could be negatively affected by a number of factors, including:
14
In recent years, global crude oil prices were volatile. Any decline in oil prices can depress natural gas prices and lead to a narrowing of the difference in pricing between geographic regions, which can adversely affect the length of voyages in the spot LNG shipping market and the spot rates and medium-term charter rates for charters which commence in the near future.
A continuation of the recent volatility in natural gas and oil prices may adversely affect our growth prospects and results of operations.
Natural gas prices are volatile and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including but not limited to the following:
Given the significant global natural gas and crude oil price volatility referenced above, and with six vessels currently scheduled to come off charter during 2019 and 2020, a continuation of volatility in natural gas or oil prices may adversely affect our future business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions, as a result of, among other things:
15
Ship values may fluctuate substantially, which could result in an impairment charge, impact our compliance with the covenants in our loan agreements and, if the values are lower at a time when we are attempting to dispose of ships, cause us to incur a loss.
Values for ships can fluctuate substantially over time due to a number of different factors, including:
If the market value of our ships declines, we may be required to record an impairment charge in our financial statements, which could adversely affect our results of operations. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. Liquidity and Capital RecoursesCritical Accounting PoliciesImpairment of Vessels". Deterioration in market value of our ships may trigger a breach of some of the covenants contained in our credit facilities. If we do breach such covenants and we are unable to remedy the relevant breach, our lenders could accelerate our indebtedness and seek to foreclose on the ships in our fleet securing those credit facilities. In addition, if a charter contract expires or is terminated by the customer, we may be unable to re-deploy the affected ships at attractive rates and, rather than continue to incur costs to maintain and finance them, we may seek to dispose of them. Any foreclosure on our ships, or any disposal by us of a ship at a time when ship prices have fallen, could result in a loss and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders.
Due to our lack of diversification, adverse developments in the LNG market and/or in the LNG transportation industry could adversely affect our business, particularly if such developments occur at a time when we are seeking a new charter.
We rely exclusively on the cash flow generated from charters for our LNG vessels. Due to our lack of diversification, an adverse development in the LNG market and/or the LNG transportation industry could have a significantly greater impact on our business, particularly if such developments occur at a time when our ships are not under charter or nearing the end of their charters, than if we maintained more diverse assets or lines of businesses.
16
Changes in global and regional economic conditions could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Weak global or regional economic conditions may negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in ways that we cannot predict. Our ability to expand our fleet will be dependent on our ability to obtain financing to fund the acquisition of additional ships. In addition, uncertainty about current and future global economic conditions may cause our customers to defer projects in response to tighter credit, decreased capital availability and declining customer confidence, which may negatively impact the demand for our ships and services and could also result in defaults under our current charters. Global financial markets and economic conditions have been volatile in recent years and remain subject to significant vulnerabilities. A further tightening of the credit markets may negatively impact our operations by affecting the solvency of our suppliers or customers, which could lead to disruptions in delivery of supplies such as equipment for conversions, cost increases for supplies, accelerated payments to suppliers, customer bad debts or reduced revenues. Similarly, such market conditions could affect lenders participating in our financing agreements, making them unable to fulfill their commitments and obligations to us. Any reduction in activity owing to such conditions or failure by our customers, suppliers or lenders to meet their contractual obligations to us could adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
GasLog LNG Services, our vessels' management company, and a substantial number of its staff are located in Greece. A return of economic instability in Greece could disrupt our operations and have an adverse effect on our business. We have sought to minimize this risk and preserve operational stability by carefully developing staff deployment plans, an information technology recovery site, an alternative ship to shore communications plan and funding mechanisms outside of Greece. While we believe these plans, combined with the international nature of our operations, will mitigate the impact of any disruption of operations in Greece, we cannot assure you that these plans will be effective in all circumstances.
GasLog has an office in England and our vessels may visit ports within the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is due to exit the European Union on March 29, 2019 and will then enter a transition period from March 30, 2019 to December 31, 2020 during which it will seek to complete its separation from the European Union. Uncertainty regarding the process the United Kingdom will follow to withdraw from the European Union, the transition period and the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union post 2020 may create economic instability in the United Kingdom which could disrupt our operations and have an adverse effect on our business. Whilst we will seek to minimize any potential risk by putting appropriate mitigation plans in place, we cannot assure you that these plans will be effective in all circumstances.
A cyber-attack could materially disrupt the Partnership's business.
The Partnership relies on information technology systems and networks, the majority of which are hosted by GasLog, in its operations and the administration of its business. The Partnership's business operations, or those of GasLog, could be targeted by individuals or groups seeking to sabotage or disrupt the Partnership's or GasLog's information and operational technology systems and networks, or to steal data. A successful cyber-attack could materially disrupt the Partnership's operations, including the safety and integrity of its operations, or lead to unauthorized release of information or alteration of information on its systems. Any such attack or other breach of the Partnership's information technology systems could have a material adverse effect on the Partnership's business and results of operations. While we have insurance policies in place to cover losses in the event of a cyber-related event, there can be no assurance that any specific event would be covered by these policies or that the losses would be covered in full.
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We may not have sufficient cash from operations following the establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses to enable us to pay the quarterly distributions on our common units, Preference Units and general partner units or to redeem our Preference Units.
Our board of directors makes determinations regarding the payment of distributions in its sole discretion and in accordance with our partnership agreement and applicable law. There is no guarantee that we will continue to make distributions to our unitholders in the future (including cumulative distributions payable with respect to our Preference Units). The markets in which we operate our vessels are volatile and we cannot predict with certainty the amount of cash, if any, that will be available for distribution in any period. We may not have sufficient cash from operations to pay the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.375 per unit on our common units and general partner units or to pay the quarterly preference distributions on our Preference Units. The amount of cash we can distribute on our units depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which may fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on the risks described in this section, including, among other things:
In addition, the actual amount of cash available for distribution will depend on other factors, including:
The amount of cash we generate from our operations may differ materially from our profit or loss for a specified period, which will be affected by non-cash items. As a result of this and the other
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factors mentioned above, we may make cash distributions during periods in which we record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record a profit.
Our ability to grow and to meet our financial needs may be adversely affected by our cash distribution policy.
Our cash distribution policy, which is consistent with our partnership agreement, requires us to distribute all of our available cash (as defined in our partnership agreement) each quarter. Accordingly, our growth may not be as fast as that of businesses that reinvest their available cash to expand ongoing operations.
In determining the amount of cash available for distribution, our board of directors approves the amount of cash reserves to set aside, including reserves for future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, working capital and other matters. We also rely upon external financing sources, including commercial borrowings, to fund our capital expenditures. To the extent we do not have sufficient cash reserves or are unable to obtain financing, our cash distribution policy may significantly impair our ability to meet our financial needs or to grow.
We must make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and expand our fleet, which will reduce cash available for distribution. In addition, each quarter we are required to deduct estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus, which may result in less cash available to unitholders than if actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures were deducted.
We must make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and replace, over the long-term, the operating capacity of our fleet. Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus totaled $49.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. We estimate that future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures will average approximately $54.8 million per full year, including potential costs related to replacing current vessels at the end of their useful lives. Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures include capital expenditures associated with (i) the removal of a vessel from the water for inspection, maintenance and/or repair of submerged parts (or dry-docking) and (ii) modifying an existing vessel or acquiring a new vessel, to the extent these expenditures are incurred to maintain, enhance or replace the operating capacity of our fleet. These expenditures could vary significantly from quarter to quarter and could increase as a result of changes in:
Significant capital expenditures, including to maintain and replace, over the long-term, the operating capacity of our fleet, may reduce or eliminate the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Our partnership agreement requires our board of directors to deduct estimated, rather than actual, maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus each quarter in
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an effort to reduce fluctuations in operating surplus (as defined in our partnership agreement). The amount of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures deducted from operating surplus is subject to review and change by our conflicts committee at least once a year. In years when estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures are higher than actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders will be lower than if actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures were deducted from operating surplus. If our board of directors underestimates the appropriate level of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, we may have less cash available for distribution in future periods when actual capital expenditures exceed our previous estimates.
Our ability to obtain additional debt financing for future acquisitions of ships or to refinance our existing debt may depend on the creditworthiness of our charterers and the terms of our future charters.
Our ability to borrow against the ships in our existing fleet and any ships we may acquire in the future largely depends on the value of the ships, which in turn depends in part on charter hire rates, charter lengths and the ability of our charterers to comply with the terms of their charters. The actual or perceived credit quality of our charterers, and any defaults by them, may materially affect our ability to obtain the additional capital resources that we will require to purchase additional ships and to refinance our existing debt as balloon payments come due, or may significantly increase our costs of obtaining such capital. Our inability to obtain additional financing or committing to financing on unattractive terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distributions to our unitholders.
The derivative contracts used to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates could result in reductions in our partners' equity as well as charges against our profit.
We enter into derivative contracts from time to time for purposes of managing our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates applicable to floating rate indebtedness and in foreign exchange rates relating to our operating expenditures that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. As of December 31, 2018, we had six interest rate swaps in place with a notional amount of $625.0 million (of which $75.0 million had an effective date of January 2019) and nine foreign exchange forward contracts to purchase a total notional amount of €18.0 million. None of the existing derivative contracts were designated as a cash flow hedging instrument. The changes in their fair value are recognized in our statement of profit or loss. Changes in the fair value of any derivative contracts that do not qualify for treatment as cash flow hedges for financial reporting purposes would affect, among other things, our profit and earnings per unit and would affect compliance with the market value adjusted net worth covenants in our credit facilities. For future interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forwards that may be designated as cash flow hedging instruments, the changes in the fair value of the contracts will be recognized in our statement of other comprehensive income as cash flow hedge gains or losses for the period, and could affect compliance with the market value adjusted net worth covenants in our credit facilities.
There is no assurance that our derivative contracts will provide adequate protection against adverse changes in interest rates or foreign exchange 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 and availability of interest rate and currency hedges may increase or suitable hedges may not be available.
Our earnings and business are subject to the credit risk associated with our contractual counterparties.
We will enter into, among other things, time charters and other contracts with our customers, credit facilities and commitment letters with banks, insurance contracts and interest rate swaps and
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foreign exchange forward contracts. Such agreements subject us to counterparty credit risk. For example, the majority of our vessels are chartered to, and we received the majority of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 from, subsidiaries of Shell. During 2019, two of our vessels will be on charter to Trafigura and one will be on charter to Cheniere. While we believe both of these companies to be strong counterparties, their creditworthiness as assessed by independent parties such as credit rating agencies is less strong than that of Shell. In the future, we may enter into new charters with these and other counterparties who are less creditworthy.
The ability and willingness of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us will depend upon a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the natural gas and LNG markets and charter hire rates. Should a counterparty fail to honor its obligations under agreements with us, we could sustain significant losses which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders.
Our debt levels may limit our flexibility in obtaining additional financing, pursuing other business opportunities and paying distributions to unitholders.
Our level of debt could have important consequences to us, including the following:
Our ability to service our debt depends upon, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. As of December 31, 2018, we had an aggregate of $1,235.0 million of indebtedness outstanding under our credit facilities, of which $429.4 million is repayable within one year. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. Liquidity and Capital Resources".
If our operating results are not sufficient to service our current or future indebtedness, we will be forced to take actions such as reducing distributions, reducing or delaying our business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our debt, or
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seeking additional equity capital or bankruptcy protection. We may not be able to effect any of these remedies on satisfactory terms, or at all.
Financing agreements containing operating and financial restrictions may restrict our business and financing activities. A failure by us to meet our obligations under our financing agreements would result in an event of default under such credit facilities which could lead to foreclosure on our ships.
The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our credit facilities and any future financing agreements could adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or pursue our business activities. For example, the financing agreements may restrict the ability of us and our subsidiaries to:
In addition, such financing agreements may require us to comply with certain financial ratios and tests, including, among others, maintaining a minimum liquidity, maintaining positive working capital, ensuring that EBITDA exceeds debt service obligations (any amounts payable for interest and debt installments calculated on a trailing four-quarter rolling average basis), maintaining a minimum collateral value, and maintaining a minimum book equity ratio. Our ability to comply with the restrictions and covenants, including financial ratios and tests, contained in such financing agreements is dependent on future performance and may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired.
If we are unable to comply with the restrictions and covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness or in current or future debt financing agreements, there could be a default under the terms of those agreements. If a default occurs under these agreements, lenders could terminate their commitments to lend and/or accelerate the outstanding loans and declare all amounts borrowed due and payable. We have pledged our vessels as security for our outstanding indebtedness. If our lenders were to foreclose on our vessels in the event of a default, this may adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or pursue our business activities. If any of these events occur, we cannot guarantee that our assets will be sufficient to repay in full all of our outstanding indebtedness, and we may be unable to find alternative financing. Even if we could obtain alternative financing, that financing might not be on terms that are favorable or acceptable. Any of these events would adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders and cause a decline in the market price of our common units and Preference Units. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. Liquidity and Capital ResourcesCredit Facilities".
Restrictions in our debt agreements may prevent us or our subsidiaries from paying distributions.
The payment of principal and interest on our debt reduces cash available for distribution to us and on our units. In addition, our credit facilities prohibit the payment of distributions to our common unitholders or our preference unitholders upon the occurrence of the following events, among others:
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Furthermore, we expect that our future financing agreements will contain similar provisions. For more information regarding these financing agreements, see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. Liquidity and Capital ResourcesCredit Facilities".
The failure to consummate or integrate acquisitions in a timely and cost-effective manner could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Acquisitions that expand our fleet are an important component of our strategy. Under the omnibus agreement, we currently have the option to purchase from GasLog: (i) the GasLog Glasgow within 36 months after GasLog notifies our board of directors of her acceptance by her charterer, and (ii) the GasLog Houston within 30 days following receipt of notice from GasLog that the vessel has commenced its multi-year charter (being at least five years in length). In each case, our option to purchase is at fair market value as determined pursuant to the omnibus agreement. In addition, according to the terms of the omnibus agreement, GasLog will be required to offer us the opportunity to purchase each of Hull Nos. 2131, 2213, 2262, 2300, 2301, 2311 and 2312 within 30 days of the commencement of their respective charters.
We will not be obligated to purchase any of these vessels and, accordingly, we may not complete the purchase of any of such vessels. Furthermore, if we are able to agree on a price with GasLog, there are no assurances that we will be able to obtain adequate financing on terms that are acceptable to us. In light of recent master limited partnership ("MLP") market volatility, it may be more difficult for us to complete an accretive acquisition.
We believe that other acquisition opportunities may arise from time to time, and any such acquisition could be significant. Any acquisition of a vessel or other asset or business may not be profitable at or after the time of acquisition and may not generate cash flow sufficient to justify the investment. In addition, our acquisition growth strategy exposes us to risks that may harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders, including risks that we may:
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In addition, unlike newbuildings, existing 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 existing 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 flow and reduce our liquidity.
Certain acquisition and investment opportunities may not result in the consummation of a transaction. In addition, we may not be able to obtain acceptable terms for the required financing for any such acquisition or investment that arises. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that any announcement or consummation of an acquisition would have on the trading price of our common units or Preference Units. Our future acquisitions could present a number of risks, including the risk of failing to integrate successfully and timely the operations or management of any acquired vessels or businesses and the risk of diverting management's attention from existing operations or other priorities. We may also be subject to additional costs related to compliance with various international laws in connection with such acquisition. If we fail to consummate and integrate our acquisitions in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution could be adversely affected.
In 2019, two of our vessels are scheduled to be dry-docked and in 2020, four of our vessels are scheduled to be dry-docked. Any delay or cost overrun of the dry-docking could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and could significantly reduce or eliminate our ability to pay distributions on our common or Preference Units.
Dry-dockings of our vessels require significant expenditures and result in loss of revenue as our vessels are off-hire during such period. Any significant increase in either the number of off-hire days or in the costs of any repairs or investments carried out during the dry-docking period could have a material adverse effect on our profitability and our cash flows. Given the potential for unforeseen issues arising during dry-docking, we may not be able to predict accurately the time required to dry-dock any of our vessels. If more than one of our ships is required to be out of service at the same time, or if a ship is dry-docked longer than expected or if the cost of repairs is greater than budgeted, our results of operations and our cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders, could be adversely affected. The upcoming dry-dockings of our vessels are expected to be carried out in 2019 (2 vessels), 2020 (4 vessels), 2021 (4 vessels) and 2023 (4 vessels).
Delays in deliveries of GasLog's newbuilding vessels could adversely affect our business.
We may expand our fleet by acquiring newly built vessels from GasLog pursuant to the omnibus agreement. The delivery of any newbuildings could be delayed, which would adversely affect our future growth, which is expected to be primarily based on the acquisition of vessels from GasLog.
The completion and delivery of newbuildings could be delayed because of:
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We are subject to certain risks with respect to our relationship with GasLog, and failure of GasLog to comply with certain of its financial covenants under its debt instruments could, among other things, limit or prevent us from acquiring future vessels from GasLog, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Certain of GasLog's existing debt instruments impose operating and financial restrictions on GasLog, including financial maintenance covenants. GasLog's ability to meet certain operating and financial restrictions in its existing debt instruments is dependent in part on the charter rates which it obtains for its vessels. GasLog is active in the LNG shipping spot market through its participation in The Cool Pool Limited with Golar LNG Ltd. The charter rates available for spot/short-term charters of LNG carriers have been at historically low levels for the last several years and although recent months have seen significantly higher rates, this has been accompanied by market volatility and we cannot be certain that the late 2018 peak will be sustained. GasLog continuously monitors and manages its covenant compliance. Under GasLog's credit facilities, as is typical with secured credit facilities generally, a default by the borrower permits the lenders to exercise remedies as secured creditors which, if such a default was to occur, could include foreclosing on GasLog vessels. Our future growth, which is expected to be based on the acquisition of vessels from GasLog, would also be adversely affected by such a default event if it was to occur. We are also dependent on GasLog for the provision of administrative, commercial and ship management services.
Additionally, any default by GasLog under its corporate guarantees could result in a default under the loan facilities related to the Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth , the Methane Heather Sally, the Methane Becki Anne, the GasLog Seattle, the GasLog Greece , the GasLog Geneva, the GasLog Gibraltar and the Solaris.
We may have difficulty obtaining consents that are necessary to acquire vessels with an existing charter or a financing agreement.
Under the omnibus agreement entered into with GasLog in connection with the IPO, we have certain options and other rights to acquire vessels with existing charters from GasLog. The omnibus agreement provides that our ability to consummate the acquisition of any such vessels from GasLog will be subject to obtaining all relevant consents including governmental authorities and other non-affiliated third parties to those agreements. In particular, with respect to GasLog's existing vessels, we would need the consent of the existing charterers and lenders. While GasLog will be obligated to use reasonable efforts to obtain any such consents, we cannot assure you that in any particular case the necessary consent will be obtained from the required parties including the governmental authorities and charterer, lender or other entity.
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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 and to make distributions to unitholders.
We are a holding company. Our subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets, including our ships. We have no significant assets other than the equity interests in our subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to pay our obligations and to make distributions to unitholders depends entirely on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. The ability of a subsidiary to make these distributions could be affected by a claim or other action by a third party, including a creditor, or by the law of its jurisdiction of incorporation which regulates the payment of distributions. If we are unable to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, our board of directors may exercise its discretion not to make distributions to unitholders.
Compliance with safety and other requirements imposed by classification societies may be very costly and may adversely affect our business.
The hull and machinery of every commercial LNG carrier must be classed by a classification society. The classification society certifies that the ship has been built and subsequently maintained in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of that classification society. Moreover, every ship must comply with all applicable international conventions and the regulations of the ship's flag state as verified by a classification society. Finally, each ship must successfully undergo periodic surveys, including annual, intermediate and special surveys performed under the classification society's rules.
If any ship does not maintain its class, it will lose its insurance coverage and be unable to trade, and the ship's owner will be in breach of relevant covenants under its financing arrangements. Failure to maintain the class of one or more of our ships could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders.
The LNG shipping industry is subject to substantial environmental and other regulations, which may significantly limit our operations or increase our expenses.
Our operations are materially affected by extensive and changing international, national, state and local environmental laws, regulations, treaties, conventions and standards which are in force in international waters, or in the jurisdictional waters of the countries in which our ships operate and in the countries in which our ships are registered. These requirements include those relating to equipping and operating ships, providing security and minimizing or addressing impacts on the environment from ship operations. We may incur substantial costs in complying with these requirements, including costs for ship modifications and changes in operating procedures. We also could incur substantial costs, including clean-up costs, civil and criminal penalties and sanctions, the suspension or termination of operations and third-party claims as a result of violations of, or liabilities under, such laws and regulations.
In addition, these requirements can affect the resale value or useful lives of our ships, require a reduction in cargo capacity, necessitate ship modifications or operational changes or restrictions or lead to decreased availability of insurance coverage for environmental matters. They could further result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports or detention in certain ports. We are required to obtain governmental approvals and permits to operate our ships. Delays in obtaining such governmental approvals may increase our expenses, and the terms and conditions of such approvals could materially and adversely affect our operations.
Additional laws and regulations may be adopted that could limit our ability to do business or increase our operating costs, which could materially and adversely affect our business. For example, new or amended legislation relating to ship recycling, sewage systems, emission control (including emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants) as well as ballast water treatment and ballast water
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handling may be adopted. For example, the United States has enacted legislation, and more recently a convention adopted by the IMO has become effective, governing ballast water management systems on ocean-going ships. The IMO has also established progressive standards limiting the sulfur content of fuel, which are being phased in between 2012 and 2020. These and other laws or regulations may require additional capital expenditures or operating expenses (such as increased costs for low-sulfur fuel or pollution controls) in order for us to maintain our ships' compliance with international and/or national regulations. We also may become subject to additional laws and regulations if we enter new markets or trades.
We also believe that the heightened environmental, quality and security concerns of insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers will generally lead to additional regulatory requirements, including enhanced risk assessment and security requirements, as well as greater inspection and safety requirements on all LNG carriers in the marine transportation market. These requirements are likely to add incremental costs to our operations, and the failure to comply with these requirements may affect the ability of our ships to obtain and, possibly, recover from, insurance policies or to obtain the required certificates for entry into the different ports where we operate.
Some environmental laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or "OPA", provide for potentially unlimited joint, several and/or strict liability for owners, operators and demise or bareboat charterers for oil pollution and related damages. OPA applies to discharges of any oil from a ship in U.S. waters, including discharges of fuel and lubricants from an LNG carrier, even if the ships do not carry oil as cargo. In addition, many states in the United States bordering a navigable waterway have enacted legislation providing for potentially unlimited strict liability without regard to fault for the discharge of pollutants within their waters. We also are subject to other laws and conventions outside the United States that provide for an owner or operator of LNG carriers to bear strict liability for pollution, such as the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims of 1976, or the "London Convention".
Some of these laws and conventions, including OPA and the London Convention, may include limitations on liability. However, the limitations may not be applicable in certain circumstances, such as where a spill is caused by a ship owner's or operator's intentional or reckless conduct. These limitations are also subject to periodic updates and may otherwise be amended in the future.
Compliance with OPA and other environmental laws and regulations also may result in ship owners and operators incurring increased costs for additional maintenance and inspection requirements, the development of contingency arrangements for potential spills, obtaining mandated insurance coverage and meeting financial responsibility requirements.
Climate change and greenhouse gas restrictions may adversely impact our operations and markets.
Due to concern over the risks of climate change, a number of countries and the International Maritime Organization, or "IMO", have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emission from ships. These regulatory measures may include adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. Although emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping currently are not subject to agreements under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, such as the "Kyoto Protocol" and the "Paris Agreement", a new treaty may be adopted in the future that includes additional restrictions on shipping emissions to those already adopted under the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships, or the "MARPOL Convention". Compliance with future changes in laws and regulations relating to climate change could increase the costs of operating and maintaining our ships and could require us to install new emission controls, as well as acquire allowances, pay taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions or administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. Revenue generation and strategic growth opportunities may also be adversely affected.
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There is increasing focus on the environmental footprint of the energy and transportation sectors from governments, regulators, shareholders, customers, environmental pressure groups and other stakeholders. This has been manifested recently by Shell's commitment to base executive remuneration in part on the achievement of specific carbon emissions targets, covering all of its activities and products and those of its suppliers. GasLog's vessels on charter to Shell and other energy companies form part of their supply chain and are likely to be captured within these targets. In addition, many large financial institutions are under pressure both to reduce their own environmental footprints and to monitor the environmental footprints of the companies and projects to which they lend. While LNG is among the cleanest marine transportation fuels and while there are no legally binding obligations on GasLog or its peers to reduce emissions today, the focus and pressure on the environmental footprint of the marine transportation sector is likely to remain high and may increase. Any specific requirements imposed on GasLog by regulators, governments, customers or other stakeholders may impact the useful life of our vessels, increase our operating costs or require us to undertake significant investments in our vessels which may reduce our revenues, profits and cash flows and may impact our ability to pay distributions to our unitholders.
Adverse effects upon the oil and gas industry relating to climate change, including growing public concern about the environmental impact of climate change, may also have an effect on demand for our services. For example, increased regulation of greenhouse gases or other concerns relating to climate change may reduce the demand for oil and natural gas in the future or create greater incentives for use of alternative energy sources. Any long-term material adverse effect on the oil and gas industry could have significant financial and operational adverse impacts on our business that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.
We operate our ships worldwide, which could expose us to political, governmental and economic instability that could harm our business.
Because we operate our ships in the geographic areas where our customers do business, our operations may be affected by political, governmental and economic conditions in the countries where our ships operate or where they are registered. Any disruption caused by these factors could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders. In particular, our ships frequent LNG terminals in countries including Egypt, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Trinidad, as well as transit through the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Malacca. Economic, political and governmental conditions in these and other regions have from time to time resulted in military conflicts, terrorism, attacks on ships, mining of waterways, piracy and other efforts to disrupt shipping. Future hostilities or other political instability in the geographic regions where we operate or may operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders. General trade tensions between the U.S. and China escalated in 2018, with three rounds of U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods taking effect in July, August and September 2018, each followed by a round of retaliatory Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods. Our business could be harmed by these tariffs, as well as any trade embargoes or other economic sanctions by the United States or other countries against countries in the Middle East, Asia, Russia or elsewhere as a result of terrorist attacks, hostilities or diplomatic or political pressures that limit trading activities with those countries.
Our insurance may be insufficient to cover losses that may occur to our property or result from our operations which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.
The operation of any ship includes risks such as mechanical failure, personal injury, collision, fire, contact with floating objects, property loss or damage, cargo loss or damage, failure of or disruption to information and operational technology systems and business interruption due to a number of reasons, including political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities and labor strikes. In addition, there is
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always an inherent possibility of a marine disaster, including collision, explosion, spills and other environmental mishaps, and other liabilities arising from owning, operating or managing ships in international trade. Although we carry protection and indemnity, hull and machinery and loss of hire insurance covering our ships consistent with industry standards, we can give no assurance that we are adequately insured against all risks or that our insurers will pay a particular claim. In addition, we may be unable to insure against certain cyber events that may disrupt our information and operational technology systems. We also may be unable to procure adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates in the future. Even if our insurance coverage is adequate to cover our losses, we may not be able to obtain a timely replacement ship in the event of a loss of a ship. Any uninsured or underinsured loss could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders.
In addition, some of our insurance coverage is maintained through mutual protection and indemnity associations and, as a member of such associations, we may be required to make additional payments over and above budgeted premiums if member claims exceed association reserves.
Terrorist attacks, international hostilities, political change and piracy could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Terrorist attacks, piracy and the current conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, as well as other current and future conflicts and political change, may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders. The continuing hostilities in the Middle East may lead to additional acts of terrorism, further regional conflicts, other armed actions around the world and civil disturbance in the United States or elsewhere, which may contribute to further instability in the global financial markets. These uncertainties could also adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
In the past, political conflicts have also resulted in attacks on ships, mining of waterways and other efforts to disrupt international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region. Acts of terrorism and piracy have also affected ships trading in regions such as the South China Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Any terrorist attacks targeted at ships may in the future negatively materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and could directly impact our ships or our customers.
We currently employ armed guards onboard certain vessels operating in areas that may be prone to hijacking or terrorist attacks. The presence of armed guards may increase the risk of damage, injury or loss of life in connection with any attacks on our vessels, in addition to increasing crew costs.
We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from acts of terrorism, piracy, regional conflicts and other armed actions, including losses relating to the employment of armed guards.
LNG facilities, shipyards, ships, pipelines and gas fields could be targets of future terrorist attacks or piracy. Any such attacks could lead to, among other things, bodily injury or loss of life, as well as damage to the ships or other property, increased ship operating costs, including insurance costs, reductions in the supply of LNG and the inability to transport LNG to or from certain locations. Terrorist attacks, war or other events beyond our control that adversely affect the production, storage or transportation of LNG to be shipped by us could entitle our customers to terminate our charter contracts in certain circumstances, which would harm our cash flows and our business.
Terrorist attacks, or the perception that LNG facilities and LNG carriers are potential terrorist targets, could materially and adversely affect expansion of LNG infrastructure and the continued supply of LNG. Concern that LNG facilities may be targeted for attack by terrorists has contributed significantly to local community and environmental group resistance to the construction of a number of LNG facilities, primarily in North America. If a terrorist incident involving an LNG facility or LNG
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carrier did occur, in addition to the possible effects identified in the previous paragraph, the incident may adversely affect the construction of additional LNG facilities and could lead to the temporary or permanent closing of various LNG facilities currently in operation.
In the future, the ships we own could be required to call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions imposed by the United States and other governments.
The United States and other governments and their agencies impose sanctions and embargoes on certain countries and maintain lists of countries they consider to be state sponsors of terrorism. For example, in 2010, the United States enacted the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act, or "CISADA", which expanded the scope of the former Iran Sanctions Act. Among other things, CISADA expanded the application of the prohibitions imposed by the U.S. government to non-U.S. companies, such as us, and limits 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, as well as LNG.
In 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. The Secretary of the Treasury may prohibit any transactions or dealings, including any U.S. capital markets financing, involving any person found to be in violation of Executive Order 13608. Also in 2012, the U.S. enacted the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, or the "ITRA", which created new sanctions and strengthened existing sanctions. Among other things, the ITRA intensifies existing sanctions regarding the provision of goods, services, infrastructure or technology to Iran's petroleum or petrochemical sector. The ITRA 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 such person's vessels from U.S. ports for up to two years. The ITRA also includes a requirement that issuers of securities must disclose to the SEC in their annual and quarterly reports filed after February 6, 2013 whether the issuer or "any affiliate" has "knowingly" engaged in certain sanctioned activities involving Iran during the timeframe covered by the report. Finally, in January 2013, the U.S. enacted the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 or the "IFCA", which expanded the scope of U.S. sanctions on any person that is part of Iran's energy, shipping or shipbuilding sector and operators of ports in Iran, and imposes penalties on any person who facilitates or otherwise knowingly provides significant financial, material or other support to these entities.
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 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. In May 2018, President Trump announced the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and almost all the U.S. sanctions waived and lifted in January 2016 were reinstated in August 2018 and November 2018, respectively.
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Although the ships we own have not called on ports in countries subject to sanctions or embargoes or in countries identified as state sponsors of terrorism, including Iran, North Korea and Syria, we cannot assure you that these ships will not call on ports in these countries in the future. While we intend to maintain compliance with all sanctions and embargoes applicable to us, U.S. and international sanctions and embargo laws and regulations do not necessarily apply to the same countries or proscribe the same activities, which may make compliance difficult. Additionally, the scope of certain laws may be unclear, and these laws may be subject to changing interpretations and application and may be amended or strengthened from time to time, including by adding or removing countries from the proscribed lists. Violations of sanctions and embargo laws and regulations could result in fines or other penalties and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their investment, or not to invest, in us.
Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act and other anti-bribery legislation in other jurisdictions could result in fines, criminal penalties, contract terminations and an adverse effect on our business.
We operate our ships worldwide, requiring our ships to trade in countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which is consistent and in full compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or the "FCPA", and the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom or the "UK Bribery Act". We are subject, however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or our or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA and the UK Bribery Act. Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties, or 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.
Changing laws and evolving reporting requirements could have an adverse effect on our business.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to reporting requirements, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"), may create additional compliance requirements for us. To maintain high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure, GasLog has invested in, and intends to continue to invest in, reasonably necessary resources to comply with evolving standards.
GDPR broadens the scope of personal privacy laws to protect the rights of European Union citizens and requires organizations to report on data breaches within 72 hours and be bound by more stringent rules for obtaining the consent of individuals on how their data can be used. GDPR came into force on May 25, 2018 and non-compliance may expose entities to significant fines or other regulatory claims which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions.
The European Union Code of Conduct Group has assessed the tax policies of a range of countries including Bermuda, where our vessel owning entities are incorporated. Bermuda was included in a list of jurisdictions which are required to address the European Union Code of Conduct Group's concerns in respect of 'economic substance'. Bermuda, along with the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Bailiwick of Jersey and the Isle of Man, has committed to comply with the European Union Code of Conduct Group's requirements on economic substance and has passed legislation in the form of the Economic Substance Act 2018 (the "ESA"). Currently, there is uncertainty surrounding the final form of the ESA and the relevant regulations as the Bermuda government, along with the respective governments of the other jurisdictions referenced above, remain in discussions with the European Union Code of Conduct Group.
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At present, the impact of these new economic substance requirements is unclear, and it is not possible to accurately predict the effect of these requirements on GasLog and its business. The requirements may increase the complexity and costs of carrying on GasLog's business and could also affect GasLog's operations.
Increased regulatory oversight, uncertainty relating to the LIBOR calculation process and potential phasing out of LIBOR after 2021 may adversely impact our ability to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.
On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), which regulates LIBOR, announced that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis is not guaranteed after 2021. It is not possible to predict the effect of the FCA announcement, any changes in the methods pursuant to which LIBOR rates are determined and any other reforms to LIBOR that will be enacted in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, or result in the phasing out of LIBOR as a reference rate for securities. The changes may adversely affect the trading market for LIBOR based agreements, including our credit facilities, interest rate swaps and Preference Units.
Further, if a LIBOR rate is not available on a determination date during the floating rate period for any of our LIBOR based agreements, the terms of such agreements will require alternative determination procedures which may result in interest or distribution payments differing from expectations and could affect our profit and the market value of our Preference Units.
In addition, any changes announced by the FCA, including the FCA Announcement, the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (the independent administrator of LIBOR) or any other successor governance or oversight body, or future changes adopted by such body, in the method pursuant to which LIBOR rates are determined may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR rates. If that were to occur, the level of interest or distribution payments during the floating rate period for our LIBOR based agreements would be affected and could affect our profit or the market value of our Preference Units.
Reliability of suppliers may limit our ability to obtain supplies and services when needed.
We rely, and will in the future rely, on a significant supply of consumables, spare parts and equipment to operate, maintain, repair and upgrade our fleet of ships. Delays in delivery or unavailability of supplies could result in off-hire days due to consequent delays in the repair and maintenance of our fleet. This would negatively impact our revenues and cash flows.
Governments could requisition our ships during a period of war or emergency, resulting in loss of earnings.
The government of a jurisdiction where one or more of our ships are registered could requisition for title or seize our ships. Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a ship and becomes its owner. Also, a government could requisition our ships for hire. Requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a ship and effectively becomes the charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during a period of war or emergency, although governments may elect to requisition ships in other circumstances. Although we would expect to be entitled to government compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our ships, the amount and timing of payments, if any, would be uncertain. A government requisition of one or more of our ships would result in off-hire days under our time charters, may cause us to breach covenants in certain of our credit facilities and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders.
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Maritime claimants could arrest our ships, which could interrupt our cash flows.
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a ship, shippers or receivers of cargo and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against a ship for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lienholder may enforce its lien by arresting a ship. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our ships which is not timely discharged could cause us to default on a charter or breach covenants in certain of our credit facilities and, to the extent such arrest or attachment is not covered by our protection and indemnity insurance, could require us to pay large sums of money to have the arrest or attachment lifted. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to unitholders.
Additionally, in some jurisdictions, such as the Republic of South Africa, under the "sister ship" theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both the ship that is subject to the claimant's maritime lien and any "associated" ship, which is any ship owned or controlled by the same owner. Claimants could try to assert "sister ship" liability against one ship in our fleet for claims relating to another of our ships.
We may be subject to litigation that could have an adverse effect on us.
We may in the future be involved from time to time in litigation matters. These matters may include, among other things, contract disputes, personal injury claims, environmental claims or proceedings, toxic tort claims, employment matters and governmental claims for taxes or duties, as well as other litigation that arises in the ordinary course of our business. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome of any claim or other litigation matter. The ultimate outcome of any litigation matter and the potential costs associated with prosecuting or defending such lawsuits, including the diversion of management's attention to these matters, could have an adverse effect on us and, in the event of litigation that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on us, could lead to an event of default under certain of our credit facilities.
Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us
GasLog and its affiliates may compete with us.
Pursuant to the omnibus agreement between us and GasLog, GasLog and its controlled affiliates (other than us, our general partner and our subsidiaries) generally have agreed not to acquire, own, operate or charter certain LNG carriers operating under charters of five full years or more. The omnibus agreement, however, contains significant exceptions that may allow GasLog or any of its controlled affiliates to compete with us, which could harm our business. For example, these exceptions result in GasLog not being restricted from: acquiring, owning, operating or chartering Non-Five-Year Vessels; acquiring a non-controlling equity ownership, voting or profit participation interest in any company, business or pool of assets; acquiring, owning, operating or chartering a Five-Year Vessel that GasLog would otherwise be restricted from owning if we are not willing or able to acquire such vessel from GasLog within the periods set forth in the omnibus agreement; or owning or operating any Five-Year Vessel that GasLog owns on the closing date of the IPO and that was not part of our fleet as of such date. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsOmnibus AgreementNoncompetition" for a detailed description of those exceptions and the definitions of "Five-Year Vessel" and "Non-Five-Year Vessel".
Common unitholders have limited voting rights, and our partnership agreement restricts the voting rights of unitholders owning more than 4.9% of our common units.
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, holders of common units have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. We will hold a meeting of the limited partners every
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year to elect one or more members of our board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Our general partner has appointed four of our seven directors and the common unitholders elected the remaining three directors. Four of our directors meet the independence standards of the NYSE, and three of the four also qualify as independent of GasLog under our partnership agreement, so as to be eligible for membership on our conflicts committee. If our general partner exercises its right to transfer the power to elect a majority of our directors to the common unitholders, an additional director will thereafter be elected by our common unitholders. Our general partner may exercise this right in order to permit us to claim, or continue to claim, an exemption from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the "Code". See "Item 4. Information on the PartnershipB. Business OverviewTaxation of the Partnership".
The partnership agreement also contains provisions limiting the ability of common unitholders to call meetings or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other provisions limiting the common unitholders' ability to influence the manner or direction of management. Unitholders have no right to elect our general partner, and our general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the holders of at least 66 2 / 3 % of the outstanding common units, including any units owned by our general partner and its affiliates, voting together as a single class.
Our partnership agreement further restricts unitholders' voting rights by providing that if any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class or series of units (other than the Preference Units) then outstanding, any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of limited partners, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes, unless required by law.
Effectively, this means that the voting rights of any common unitholders not entitled to vote on a specific matter will be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to the 4.9% limitation, except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors.
GasLog and our general partner own a controlling interest in us and have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary and contractual duties to us and our unitholders, which may permit them to favor their own interests to your detriment.
GasLog currently owns limited partnership units representing a 25.5% partnership interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in us, and owns and controls our general partner. In addition, our general partner has the right to appoint four of seven, or a majority, of our directors. Certain of our directors and officers are directors and officers of GasLog or its affiliates, and, as such, they have fiduciary duties to GasLog or its affiliates that may cause them to pursue business strategies that disproportionately benefit GasLog or its affiliates or which otherwise are not in the best interests of us or our unitholders. Conflicts of interest may arise between GasLog and its affiliates (including our general partner), on the one hand, and us and our unitholders, on the other hand. As a result of these conflicts, our general partner and its affiliates may favor their own interests over the interests of our unitholders. See "Our partnership agreement limits our general partner's and our directors' fiduciary duties to our unitholders and restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partner or our directors". These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:
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GasLog's officers and directors have a fiduciary duty to make decisions in the best interests of the shareholders of GasLog, which may be contrary to our interests;
Even if our general partner relinquishes the power to elect one director to the common unitholders, so that they will elect a majority of our directors, our general partner will have substantial influence on decisions made by our board of directors. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party Transactions".
Our officers face conflicts in the allocation of their time to our business.
Our officers are all employed by GasLog or its applicable affiliate and are performing executive officer functions for us pursuant to the administrative services agreement. Our officers, with the exception of our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Andrew J. Orekar, are not required to work full-time on our affairs and also perform services for affiliates of our general partner (including GasLog). As a result, there could be material competition for the time and effort of our officers who also provide services to our general partner's affiliates, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees".
Our partnership agreement limits our general partner's and our directors' fiduciary duties to our unitholders and restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partner or our directors.
Under the partnership agreement, our general partner has delegated to our board of directors the authority to oversee and direct our operations, management and policies on an exclusive basis, and such delegation will be binding on any successor general partner of the partnership. Our partnership
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agreement also contains provisions that reduce the standards to which our general partner and directors would otherwise be held by Marshall Islands law. For example, our partnership agreement:
In order to become a limited partner of our partnership, a unitholder is required to agree to be bound by the provisions in the partnership agreement, including the provisions discussed above.
Fees and cost reimbursements, which GasLog or its applicable affiliate will determine for services provided to us and our subsidiaries, will be substantial, will likely be higher for future periods than reflected in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018, will be payable regardless of our profitability and will reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
Pursuant to the ship management agreements, our subsidiaries pay fees for technical and vessel management services provided to them by GasLog LNG Services, and reimburse GasLog LNG Services for all expenses incurred on their behalf. These fees and expenses include all costs and expenses incurred in providing the crew and technical management of the vessels in our fleet to our subsidiaries. In addition, our operating subsidiaries pay GasLog LNG Services a fixed management fee for costs and expenses incurred in connection with providing these services to our operating subsidiaries.
Pursuant to an administrative services agreement, GasLog provides us with certain administrative services. We pay a fixed fee to GasLog for its reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of the services under the administrative services agreement.
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Pursuant to the commercial management agreements, GasLog provides us with commercial management services. We pay to GasLog a fixed commercial management fee in U.S. dollars for costs and expenses incurred in connection with providing services.
For a description of the ship management agreements, commercial management agreements and the administrative services agreement, see "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party Transactions". The aggregate fees and expenses payable for services under the ship management agreements, commercial management agreements and administrative services agreement for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $7.2 million, $5.0 million and $10.4 million, respectively. As the fees under the administrative services agreement relate to the GasLog Gibraltar and the Methane Becki Anne only since their acquisition from GasLog in April and November 2018, respectively, the fees and expenses payable pursuant to this agreement will likely be higher for future periods than reflected in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018. Additionally, these fees and expenses will be payable without regard to our business, results of operation and financial condition. The payment of fees to and the reimbursement of expenses of GasLog or its applicable affiliate, including GasLog LNG Services, could adversely affect our ability to pay cash distributions to our unitholders.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a person or group from attempting to remove our current management or our general partner and, even if public unitholders are dissatisfied, it will be difficult for them to remove our general partner without GasLog's consent, all of which could diminish the trading price of our common units and Preference Units.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a person or group from attempting to remove our current management or our general partner.
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power of all classes of units entitled to vote. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation, except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors.
The effect of these provisions may be to diminish the price at which the common units and Preference Units will trade.
The control of our general partner may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent.
Our general partner may transfer its general partner interest to a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders. In addition, our partnership agreement does not restrict the ability of the members of our general partner from transferring their respective membership interests in our general partner to a third party.
Substantial future sales of our common units in the public market could cause the price of our common units to fall.
We have granted registration rights to GasLog and certain of its affiliates. These unitholders have the right, subject to some conditions, to require us to file registration statements covering any of our common or other equity securities owned by them or to include those securities in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or other unitholders. As of February 21, 2019, GasLog owns 11,843,691 common units and all of the incentive distribution rights. Following their registration and sale under the applicable registration statement, those securities will become freely tradable. By exercising their registration rights and selling a large number of common units or other securities, these unitholders could cause the price of our common units to decline.
GasLog, as the holder of all of the incentive distribution rights, may elect to cause us to issue additional common units to it in connection with a resetting of the target distribution levels related to its incentive distribution rights without the approval of the conflicts committee of our board of directors or holders of our common units. This may result in lower distributions to holders of our common units in certain situations.
GasLog, as the holder of all of the incentive distribution rights, has the right, at a time when it has received incentive distributions at the highest level to which it is entitled (23.0%) for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters, to reset the initial cash target distribution levels at higher levels based on the distribution at the time of the exercise of the reset election. Following a reset election by GasLog, the minimum quarterly distribution amount will be reset to an amount equal to the average cash distribution amount per common unit for the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the reset election (such amount is referred to as the "reset minimum quarterly distribution"), and the target distribution levels will be reset to correspondingly higher levels based on the same percentage increases above the reset minimum quarterly distribution amount.
In connection with resetting these target distribution levels, GasLog will be entitled to receive a number of common units equal to that number of common units whose aggregate quarterly cash distributions equaled the average of the distributions to it on the incentive distribution rights in the prior two quarters. We anticipate that GasLog would exercise this reset right in order to facilitate acquisitions or internal growth projects that would not be sufficiently accretive to cash distributions per common unit without such conversion; however, it is possible that GasLog could exercise this reset election at a time when it is experiencing, or may be expected to experience, declines in the cash distributions it receives related to its incentive distribution rights and may therefore desire to be issued our common units, rather than retain the right to receive incentive distributions based on the initial target distribution levels. As a result, a reset election may cause our common unitholders to experience
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dilution in the amount of cash distributions that they would have otherwise received had we not issued additional common units to GasLog in connection with resetting the target distribution levels related to GasLog's incentive distribution rights. See "Item 8. Financial InformationOur Cash Distribution PolicyIncentive Distribution Rights".
We may issue additional equity securities, including securities senior to the common units, without the approval of our common unitholders, which would dilute the ownership interests of the common unitholders.
We may, without the approval of our common unitholders, issue an unlimited number of additional units or other equity securities. In addition, we may issue an unlimited number of units that are senior to the common units in right of distribution, liquidation and voting. For example, in January 2018, we completed a public offering of 4,600,000 8.200% Series B Preference Units (including 600,000 units issued upon exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional Series B Preference Units). Furthermore, in November 2018, we completed a public offering of 4,000,000 8.500% Series C Preference Units.
On May 16, 2017, the Partnership commenced its ATM Programme under which we may, from time to time, raise equity through the issuance and sale of new common units. Following an increase in the size of the ATM Programme completed on November 3, 2017, we can issue up to $144.0 million in new common units. As of February 21, 2019 5,291,304 common units have been issued through the ATM Programme.
Under the ATM Programme, in the year ended December 31, 2018, GasLog Partners issued and received payment for 2,553,889 common units at a weighted average price of $23.72 per common unit for total gross proceeds of $60.6 million and total net proceeds of $60.0 million, after broker commissions of $0.2 million and other expenses of $0.4 million. In connection with the issuance of common units under the ATM Programme during this period, the Partnership also issued 52,121 general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest. The net proceeds from the issuance of the general partner units were $1.2 million.
Included within the units issued under the ATM Programme, the Partnership agreed to sell 2,250,000 common units to funds managed by Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. ("Tortoise") for gross proceeds of $53.1 million through the Partnership's ATM Programme on September 26, 2018.
In April 2018, we issued 1,858,975 common units to GasLog in part payment for the purchase of GAS-fourteen Ltd.
The issuance by us of additional common units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank will have the following effects:
The Preference Units are senior to the common units and as such receive priority over the common units in distributions and liquidation.
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Our general partner has a limited call right that may require you to sell your common units at an undesirable time or price.
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more than 80% of the common units, our general partner will have the right, which it may assign to any of its affiliates or to us, but not the obligation, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not less than the then-current market price of our common units. Our general partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it upon the exercise of this limited call right. As a result, you may be required to sell your common units at an undesirable time or price and may not receive any return on your investment. You may also incur a tax liability upon a sale of your common units. GasLog, which owns and controls our general partner, owns 26.1% of our outstanding common units.
You may not have limited liability if a court finds that unitholder action constitutes control of our business.
As a limited partner in a partnership organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands, you could be held liable for our obligations to the same extent as a general partner if you participate in the "control" of our business. Our general partner generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the partnership, such as its debts and environmental liabilities, except for those contractual obligations of the partnership that are expressly made without recourse to our general partner. In addition, the limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner interests for the obligations of a limited partnership have not been clearly established in some jurisdictions in which we do business.
We can borrow money to pay distributions, which would reduce the amount of credit available to operate our business.
Our partnership agreement allows us to make working capital borrowings to pay distributions. Accordingly, if we have available borrowing capacity, we can make distributions on all our units even though cash generated by our operations may not be sufficient to pay such distributions. Any working capital borrowings by us to make distributions will reduce the amount of working capital borrowings we can make for operating our business. For more information, see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. Liquidity and Capital ResourcesCredit Facilities".
The price of our common units may be volatile.
The price of our common units may be volatile and may fluctuate due to factors including:
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Securities markets worldwide are experiencing price and volume fluctuations. The market price for our common units may also be volatile. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could reduce the market price of our common units despite our operating performance.
Increases in interest rates may cause the market price of our common units to decline.
An increase in interest rates may cause a corresponding decline in demand for equity investments in general, and in particular for yield-based equity investments such as our common units. Any such increase in interest rates or reduction in demand for our common units resulting from other relatively more attractive investment opportunities may cause the trading price of our common units to decline.
We are a "foreign private issuer" under NYSE rules, and as such we are entitled to exemption from certain NYSE corporate governance standards, and you may not have the same protections afforded to unitholders of similarly organized limited partnerships that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.
We are a "foreign private issuer" under the securities laws of the United States and the rules of the NYSE. Under the securities laws of the United States, "foreign private issuers" are subject to different disclosure requirements than U.S. domiciled registrants, as well as different financial reporting requirements. Under the NYSE rules, a "foreign private issuer" is subject to less stringent corporate governance requirements. Subject to certain exceptions, the rules of the NYSE permit a "foreign private issuer" to follow its home country practice in lieu of the listing requirements of the NYSE, including (i) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consists of independent directors and (ii) the requirement that a compensation committee to a nominating/corporate governance committee can be established.
Accordingly, in the future you may not have the same protections afforded to unitholders of similarly organized limited partnerships that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.
Unitholders may have liability to repay distributions.
Under some circumstances, unitholders may have to repay amounts wrongfully returned or distributed to them. Under the Marshall Islands Limited Partnership Act, or the "Marshall Islands Act", we may not make a distribution to you if the distribution would cause our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Marshall Islands law provides that for a period of three years from the date of the impermissible distribution, limited partners who received the distribution and who knew at the time
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of the distribution that it violated Marshall Islands law will be liable to the limited partnership for the distribution amount. Assignees who become substituted limited partners are liable for the obligations of the assignor to make contributions to the partnership that are known to the assignee at the time it became a limited partner and for unknown obligations if the liabilities could be determined from the partnership agreement. Liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interest and liabilities that are non-recourse to the partnership are not counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is permitted.
Our Preference Units are subordinated to our debt obligations and investors' interests could be diluted by the issuance of additional preference units and by other transactions.
Our Preference Units are subordinated to all of our existing and future indebtedness. As of December 31, 2018, we had an aggregate of $1,235.0 million of outstanding indebtedness. Our existing indebtedness restricts, and our future indebtedness may include restrictions on, our ability to pay distributions to unitholders. Our partnership agreement authorizes the issue of an unlimited number of preference units in one or more class of units. The issuance of additional preference units on a parity with or senior to our Preference Units would dilute the interests of the holders of our Preference Units, and any issuance of preference units senior to or on a parity with our Preference Units or of additional indebtedness could affect our ability to pay distributions on, redeem or pay the liquidation preference on our Preference Units. No provisions relating to our Preference Units protect the holders of our Preference Units in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction, including the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all our assets or business, which might adversely affect the holders of our Preference Units.
Each series of our Preference Units ranks pari passu with any other class or series of units established after the original issue date of such series that is not expressly subordinated or senior to the Preference Units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation or reorganization. If less than all distributions payable with respect to a series of Preference Units and any parity securities are paid, any partial payment shall be made pro rata with respect to such Preference Units and any parity securities entitled to a distribution payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate amounts remaining due in respect of such units at such time.
Holders of our Preference Units have extremely limited voting rights.
Holders of the Preference Units generally have no voting rights. However, if and whenever distributions payable on a series of Preference Units are in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of such series of Preference Units (voting together as a class with all other classes or series of parity securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to elect one additional director to serve on our board of directors, and the size of our board of directors will be increased as needed to accommodate such change (unless the size of our board of directors already has been increased by reason of the election of a director by holders of parity securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and with which the Preference Units voted as a class for the election of such director). The right of such holders of Preference Units to elect a member of our board of directors will continue until such time as all accumulated and unpaid distributions on the applicable series of Preference Units have been paid in full.
The Preference Units represent perpetual equity interests and holders have no right to receive any greater payment than the liquidation preference regardless of the circumstances.
The Preference Units represent perpetual equity interests in us and, unlike our indebtedness, will not give rise to a claim for payment of a principal amount at a particular date. As a result, holders of the Preference Units may be required to bear the financial risks of an investment in the Preference Units for an indefinite period of time. In addition, the Preference Units rank junior to all our
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indebtedness and other liabilities, and any other senior securities we may issue in the future with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us.
The payment due to a holder of any of our Series A Preference Units, Series B Preference Units or Series C Preference Units upon a liquidation is fixed at the redemption preference of $25.00 per unit plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of liquidation. If, in the case of our liquidation, there are remaining assets to be distributed after payment of this amount, holders of Preference Units will have no right to receive or to participate in these amounts. Furthermore, if the market price for Preference Units is greater than the liquidation preference, holders of Preference Units will have no right to receive the market price from us upon our liquidation.
We distribute all of our available cash to our limited partners and are not required to accumulate cash for the purpose of meeting our future obligations to holders of the Preference Units, which may limit the cash available to make distributions on the Preference Units.
Subject to the limitations in our partnership agreement, we distribute all of our available cash each quarter to our limited partners. "Available cash" is defined in our partnership agreement, and it generally means, for each fiscal quarter, all cash on hand at the end of the quarter (including our proportionate share of cash on hand of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own):
As a result, we do not expect to accumulate significant amounts of cash. Depending on the timing and amount of our cash distributions, these distributions could significantly reduce the cash available to us in subsequent periods to make payments on the Preference Units.
The Preference Units have not been rated, and ratings of any other of our securities may affect the trading price of the Preference Units.
We have not sought to obtain a rating for any series of Preference Units, and the units may never be rated. It is possible, however, that one or more rating agencies might independently determine to assign a rating to the Series A, Series B or Series C Preference Units or that we may elect to obtain a rating of our Series A, Series B or Series C Preference Units in the future. In addition, we may elect to issue other securities for which we may seek to obtain a rating. If any ratings are assigned to a series of Preference Units in the future or if we issue other securities with a rating, such ratings, if they are lower than market expectations or are subsequently lowered or withdrawn, or if ratings for such other securities would imply a lower relative value for the Preference Units, could adversely affect the market for, or the market value of, the Preference Units. Ratings only reflect the views of the issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at
43
the discretion of the issuing rating agency. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any particular security, including the Preference Units. Ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a security for a particular investor and any future rating of either the Series A, Series B or Series C Preference Units may not reflect all risks related to us and our business, or the structure or market value of the Preference Units.
Market interest rates may adversely affect the value of our Preference Units.
One of the factors that will influence the price of our Preference Units will be the distribution yield on the Preference Units (as a percentage of the price of our Series A, Series B or Series C Preference Units, as applicable) relative to market interest rates. An increase in market interest rates may lead prospective purchasers of our Preference Units to expect higher distribution yields, and higher interest rates would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially decrease funds available for distributions. Accordingly, higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our Preference Units to decrease.
The Preference Units are redeemable at our option.
We may, at our option, redeem all or, from time to time, part of the Series A Preference Units on or after June 15, 2027, the Series B Preference Units on or after March 15, 2023 or the Series C Preference Units on or after March 15, 2024. If we redeem your Series A, Series B or Series C Preference Units, you will be entitled to receive a redemption price equal to $25.00 per unit plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption. It is likely that we would choose to exercise our optional redemption right only when prevailing interest rates have declined, which would adversely affect your ability to reinvest your proceeds from the redemption in a comparable investment with an equal or greater yield to the yield on the applicable series of Preference Units had such series of Preference Units not been redeemed. We may elect to exercise our partial redemption right on multiple occasions.
The historical levels of three-month LIBOR are not an indication of the future levels of three-month LIBOR, and the potential phasing out of LIBOR after 2021 may adversely affect the value of and return on our Preference Units.
The distribution rates for the Series B Preference Units and the Series C Preference Units will be determined based on three-month LIBOR, from and including March 15, 2023 and March 15, 2024, respectively. The distribution rate for the Series A Preference Units will be determined based on three-month LIBOR from and including June 15, 2027. In the past, the level of three-month LIBOR has experienced significant fluctuations. Historical levels, fluctuations and trends of three-month LIBOR are not necessarily indicative of future levels. Any historical upward or downward trend in three-month LIBOR is not an indication that three-month LIBOR is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time during the floating rate period for a series of Preference Units, and you should not take the historical levels of three-month LIBOR as an indication of its future performance. Although the actual three-month LIBOR on a distribution payment date or at other times during a distribution period with respect to a series of Preference Units may be higher than the three-month LIBOR on the applicable distribution determination date for such series, you will not benefit from the three-month LIBOR at any time other than on the distribution determination date for such distribution period. As a result, changes in the three-month LIBOR may not result in a comparable change in the market value of the Series B Preference Units on or after March 15, 2023, the Series C Preference Units on or after March 15, 2024 or the Series A Preference Units on or after June 15, 2027.
Further, if a LIBOR rate is not available on a distribution determination date during the floating rate period for a series of Preference Units, the terms of such Preference Units will require alternative
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determination procedures which may result in distribution payments differing from expectations and could materially affect the value of such Preference Units.
We have been organized as a limited partnership under the laws of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of partnership law.
We are a partnership formed in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of case law or bankruptcy law and, as a result, unitholders have fewer rights and protections under Marshall Islands law than under a typical jurisdiction in the United States. As such, in the case of a bankruptcy of the Partnership, there may be a delay of bankruptcy proceedings and the ability of unitholders and creditors to receive recovery after a bankruptcy proceeding. Our partnership affairs are governed by our partnership agreement and by the Marshall Islands Act. The provisions of the Marshall Islands Act resemble provisions of the limited partnership laws of a number of states in the United States, most notably Delaware. The Marshall Islands Act also provides that it is to be applied and construed to make it uniform with the Delaware Revised Uniform Partnership Act and, so long as it does not conflict with the Marshall Islands Act or decisions of the Marshall Islands courts, interpreted according to the non-statutory law (or case law) of the State of Delaware. There have been, however, few, if any, court cases in the Marshall Islands interpreting the Marshall Islands Act, in contrast to Delaware, which has a well-developed body of case law interpreting its limited partnership statute. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as the courts in Delaware. For example, the rights of our unitholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our general partner under Marshall Islands law are not as clearly established as under judicial precedent in existence in Delaware. As a result, unitholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by our general partner and its officers and directors than would unitholders of a similarly organized limited partnership in the United States.
Because we are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands, it may be difficult to serve us with legal process or enforce judgments against us, our directors or our management.
We are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, our general partner is a Marshall Islands limited liability company, our directors and officers generally are or will be non-residents of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non-residents are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States if you believe that your rights have been infringed under securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Marshall Islands and of other jurisdictions may prevent or restrict you from enforcing a judgment against our assets or the assets of our general partner or our directors or officers.
Our partnership agreement designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum, unless otherwise provided for by Marshall Islands law, for certain litigation that may be initiated by our unitholders, which could limit our unitholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with our general partner.
Our partnership agreement provides that, unless otherwise provided for by Marshall Islands law, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any claims that:
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Tax Risks
In addition to the following risk factors, you should read "Item 10. Additional InformationE. Tax Considerations" for a more complete discussion of the expected material U.S. federal and non-U.S. income tax considerations relating to us and the ownership and disposition of our common units and Preference Units.
We may be subject to taxes, which may reduce our cash available for distribution to you.
We and our subsidiaries may be subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which we are organized or operate, reducing the amount of cash available for distribution. In computing our tax obligation in these jurisdictions, we are required to take various tax accounting and reporting positions on matters that are not entirely free from doubt and for which we have not received rulings from the governing authorities. We cannot assure you that upon review of these positions the applicable authorities will agree with our positions. A successful challenge by a tax authority could result in additional tax imposed on us or our subsidiaries, further reducing the cash available for distribution. In addition, changes in our operations or ownership could result in additional tax being imposed on us or our subsidiaries in jurisdictions in which operations are conducted. See "Item 4. Information on the PartnershipB. Business OverviewTaxation of the Partnership".
U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a "passive foreign investment company" under certain circumstances, which would have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. unitholders.
A non-U.S. entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be treated as a "passive foreign investment company", or "PFIC", for U.S. federal income tax purposes if at least 75.0% of its gross income for any tax year consists of "passive income" or at least 50.0% of the average value of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, "passive income". For purposes of these tests, "passive income" includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties that 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". U.S. unitholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their interests in the PFIC.
Based on our past, current and projected methods of operation, and an opinion of our U.S. counsel, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, we believe that we were not a PFIC for any of our previous tax years and that we will not be treated as a PFIC for any future tax year. We have received opinions of our U.S. counsel in support of this position that conclude that the income our subsidiaries earn from
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certain of our time-chartering activities should not constitute passive income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. In addition, we have represented to our U.S. counsel that more than 25.0% of our gross income for each of our previous years arose and that we expect that more than 25.0% of our gross income for our current and each future year will arise from such time-chartering activities, and more than 50.0% of the average value of our assets for each such year was or will be held for the production of such non-passive income. Assuming the composition of our income and assets is consistent with these expectations, and assuming the accuracy of other representations we have made to our U.S. counsel for purposes of their opinion, our U.S. counsel is of the opinion that we should not be a PFIC for any of our previous tax years or for our current tax year or any future year. This opinion is based and its accuracy is conditioned on representations, valuations and projections provided by us regarding our assets, income and charters to our U.S. counsel. While we believe these representations, valuations and projections to be accurate, the shipping market is volatile and no assurance can be given that they will continue to be accurate at any time in the future.
Moreover, there are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from time-chartering activities constitutes rental income or income derived from the performance of services. In Tidewater Inc. v. United States , 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009), the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, or the "Fifth Circuit", held that income derived from certain time-chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than services income for purposes of a provision of the Code relating to foreign sales corporations. In that case, the Fifth Circuit did not address the definition of passive income or the PFIC rules; however, the reasoning of the case could have implications as to how the income from a time charter would be classified under such rules. If the reasoning of this case were extended to the PFIC context, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time-chartering activities may be treated as rental income, and we would likely be treated as a PFIC. In published guidance, the Internal Revenue Service, or "IRS", stated that it disagreed with the holding in Tidewater , and specified that time charters similar to those at issue in the case should be treated as service contracts. We have not sought, and we do not expect to seek, an IRS ruling on the treatment of income generated from our time-chartering activities, and the opinion of our counsel is not binding on the IRS or any court. As a result, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. No assurance can be given that this result will not occur. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid, to the extent possible, being classified as a PFIC with respect to any tax year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future, or that we will not be a PFIC in the future. If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any tax year (and regardless of whether we remain a PFIC for any subsequent tax year), our U.S. unitholders would face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. See "Item 10. Additional InformationE. Tax ConsiderationsMaterial U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsU.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. HoldersPFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences" for a more detailed discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. unitholders if we are treated as a PFIC.
We may have to pay tax on U.S.-source income, which will reduce our cash flow.
Under the Code, the U.S. source gross transportation income of a ship-owning or chartering corporation, such as ourselves, is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under a tax treaty or 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.
We do not expect to qualify for an exemption from such U.S. federal income tax under a tax treaty nor do we expect to qualify for the exemption under Section 883 of the Code during the 2019 tax year, unless our general partner exercises the "GasLog option" described in "Item 4. Information on the PartnershipB. Business OverviewTaxation of the PartnershipU.S. Taxation of Shipping". Even if
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we do not qualify for such an exemption, we do not currently expect any resulting U.S. federal income tax liability to be material or materially reduce the earnings available for distribution to our unitholders. For 2018, the U.S. source gross transportation tax was $0.6 million. For a more detailed discussion, see the section entitled "Item 4. Information on the PartnershipB. Business OverviewTaxation of the PartnershipUnited States".
You may be subject to income tax in one or more non-U.S. jurisdictions as a result of owning our common units or Preference Units if, under the laws of any such jurisdiction, we are considered to be carrying on business there. Such laws may require you to file a tax return with, and pay taxes to, those jurisdictions.
We intend to conduct our affairs and cause each of our subsidiaries to operate its business in a manner that minimizes income taxes imposed upon us and our subsidiaries. Furthermore, we intend to conduct our affairs and cause each of our subsidiaries to operate its business in a manner that minimizes the risk that unitholders may be treated as having a permanent establishment or tax presence in a jurisdiction where we or our subsidiaries conduct activities simply by virtue of their ownership of our common units or Preference Units. However, because we are organized as a partnership, there is a risk in some jurisdictions that our activities or the activities of our subsidiaries may rise to the level of a tax presence that is attributed to our unitholders for tax purposes. If you are attributed such a tax presence in a jurisdiction, you may be required to file a tax return with, and to pay tax in, that jurisdiction based on your allocable share of our income. In addition, we may be required to obtain information from you in the event a tax authority requires such information to submit a tax return. We may be required to reduce distributions to you on account of any tax withholding obligations imposed upon us by that jurisdiction in respect of such allocation to you. The United States may not allow a tax credit for any foreign income taxes that you directly or indirectly incur by virtue of an investment in us.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE PARTNERSHIP
A. History and Development of the Partnership
GasLog Partners was formed on January 23, 2014 as a Marshall Islands limited partnership. GasLog Partners and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the ownership, operation and acquisition of LNG carriers engaged in LNG transportation under multi-year charters. The Partnership conducts its operations through its vessel-owning subsidiaries and, as of February 21, 2019, we have a fleet of 14 LNG carriers, including nine vessels with modern TFDE propulsion technology and five modern Steam vessels.
On May 12, 2014, we completed our IPO and our common units began trading on the NYSE on May 7, 2014 under the ticker symbol "GLOP". A portion of the proceeds of our IPO was paid as partial consideration for GasLog's contribution to us of the interests in its subsidiaries which owned the GasLog Shanghai , the GasLog Santiago and the GasLog Sydney. Since the IPO we have completed additional equity offerings as set forth below, the proceeds of which have been used or may be used
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(i) to partially fund the acquisition of GasLog vessel owning subsidiaries, (ii) to pay down debt or (iii) for general corporate purposes:
Date of Equity Offering
|
Equity Offering | Principal Use of Proceeds |
Date Vessel Acquisition
Completed |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
November 15, 2018 | Preference equity offering, Series C Preference Units | |||||
January 17, 2018 | Preference equity offering, Series B Preference Units | Acquisition of the GasLog Gibraltar | April 26, 2018 | |||
May 16, 2017 onwards | Common equity offering through our ATM Programme | Acquisition of the Solaris | October 20, 2017 | |||
May 15, 2017 | Preference equity offering, Series A Preference Units | Acquisition of the GasLog Geneva | July 3, 2017 | |||
January 27, 2017 | Follow-on common equity offering | Acquisition of the GasLog Greece | May 3, 2017 | |||
August 5, 2016 | Follow-on common equity offering | Acquisition of the GasLog Seattle | November 1, 2016 | |||
June 26, 2015 | Follow-on common equity offering | Acquisition of the Methane Alison Victoria, Methane Shirley Elisabeth and Methane Heather Sally | July 1, 2015 | |||
September 29, 2014 | Follow-on common equity offering | Acquisition of the Methane Rita Andrea and Methane Jane Elizabeth | September 29, 2014 |
We maintain our principal executive offices at Gildo Pastor Center, 7 Rue du Gabian, MC 98000, Monaco. Our telephone number at that address is +377 97 97 51 15.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information as a foreign private issuer with the SEC. You may obtain copies of all or any part of such materials from the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. You may also inspect reports and other information regarding registrants, such as us, that file electronically with the SEC without charge at a website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. These documents and other important information on our governance are posted on our website and may be viewed at http://www.gaslogmlp.com.
B. Business Overview
Overview
We are a growth-oriented limited partnership focused on owning, operating and acquiring LNG carriers engaged in LNG transportation under multi-year charters. Our fleet of 14 LNG carriers, which have fixed charter terms expiring between 2019 and 2026, except for one which is operating in the spot market, were contributed to us by, or acquired by us from, GasLog, which controls us through its ownership of our general partner. The charters on two of the vessels expire in 2019, one of which will begin a new one-year time charter with Trafigura, and five further charters will expire in 2020. On redelivery, the vessels may operate in the short-term spot market until we secure new multi-year time charters.
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Our fleet consists of 14 LNG carriers, including nine vessels with modern TFDE propulsion technology and five modern Steam vessels. We also have options and other rights under which we may acquire additional LNG carriers from GasLog, as described below. We believe that such options and rights provide us with significant built-in growth opportunities. We may also acquire vessels or other LNG infrastructure assets from shipyards or other owners.
We operate our vessels mainly under multi-year charters with fixed-fee contracts that generate predictable cash flows during the life of these charters. One of our vessels currently operates in the spot market through an LNG carrier pooling arrangement operated by GasLog and Golar LNG Ltd. (the "Cool Pool"). We intend to grow our fleet through further acquisitions of LNG carriers from GasLog and third parties. However, we cannot assure you that we will make any particular acquisition or that, as a consequence, we will successfully grow our distributions per common unit. Among other things, our ability to acquire additional LNG carriers will be dependent upon our ability to raise additional equity and debt financing. For further discussion of the risks that we face, please read "Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk Factors".
GasLog is, we believe, a leading independent international owner, operator and manager of LNG carriers which provides support to international energy companies as part of their LNG logistics chain. GasLog was founded by its chairman, Peter G. Livanos, whose family's shipping activities commenced more than 100 years ago. On April 4, 2012, GasLog completed its initial public offering, and its common shares began trading on the NYSE on March 30, 2012, under the ticker symbol "GLOG". At the time of its initial public offering, GasLog's wholly owned fleet consisted of ten LNG carriers, including eight newbuildings on order. Since its initial public offering, GasLog has increased by approximately 118% the total carrying capacity of vessels in its fleet, which includes vessels on the water and newbuildings on order. As of February 21, 2019, GasLog's wholly owned and bareboat fleet includes 21 LNG carriers, including 12 ships on the water and nine LNG carriers on order from Samsung, as well as a 27.5% ownership in the Partnership. See "Our Fleet".
Our Fleet
Owned Fleet
The following table presents information about our fleet as of February 21, 2019:
LNG Carrier
|
Year Built |
Cargo
Capacity (cbm) |
Charterer | Propulsion |
Charter
Expiration |
Optional
Period |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Methane Rita Andrea |
2006 | 145,000 | Shell | Steam | April 2020 | | ||||||||
2 |
Methane Jane Elizabeth |
2006 | 145,000 | Shell | Steam | October 2019 (1) | | ||||||||
3 |
Methane Alison Victoria |
2007 | 145,000 | Shell | Steam | December 2019 (1) | | ||||||||
|
Methane Jane Elizabeth or Methane Alison Victoria (1) |
2006/2007 | 145,000 | Trafigura | Steam | November or December 2020 | 2021 - 2024 (2) | ||||||||
4 |
Methane Shirley Elisabeth |
2007 | 145,000 | Shell | Steam | June 2020 | | ||||||||
5 |
Methane Heather Sally |
2007 | 145,000 | Shell | Steam | December 2020 | 2023 - 2025 (3) | ||||||||
6 |
Methane Becki Anne |
2010 | 170,000 | Shell | TFDE | March 2024 | 2027 - 2029 (3) | ||||||||
7 |
GasLog Shanghai |
2013 | 155,000 | Spot Market (4) | TFDE | | | ||||||||
8 |
GasLog Santiago |
2013 | 155,000 | Trafigura | TFDE | December 2021 or January 2022 | 2022 - 2028 (5) | ||||||||
9 |
GasLog Sydney |
2013 | 155,000 | Cheniere (6) | TFDE | June 2020 | 2020 - 2021 (7) | ||||||||
10 |
GasLog Seattle |
2013 | 155,000 | Shell | TFDE | June 2021 | 2025 - 2030 | ||||||||
11 |
Solaris |
2014 | 155,000 | Shell | TFDE | June 2021 | | ||||||||
12 |
GasLog Greece |
2016 | 174,000 | Shell | TFDE | March 2026 | 2031 (8) | ||||||||
13 |
GasLog Geneva |
2016 | 174,000 | Shell | TFDE | September 2023 | 2028 - 2031 (9) | ||||||||
14 |
GasLog Gibraltar |
2016 | 174,000 | Shell | TFDE | October 2023 | 2028 - 2031 (9) |
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rate for this one-year charter is lower than the current charter rates of either the Methane Jane Elizabeth or the Methane Alison Victoria .
The key characteristics of our current fleet include the following:
Charter expirations
The Methane Jane Elizabeth , the Methane Alison Victoria, the Methane Rita Andrea, the Methane Shirley Elisabeth , the GasLog Sydney and the Methane Heather Sally are due to come off charter in October 2019, December 2019, April 2020, June 2020, June 2020 and December 2020, respectively, each plus or minus 30 days. GasLog Partners has secured a one-year charter for either the Methane Jane Elizabeth or the Methane Alison Victoria (as nominated by the Partnership), commencing in either November or December 2019 at the Partnership's option. The charter rate for this one-year charter is lower than the current charter rates of either the Methane Jane Elizabeth or the Methane Alison
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Victoria . GasLog Partners continues to pursue opportunities for new multi-year charters with third parties and, on an interim basis, may consider trading the vessels in the spot market, pursuing the most advantageous redeployment depending on evolving market conditions.
Additional Vessels
Existing Vessel Interests Purchase Options
We currently have the option to purchase from GasLog: (i) the GasLog Glasgow within 36 months after GasLog notifies our board of directors of her acceptance by her charterers and (ii) the GasLog Houston within 30 days following receipt of notice from GasLog that the vessel has commenced its multi-year charter (being at least five years in length). In each case, our option to purchase is at fair market value as determined pursuant to the omnibus agreement. Our option to acquire the Methane Julia Louise expired in March 2018, while the options to acquire the GasLog Genoa and the GasLog Hong Kong expired in April 2018.
See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsOmnibus AgreementNoncompetition" for additional information on the LNG carrier purchase options.
LNG Carrier
|
Year Built |
Cargo
Capacity (cbm) |
Charterer | Propulsion |
Charter
Expiration (1) |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
GasLog Glasgow |
2016 | 174,000 | Shell | TFDE | June 2026 | |||||||||
2 |
GasLog Houston |
2018 | 174,000 | Shell | LP-2S | May 2028 |
Five-Year Vessel Business Opportunities
GasLog has agreed, and has caused its controlled affiliates (other than us, our general partner and our subsidiaries) to agree, not to acquire, own, operate or charter any LNG carrier with a cargo capacity greater than 75,000 cbm engaged in oceangoing LNG transportation under a charter for five full years or more without, within 30 calendar days after the consummation of the acquisition or the commencement of the operations or charter of such a vessel, notifying us and offering us the opportunity to purchase such vessel at fair market value. We refer to these vessels, together with any related charters, as "Five-Year Vessels". The seven newbuildings listed below will each qualify as a Five-Year Vessel upon commencement of their respective multi-year charters, and GasLog will be required to offer to us an opportunity to purchase each vessel at fair market value within 30 days of the commencement of its charter. Generally, we must exercise this right of first offer within 30 days following the notice from GasLog that the vessel has been acquired or has become a Five-Year Vessel.
LNG Carrier
|
Year
Built (1) |
Cargo
Capacity (cbm) |
Charterer | Propulsion |
Estimated
Charter Expiration (2) |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Hull No. 2131 |
Q1 2019 | 174,000 | Shell | LP-2S | 2029 | |||||||
2 |
Hull No. 2213 |
Q2 2020 | 180,000 | Centrica | LP-2S | 2027 | |||||||
3 |
Hull No. 2262 |
Q3 2020 | 180,000 | Centrica | LP-2S | 2027 | |||||||
4 |
Hull No. 2300 |
Q4 2020 | 174,000 | Cheniere | LP-2S | 2027 | |||||||
5 |
Hull No. 2301 |
Q4 2020 | 174,000 | Cheniere | LP-2S | 2027 | |||||||
6 |
Hull No. 2311 |
Q2 2021 | 180,000 | Cheniere | LP-2S | 2028 | |||||||
7 |
Hull No. 2312 |
Q3 2021 | 180,000 | Cheniere | LP-2S | 2028 |
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Rights of First Offer
In addition, under the omnibus agreement, we will have a right of first offer with regard to any proposed sale, transfer or other disposition of any LNG carriers with cargo capacities greater than 75,000 cbm engaged in oceangoing LNG transportation under a charter of five full years or more that GasLog owns, as discussed elsewhere in this annual report.
Vessel Acquisition Considerations
We are not obligated to purchase any of the vessels from GasLog described in the previous sections and, accordingly, we may not complete the purchase of any such vessels. Furthermore, our ability to purchase any additional vessels, including under the omnibus agreement from GasLog, is dependent on our ability to obtain financing to fund all or a portion of the acquisition costs of these vessels. Following the Series C Preference Units raise completed on November 15, 2018, we have raised additional net proceeds of approximately $96.3 million which will be used for general partnership purposes, which may include funding future vessel acquisitions. We currently expect that this will include future acquisitions from GasLog. Our ability to acquire additional vessels from GasLog is also subject to obtaining any applicable consents of governmental authorities and other non-affiliated third parties, including the relevant lenders and charterers. Under the omnibus agreement, GasLog will be obligated to use reasonable efforts to obtain any such consents. We cannot assure you that in any particular case the necessary consent will be obtained. See "Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk FactorsRisks Inherent in Our Business" for a discussion of the risks we face in acquiring vessels. See also "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsOmnibus Agreement".
Ship Time Charters
We provide the services of all of our ships under multi-year time charters, except for the GasLog Shanghai which is trading in the Cool Pool. A time charter is a contract for the use of the ship for a specified term at a daily hire rate. Under a time charter, the ship owner provides crewing and other services related to the ship's operation, the cost of which is covered by the hire rate, and the customer is responsible for substantially all of the ship voyage costs (including bunker fuel, port charges and canal fees and LNG boil-off).
Our subsidiaries that own the Methane Rita Andrea, the Methane Shirley Elisabeth, the Methane Becki Anne and the Methane Heather Sally have entered into separate time charters for each vessel with MSL. Our subsidiaries that own the GasLog Seattle and the Solaris have entered into separate time charters for the vessels with a subsidiary of Shell. The Solaris is also managed and operated by a subsidiary of Shell. The subsidiary that owns the GasLog Greece has entered into a master time charter with MSL that also includes the GasLog Glasgow , a GasLog vessel. The subsidiaries that own the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar are party to a master time charter with MSL. A separate confirmation memorandum has been issued for each ship to specify the individual commercial charter terms.
The subsidiaries that own the GasLog Sydney and the GasLog Santiago have entered into separate time charters with subsidiaries of Cheniere and Trafigura, respectively. If we exercise our option to purchase the GasLog Glasgow or the GasLog Houston , or, once offered by GasLog, Hull No. 2131, such LNG carriers will be chartered to Shell. If we exercise our option to purchase Hull Nos. 2213 or 2262 once offered by GasLog, such LNG carriers will be chartered to Centrica. If we exercise our option to purchase Hull Nos. 2300, 2301, 2311 or 2312 once offered by GasLog, such LNG carriers will be chartered to Cheniere.
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The following discussion describes the material terms of the time charters for our fleet.
Initial Term, Extensions and Redelivery
The initial terms of the time charters for the Methane Rita Andrea and the Methane Jane Elizabeth began upon their acquisition by GasLog in April 2014 and will terminate in April 2020 plus or minus 30 days and October 2019 plus or minus 30 days, respectively.
The initial terms of the time charters for the Methane Alison Victoria, the Methane Shirley Elisabeth and the Methane Heather Sally began upon their acquisition by GasLog on June 4, 2014, June 11, 2014 and June 25, 2014, respectively, and will terminate in December 2019 plus or minus 30 days, June 2020 plus or minus 30 days and December 2020 plus or minus 30 days, respectively.
The initial term of the time charter for the GasLog Seattle began upon delivery of the ship to GasLog in 2013 and will terminate in June 2021. Shell has two consecutive five-year extension options which, if exercised, would extend the charter for a period of either five or ten years beyond the initial charter expiration date. The charter requires that the charterer provide the owner with advance notice of its exercise of any extension option and no such nomination has been received within the required notice period. Accordingly, the GasLog Seattle is due to come off charter on June 2021 plus or minus 30 days.
The initial terms of the time charters for the GasLog Greece, the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar began upon delivery of the ships and will terminate in 2026, 2023 and 2023, respectively. For the GasLog Greece , MSL has the option to extend the term of the charter for up to five years and, for the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar , MSL has the option to extend the term of the charter for up to eight years. Each charter requires that the charterer provide the owner with advance notice of its exercise of any extension option.
The term of the time charter for the Solaris began upon delivery of the ship to GasLog in 2014 following an initial period during which the ship operated under a maiden voyage time charter, the purpose of which was to facilitate completion by Shell of an operational discharge inspection of the ship. The charter requires that the charterer provides the owner with advance notice of its exercise of any extension option and no such nomination has been received within the required notice period. Accordingly, the Solaris is due to come off charter in June 2021 plus or minus 30 days.
The initial term of the time charter for the Methane Becki Anne began upon its acquisition by GasLog in 2015 and will terminate in 2024. MSL has the option to extend the term of the time charter for an additional period of either three years beyond the initial charter expiration date.
The term of the time charter of the GasLog Sydney began on its delivery to Cheniere in December 2018 and will terminate in June 2020. Cheniere has the option to extend the term of the time charter for two further periods of one hundred and eighty days each at specified rates.
The term of the time charter of the GasLog Santiago began on its delivery to Trafigura in August 2018 and will terminate in December 2021. Trafigura has various options to extend the term of the time charter for between one and seven years at specified rates.
A one-year charter for either the Methane Jane Elizabeth or the Methane Alison Victoria (as nominated by the Partnership) has been secured with Trafigura commencing in either November or December 2019 at the Partnership's option. The charter rate for this one-year charter is lower than the current charter rates of either the Methane Jane Elizabeth or the Methane Alison Victoria .
The terms and periods for fixtures of the GasLog Shanghai vary from charter to charter, as is the nature of trading in the spot market.
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Our time charters provide for redelivery of the ship to us at the expiration of the term, as such term may be extended upon the charterer's exercise of its extension options, or upon earlier termination of the charter (as described below), plus or minus 30 days. Under all of our charters, the charterer has the right to extend the term for most periods in which the ship is off-hire. Our charter contracts do not provide the charterers with options to purchase our ships during or upon expiration of the charter term.
Hire Rate Provisions
"Hire rate" refers to the basic payment from the customer for use of the ship. Under all of our time charters, the hire rate is payable to us monthly in advance in U.S. dollars.
The hire rates provided for under the time charters for the GasLog Greece , the GasLog Geneva , the GasLog Gibraltar and the Methane Becki Anne include only one component that is a fixed daily amount that increases during any option period.
Under the time charter for the GasLog Seattle , the hire rate for an initial period of up to two years, at the charterer's option, was set at the prevailing market rate for a comparable ship, subject to a cap and a floor. Following such initial period, the hire rate is calculated based on three componentsa capital cost component, an operating cost component and a ship management fee. The capital cost component is a fixed daily amount, which will increase by a specified amount during any option period. The daily amount of the operating cost component, which is intended to pass-through fully to the charterer the costs of operating the ship, is set annually and adjusted at the end of each year to compensate us for the actual costs we incur in operating the ship. Dry-docking expenses are budgeted in advance and are reimbursed by the charterers immediately following a dry-docking. The ship management fee is a daily amount set in line with industry practice for fees charged by ship managers and is intended to compensate us for management of the ship.
Under the time charter for the Solaris , the vessel is managed by a subsidiary of Shell and such entity covers operating costs. Therefore, the hire rate includes only one component that is a fixed daily amount equivalent to the capital cost component.
The hire rates for each of our ships may be reduced if the ship does not perform to certain of its specifications or if we breach our obligations under the charter.
Off-Hire
When a ship is "off-hire"or not available for servicea time charterer generally is not required to pay the hire rate, and we remain responsible for all costs, including the cost of any LNG cargo lost as boil-off during such off-hire periods. Our time charters provide an annual allowance period for us to schedule preventative maintenance work on the ship. A ship generally will be deemed off-hire under our time charters if there is a specified time outside of the annual allowance period when the ship is not available for the charterer's use due to, among other things, operational deficiencies (including the failure to maintain a certain guaranteed speed), dry-docking for repairs, maintenance or inspection, equipment breakdowns, deficiency of personnel or neglect of duty by the ship's officers or crew, deviation from course, or delays due to accidents, quarantines, ship detentions or similar problems.
All ships are dry-docked at least once every five years for a special survey as required by the ship's classification society. Ships are considered to be off-hire under our time charters during such periods.
Ship Management and Maintenance
Under our time charters, we are responsible for the technical management of the majority of our ships (the Solaris is managed by Shell). Technical management includes the engagement and provision of qualified crews, employment of armed guards for transport in certain high-risk areas, maintaining the
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ship, arranging supply of stores and equipment, cleaning and painting and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, including licensing and certification requirements, as well as for dry-docking expenses. We provide these management services through technical management agreements with GasLog LNG Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GasLog. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsShip Management Agreements".
Termination and Cancellation
Under our existing time charters, each party has certain termination rights which include, among other things, the automatic termination of a charter upon loss of the relevant ship. Either party may elect to terminate a charter upon the occurrence of specified defaults or upon the outbreak of war or hostilities involving two or more major nations, such as the United States or the People's Republic of China, if such war or hostilities materially and adversely affect the trading of the ship for a period of at least 30 days. In addition, charterers have the option to terminate a charter if the relevant ship is off-hire for any reason other than scheduled dry-docking for a period exceeding 90 consecutive days, or for more than 90 days in any one-year period.
The Cool Pool
On May 18, 2018, the Partnership, through the GasLog Shanghai, entered the Cool Pool to market its vessel operating in the LNG shipping spot market. The Cool Pool allows the participating owners to optimize the operation of the pool vessels through improved scheduling ability, cost efficiencies and common marketing. The objective of the Cool Pool is to serve the growing LNG market by providing customers with reliable, flexible and innovative solutions to meet their increasingly complex shipping requirements. As of February 21, 2019, the Cool Pool consists of 16 modern efficient TFDE LNG carriers in the 153,500-170,000 cbm range. The Cool Pool charters the vessels for periods up to one year in duration as agents for the owners, who each remain responsible for the technical and commercial operation of their vessels and performance of the contracts.
The Cool Pool focuses on charters of 12 months' duration or less. The scheduling of employment opportunities in excess of 12 months will remain the mandate of the respective vessel owner. If a Cool Pool vessel is scheduled by an owner for a charter that exceeds 12 months in duration, such vessel will cease to be part of the Cool Pool. Gross pool revenues represent time charter revenues earned by GasLog vessels participating in the pool under charter agreements where GasLog or GasLog Partners contracts directly with charterers. Revenue is recognised on a monthly basis given that, when the vessel is made available and services are provided to the charterer during the period, the amount can be estimated reliably and collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured.
Voyage expenses and commissions include the net allocation from the pool which represents GasLog's or GasLog Partners' share of the net revenues earned from the other pool participants' vessels less the other participants' share of the net revenues earned by GasLog's or GasLog Partners' vessels included in the pool. Each participant's share of the net pool revenues is based on the number of pool points attributable to its vessels and the number of days such vessels participated in the pool.
Competition
We operate in markets that are highly competitive and based primarily on supply and demand. Generally, competition for LNG time charters is based primarily on charter party terms including price, ship availability, size, age, technical specifications and condition, LNG shipping experience, quality and efficiency of ship operations, shipping industry relationships and reputation for customer service, and technical ability and reputation for operation of highly specialized ships. In addition, through the GasLog Shanghai , we operate in the spot market that covers short-term charters of one year or less. In the future, more of our vessels may operate in the more volatile spot market.
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Although we believe that the GasLog Group is one of a small number of large independent owners who focus primarily on newly-built, technically advanced LNG carriers, a growing number of other independent shipping companies also own and operate, and in some cases manage, LNG carriers and have new ships under construction. Several of these other ship owners and managers have decided to enter, or to expand their presence in, the LNG market with newbuilding vessels over the last year, and potentially others may also attempt to participate in the LNG market in the future.
In addition to independent owners, some of the major oil and gas producers own LNG carriers and, in the recent past, they have contracted for the construction of new LNG carriers. Certain national oil and gas and shipping companies also have large fleets of LNG carriers that have expanded and may continue to expand. Some of these companies, as well as other market participants such as trading companies who have LNG shipping capacity contracted on multi-year charters, may compete with independent owners by using their fleets to carry LNG for third parties.
Seagoing and Shore-Based Employees
We do not directly employ any on-shore or seagoing employees. The services of our executive officers and other employees are provided pursuant to the administrative services agreement, under which we pay an annual fee. As of December 31, 2018, GasLog employed (directly and through ship managers) approximately 1,517 seafaring staff who serve on GasLog's owned and managed vessels (including our fleet) as well as 160 shore-based staff. GasLog and its affiliates may employ additional staff to assist us as we grow. GasLog, through certain of its subsidiaries, provides onshore advisory, commercial, technical and operational support to our operating subsidiaries pursuant to the amended ship management agreements, subject to any alternative arrangements made with the applicable charterer. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsShip Management Agreements".
LNG marine transportation is a specialized area requiring technically skilled officers and personnel with specialized training. We and GasLog regard attracting and retaining motivated, well-qualified seagoing and shore-based personnel as a top priority, and GasLog offers its people competitive compensation packages. As a result, GasLog has historically enjoyed high retention rates. In 2018, GasLog's retention rate was 96% for senior seagoing officers, 98% for other seagoing officers and 94% for shore staff.
Although GasLog has historically experienced high employee retention rates, the demand for technically skilled officers and crews to serve on LNG carriers and FSRUs has been increasing as the global fleet of LNG carriers and FSRUs continues to grow. This increased demand has, and may continue, to put inflationary cost pressure on ensuring qualified and well trained crew are available to GasLog. However, we and GasLog expect that the impact of cost increases would be mitigated to some extent by certain provisions in our time charters, including automatic periodic adjustment and cost review provisions.
Classification, Inspection and Maintenance
Every large, commercial seagoing ship must be "classed" by a classification society. The classification society certifies that the ship is "in class", signifying that the ship has been built and subsequently maintained in accordance with the rules of the classification society and complies with applicable rules and regulations of the ship's country of registry and the international conventions of which that country is a member. In addition, where surveys are required by international conventions and corresponding laws and ordinances of a flag state, the classification society will undertake them on application or by official order, acting on behalf of the authorities concerned. The classification society also undertakes on request other surveys and checks that are required by regulations and requirements of the flag state. These surveys are subject to agreements made in each individual case and/or to the regulations of the country concerned.
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To ensure each ship is maintained in accordance with classification society standards and for maintenance of the class certificate, regular and extraordinary surveys of hull and machinery, including the electrical plant, and any special equipment classes are required to be performed periodically. Surveys are based on a five-year cycle that consists of annual surveys, intermediate surveys that are typically completed between the second and third years of every five-year cycle, and comprehensive special surveys (also known as class renewal surveys) that are completed at each fifth anniversary of the ship's delivery.
All areas subject to surveys as defined by the classification society are required to be surveyed at least once per five-year class cycle, unless shorter intervals between surveys are otherwise prescribed. All ships are also required to be dry-docked at least once during every five-year class cycle for inspection of their underwater parts and for repairs related to inspections. If any defects are found, the classification surveyor will issue a "recommendation" which must be rectified by the ship owner within prescribed time limits. We intend to dry-dock our ships at five-year intervals that coincide with the completion of the ship's special surveys. We expect that the dry-docking schedule for the vessels which we have the option to purchase from GasLog will, for the foreseeable future, follow the same schedule as our current fleet.
Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage that a ship be certified as "in class" by a classification society that is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies. The vessels in our fleet are each certified by the American Bureau of Shipping, or "ABS". Each ship has been awarded International Safety Management ("ISM") certification and is currently "in class".
The following table lists the years in which we expect to carry out the next or initial dry-dockings and special surveys for our fleet:
Ship Name
|
Dry-docking
and Special Survey |
|
---|---|---|
Solaris |
2019 | |
Methane Jane Elizabeth |
2019 | |
Methane Alison Victoria |
2020 | |
Methane Shirley Elisabeth |
2020 | |
Methane Heather Sally |
2020 | |
Methane Becki Anne |
2020 | |
Methane Rita Andrea |
2021 | |
GasLog Greece |
2021 | |
GasLog Geneva |
2021 | |
GasLog Gibraltar |
2021 | |
GasLog Shanghai |
2023 | |
GasLog Seattle |
2023 | |
GasLog Santiago |
2023 | |
GasLog Sydney |
2023 |
Risk of Loss, Insurance and Risk Management
The operation of any ship has inherent risks. These risks include mechanical failure, personal injury, collision, property loss or damage, ship or cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to a number of reasons, including mechanical failure, cyber-attack, political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities and labor strikes. In addition, there is always an inherent possibility of marine disaster, including collision, explosion, spills and other environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating ships in international trade.
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We maintain hull and machinery insurance on all our ships against marine and war risks in amounts that we believe to be prudent to cover such risks. In addition, we maintain protection and indemnity insurance on all our ships up to the maximum insurable limit available at any given time. We also maintain cyber insurance coverage on all of our ships. The insurance coverage is described in more detail below. While we believe that our insurance coverage will be adequate, not all risks can be insured, and there can be no guarantee that we will always be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates or at all, or that any specific claim we may make under our insurance coverage will be paid.
Hull & Machinery Marine Risks Insurance and Hull & Machinery War Risks Insurance
We maintain hull and machinery marine risks insurance and hull and machinery war risks insurance on our ships, which cover loss of or damage to a ship due to marine perils such as collisions, fire or lightning, and the loss of or damage to a ship due to war perils such as acts of war, terrorism or piracy. Each of our ships is insured under these policies for a total amount that exceeds what we believe to be its fair market value. We also maintain hull disbursements and increased value insurance policies covering each of our ships, which provide additional coverage in the event of the total or constructive loss of a ship. Our marine risks insurance policies contain deductible amounts for which we will be responsible, but there are no deductible amounts under our war risks policies or our total loss policies.
Loss of Hire Insurance/Delay Insurance
We have obtained loss of hire insurance to protect us against loss of income as a result of the ship being off-hire or otherwise suffering a loss of operational time for events falling under the terms of our hull and machinery/war insurance. Under our loss of hire policy, our insurer will pay us the hire rate agreed in respect of each ship for each day, in excess of a certain number of deductible days, for the time that the ship is out of service as a result of damage, up to a maximum of 180 days. The number of deductible days for the ships in our fleet is 14 days per ship. In addition to the loss of hire insurance, we also place delay insurance which, like loss of hire, covers all owned vessels for time lost due to events falling under the terms of our hull and machinery insurance, plus additional protection and indemnity related incidents. The cover has a deductible of two days with a maximum of 12 days (which takes it up to the loss of hire deductible of 14 days) and the hire rate agreed as per the loss of hire insurance.
Additionally, we buy piracy loss of hire and kidnap and ransom insurance when our ships are ordered to sail through the Indian Ocean to insure against potential losses relating to the hijacking of a ship and its crew by pirates.
Protection and Indemnity Insurance
Protection and indemnity insurance is typically provided by a protection and indemnity association, or "P&I association", and covers third-party liability, crew liability and other related expenses resulting from injury to or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss of or damage to cargo, third-party claims arising from collisions with other ships (to the extent not recovered by the hull and machinery policies), damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances and salvage, towing and other related costs, including wreck removal.
Our protection and indemnity insurance covering our ships is provided by a P&I association that is a member of the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs, or "International Group". The thirteen 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. Insurance provided by a P&I association is a form of mutual indemnity insurance.
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Our protection and indemnity insurance is currently subject to limits of $3 billion per ship per event in respect of liability to passengers and seamen, $2 billion per ship per event in respect of liability to passengers and $1 billion per ship per event in respect of liability for oil pollution.
As a member of a P&I association, we will be subject to calls payable to the P&I association based on the International Group's claim records as well as the claim records of all other members of the P&I association of which we are a member.
Cyber Insurance
We have insurance coverage for cyber-related risks. Our policy covers physical damage to any of our vessels up to $50 million per vessel with a fleet aggregate limit of $150 million.
Safety Performance
GasLog provides intensive onboard training for its officers and crews to instill a culture of the highest operational and safety standards. During 2018, GasLog's fleet experienced three recordable injuries and six first aid cases.
Permits and Authorizations
We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses, financial assurances and certificates with respect to our ships. The kinds of permits, licenses, financial assurances and certificates required will depend upon several factors, including the waters in which the ship operates, the nationality of the ship's crew and the age of the ship. We have obtained all permits, licenses, financial assurances and certificates currently required to operate our ships. Additional laws and regulations, environmental or otherwise, may be adopted which could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business.
Environmental and Other Regulation
The carriage, handling, storage and regasification of LNG are subject to extensive laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, health and safety and other matters. These laws and regulations include international conventions and national, state and local laws and regulations in the countries where our ships now or in the future will operate, or where our ships are registered. Compliance with these laws and regulations may entail significant expenses and may impact the resale value or useful lives of our ships. Our ships may be subject to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections by a variety of governmental, quasi-governmental and private organizations, including the local port authorities, national authorities, harbor masters or equivalent, classification societies, flag state administrations (countries of registry) and charterers. Failure to maintain permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations required by some of these entities could require us to incur substantial costs or result in the temporary suspension of the operation of one or more of our ships or lead to the invalidation for our insurance coverage reduction.
We believe that our ships are operated in material compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that our ships in operation have all material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations necessary for the conduct of our operations. In fact, each of our ships have received an ENVIRO, an ENVIRO+ or a CLEAN notation from our classification societies, which denote compliance with their published guidelines concerning stringent criteria for environmental protection related to design characteristics, management and support systems, sea discharges and air emissions. Because environmental laws and regulations are frequently changed and may impose increasingly strict requirements, however, it is difficult to predict accurately the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our ships. Moreover, additional legislation or regulation applicable to the operation of our ships that may be
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implemented in the future, such as in response to a serious marine incident like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, could negatively affect our profitability.
International Maritime Regulations
The IMO, the United Nations agency for maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by ships, has adopted several international conventions that regulate the international shipping industry, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea ("SOLAS"), the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers ("STCW") and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships ("MARPOL"). Ships that transport gas, including LNG carriers, are also subject to regulations under amendments to SOLAS, including the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or the "ISM Code". The ISM Code requires, among other things, that the party with operational control of a ship develop an extensive safety management system, including the adoption of a policy for safety and environmental protection setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its ships safely and also describing procedures for responding to emergencies. We rely on GasLog LNG Services for the development and maintenance of a safety management system for our ships that meets these requirements. GasLog LNG Services is also subject to the International Code for Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (the "IGC Code"), which prescribes design and construction standards for ships involved in the transport of gas. Compliance with the IGC Code must be evidenced by a Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases of Bulk. Non-compliance with the IGC Code or other applicable IMO regulations may subject a ship owner or a bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected ships and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports.
SOLAS is an international maritime law which sets minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment and operation of merchant ships. The convention requires signatory flag states to ensure that ships flagged by them comply with at least these standards. The current version of SOLAS is the 1974 version, known as SOLAS 1974, which came into force on May 25, 1980. As of January 2019, SOLAS 1974 had 164 contracting states, which flag about 99% of merchant ships around the world in terms of gross tonnage. SOLAS in its successive forms is generally regarded as the most important of all international maritime laws concerning the safety of merchant ships.
STCW 1978 was adopted on July 7, 1978 and entered into force on April 28, 1984. The main purpose of the Convention is to promote safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment by establishing in common agreement international standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers. The Manila amendments to the STCW Convention and Code were adopted on June 25, 2010, marking a major revision of the STCW Convention and Code. The 2010 amendments were entered into force on January 1, 2012 under the tacit acceptance procedure and were aimed at bringing the Convention and Code up to date with developments since they were initially adopted and to enable them to address issues that were anticipated to emerge in the foreseeable future.
The MARPOL Convention 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 form. In September 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to MARPOL to address air pollution from ships. Annex VI came into force on May 19, 2005. It sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons. 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. Annex VI has been ratified by many, but not all, IMO member states. In October 2008, the
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Marine Environment Protection Committee, or "MEPC", of the IMO approved amendments to Annex VI regarding particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide emissions standards. These amendments became effective in July 2010. These requirements establish a series of progressive standards to further limit the sulfur content in fuel oil, which are being phased in between 2012 and 2020, and by establishing new tiers of nitrogen oxide emission standards for new marine diesel engines, depending on their date of installation. Additionally, more stringent emission standards could apply in coastal areas designated as Emission Control Areas, or "ECAs". For example, "Tier III" emission standards apply in North American and U.S. Caribbean Sea ECAs to all marine diesel engines installed on a ship constructed after January 1, 2016. The European Union Directive 2005/33/EC, which became effective on January 1, 2010, parallels Annex VI and requires ships to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines. Our fleet complies with the relevant legislation and has the relevant certificates, including certificates evidencing compliance with Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention.
Although the United States is not a party, many countries have ratified the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969, as amended, or the "CLC". Under this convention, a ship's registered owner is strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject under certain circumstances to certain defenses and limitations. Ships carrying more than 2,000 gross tons of oil, and trading to states that are parties to this convention, must maintain evidence of insurance in an amount covering the liability of the owner. In jurisdictions where the CLC has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law impose liability either on the basis of fault or in a manner similar to the CLC. P&I Clubs in the International Group issue the required Bunker Convention (defined below) "Blue Cards" to provide evidence that there is in place insurance meeting the liability requirements. Where applicable, all of our vessels have received "Blue Cards" from their P&I Club and are in possession of a CLC State-issued certificate attesting that the required insurance coverage is in force.
The IMO also has adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or the "Bunker Convention", which imposes liability on ship owners for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel and 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. We maintain insurance in respect of our ships that satisfies these requirements.
Non-compliance with the ISM Code or with other IMO regulations may subject a ship owner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected ships and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports, including United States and European Union ports. Non-compliance with the ISM Code or other IMO regulations may subject a shipowner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected ships and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports, including ports in the United States and Europe.
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 was adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 94th (Maritime) Session (2006), establishing minimum working and living conditions for seafarers. The convention entered into force August 20, 2013, whilst amendments were approved by the International Labour Conference at its 103rd Session (2014). The convention establishes a single, coherent instrument embodying as far as possible all up-to-date standards of existing international maritime labour conventions and recommendations, as well as the fundamental principles to be found in other international labour conventions.
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United States
Oil Pollution Act and CERCLA
Our operations are subject to the U.S. Pollution Act of 1990, or "OPA", which establishes an extensive regulatory and liability regime for environmental protection and cleanup of oil spills, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or "CERCLA", which imposes liability on owners and operators of ships for cleanup and natural resource damage from the release of hazardous substances (other than oil). Under OPA, ship owners, operators and bareboat charterers are responsible parties who 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 oil spills from their ships. OPA currently limits the liability of responsible parties with respect to ships over 3,000 gross tons to the greater of $2,200 per gross ton or $18,796,800 per double hull ship and permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries. Some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within their waters. Liability under CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5.0 million for ships carrying a hazardous substance as cargo and the greater of $300 per gross ton or $0.5 million for any other ship.
These limits of liability do not apply under certain circumstances, however, such as where the incident is caused by violation of applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulations, or by the responsible party's gross negligence or willful misconduct. In addition, a marine incident that results in significant damage to the environment, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, could result in amendments to these limitations or other regulatory changes in the future. We maintain the maximum pollution liability coverage amount of $1 billion per incident for our ships. We also believe that we will be in substantial compliance with OPA, CERCLA and all applicable state regulations in the ports where our ships will call.
OPA also requires owners and operators of ships over 300 gross tons to establish and maintain with the National Pollution Fund Center of the U.S. Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the limit of their potential strict liability under the act. Such financial responsibility can be demonstrated by providing a guarantee from an appropriate guarantor, who can release the required guarantee to the National Pollution Fund Center against payment of the requested premium. We have purchased such a guarantee in order to provide evidence of financial responsibility and have received the mandatory certificates of financial responsibility from the U.S. Coast Guard in respect of each of the vessels included in our fleet. We intend to obtain such certificates in the future for each of our vessels, if required to have them.
Clean Water Act
The U.S. Clean Water Act of 1972, or "CWA", prohibits the discharge of oil, hazardous substances and ballast water in U.S. navigable waters unless authorized by a duly-issued permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for any unauthorized discharges. The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA and CERCLA. Furthermore, most 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.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency, or "EPA", has enacted rules requiring ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain ships within United States waters to be authorized under the Ship General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Ships, or the "VGP". To be covered by the VGP, owners of certain ships must submit a
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Notice of Intent, or "NOI", at least 30 days before the ship operates in United States waters. Compliance with the VGP could require the installation of equipment on our ships to treat ballast water before it is discharged or the implementation of other disposal arrangements, and/or otherwise restrict our ships from entering United States waters. In March 2013, the EPA published a new VGP that includes numeric effluent limits for ballast water expressed as the maximum concentration of living organisms in ballast water. The VGP also imposes a variety of changes for non-ballast water discharges including more stringent Best Management Practices for discharges of oil-to-sea interfaces in an effort to reduce the toxicity of oil leaked into U.S. waters. The 2013 VGP was issued with an effective period of December 19, 2013 to December 18, 2018. The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, or "VIDA", enacted on December 4, 2018, requires the EPA and Coast Guard to develop new performance standards and enforcement regulations and extends the 2013 VGP provisions until new regulations are final and enforceable. We have submitted NOIs for our fleet and intend to submit NOIs for our ships in the future, where required, and do not believe that the costs associated with obtaining and complying with the VGP will have a material impact on our operations.
Clean Air Act
The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 and 1990, or the "CAA", requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. Our ships may be subject to vapor control and recovery requirements for certain cargoes when loading, unloading, ballasting, cleaning and conducting other operations in regulated port areas and emission standards for so-called "Category 3" marine diesel engines operating in U.S. waters. The marine diesel engine emission standards are currently limited to new engines beginning with the 2004 model year. On April 30, 2010, the EPA adopted final emission standards for Category 3 marine diesel engines equivalent to those adopted in the amendments to Annex VI to MARPOL.
The CAA also requires states to adopt State Implementation Plans, or "SIPs", designed to attain national health-based air quality standards in primarily major metropolitan and/or industrial areas. Several SIPs regulate emissions resulting from ship loading and unloading operations by requiring the installation of vapor control equipment. The MEPC has designated as an ECA the area extending 200 miles from the territorial sea baseline adjacent to the Atlantic/Gulf and Pacific coasts and the eight main Hawaiian Islands and the Baltic Sea, North Sea and Caribbean Sea, under the Annex VI amendments. Fuel used by vessels operating in the ECA cannot exceed 0.1% (mass by mass) sulfur. As of January 1, 2016, NOx after-treatment requirements also apply. Our vessels can store and burn low-sulfur fuel oil or alternatively burn natural gas which contains no sulfur. Additionally, burning natural gas will ensure compliance with IMO Tier III NOx emission limitations without the need for after-treatment. Charterers must supply compliant fuel for the vessels before ordering vessels to trade in areas where restrictions apply. As a result, we do not expect such restrictions to have a materially adverse impact on our operations or costs.
Other Environmental Initiatives
U.S. Coast Guard regulations adopted under the U.S. National Invasive Species Act, or "NISA", impose mandatory ballast water management practices for all ships equipped with ballast water tanks entering U.S. waters, which could require the installation of equipment on our ships to treat ballast water before it is discharged or the implementation of other port facility disposal arrangements or procedures, and/or otherwise restrict our ships from entering U.S. waters. In June 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard rule establishing standards for the allowable concentration of living organisms in ballast water discharged in U.S. waters and requiring the phase-in of Coast Guard approved ballast water management systems, or "BWMS", became effective. The rule requires installation of Coast Guard approved BWMS by new vessels constructed on or after December 1, 2013 and existing vessels as of
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their first dry-docking after January 1, 2016. Several states have adopted legislation and regulations relating to the permitting and management of ballast water discharges.
At the international level, the IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments in February 2004, or the "BWM Convention". 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. The threshold ratification requirements for the convention to enter into force were met in 2016, and the convention became effective on September 8, 2017. All our newly delivered ships from 2016 onwards have compliant equipment installed. We have selected one manufacturer to supply the required equipment to be installed at the first dry-dock of all remaining ships. The programme and required funds have been included in our future planning to ensure the fleet remains compliant at all times.
Our vessels may also become subject to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996 as amended by the Protocol to the HNS Convention, adopted in April 2010, or "HNS Convention", if it is entered into force. The HNS Convention creates a regime of liability and compensation for damage from hazardous and noxious substances, or "HNS", including a two-tier system of compensation composed of compulsory insurance taken out by shipowners and an HNS Fund which comes into play when the insurance is insufficient to satisfy a claim or does not cover the incident. To date, the HNS Convention has not been ratified by a sufficient number of countries to enter into force.
Greenhouse Gas Regulations
The MEPC of IMO adopted two new sets of mandatory requirements to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships at its July 2011 meeting. The Energy Efficiency Design Index requires a minimum energy efficiency level per capacity mile and is applicable to new vessels, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan is applicable to currently operating vessels. The requirements, which entered into force in January 2013, were fully implemented by GasLog as of December 2012 and have been implemented by the Partnership as well. The IMO is also considering the development of a market-based mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions from ships, but it is difficult to predict the likelihood that such a standard might be adopted or its potential impact on our operations at this time.
The European Union has indicated in the past that it intends to propose an expansion of the existing European Union emissions trading scheme to include emissions of greenhouse gases from marine ships. The EU MRV Regulation (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification), entered into force on July 1, 2015, requires large vessels entering European Union ports to monitor, report and verify their carbon dioxide emissions as of January 1, 2018. In the United States, the EPA has adopted regulations under the CAA to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain mobile sources, although these requirements do not currently apply to greenhouse gas emissions from ships. In addition, the International Paris Agreement, which entered into force on November 4, 2016, establishes a framework for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions designed to take effect by 2020, with the goal of holding the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Although the Paris Agreement does not specifically require controls on shipping or other industries, it is possible that countries or groups of countries will seek to impose such controls as they implement the Paris Agreement. Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the European Union, the United States or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted or amended at the international level that restricts emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.
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We believe that LNG carriers, which have the inherent ability to burn natural gas to power the ship, and in particular LNG carriers like certain of our vessels that utilize fuel-efficient diesel electric propulsion, can be considered among the cleanest of large ships in terms of emissions.
Ship Security Regulations
A number of initiatives have been introduced in recent years intended to enhance ship security. On November 25, 2002, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, or "MTSA", was signed into law. To implement certain portions of the MTSA, the U.S. Coast Guard issued regulations in July 2003 requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard ships operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Similarly, in December 2002, amendments to SOLAS created a new chapter of the convention dealing specifically with maritime security. This new chapter came into effect in July 2004 and imposes various detailed security obligations on ships and port authorities, most of which are contained in the newly created International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code, or "ISPS Code". Among the various requirements are:
The U.S. Coast Guard regulations, intended to align with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. ships from MTSA ship security measures, provided such ships have on board a valid "International Ship Security Certificate" that attests to the ship's compliance with SOLAS security requirements and the ISPS Code. We have implemented the various security measures required by the IMO, SOLAS and the ISPS Code and have approved ISPS certificates and plans certified by the applicable flag state on board all our ships.
Legal Proceedings
We have not been involved in any legal proceedings that we believe may have a significant effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity, and we are not aware of any proceedings that are pending or threatened that may have a material effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity. From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, principally property damage and personal injury claims. We expect that these claims would be covered by insurance, subject to customary deductibles. However, those claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources.
Taxation of the Partnership
Marshall Islands
Because we and our subsidiaries do not and will not conduct business or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, neither we nor our subsidiaries will be subject to income, capital gains, profits or other taxation in the Republic of the Marshall Islands under current Marshall Islands law, and we do not expect this to change in the future. As a result, distributions we receive from the operating subsidiaries are not expected to be subject to Marshall Islands taxation.
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United States
The following discussion is based on the Code, judicial decisions, administrative pronouncements, and existing and proposed regulations issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address any U.S. state or local taxes. You are encouraged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the particular U.S. federal, state and local and foreign income and other tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of our common units or Preference Units that may be applicable to you.
In General
We have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, except as provided below, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income to the extent such income is from U.S. sources or is otherwise "effectively connected" with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
U.S. Taxation of Our Subsidiaries
Our subsidiaries have elected to be treated as disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, for purposes of the discussion below, our subsidiaries are treated as branches rather than as separate corporations.
U.S. Taxation of Shipping Income
We expect that substantially all of our gross income will be attributable to income derived from the transportation of LNG pursuant to the operation of our LNG carriers. Gross income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. ports is considered to be 100% derived from sources outside the United States and generally not subject to any U.S. federal income tax. Gross income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States, or "U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income", is considered to be 100% derived from sources within the United States and generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Although there can be no assurance, we do not expect to engage in transportation that gives rise to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income.
Gross income attributable to transportation, including shipping income, that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States is considered to be 50% derived from sources within the United States (such 50% being "U.S. Source International Transportation Income"). Subject to the discussion of "effectively connected income" below, Section 887 of the Code imposes on us a 4% U.S. income tax in respect of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income (without the allowance for deductions) unless we are exempt from U.S. federal income tax on such income under a tax treaty or the rules contained in Section 883 of the Code. The other 50% of the income described in the first sentence of this paragraph would not be subject to U.S. income tax.
For this purpose, "shipping income" means income that is derived from:
We do not expect to qualify for an exemption from such U.S. federal income tax under a tax treaty nor do we expect to qualify for the exemption under Section 883 of the Code during the 2019 tax year, unless our general partner exercises the "GasLog option".
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Our general partner, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of GasLog, by virtue of its general partner interest, has an option (the "GasLog option"), exercisable at its discretion, to cause our common unitholders to permanently have the right to elect a majority of our directors. If that option were exercised, we might qualify for an exemption from U.S. federal income tax on U.S. Source International Transportation Income under Section 883 of the Code. There is no assurance, however, that GasLog will exercise the GasLog option, which is necessary for us to qualify for such exemption, nor can we assure you that GasLog's exercise of the GasLog option would be sufficient for us to qualify for the exemption for our current or any future tax year.
For any tax year in which we are not entitled to the exemption under Section 883, we would be subject to the 4% U.S. federal income tax under Section 887 on our U.S. Source International Transportation Income (subject to the discussion of "effectively connected income" below) for those years. For 2018, our U.S. source gross transportation tax was $0.6 million. In addition, our U.S. Source International Transportation Income that is considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business is subject to the U.S. corporate income tax currently imposed at rates of up to 21% (net of applicable deductions). In addition, we may be subject to the 30% U.S. "branch profits" tax on earnings "effectively connected" with the conduct of such trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid attributable to the conduct of our U.S. trade or business.
Our U.S. Source International Transportation Income would be considered "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business only if:
We believe that we will not meet these conditions because we will not have, or permit circumstances that would result in having, such a fixed place of business in the United States or any ship sailing to or from the United States on a regularly scheduled basis.
Taxation of Gain on Sale of Shipping Assets
Regardless of whether we qualify for the exemption under Section 883 of the Code, we will not be subject to U.S. income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a ship, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States (as determined under U.S. tax principles). In general, a sale of a ship will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the ship (and risk of loss with respect to the ship) passes to the buyer outside of the United States. We expect that any sale of a ship will be so structured that it will be considered to occur outside of the United States.
Other Jurisdictions and Additional Information
For additional information regarding the taxation of our subsidiaries, see Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
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C. Organizational Structure
GasLog Partners is a publicly traded limited partnership formed in the Marshall Islands on January 23, 2014. The diagram below depicts our simplified organizational and ownership structure as of February 21, 2019.
As of February 21, 2019, we have 15 subsidiaries, one is incorporated in the Marshall Islands and 14 are incorporated in Bermuda. Of our subsidiaries, 14 own vessels in our fleet. Our subsidiaries are wholly owned by us. A list of our subsidiaries is set forth in Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report.
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
Other than our ships, we do not own any material property. Our vessels are subject to priority mortgages, which secure our obligations under our various credit facilities. For information on our vessels, see "Item 4. Information on the PartnershipB. Business OverviewOur Fleet". For further details regarding our credit facilities, refer to "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. Liquidity and Capital ResourcesCredit Facilities".
ITEM 4.A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this annual report. This discussion includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a
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result of many factors, such as those set forth under "Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this annual report, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Please see the section "Forward-Looking Statements" at the beginning of this annual report.
Prior to the closing of the IPO, we did not own any vessels. Our IFRS Common Control Reported Results represent the results of GasLog Partners as an entity under the common control of GasLog. The following discussion assumes that our business was operated as a separate entity prior to its inception. The transfer of the three initial vessels from GasLog to the Partnership at the time of the IPO, the transfer of two vessels from GasLog to the Partnership in September 2014, the transfer of three vessels from GasLog to the Partnership in July 2015, the transfer of one vessel from GasLog to the Partnership in November 2016, the transfer of three vessels from GasLog to the Partnership in May, July and October 2017, respectively, and the transfer of two vessels from GasLog to the Partnership in April and November 2018, respectively, were each accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control under IFRS. Accordingly, the annual consolidated financial statements and the accompanying discussion under "Results of Operations" include the accounts of the Partnership and its subsidiaries assuming that they are consolidated from the date of their incorporation by GasLog, as they were under the common control of GasLog.
For the periods prior to the closing of the IPO, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows reflected in our financial statements include all expenses allocable to our business, but may not be indicative of those that would have been incurred had we operated as a separate public entity for all years presented or of future results.
We manage our business and analyze and report our results of operations in a single segment.
Overview
We are a growth-oriented limited partnership focused on owning, operating and acquiring LNG carriers engaged in LNG transportation under multi-year charters. Our fleet of 14 LNG carriers, which have fixed charter terms expiring between 2019 and 2026, except for one which is currently operating in the spot market, were contributed to us by, or acquired by us from, GasLog, which controls us through its ownership of our general partner. The charter on two of the vessels expire in 2019, one of which has been rechartered for one year, and five further charters will expire in 2020. On redelivery, the vessels may operate in the short-term spot market until we secure new multi-year time charters.
Our fleet consists of 14 LNG carriers, including nine vessels with modern TFDE propulsion technology and five modern Steam vessels. We also have options and other rights under which we may acquire additional LNG carriers from GasLog, as described below. We believe that such options and rights provide us with significant built-in growth opportunities. We may also acquire vessels or other LNG infrastructure assets from shipyards or other owners.
We operate our vessels mainly under multi-year charters with fixed-fee contracts that generate predictable cash flows during the life of these charters. One of our vessels currently operates in the spot market through the Cool Pool, an LNG carrier pooling arrangement operated by GasLog and Golar LNG Ltd. We intend to grow our fleet through further acquisitions of LNG carriers from GasLog and third parties. However, we cannot assure you that we will make any particular acquisition or that, as a consequence, we will successfully grow our distributions per common unit. Among other things, our ability to acquire additional LNG carriers will be dependent upon our ability to raise additional equity and debt financing.
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Items You Should Consider When Evaluating Our Historical Financial Performance and Assessing Our Future Prospects
Our results of operations, cash flows and financial position could differ from those that would have resulted if we operated autonomously or as an entity independent of GasLog in the years for which historical financial data is presented below, and such data may not be indicative of our future operating results or financial performance.
You should consider the following facts when evaluating our historical results of operations and assessing our future prospects:
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the year ended December 31, 2018 were $7.2 million, $5.0 million and $10.4 million, respectively. As the fees under the administrative services agreement relate to the GasLog Gibraltar and the Methane Becki Anne only since their acquisitions from GasLog in April and November 2018, respectively, the fees and expenses payable pursuant to this agreement will likely be higher for future periods than reflected in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018. Additionally, these fees and expenses will be payable without regard to our business, results of operations and financial condition. For a description of the administrative services agreement, commercial management agreements and ship management agreements, see "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party Transactions".
Industry Overview and Trends
Energy Prices
As referenced in "Item 3. Key InformationRisk Factors", oil prices exhibited significant volatility during the final months of 2018. Oil prices had risen steadily during 2018, pushed higher by an encouraging macroeconomic backdrop and positive supply and demand fundamentals. Oil prices subsequently posted multi-year highs in October 2018. However, oil prices then declined significantly on concerns of a global economic slow down and its potential impact on the oil markets, as well as perceptions of oversupply as a result of growing inventories.
After a period of strength during the third quarter of 2018 following strong demand in both Asia and Europe, global gas prices, as measured by the Title Transfer Facility ("TTF") and the Japan Korea Marker ("JKM") price indices in North West Europe and North Asia respectively, were also weaker in the fourth quarter of 2018 as a result of the fall in oil prices, ample gas inventory levels and warmer than normal temperatures at the start of the winter in both regions. On the contrary, spot U.S. natural gas prices rose sharply towards the end of 2018, reflecting inventory drawdowns during a colder than normal start to the winter in the U.S.
The concerns over oil market oversupply and deteriorating macroeconomic fundamentals seen in late 2018 have partially reversed in early 2019, resulting in a modest recovery in oil prices. However, international gas prices have continued to fall due to weaker than normal winter demand, healthy inventory levels in key demand regions and ample supply of both piped gas and LNG. As of February 21, 2019, Brent crude oil was quoted at approximately $67.1 per barrel compared to approximately $65.4 per barrel at this time last year, while international natural gas prices were quoted at approximately $5.9 per million British thermal units ("MMBtu") for TTF compared to $5.8 per MMBtu at the same time last year, and at approximately $6.9 per MMBtu for JKM compared to $8.3 per MMBtu at the same time last year. In the U.S., spot Henry Hub natural gas price of $2.7 per MMBtu as of February 21, 2019 was unchanged year-on-year.
We believe that the differential between Asian market gas prices and those in the Atlantic Basin and U.S. markets, where Henry Hub gas pricing averaged (on a volume weighted basis) $3.26 per MMBtu in 2018, is a significant driver of spot global LNG trade, as the differential incentivizes natural gas marketers and buyers to ship LNG over longer distances, such as between sources of LNG in the Atlantic Basin and markets in Asia. The recent declines in Asian and European gas prices referenced above have resulted in a differential not currently wide enough to incentivize inter-basin trade. However, gas price futures imply that the inter-basin arbitrage opportunity will exist periodically in coming years, potentially leading to longer voyages for LNG cargoes and, all else equal, increasing the demand for spot LNG shipping.
LNG Supply
The global seaborne trade of LNG was 326 mtpa in 2018, with LNG supply projected by Wood Mackenzie to rise 12% to approximately 366 mtpa in 2019. This expected growth is driven by the
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ramp-up of new supply commissioned in 2018 and new capacity scheduled onstream in 2019. During the second half of 2018, the Ichthys, Corpus Christi Train 1, Sabine Pass Train 5 and Yamal Train 3 projects were brought onstream with a combined production capacity size of 23.7 mtpa. According to Wood Mackenzie, new supply additions during 2019 will come mainly from the U.S., including Elba Island, Cameron Trains 1 and 2, Freeport Trains 1 and 2 (combined total of 26.5 mtpa), new projects in Australia (Prelude 3.6 mtpa) and Russia (2.2 mtpa).
During 2018, there was renewed momentum in the planning and approval of new LNG production capacity. A total of 21 mtpa of capacity from the LNG Canada, Corpus Christi Train 3 and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim projects reached a final investment decision ("FID") in 2018. In February 2019, the Golden Pass (16 mpta) project in the U.S. also reached FID. Based on Wood Mackenzie data and our estimates, approximately 57 mtpa of new capacity is expected to come onstream between 2020 and 2024. This includes the third trains at both Cameron and Freeport in the U.S., first LNG production from Mozambique's Coral project, Corpus Christi Train 3, LNG Canada, Tangguh Train 3, Greater Tortue Ahmeyim and Golden Pass.
LNG Demand
Demand for LNG continued to grow strongly in 2018, primarily as a result of economic growth, energy and environmental policy, energy security considerations and declines in domestic natural gas production in certain countries. According to Wood Mackenzie, LNG demand increased by 9%, from 288 mtpa in 2017 to 313 mtpa in 2018. China's LNG imports registered another year of significant growth, rising by 41% to 54 mtpa in 2018 following 44% growth in 2017. During 2018, China overtook Japan as the largest importer of piped gas and LNG globally. Other established markets where LNG demand grew strongly in 2018 included India, South Korea, Pakistan and Thailand. During 2018, Bangladesh, Panama and Russia (Kaliningrad) also began importing LNG, bringing the total number of LNG importing countries to 43.
The increase in the total number of importing nations has been facilitated by the versatility in energy demand, declining domestic natural gas production in certain countries, energy policies resulting in a switch to natural gas from fuels with higher carbon emissions, a desire to enhance energy security through diversification of supply and the versatility and attractive economics of FSRUs. These are either custom-built vessels or LNG carriers that have been converted to operate as FSRUs and offer cheaper and quicker access to LNG markets. FSRUs remain a growing sector of the LNG trade and they increase the number of potential LNG markets and trade routes. In 2018, Bangladesh inaugurated its first FSRU terminal. Several other countries are steadily progressing FSRU projects, including Greece, Hong Kong and Australia.
According to Poten, there are currently 30 FSRUs on the water, with a further ten being delivered over the next two to three years. However, the availability of on-the-water FSRUs without charters and increasingly competitive tenders have put FSRU charter rates and financial returns under pressure. In addition, newbuild FSRU costs are at historical lows, with a comparable all-in cost to a modern TFDE conversion. While this continues to be the case, the competitive advantage of an FSRU conversion is predominantly 'speed-to-market', targeting projects where permanent land-based LNG regasification terminals cannot be delivered in time to meet gas import requirements.
During 2018 there was a significant increase in the number of long-term LNG off-take contracts announced, a positive indicator for future LNG demand. According to Wood Mackenzie and company disclosures, 95 mtpa of long-term (defined as greater than 5 years duration) off-take commitments have been agreed since the beginning of 2018, compared to 25 mtpa in 2017. The nature of the LNG marketplace continued to evolve in 2018. According to the Financial Times, the top three independent commodity traders increased their delivered LNG volumes by almost 40% to 31 million tonnes in 2018,
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taking market share from traditional participants such as national oil companies and major integrated oil companies.
The agreements signed in 2018 and early 2019 included Trafigura purchasing 1 mtpa from Cheniere Marketing, LLC for 15 years beginning in 2019. Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd. and Centrica LNG Company Limited entered into a Heads of Agreement for a combined 2.6 mtpa over 20 years from the Area 1 Project in Mozambique. Polish Oil and Gas Company has contracted to receive 2.0 mtpa over 20 years from both Venture Global LNG's proposed Calcasieu Pass and Plaquemines LNG export facilities and Port Arthur LNG, LLC. Taiwan's state owned oil and gas company, CPC Corporation, has contracted to take 2.0 mtpa over 25 years from Cheniere commencing in 2021. In September 2018, Qatargas announced an agreement to sell approximately 3.4 mtpa of LNG to PetroChina International Company Limited over 22 years. Sumitomo Corporation of the Americas contracted to receive 2.2 mtpa over 20 years from the Freeport project (FLNG Liquefaction 4) in the U.S. The partners in the LNG Canada project (Korea Gas Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Petronas, PetroChina Company Limited and Shell) are expected to market LNG production from the project either as portfolio volumes or market for onward sale, with Toho Gas Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Gas signing for a combined 0.9 mtpa over 15 and 13 years, respectively, from Mitsubishi Corporation. Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd. recently signed for 0.8 mtpa of LNG supply over 15 years from Petronas LNG Ltd., which is primarily expected to be sourced from the LNG Canada project. Petronas LNG Ltd. announced in December 2018 an agreement to purchase 1.1 mtpa from Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. for a term of 20 years. In late 2018, the Rovuma LNG project offshore Mozambique secured off-take commitments from its joint venture partners, a key milestone ahead of a probable FID in 2019. In early 2019, the Mozambique Area 1 partners announced long-term offtake agreements with CNOOC (1.5 mtpa over 13 years), Shell (2 mtpa for 13 years), Bharat Petroleum (1 mtpa over 15 years) and Pertamina (1 mtpa over 20 years). Finally, the Golden Pass project in the U.S. reached FID in February 2019, with its partners Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil expected to market LNG production from the project as portfolio volumes.
Several of these projects and others continue to make progress towards taking FID. Should any further projects take FID, incremental LNG shipping capacity is likely to be required to transport the LNG produced by these projects. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance that any of these projects will take FID or, if one or more FIDs are taken, that incremental shipping will be contracted or that GasLog will be successful in securing renewed or new charters at attractive rates and durations to meet such LNG shipping requirements.
LNG Shipping Rates and Chartering Activity
At the beginning of 2018 spot rates for TFDE LNG carriers, as quoted by Clarksons, stood at $82,000 per day, displaying continued strength following significant demand for spot LNG cargoes during a colder than anticipated Northern Hemisphere winter and strong demand growth in North Asia, especially China and South Korea. Rates subsequently declined, reaching a low of $38,000 per day in April 2018, as the seasonal fall in Northern Hemisphere gas demand coincided with new LNG carrier capacity entering the market, unexpected supply outages from existing LNG plants and a delay in commissioning new LNG supply capacity. Spot rates increased counter-seasonally in mid-2018 and strengthened further in the second half of the year. Warmer than anticipated temperatures during the Northern Hemisphere summer led to increased gas demand for power generation, driving an increase in LNG imports. In addition, China sought to front load its LNG imports during the third quarter of 2018 to avoid a repeat of the 2017/2018 winter, when a significant number of LNG cargoes were procured at short notice to meet high demand. The combination of these factors, as well as high levels of utilization across the global LNG fleet, saw an unprecedented spike in rates for available spot LNG vessels in the final months of 2018, resulting in all-time highs of $190,000 per day for a TFDE carrier. Rates started to moderate late in the year and continued to fall in early 2019 as prompt shipping
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availability increased following a weaker than normal winter demand in the later stages of the Northern Hemisphere winter and the delivery of 53 new LNG carriers in 2018. Clarksons currently estimates spot rates for TFDEs at $60,000/day.
The number of spot charterers increased during 2018, with Poten estimating that 58 companies chartered at least one ship in 2018, compared to 55 in 2017. However, many charterers fixed vessels on multi-month and/or multi-voyage terms ahead of anticipated tightness in LNG shipping markets during the Northern Hemisphere winter. As a result, average charter durations rose from 32 days in 2017 to 45 days in 2018. Consequently, the total number of spot fixtures declined in 2018, with Poten estimating that 326 spot fixtures (defined as 180 days or less in duration) of LNG vessels in the year, compared with 339 in 2017. However, short and medium term fixtures (defined by Poten as 181 days to seven years in duration) increased from 19 in 2017 to 77 in 2018. Structural medium-term tightness in the LNG carrier market combined with a recent increase in spot vessel availability could result in this trend continuing.
Looking ahead, in our view, further LNG demand growth, new sources of supply coming onstream and a slower pace of LNG carrier fleet growth in 2019 compared to 2018 should combine to create the potential for LNG shipping spot rates to stage a strong recovery from recent seasonal falls. However, there is no guarantee that LNG shipping spot rates will stay at or near current levels or return to the levels experienced in the fourth quarter of 2018, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distributions to unitholders.
Over the longer term, if construction and commissioning of the new LNG production facilities referenced above in "LNG Supply" proceed as expected by Wood Mackenzie, the incremental supply of LNG will increase the demand for LNG shipping capacity. Although some of the shipping required to transport this additional volume has been contracted and is currently under construction, encouraging levels of tendering activity are being noted and consensus LNG demand forecasts continue to suggest a potential shortfall of LNG shipping capacity during the middle of the next decade. However, 2018 newbuild order activity has reduced the potential shortfall in shipping capacity we had previously identified for early in the next decade.
While there is a broad consensus that the LNG shipping market will be tight over the next two to three years, delays to start-up, or unexpected downtime, of LNG supply projects or significant further orders of new LNG carriers may weaken the supply/demand balance for LNG shipping. Reduced demand for LNG or LNG shipping, or any reduction or limitation in LNG production capacity, or significant increases in LNG shipping capacity could have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure future time charters at attractive rates and durations for new ships we may order or acquire, or upon expiration or early termination of our current charter arrangements, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distributions to unitholders, as well as our ability to meet certain of our debt covenants. A sustained decline in charter rates could also adversely affect the market value of our ships, on which certain of the ratios and financial covenants with which we are required to comply are based.
Global LNG Fleet
According to Poten, as of February 11, 2019, the global fleet of dedicated LNG carriers (>65,000 cbm) consisted of 493 vessels with 105 LNG carriers on order, of which 66 have long-term charters. Poten estimates that a total of 38 LNG carriers are due to be delivered in 2019, with 24 of these in the first half of the year.
In 2018, 61 orders for LNG carriers were placed, as estimated by Poten. Newbuild ordering saw a significant increase in 2018 relative to previous years, as industry participants reacted to the positive outlook for LNG demand and supply, the increase in long-term chartering activity referenced above, and attractive shipyard prices for newbuild vessels, although these prices have started to increase while
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still being relatively low by historical standards. We believe that the growing global demand for natural gas, especially in Asia, increasing supply from the U.S. and other regions, and other LNG market trends, including increased trading of LNG leading to transportation inefficiencies with cargoes spending more time on the water, should support the existing order backlog for vessels and should also drive a need for additional LNG carrier newbuildings. Finally, the scrapping of older and less efficient vessels, the conversion of existing vessels to FSRUs or FSUs and/or employing LNG carriers for short-term storage purposes in order to exploit arbitrage opportunities could reduce the availability of LNG carriers on the water today. However, various factors, including changes in prices of and demand for LNG, can materially affect the competitive dynamics that currently exist and there can be no assurance that this need for additional carriers will materialize or that GasLog will be successful in securing renewed or new charters at attractive rates and durations to meet such LNG shipping requirements.
The statements in this "Industry Overview and Trends" section are forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations and certain material assumptions and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and outcomes to differ materially from those expressed herein. See "Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk Factors" of this annual report.
A. Operating Results
Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
We believe the principal factors that will affect our future results of operations include:
In addition to the general factors discussed above, we believe certain specific factors have impacted, or will impact, our results of operations. These factors include:
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See "Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain risks inherent in our business.
Principal Components of Revenues and Expenses
Revenues
Our revenues are driven primarily by the number of LNG carriers in our fleet, the amount of daily charter hire that they earn under time charters and the number of operating days during which they generate revenues. These factors, in turn, are affected by our decisions relating to ship acquisitions and disposals, the amount of time that our ships spend in dry-dock undergoing repairs, maintenance and upgrade work, the age, condition and technical specifications of our ships, as well as the relative levels of supply and demand in the LNG carrier charter market. Under the terms of some of our time charter arrangements, the operating cost component of the daily hire rate is intended to correspond to the costs of operating the ship. Accordingly, we will receive additional revenue under such time charters through an annual escalation of the operating cost component of the daily hire rate. We believe these adjustment provisions can provide substantial protection against significant operating cost increases. See "Item 4. Information on the PartnershipB. Business OverviewShip Time ChartersHire Rate Provisions" for a more detailed discussion of the hire rate provisions of our charter contracts.
Our LNG carriers are employed through time charter or spot charter contracts. Revenues under our time charters are recognized when services are performed, revenue is earned and the collection of the revenue is reasonably assured. The charter hire revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant time charter. We do not recognize revenue during days when the ship is off-hire, unless it is recoverable from insurers. Advance payments under time charter contracts are classified as liabilities until such time as the criteria for recognizing the revenue are met.
Net Pool Allocation
The vessel participating in the Cool Pool receives a net allocation from the pool, which is recognized separately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and represents GasLog Partners' share of the net revenues earned from the other pool participants' vessels less the other participants' share of the net revenues earned by GasLog Partners' vessels included in the pool. Each participant's share of the net pool revenues is based on the number of pool points attributable to its vessels and the number of days such vessels participated in the pool.
Voyage Expenses and Commission
Under our time charter arrangements, charterers bear substantially all voyage expenses, including bunker fuel, port charges and canal tolls, but not commissions. Commissions are recognized as expenses on a pro rata basis over the duration of a time charter. Bunkers' consumption recognized under Voyage expenses and commissions represents bunkers consumed during vessels' unemployment and off-hire.
Vessel Operating Costs
We are generally responsible for ship operating expenses, which include costs for crewing, insurance, repairs, modifications and maintenance, lubricants, spare parts and consumable stores, vessel surveys and inspections and other miscellaneous expenses, as well as the associated cost of providing these items and services. However, as described above, the hire rate provisions of our time charters are intended to reflect the operating costs borne by us. The charters on four vessels in our fleet contain provisions that are designed to reduce our exposure to increases in operating costs, including review provisions and cost pass-through provisions. Ship operating expenses are recognized as expenses when incurred.
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Depreciation
We depreciate the cost of our ships on the basis of two components: a vessel component and a dry-docking component. The vessel component is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of each ship, based on the cost of the ship less its estimated residual value. We estimate the useful lives of our ships to be 35 years from the date of delivery from the shipyard. Management estimates residual value of its vessels to be equal to the product of its lightweight tonnage ("LWT") and an estimated scrap rate per LWT, which represents our estimate of the market value of the ship at the end of its useful life.
We must periodically dry-dock each of our ships for inspection, repairs and maintenance and any modifications to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. All our ships are required to be dry-docked for these inspections at least once every five years. At the time of delivery of a ship, we estimate the dry-docking component of the cost of the ship, which represents the estimated cost of the ship's first dry-docking based on our historical experience with similar types of ships. The dry-docking component of the ship's cost is depreciated over five years, in the case of new ships, and until the next dry-docking for secondhand ships, which is performed within five years from the vessel's last dry-docking unless the Partnership determines to dry-dock the ships at an earlier date. In the event a ship is dry-docked at an earlier date, the unamortized dry-docking component is written off immediately.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of legal and other professional fees, board of directors' fees, share-based compensation expense, directors' and officers' liability insurance, travel and accommodation expenses, commercial management fees and administrative fees payable to GasLog.
Financial Costs
We incur interest expense on the outstanding indebtedness under our credit facilities and the swap arrangements, if any, that qualify for treatment as cash flow hedges for financial reporting purposes, which we include in our financial costs. Financial costs also include amortization of other loan issuance costs incurred in connection with establishing our credit facilities.
Interest expense and amortization of loan issuance costs are expensed as incurred.
Financial Income
Financial income consists of interest income, which will depend on the level of our cash deposits, investments and prevailing interest rates. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis.
Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives
Any gain or loss derived from the movement in the fair value of the derivatives (interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts) that have not been designated as hedges, the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives that meet hedge accounting criteria, realized gain/loss on derivatives held for trading, and the amortization of the cumulative unrealized loss for the derivatives in respect of which hedge accounting was discontinued, are presented as gain or loss on derivatives in our consolidated statements of profit or loss.
Results of Operations
Our results set forth below are derived from the annual consolidated financial statements of the Partnership. Prior to the closing of our IPO, we did not own any vessels. The presentation assumes that our business was operated as a separate entity prior to its inception. The transfer of the three initial
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vessels from GasLog to the Partnership at the time of the IPO, the transfer of two vessels from GasLog to the Partnership in September 2014, the transfer of three vessels from GasLog to the Partnership in July 2015, the transfer of one vessel from GasLog to the Partnership in November 2016, the transfer of three vessels from GasLog to the Partnership in May, July and October 2017, respectively, and the transfer of two vessels from GasLog to the Partnership in April and November 2018, respectively, were each accounted for as reorganizations of entities under common control under IFRS. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and its subsidiaries assuming that they are consolidated from the date of their incorporation by GasLog as they were under the common control of GasLog. For the periods prior to the closing of the IPO, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows reflected in our financial statements include all expenses allocable to our business, but may not be indicative of those that would have been incurred had we operated as a separate public entity for all years presented or of future results.
Eight of our LNG carriers, the GasLog Shanghai , the GasLog Santiago, the GasLog Sydney , the GasLog Seattle, the Solaris, the Gaslog Greece, the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar, were delivered and immediately commenced their time charters in January, March, May and December 2013, July 2014, March, September and October 2016, respectively. The Methane Rita Andrea and the Methane Jane Elizabeth commenced their time charters upon their acquisition by GasLog in April 2014. The Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth and the Methane Heather Sally commenced their time charters upon their acquisition by GasLog in June 2014. The Methane Becki Anne commenced her time charter upon her acquisition by GasLog in March 2015.
The Partnership's historical results were retroactively restated to reflect the historical results of these acquired entities during the periods they were owned by GasLog.
Certain numerical figures included in the below tables have been rounded. Discrepancies in tables between totals and the sums of the amounts listed may occur due to such rounding.
Year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018
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During the year ended December 31, 2017, we had an average of 14.0 vessels operating in our owned fleet having 5,091 operating days while during the year ended December 31, 2018, we had an average of 14.0 vessels operating in our owned fleet having 4,910 operating days.
Revenues: Revenues decreased by $18.6 million, or 5.0%, from $371.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to 352.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease is mainly attributable to a net decrease of $13.0 million due to the expiry of the initial charters of the GasLog Shanghai , the GasLog Santiago and the GasLog Sydney , which ended in May, June and September 2018, respectively. Following the expiry of their initial charters, the GasLog Shanghai has been trading on the spot market through the Cool Pool, the GasLog Santiago began a new, multi-year charter with Trafigura in August 2018 and the GasLog Sydney began a new 18-month charter with Cheniere in December 2018. There was also a decrease in net revenues of $6.0 million due to the increased off-hire days for three scheduled dry-dockings performed during 2018 as opposed to one scheduled dry-docking during 2017, partially set-off by an increase of $0.4 million from the remaining fleet. As a result, the average daily hire rate decreased from $72,902 for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $71,801 for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Net Pool Allocation: Net pool allocation was $0.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 and $3.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2018. The $3.7 million of net pool allocation in the year ended December 31, 2018 represents the adjustment of the net results generated by the GasLog Shanghai in accordance with the pool distribution formula. GasLog Partners recognized gross revenues and gross voyage expenses and commissions of $11.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, from the operation of the GasLog Shanghai which entered the Cool Pool in May 2018 (December 31, 2017: $0.0 million). GasLog Partners' total net pool performance is presented below:
|
For the year ended | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 31, 2017 | December 31, 2018 | |||||
Amounts in thousands of U.S. Dollars |
|||||||
Pool gross revenues (included in Revenues) |
| 11,475 | |||||
Pool gross voyage expenses and commissions (included in Voyage expenses and commissions) |
| (443 | ) | ||||
GasLog's adjustment for net pool allocation (included in Net pool allocation) |
| 3,700 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
GasLog Partners' total net pool performance |
| 14,732 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Voyage Expenses and Commissions: Voyage expenses and commissions increased by $2.4 million, or 51.1%, from $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in voyage expenses and commissions is attributable to an increase in bunker consumption costs of $2.8 million for the periods during which the GasLog Shanghai , the GasLog Santiago and the GasLog Sydney were not operating under a time-charter mainly during the second half of 2018, partially offset by a decrease in broker commissions of $0.4 million.
Vessel Operating Costs: Vessel operating costs decreased by $2.7 million, or 3.8%, from $71.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $68.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in vessel operating costs is mainly attributable to a decrease in crew costs, mainly due to decreased crew travelling and training costs, and a decrease in insurance expenses. Daily operating costs per vessel (after excluding calendar days for the Solaris ) decreased from $15,041 per day during the year ended December 31, 2017 to $14,484 per day during the year ended December 31, 2018.
General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses increased by $4.1 million, or 26.8%, from $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $19.4 million for
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the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in general and administrative expenses is mainly attributable to an increase in administrative expenses of $3.9 million for services under the administrative services agreement with GasLog due to the increase of the annual administrative fees in 2018 by $0.2 million per vessel and the incremental fees due to the acquisitions from GasLog of the GasLog Greece on May 3, 2017, the GasLog Geneva on July 3, 2017, the Solaris on October 20, 2017, the GasLog Gibraltar on April 26, 2018 and the Methane Becki Anne on November 14, 2018.
Financial Costs: Financial costs increased by $1.2 million, or 1.8%, from $65.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $66.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in financial costs is attributable to a $2.6 million increase in interest expense on loans, partially set-off by the decrease in amortization of loan fees of $1.3 million and a decrease in other financial expenses of $0.1 million. The decrease in amortization of loan fees was mainly driven by a decrease of $2.0 million relating to the pre-payment of the Junior Tranche of the credit agreements entered into on February 18, 2016 ("Five Vessel Refinancing") in April 2017 (GAS-twenty seven Ltd.) and January 2018 (GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd. and GAS-twenty one Ltd., partially offset by the $0.9 million write-off of the unamortized fees associated with the term loan facility with GasLog that was prepaid and terminated in March 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we had an average of $1,487.2 million of outstanding indebtedness, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.7%, compared to an average of $1,306.5 million of outstanding indebtedness with a weighted average interest rate of 4.4% during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Gain/(loss) on derivatives: Gain on derivatives decreased by $0.1 million, from a gain of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $0 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease is attributable to a $3.6 million decrease in gain from the mark-to-market valuation of the derivatives which were carried at fair value through profit or loss, which reflected a gain of $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to a loss of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was partially offset by a decrease of $3.5 million in realized loss on derivatives held for trading.
Profit for the Year: Profit for the year decreased by $19.2 million, or 14.3%, from $134.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $115.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as a result of the aforementioned factors.
Profit Attributable to the Partnership: Profit attributable to the Partnership for the year increased by $8.5 million, or 9.0% from $94.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $102.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase is mainly attributable to the increase in revenues of $66.9 million as a result of the increased operating days (3,764 operating days in the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 4,476 operating days in the year ended December 31, 2018), which was partially offset by a $19.0 million decrease in revenues from the terminated charter parties and the increased off-hire days, an increase of $14.1 million in net financial costs (comprising financial costs, net of loss on derivatives and financial income), mainly resulting from the increased weighted average outstanding debt and the increased weighted average interest rate, and an increase of $3.9 million in administrative fees resulting from the acquisitions of the GasLog Greece on May 3, 2017, the GasLog Geneva on July 3, 2017, the Solaris on October 20, 2017, the GasLog Gibraltar on April 26, 2018 and the Methane Becki Anne on November 14, 2018.
Specifically, the profit attributable to the Partnership was mainly affected by (a) an increase in revenues of $66.5 million contributed by the GasLog Greece , the GasLog Geneva , the Solaris , the GasLog Gibraltar and the Methane Becki Anne , partially offset by a decrease in revenues of $13.0 million from the expiry of the initial charters of the GasLog Shanghai , the GasLog Santiago and the GasLog Sydney and a further decrease of $6.0 million due to the increased off-hire days from the scheduled dry-dockings of the GasLog Santiago , the GasLog Sydney and the GasLog Seattle as compared to the GasLog Shanghai in 2017, (b) an increase in the net pool allocation of $3.3 million,
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(c) an increase in voyage expenses and commissions attributable to the Partnership of $3.7 million, mainly attributable to the voyage expenses of the vessels operating in the spot market, (d) an increase in operating expenses attributable to the Partnership of $5.8 million, mainly attributable to the operating expenses of the aforementioned acquired vessels less savings on the remaining vessels and (e) an increase in depreciation expense attributable to the Partnership of $15.0 million, also resulting primarily from the aforementioned acquisitions.
In addition, the profit attributable to the Partnership was further affected by (a) an increase in general and administrative expenses attributable to the Partnership of $5.0 million, which is primarily attributable to an increase in administrative fees and (b) an increase in financial costs attributable to the Partnership of $15.3 million, mainly due to increased financial costs with respect to the aggregate outstanding debt of the GasLog Greece , the GasLog Geneva , the Solaris , the GasLog Gibraltar and the Methane Becki Anne after their respective drop-downs to the Partnership.
The above discussion of revenues, net pool allocation, voyage expenses and commissions, operating expenses, general and administrative expenses and financial costs in relation to the Profit Attributable to the Partnership are non-GAAP measures that exclude amounts related to vessels currently owned by the Partnership for the periods prior to their respective transfer to GasLog Partners from GasLog. See "Item 3. Key InformationA. Selected Financial DataA.2. Partnership Performance Results" for further discussion of these "Partnership Performance Results" and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS reported results (the "IFRS Common Control Reported Results").
Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we had an average of 12.2 vessels operating in our owned fleet having 4,411 operating days while during the year ended December 31, 2017, we had an average of 14 vessels operating in our owned fleet having 5,091 operating days.
Revenues: Revenues increased by $53.6 million, or 16.9%, from $317.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $371.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase is mainly
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attributable to an increase of $54.1 million from the deliveries of the GasLog Greece on March 29, 2016, the GasLog Geneva on September 30, 2016 and the GasLog Gibraltar on October 31, 2016, which resulted in an increase in operating days, an increase of $1.3 million due to the reduced off-hire days from scheduled dry-dockings (during the year ended December 31, 2016 two vessels underwent dry-docking versus only one vessel during the year ended December 31, 2017), partially offset by a decrease of $1.1 million from the remaining fleet and a decrease of $0.7 million due to one additional calendar day during the year ended December 31, 2016. The average daily hire rate increased from $71,977 for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $72,902 for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Voyage expenses and commissions: Voyage expenses and commissions increased by $0.4 million, or 9.3%, from $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase is mainly attributable to the increased operating days in the year ended December 31, 2017.
Vessel Operating Costs: Vessel operating costs increased by $8.3 million, or 13.2%, from $63.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $71.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase is mainly attributable to the increase in operating days and an increase in crew wages, mainly due to the unfavourable movement of the EUR/USD exchange rate. Daily operating costs per vessel (after excluding calendar days for the Solaris ) increased from $14,765 per day during the year ended December 31, 2016 to $15,041 per day during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Depreciation: Depreciation increased by $10.8 million, or 15.4%, from $70.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $81.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase is attributable to the deliveries of the GasLog Greece on March 29, 2016, the GasLog Geneva on September 30, 2016 and the GasLog Gibraltar on October 31, 2016.
General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses increased by $2.1 million, or 15.9%, from $13.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase is mainly attributable to an increase in administrative expenses of $1.7 million for services under the administrative services agreement with GasLog related to the GasLog Seattle acquired from GasLog in November 2016 and the three vessels acquired from GasLog in May, July and October 2017.
Financial Costs: Financial costs increased by $4.9 million, or 8.1%, from $60.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $65.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase is attributable to a $11.1 million increase in interest expense on loans, partially set off by the decrease in amortization of loan fees of $6.1 million, mainly driven by a write-off of $5.6 million of unamortized loan fees associated with the GasLog Seattle and the Solaris credit facilities that were refinanced in July 2016, and a decrease in other financial expenses of $0.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we had an average of $1,357.1 million of outstanding indebtedness, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.3%, compared to an average of $1,487.2 million of outstanding indebtedness with a weighted average interest rate of 3.7% during the year ended December 31, 2017.
(Loss)/gain on Derivatives: Loss on derivatives decreased by $6.9 million, from a loss of $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to a gain of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease is attributable to a $3.7 million decrease in loss from the mark-to-market valuation of the interest rate swaps which were carried at fair value through profit or loss, which reflected a loss of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to a gain of $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a $2.5 million decrease in recycled loss of cash flow hedges reclassified to profit or loss resulting from the termination of the Partnership's interest rate swaps in July 2016 and a decrease of $0.7 million in realized loss on interest rate swaps held for trading.
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Profit for the Year: Profit for the year increased by $35.0 million, or 35.1%, from $99.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $134.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of the aforementioned factors.
Profit Attributable to the Partnership: Profit attributable to the Partnership for the year increased by $16.8 million, or 21.7%, from $77.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $94.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase is mainly attributable to the increase in operating days (2,944 operating days in the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 3,764 operating days in the year ended December 31, 2017), which was partially offset by an increase of $17.4 million in net financial costs (comprising financial costs, net of gain on derivatives and financial income), mainly resulting from the aforementioned valuation of the derivatives and the increased weighted average outstanding debt, and an increase of $1.8 million in administrative fees resulting from the acquisitions of the GasLog Seattle , the GasLog Greece , the GasLog Geneva and the Solaris .
Specifically, the acquisitions of the GasLog Seattle on November 1, 2016, the GasLog Greece on May 3, 2017, the GasLog Geneva on July 3, 2017 and the Solaris on October 20, 2017 resulted in an increase in profit from operations of $36.5 million. In addition, the Profit Attributable to the Partnership was further affected by (a) an increase in revenues of $0.7 million mainly due to the reduced off-hire days from the scheduled dry-dockings of our vessels, partially offset by the one additional calendar day during the year ended December 31, 2016, (b) an increase in vessel operating expenses of $1.2 million deriving mainly from an increase in crew wages and various repairs and technical certifications, (c) an increase in general and administrative expenses of $1.8 million due to the administrative fees for the four vessels acquired by the Partnership, (d) an increase in financial costs of $14.7 million due to the outstanding debt of the acquired vessels after their respective drop-downs to the Partnership and (e) a decrease of $3.5 million in gain on derivatives signed in November 2016 and July 2017.
The above discussion of revenues, operating expenses, general and administrative expenses, financial costs and gain on derivatives in relation to the Profit Attributable to the Partnership are non-GAAP measures that exclude amounts related to vessels currently owned by the Partnership for the periods prior to their respective transfer to GasLog Partners from GasLog. See "Item 3. Key InformationA. Selected Financial DataA.2. Partnership Performance Results" for further discussion of these "Partnership Performance Results" and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS reported results (the "IFRS Common Control Reported Results").
Customers
For the year ended December 31, 2018, 92% of our revenues derived from subsidiaries of Shell.
Seasonality
Since our vessels are mainly employed under fixed-rate charter arrangements, seasonal trends did not significantly impact our revenues during the year ended December 31, 2018. However, our vessel trading in the spot market is subject to seasonality in spot rates which has been evident in the LNG shipping market during 2018. To the extent that more of our vessels cease to be employed under fixed rate charter arrangements in the future, there may be some additional seasonality in our revenues.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
We operate in a capital-intensive industry and we expect to finance the purchase of additional vessels and other capital expenditures through a combination of borrowings from commercial banks, cash generated from operations and debt and equity financings. In addition to paying distributions, our other liquidity requirements relate to paying our operating and general and administrative expenses, servicing our debt, funding investments, funding working capital and maintaining cash reserves against
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fluctuations in operating cash flows. Our funding and treasury activities are intended to maximize investment returns while maintaining appropriate liquidity.
On May 16, 2017, GasLog Partners commenced its ATM Programme under which the Partnership may, from time to time, raise equity through the issuance and sale of new common units having an aggregate offering price of up to $100.0 million in accordance with the terms of an equity distribution agreement (the "Equity Distribution Agreement") entered into on the same date. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC have agreed to act as sales agents. On November 3, 2017, the Partnership entered into the Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement to increase the size of the ATM Programme to $144.0 million and to include UBS Securities LLC as a sales agent. On September 26, 2018, the Partnership agreed to sell 2,250,000 common units to funds managed by Tortoise for gross proceeds of $53.1 million through the ATM Programme.
From establishment of the ATM Programme through December 31, 2018, GasLog Partners issued and received payment for 5,291,304 common units at a weighted average price of $23.33 per common unit for total gross proceeds of $123.4 million and total net proceeds of $121.2 million, after broker commissions of $1.0 million and other expenses of $1.2 million. In connection with the issuance of common units under the ATM Programme during this period, the Partnership also issued 107,987 general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest. The net proceeds from the issuance of the general partner units were $2.5 million.
Under the ATM Programme, in the year ended December 31, 2018, GasLog Partners issued and received payment for 2,553,889 common units at a weighted average price of $23.72 per common unit for total gross proceeds of $60.6 million and total net proceeds of $60.0 million, after broker commissions of $0.2 million and other expenses of $0.4 million. In connection with the issuance of common units under the ATM Programme during this period, the Partnership also issued 52,121 general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest. The net proceeds from the issuance of the general partner units were $1.2 million.
On January 5, 2018, the Partnership prepaid the remaining $29.8 million of debt of GAS-nineteen Ltd., the entity that owns the Methane Alison-Victoria , GAS-twenty Ltd., the entity that owns the Methane Shirley Elisabeth , and GAS-twenty one Ltd., the entity that owns the Methane Heather Sally , which would have been originally due in April 2018. The prepaid debt was associated with the Junior Tranche of the Five Vessel Facility, which was terminated on January 5, 2018.
On January 17, 2018, the Partnership completed a public offering of 4,600,000 8.200% Series B Preference Units (including 600,000 units issued upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional Series B Preference Units), liquidation preference $25.00 per unit, at a price to the public of $25.00 per Preference Unit. The net proceeds from the offering after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses were $111.2 million. The Series B Preference Units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GLOP PR B".
On March 23, 2018, the $45.0 million term loan under the New Sponsor Facility with GasLog was prepaid and terminated, which would have been due in March 2022.
On April 26, 2018, in connection with the acquisition of GAS-fourteen Ltd., the entity that owns the GasLog Gibraltar , the Partnership paid GasLog $19.0 million representing the $207.0 million aggregate purchase price, less the $45.0 million new privately placed common units issued to GasLog (1,858,975 common units at a price of $24.21 per common unit) and the $143.6 million of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entity assumed by GasLog Partners plus an adjustment of $0.6 million in order to maintain the agreed working capital position in the acquired entity of $1.0 million.
On May 23, 2018, the Partnership entered into a new interest rate swap agreement with GasLog with a notional value of $80.0 million, maturing in 2023. On the same date, the Partnership also
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entered into twelve forward foreign exchange contracts with GasLog with a notional value of €24.0 million and staggered maturities until mid-2019 to mitigate its foreign exchange transaction exposure in its operating expenses.
On August 13, 2018, the Partnership entered into three new forward foreign exchange contracts with GasLog with a notional value of €6.0 million and staggered maturities during the third quarter of 2019 to mitigate its foreign exchange transaction exposure in its operating expenses.
On November 14, 2018, in connection with the acquisition of GAS-twenty seven Ltd., the entity that owns the Methane Becki Anne , the Partnership paid GasLog $109.4 million representing the $207.4 million aggregate purchase price, less the $93.9 million of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entity assumed by GasLog Partners less an adjustment of $4.1 million in order to maintain the agreed working capital position in the acquired entity of $1.0 million.
On November 15, 2018, the Partnership completed a public offering of 4,000,000 8.500% Series C Preference Units liquidation preference $25.00 per unit, at a price to the public of $25.00 per Preference Unit. The net proceeds from the offering after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses were $96.3 million. The Series C Preference Units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GLOP PR C".
The Partnership has entered into six interest rate swap agreements with GasLog at a notional value of $625.0 million in aggregate, maturing between 2020 and 2024. As of December 31, 2018, the Partnership has hedged 43.9% of its floating interest rate exposure on its outstanding debt at a weighted average interest rate of approximately 1.9% (excluding margin).
The Partnership has also entered into nine forward foreign exchange contracts with GasLog with a notional value of €18.0 million and staggered maturities during 2019 to mitigate its foreign exchange transaction exposure in its operating expenses.
As of December 31, 2018, we had $129.1 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $85.3 million was held in current accounts and $43.8 million was held in time deposits with an original duration of less than three months. An amount of $10.0 million of time deposits with an original duration greater than three months was classified as short-term investments.
As of December 31, 2018, we had an aggregate of $1,235.0 million of indebtedness outstanding under our credit facilities. An amount of $429.4 million of outstanding debt is repayable within one year. Current debt includes $360.0 million from the outstanding indebtedness of GAS-three Ltd., GAS-four Ltd., GAS-five Ltd., GAS-sixteen Ltd., and GAS-seventeen Ltd., due in November 2019. In February 2019, we signed a debt refinancing of up to $450.0 million with certain financial institutions (described under "Borrowing Activities" below), in order to refinance such indebtedness. In addition, we had unused availability under our revolving credit facilities of $55.9 million.
Working Capital Position
As of December 31, 2018, our current assets totaled $166.8 million while current liabilities totaled $498.0 million, resulting in a negative working capital position of $331.2 million, mainly attributable to the classification of the $360.0 million of debt due in November 2019, mentioned above as current debt.
Taking into account generally expected market conditions, we anticipate that cash flow generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations, including our working capital requirements, and to make the required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness during the next 12 months.
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Cash Flows
Year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018
The following table summarizes our net cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years indicated:
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | Change | |||||||
|
Restated
(1)
|
|
|
|||||||
|
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 242,827 | $ | 185,107 | (57,720 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities |
3,381 | (31,851 | ) | (35,232 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(160,926 | ) | (173,586 | ) | (12,660 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $57.7 million, from $242.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $185.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease of $57.7 million is mainly attributable to a $42.1 million movement in working capital accounts, a decrease of $18.6 million in revenues and an increase of $4.1 million in general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase of $3.4 million in realized loss on derivatives and a decrease of $2.6 million in vessel operating costs.
Net Cash Provided by/(Used in) Investing Activities:
Net cash provided by investing activities decreased by $35. 3million, from net cash provided by investing activities of $3.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 to net cash used in investing activities of $31.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease of $35.3 million is attributable to an increase of net cash used in payments for vessels of $19.1 million and an increase in net cash used in short-term investments of $17.5 million, partially offset by an increase in financial income received of $1.3 million.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities:
Net cash used in financing activities increased by $12.7 million, from cash used in financing activities of $160.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $173.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase of $12.7 million is attributable to a decrease in bank loan drawdowns of $34.1 million, an increase of $27.8 million in distributions paid, payments for the modification of incentive distribution rights of $25.0 million and a decrease in net public offering proceeds of $11.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in cash distributions to GasLog in exchange for contribution of net assets of $63.7 million, a decrease of $20.6 million in bank loan repayments and a decrease of $1.4 million in payments of loan issuance costs.
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Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017
The following table summarizes our net cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years indicated:
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||
|
Restated
(1)
|
Restated
(1)
|
|
|||||||
|
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 204,930 | $ | 242,827 | 37,897 | |||||
Net cash provided (used in)/provided by investing activities |
(506,428 | ) | 3,381 | 509,809 | ||||||
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities |
295,392 | (160,926 | ) | (456,318 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $37.9 million, from $204.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 to $242.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase of $37.9 million is mainly attributable to an increase of $53.7 million in revenues, an increase of $15.0 million caused by movements in working capital accounts, partially offset by an increase of $21.1 million in interest paid and an increase of $10.7 million in vessel operating costs, voyage expenses and commissions and general and administrative expenses.
Net Cash (Used in)/Provided by Investing Activities:
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $509.8 million, from net cash used in investing activities of $506.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 to net cash provided by investing activities of $3.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease of $509.8 million is attributable to a decrease of net cash used in payments for vessels of $497.0 million, an increase in net cash from short-term investments of $12.0 million and an increase in financial income received of $0.8 million.
Net Cash Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities:
Net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $456.3 million, from net cash provided by financing activities of $295.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 to net cash used in financing activities of $160.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease of $456.3 million is attributable to a decrease in borrowings of $1,153.7 million, an increase of $124.0 million in cash remittance to GasLog in exchange for contribution of net assets and an increase of $24.7 million in payments of distributions, partially offset by a decrease of $572.8 million in bank loan repayments, increased net public offering proceeds of $228.1 million, a decrease of $22.8 million in payments of loan issuance costs, a decrease of $11.8 million in payments for dividends due to GasLog prior to vessels' drop-down to the Partnership and net payments of $10.6 million related to the termination of our interest rate swap agreements in July 2016.
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Borrowing Activities
Credit Facilities
Below is a summary of certain provisions of the Partnership's credit facilities outstanding as of December 31, 2018:
Facility Name
|
Lender(s) |
Subsidiary Party
(Collateral Ship) |
Outstanding
Principal Amount |
Interest Rate | Maturity |
Payment of
Principals Installments Schedule |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Facility Agreement dated November 12, 2014 among GAS-three Ltd., GAS-four Ltd., GAS-five Ltd., GAS-sixteen Ltd. and GAS-seventeen Ltd. as borrowers, and the financial institutions party thereto, or the "Partnership Facility" | Citibank, N.A., London Branch, Nordea Bank Finland plc, London Branch, DVB Bank America N.V., ABN Amro Bank N.V., Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), BNP Paribas | GAS-three Ltd. ( GasLog Shanghai ), GAS-four Ltd. ( GasLog Santiago ), GAS-five Ltd. ( GasLog Sydney ), GAS-sixteen Ltd. ( Methane Rita Andrea ), GAS-seventeen Ltd. ( Methane Jane Elizabeth ) | $360.0 million | LIBOR + applicable margin | 2019 | 4 consecutive quarterly installments of $5.625 million and a balloon payment of $337.5 million together with the final quarterly payment | |||||||
New Sponsor Credit Facility |
|
GasLog Ltd. |
|
GasLog Partners LP |
|
Unsecured 5 Year term loan: nil Revolving Credit Facility: nil |
|
Fixed interest rate |
|
|
2022 |
|
Term loan facility: Balloon payment of $45.0 million due in March 2022 without intermediate payments. On March 23, 2018 the Term Loan was prepaid and cancelled. Revolving facility of $30.0 million available in minimum amounts of $2.0 million which are repayable within a period of six months after the respective drawdown date, subject to automatic renewal if not repaid. |
Five Vessel Refinancing |
|
ABN Amro Bank N.V., DNB (UK) Ltd., DVB Bank America N.V., Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ING Bank N.V., London Branch, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and National Australia Bank Limited |
|
GAS-nineteen Ltd. (Methane Alison Victoria) GAS-twenty Ltd. (Methane Shirley Elisabeth) GAS- twenty one Ltd. (Methane Heather Sally) GAS-twenty seven Ltd. ( Methane Becki Anne ) |
|
Senior Tranche: $265.6 million Junior Tranche: nil |
|
LIBOR + applicable margin |
|
|
2021 |
|
Senior Tranche: 10 consecutive quarterly installments of $6.3 million and a balloon payment of $202.7 million together with the final quarterly installment. Junior Tranche: On January 5, 2018 the Junior Tranche was prepaid and the tranche was terminated. |
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Facility Name
|
Lender(s) |
Subsidiary Party
(Collateral Ship) |
Outstanding
Principal Amount |
Interest Rate | Maturity |
Payment of
Principals Installments Schedule |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GasLog Seattle and Solaris Term and Revolving Facilities | Citigroup Global Market Limited, Credit Suisse AG, Nordea Bank AB, London Branch, Skandinaviska Enskilda AB (publ), HSBC Bank plc, ING Bank N.V., London Branch, Danmarks Skibskredit A/S, The Korea Development Bank and DVB Bank America N.V. | GAS-seven Ltd. (GasLog Seattle), GAS-eight Ltd. ( Solaris ) | Term Loan: $216.2 million Revolving Loan: $nil | LIBOR + applicable margin | 2021 | Term Loan: 6 semi-annual installments of $7.6 million and a balloon payment of $170.8 million due together with the last installment in July 2021. Revolving Facility: $25.9 million, currently undrawn can be drawn on a fully revolving basis in minimum amounts of $5.0 million until 6 months prior to the maturity date in July 2021. | |||||||
Assumed October 2015 Facility |
|
Citibank, N.A., London Branch, Nordea Bank AB, London Branch, The Export-Import Bank of Korea, Bank of America, National Association, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Credit Suisse AG, HSBC Bank plc, ING Bank N.V., London Branch, KEB HANA Bank, London Branch, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, National Australia Bank Limited, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Société Générale and The Korea Development Bank |
|
GAS-eleven Ltd. ( GasLog Greece ), GAS-thirteen Ltd. ( GasLog Geneva ), GAS-fourteen Ltd. ( GasLog Gibraltar ) |
|
$410.0 million |
|
LIBOR + applicable margin |
|
|
2028 |
|
GAS-eleven Ltd.: 14 consecutive semi-annual installments of $5.8 million, a balloon payment due in 2026 of $36.3 million and thereafter 4 consecutive semi-annual installments of $4.2 million until March 2028. GAS-thirteen Ltd.: 15 consecutive semi-annual installments of $5.7 million, a balloon payment due in 2026 of $35.8 million and thereafter 4 consecutive semi-annual installments of $4.2 million until September 2028. GAS-fourteen Ltd.: 15 consecutive semi-annual installments of $5.7 million, a balloon payment due in 2026 of $35.8 million and thereafter 4 consecutive semi-annual installments of $4.2 million until September 2028. |
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Partnership Facility
The Partnership Facility is secured as follows:
Our Partnership Facility imposes certain operating and financial restrictions on our subsidiaries, which generally limit our subsidiaries' ability to, among other things:
Our Partnership Facility also imposes specified financial covenants that apply to us and our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. These financial covenants include the following:
Our Partnership Facility contains customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, breach of covenants or material inaccuracy of representations, default under other material indebtedness and bankruptcy, as well as an event of default in the event of the cancellation, rescission, frustration or withdrawal of a charter agreement prior to its scheduled expiration. In addition, the Partnership Facility contains covenants requiring that the aggregate fair market value of the vessels securing the facility remains above 120.0% of the aggregate amount outstanding under the facility. In the event that the value of the vessels falls below the threshold, we could be required to provide the lender with additional security or to prepay a portion of the outstanding loan balance, which could negatively impact our liquidity. Compliance with the financial covenants is reported on a semi-annual basis.
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New Sponsor Credit Facility
Upon completion of the IPO on May 12, 2014, the Partnership entered into a $30.0 million revolving credit facility with GasLog (the "Old Sponsor Credit Facility"), to be used for general partnership purposes. The credit facility was for a term of 36 months, unsecured and bore interest at a rate of 5.0% per annum, with no commitment fee for the first year. After the first year, the interest increased to a rate of 6.0% per annum, with an annual 2.4% commitment fee on the undrawn balance.
On April 3, 2017, GasLog Partners signed a deed of termination with respect to the Old Sponsor Credit Facility. On the same date, GasLog Partners entered into the New Sponsor Credit Facility with GasLog for a new unsecured five-year term loan of $45.0 million and a new five-year revolving credit facility of $30.0 million. On April 5, 2017, an amount of $45.0 million under the term loan facility and an amount of $15.0 million under the revolving credit facility were drawn by the Partnership, with the latter fully repaid on May 22, 2017. On March 23, 2018, the $45.0 million term loan under the New Sponsor Facility with GasLog was prepaid and terminated. The New Sponsor Credit Facility is unsecured and the revolving credit facility provides for an availability period of five years. Each borrowing under the New Sponsor Credit Facility accrues interest at a rate of 9.125% per annum with an annual 1.0% commitment fee on the undrawn balance.
The New Sponsor Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, breach of covenants or material inaccuracy of representations, default under other material indebtedness and bankruptcy. In addition, the New Sponsor Credit Facility covenants require that at all times GasLog must continue to control, directly or indirectly, the affairs or composition of the Partnership's board of directors and any amendment to our partnership agreement, in the reasonable opinion of the lender, must not be adverse to its interests in connection with the New Sponsor Credit Facility.
Five Vessel Refinancing
On February 18, 2016, subsidiaries of the Partnership and GasLog entered into credit agreements to refinance the debt maturities that were scheduled to become due in 2016 and 2017. The vessels covered by the Five Vessel Refinancing are the Partnership-owned Methane Alison Victoria , Methane Shirley Elisabeth, Methane Heather Sally and Methane Becki Anne and the GasLog-owned Methane Lydon Volney.
The Five Vessel Refinancing is secured as follows:
The Five Vessel Refinancing imposes certain operating and financial restrictions on the Partnership and GasLog. These restrictions generally limit the Partnership's and GasLog's collective subsidiaries' ability to, among other things:
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The GasLog and the Partnership's guarantees to the Five Vessel Refinancing impose specified financial covenants that apply to the Partnership and GasLog and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
The financial covenants that apply to the Partnership include the following:
The financial covenants that apply to GasLog and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis include the following:
The Five Vessel Refinancing also imposes certain restrictions relating to the Partnership and GasLog, and their other subsidiaries, including restrictions that limit the Partnership's and GasLog's ability to make any substantial change in the nature of the Partnership's or GasLog's business or to engage in transactions that would constitute a change of control, as defined in the Five Vessel Refinancing, without repaying all of the Partnership's and GasLog's indebtedness under the Five Vessel Refinancing in full.
The Five Vessel Refinancing contains customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, breach of covenants or material inaccuracy of representations, default under other
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material indebtedness and bankruptcy. In addition, it contains covenants requiring the Partnership, GasLog and certain of their subsidiaries to maintain the aggregate of (i) the market value, on a charter exclusive basis, of the mortgaged vessel or vessels and (ii) the market value of any additional security provided to the lenders, at not less than 120.0% of the then outstanding amount under the applicable facility and any related swap exposure. If the Partnership and GasLog fail to comply with these covenants and are not able to obtain covenant waivers or modifications, the lenders could require prepayments or additional collateral sufficient for the compliance with such covenants, otherwise indebtedness could be accelerated.
GasLog Seattle and Solaris Term and Revolving Facilities
Following the acquisition of GAS-seven Ltd., the entity that owns the GasLog Seattle , on November 1, 2016, and of GAS-eight Ltd., the entity that owns the Solaris , on October 20, 2017, the Partnership assumed $122.3 million and $116.5 million, respectively, of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entities.
On July 19, 2016, GasLog entered into a credit agreement to refinance the existing indebtedness on eight of its on-the-water vessels of up to $1,050.0 million (the "Legacy Facility Refinancing") with a number of international banks, extending the maturities of six existing credit facilities to 2021. The vessels covered by the Legacy Facility Refinancing are the GasLog Savannah , the GasLog Singapore , the GasLog Skagen , the GasLog Seattle , the Solaris , the GasLog Saratoga , the GasLog Salem and the GasLog Chelsea.
The credit agreement is secured as follows:
The Legacy Facility Refinancing imposes certain operating and financial restrictions on GasLog. These restrictions generally limit GasLog's ability to, among other things:
The Legacy Facility Refinancing also imposes specified financial covenants that apply to GasLog and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
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The Legacy Facility Refinancing also imposes certain customary restrictions relating to GasLog and its subsidiaries, including restrictions that limit GasLog's ability to make any substantial change in the nature of its business or to engage in transactions that would constitute a change of control, as defined in the Legacy Facility Refinancing, without repaying all of GasLog's indebtedness under the Legacy Facility Refinancing in full.
The Legacy Facility Refinancing contains customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, breach of covenants or material inaccuracy of representations, default under other material indebtedness and bankruptcy. In addition, it contains covenants requiring GasLog to maintain the aggregate of (i) the market value, on a charter exclusive basis, of the mortgaged vessels and (ii) the market value of any additional security provided to the lenders at any time at not less than 120.0% of the then outstanding amount plus any undrawn amounts under the applicable facilities. If GasLog fails to comply with these covenants and is not able to obtain covenant waivers or modifications, the lenders could require prepayments or additional collateral sufficient for the compliance with such covenants, otherwise indebtedness could be accelerated.
Assumed October 2015 Facility
In connection with the acquisitions of GAS-eleven Ltd., the entity that owns the GasLog Greece , on May 3, 2017, GAS-thirteen Ltd., the entity that owns the GasLog Geneva , on July 3, 2017 and GAS-fourteen Ltd., the entity that owns the GasLog Gibraltar on April 26, 2018, the Partnership assumed $151.4 million, $155.0 million and $143.6 million of outstanding indebtedness of the respective acquired entities under a debt financing agreement dated October 16, 2015 with 14 international banks, with Citibank N.A. London Branch and Nordea Bank AB, London Branch acting as agents on behalf of the other finance parties. The financing is backed by the Export Import Bank of Korea ("KEXIM") and the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation ("K-Sure"), who are either directly lending or providing cover for over 60% of the facility.
The loan agreement with respect to the GasLog Greece provided for four tranches of $51.3 million, $25.6 million, $25.0 million and $61.1 million, while the loan agreement with respect to each of the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar provided for four tranches of $50.5 million, $25.3 million, $24.6 million and $60.3 million, respectively. Under the terms of the agreement, each drawing under the first three tranches would be repaid in 24 consecutive semi-annual equal installments commencing six months after the actual deliveries of the GasLog Greece, the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar according to a 12-year profile. Each drawing under the fourth tranche would be repaid in 20 consecutive semi-annual equal installments commencing six months after the actual deliveries of the relevant vessels according to a 20-year profile, with a balloon payment together with the final installment. On March 22, 2016, $163.0 million was drawn down to partially finance the delivery of the
95
GasLog Greece, on September 26, 2016, $160.7 million was drawn down to partially finance the delivery of the GasLog Geneva , and on October 25, 2016, $160.7 million was drawn to partially finance the delivery of the GasLog Gibraltar . Amounts drawn under each applicable tranche bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin.
The obligations under the aforementioned facility are secured by a first priority mortgage over each vessel, a pledge of the share capital of the respective vessel owning companies and a first priority assignment of earnings related to each vessel, including charter revenue, management revenue and any insurance and requisition compensation. Obligations under the facility are guaranteed by GasLog, with the Partnership and its subsidiary GasLog Partners Holdings LLC guaranteeing up to the value of the commitments relating to the GasLog Greece, the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar . The facility includes customary restrictive covenants which include a fair market value covenant pursuant to which an event of default could occur under the facility if the aggregate fair market values of the collateral vessels (without taking into account any charter arrangements) were to fall below 115.0% of the aggregate outstanding principal balances for the first two years after each drawdown and below 120% at any time thereafter.
GasLog, as corporate guarantor for the aforementioned facility, is also subject to specified financial covenants on a consolidated basis. The financial covenants include the following:
Any failure by GasLog to comply with these financial covenants would permit the lenders under this credit facility to exercise remedies as secured creditors which, if such a default was to occur, could include foreclosing on the GasLog Greece, the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar .
The credit facility also imposes certain restrictions relating to GasLog, including restrictions that limit its ability to make any substantial change in the nature of its business or to engage in transactions that would constitute a change of control, as defined in the relevant credit facility, without repaying all of its indebtedness in full, or to allow its largest shareholders to reduce their shareholding in GasLog below specified thresholds.
2019 GasLog Partners Facility
On February 20, 2019, GAS-three Ltd., GAS-four Ltd., GAS-five Ltd., GAS-sixteen Ltd., GAS-seventeen Ltd., GasLog Partners and GasLog Partners Holdings LLC entered in a loan agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Nordea Bank ABP, filial i Norge and Iyo Bank Ltd., Singapore Branch, each an original lender, Nordea acting as security agent and trustee for and on behalf of the other finance parties mentioned above, for a credit facility for up to $450.0 million (the "2019 GasLog Partners Facility") for the purpose of refinancing in full the existing Partnership Facility. Subsequently on the same date, the Development Bank of Japan, Inc. entered the facility as lender via transfer certificate. The vessels covered by the 2019 GasLog Partners Facility are the GasLog Shanghai, GasLog Santiago, GasLog Sydney, Methane Rita Andrea and Methane Jane Elizabeth .
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The agreement provides for an amortising revolving credit facility which can be repaid and redrawn at any time, subject to the outstanding amount immediately after any drawdown not exceeding (i) 75% of the aggregate of the market values of all vessels under the agreement, or (ii) the total facility amount. The total facility amount reduces in 20 equal quarterly amounts of $7.4 million, with a final balloon amount of $302.9 million reducing concurrently with the last quarterly reduction in February 2024. The credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin. The facility is currently undrawn.
The obligations under the 2019 GasLog Partners Facility, are secured by a first priority mortgage over the vessels, a pledge of the share capital of the respective vessel owning companies and a first priority assignment of earnings related to the vessels (excluding the GasLog Santiago which participates in the Cool Pool), including charter revenue, management revenue and any insurance and requisition compensation. The obligations under the facility are guaranteed by the Partnership and GasLog Partners Holdings LLC.
The 2019 GasLog Partners Credit Facility is subject to specified financial covenants that apply to GasLog Partners on a consolidated basis. These financial covenants include the following:
The 2019 GasLog Partners Facility contains customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, breach of covenants or material inaccuracy of representations, default under other material indebtedness and bankruptcy as well as an event of default in the event of the cancellation, rescission, frustration or withdrawal of a charter agreement prior to its scheduled expiration, if certain prepayment and security provisions are not met. In addition, the 2019 GasLog Partners Facility contains covenants requiring us and certain of our subsidiaries to maintain the aggregate of (i) the market value, on a charter exclusive basis, of the mortgaged vessel or vessels and (ii) the market value of any additional security provided to the lenders, at a total value not less than 120.0% of the then outstanding amount under the facility. If GasLog Partners fails to comply with these covenants and is not able to obtain covenant waivers or modifications, its lenders could require it to make prepayments or provide additional collateral sufficient to bring it into compliance with such covenants, and if it fails to do so its lenders could accelerate our indebtedness.
The 2019 GasLog Partners Facility also imposes certain restrictions relating to the Partnership, including restrictions that limit its ability to make any substantial change in the nature of its business or to the partnership structure without approval from the lenders.
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Contracted Charter Revenues
The following table summarizes GasLog Partners' contracted charter revenues and vessel utilization as of December 31, 2018:
|
For the Year Ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 - 2026 | Total | |||||||||||||
|
(in millions of U.S. dollars, except days and percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Contracted time charter revenues (1)(2)(3)(4) |
$ | 327.1 | $ | 251.5 | $ | 157.4 | $ | 120.6 | $ | 183.6 | $ | 1,040.2 | |||||||
Total contracted days (1) |
4,623 | 3,597 | 2,072 | 1,460 | 2,188 | 13,940 | |||||||||||||
Total available days (5) |
5,080 | 5,004 | 4,960 | 5,110 | 20,034 | 40,188 | |||||||||||||
Total unfixed days (6) |
457 | 1,407 | 2,888 | 3,650 | 17,846 | 26,248 | |||||||||||||
Percentage of total contracted days/total available days |
91.0 | % | 71.9 | % | 41.8 | % | 28.6 | % | 10.9 | % | 34.7 | % |
The table above provides information about our contracted charter revenues and ship utilization based on contracts in effect as of December 31, 2018 for the 14 LNG carriers in our fleet. The table reflects only our contracted charter revenues, and it does not reflect the costs or expenses we will incur in fulfilling our obligations under the charters. In particular, the table does not reflect any time charter revenues from any additional ships we may acquire in the future, nor does it reflect the options under our time charters that permit our charterers to extend the time charter terms for successive multi-year periods at comparable charter hire rates. If exercised, the options to extend the terms of our existing charters, would result in an increase in the number of contracted days and the contracted revenue for our fleet in the future. Although the contracted charter revenues are based on contracted charter hire rate provisions, they reflect certain assumptions, including assumptions relating to future ship operating costs. We consider the assumptions to be reasonable as of the date of this report, but if these assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual time charter revenues could differ from those reflected in the table. Furthermore, any contract is subject to various risks, including performance by the counterparties or an early termination of the contract pursuant to its terms. If the charterers are unable or unwilling to make charter payments to us, or if we agree to renegotiate charter terms at the request of a charterer or if contracts are prematurely terminated for any reason, we would be exposed to prevailing market conditions at the time and our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected. Please see "Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk Factors". For these reasons, the contracted charter revenue information presented above is not fact and should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information. Neither the Partnership's independent auditors, nor any other independent accountants, have compiled, examined or performed any procedures with respect to the information presented in the table, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information or its achievability and assume no responsibility for, and disclaim any association with, the information in the table.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
For information about our exposure to market risks, see "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk".
Capital Expenditures in Relation to Vessel Acquisitions
As of December 31, 2018, there are no commitments for capital expenditures related to our fleet with respect to vessel acquisitions. In the event we decide to exercise our options to purchase additional ships from GasLog, we expect to finance the costs with cash from operations and a combination of debt and equity financing.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Partnership's management evaluates whether estimates should be made on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods management considers reasonable in the particular circumstances. However, uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that could require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability in the future. Critical accounting policies are those that reflect significant judgments of uncertainties and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. For a description of all our principal accounting policies, see Note 2 to our annual consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
Classification of the Partnership Interests
The interests in the Partnership comprise common units, Preference Units, a general partner interest and incentive distribution rights. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the Partnership is required to distribute 100% of available cash (as defined in our partnership agreement) with respect to each quarter within 45 days of the end of the quarter to the partners. Available cash can be summarized as cash and cash equivalents less an amount equal to cash reserves established by the board of directors to (i) provide for the proper conduct of the business of the Partnership group (including reserves for future capital expenditures and for anticipated future credit needs of the Partnership group) subsequent to such quarter, (ii) comply with applicable law or any loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, debt instrument or other agreement or obligation to which any Partnership group member is a party or by which it is bound or its assets are subject and/or (iii) provide funds for certain distributions relating to future periods.
In reaching a judgment as to whether the interests in the Partnership should be classified as liabilities or equity interests, the Partnership has considered the wide discretion of the board of directors to determine whether any portion of the amount of cash available to the Partnership constitutes available cash and that it is possible that there could be no available cash. In the event that there is no available cash, as determined by the board of directors, the Partnership does not have a contractual obligation to make a distribution. Accordingly, the Partnership's management has concluded that the Partnership interests do not represent a contractual obligation on the Partnership to deliver cash and therefore should be classified as equity within the financial statements.
Impairment of Vessels
We evaluate the carrying amounts of our vessels to determine whether there is any indication that our vessels have suffered an impairment loss by considering both internal and external sources of
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information. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of vessels is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. The projection of cash flows related to vessels is complex and requires management to make various estimates including future freight rates, earnings from the vessels and discount rates. All of these items have been historically volatile. In assessing the fair value less cost to sell of the vessel, we obtain vessel valuations from independent and internationally recognized ship brokers on a semi-annual basis or when there is an indication that an asset or assets may be impaired. If an indication of impairment is identified, the need for recognizing an impairment loss is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the vessels to the higher of the fair value less cost to sell and the value in use.
Our estimates of basic market value assume that the vessels are all in seaworthy condition without a need for repair and, if inspected, would be certified in class without notations of any kind. Our estimates are based on approximate market values for the vessels that have been received from shipbrokers, which are also commonly used and accepted by our lenders for determining compliance with the relevant covenants in our credit facilities. Vessel values can be highly volatile, so the estimates may not be indicative of future basic market value of our vessels or prices that could be achieved if we were to sell them.
The table below sets forth in U.S. dollars (i) the historical acquisition cost of our vessels and (ii) the carrying value of each of our vessels as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018.
|
|
|
|
Carrying values
(1)
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vessel
|
Acquisition Date |
Cargo capacity
(cbm) |
Acquisition
cost |
December 31,
2017 |
December 31,
2018 |
||||||||||
GasLog Shanghai (2)(3) |
January 2013 | 155,000 | $ | 189,619 | $ | 165,941 | $ | 160,516 | |||||||
GasLog Santiago (2)(3) |
March 2013 | 155,000 | 189,560 | 165,750 | 175,365 | ||||||||||
GasLog Sydney (2)(3) |
May 2013 | 155,000 | 195,947 | 172,277 | 181,678 | ||||||||||
GasLog Seattle (2)(3) |
December 2013 | 155,000 | 201,738 | 178,541 | 176,175 | ||||||||||
Solaris (2)(3) |
July 2014 | 155,000 | 201,849 | 182,022 | 176,222 | ||||||||||
Methane Rita Andrea (4)(7) |
April 2014 | 145,000 | 156,613 | 137,928 | 132,135 | ||||||||||
Methane Jane Elizabeth (4)(7) |
April 2014 | 145,000 | 156,613 | 137,733 | 132,066 | ||||||||||
Methane Alison Victoria (5)(7) |
June 2014 | 145,000 | 156,610 | 139,128 | 133,656 | ||||||||||
Methane Shirley Elisabeth (5)(7) |
June 2014 | 145,000 | 156,599 | 139,266 | 133,648 | ||||||||||
Methane Heather Sally (5)(7) |
June 2014 | 145,000 | 156,599 | 139,498 | 133,975 | ||||||||||
Methane Becki Anne (6)(7) |
March 2015 | 170,000 | 232,334 | 213,915 | 206,447 | ||||||||||
GasLog Greece (2)(3) |
March 2016 | 174,000 | 209,195 | 198,665 | 192,648 | ||||||||||
GasLog Geneva (2)(3) |
September 2016 | 174,000 | 203,867 | 196,308 | 190,453 | ||||||||||
GasLog Gibraltar (2)(3) |
October 2016 | 174,000 | 203,835 | 196,696 | 190,840 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 2,610,978 | $ | 2,363,668 | $ | 2,315,824 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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As of December 31, 2018, for the six vessels with carrying amounts higher than the estimated charter-free market value, we concluded that events and circumstances triggered the existence of potential impairment of these vessels. As a result, we performed the impairment assessment of these vessels by comparing the discounted projected net operating cash flows for these vessels to their carrying values. Our strategy is to charter our vessels under multi-year contracts, providing the Partnership with stable cash flows. The significant factors and assumptions we used in our discounted projected net operating cash flow analysis included, among others, operating revenues, off-hire revenues, dry-docking costs, operating expenses, management fees estimates, residual values and the discount factor. Revenue assumptions were based on contracted time charter rates up to the end of life of the current contract of each vessel as well as the estimated average time charter rates for the remaining life of the vessels after the completion of their current contract. The estimated daily time charter rates used for non-contracted revenue days are based on a combination of (i) recent charter market rates, (ii) conditions existing in the LNG market as of December 31, 2018, (iii) historical average time charter rates based on publications by independent third party maritime research services and (iv) estimated future time charter rates, based on publications by independent third party maritime research services that provide such forecasts. Recognizing that the LNG industry is cyclical and subject to significant volatility based on factors beyond our control, we believe that the use of revenue estimates, based on the combination of factors (i) to (iv) above, to be reasonable as of the reporting date. In addition, we used an annual operating expenses escalation factor and estimates of scheduled and unscheduled off-hire revenues based on historical experience. All estimates used and assumptions made were in accordance with our internal budgets and historical experience of the shipping industry. The value in use for the six vessels calculated as per above was higher than the carrying amount of these vessels and, consequently, no impairment loss was recognized.
In connection with the impairment testing of our vessels as of December 31, 2018, for the six vessels with carrying amounts higher than the estimated charter-free market value, we performed a sensitivity analysis on the most sensitive and/or subjective assumption that has the potential to affect the outcome of the impairment exercise, which is the projected charter hire rate used to forecast future cash flows for non-contracted days. The following table summarizes the average results of the sensitivity analysis that we performed.
|
Average charter
hire rate used (1) |
Average break-
even charter hire rate (2) |
Variance
(Amount) |
Variance (%) | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$ | 61,025 | $ | 52,404 | 8,621 | 14 | % |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
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C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
Not applicable.
D. Trend Information
See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsOverviewIndustry Overview and Trends".
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2018, we do not have any transactions, obligations or relationships that should be considered off-balance sheet arrangements.
F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018 were:
|
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total |
Less than
1 year |
1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years |
More than
5 years |
|||||||||||
|
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|||||||||||||||
Long-term debt obligations |
$ | 1,251,718 | $ | 434,600 | $ | 510,079 | $ | 68,619 | $ | 238,420 | ||||||
Interest on long-term debt obligations (1) |
160,277 | 42,676 | 63,012 | 25,984 | 28,605 | |||||||||||
Amounts due to related parties (2) |
2,022 | 2,022 | | | | |||||||||||
Amounts due for management, commercial and administrative services fees (3) |
5,319 | 5,319 | | | | |||||||||||
Purchase of depot spares (4) |
5,340 | | 5,340 | | | |||||||||||
Vessels' enhancement and conversion contracts |
1,520 | 1,520 | | | | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 1,426,196 | $ | 486,137 | $ | 578,431 | $ | 94,603 | $ | 267,025 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers. With the exception of Andrew J. Orekar, we rely solely on the executive officers of GasLog or its applicable affiliate who provide executive officer services for our benefit pursuant to the administrative services agreement and who are responsible for our day-to-day management subject to the direction of our board of directors. The business address for each of our directors and executive officers is Gildo Pastor Center, 7 Rue du Gabian, MC 98000, Monaco. The following directors have been determined by our board of directors to be independent under the standards of the NYSE and the rules and regulations of the SEC: Robert B. Allardice III, Daniel R. Bradshaw, Pamela M. Gibson and Michael G. Gialouris. Officers are elected from time to time by vote of our board of directors and hold office until a successor is elected.
Name
|
Age | Position | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Curtis V. Anastasio |
62 | Chairman of the Board of Directors/Director | |||
Robert B. Allardice III |
72 | Class I Director | |||
Daniel R. Bradshaw |
72 | Class III Director | |||
Michael G. Gialouris (1) |
55 | Director | |||
Pamela M. Gibson |
65 | Class II Director | |||
Peter G. Livanos |
60 | Director | |||
Anthony S. Papadimitriou (1) |
63 | Director | |||
Andrew J. Orekar |
42 | Director/Chief Executive Officer | |||
Alastair Maxwell |
55 | Chief Financial Officer | |||
Richard Sadler |
61 | Chief Operating Officer |
Our Class I, Class II and Class III Directors were elected by our common unitholders and will hold office until the 2019, 2020 and 2021 annual meetings of limited partners, respectively. Our other directors were appointed by our general partner in its sole discretion. See "C. Board Practices".
Certain biographical information about each of these individuals is set forth below.
Curtis V. Anastasio has been the Executive Chairman of our board of directors since our inception to May 2016 and Non-Executive Chairman from May 2016 to date. From the time he led the initial public offering in April of 2001 to his retirement on December 31, 2013, Mr. Anastasio was the president and chief executive officer of NuStar Energy L. P., a publicly traded MLP based in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Anastasio was also president and chief executive officer of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, a position he held since the company's initial public offering in 2006. In addition, Mr. Anastasio serves as a director and chairman of the Audit Committee of Par Pacific Holdings (previously Par Petroleum Corporation) a growth-orientated company that manages and maintains interests in energy related assets. He also serves on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and in June 2015 was appointed to the board of the Chemours Company. Mr. Anastasio received a Juris Doctorate degree from Harvard Law School in 1981 and a Bachelor of Arts degree, Magna cum Laude, from Cornell University in 1978.
Robert B. Allardice III has been a member of our board of directors since October 2014. Mr. Allardice has had a long career in the financial services industry, having worked for Morgan Stanley in a number of roles for 19 years as well as with Smith Barney and Deutsche Bank Americas Holding Corp. Mr. Allardice currently serves as a director, member of or chairman of the audit committee of a number of companies, including Hartford Financial Group, and Ellington Residential
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Mortgage REIT. Mr. Allardice received a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from Yale University in 1968 and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1974.
Daniel R. Bradshaw has been a director since the closing of our IPO in 2014. Since 1978, Mr. Bradshaw has worked at the law firm of Johnson Stokes & Master, now Mayer Brown, in Hong Kong, from 1983 to 2003 as a partner and since 2003 as a senior consultant. In addition, Mr. Bradshaw is an independent non-executive director of Pacific Basin Shipping Company Limited, an independent non-executive director of IRC Limited, an affiliate of Petropavlovsk PLC and a non-executive director of Euronav NV. Mr. Bradshaw received a Master of Laws degree from the Victoria University of Wellington in 1971.
Michael G. Gialouris was appointed to our board of directors on February 1, 2019. Mr. Gialouris is the President and Managing Director of ASOFIN Management S.A., an Onassis Foundation company. He acts as Group CFO for the Onassis Foundation Group of Companies. His experience dates back to 1987 and combines shipping finance, corporate banking, advisory, investment assessment and asset management. He has been involved in a number of complex transactions including IPOs, M&A transactions, bank debt raising, private equity investments, etc. Mr Gialouris has served in senior executive positions for Citibank Shipping Bank S.A. in Greece, Attica Enterprises (the holding company of Superfast Ferries S.A. and Blue Star Ferries S.A.) and Magna Marine Inc. (the owner/operator of a dry bulk carrier fleet). He joined ASOFIN Management S.A. and the Onassis Foundation in 2009 and sits on the Board of Directors of a number of Onassis Foundation companies. Mr. Gialouris studied Mechanical Engineering and earned a M.Sc. degree in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City University Business School (now Cass Business School) in 1987.
Pamela M. Gibson has been a director since the closing of our IPO in 2014. Since 1984, Ms. Gibson has worked at the law firm of Shearman & Sterling LLP, from 1990 as a partner and since 2005 as of counsel, advising non-U.S. global companies on capital markets transactions, governance, compliance and other corporate strategic matters with a focus on the oil and gas; metals and mining; and telecom and technology sectors. Ms. Gibson was the managing partner of both the Toronto (1990 to 1995) and London (1995 to 2002) offices and the head of the European and Asian Capital Markets Group (2002 to 2004) at Shearman & Sterling LLP. In addition, Ms. Gibson is an independent non-executive director of Eldorado Gold Corporation. Ms. Gibson received a Bachelor of Arts degree, with distinction, from York University in 1974, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1977 and a Master of Laws degree from New York University in 1984.
Peter G. Livanos has been a director since the closing of our IPO in 2014. Mr. Livanos is the Chairman of GasLog and a member of GasLog's board of directors. Mr. Livanos founded our affiliate GasLog LNG Services in 2001. He has served as the Chairman since GasLog was incorporated in July 2003 and he held the role of chief executive officer from January 2012 until January 2013. Mr. Livanos is the chairman and sole shareholder of Ceres Shipping Ltd. ("Ceres Shipping"), an international shipping group. He also serves as chairman of several of Ceres Shipping's subsidiaries, including DryLog Ltd., a company engaged in dry bulk shipping investments. In 1989 Mr. Livanos formed Seachem Tankers Ltd., which in 2000 combined with Odfjell ASA (later renamed Odfjell SE). He served on the board of directors of Odfjell SE until 2008. Mr. Livanos was appointed to the board of directors of Euronav NV, an independent owner and operator of oil tankers in 2005 and served until December 2015. Between April 2009 and July 2014, he was appointed Vice-Chairman of Euronav NV and from July 2014 to December 2015 he served as its Chairman. Mr. Livanos is a graduate of Columbia University.
Anthony S. Papadimitriou has been a director since our 2015 annual meeting. Mr. Papadimitriou is a member of GasLog's board of directors. From 1986 until 2005, Mr. Papadimitriou served as legal counsel for Olympic Shipping & Management S.A, an affiliate of the Onassis Foundation, and from 1995 to 2005 he was the coordinator of the Executive Committee of the commercial activities
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controlled by the Onassis Foundation. In addition, Mr. Papadimitriou has been a member of the board of directors of the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation since 1988, serving as the president of the board since 2005. Mr. Papadimitriou is the founding partner of A.S. Papadimitriou and Partners Law Firm. Mr. Papadimitriou is a graduate of the Athens University Law School and holds a postgraduate degree in maritime and transport law from the University Aix-en-Provence, a B.Sc. from the London School of Economics and a Ph.D. from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. On January 31, 2019, Mr. Papadimitriou stepped down from the board of directors.
Andrew J. Orekar has served as our CEO since the closing of our IPO in 2014 and was appointed a director in May 2016. Prior to joining the Partnership, Mr. Orekar served as Managing Director at Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, where he advised global natural resources and energy companies on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and capital markets transactions. Mr. Orekar joined Goldman Sachs in 1998, was appointed Managing Director in 2009 and held positions of increasing responsibility within the Investment Banking Division during his 15-year career. In addition, Mr. Orekar is an independent director nominee of Tortoise Acquisition Corp., a company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar combination with one or more energy businesses. Mr. Orekar received B.S. (Wharton School) and B.A. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998.
Alastair Maxwell joined GasLog Partners on February 1, 2017 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") on March 9, 2017. He was appointed CFO of GasLog on the same date Prior to joining GasLog Partners, Mr. Maxwell worked in the investment banking industry for 29 years, most recently with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC from 2010 to 2016 where he was a Partner and Co-Head of the Global Energy Group with responsibility for relationships with a wide range of corporate and other clients in the energy sector. Previously, from 1998 to 2010, he was with Morgan Stanley, most recently as Managing Director and Head of Energy in the EMEA region based in London and prior to that as Executive Director and Head of Latin America Utilities based in New York. From 1987 to 1998 he was at Dresdner Kleinwort Benson in a series of roles in the Utilities and M&A Groups based in London, Spain and Brazil. Mr. Maxwell studied Modern Languages (Spanish and Portuguese) at Worcester College, Oxford.
Richard Sadler has served as our Chief Operating Officer ("COO") since September 20, 2017. He was appointed COO of GasLog on the same date. Mr. Sadler joined GasLog Partners from the Foresight Group, a family company with a strong global presence including Shipping, Offshore Oil Drilling & Engineering, where he served as advisor to the Chairman, family Board members and the senior management. Previously, from 2007 to 2015, Mr. Sadler served as CEO of Lloyd's Register Group, providing compliance and consultancy services to 60,000 global clients in 78 countries. Prior to that Mr. Sadler worked as a Director of Asset Management for the Royal Bank of Scotland in the Shipping and Offshore Energy Division and held a number of positions at Lloyd's Register including in Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Japan. Mr. Sadler was an Engineering Officer in the Royal Navy prior to studying Naval Architecture at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Mr. Sadler is a Fellow, Trustee and member of the Audit & Risk Committee of the Royal Academy of Engineering and holds Honorary Doctorates from the University of Southampton and the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He is a visiting Professor at Dalian Maritime University and an elder Brethren and Trustee of Trinity House.
Board Leadership Structure
Our board leadership structure consists of our Chairman and the chairmen of our board committees. Our operational management is headed by our CEO. Mr. Orekar, as CEO, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Partnership, which includes decisions relating to the Partnership's general management and control of its affairs and business, and works with our board in developing our business strategy. The board of directors does not have a policy mandating that the roles of CEO
105
and Chairman be held by separate individuals, but believes that at this time the separation of such roles is appropriate and beneficial to unitholders.
B. Compensation of Directors and Senior Management
Reimbursement of Expenses of Our General Partner
Our general partner does not receive compensation from us for any services it provides on our behalf, although it is entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred on our behalf. In addition, our operating subsidiaries reimburse GasLog LNG Services for expenses incurred pursuant to the amended ship management agreements that our operating subsidiaries are party to with GasLog LNG Services. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsShip Management Agreements".
Executive Compensation
A subsidiary of GasLog has entered into an employment agreement with Andrew J. Orekar, our CEO. The agreement provides for an annual cash incentive bonus based in part on performance relative to pre-established targets. The services of our executive officers and other employees are provided pursuant to the administrative services agreement, under which we pay an annual fee. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the amount of compensation we paid to our executive officers, including annual and long-term cash incentive compensation, as well as aggregate fees for administrative services provided under the administrative services agreement, totaled $1,802,340. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsAdministrative Services Agreement". Our officers and employees and officers and employees of our subsidiaries and affiliates of GasLog and our general partner may participate in employee pension and benefit plans and arrangements sponsored by GasLog, GasLog subsidiaries, our general partner or their affiliates, including plans that may be established in the future. We did not set aside or accrue any amounts in the year ended December 31, 2018 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to our senior management.
Compensation of Directors
Each non-management director receives cash compensation for being a member of our board of directors, as well as for being a member or chairperson of a committee. During 2018, non-management directors each received a director fee of $110,000 per year. In addition, members of the audit and conflicts committees each received a committee fee of $25,000 per year whereas the chairpersons of such committees received a fee of $50,000 per year. Pursuant to the administrative services agreement, we pay directly to GasLog the director fees for any appointed directors who are also directors of GasLog. Our chairman receives an additional chair fee and received director fees totaling $260,000 in 2018. In addition, each director is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attending meetings of the board of directors or committees.
We did not set aside or accrue any amounts in the year ended December 31, 2018 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to our directors.
Equity Compensation Plan
In January 2015, our board of directors approved the GasLog Partners LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests of the Partnership and its unitholders by attracting and retaining exceptional directors, officers, employees and consultants and enabling such individuals to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of the Partnership.
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The Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase our common units, common unit appreciation rights, restricted common units, phantom performance common units, cash incentive awards and other equity-based or equity-related awards. We have reserved for issuance a total of 241,447 common units under the Plan (equal to approximately 1.68% of the 14,322,358 common units outstanding as of December 31, 2014), subject to adjustment for changes in capitalization as provided in the Plan. The Plan is administered by our board of directors, or such committee of our board of directors as may be designated by our board of directors to administer the Plan.
On April 1, 2018, we granted our executive officers an aggregate of 24,608 restricted common units and 24,608 phantom performance common units, with an aggregate fair value as of the grant date of $1.1 million. These awards vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipients' continued service; vesting of the phantom stock units is also subject to the achievement of certain performance targets. They may be settled in cash or common units which may be units repurchased by the Partnership from time to time, or newly issued units, or a combination thereof, at our discretion. As of December 31, 2018, we have 241,447 common units reserved for issuance under the Plan (equal to approximately 0.53% of the 45,488,993 common units outstanding).
C. Board Practices
In accordance with our partnership agreement, our general partner has delegated to our board of directors the authority to oversee and direct our operations, management and policies on an exclusive basis, and such delegation will be binding on any successor general partner of the partnership. Our general partner, GasLog Partners GP LLC, is wholly owned by GasLog. Our executive officers, all of whom are employed by GasLog or its applicable affiliate, manage our day-to-day activities consistent with the policies and procedures adopted by our board of directors.
Our board of directors consists of seven members, four of whom are appointed by our general partner in its sole discretion and three of whom are elected by our common unitholders. The directors appointed by our general partner serve until a successor is duly appointed by the general partner. Directors elected by our common unitholders are divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. At our 2015 annual meeting, the Class I elected director was elected to serve for a one year term expiring on the date of the succeeding annual meeting, the Class II elected director was elected to serve for a two-year term expiring on the second succeeding annual meeting and the Class III elected director was elected to serve for a three-year term expiring on the third succeeding annual meeting. At each subsequent annual meeting of unitholders, directors will be elected to succeed the class of director whose term has expired by a plurality of the votes of the common unitholders. Directors elected by our common unitholders will be nominated by the board of directors or by any limited partner or group of limited partners that holds at least 10% of the outstanding common units.
If our general partner exercises its right to transfer the power to elect a majority of our directors to the common unitholders, an additional director will thereafter be elected as a Class III director by our common unitholders. Our general partner may exercise this right in order to permit us to claim, or continue to claim, an exemption from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code. See "Item 4. Information on the PartnershipB. Business OverviewTaxation of the Partnership".
The Class I, Class II and Class III directors elected by our common unitholders and Mr. Gialouris were determined by our board to be independent under the standards of the NYSE and the rules and regulations of the SEC. The elected directors also qualify as independent of GasLog under our partnership agreement so as to be eligible for membership on our conflicts committee.
Each outstanding common unit is entitled to one vote on matters subject to a vote of common unitholders. However, if at any time, any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class or series of units (other than the Preference Units) then outstanding, any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to
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be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of limited partners, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under our partnership agreement, unless otherwise required by law. This loss of voting rights does not apply to the Preference Units. Effectively, this means that the voting rights of any such common unitholders in excess of 4.9% will be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. This limitation will support our claim of an exemption from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code in the event our general partner transfers the power to elect one director to the common unitholders.
There are no service contracts between us and any of our directors providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service.
We are a "foreign private issuer" under the securities laws of the United States and the rules of the NYSE. Under the securities laws of the United States, "foreign private issuers" are subject to different disclosure requirements than U.S. domiciled registrants, as well as different financial reporting requirements. Under the NYSE rules, a "foreign private issuer" is subject to less stringent corporate governance requirements. Subject to certain exceptions, the rules of the NYSE permit a "foreign private issuer" to follow its home country practice in lieu of the listing requirements of the NYSE, including (i) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors and (ii) the requirement that a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee be established. Four of our seven directors qualify as independent. As a result, non-independent directors may, among other things, participate in fixing the compensation of our management, making share and option awards and resolving governance issues regarding our Company. Accordingly, in the future you may not have the same protections afforded to unitholders of similarly organized limited partnerships that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.
Our board of directors meets regularly throughout the year. In 2018, the board met 11 times. As part of our board meetings, our independent directors meet without the non-independent directors in attendance. In addition, the board regularly holds sessions without the CEO and executive officers present.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Audit Committee
We have an audit committee that, among other things, reviews our external financial reporting, engages our external auditors and oversees our internal audit activities and procedures and the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. Our audit committee is comprised of Robert B. Allardice III, Daniel R. Bradshaw and Pamela M. Gibson, with Robert B. Allardice III serving as the chair of the audit committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of Robert B. Allardice III, Daniel R. Bradshaw and Pamela M. Gibson satisfies the independence standards established by the NYSE, and that Robert B. Allardice III qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" for purposes of SEC rules and regulations.
Conflicts Committee
We also have a conflicts committee that is available at the board of directors' discretion to review specific matters that the board of directors believes may involve conflicts of interest. The conflicts committee will determine if the resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to us. The members of the conflicts committee must meet the independence standards established by the NYSE and the SEC to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors, and may not be any of the
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following: (a) officers or employees of our general partner, (b) officers, directors or employees of any affiliate of our general partner (other than the Partnership and its subsidiaries) or (c) holders of any ownership interest in the general partner, its affiliates or the Partnership and its subsidiaries (other than (x) common units or (y) awards granted pursuant to any long-term incentive plan, equity compensation plan or similar plan of the Partnership or its subsidiaries). Any matters approved by the conflicts committee will be conclusively deemed to be fair and reasonable to us, approved by all of our partners and not a breach by our directors, our general partner or its affiliates of any duties any of them may owe us or our unitholders. Our conflicts committee is comprised of Robert B. Allardice III, Daniel R. Bradshaw and Pamela M. Gibson, with Daniel R. Bradshaw serving as chair of the conflicts committee.
Employees of affiliates of GasLog provide services to us under the administrative services agreement. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsAdministrative Services Agreement".
Our officers and the other individuals providing services to us or our subsidiaries may face a conflict regarding the allocation of their time between our business and the other business interests of GasLog or its affiliates. Our officers and such other individuals providing services to us or our subsidiaries intend to devote as much time to the management of our business and affairs as is necessary for the proper conduct of our business and affairs.
Whenever our general partner makes a determination or takes or declines to take an action in its individual capacity rather than in its capacity as our general partner, it is entitled to make such determination or to take or decline to take such other action free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or any limited partner, and our general partner is not required to act in good faith or pursuant to any other standard imposed by our partnership agreement or under the Marshall Islands Act or any other law. Specifically, our general partner will be considered to be acting in its individual capacity if it exercises its call right, pre-emptive rights, registration rights or right to make a determination to receive common units in a resetting of the target distribution levels related to its incentive distribution rights, consents or withholds consent to any merger or consolidation of the partnership, appoints any directors or votes for the appointment of any director, votes or refrains from voting on amendments to our partnership agreement that require a vote of the outstanding units, voluntarily withdraws from the partnership, transfers (to the extent permitted under our partnership agreement) or refrains from transferring its units, general partner interest or the incentive distribution rights it owns or votes upon the dissolution of the partnership. Actions of our general partner, which are made in its individual capacity, will be made by GasLog as sole member of our general partner.
Corporate Governance
The board of directors and our Partnership's management engage in an ongoing review of our corporate governance practices in order to oversee our compliance with the applicable corporate governance rules of the NYSE and the SEC.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all directors, officers, employees and agents of the Partnership.
This document and other important information on our governance are posted on our website and may be viewed at http://www.gaslogmlp.com. Reference to our website is for informational purposes only; our website is not incorporated by reference in this annual report. We will also provide a paper copy of any of these documents upon the written request of a unitholder at no cost. Unitholders may direct their requests to the attention of our General Counsel, c/o GasLog Monaco S.A.M., Gildo Pastor Center, 7 Rue du Gabian, MC 98000, Monaco.
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Exemptions from NYSE Corporate Governance Rules
Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under SEC rules, we are permitted to follow the corporate governance practices of the Marshall Islands (the jurisdiction in which we are organized) in lieu of certain of the NYSE corporate governance requirements that would otherwise be applicable to us. The NYSE rules do not require a listed company that is a foreign private issuer to have a board of directors that is comprised of a majority of independent directors. Under Marshall Islands law, we are not required to have a board of directors comprised of a majority of directors meeting the independence standards described in the NYSE rules. In addition, the NYSE rules do not require limited partnerships like us to have boards of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors. Accordingly, our board of directors is not required to be comprised of a majority of independent directors.
The NYSE rules do not require foreign private issuers or limited partnerships like us to establish a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee. Similarly, under Marshall Islands law, we are not required to have a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee. Accordingly, we do not have a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee.
D. Employees
We do not directly employ any on-shore employees or seagoing employees. As of December 31, 2018, GasLog employed (directly and through ship managers) approximately 1,517 seafaring staff who serve on its owned and managed vessels (including our fleet) as well as 160 shore-based staff. GasLog and its affiliates may employ additional staff to assist us as we grow. GasLog, through certain of its subsidiaries, provides onshore advisory, commercial, technical and operational support to our operating subsidiaries pursuant to the amended ship management agreements, subject to any alternative arrangements made with the applicable charterer. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsShip Management Agreements".
LNG marine transportation is a specialized area requiring technically skilled officers and personnel with specialized training. We and GasLog regard attracting and retaining motivated, well-qualified seagoing and shore-based personnel as a top priority, and GasLog offers its people competitive compensation packages. In addition, GasLog provides intensive onboard and shore-based training for its officers and crews to instill a culture of the highest operational and safety standards. As a result, GasLog has historically enjoyed high retention rates. In 2018, GasLog's retention rate was 96% for seagoing senior officers, 98% for other seagoing officers and 94% for shore staff.
Although GasLog has historically experienced high employee retention rates, the demand for technically skilled officers and crews to serve on LNG carriers has been increasing as the global fleet of LNG carriers continues to grow. This increased demand has and may continue to put inflationary cost pressure on ensuring qualified and well trained crew are available to GasLog. However, we and GasLog expect that the impact of cost increases would be mitigated to some extent by certain provisions in certain of our time charters, including automatic periodic adjustment provisions and cost review provisions.
In addition, the services of our executive officers and other employees are provided pursuant to the administrative services agreement, under which we pay an annual fee. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party TransactionsAdministrative Services Agreement".
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E. Share Ownership
The common units beneficially owned by our directors and executive officers and/or entities affiliated with these individuals is disclosed in "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionsA. Major Unitholders" below. For information regarding arrangements for involving the employees in the capital of the company, see "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesB. Compensation of Directors and Senior Management".
ITEM 7. MAJOR UNITHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Unitholders
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our outstanding common units as of February 21, 2019 held by:
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules. Percentage computations are based on an aggregate of 45,448,993 common units outstanding as of February 21, 2019. Each issued and outstanding common unit entitles the unitholder to one vote. Information for certain holders is based on their latest filings with the SEC or information delivered to us. Except as noted below, the address of all unitholders, officers and directors identified in the table and the accompanying footnotes below is in care of our principal executive offices.
|
Common Units
Beneficially Owned |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
Number | Percent | |||||
Directors and officers |
|||||||
Curtis V. Anastasio |
* | * | |||||
Robert B. Allardice III |
* | * | |||||
Daniel R. Bradshaw |
| | |||||
Michael G. Gialouris |
| | |||||
Pamela M. Gibson |
* | * | |||||
Peter G. Livanos |
623,147 | 1.4 | % | ||||
Alastair Maxwell |
* | * | |||||
Andrew J. Orekar |
* | * | |||||
Richard Sadler |
| | |||||
All directors and officers as a group |
733,559 | 1.6 | % | ||||
Other 5% beneficial owners |
|||||||
GasLog Ltd. (1) |
11,843,691 | 26.1 | % | ||||
FMR LLC (4) |
4,469,278 | 9.83 | % | ||||
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (2) |
2,442,539 | 5.4 | % | ||||
Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. & Richard A Kayne (3) |
2,272,517 | 5.5 | % |
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Each outstanding common unit is entitled to one vote on matters subject to a vote of common unitholders. However, to preserve our ability to claim an exemption from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code (which we do not expect to qualify for, unless our general partner exercises the "GasLog option" described in "Item 4. Information on the PartnershipB. Business OverviewTaxation of the PartnershipU.S. Taxation of Shipping"), if at any time any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class or series of units (other than the Preference Units) then outstanding, any units beneficially owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of limited partners, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under our partnership agreement, unless otherwise required by law. Effectively, this means that the voting rights of any such common unitholders in excess of 4.9% will be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors.
Holders of our Preference Units generally have no voting rights except (i) in respect of amendments to the partnership agreement which would adversely vary the rights of the Preference Units or, (ii) in the event that the Partnership proposes to issue any parity securities if the cumulative distributions payable on issued and outstanding Preference Units are in arrears or (iii) in the event that the Partnership proposes to issue any securities that are senior to the Preference Units. However, if and whenever distributions payable on a series of Preference Units are in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of such series of Preference Units (voting together as a class with all other classes or series of parity securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to elect one additional director to serve on our board of directors, and the size of our board of directors will be increased as needed to accommodate such change (unless the size of our board of directors already has been increased by reason of the election of a director by holders of parity securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and with which the Preference Units voted as a class for the election of such director). The right of such holders of Preference Units to elect a member of our board of directors will continue until such time as all accumulated and unpaid dividends on the applicable series of Preference Units have been paid in full.
As a result of its ownership of the general partner, and the fact that the general partner elects the majority of the Partnership's directors in accordance with the partnership agreement, GasLog has the ability to control the Partnership's affairs and policies. See "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesC. Board Practices".
As of February 21, 2019, we had 2 common unitholders of record located in the United States. One of those shareholders was CEDE & CO., a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, which held in aggregate 33,602,902 common units, representing 73.9% of our outstanding common units and a 72.5% ownership interest in us. We believe that the units held by CEDE & CO. include common units beneficially owned by both holders in the United Sates and non-U.S. beneficial owners.
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B. Related Party Transactions
From time to time we have entered into agreements and have consummated transactions with certain related parties. We may enter into related party transactions from time to time in the future. The related party transactions that we have entered into or were party to during the year ended December 31, 2018 are discussed below.
Omnibus Agreement
On May 12, 2014, we entered into an omnibus agreement with GasLog, our general partner and certain of our other subsidiaries. The following discussion describes certain provisions of the omnibus agreement.
Noncompetition; Five-Year Vessel Restricted Business Opportunities
Under the omnibus agreement, GasLog has agreed, and has caused its controlled affiliates (other than us, our general partner and our subsidiaries) to agree, not to acquire, own, operate or charter any LNG carrier with a cargo capacity greater than 75,000 cbm engaged in oceangoing LNG transportation under a charter for five full years or more without, within 30 calendar days after the consummation of the acquisition or the commencement of the operations or charter of such a vessel, notifying us and offering us the opportunity to purchase such a vessel at fair market value. For the purposes of this section, we refer to these vessels, together with any related charters, as "Five Year Vessels" and to all other LNG carriers, together with any related charters, as Non-Five Year Vessels. The restrictions in this paragraph will not prevent GasLog or any of its controlled affiliates (other than us and our subsidiaries) from:
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If GasLog or any of its controlled affiliates (other than us, our general partner or our subsidiaries) acquires, owns, operates or charters Five-Year Vessels pursuant to any of the exceptions described above, it may not subsequently expand that portion of its business other than pursuant to those exceptions. However, such Five-Year Vessels could eventually compete with our vessels upon their re-chartering.
In addition, under the omnibus agreement we have agreed, and have caused our subsidiaries to agree, to acquire, own, operate or charter Five-Year Vessels only. The restrictions in this paragraph will not:
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If we or any of our subsidiaries acquires, owns, operates or charters Non-Five-Year Vessels pursuant to any of the exceptions described above, neither we nor such subsidiary may subsequently expand that portion of our business other than pursuant to those exceptions.
During the 30-day period after GasLog's notice and offer of an opportunity to purchase a Five-Year Vessel, we and GasLog will negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement on the fair market value (and any applicable break-up costs) of the relevant vessel. If we do not reach an agreement within such 30-day period, a mutually-agreed upon investment banking firm, ship broker or other expert advisor will be engaged to determine the fair market value (and any applicable break-up costs) of the relevant vessel and other outstanding terms, and we will have the option, but not the obligation, to purchase the relevant vessel on such terms. Our ability to consummate the acquisition of such Five-Year Vessel from GasLog will be subject to obtaining any consents of governmental authorities and other non-affiliated third parties and to all agreements existing with respect to such Five-Year Vessel. See "Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk FactorsRisks Inherent in Our BusinessWe may have difficulty obtaining consents that are necessary to acquire vessels with an existing charter or a financing agreement". Under the omnibus agreement, GasLog will indemnify the Partnership against losses arising from the failure to obtain any consent or governmental permit necessary to own or operate the fleet in substantially the same manner that the vessels were owned and operated by GasLog immediately prior to the Partnership's acquisition of such vessels. See "Indemnification".
Upon a change of control of us or our general partner, the non-competition provisions of the omnibus agreement will terminate immediately. Upon a change of control of GasLog, the non-competition provisions of the omnibus agreement applicable to GasLog will terminate at the time of the change of control. On the date on which a majority of our directors ceases to consist of directors that were (1) appointed by our general partner prior to our first annual meeting of unitholders and (2) recommended for election by a majority of our appointed directors, the non-competition provisions applicable to GasLog shall terminate immediately.
LNG Carrier Purchase Options
Under the omnibus agreement, we currently have the option to purchase from GasLog: (i) the GasLog Glasgow within 36 months after GasLog notifies our board of directors of her acceptance by her charterer, and (ii) the GasLog Houston within 30 calendar days following receipt of a notice from GasLog that the vessel has commenced its multi-year charter (being at least five years in length). In each case, our option to purchase is at fair market value as determined pursuant to the omnibus agreement.
In addition, on April 21, 2015, GasLog signed an agreement with MSL for its newbuilding Hull No 2131 to be chartered to MSL upon its delivery in 2019, for initial terms of approximately 9.5 years. Within 30 days of the commencement of each charter, GasLog will be required to offer us an opportunity to purchase the vessel at fair market value as determined pursuant to the omnibus agreement.
On October 20, 2016, GasLog signed an agreement with Centrica for its newbuilding Hull No. 2212 to be chartered to Centrica upon delivery in 2019 for an initial term of seven years. However, GasLog has amended the ship building contract for this newbuilding Hull No. 2212 such that it becomes a 180,000 cbm GTT Mark III Flex Plus Vessel, to be delivered on or before July 31, 2019 and which is currently without charter. Newbuilding Hull No. 2213 becomes a committed Centrica vessel, a 180,000 cbm GTT Mark III Flex Vessel, to be delivered on or before April 1, 2020 for an initial term of seven years. Within 30 days of the commencement of the charter, GasLog will be required to offer us the opportunity to purchase the vessel at fair market value as determined pursuant to the omnibus agreement.
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On May 30, 2018, GasLog signed an agreement with Centrica for its newbuilding Hull No. 2262 to be chartered to Centrica upon delivery in 2020 for an initial term of seven years. Within 30 days of the commencement of the charter, GasLog will be required to offer us the opportunity to purchase the vessel at fair market value as determined pursuant to the omnibus agreement.
On August 16, 2018, GasLog signed an agreement with Cheniere for newbuildings Hull Nos. 2300 and 2301 to be chartered to Cheniere upon delivery in 2020 for initial terms of seven years. Within 30 days of the commencement of each of the charters, GasLog will be required to offer us the opportunity to purchase the vessels at fair market value as determined pursuant to the omnibus agreement.
On December 21, 2018, Gaslog signed agreements with Cheniere for newbuildings Hull Nos. 2311 and 2312 to be chartered to Cheniere upon delivery in 2021 for initial terms of seven years. Within 30 days of the commencement of each of the charters, GasLog will be required to offer us the opportunity to purchase the vessels at fair market value as determined pursuant to the omnibus agreement.
If we and GasLog are unable to agree upon the fair market value of any of these optional vessels, the respective fair market values will be determined by a mutually acceptable investment banking firm, ship broker or other expert advisor, and we will have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the vessel at such price. Our ability to consummate the acquisition of such vessels from GasLog will be subject to obtaining any consents of governmental authorities and other non-affiliated third parties and to all agreements existing as of the closing date in respect of such vessels. See "Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk FactorsRisks Inherent in Our BusinessWe may have difficulty obtaining consents that are necessary to acquire vessels with an existing charter or a financing agreement".
On the date on which a majority of our directors ceases to consist of directors that were (1) appointed by our general partner prior to our first annual meeting of unitholders and (2) recommended for election by a majority of our appointed directors, the LNG carrier purchase options shall terminate immediately.
Rights of First Offer
Under the omnibus agreement, we and our subsidiaries have granted to GasLog a right of first offer on any proposed sale, transfer or other disposition of any Five-Year Vessels or Non-Five-Year Vessels owned by us. Under the omnibus agreement, GasLog has agreed (and has caused its subsidiaries to agree) to grant a similar right of first offer to us for any Five-Year Vessels they might own. These rights of first offer will not apply to a (1) sale, transfer or other disposition of vessels between any affiliated subsidiaries or pursuant to the terms of any current or future charter or other agreement with a charter party or (2) merger with or into, or sale of substantially all of the assets to, an unaffiliated third party.
Prior to engaging in any negotiation regarding any vessel disposition with respect to a Five-Year Vessel with an unaffiliated third party or any Non-Five-Year Vessel, we or GasLog, as the case may be, will deliver a written notice to the other relevant party setting forth the material terms and conditions of the proposed transaction. During the 30-day period after the delivery of such notice, we and GasLog, as the case may be, will negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement on the transaction. If we do not reach an agreement within such 30-day period, we or GasLog, as the case may be, will be able within the next 180 calendar days to sell, transfer, dispose or re-charter the vessel to a third party (or to agree in writing to undertake such transaction with a third party) on terms generally no less favorable to us or GasLog, as the case may be, than those offered pursuant to the written notice. Our ability to consummate the acquisition of such Five-Year Vessel from GasLog will be subject to obtaining any consents of governmental authorities and other non-affiliated third parties and to all agreements existing in respect of such Five-Year Vessel. See "Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk
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FactorsRisks Inherent in Our BusinessWe may have difficulty obtaining consents that are necessary to acquire vessels with an existing charter or a financing agreement".
Upon a change of control of us or our general partner, the right of first offer provisions of the omnibus agreement will terminate immediately. Upon a change of control of GasLog, the right of first offer provisions applicable to GasLog under the omnibus agreement will terminate at the time of the change of control. On the date on which a majority of our directors ceases to consist of directors that were (1) appointed by our general partner prior to our first annual meeting of unitholders and (2) recommended for election by a majority of our appointed directors, the provisions related to the rights of first offer granted to us by GasLog shall terminate immediately.
For purposes of the omnibus agreement, a "change of control" means, with respect to any "applicable person", any of the following events: (a) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the applicable person's assets to any other person, unless immediately following such sale, lease, exchange or other transfer such assets are owned, directly or indirectly, by the applicable person; (b) the consolidation or merger of the applicable person with or into another person pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding voting securities of the applicable person are changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where (i) the outstanding voting securities of the applicable person are changed into or exchanged for voting securities of the surviving person or its parent and (ii) the holders of the voting securities of the applicable person immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, not less than a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving person or its parent immediately after such transaction; and (c) a "person" or "group" (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the "Exchange Act"), other than GasLog or its affiliates with respect to the general partner, being or becoming the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of all of the then outstanding voting securities of the applicable person, except in a merger or consolidation which would not constitute a change of control under clause (b) above.
Indemnification
Under the omnibus agreement, GasLog will indemnify us after the closing of the IPO for a period of five years (and GasLog will indemnify us for a period of at least three years after our purchase of any vessels subject to purchase options, if applicable) against certain environmental and toxic tort liabilities with respect to the vessels that are contributed or sold to us to the extent arising prior to the time they were contributed or sold to us. Liabilities resulting from a change in law after the closing of the IPO are excluded from the environmental indemnity. There is an aggregate cap of $5 million on the amount of indemnity coverage provided by GasLog for environmental and toxic tort liabilities. No claim may be made unless the aggregate dollar amount of all claims exceeds $500,000, in which case GasLog is liable for claims only to the extent such aggregate amount exceeds $500,000.
GasLog will also indemnify us for liabilities related to:
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Amendments
The omnibus agreement may not be amended without the prior approval of the conflicts committee of our board of directors if the proposed amendment will, in the reasonable discretion of our board of directors, adversely affect holders of our common units.
Administrative Services Agreement
On May 12, 2014, we entered into an administrative services agreement with GasLog, pursuant to which GasLog provides certain management and administrative services to us. The services provided under the administrative services agreements are required to be provided in a diligent manner, as we may reasonably direct.
The administrative services agreement will continue indefinitely until terminated by us upon 90 days' notice for any reason in the sole discretion of our board of directors. In addition, the administrative services agreement may be terminated by GasLog upon 90 days' notice if:
Under the administrative services agreement, certain officers of GasLog provide executive officer functions for our benefit. These officers are responsible for our day-to-day management subject to the direction of our board of directors. The services provided by Andrew J. Orekar, our CEO, are provided under the administrative services agreement pursuant to an employment agreement that he has entered into with a subsidiary of GasLog. Our board of directors has the ability to terminate the arrangement with GasLog regarding the provision of executive officer services to us at any time in its sole discretion.
The administrative services provided by GasLog include:
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For periods through the year ended December 31, 2018, GasLog received a service fee of $0.8 million per vessel per year in connection with providing services under the administrative services agreement. Amounts payable by us under the administrative services agreement must be paid in advance on a monthly basis by the first working day of each month. The aggregate fees and expenses for services under the administrative services agreement for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $10.4 million, which related to the five vessels acquired from GasLog in 2014, the three vessels acquired from GasLog in 2015, the vessel acquired from GasLog in 2016, the three vessels acquired in 2017 and the GasLog Gibraltar and the Methane Becki Anne from their acquisition in April and November 2018, respectively.
In November 2018, the board of directors approved a decrease in the service fee payable to GasLog under the terms of the administrative services agreement. With effect from January 1, 2019 a service fee of $0.6 million per vessel per year will be payable.
Under the administrative services agreement, we will indemnify GasLog against all actions which may be brought against it as a result of its performance of the administrative services including, without limitation, all actions brought under the environmental laws of any jurisdiction, and against and in respect of all costs and expenses they may suffer or incur due to defending or settling such actions; provided, however, that such indemnity excludes any or all losses to the extent that they are caused by or due to the fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct of GasLog or its officers, employees and agents.
Ship Management Agreements
All vessels in our fleet have entered into a ship management agreement with GasLog LNG Services, except the Solaris which is managed by Shell, pursuant to which certain crew and technical services are provided by GasLog LNG Services. Under these ship management agreements, our operating subsidiaries pay fees to and reimburse the costs and expenses of the manager as described below.
Management services. Each amended ship management agreement requires that GasLog LNG Services and its subcontractors use their best endeavors to perform, among others, the following management services:
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Management fee. Pursuant to the amended ship management agreements, the vessel-owning subsidiaries, as owners, will pay a management fee of $46,000 per month to GasLog LNG Services, as manager, and will reimburse GasLog LNG Services for all expenses incurred on their behalf. The aggregate fees and expenses for services under these management agreements for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $6.5 million, which related to the five vessels acquired from GasLog in 2014, the three vessels acquired from GasLog in 2015, the vessel acquired from GasLog in 2016, the three vessels acquired in 2017 and the GasLog Gibraltar and the Methane Becki Anne from their acquisition in April and November 2018, respectively.
The management fee is subject to an annual adjustment. The adjustment will be agreed between the parties in good faith on the basis of general inflation and proof of increases in actual costs incurred by GasLog LNG Services, as manager. Any dispute relating to the annual rate adjustment would be settled by dispute resolution provisions set forth in the applicable ship management agreement.
Term. Each ship management agreement continues indefinitely until terminated by either party as described below.
Automatic termination and termination by either party. Each ship management agreement will be deemed to be terminated if:
Termination by the manager. Under each ship management agreement, the manager may terminate the ship management agreement with immediate effect by written notice if:
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Termination by the owner. Under each ship management agreement, the owner may terminate the applicable agreement by giving 90 days' written notice in the event that the manager, in the reasonable opinion of the owner, fails to manage the vessel in accordance with first class LNG ship management practice. The owner may also terminate the applicable agreement by giving 90 days' notice if the manager fails to meet any material obligation of the ship management agreement or fails to meet any obligation under the ship management agreement that has a material adverse effect upon the owner, if such default is not capable of being remedied or the manager fails to remedy the default within a reasonable time to the satisfaction of the owner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the owner may terminate the ship management agreement at any time for any reason by giving the manager not less than three months' written notice.
Additional fees and provisions. Under each ship management agreement, the manager and its employees, agents and subcontractors will be indemnified by the owner against all actions that may be brought against them or incurred or suffered by them arising out of or in connection with their performance under such agreement; provided, however, that such indemnity excludes any or all losses that may be caused by or due to the fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct of the manager or its employees, agents and subcontractors.
In May 2015, the Ship Management Agreements were amended to delete the annual incentive bonus and superintendent fees clauses, with effect from April 1, 2015.
In April 2016, the Ship Management Agreements were amended to consolidate all ship management related fees into a single fee structure.
Commercial Management Agreements
Our operating subsidiaries have entered into commercial management agreements with GasLog that were amended upon completion of the IPO, pursuant to which GasLog provides certain commercial management services to us. The annual commercial management fee is $360,000 for each vessel payable quarterly in advance. The aggregate fees and expenses under these commercial management agreements for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $4.6 million which related to the five vessels acquired from GasLog in 2014, the three vessels acquired from GasLog in 2015, the vessel acquired from GasLog in 2016, the three vessels acquired in 2017 and the GasLog Gibraltar and the Methane Becki Anne from their acquisition in April and November 2018, respectively.
The amended commercial management agreements require that GasLog use their best endeavors to perform, among others, the following management services:
Contribution Agreement
On May 12, 2014, we entered into a contribution agreement with GasLog and certain of its subsidiaries that effected certain formation transactions in connection with our IPO, including the transfer of the ownership interests in our initial fleet, and the use of the net proceeds of the IPO.
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Credit Facilities
On April 3, 2017, we entered into a new unsecured five-year term loan of $45.0 million and a new five-year revolving credit facility of $30.0 million with GasLog. For a more detailed description of this credit facility, please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. Liquidity and Capital ResourcesBorrowing ActivitiesRevolving Credit Facility with GasLog".
In connection with the acquisition of the Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth and the Methane Heather Sally in July 2015, we and GasLog Partners Holdings entered into a guarantee agreement pursuant to which we and GasLog Partners Holdings guaranteed the obligations of GAS-nineteen Ltd., the owner of the Methane Alison Victoria , GAS-twenty Ltd., the owner of the Methane Shirley Elisabeth , and GAS-twenty one Ltd., the owner of the Methane Heather Sally , under the then existing facility agreement between such entities as borrowers, Citibank N.A., London Branch, as mandated lead arranger, bookrunner and security agent, the financial institutions listed in Schedule 1 thereto as lenders and Citibank International Plc as agent of the other finance parties.
In connection with the acquisition of the GasLog Seattle in November 2016, we and GasLog Partners Holdings entered into a guarantee agreement pursuant to which we and GasLog Partners Holdings guaranteed up to the amount of outstanding commitment made available to GAS-seven Ltd., the owner of the GasLog Seattle , ($120.1 million as of December 31, 2018) of the obligations under the $1,050.0 million Legacy Facility Refinancing. In October 2017, in connection with the acquisition of the Solaris , we and GasLog Partners Holdings extended the guarantee agreement to guarantee up to the amount of outstanding commitment made available to GAS-eight Ltd., the owner of the Solaris , ($122.0 million as of December 31, 2018). GasLog provides a guarantee on the Legacy Facility Refinancing, including the commitments made available to GAS-seven Ltd. and GAS-eight Ltd.
On April 5, 2016, we and GasLog Partners Holdings entered into a guarantee pursuant to which we and GasLog Partners Holdings guaranteed up to the amount of outstanding loans available to GAS-nineteen Ltd., the owner of the Methane Alison Victoria , GAS-twenty Ltd., the owner of the Methane Shirley Elisabeth, and GAS-twenty one Ltd., the owner of the Methane Heather Sally , under the Five Vessel Refinancing among GAS-eighteen Ltd., the owner of the Methane Lydon Volney , a GasLog owned vessel, GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd., GAS-twenty one Ltd. and GAS-twenty seven Ltd., the owner of the Methane Becki Anne , as borrowers and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and DNB (UK) Ltd. as mandated lead arrangers, original lenders and bookrunners. In November 2018, in connection with the acquisition of the Methane Becki Anne , we and GasLog Partners Holdings extended the guarantee agreement to guarantee up to the amount of outstanding commitment made available to GAS-twenty seven Ltd.. As of December 31, 2018, the amount outstanding under the loans available to GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd. and GAS-twenty one Ltd. was $171.7 million and Gas-twenty seven Ltd. was $93.9 million. GasLog provides a guarantee on the total obligations under the facilities, including the commitments made available to GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd., GAS-twenty one Ltd. and GAS-twenty seven Ltd.
On May 25, 2017, in connection with the acquisition of the GasLog Greece , we and GasLog Partners Holdings entered into a guarantee pursuant to which we and GasLog Partners Holdings guaranteed up to the amount of outstanding loan available to GAS-eleven Ltd. under the Assumed October 2015 Facility among GAS-eleven Ltd., GAS-twelve Ltd., GAS-thirteen Ltd., Gas-fourteen Ltd., GAS-twenty two Ltd., GAS-twenty three Ltd., GAS-twenty four Ltd., GAS-twenty five Ltd., as borrowers, and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, Nordea Bank AB, London Branch, The Export-Import Bank of Korea, Bank of America, National Association, BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Credit Suisse AG, HSBC Bank plc, ING Bank N.V., London Branch, KEB Hana Bank, London Branch, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, National Australia Bank Limited, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Societe Generale and The Korea Development Bank as mandated lead arrangers with Nordea Bank AB, London Branch as agent, security agent, global co-ordinator and
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bookrunner and Citibank N.A., London Branch as export credit agent, global co-ordinator, bookrunner and export credit agent co-ordinator. On June 28, 2017, in connection with the acquisition of the GasLog Geneva , we and GasLog Partners Holdings extended the guarantee agreement to guarantee up to the amount of outstanding commitment made available to GAS-thirteen Ltd. In April 2018, in connection with the acquisition of the GasLog Gibraltar , we and GasLog Partners Holdings extended the guarantee agreement to guarantee up to the amount of outstanding commitment made available to GAS-fourteen Ltd. As of December 31, 2018, the amount outstanding under the loans available to GAS-eleven Ltd. was $134.7 million, GAS-thirteen Ltd. was $137.9 million and GAS-fourteen Ltd. was $137.9 million.
Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers which provide, among other things, that we will indemnify our directors and officers, under the circumstances and to the extent provided for therein, for expenses, damages, judgments, fines, settlements and fees that they may be required to pay in actions or proceedings to which they are or may be made a party by reason of such person's position as a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Partnership, subject to, and to the maximum extent permitted by, applicable law.
Share Purchase Agreements
On October 27, 2016, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to purchase from GasLog Carriers, a direct subsidiary of GasLog, 100% of the ownership interest in GAS-seven Ltd., the entity that owned the GasLog Seattle, for a purchase price of $189.0 million. GasLog has operated the GasLog Seattle since its delivery in 2013. The acquisition closed on November 1, 2016. In connection with the transaction, the Partnership acquired GAS-seven Ltd. with $1.0 million of positive net working capital existing at the time of closing.
On March 23, 2017, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to purchase from GasLog Carriers, a direct subsidiary of GasLog, 100% of the ownership interest in GAS-eleven Ltd., the entity that owned the GasLog Greece, for a purchase price of $219.0 million. GasLog has operated the GasLog Greece since its delivery in 2016. The acquisition closed on May 3, 2017. In connection with the transaction, the Partnership acquired GAS-eleven Ltd. with $1.0 million of positive net working capital existing at the time of closing.
On June 1, 2017, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to purchase from GasLog Carriers, a direct subsidiary of GasLog, 100% of the ownership interest in GAS-thirteen Ltd., the entity that owned the GasLog Geneva, for a purchase price of $211.0 million. GasLog has operated the GasLog Geneva since its delivery in 2016. The acquisition closed on July 3, 2017. In connection with the transaction, the Partnership acquired GAS-thirteen Ltd. with $1.0 million of positive net working capital existing at the time of closing.
On September 19, 2017, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to purchase from GasLog Carriers, a direct subsidiary of GasLog, 100% of the ownership interest in GAS-eight Ltd., the entity that owned the Solaris, for a purchase price of $185.9 million. The Solaris has been operated and managed by Shell since its delivery in 2014. The acquisition closed on May 3, 2017. In connection with the transaction, the Partnership acquired GAS-eight Ltd. with $1.0 million of positive net working capital existing at the time of closing.
On April 16, 2018, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to purchase from GasLog Carriers, a direct subsidiary of GasLog, 100% of the ownership interest in GAS-fourteen Ltd., the entity that owned the GasLog Gibraltar, for a purchase price of $207 million including $45.0 million new privately placed common units issued to GasLog (1,858,975 common units at a price of $24.21 per unit). GasLog has operated the GasLog Gibraltar since its delivery in 2016. The acquisition closed on
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April 26, 2018. In connection with the transaction, the Partnership acquired GAS-fourteen Ltd. with $1.0 million of positive net working capital existing at the time of closing.
On October 30, 2018, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to purchase from GasLog Carriers, a direct subsidiary of GasLog, 100% of the ownership interest in GAS-twenty seven Ltd., the entity that owned the Methane Becki Anne, for a purchase price of $207.4 million. GasLog has technically managed the Methane Becki Anne since its delivery in 2010. The acquisition closed on November 14, 2018.
Exchange Agreement
On November 27, 2018, we entered into an agreement with GasLog to modify the partnership agreement with respect to the general partner's incentive distribution rights. The modification reduced the distributions of cash upon liquidation and the general partner's incentive distribution rights on quarterly distributions above $0.5625 per unit, each from 48% to 23%. GasLog further agreed to waive incentive distribution right payments resulting from any asset or business acquired by us from a third party (a "Non-GasLog Acquisition"). In exchange for these modifications, we entered into an Exchange Agreement with GasLog and GasLog Partners GP LLC under which we paid $25.0 million to GasLog, sourced from available cash..
In addition, in connection with the acquisitions described above, the respective vessel owning entities have entered into ship management and commercial management agreements with GasLog. See "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party TransactionB. Related Party Transactions".
Other Related Party Transactions
As a result of our relationships with GasLog and its affiliates, we, our general partner and our subsidiaries have entered into or will enter into various agreements that will not be the result of arm's length negotiations. We generally refer to these agreements and the transactions that they provide for as "transactions with affiliates" or "related party transactions".
Our partnership agreement sets forth procedures by which future related party transactions may be approved or resolved by our board of directors. Pursuant to our partnership agreement, our board of directors may, but is not required to, seek the approval of a related party transaction from the conflicts committee of our board of directors or from the common unitholders (excluding common units owned by our general partner and its affiliates). Neither our general partner nor our board of directors will be in breach of their obligations under the partnership agreement or their duties stated or implied by law or equity if the transaction is approved by the conflicts committee or the requisite majority of the common unitholders. If approval of the conflicts committee is sought, then the conflicts committee will be authorized to consider any and all factors as it determines to be relevant or appropriate under the circumstances and it will be presumed that, in making its decision, the conflicts committee acted in good faith. In order for a determination or other action to be in "good faith" for purposes of the partnership agreement, the person or persons making such determination or taking or declining to take such other action must reasonably believe that the determination or other action is in our best interests.
Our conflicts committee is comprised of three members of our board of directors. The conflicts committee is available at the board of directors' discretion to review specific matters that the board of directors believes may involve conflicts of interest. The members of the conflicts committee must and do meet the independence standards established by the NYSE and the SEC to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors, and are not and may not be any of the following: (a) officers or employees of our general partner, (b) officers, directors or employees of any affiliate of our general partner (other than the Partnership and its subsidiaries) or (c) holders of any ownership interest in the general partner, its affiliates or the Partnership and its subsidiaries (other than (x) common units or (y) awards granted pursuant to any long-term incentive plan of the Partnership or its subsidiaries).
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Transactions with our affiliates that are not approved by the conflicts committee and that do not involve a vote of common unitholders must be on terms no less favorable to us than those generally provided to or available from unrelated third parties or be "fair and reasonable" to us. In determining whether a transaction or resolution is "fair and reasonable", our board of directors may consider the totality of the relationships between the parties involved, including other transactions that may be particularly advantageous or beneficial to us. If our board of directors does not seek approval by the conflicts committee or the requisite majority of the common unitholders and instead determines that the terms of a transaction with an affiliate are no less favorable to us than those generally provided to or available from unrelated third parties or are "fair and reasonable" to us, it will be presumed that, in making its decision, our board of directors acted in good faith and, in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or the partnership, the person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption.
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See "Item 18. Financial Statements" below.
Legal Proceedings
We have not been involved in any legal proceedings that we believe may have a significant effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity, and we are not aware of any proceedings that are pending or threatened that may have a material effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity. From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, principally property damage and personal injury claims. We expect that those claims would be covered by insurance, subject to customary deductibles. However, those claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources.
Our Cash Distribution Policy
Rationale for Our Cash Distribution Policy
Our cash distribution policy reflects a judgment that our common unitholders are better served by our distributing our available cash (after deducting expenses, including estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures and reserves) rather than retaining it, because we believe we will generally finance any expansion capital expenditures from external financing sources. Our cash distribution policy is consistent with the terms of our partnership agreement, which requires that we distribute all of our available cash quarterly (after deducting expenses, including estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures and reserves).
Limitations on Cash Distributions and Our Ability to Change Our Cash Distribution Policy
There is no guarantee that unitholders will receive quarterly distributions from us. Our distribution policy is subject to certain restrictions and may be changed at any time, including:
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Our ability to make distributions to our unitholders depends on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute cash to us. The ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us may be restricted by, among other things, the provisions of existing and future indebtedness, applicable limited partnership and limited liability company laws in the Marshall Islands and other laws and regulations.
Preference Units Distribution Requirements
Distributions on our Preference Units are payable quarterly on each of March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, or the next succeeding business day, as and if declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds for such purpose.
For the Series A Preference Units, from and including May 15, 2017 to, but excluding, June 15, 2027, the distribution rate is 8.625% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit (equal to $2.15625 per annum per unit). From and including June 15, 2027, the distribution rate for the Series A Preference Units will be a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.31% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit. The distribution rates are not subject to
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adjustment. We paid distributions to holders of our Series A Preference Units of $0.5390625 per unit on March 15, 2018, June 15, 2018, September 17, 2018 and December 17, 2018.
For the Series B Preference Units, from and including January 17, 2018 to, but excluding, March 15, 2023, the distribution rate is 8.200% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit (equal to $2.05 per annum per unit). From and including March 15, 2023, the distribution rate for the Series B Preference Units will be a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.839% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit. The distribution rates are not subject to adjustment. We paid distributions to holders of our Series B Preference Units of $0.33028 per unit on March 15, 2018 and $0.5125 per unit on June 15, 2018, September 17, 2018 and December 17, 2018.
For the Series C Preference Units, from and including November 15, 2018 to, but excluding, March 15, 2024, the distribution rate is 8.500% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit (equal to $2.05 per annum per unit). From and including March 15, 2024, the distribution rate for the Series C Preference Units will be a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.317% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit. The distribution rates are not subject to adjustment.
Our Preference Unit distribution payment obligations impact our future liquidity needs. If we do not pay our Preference Unit distributions, we will not be able to pay distributions to our common unitholders.
Minimum Quarterly Distribution
Common unitholders are entitled under our partnership agreement to receive a quarterly distribution of $0.375 per unit, or $1.50 per unit per year, after distributions are made on Preference Units, to the extent we have sufficient cash on hand to pay the distribution after we establish cash reserves and pay fees and expenses. There is no guarantee that we will pay the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units in any quarter. Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions paid under our policy and the decision to make any distribution are determined by our board of directors, taking into consideration the terms of our partnership agreement. We are effectively prohibited from making any distributions to unitholders if it would cause an event of default, or an event of default is then existing, under our financing agreements. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a discussion of the restrictions contained in our financing agreements that may restrict our ability to make distributions.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the aggregate amount of cash distribution paid to common unitholders was $91.0 million.
Distributions of Available Cash From Operating Surplus
We will make distributions of available cash from operating surplus after payment of Preference Unit distributions for any quarter in the following manner:
The preceding paragraph is based on the assumption that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.
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General Partner Interest
Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner initially will be entitled to 2.0% of all distributions that we make prior to our liquidation. Our general partner has the right, but not the obligation, to contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest if we issue additional common units. Our general partner's 2.0% interest, and the percentage of our cash distributions to which it is entitled, will be proportionately reduced if we issue additional common units in the future and our general partner does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us in order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest. Our general partner will be entitled to make a capital contribution in order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in the form of the contribution to us of common units based on the current market value of the contributed common units.
Incentive Distribution Rights
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after deducting Preference Unit distributions after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels have been achieved. GasLog currently holds the incentive distribution rights. The incentive distribution rights may be transferred separately from any other interests, subject to restrictions in the partnership agreement. Except for transfers of incentive distribution rights to an affiliate or another entity as part of a merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of substantially all of the assets to, such entity, the approval of a majority of our common units (excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates), voting separately as a class, generally is required for a transfer of the incentive distribution rights to a third party prior to March 31, 2019. Any transfer by GasLog of the incentive distribution rights would not change the percentage allocations of quarterly distributions with respect to such rights.
On November 27, 2018, we entered into an agreement with GasLog to modify the partnership agreement with respect to the general partner's incentive distribution rights. The modification reduced distributions of cash upon liquidation and the general partner's incentive distribution rights on quarterly distributions above $0.5625 per unit, each from 48% to 23%. GasLog further agreed to waive incentive distribution right payments resulting from any Non-GasLog Acquisition. In exchange for these modifications, we paid $25.0 million to GasLog, sourced from available cash.
The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of the additional available cash from operating surplus following this agreement among the unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights up to the various target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under "Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions" are the percentage interests of the common unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights (as reduced pro rata by available cash derived from Non-GasLog Acquisitions, if any) in any available cash from operating surplus. After deducting Preference Unit distributions, we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the column "Total Quarterly Distribution Target Amount", until available cash from operating surplus we distribute reaches the next target distribution level, if any. The percentage interests shown for the common unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights for the minimum quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution. The percentage interests shown for our
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general partner include its 2.0% general partner interest only and assume that our general partner has contributed any capital necessary to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest.
|
Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total Quarterly
Distribution Target Amount |
Unitholders |
General
Partner |
Holders of
Incentive Distribution Rights (1) |
||||||||
Minimum Quarterly Distribution |
$0.375 | 98.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 0 | % | |||||
First Target Distribution |
$0.375 up to $0.43125 | 98.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 0 | % | |||||
Second Target Distribution |
$0.43125 up to $0.46875 | 85.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 13.0 | % | |||||
Thereafter |
Above $0.46875 | 75.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 23.0 | % |
B. Significant Changes
See "Item 18. Financial StatementsNote 20. Subsequent Events" below.
Trading on the New York Stock Exchange
Since our IPO in the United States, our common units have been listed on the NYSE under the symbol "GLOP".
Our Series A Preference Units have been trading on the NYSE under the symbol "GLOP PR A" since May 10, 2017.
Our Series B Preference Units have been trading on the NYSE under the symbol "GLOP PR B" since January 11, 2018.
Our Series C Preference Units have been trading on the NYSE under the symbol "GLOP PR C" since November 15, 2018.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum of Association
The information required to be disclosed under Item 10.B is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Current Report on Form 6-K furnished with the SEC on November 27, 2018.
C. Material Contracts
The following is a summary of each material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party, for the two years immediately preceding the date of this annual report. Such summaries are not intended to be complete and reference is made to the contracts themselves, which are exhibits to this annual report.
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D. Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Security Holders
We are not aware of any governmental laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation, including foreign exchange controls, in the Republic of the Marshall Islands that may affect the import or export of capital, including the availability of cash and cash equivalents for use by the Partnership, or the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of securities.
E. Tax Considerations
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to prospective unitholders. This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all as in effect or existence on the date of this annual report and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences of unit ownership to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to "we", "our" or "us" are references to GasLog Partners LP.
The following discussion applies only to beneficial owners of common units or Preference Units that own the common units or Preference Units as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (i.e., generally, for investment purposes) and is not intended to be applicable to all categories of investors, such as unitholders subject to special tax rules (e.g., financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, retirement plans or individual retirement accounts or former citizens or long-term residents of the United States), persons who will hold the units as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, each of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. If a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common units or Preference Units, the tax treatment of its partners generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our common units or Preference Units, you are encouraged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our common units or Preference Units.
No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding any matter affecting us or prospective unitholders. The statements made herein may be challenged by the IRS and, if so challenged, may not be sustained upon review in a court. This discussion does not contain information regarding any U.S. state or local, estate, gift or alternative minimum tax considerations concerning the ownership or disposition of common units or Preference Units. This discussion does not comment on all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to particular unitholders in light of their individual circumstances, and each prospective unitholder is encouraged to consult its own tax
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advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of common units or Preference Units.
Election to be Treated as a Corporation
We have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, U.S. Holders (as defined below) will not be directly subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income, but rather will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on distributions received from us and dispositions of units as described below.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of our common units or Preference Units that owns (actually or constructively) less than 10.0% of our equity and that is:
Distributions
Subject to the discussion below of the rules applicable to PFICs, any distributions to a U.S. Holder made by us with respect to our common units or Preference Units generally will constitute dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. 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 its common units or Preference Units and thereafter as capital gain. U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividend received deduction with respect to distributions they receive from us. Dividends received with respect to our common units or Preference Units generally will be treated as foreign source "passive category income" for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Dividends received with respect to our common units or Preference Units by a U.S. Holder that is an individual, trust or estate, or a "U.S. Individual Holder", generally will be treated as "qualified dividend income", which is taxable to such U.S. Individual Holder at preferential tax rates provided that: (i) our common units or Preference Units, as the case may be, are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NYSE on which our common units and Preference Units are currently traded); (ii) we are not a PFIC for the tax year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding tax year (which we do not believe we are, have been or will be, as discussed below under "PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences"); (iii) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the common units or Preference Units for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common units or Preference Units become ex-dividend (and has not entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such common units or Preference Units); and (iv) the U.S. Individual Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. There is no
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assurance that any dividends paid on our common units or Preference Units will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder, and any distributions paid on our common units or Preference Units that are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed at ordinary income rates to a U.S. Individual Holder.
Special rules may apply to any amounts received in respect of our common units or Preference Units that are treated as "extraordinary dividends". In general, an extraordinary dividend is a dividend with respect to a common unit that is equal to or in excess of 10.0% of a unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value upon the unitholder's election) in such common unit (5% in the case of Preference Units). In addition, extraordinary dividends include dividends received within a one-year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20.0% of a unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value). If we pay an "extraordinary dividend" on our common units or Preference Units that is treated as "qualified dividend income", then any loss recognized by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such common units or Preference Units will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of such dividend.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common units or Preference Units
Subject to the discussion of PFIC status below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our units 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 adjusted tax basis in such units. The U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in its units generally will be the U.S. Holder's purchase price for the units and that tax basis will be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any distributions on the units that are treated as non-taxable returns of capital (as discussed above under "Distributions"). Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Certain U.S. Holders (including individuals) may be eligible for preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax in respect of long-term capital gains. A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations. Such capital gain or loss generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss, as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.
Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income
Certain U.S. Holders, including individuals, estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of equity interests. For individuals, the additional Medicare tax applies to the lesser of (i) "net investment income" or (ii) the excess of "modified adjusted gross income" over $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly or $125,000 if married and filing separately). "Net investment income" generally equals the taxpayer's gross investment income reduced by deductions that are allocable to such income. Unitholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from their ownership and disposition of our common units or Preference Units.
PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences
Adverse U.S. federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that owns an equity interest in a non-U.S. corporation that is classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any tax year in which the holder held our units, either:
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Income earned, or treated as earned (for U.S. federal income tax purposes), by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income generally would constitute "passive income" unless we were treated as deriving that rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business under the applicable rules.
Based on our current and projected methods of operation, and an opinion of counsel, we do not believe that we are or will be a PFIC for our current or any future tax year. We have received an opinion of our U.S. counsel, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, in support of this position that concludes that the income our subsidiaries earn from certain of our present time-chartering activities should not constitute passive income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. In addition, we have represented to our U.S. counsel that we expect that more than 25.0% of our gross income for our current tax year and each future year will arise from such time-chartering activities, and more than 50.0% of the average value of our assets for each such year will be held for the production of such nonpassive income. Assuming the composition of our income and assets is consistent with these expectations, and assuming the accuracy of other representations we have made to our U.S. counsel for purposes of their opinion, our U.S. counsel is of the opinion that we should not be a PFIC for our current tax year or any future year.
Our counsel has indicated to us that the conclusions described above are not free from doubt. While there is legal authority supporting our conclusions, including IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters as services income, the Fifth Circuit held in Tidewater Inc. v. United States , 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009) that income derived from certain marine time charter agreements should be treated as rental income rather than services income for purposes of a "foreign sales corporation" provision of the Code. In that case, the Fifth Circuit did not address the definition of passive income or the PFIC rules; however, the reasoning of the case could have implications as to how the income from a time charter would be classified under such rules. If the reasoning of this case were extended to the PFIC context, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time-chartering activities may be treated as rental income, and we would likely be treated as a PFIC. The IRS has announced its nonacquiescence with the court's holding in the Tidewater case and, at the same time, announced the position of the IRS that the marine time charter agreements at issue in that case should be treated as service contracts.
Distinguishing between arrangements treated as generating rental income and those treated as generating services income involves weighing and balancing competing factual considerations, and there is no legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our specific method of operation. Conclusions in this area therefore remain matters of interpretation. We are not seeking a ruling from the IRS on the treatment of income generated from our time-chartering operations, and the opinion of our counsel is not binding on the IRS or any court. Thus, while we have received an opinion of counsel in support of our position, it is possible that the IRS or a court could disagree with this position and the opinion of our counsel. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any tax year, we cannot assure unitholders that the nature of our operations will not change in the future and that we will not become a PFIC in any future tax year.
As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any tax year, a U.S. Holder would be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a "Qualified Electing Fund", which 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 units or Preference Units, as discussed below. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our common units or Preference Units during any tax year that we are a PFIC, such units owned
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by such holder will be treated as PFIC units even if we are not a PFIC in a subsequent year and, if the total value of all PFIC stock that such holder directly or indirectly owns exceeds certain thresholds, such holder must file IRS Form 8621 with your U.S. federal income tax return to report your ownership of our common units or Preference Units.
The PFIC rules are complex, and you are encouraged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the PFIC rules, including the annual PFIC reporting requirement.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a Timely QEF Election
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any tax year, and a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election, such holder hereinafter an "Electing Holder", then, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that holder must report as income for its tax year its pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for our tax years that end with or within the tax year for which that holder is reporting, regardless of whether or not the Electing Holder received distributions from us in that year. The Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units or Preference Units will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that were previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in common units or Preference Units and will not be taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units or Preference Units. A U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a PFIC by filing IRS Form 8621 with its U.S. federal income tax return. If contrary to our expectations, we determine that we are treated as a PFIC for any tax year, we will provide each U.S. Holder with the information necessary to make the QEF election described above. Although the QEF election is available with respect to subsidiaries, in the event we acquire or own a subsidiary in the future that is treated as a PFIC, no assurances can be made that we will be able to provide U.S. Holders with the necessary information to make the QEF election with respect to such subsidiary.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a "Mark-to-Market" Election
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any tax year and, as we anticipate, our units were treated as "marketable stock", then, as an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our common units or Preference Units, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. If that election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each tax year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the U.S. Holder's common units or Preference Units at the end of the tax year over the holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units or Preference Units. The U.S. Holder also would be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units or Preference Units over the fair market value thereof at the end of the tax year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in its common units or Preference Units would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss recognized. Gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units or Preference Units would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common units or Preference Units would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included in income by the U.S. Holder. The mark-to-market election generally will not be available with respect to subsidiaries. Accordingly, in the event we acquire or own a subsidiary in the future that is treated as a PFIC, the mark-to-market election generally will not be available with respect to such subsidiary.
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Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or Mark-to-Market Election
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any tax year, a U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF election or a "mark-to-market" election for that year, such holder hereinafter a "Non-Electing Holder", would be subject to special rules resulting in increased tax liability with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on our common units or Preference Units in a tax year in excess of 125.0% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding tax years, or, if shorter, the portion of the Non- Electing Holder's holding period for the common units or Preference Units before the tax year) and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the units. Under these special rules:
These penalties would not apply to a qualified pension, profit sharing or other retirement trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow money or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of our common units or Preference Units. If we were treated as a PFIC for any tax year and a Non-Electing Holder who is an individual dies while owning our common units or Preference Units, such holder's successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to such units.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders
A beneficial owner of our common units or Preference Units (other than a partnership or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to as a Non-U.S. Holder. If you are a partner in a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holding our common units or Preference Units, you are encouraged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our common units or Preference Units.
Distributions
Distributions we pay to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax if the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business, our distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent they constitute income "effectively connected" with the Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. trade or business. However, distributions paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business may be exempt from taxation under an income tax treaty and, if, required by such income tax treaty, the income arising from the distribution is not attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder.
Disposition of Units
In general, a Non-U.S. Holder is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain resulting from the disposition of our common units or Preference Units provided the Non-U.S.
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Holder is not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. A Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the event the gain from the disposition of units is "effectively connected" with the conduct of such U.S. trade or business (provided, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States (and required by such income tax treaty), such gain also is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment). However, even if not engaged in a U.S. trade or business, individual Non-U.S. Holders may be subject to tax on gain resulting from the disposition of our common units or Preference Units if they are present in the United States for 183 days or more during the tax year in which those units are disposed and meet certain other requirements.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, payments to a U.S. Individual Holder of distributions or the proceeds of a disposition of common units or Preference Units will be subject to information reporting. These payments to a U.S. Individual Holder also may be subject to backup withholding if the U.S. Individual Holder:
Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI or W-8IMY, as applicable.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a unitholder generally may obtain a credit for any amount withheld against its liability for U.S. federal income tax (and obtain a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of such liability) by timely filing a U.S. federal income tax return with the IRS.
In addition, individual citizens or residents of the United States holding certain "foreign financial assets" (which generally includes stock and other securities issued by a foreign person unless held in an account maintained by a financial institution) that exceed certain thresholds (the lowest being holding foreign financial assets with an aggregate value in excess of: (1) $50,000 on the last day of the tax year or (2) $75,000 at any time during the tax year) are required to report information relating to such assets. Significant penalties may apply for failure to satisfy the reporting obligations described above. Unitholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations, if any, that would result from their purchase, ownership or disposition of our units.
Marshall Islands Tax Consequences
The following discussion is based upon the current laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands applicable to persons who are not residents of, maintain offices in, engage in business in the Republic of the Marshall Islands or who are not citizens of the Marshall Islands.
Because we and our subsidiaries do not and do not expect to conduct business or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law you will not be subject to Marshall Islands taxation or withholding on distributions, including upon distribution treated as a return of capital, we make to you as a unitholder. In addition, you will not be subject to Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of common units, and you will not be required by the Republic of the Marshall Islands to file a tax return in the Republic of the Marshall Islands relating to your ownership of common units.
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EACH PROSPECTIVE UNITHOLDER IS ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX COUNSEL OR OTHER ADVISOR WITH REGARD TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF UNIT OWNERSHIP UNDER ITS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
We are subject to the informational requirements of the "Exchange Act". In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information as a foreign private issuer with the SEC. You may obtain copies of all or any part of such materials from the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. You may also inspect reports and other information regarding companies, such as us, that file electronically with the SEC without charge at a web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to various market risks, including interest rate and foreign currency exchange risks. From time to time, we may make use of derivative financial instruments such as derivative contracts to maintain the desired level of exposure arising from these risks.
A discussion of our accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included in Note 2 to our annual consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. Further information on our exposure to market risk is included in Note 15 to our annual consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
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ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
There has been no material default in the payment of principal, interest, sinking or purchase fund installments or any other material default relating to the Partnership's debt. There have been no arrears in payment of dividends on, or material delinquency with respect to, any class of preference shares of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
On November 27, 2018, we and GasLog entered into an agreement to modify the partnership agreement with respect to the general partner incentive distribution rights. The modification reduced the general partner's incentive distribution rights on quarterly distributions above $0.5625 per unit from 48% to 23%. GasLog further agreed to waive the incentive distribution payments resulting from any asset or business acquired by us from a third party. In connection with the modification to the incentive distribution rights we entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership which replaced the Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement in its entirety. Please see our Fifth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, filed as an exhibit hereto, for additional information about our incentive distribution rights.
On November 15, 2018, we completed a public offering of our Series C Preference Units, on January 17, 2018, we completed a public offering of our Series B Preference Units and on May 15, 2017, we completed a public offering of our Series A Preference Units. Our Preference Units rank senior to our common units and to each other class or series of limited partner interests or other equity securities established after the original issue of the Preference Units that is not expressly made senior to or on a parity with the Preference Units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon a liquidation event. In connection with the issuance of the Series A Preference Units, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership which replaced the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership in its entirety. In connection with the issuance of the Series B Preference Units, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership which replaced the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership in its entirety. In connection with the issuance of the Series C Preference Units, we entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership which replaced the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership in its entirety. Please see our Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, filed as an exhibit hereto, for additional information about our units.
In October 2014, our board of directors approved an amendment to the Partnership's First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership that (1) increased the number of directors from five to seven, (2) provided that, following the 2015 annual meeting, the board shall consist of four appointed directors (rather than three as provided under the prior partnership agreement) and three elected directors (rather than two as provided under the prior partnership agreement) and (3) established that Class III of the elected directors shall comprise one elected director, or two elected directors following the surrender by the general partner of its right to appoint one appointed director (rather than the Class III seat being empty until such surrender, as provided under the prior partnership agreement).
On May 12, 2014, we closed our IPO, pursuant to which we issued and sold 9,660,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $21.00 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $202.86 million. GasLog used the net IPO proceeds of $186.03 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses paid by the Partnership, to (a) prepay $82.63 million of debt plus accrued interest of $0.42 million, (b) make a payment of $2.28 million (including $0.27 million accrued
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interest) to settle the mark-to-market loss on termination of one interest rate swap and reduction of a second interest rate swap in connection with the aforementioned debt prepayment, (c) make a $65.70 million payment to GasLog in exchange for its contribution of net assets in connection with the IPO. As of the date of this annual report, we have substantially used all of the balance of $35.00 million for general partnership purposes including working capital and vessel acquisitions.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of December 31, 2018. Based on our evaluation, the CEO and the CFO have concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
B. Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our internal controls over financial reporting are designed under the supervision of our CEO and CFO to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal controls over financial reporting, misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the Internal ControlIntegrated Framework (2013 framework). Based on the evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.
C. Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 has been audited by Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears below.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Unitholders of GasLog Partners LP
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of GasLog Partners LP and subsidiaries (the "Partnership") as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Partnership maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, of the Partnership and our report dated February 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Partnership's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
London, United Kingdom
February 26, 2019
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D. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no material changes to the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16.A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Robert B. Allardice III, whose biographical details are included in "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesA. Directors and Senior Management", qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert". Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that Mr. Allardice meets the definition of "independent director" for purposes of serving on an audit committee under applicable SEC and NYSE rules.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all directors, officers, employees and agents of the Partnership, a copy of which is posted on our website and may be viewed at http://www.gaslogmlp.com. We will also provide a paper copy of this document upon the written request at no cost. Unitholders may direct their requests to the attention of our General Counsel, GasLog Partners LP, Gildo Pastor Center, 7 Rue du Gabian, MC 98000, Monaco. No waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics have been granted to any person during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
We have also adopted a Trading Policy that generally prohibits directors, officers, employees, controlling unitholders and their respective related parties ("Covered Persons") from trading in securities of the Partnership while in possession of material non-public information regarding the Partnership, or in securities of any other company while in possession of material non-public information regarding that company, which knowledge was obtained in the course of service to or employment with GasLog. The Trading Policy also imposes certain pre-clearance requirements and quarterly blackout periods. In addition, among other things, the Trading Policy generally prohibits Covered Persons from (i) trading in equity securities of the Partnership on a short-term basis, (ii) purchasing securities of the Partnership on margin, (iii) purchasing or selling derivatives related to securities of the Partnership (except for certain "permitted hedging derivatives", which the Trading Policy defines as any derivative transaction to (x) hedge a position in Partnership securities held by the relevant Covered Person for more than 12 months, (y) with respect to the number of Partnership securities less than or equal to the amount such Covered Person could sell at such time in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and (z) otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Trading Policy) and (iv) selling Partnership securities short (other than short sales effected by an independent financial institution that is party to a permitted hedging derivative, in accordance with its own standard practices and procedures, for the purpose of hedging its own position as a party to, or facilitating the entry by a Covered Person into, such permitted hedging derivative).
ITEM 16.C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Deloitte LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our annual financial statements acting as our independent auditor for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018.
The table below sets forth the total amount billed and accrued for Deloitte LLP for services performed in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and breaks down these amounts by the category of service.
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The fees paid to our principal accountant were approved in accordance with the pre-approval policies and procedures described below.
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(Expressed in
millions of U.S. Dollars) |
||||||
Audit fees |
$ | 0.59 | $ | 0.68 | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total fees |
$ | 0.59 | $ | 0.68 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Audit Fees
Audit fees represent compensation for professional services rendered for the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership, fees for the review of the quarterly financial information, as well as in connection with the review of registration statements and related consents and comfort letters, and any other services required for SEC or other regulatory filings.
Included in the audit fees for 2017 are fees of $0.22 million related to the Partnership's public offerings completed in 2017. Included in the audit fees for 2018 are fees of $0.20 million related to the Partnership's public offerings completed in 2018.
Tax Fees
No tax fees were billed by our principal accountant in 2017 and 2018.
Audit-related Fees
No audit-related fees were billed by our principal accountant in 2017 and 2018.
All Other Fees
No other fees were billed by our principal accountant in 2017 and 2018.
Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
Our Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent auditors. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing and approving in advance the retention of the independent auditors for the performance of all audit and lawfully permitted non-audit services.
ITEM 16.D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
None.
ITEM 16.E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
On January 30, 2019, the Partnership announced that its board of directors approved a unit repurchase program of up to $25 million of the Partnership's common units covering the period from January 31, 2019 to December 31, 2021. Under the terms of the repurchase program, the Partnership may repurchase common units from time to time, at the Partnership's discretion, on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Any repurchases are subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The Partnership is not obligated under the repurchase programe to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of common units, and the repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time or never utilized. Any common units
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repurchased by the Partnership under the programe will be cancelled. As of February 21, 2019, no common units had been repurchased by the Partnership.
In April 2018, we issued 1,858,975 common units to GasLog in a private placement to partially finance the acquisition of the GasLog Gibraltar at a price of $24.21 per common unit.
ITEM 16.F. CHANGE IN PARTNERSHIP'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
None.
ITEM 16.G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Statement of Significant Differences Between Our Corporate Governance Practices and the New York Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Standards for U.S. Non-Controlled Issuers
Overview
Pursuant to certain exceptions for foreign private issuers, the Partnership is not required to comply with certain of the corporate governance practices followed by U.S. companies under the NYSE listing standards. However, pursuant to Section 303.A.11 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and the requirements of Form 20-F, we are required to state any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from the practices required by the NYSE for U.S. companies. We believe that our established practices in the area of corporate governance are in line with the spirit of the NYSE standards and provide adequate protection to our unitholders. The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE standards applicable to listed U.S. companies are set forth below.
Independence of Directors
The NYSE rules do not require a listed company that is a foreign private issuer to have a board of directors that is comprised of a majority of independent directors. Under Marshall Islands law, we are not required to have a board of directors comprised of a majority of directors meeting the independence standards described in the NYSE rules. In addition, NYSE rules do not require limited partnerships like us to have boards of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors. Accordingly, our board of directors is not required to be comprised of a majority of independent directors. However, our board of directors has determined that each of Robert B. Allardice III, Daniel R. Bradshaw, Pamela M. Gibson and Michael G. Gialouris satisfies the independence standards established by the NYSE as applicable to us.
Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee
The NYSE rules do not require foreign private issuers or limited partnerships like us to establish a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee. Similarly, under Marshall Islands law, we are not required to have a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee. Accordingly, we do not have a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee.
ITEM 16.H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
145
Not applicable.
Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-51 included herein by reference.
146
147
148
149
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
GASLOG PARTNERS LP, | ||||||
|
|
By |
|
/s/ ANDREW J. OREKAR |
||
Name: | Andrew J. Orekar | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Dated: February 26, 2019
150
GASLOG PARTNERS LP
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Unitholders of GasLog Partners LP
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of GasLog Partners LP and subsidiaries (the "Partnership") as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of profit or loss, comprehensive income or loss, changes in owners'/partners' 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 Partnership as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, 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 International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
London, United Kingdom
February 26, 2019
We have served as the Partnership's auditor since 2014.
F-2
GasLog Partners LP
Consolidated statements of financial position
As of January 1, 2017, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018
(All amounts expressed in
thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit data)
|
Note |
January 1,
2017 |
December 31,
2017 |
December 31,
2018 |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
|
||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
928 | | 850 | |||||||||
Derivative financial instruments |
17 | 6,008 | 6,038 | 5,116 | ||||||||
Vessels |
3 | 2,439,092 | 2,363,668 | 2,315,823 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-current assets |
2,446,028 | 2,369,706 | 2,321,789 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets |
||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
4 | 5,259 | 3,765 | 13,484 | ||||||||
Inventories |
3,402 | 3,079 | 3,169 | |||||||||
Due from related parties |
13 | 15,470 | | 5,281 | ||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
1,713 | 1,681 | 1,175 | |||||||||
Derivative financial instruments |
17 | | 577 | 4,615 | ||||||||
Short-term investments |
7,500 | | 10,000 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
64,173 | 149,455 | 129,125 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
97,517 | 158,557 | 166,849 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
2,543,545 | 2,528,263 | 2,488,638 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Owners'/partners' equity and liabilities |
||||||||||||
Owners'/partners' equity |
||||||||||||
Owners' capital |
5 | 277,311 | 155,554 | | ||||||||
Common unitholders (24,572,358 units issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2017, 41,002,121 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 45,448,993 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018) |
5 | 565,408 | 752,456 | 812,863 | ||||||||
Subordinated unitholders (9,822,358 units issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2017, nil units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018) |
5 | 60,988 | | | ||||||||
General partner (701,933 units issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2017, 836,779 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 927,532 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018) |
5 | 10,095 | 11,781 | 13,289 | ||||||||
Incentive distribution rights |
5 | 5,878 | 6,596 | 5,176 | ||||||||
Preference unitholders (nil units issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2017, 5,750,000 Series A Preference Units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 5,750,000 Series A Preference Units, 4,600,000 Series B Preference Units and 4,000,000 Series C Preference Units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018) |
5 | | 139,321 | 348,331 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total owners'/partners' equity |
919,680 | 1,065,708 | 1,179,659 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities |
||||||||||||
Trade accounts payable |
3,287 | 5,125 | 7,490 | |||||||||
Due to related parties |
13 | 5,930 | 9,892 | 2,022 | ||||||||
Derivative financial instruments |
17 | 1,836 | 269 | 1,253 | ||||||||
Other payables and accruals |
7 | 48,698 | 46,891 | 57,774 | ||||||||
Borrowingscurrent portion |
6 | 89,422 | 121,197 | 429,437 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
149,173 | 183,374 | 497,976 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments |
17 | | | 3,543 | ||||||||
Borrowingsnon-current portion |
6 | 1,474,510 | 1,278,931 | 805,560 | ||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
182 | 250 | 1,900 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-current liabilities |
1,474,692 | 1,279,181 | 811,003 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total owners'/partners' equity and liabilities |
2,543,545 | 2,528,263 | 2,488,638 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
GasLog Partners LP
Consolidated statements of profit or loss
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars,
except per unit data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
GasLog Partners LP
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income or loss
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of
U.S. Dollars)
|
Note | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
|
|||||||||
Profit for the year |
99,709 | 134,745 | 115,513 | ||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
|||||||||||||
Recycled loss of cash flow hedges reclassified to profit or loss |
17 | 2,527 | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income for the year |
2,527 | | | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
102,236 | 134,745 | 115,513 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
GasLog Partners LP
Consolidated statements of changes in owners'/partners' equity
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in
thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit data)
|
|
|
Common
unitholders |
Subordinated
unitholders |
|
Preference
unitholders |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General partner |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Incentive
distribution rights |
Total
Partners' equity |
Owners'
capital (Note 5) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Units | Amounts | Units | Amounts | Units | Amounts | Units | Amounts | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2016 (as restated (1) ) |
645,811 | 8,842 | 21,822,358 | 507,433 | 9,822,358 | 59,786 | 2,117 | | | 578,178 | 199,154 | 777,332 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital contributions |
| | | | | | | | | | 120,097 | 120,097 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit attributable to GasLog's operations (Note 19) |
| | | | | | | | | | 22,439 | 22,439 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income attributable to GasLog's operations |
| | | | | | | | | | 2,527 | 2,527 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to GasLog's operations |
| | | | | | | | | | 24,966 | 24,966 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash distribution to GasLog in exchange for net assets contribution to the Partnership |
| | | | | | | | | | (68,142 | ) | (68,142 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between net book value of acquired subsidiary and consideration paid |
| (81 | ) | | (19 | ) | | (1,136 | ) | | | | (1,236 | ) | 1,236 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net proceeds from public offerings of common units and issuances of general partner units (Note 5) |
56,122 | 1,094 | 2,750,000 | 52,299 | | | | | | 53,393 | | 53,393 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions declared (Note 5) |
| (1,312 | ) | | (44,353 | ) | | (18,780 | ) | (1,132 | ) | | | (65,577 | ) | | (65,577 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation, net of accrued dividend |
| 7 | | 162 | | 69 | 103 | | | 341 | | 341 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Partnership's profit (Note 19) |
| 1,545 | | 49,886 | | 21,049 | 4,790 | | | 77,270 | | 77,270 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Partnership's total comprehensive income |
| 1,545 | | 49,886 | | 21,049 | 4,790 | | | 77,270 | | 77,270 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2016 (as restated (1) ) |
701,933 | 10,095 | 24,572,358 | 565,408 | 9,822,358 | 60,988 | 5,878 | | | 642,369 | 277,311 | 919,680 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital contributions |
| | | | | | | | | | 12,000 | 12,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit and total comprehensive income attributable to GasLog's operations (Note 19) |
| | | | | | | | | | 40,628 | 40,628 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net proceeds from public offerings of common units and issuances of general partner units (Note 5) |
134,846 | 2,902 | 6,607,405 | 139,421 | | | | | | 142,323 | | 142,323 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net proceeds from public offering of preference units (Note 5) |
| | | | | | | 5,750,000 | 138,804 | 138,804 | | 138,804 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash distributions to GasLog in exchange for net assets contributions to the Partnership |
| | | | | | | | | | (192,168 | ) | (192,168 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between net book values of acquired subsidiaries and considerations paid |
| (1,295 | ) | | (6,167 | ) | | (10,321 | ) | | | | (17,783 | ) | 17,783 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions declared (Note 5) |
| (1,661 | ) | | (69,051 | ) | | (9,724 | ) | (2,612 | ) | | (7,232 | ) | (90,280 | ) | | (90,280 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation, net of accrued dividend |
| 12 | | 451 | | 19 | 122 | | | 604 | | 604 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion of subordinated units to common units (Note 5) |
| | 9,822,358 | 46,047 | (9,822,358 | ) | (46,047 | ) | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Partnership's profit (Note 19) |
| 1,728 | | 76,347 | | 5,085 | 3,208 | | 7,749 | 94,117 | | 94,117 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Partnership's total comprehensive income |
| 1,728 | | 76,347 | | 5,085 | 3,208 | | 7,749 | 94,117 | | 94,117 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2017 (as restated (1) ) |
836,779 | 11,781 | 41,002,121 | 752,456 | | | 6,596 | 5,750,000 | 139,321 | 910,154 | 155,554 | 1,065,708 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit and total comprehensive income attributable to GasLog's operations (Note 19) |
| | | | | | | | | | 12,916 | 12,916 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net proceeds from public offerings of common units and issuances of general partner units (Note 5) |
90,753 | 2,171 | 2,553,899 | 60,013 | | | | | | 62,184 | | 62,184 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net proceeds from public offering of preference units (Note 5) |
| | | | | | | 8,600,000 | 207,501 | 207,501 | 207,501 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of awards vested during the year (Note 5) |
| | 33,998 | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common units to GasLog in exchange for net assets contributions to the Partnership (Note 5) |
| | 1,858,975 | 45,000 | | | | | | 45,000 | (45,000 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash distributions to GasLog in exchange for net assets contributions to the Partnership |
| | | | | | | | | | (128,482 | ) | (128,482 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Difference between net book values of acquired subsidiaries and consideration paid |
| (337 | ) | | (4,675 | ) | | | | | | (5,012 | ) | 5,012 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions declared (Note 5) |
| (1,942 | ) | | (91,022 | ) | | | (4,141 | ) | | (20,989 | ) | (118,094 | ) | | (118,094 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation, net of accrued dividend |
| 14 | | 607 | | | 103 | | | 724 | | 724 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Modification of incentive distribution rights "IDRs" (Note 5) |
| | | (25,395 | ) | | | | | | (25,395 | ) | | (25,395 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Partnership's profit (Note 19) |
| 1,602 | | 75,879 | | | 2,618 | | 22,498 | 102,597 | | 102,597 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Partnership's total comprehensive income |
| 1,602 | | 75,879 | | | 2,618 | | 22,498 | 102,597 | | 102,597 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2018 |
927,532 | 13,289 | 45,448,993 | 812,863 | | | 5,176 | 14,350,000 | 348,331 | 1,179,659 | | 1,179,659 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
GasLog Partners LP
Consolidated statements of cash flows
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
|
Note | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
(restated)
(1)
|
(restated)
(1)
|
|
||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
99,709 | 134,745 | 115,513 | |||||||||
Adjustments for: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation |
70,290 | 81,089 | 81,590 | |||||||||
Financial costs |
60,247 | 65,122 | 66,287 | |||||||||
Financial income |
(209 | ) | (1,019 | ) | (2,413 | ) | ||||||
Unrealized loss/(gain) on derivatives held for trading |
1,570 | (2,174 | ) | 1,411 | ||||||||
Recycled loss of cash flow hedges reclassified to profit or loss |
2,527 | | | |||||||||
Share-based compensation |
480 | 850 | 1,034 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
234,614 | 278,613 | 263,422 | |||||||||
Movements in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables |
1,043 | 1,501 | (9,633 | ) | ||||||||
(Increase)/decrease in inventories |
(1,086 | ) | 323 | (90 | ) | |||||||
Change in related parties, net |
(4,013 | ) | 19,432 | (13,151 | ) | |||||||
(Increase)/decrease in prepayments and other current assets |
(1,230 | ) | 32 | 506 | ||||||||
Decrease/(increase) in other non-current assets |
2,093 | 928 | (800 | ) | ||||||||
(Decrease)/increase in other non-current liabilities |
(139 | ) | | 1,439 | ||||||||
(Decrease)/increase in trade accounts payable |
(167 | ) | 1,289 | 230 | ||||||||
Increase/(decrease) in other payables and accruals |
9,781 | (2,242 | ) | 635 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash provided by operations |
240,896 | 299,876 | 242,558 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid |
(35,966 | ) | (57,049 | ) | (57,451 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
204,930 | 242,827 | 185,107 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Payments for vessels' additions |
(502,132 | ) | (5,131 | ) | (24,177 | ) | ||||||
Financial income received |
204 | 1,012 | 2,326 | |||||||||
Purchase of short-term investments |
(7,500 | ) | | (38,000 | ) | |||||||
Maturity of short-term investments |
3,000 | 7,500 | 28,000 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities |
(506,428 | ) | 3,381 | (31,851 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Borrowings drawdowns |
1,213,748 | 60,000 | 25,940 | |||||||||
Borrowings repayments |
(791,160 | ) | (218,370 | ) | (197,790 | ) | ||||||
Payment of loan issuance costs |
(24,402 | ) | (1,594 | ) | (153 | ) | ||||||
Payments for interest rate swaps termination |
(10,647 | ) | | | ||||||||
Proceeds from public offerings of common units and issuances of general partner units (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) |
53,826 | 144,297 | 62,516 | |||||||||
Proceeds from public offering of preference units (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) |
| 139,222 | 208,394 | |||||||||
Payment of offering costs |
(454 | ) | (2,033 | ) | (915 | ) | ||||||
Cash distributions to GasLog in exchange for contribution of net assets |
(68,142 | ) | (192,168 | ) | (128,482 | ) | ||||||
Payments for IDR modification (including third-party fees) |
| | (25,002 | ) | ||||||||
Distributions paid |
(65,577 | ) | (90,280 | ) | (118,094 | ) | ||||||
Dividend due to GasLog before vessels' drop-down |
(11,800 | ) | | | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities |
295,392 | (160,926 | ) | (173,586 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(6,106 | ) | 85,282 | (20,330 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year |
70,279 | 64,173 | 149,455 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year |
64,173 | 149,455 | 129,125 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||
Payment for vessels through capital contributions before drop-down |
49,511 | | | |||||||||
Capital expenditures included in liabilities at the end of the year |
18 | 1,340 | 1,874 | 11,442 | ||||||||
Financing costs paid through capital contributions |
4,879 | | | |||||||||
Offering costs included in liabilities at the end of the year |
18 | 5 | 364 | 1,067 | ||||||||
Loan repayments made through capital contributions |
65,707 | 12,000 | | |||||||||
Issuance of common units to GasLog in exchange for contribution of net assets |
| | 45,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S.
Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
1. Organization and Operations
GasLog Partners LP ("GasLog Partners" or the "Partnership") was formed as a limited partnership under the laws of the Marshall Islands on January 23, 2014, being a wholly owned subsidiary of GasLog for the purpose of initially acquiring the interests in three liquefied natural gas ("LNG") carriers that were contributed to the Partnership by GasLog in connection with the initial public offering of its common units (the "IPO").
In connection with the IPO on May 12, 2014, the Partnership acquired from GasLog 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-three Ltd., GAS-four Ltd. and GAS-five Ltd., the entities that own the GasLog Shanghai , the GasLog Santiago and the GasLog Sydney (the "Initial Fleet"). On September 29, 2014, GasLog Partners acquired 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-sixteen Ltd. and GAS-seventeen Ltd., the entities that own two 145,000 cubic meters ("cbm") LNG carriers, the Methane Rita Andrea and the Methane Jane Elizabeth , respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of $328,000.
On July 1, 2015, GasLog Partners acquired 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd. and GAS-twenty one Ltd., the entities that own three 145,000 cbm LNG carriers, the Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth and the Methane Heather Sally , respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of $483,000.
On November 1, 2016, GasLog Partners acquired 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-seven Ltd., the entity that owns a 155,000 cbm LNG carrier, the GasLog Seattle , for an aggregate purchase price of $189,000.
On May 3, 2017, GasLog Partners acquired 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-eleven Ltd., the entity that owns a 174,000 cbm LNG carrier, the GasLog Greece , for an aggregate purchase price of $219,000. On July 3, 2017, GasLog Partners acquired 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-thirteen Ltd., the entity that owns a 174,000 cbm LNG carrier, the GasLog Geneva , for an aggregate purchase price of $211,000. On October 20, 2017, GasLog Partners acquired 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-eight Ltd., the entity that owns a 155,000 cbm LNG carrier, the Solaris , for an aggregate purchase price of $185,900.
On April 26, 2018, GasLog Partners acquired 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-fourteen Ltd., the entity that owns a 174,000 cbm LNG carrier, the GasLog Gibraltar , for an aggregate purchase price of $207,000. On November 14, 2018, GasLog Partners acquired 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-twenty seven Ltd., the entity that owns a 170,000 cbm LNG carrier, the Methane Becki Anne , for an aggregate purchase price of $207,400.
The above acquisitions were accounted for as reorganizations of companies under common control. The Partnership's historical results were retroactively restated to reflect the historical results of the acquired entities from their respective dates of incorporation by GasLog. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities included are based on the historical carrying amounts of such assets and liabilities recognized by the subsidiaries.
As of December 31, 2018, GasLog holds a 27.5% interest in the Partnership. As a result of its 100% ownership of the general partner, and the fact that the general partner elects the majority of the Partnership's directors in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, GasLog has the ability to control the Partnership's affairs and policies.
F-8
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
1. Organization and Operations (Continued)
The Partnership's principal business is the acquisition and operation of vessels in the LNG market, providing transportation services of LNG on a worldwide basis under multi-year charters. GasLog LNG Services Ltd. ("GasLog LNG Services" or the "Manager"), a related party and a wholly owned subsidiary of GasLog, incorporated under the laws of the Bermuda, provides technical services to the Partnership.
On May 18, 2018, the Partnership through the GasLog Shanghai entered the Cool Pool, an LNG carrier pooling arrangement operated by GasLog and Golar LNG Ltd. (the "Cool Pool") to market their vessels operating in the LNG shipping spot market. The Cool Pool allows the participating owners to optimize the operation of the pool vessels through improved scheduling ability, cost efficiencies and common marketing. The objective of the Cool Pool is to serve the growing LNG market by providing customers with reliable, flexible and innovative solutions to meet their increasingly complex shipping requirements. As of December 31, 2018, the Cool Pool consists of 16 modern and efficient tri-fuel diesel electric ("TFDE") LNG carriers in the 155,000-170,000 cbm range. The Cool Pool charters the vessels for periods up to one year in duration as agents for the owners, who each remain responsible for the technical and commercial operation of their vessels and performance of the contracts.
As of December 31, 2018, the companies listed below were 100% held by the Partnership:
Name
|
Place of
incorporation |
Date of
incorporation |
Principal activities | Vessel |
Cargo
Capacity (cbm) |
Delivery Date | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GAS-three Ltd. |
Bermuda | April 2010 | Vessel-owning company | GasLog Shanghai | 155,000 | January 2013 | |||||||
GAS-four Ltd. |
Bermuda | April 2010 | Vessel-owning company | GasLog Santiago | 155,000 | March 2013 | |||||||
GAS-five Ltd. |
Bermuda | February 2011 | Vessel-owning company | GasLog Sydney | 155,000 | May 2013 | |||||||
GAS-seven Ltd. |
Bermuda | March 2011 | Vessel-owning company | GasLog Seattle | 155,000 | December 2013 | |||||||
GAS-eight Ltd. |
Bermuda | March 2011 | Vessel-owning company | Solaris | 155,000 | June 2014 | |||||||
GAS-eleven Ltd. |
Bermuda | December 2012 | Vessel-owning company | GasLog Greece | 174,000 | March 2016 | |||||||
GAS-thirteen Ltd. |
Bermuda | July 2013 | Vessel-owning company | GasLog Geneva | 174,000 | September 2016 | |||||||
GAS-fourteen Ltd. |
Bermuda | July 2013 | Vessel-owning company | GasLog Gibraltar | 174,000 | October 2016 | |||||||
GAS-sixteen Ltd. |
Bermuda | January 2014 | Vessel-owning company | Methane Rita Andrea | 145,000 | April 2014 | |||||||
GAS-seventeen Ltd. |
Bermuda | January 2014 | Vessel-owning company | Methane Jane Elizabeth | 145,000 | April 2014 | |||||||
GAS-nineteen Ltd. |
Bermuda | April 2014 | Vessel-owning company | Methane Alison Victoria | 145,000 | June 2014 | |||||||
GAS-twenty Ltd. |
Bermuda | April 2014 | Vessel-owning company | Methane Shirley Elisabeth | 145,000 | June 2014 | |||||||
GAS-twenty one Ltd. |
Bermuda | April 2014 | Vessel-owning company | Methane Heather Sally | 145,000 | June 2014 | |||||||
GAS-twenty seven Ltd. |
Bermuda | January 2015 | Vessel-owning company | Methane Becki Anne | 170,000 | March 2015 | |||||||
GasLog Partners Holdings LLC |
Marshall Islands | April 2014 | Holding company | | | |
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the "IASB").
F-9
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets.
The principal accounting policies are set out below.
The consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars ("USD"), which is the functional currency of the Partnership and each of its subsidiaries because their vessels operate in international shipping markets, in which revenues and expenses are primarily settled in USD and the Partnership's most significant assets and liabilities are paid for and settled in USD.
In considering going concern, management has reviewed the Partnership's future cash requirements, covenant compliance and earnings projections. As of December 31, 2018, the Partnership's current assets totaled $166,849 while current liabilities totaled $497,976, resulting in a negative working capital position of $331,127. Current liabilities include $360,000 of loans due in November 2019. In February 2019, the Partnership signed a debt refinancing of up to $450,000 with certain financial institutions (Note 22), in order to refinance such indebtedness.
Management anticipates that the Partnership's primary sources of funds will be available cash, cash from operations, borrowings under new loan agreements and equity financings. Management believes that these sources of funds will be sufficient for the Partnership to meet its liquidity needs and comply with its banking covenants for at least twelve months from the end of the reporting period and therefore it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, although there can be no assurance that the Partnership will be able to obtain future debt and equity financing on terms acceptable to the Partnership.
On February 22, 2019, the Partnership's board of directors authorized the consolidated financial statements for issuance and filing.
Basis of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and its subsidiaries assuming that they are consolidated from the date of their incorporation by GasLog, as they were under the common control of GasLog. All intra-group transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.
Accounting for (i) revenues and related operating expenses and (ii) voyage expenses and commissions
Revenues comprise revenues from time charters for the charter hire of the Partnership's vessels earned during the period in accordance with existing contracts and gross pool revenues.
A time charter represents a contract entered into for the use of a vessel for a specific period of time and a specified daily charter hire rate. Time charter revenue is recognized as earned on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant time charter starting from the vessel's delivery to the charterer, except for any off-hire period, when a charter agreement exists, the vessel is made available and services are provided to the charterer and collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured. Unearned revenue includes cash received prior to the reporting date relating to services to be rendered
F-10
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
after the reporting date. Accrued revenue represents income recognized in advance as a result of the straight-line revenue recognition in respect of charter agreements that provide for varying charter rates.
Under a time charter arrangement, the hire rate per the charter agreement has two components: the lease component and the service component relating to the vessel operating costs. The revenue in relation to the lease component of the agreements is accounted for under IAS 17 Leases . The revenue in relation to the service component relates to vessel operating expenses, which include expenses that are paid by the vessel owner such as management fees, crew wages, provisions and stores, technical maintenance and insurance expenses. These costs are essential to operating a charter and the charterers receive the benefit of these when the vessel is used during the contracted time and, therefore, these costs are accounted for in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers .
Pool revenues are recognized on a gross basis representing time charter revenues earned by a GasLog Partners vessel participating in the pool under charter agreements where GasLog Partners contracts directly with charterers. Revenue is recognized on a monthly basis, when the vessel is made available and services are provided to the charterer during the period, the amount can be estimated reliably and collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured.
Time charter hires are received monthly in advance and are classified as liabilities until such time as the criteria for recognizing the revenue as earned are met.
Under a time charter arrangement the vessel operating expenses such as management fees, crew wages, provisions and stores, technical maintenance and insurance expenses, as well as broker's commissions, are paid by the vessel owner, whereas the majority of voyage expenses such as bunkers, port expenses, agents' fees and extra war risk insurance are paid by the charterer.
Management believes that mobilization of a vessel from a previous port of discharge to a subsequent port of loading does not result in a separate benefit for charterers and that the activity is thus incapable of being distinct. This activity is considered to be a required set-up activity to fulfill the contract. Consequently, positioning and repositioning fees and associated expenses should be recognized over the period of the contract, and not at a certain point in time following the adoption of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers . Consequently, positioning fees, repositioning fees and associated voyage expenses are recognized over the period of each contract, to match the recognition of the respective hire revenues realized. All other voyage expenses and vessel operating costs are expensed as incurred, with the exception of commissions, which are also recognized on a pro-rata basis over the duration of the period of the time charter. Bunkers' consumption included in voyage expenses represents mainly bunkers consumed during vessels' unemployment and off-hire.
Net pool allocation
The Partnership because of its participation in the Cool Pool also receives a net allocation from the pool, which is recognized separately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss under "Net Pool Allocation" and represents GasLog Partners' share of the net revenues earned from the other pool participants' vessels less the other participants' share of the net revenues earned by GasLog Partners'
F-11
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
vessels included in the pool. Each participant's share of the net pool revenues is based on the number of pool points attributable to its vessels and the number of days such vessels participated in the pool.
Financial income and costs
Interest income, interest expense, other borrowing costs and realized loss on derivatives are recognized on an accrual basis.
Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than USD are recognized at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At the end of each reporting period, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are retranslated into USD at the rates prevailing at that date. All resulting exchange differences are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss in the period in which they arise.
Deferred financing costs
Commitment, arrangement, structuring, legal and agency fees incurred for obtaining new loans or refinancing existing facilities are recorded as deferred loan issuance costs and classified contra debt while the fees incurred for the undrawn facilities are classified under non-current assets in the statement of financial position and are classified contra debt on the drawdown dates.
Deferred financing costs are deferred and amortized to financial costs over the term of the relevant loan, using the effective interest method. When the relevant loan is terminated or extinguished, the unamortized loan fees are written-off in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Vessels
Vessels are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment loss. The initial cost of an asset comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to its working condition.
The cost of a LNG vessel is split into two components, a "vessel component" and a "dry-docking component". Depreciation for the vessel component is calculated on a straight-line basis, after taking into account the estimated residual values, over the estimated useful life of this major component of the value of the vessels. Residual values are based on management's estimation of the amount that the Partnership would currently obtain from disposal of its vessels, after deducting the estimated costs of disposal, if the vessels were already of the age and in the condition expected at the end of their useful life.
The LNG vessels are required to undergo a dry-docking overhaul every five years that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating to restore their service potential and to meet their classification requirements. The dry-docking component is estimated at the time of a vessel's delivery from the shipyard or acquisition from the previous owner and is measured based on the estimated cost of the first dry-docking, subsequent to its acquisition, based on the Partnership's historical experience with similar types of vessels. For subsequent dry-dockings, actual costs are capitalized when incurred.
F-12
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
The dry-docking component is depreciated over the period of five years in the case of new vessels, and until the next dry-docking for secondhand vessels (which is performed within five years from the vessel's last dry-docking).
Costs that will be capitalized as part of the future dry-dockings will include a variety of costs incurred directly attributable to the dry-dock, and costs incurred to meet classification and regulatory requirements, as well as expenses related to the dock preparation and port expenses at the dry-dock shipyard, general shipyard expenses, expenses related to hull, external surfaces and decks, expenses related to machinery and engines of the vessel, as well as expenses related to the testing and correction of findings related to safety equipment on board. Dry-docking costs do not include vessel operating expenses such as replacement parts, crew expenses, provisions, lubricants consumption, insurance, management fees or management costs during the dry-docking period. Expenses related to regular maintenance and repairs of the vessels are expensed as incurred, even if such maintenance and repair occurs during the same time period as the dry-docking.
The expected useful lives are as follows:
Vessel
|
|
|
---|---|---|
LNG vessel component | 35 years | |
Dry-docking component | 5 years |
Management estimates the useful life of its vessels to be 35 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. Secondhand vessels are depreciated from the date of their acquisition through their remaining estimated useful life.
The useful lives and the depreciation method are reviewed annually to ensure that the method and period of depreciation are consistent with the expected pattern of economic benefits from Partnership's vessels. The residual value is also reviewed at each financial period end. If expectations differ from previous estimates, the changes are accounted for prospectively in profit or loss in the period of the change and future periods.
Ordinary maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life of the asset are expensed as incurred.
When vessels are sold, they are derecognized and any gain or loss resulting from their disposals is included in profit or loss.
Impairment of vessels
All vessels are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Whenever the carrying amount of a vessel exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss. The recoverable amount is the higher of a vessel's fair value less cost of disposal and "value in use". The fair value less cost of disposal is the amount obtainable from the sale of a vessel in an arm's length transaction less the costs of disposal, while "value in use" is the present value of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of a vessel and from its disposal at the end of its useful life. Recoverable amounts are estimated for individual vessels. Each vessel is
F-13
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
considered to be a single cash-generating unit. The fair value less cost of disposal of the vessels is estimated from market-based evidence by appraisal that is normally undertaken by professionally qualified brokers.
Reimbursable capital expenditures
Costs eligible for capitalization that are contractually reimbursable by our charterers are recognized on a gross basis in the period incurred under "Vessels". Concurrently, an equal amount is deferred as a liability and amortized to profit or loss as income over the remaining tenure of the charter party agreement.
Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Partnership has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Partnership will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows. When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.
Inventories
Inventories represent lubricants on board the vessel and, in the event of a vessel not being employed under a charter, bunkers on board the vessel. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost calculated on a first-in, first-out basis, and net realizable value.
Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the Partnership has become a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. All financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition.
Cash represents cash on hand and deposits with banks which are repayable on demand. Cash equivalents represent short-term, highly liquid investments which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase that are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
F-14
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Short-term investments represent short-term, highly liquid time deposits placed with financial institutions which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash with original maturities of more than three months but less than 12 months at the time of purchase that are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Trade receivables are carried at the amount expected to be received from the third party to settle the obligation. At each reporting date, all potentially uncollectible accounts are assessed individually for purposes of determining the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts. Trade receivables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. See Note 4 for further information about the Partnership's accounting for trade receivables.
The simplified approach is applied to trade and other receivables and the Partnership recognizes lifetime expected credit losses ("ECLs") on the trade receivables. Under the simplified approach, the loss allowance is always equal to ECLs.
Borrowings are measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the settlement of the borrowings is recognized in the statement of profit or loss over the term of the borrowings.
Derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps or forward foreign exchange contracts, are used to economically hedge the Partnership's exposure to interest rate or foreign exchange rate risks. Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date. The resulting changes in fair value are recognized in profit or loss immediately, unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which case the timing of the recognition in profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. Derivatives are presented as assets when their valuation is favorable to the Partnership and as liabilities when unfavorable to the Partnership.
Criteria for classifying a derivative instrument in a hedging relationship include: (1) the hedging instrument is expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk; (2) the effectiveness of the hedge can be reliably measured; (3) there is adequate documentation of the hedging relationships at the inception of the hedge; and (4) for cash flow hedges, the forecasted transaction that is the hedged item in the hedging relationship must be considered highly probable.
F-15
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss. Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to the consolidated statement of profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item affects the consolidated statement of profit or loss. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Partnership terminates the hedging relationship, when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or when it no longer qualifies for hedge accounting.
Any gain or loss accumulated in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss when the hedged item affects the consolidated statement of profit or loss. When a forecast transaction designated as the hedged item in a cash flow hedge is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is recycled immediately to the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Segment information
Each vessel-owning company owns one LNG carrier which is operated under a time charter with similar operating and economic characteristics. Consequently, the information provided to the Chief Executive Officer (the Partnership's chief operating decision maker) to review the Partnership's operating results and allocate resources is on a consolidated basis for a single reportable segment. Furthermore, when the Partnership charters a vessel to a charterer, the charterer is free to trade the vessel worldwide and, as a result, the disclosure of geographic information is impracticable.
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation to executives and others providing similar services is measured at the fair value of the equity instruments on the grant date. Details regarding the determination of the fair value of share-based transactions are set out in Note 20. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based compensation is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Partnership's estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest, with a corresponding increase in equity. At the end of each reporting period, the Partnership revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to the share-based compensation reserve.
Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Partnership's management evaluates whether estimates should be made on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods which management considers reasonable in the particular circumstances. However, uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that could require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of the asset or liability in the
F-16
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
future. Critical accounting judgments are those that reflect significant judgments of uncertainties and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.
Critical accounting judgments
In the process of applying the Partnership's accounting policies, management has made the following judgments, apart from those involving estimations, that had the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
Classification of the Partnership interests: The interests in the Partnership comprise common units, preference units, a general partner interest and incentive distribution rights. Under the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership is required to distribute 100% of available cash (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) with respect to each quarter within 45 days of the end of the quarter to the partners. Available cash can be summarized as cash and cash equivalents less an amount equal to cash reserves established by the board of directors to (i) provide for the proper conduct of the business of the Partnership group (including reserves for future capital expenditures and for anticipated future credit needs of the Partnership group) subsequent to such quarter, (ii) comply with applicable law or any loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, debt instrument or other agreement or obligation to which any Partnership group member is a party or by which it is bound or its assets are subject and/or (iii) provide funds for certain distributions relating to future periods.
In reaching a judgment as to whether the interests in the Partnership should be classified as liabilities or equity interests, the Partnership has considered the wide discretion of the board of directors to determine whether any portion of the amount of cash available to the Partnership constitutes available cash and that it is possible that there could be no available cash. In the event that there is no available cash, as determined by the board of directors, the Partnership does not have a contractual obligation to make a distribution. Accordingly, management has concluded that the Partnership interests do not represent a contractual obligation on the Partnership to deliver cash and therefore should be classified as equity within the financial statements.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty are as follows:
Impairment of vessels: The Partnership evaluates the carrying amounts of each of its vessels to determine whether there is any indication that those vessels have suffered an impairment loss by considering both internal and external sources of information. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of vessels is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The Partnership's estimates of recoverable value assume that the vessels are all in seaworthy condition without need for repair and certified in class without notations of any kind. In assessing the fair value less cost to sell of the vessel, the Partnership obtains charter free market values for its vessel from independent and internationally recognized ship brokers on a semi-annual basis, which are also commonly used and accepted by the Partnership's lenders for determining compliance with the relevant covenants in the Partnership's credit facilities. Vessel values can be highly volatile, so the estimates may not be indicative of the future market value of the Partnership's vessels or prices that could be achieved if it were to sell
F-17
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
them. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. The projection of cash flows related to vessels is complex and requires management to make various estimates including future freight rates, earnings from the vessels and discount rates.
As of December 31, 2018, the carrying amounts of the steam turbine propulsion ("Steam") vessels the Methane Rita Andrea , the Methane Jane Elizabeth , the Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth , the Methane Heather Sally and the TFDE vessel Methane Becki Anne were higher than the charter free market values estimated by shipbrokers and the Partnership concluded that events and circumstances triggered the existence of potential impairment of these vessels. As a result, the Partnership performed the impairment assessment of these vessels by comparing the discounted projected net operating cash flows for these vessels to their carrying values. The Partnership's strategy is to charter its vessels on multi-year contracts, providing the Partnership with contracted stable cash flows. The assumptions which the Partnership has used in its discounted projected net operating cash flow analysis included, among others, operating revenues, utilization, dry-docking costs, operating expenses (including vessel management fees), residual values and the discount factor. The key assumptions are the estimate of charter rates for non-contracted revenue days and the discount rate.
Revenue assumptions were based on contracted time charter rates up to the end of life of the current contract of each vessel, as well as the estimated average time charter rates for the remaining life of the vessel after the completion of its current contract. The revenue assumptions exclude days of scheduled off-hire and assume a utilization rate of 99.5% based on the fleet's historical performance and internal forecasts. The estimated daily time charter rates used for non-contracted revenue days after the completion of the current time charter are based on a combination of (i) recent charter market rates, (ii) conditions existing in the LNG market as of December 31, 2018, (iii) historical average time charter rates, based on publications by independent third party maritime research services ("maritime research publications"), and (iv) estimated future time charter rates, also based largely on maritime research publications that provide such forecasts. More specifically, for the non-contracted period starting upon the expiration of the firm charter period of each vessel and up to December 31, 2023, the Partnership used the most recent charter market rate for a 5-year time charter agreement based on available data from maritime research publications, which is $45 per day for the Steam vessels and $75 per day for the TFDE vessel. Such rates are lower than current spot rates at December 31, 2018.
For the remaining period from January 1, 2024 through the end of each vessel's useful life, the estimated average time charter rate was based on analysis of future supply and demand for LNG, analysis of future LNG shipping supply and demand balances, internally estimated and market-derived costs of building and financing newbuild LNG vessels, the technical characteristics of each vessel and 5-year historical average 5-year time charter rates based on maritime research publications.
In connection with the impairment testing of our vessels as of December 31, 2018, we performed a sensitivity analysis on the most sensitive and/or subjective assumption that has the potential to affect the outcome of the impairment exercise, which is the projected charter hire rate used to forecast future cash flows for non-contracted days for the Steam vessels. The average charter rate used in our
F-18
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
impairment exercise for the Steam vessels was $58 per day while the average break-even charter hire rate, being the average of the contracted charter rate and the break-even re-chartering hire rate, was $50 per day. Using an average charter rate of $49 per day or 2% lower than the break-even charter hire rate would result in an aggregate impairment charge of $19,374.
Recognizing that the LNG industry is cyclical and subject to significant volatility based on factors beyond the Partnership's control, management believes the use of revenue estimates discussed above to be reasonable as of the reporting date. The Partnership does not take into account any growth rate assumptions or inflation factors for determining forecasted time charter rates beyond the contracted charter rate period through the end of a vessel's useful life. In assessing the factors mentioned above for the purposes of determining estimated revenues, the Partnership has placed particular reliance on available third-party maritime research publications and analysis of LNG shipping supply and demand data.
In addition, the Partnership used an annual operating expenses escalation factor equal to 1% based on its historical data and performance, as well as its expectations of future inflation and operating and dry-docking costs. Estimates for the remaining useful lives of the current fleet and residual and scrap values are the same as those used for the Partnership's depreciation policy.
In the Partnership's impairment assessment, the weighted average cost of capital used to discount future estimated cash flows to their present values was approximately 7.0% as of December 31, 2018. This was based on the calculated cost of equity and cost of debt components. All estimates used and assumptions made were in accordance with the Partnership's internal budgets and historical experience of the shipping industry.
The value in use for the six vessels calculated as per above was higher than the carrying amount of these vessels and, consequently, no impairment loss was recognized.
Adoption of new and revised IFRS
The following standards and amendments relevant to the Partnership were effective in the current year:
In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which applies to all contracts with customers: the main exceptions are leases, financial instruments and insurance contracts. IFRS 15 specifies how and when an IFRS reporter will recognize revenue as well as requiring such entities to provide users of financial statements with more informative, relevant disclosures. The standard supersedes IAS 18 Revenue , IAS 11 Construction Contracts and a number of revenue-related interpretations. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and was applied by the Partnership using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on the Partnership's historical financial statements.
The Partnership assessed that, under the time charter agreements, the hire rate per the charter agreement has two components: the lease component and the service component relating to the vessel's operating costs. The revenue in relation to the lease component of the agreements is accounted for
F-19
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
under IAS 17 Leases . The revenue in relation to the service component relates to vessel operating expenses, which include expenses such as management fees, crew wages, provisions and stores, technical maintenance and insurance expenses that are paid by the vessel owner. These costs are essential to operating a charter and therefore, the charterers receive the benefit of these when the vessel is used during the contracted time and is accounted for in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Management believes that mobilization of a vessel from a previous port of discharge to a subsequent port of loading does not result in a separate benefit for charterers and that the activity is thus incapable of being distinct. This activity is considered to be a required set-up activity to fulfill the contract. On that basis, it was concluded that positioning and repositioning fees and associated expenses should be recognized over the period of the contract, and not at a certain point in time.
In July 2014, the IASB issued the complete version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments . IFRS 9 specifies how an entity should classify and measure financial assets and financial liabilities. The new standard requires all financial assets to be subsequently measured at amortized cost or fair value depending on the business model of the legal entity in relation to the management of the financial assets and the contractual cash flows of the financial assets. The standard also requires a financial liability to be classified as either at fair value through profit or loss or at amortized cost. In addition, a new hedge accounting model was introduced, that is designed to be more closely aligned with how entities undertake risk management activities when hedging financial and non-financial risk exposures. The standard, which is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, did not have an impact on the Partnership's financial statements.
At the date of authorization of these consolidated financial statements, the following standard relevant to the Partnership was in issue but not yet effective:
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases , which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract, i.e. the customer ("lessee") and the supplier ("lessor"). IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases by lessees as either operating leases or finance leases and, instead, introduces a single lessee accounting model. Applying that model, a lessee is required to recognise: (a) assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than twelve months, unless the underlying asset is of low value; and (b) depreciation of lease assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in the statement of profit or loss. Lessors continue to classify their leases as operating leases or finance leases, and to account for those two types of leases differently. IFRS 16 supersedes the previous leases Standard, IAS 17 Leases , and related Interpretations. The standard is effective from January 1, 2019. For leases where the Partnership is the lessee, the Partnership has elected to apply the simplified approach, by which comparative information is not restated and any adjustment is recognized at the date of initial application of IFRS 16 Leases . The adoption of the standard on January 1, 2019, will result in an increase in total assets of $1,076, an increase in retained earnings of $153 and an increase in total liabilities of $923, which are not considered significant for the Partnership's consolidated financial statements.
F-20
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
The impact of all other IFRS standards and amendments issued but not yet adopted is not expected to be material on the Partnership's financial statements.
3. Vessels
The movement in vessels is reported in the following table:
|
Vessels | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Cost |
||||
As of January 1, 2017 |
2,621,435 | |||
Additions |
5,665 | |||
Fully amortized dry-docking component |
(2,500 | ) | ||
| | | | |
As of December 31, 2017 |
2,624,600 | |||
| | | | |
Additions |
33,745 | |||
Fully amortized dry-docking component |
(7,500 | ) | ||
| | | | |
As of December 31, 2018 |
2,650,845 | |||
| | | | |
Accumulated depreciation |
||||
As of January 1, 2017 |
182,343 | |||
Depreciation expense |
81,089 | |||
Fully amortized dry-docking component |
(2,500 | ) | ||
| | | | |
As of December 31, 2017 |
260,932 | |||
| | | | |
Depreciation expense |
81,590 | |||
Fully amortized dry-docking component |
(7,500 | ) | ||
| | | | |
As of December 31, 2018 |
335,022 | |||
| | | | |
Net book value |
||||
As of December 31, 2017 |
2,363,668 | |||
| | | | |
As of December 31, 2018 |
2,315,823 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
All the vessels have been pledged as collateral under the terms of the Partnership's bank loan agreements (Note 6).
On May 3, 2017, the Partnership acquired from GasLog 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-eleven Ltd., the entity which owns the GasLog Greece , for an aggregate purchase price of $219,000. As consideration for this acquisition, the Partnership paid GasLog $66,643 representing the difference between the $219,000 aggregate purchase price and the $151,423 of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entity assumed by the Partnership less an adjustment of $934 in order to maintain the agreed working capital position in the acquired entity of $1,000 at the time of acquisition.
On July 3, 2017, the Partnership acquired from GasLog 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-thirteen Ltd., the entity which owns the GasLog Geneva , for an aggregate purchase price of $211,000. As consideration for this acquisition, the Partnership paid GasLog $54,911 representing the difference between the $211,000 aggregate purchase price and the $155,005 of outstanding indebtedness
F-21
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
3. Vessels (Continued)
of the acquired entity assumed by the Partnership less an adjustment of $1,084 in order to maintain the agreed working capital position in the acquired entity of $1,000 at the time of acquisition.
On October 20, 2017, the Partnership acquired from GasLog 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-eight Ltd., the entity which owns the Solaris , for an aggregate purchase price of $185,900. As consideration for this acquisition, the Partnership paid GasLog $70,614 representing the difference between the $185,900 aggregate purchase price and the $116,518 of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entity assumed by the Partnership plus an adjustment of $1,232 in order to maintain the agreed working capital position in the acquired entity of $1,000 at the time of acquisition.
On April 26, 2018, the Partnership acquired from GasLog 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-fourteen Ltd., the entity which owns the GasLog Gibraltar , for an aggregate purchase price of $207,000. As consideration for this acquisition, the Partnership paid GasLog $19,085 representing the difference between the $207,000 aggregate purchase price, $143,622 of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entity assumed by the Partnership and $45,000 of new privately placed common units issued to GasLog (1,858,975 common units at a price of $24.21 per unit) plus an adjustment of $707 in order to maintain the agreed working capital position in the acquired entity of $1,000 at the time of acquisition.
On November 14, 2018, the Partnership acquired from GasLog 100% of the ownership interests in GAS-twenty seven Ltd., the entity which owns the Methane Becki Anne , for an aggregate purchase price of $207,400. As consideration for this acquisition, the Partnership paid GasLog $109,398 representing the difference between the $207,400 aggregate purchase price and the $93,896 of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entity assumed by the Partnership less an adjustment of $4,106 in order to maintain the agreed working capital position in the acquired entity of $1,000 at the time of acquisition.
4. Trade and Other Receivables
Trade and other receivables consisted of the following:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Due from charterers |
1,081 | 788 | |||||
VAT receivable |
56 | 103 | |||||
Accrued income |
935 | 6,546 | |||||
Insurance claims |
75 | 160 | |||||
Other receivables |
1,618 | 5,887 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
3,765 | 13,484 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, no receivable balances were past due or impaired and therefore no allowance was necessary.
Accrued income represents net revenues receivable from charterers, which have not yet been invoiced; all other amounts not yet invoiced are included under Other receivables.
F-22
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
5. Owners' Capital/Partners' Equity
As of January 1, 2016, the capital of each of the subsidiaries consisted of 12,000 authorized common shares with a par value of $1 per share, all of which have been issued and are outstanding, resulting in a total share capital of $72. Each share was entitled to one vote.
Capital contributions represent capital contributed by the owner of each subsidiary in excess of par value to fund working capital and shipyard installments and capital contributed through contributed services.
The reconciliation of owners' capital is as follows:
|
Share
capital |
Contributed
surplus |
Cash flow
hedging reserve |
Retained
earnings |
Total
Owners' capital |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance as of January 1, 2016 |
72 | 191,329 | (2,527 | ) | 10,280 | 199,154 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital contributions |
| 120,097 | | | 120,097 | |||||||||||
Profit attributable to GasLog's operations |
| | | 22,439 | 22,439 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income attributable to GasLog's operations |
| | 2,527 | | 2,527 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income attributable to GasLog's operations |
| | 2,527 | 22,439 | 24,966 | |||||||||||
Net contribution to the Partnership |
(12 | ) | (60,660 | ) | | (6,234 | ) | (66,906 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2016 |
60 | 250,766 | | 26,485 | 277,311 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital contributions |
| 12,000 | | | 12,000 | |||||||||||
Profit attributable to GasLog's operations |
| | | 40,628 | 40,628 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income attributable to GasLog's operations |
| | | 40,628 | 40,628 | |||||||||||
Net contribution to the Partnership |
(36 | ) | (137,817 | ) | | (36,532 | ) | (174,385 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2017 |
24 | 124,949 | | 30,581 | 155,554 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Profit attributable to GasLog's operations |
| | | 12,916 | 12,916 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income attributable to GasLog's operations |
| | | 12,916 | 12,916 | |||||||||||
Net contribution to the Partnership |
(24 | ) | (124,949 | ) | | (43,497 | ) | (168,470 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2018 |
| | | | | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
On August 5, 2016, GasLog Partners completed an equity offering of 2,750,000 common units at a public offering price of $19.50 per unit. The net proceeds from this offering after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses, were $52,299. In connection with the offering, the Partnership issued 56,122 general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest. The net proceeds from the issuance of the general partner units were $1,094.
On January 27, 2017, GasLog Partners completed an equity offering of 3,750,000 common units at a public offering price of $20.50 per unit. In addition, the option to purchase additional units was partially exercised by the underwriter on February 24, 2017, resulting in 120,000 additional units being
F-23
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
5. Owners' Capital/Partners' Equity (Continued)
sold at the same price. The aggregate net proceeds from this offering, including the partial exercise by the underwriter of the option to purchase additional units, after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses, were $78,197. In connection with the offering, the Partnership also issued 78,980 general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest. The net proceeds from the issuance of the general partner units were $1,619.
On May 15, 2017, GasLog Partners completed a public offering of 5,750,000 8.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Fixed to Floating Rate Preference Units (the "Series A Preference Units"), including 750,000 units issued upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional Series A Preference Units, liquidation preference $25.00 per unit, at a price to the public of $25.00 per preference unit. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses, were $138,804. The Series A Preference Units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GLOP PR A".
On May 16, 2017, GasLog Partners commenced an "at-the-market" common equity offering programme ("ATM Programme") under which the Partnership may, from time to time, raise equity through the issuance and sale of new common units having an aggregate offering price of up to $100,000 in accordance with the terms of an equity distribution agreement, entered into on the same date. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC have agreed to act as sales agents. On November 3, 2017, the Partnership entered into the Amended and Restated Equity Distribution Agreement to increase the size of the ATM Programme to $144,040 and include UBS Securities LLC as a sales agent.
From establishment of the ATM Programme through December 31, 2017, GasLog Partners had issued and received payment for 2,737,405 common units at a weighted average price of $22.97 per common unit for total net proceeds, after deducting fees and other expenses, of $61,224. In connection with the issuance of common units under the ATM Programme during this period, the Partnership also issued 55,866 general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest. The net proceeds from the issuance of the general partner units were $1,283.
Additionally, on May 16, 2017, the subordination period expired and consequently all 9,822,358 subordinated units held by GasLog converted into common units on a one-for-one basis and now participate pro rata with all other outstanding common units in distributions of available cash.
On January 17, 2018, GasLog Partners completed a public offering of 4,600,000 8.200% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Fixed to Floating Rate Preference Units (the "Series B Preference Units"), including 600,000 units issued upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional Series B Preference Units, liquidation preference $25.00 per unit, at a price to the public of $25.00 per preference unit. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses, were $111,194. The Series B Preference Units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GLOP PR B".
On April 3, 2018, GasLog Partners issued 33,998 common units in connection with the vesting of 16,999 Restricted Common Units ("RCUs") and 16,999 Performance Common Units ("PCUs") under its 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2015 Plan") at a price of $23.55 per unit. Subsequently, on
F-24
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
5. Owners' Capital/Partners' Equity (Continued)
April 26, 2018, in connection with the acquisition of GAS-fourteen Ltd., the entity that owns and charters the GasLog Gibraltar , GasLog Partners issued 1,858,975 common units to GasLog at a price of $24.21 per unit. In connection with these common equity issuances and in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest, GasLog Partners also issued 38,632 general partner units to GasLog, for net proceeds of $935. On November 15, 2018, GasLog Partners completed a public offering of 4,000,000 8.500% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Fixed to Floating Rate Preference Units (the "Series C Preference Units, and together with the Series A Preference Units and Series B Preference Units, the "Preference Units"), liquidation preference $25.00 per unit, at a price to the public of $25.00 per preference unit. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses, were $96,307. The Series C Preference Units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GLOP PR C".
Under the Partnership's ATM Programme, in the year ended December 31, 2018, GasLog Partners issued and received payment for 2,553,899 common units at a weighted average price of $23.72 per common unit for total net proceeds, after deducting fees and other expenses, of $60,013. In connection with the issuance of common units under the ATM Programme during this year, the Partnership also issued 52,121 general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0% general partner interest. The net proceeds from the issuance of the general partner units were $1,236.
As of December 31, 2018, the Partnership's capital consisted of 45,448,993 outstanding common units, 927,532 outstanding general partner units and 14,350,000 Preference Units.
F-25
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
5. Owners' Capital/Partners' Equity (Continued)
Cash distributions
The Partnership's cash distributions for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are presented in the following table:
Declaration date
|
Type of
units |
Distribution
per unit |
Payment
date |
Amount
paid |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
January 27, 2016 |
Common | $ | 0.478 | February 12, 2016 | 15,710 | ||||||
April 27, 2016 |
Common | $ | 0.478 | May 13, 2016 | 15,712 | ||||||
July 27, 2016 |
Common | $ | 0.478 | August 12, 2016 | 17,077 | ||||||
October 26, 2016 |
Common | $ | 0.478 | November 11, 2016 | 17,078 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 65,577 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
January 26, 2017 |
Common | $ | 0.49 | February 10, 2017 | 19,549 | ||||||
April 26, 2017 |
Common | $ | 0.50 | May 12, 2017 | 20,121 | ||||||
July 26, 2017 |
Common | $ | 0.51 | August 11, 2017 | 21,001 | ||||||
July 26, 2017 |
Preference (Series A) | $ | 0.71875 | September 15, 2017 | 4,132 | ||||||
October 25, 2017 |
Common | $ | 0.5175 | November 10, 2017 | 22,377 | ||||||
November 16, 2017 |
Preference (Series A) | $ | 0.5390625 | December 15, 2017 | 3,100 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 90,280 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
January 30, 2018 |
Common | $ | 0.5235 | February 14, 2018 | 22,845 | ||||||
February 8, 2018 |
Preference (Series A) | $ | 0.5390625 | March 15, 2018 | 3,100 | ||||||
February 8, 2018 |
Preference (Series B) | $ | 0.33028 | March 15, 2018 | 1,519 | ||||||
April 26, 2018 |
Common | $ | 0.53 | May 11, 2018 | 24,272 | ||||||
May 11, 2018 |
Preference (Series A) | $ | 0.5390625 | June 15, 2018 | 3,100 | ||||||
May 11, 2018 |
Preference (Series B) | $ | 0.5125 | June 15, 2018 | 2,357 | ||||||
July 25, 2018 |
Common | $ | 0.53 | August 10, 2018 | 24,272 | ||||||
July 25, 2018 |
Preference (Series A) | $ | 0.5390625 | September 17, 2018 | 3,100 | ||||||
July 25, 2018 |
Preference (Series B) | $ | 0.5125 | September 17, 2018 | 2,357 | ||||||
October 24, 2018 |
Common | $ | 0.53 | November 9, 2018 | 25,716 | ||||||
November 15, 2018 |
Preference (Series A) | $ | 0.5390625 | December 17, 2018 | 3,100 | ||||||
November 15, 2018 |
Preference (Series B) | $ | 0.5125 | December 17, 2018 | 2,356 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 118,094 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Voting Rights
The following is a summary of the unitholder vote required for the approval of the matters specified below. Matters that require the approval of a "unit majority" require the approval of a majority of the outstanding common units voting as a single class.
In voting their common units the general partner and its affiliates will have no fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to the Partnership or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of the Partnership or the limited partners.
Each outstanding common unit is entitled to one vote on matters subject to a vote of common unitholders. However, to preserve the Partnership's ability to claim an exemption from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code, if at any time any person or group owns beneficially more
F-26
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
5. Owners' Capital/Partners' Equity (Continued)
than 4.9% of any class or series of units then outstanding, any units beneficially owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of limited partners, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to the board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under the Partnership Agreement, unless otherwise required by law. Effectively, this means that the voting rights of any such unitholders in excess of 4.9% will be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. The general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of the board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. This loss of voting rights does not apply to the preference units.
The Partnership holds a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of the board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. The general partner retains the right to appoint four of the directors.
Preference unitholders generally have no voting rights. However, the consent of at least two thirds of the outstanding preference units, voting as a single class, is required prior to any amendment to the Partnership Agreement that would have a material adverse effect on the existing terms of the preference units, the issuance of securities that rank pari passu to the preference units if distributions are in arrears, or the issuance of securities that rank senior to the preference units. In addition, preference unitholders become entitled to elect one director to the Partnership's board of directors if and whenever distributions payable are in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive. In such a case, the general partner will also be entitled to appoint one additional director to the board of directors.
General Partner Interest
The Partnership Agreement provides that the general partner initially will be entitled to 2.0% of all distributions that the Partnership makes prior to its liquidation. The general partner has the right, but not the obligation, to contribute a proportionate amount of capital to the Partnership to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest if the Partnership issues additional units. The general partner's 2.0% interest, and the percentage of the Partnership's cash distributions to which it is entitled, will be proportionately reduced if the Partnership issues additional units in the future and the general partner does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to the Partnership in order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest. The general partner will be entitled to make a capital contribution in order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in the form of the contribution to the Partnership of common units based on the current market value of the contributed common units.
Incentive Distribution Rights
IDRs represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the payment of preference unit distributions and after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels have been achieved. Since completion of the IPO, GasLog has held 100% of the IDRs. The IDRs may be transferred separately from any other
F-27
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
5. Owners' Capital/Partners' Equity (Continued)
interests, subject to restrictions in the Partnership Agreement. Except for transfers of incentive distribution rights to an affiliate or another entity as part of a merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of substantially all of the assets to, such entity, the approval of a majority of the Partnership's common units (excluding common units held by the general partner and its affiliates), voting separately as a class, is generally required for a transfer of the IDRs to a third party prior to March 31, 2019. Any transfer by GasLog of the IDRs would not change the percentage allocations of quarterly distributions with respect to such right.
On November 27, 2018, the Partnership Agreement was amended to allow for the substitution of the existing IDRs with a new class of IDRs (the "New IDRs", together with the Old IDRs, the "IDRs") with revised rights to distributions. Pursuant to this amendment, the 48.0% tier of distributions to the New IDRs holders was removed, while the definition of available cash from operating surplus for distribution to the New IDRs holders was revised to exclude any available cash from operating surplus generated from third-party (i.e., non-GasLog) acquisitions, as defined in the agreement. In exchange for the waiving of the aforementioned rights, the Partnership paid $25,000 to GasLog, the holder of the IDRs, sourced from available cash.
The following table illustrates the percentage allocation of the additional available cash from operating surplus after the payment of preference unit distributions, in respect to such rights, until November 27, 2018:
|
Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Old IDRs
|
Total Quarterly
Distribution Target Amount |
Unitholders |
General
Partner |
Holders of
IDRs |
||||||||
Minimum Quarterly Distribution |
$0.375 | 98.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 0 | % | |||||
First Target Distribution |
$0.375 up to $0.43125 | 98.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 0 | % | |||||
Second Target Distribution |
$0.43125 up to $0.46875 | 85.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 13.0 | % | |||||
Third Target Distribution |
$0.46875 up to $0.5625 | 75.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 23.0 | % | |||||
Thereafter |
Above $0.5625 | 50.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 48.0 | % |
Effective November 27, 2018, the percentage allocation of the additional available cash from operating surplus after the payment of preference unit distributions and excluding available cash from operating surplus derived from non-GasLog acquisitions, was amended, in respect to such rights, as follows:
|
Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New IDRs
|
Total Quarterly
Distribution Target Amount |
Unitholders |
General
Partner |
Holders of
IDRs |
||||||||
Minimum Quarterly Distribution |
$0.375 | 98.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 0 | % | |||||
First Target Distribution |
$0.375 up to $0.43125 | 98.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 0 | % | |||||
Second Target Distribution |
$0.43125 up to $0.46875 | 85.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 13.0 | % | |||||
Thereafter |
Above $0.46875 | 75.0 | % | 2.0 | % | 23.0 | % |
F-28
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
5. Owners' Capital/Partners' Equity (Continued)
Subordinated Units
Since the IPO and until May 16, 2017, GasLog held all of the Partnership's subordinated units. The principal difference between the common units and subordinated units was that in any quarter during the subordination period the subordinated units were entitled to receive the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.375 per unit only after the common units had received the minimum quarterly distribution and arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution from prior quarters. Subordinated units did not accrue arrearages. In accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the subordination period generally would end if the Partnership had earned and paid at least $0.375 on each outstanding common and subordinated unit and the corresponding distribution on the general partner's 2.0% interest for any three consecutive four-quarter periods ending on or after March 31, 2017.
On May 16, 2017, the subordination period expired and consequently all 9,822,358 subordinated units held by GasLog converted into common units on a one-for-one basis and now participate pro rata with all other outstanding common units in distributions of available cash.
Preference Units
From and including the original issue date to, but excluding, June 15, 2027, distributions on the Series A Preference Units will accrue at 8.625% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit. From and including June 15, 2027, the distribution rate will be a floating rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.31% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit of Series A Preference Units.
From and including the original issue date to, but excluding, March 15, 2023, distributions on the Series B Preference Units will accrue at 8.200% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit. From and including March 15, 2023, the distribution rate will be a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.839% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit of Series A Preference Units.
From and including the original issue date to, but excluding, March 15, 2024, the distribution rate for the Series C Preference Units will accrue at 8.500% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit. From and including March 15, 2024, the distribution rate will be a floating rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.317% per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit of Series C Preference Units. The initial distribution on the Series C Preference Units is payable on March 15, 2019.
The Preference Units issued are not convertible into common units and have been accounted for as equity instruments based on certain characteristics such as the absolute discretion held by our board of directors over distributions, which can be deferred and accumulated, as well as the redemption rights held only by the Partnership. The Series A, Series B and Series C Preference Units have preference upon liquidation and the holders would receive $25.00 per unit plus any accumulated and unpaid distributions.
F-29
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
6. Borrowings
Borrowings as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 consisted of the following:
|
As of December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Amounts due within one year |
126,850 | 434,600 | |||||
Less: unamortized deferred loan issuance costs |
(5,653 | ) | (5,163 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Borrowingscurrent portion |
121,197 | 429,437 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Amounts due after one year |
1,296,719 | 817,119 | |||||
Less: unamortized deferred loan issuance costs |
(17,788 | ) | (11,559 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Borrowingsnon-current portion |
1,278,931 | 805,560 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
1,400,128 | 1,234,997 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Terminated Facilities:
Following the acquisition of GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd. and GAS-twenty one Ltd., the Partnership assumed $325,500 of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entities. The loan agreement was signed by GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd. and GAS-twenty one Ltd., on May 12, 2014 with Citibank N.A. London Branch, acting as security agent and trustee for and on behalf of the other finance parties. The loan has a two-year maturity bearing interest at LIBOR plus a margin and $108,500 was drawn on each of June 3, 2014, on June 10, 2014 and on June 24, 2014 to partially finance the deliveries of the Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth and the Methane Heather Sally, respectively. Using the proceeds of the equity offering completed in June 2015, GasLog Partners prepaid $10,000 of the GAS-nineteen Ltd. tranche on September 4, 2015, $5,000 of the GAS-twenty Ltd. tranche on December 10, 2015 and $5,000 of the GAS-twenty one Ltd. tranche on December 29, 2015. On April 5, 2016, the outstanding amount of $305,500 under the facility was fully repaid.
On January 18, 2012, GAS-seven Ltd. entered into a loan agreement of up to $144,000 with Credit Suisse AG, for the purpose of financing one of the newbuilding vessels. The loan agreement provided for a single tranche that was drawn on December 4, 2013 for the financing of the GasLog Seattle. On July 25, 2016, the outstanding amount of $124,000 under the facility was fully repaid.
On December 23, 2011, GAS-eight Ltd. entered into a loan agreement for a senior secured credit facility of up to $143,000 with DnB Bank ASA, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Danish Ship Finance A/S, ING Bank N.V. and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), for the purpose of financing one of the newbuilding vessels. The loan agreement provided for a single tranche that was
F-30
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
6. Borrowings (Continued)
drawn on June 24, 2014 for the financing of the Solaris. On July 25, 2016, the outstanding amount of $127,080 under the facility was fully repaid.
On March 25, 2015, GAS-twenty seven Ltd. entered into a senior secured term loan facility of up to $162,500 with ABN Amro Bank N.V., Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank AG Filiale Deutschlandgeschäft, DNB Bank ASA, London Branch and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, and a subordinated term loan facility of up to $67,500 with ABN Amro Bank N.V., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank AG Filiale Deutschlandgeschäft and DNB Bank ASA, London Branch for the purpose of financing the acquisition of the Methane Becki Anne . The available amounts were fully drawn on March 31, 2015. Both facilities bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin.
On April 5, 2016, pursuant to the Five Vessel Refinancing (please refer to (b) below), the outstanding balances of $162,500 under the senior secured term loan facility and $67,500 under the subordinated term loan facility were fully repaid.
Existing Facilities:
On November 12, 2014, GAS-three Ltd., GAS-four Ltd., GAS-five Ltd., GAS-sixteen Ltd., GAS-seventeen Ltd, GasLog Partners LP and GasLog Partners Holdings LLC entered into a loan agreement with Citibank N.A., London Branch, acting as security agent and trustee for and on behalf of the other finance parties mentioned above, for a credit facility for up to $450,000 (the "Partnership Facility") for the purpose of refinancing in full the existing debt facilities. The agreement provides for a single tranche that was drawn on November 18, 2014. The credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin. The balance outstanding as of December 31, 2018 is $360,000 and is repayable in four quarterly installments of $5,625 and a final balloon payment of $337,500 together with the last quarterly installment in November 2019. In February 2019, the Partnership signed a debt refinancing of up to $450,000 with certain financial institutions (Note 22), in order to refinance such indebtedness.
On February 18, 2016, subsidiaries of the Partnership and GasLog entered into credit agreements (the "Five Vessel Refinancing") to refinance the debt maturities that were scheduled to become due in 2016 and 2017. The Five Vessel Refinancing is comprised of a five-year senior tranche facility of up to $396,500 and a two-year bullet junior tranche of up to $180,000. The vessels covered by the Five Vessel Refinancing are the Partnership-owned Methane Alison Victoria , Methane Shirley Elisabeth , Methane Heather Sally and Methane Becki Anne and the GasLog-owned Methane Lydon Volney . ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and DNB (UK) Ltd. were mandated lead arrangers to the transaction. The other banks in the syndicate are: DVB Bank America N.V., Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ING Bank N.V.,
F-31
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
6. Borrowings (Continued)
London Branch, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and National Australia Bank Limited. Following the acquisition of the Methane Becki Anne on November 14, 2018, the Partnership assumed $93,896 of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entity.
On April 5, 2016, $323,162 and $149,792 under the senior and junior tranche, respectively, of the Five Vessel Refinancing were drawn to refinance $535,500 of the outstanding debt of GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd., GAS-twenty one Ltd and GAS-twenty seven Ltd. The balance outstanding for the entities owned by the Partnership as of December 31, 2018 is $265,580 under the senior tranche that is repayable in 10 quarterly installments of $6,290 and a final balloon payment of $202,680 together with the last quarterly installment in April 2021. Amounts drawn bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin. The balance under the junior tranche was prepaid by the Partnership on April 5, 2017 and January 5, 2018, in amounts of $120,042 and $29,750, respectively, with the junior tranche subsequently cancelled.
On July 19, 2016, GasLog entered into a credit agreement to refinance the existing indebtedness on eight of its on-the-water vessels of up to $1,050,000 (the "Legacy Facility Refinancing") with a number of international banks, extending the maturities of six existing credit facilities to 2021. The vessels covered by the Legacy Facility Refinancing are the GasLog Savannah , the GasLog Singapore , the GasLog Skagen , the GasLog Seattle , the Solaris , the GasLog Saratoga , the GasLog Salem and the GasLog Chelsea . Citigroup Global Market Limited, Credit Suisse AG and Nordea Bank AB were mandated lead arrangers to the transaction. The other banks in the syndicate are: Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), HSBC Bank Plc, ING Bank N.V., London Branch, Danmarks Skibskredit A/S, Korea Development Bank and DVB Bank America N.V. Nordea Bank AB, London Branch is the agent and security agent for the transaction. The Legacy Facility Refinancing is comprised of a five-year term loan facility of up to $950,000 and a revolving credit facility of up to $100,000.
Following the acquisitions of GAS-seven Ltd. and GAS-eight Ltd., the Partnership assumed $122,292 and $124,141 of indebtedness drawn on July 25, 2016 under the term loan facility to refinance the existing indebtedness of $124,000 and $127,080 for GAS-seven Ltd. and GAS-eight Ltd., respectively. Each aforementioned refinancing was considered an extinguishment of the existing debt facility. Consequently, the unamortized loan fees of $5,637 were written off to profit or loss for the year ended December 31, 2016. On November 13, 2018, $25,940 was drawn under the revolving credit facility, which was repaid on December 12, 2018. The balance outstanding for the entities owned by the Partnership as of December 31, 2018 is $216,169 under the term loan that is repayable in six semi-annual installments of $7,566 each and a balloon payment of $170,773 due together with the last installment in July 2021, while the balance outstanding under the revolving credit facility is nil and can be repaid and redrawn at any time until December 31, 2020. Amounts drawn bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin.
F-32
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
6. Borrowings (Continued)
Following the acquisitions of GAS-eleven Ltd. on May 3, 2017, GAS-thirteen Ltd. on July 3, 2017 and GAS-fourteen Ltd. on April 26, 2018, the Partnership assumed $151,423, $155,005 and $143,622 of outstanding indebtedness of the acquired entities, respectively, under a debt financing agreement dated October 16, 2015 with 14 international banks, with Citibank N.A. London Branch and Nordea Bank AB, London Branch acting as agents on behalf of the other finance parties. The financing is backed by the Export Import Bank of Korea ("KEXIM") and the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation ("K-Sure"), who are either directly lending or providing cover for over 60% of the facility (the "October 2015 Facility").
The loan agreement with GAS-eleven Ltd., with respect to the GasLog Greece provided for four tranches of $51,257, $25,615, $24,991 and $61,104, while the loan agreements with GAS-thirteen Ltd. and GAS-fourteen Ltd., with respect to the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar , respectively, each provided for four tranches of $50,544, $25,258, $24,643 and $60,252. Under the terms of the agreement, each drawing under the first three tranches would be repaid in 24 consecutive semi-annual equal installments commencing six months after the actual deliveries of the GasLog Greece , the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar , respectively, according to a 12-year profile. Each drawing under the fourth tranche would be repaid in 20 consecutive semi-annual equal installments commencing six months after the actual delivery of the relevant vessel according to a 20-year profile, with a balloon payment together with the final installment. On March 22, 2016, $162,967 was drawn down to partially finance the delivery of the GasLog Greece , while on September 26, 2016 and on October 25, 2016, $160,697 was drawn down on each date to partially finance the deliveries of the GasLog Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar , respectively. The aggregate balance outstanding for the entities owned by the Partnership as of December 31, 2018 is $409,970. Amounts drawn under each applicable tranche bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin.
Securities Covenants and Guarantees
The credit agreements are secured as follows:
F-33
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
6. Borrowings (Continued)
Geneva and the GasLog Gibraltar and a guarantee from GasLog Carriers Ltd. for up to the value of the commitments on the remaining vessels;
Certain of the credit facilities also impose certain restrictions relating to the Partnership and GasLog, and their other subsidiaries, including restrictions that limit the Partnership's and GasLog's ability to make any substantial change in the nature of the Partnership's or GasLog's business or to engage in transactions that would constitute a change of control, without repaying all of the Partnership's and GasLog's indebtedness in full.
The credit facilities contain customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, breach of covenants or material inaccuracy of representations, default under other material indebtedness and bankruptcy. In addition, the credit facilities contain covenants requiring the Partnership and certain of the Partnership's subsidiaries to maintain the aggregate of (i) the market value, on a charter exclusive basis, of the mortgaged vessel or vessels and (ii) the market value of any additional security provided to the lenders, at a value of not less than 120.0% (in the case of the October 2015 Facility, 115.0% for the first two years after each drawdown and 120.0% at any time thereafter) of the then outstanding amount under the applicable facility. If we fail to comply with these covenants and are not able to obtain covenant waivers or modifications, the lenders could require the Partnership to make prepayments or provide additional collateral sufficient to bring the Partnership into compliance with such covenants, and if we fail to do so the lenders could accelerate the indebtedness.
The credit facilities impose certain operating and financial restrictions on the Partnership and GasLog. These restrictions generally limit the Partnership's and GasLog's collective subsidiaries' ability to, among other things: (a) incur additional indebtedness, create liens or provide guarantees, (b) provide any form of credit or financial assistance to, or enter into any non-arms' length transactions with, the Partnership, GasLog or any of their affiliates, (c) sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including ships, (d) engage in merger transactions, (e) enter into, terminate or amend any charter, (f) amend shipbuilding contracts, (g) change the manager of ships, or (h) acquire assets, make investments or enter into any joint venture arrangements outside of the ordinary course of business. In addition, under the Five Vessel Refinancing, the Legacy Facility Refinancing and the October 2015 Facility, the respective vessel-owning entities are also required to maintain at all times minimum liquidity of $1,500 per entity and are in compliance as of December 31, 2018.
The Partnership, as corporate guarantor for the Partnership Facility and the Five Vessel Refinancing is also subject to specified financial covenants on a consolidated basis. These financial covenants include the following as defined in the agreements:
F-34
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
6. Borrowings (Continued)
The Five Vessel Refinancing, the Legacy Facility Refinancing and the October 2015 Facility also impose specified financial covenants that apply to GasLog and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis:
GasLog Partners and GasLog were in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2018.
Loan From Related Parties:
Following the IPO on May 12, 2014, the Partnership entered into a $30,000 revolving credit facility (the "Old Sponsor Credit Facility") with GasLog to be used for general partnership purposes. The credit facility was unsecured and provided for an availability period of 36 months and bore interest at a rate of 5.0% per annum, with no commitment fee for the first year. After the first year, the interest increased to a rate of 6.0% per annum, with an annual 2.4% commitment fee on the undrawn balance. Each advance drawn was repayable within a period of 6 months after the respective drawdown date but was subject to unconditional right of immediate renewal if no repayment was made. As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility was $15,000. Amounts of $10,000 and $5,000 were repaid into the revolving facility on March 31, 2016 and August 17, 2016, respectively, leaving a balance of zero. On November 18, 2016, the Partnership drew $10,000 which was repaid on December 30, 2016.
F-35
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
6. Borrowings (Continued)
On April 3, 2017, the Partnership signed a deed of termination with respect to the Old Sponsor Credit Facility with GasLog. On the same date, GasLog Partners entered into a new unsecured five-year term loan of $45,000 and a new five-year revolving credit facility of $30,000 with GasLog (together, the "New Sponsor Credit Facility"). On April 5, 2017, under the New Sponsor Credit Facility, an amount of $45,000 under the term loan facility and an amount of $15,000 under the revolving credit facility were drawn by the Partnership and were used on the same date to prepay $60,125 of the outstanding debt of GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd. and GAS-twenty one Ltd. under the junior tranche of the Five Vessel Refinancing, which would have been originally due in April 2018. The Partnership repaid $15,000 under the revolving credit facility of the New Sponsor Credit Facility on May 22, 2017. The New Sponsor Credit Facility is unsecured and the revolving credit facility provides for an availability period of five years. Each borrowing under the New Sponsor Credit Facility accrues interest at a rate of 9.125% per annum with an annual 1.0% commitment fee on the undrawn balance.
On March 23, 2018, the outstanding amount of $45,000 under the New Sponsor Credit Facility was prepaid. On the same date, the term loan facility was terminated and the respective unamortized loan fees of $900 were written-off to profit or loss. As of December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance of the New Sponsor Credit Facility is nil.
The New Sponsor Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, breach of covenants or material inaccuracy of representations, default under other material indebtedness and bankruptcy. In addition, the New Sponsor Credit Facility covenants require that at all times GasLog must continue to control, directly or indirectly, the affairs or composition of the Partnership's board of directors and any amendment to our Partnership Agreement, in the reasonable opinion of the lender, must not be adverse to its interests in connection with the New Sponsor Credit Facility.
Borrowings Repayment Schedule
The maturity table below reflects the principal repayments of the borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2018 based on their repayment schedules:
|
As of
December 31, 2018 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Not later than one year |
434,600 | |||
Later than one year and not later than three years |
510,079 | |||
Later than three years and not later than five years |
68,620 | |||
Later than five years |
238,420 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
1,251,719 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
The weighted average total interest rate for the abovementioned credit facilities as of December 31, 2018 is 4.8% (December 31, 2017: 3.9%).
As the bank facilities bear interest at variable interest rates, their aggregate fair value as of December 31, 2018 was equal to the amount outstanding of $1,251,719.
F-36
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
7. Other Payables and Accruals
An analysis of other payables and accruals is as follows:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Unearned revenue |
25,236 | 24,080 | |||||
Accrued legal and professional fees |
597 | 679 | |||||
Accrued crew costs |
2,409 | 1,922 | |||||
Accrued off-hire |
1,659 | 3,108 | |||||
Accrued payable to charterers |
539 | 610 | |||||
Accrued purchases |
1,893 | 10,336 | |||||
Accrued interest |
13,273 | 14,332 | |||||
Accrued board of directors fees |
188 | 198 | |||||
Accrued cash distributions |
179 | 277 | |||||
Other payables and accruals |
918 | 2,232 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
46,891 | 57,774 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The unearned revenue of $24,080 represents monthly charter hires received in advance as of December 31, 2018 relating to January 2019 (December 31, 2017: $25,236).
8. Revenues
The Partnership has recognized the following amounts relating to revenues:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Revenues from time charters |
317,489 | 371,146 | 341,066 | |||||||
Revenues from the Cool Pool |
| | 11,475 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
317,489 | 371,146 | 352,541 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues from the Cool Pool relate only to the pool revenues received from a GasLog Partners vessel operating in the Cool Pool and do not include the Net pool allocation to GasLog Partners of a gain of $3,700 for the year ended December 31, 2018 (nil for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016).
F-37
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
9. Voyage Expenses and Commissions
An analysis of voyage expenses and commissions is as follows:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Brokers' commissions on revenues |
3,976 | 4,648 | 4,296 | |||||||
Bunkers' consumption and other voyage expenses |
357 | 2 | 2,826 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
4,333 | 4,650 | 7,122 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Bunkers' consumption represents mainly bunkers consumed during periods when a vessel is not employed under a charter or off-hire periods.
10. General and Administrative Expenses
An analysis of general and administrative expenses is as follows:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Administrative fees (Note 13) |
4,802 | 6,547 | 10,398 | |||||||
Commercial management fees (Note 13) |
4,535 | 5,040 | 5,040 | |||||||
Share-based compensation (Note 20) |
480 | 850 | 1,034 | |||||||
Other expenses |
3,389 | 2,874 | 2,897 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
13,206 | 15,311 | 19,369 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
11. Vessel Operating Costs
An analysis of vessel operating costs is as follows:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Crew costs |
30,673 | 36,617 | 35,764 | |||||||
Technical maintenance expenses |
14,879 | 14,985 | 15,321 | |||||||
Other operating expenses |
17,524 | 19,767 | 17,640 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
63,076 | 71,369 | 68,725 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-38
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
12. Net Financial Income and Costs
An analysis of financial income and financial costs is as follows:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Financial income |
||||||||||
Financial income |
209 | 1,019 | 2,413 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total financial income |
209 | 1,019 | 2,413 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Financial costs |
||||||||||
Amortization of deferred loan issuance costs |
14,297 | 8,160 | 6,822 | |||||||
Interest expense on loans |
44,882 | 55,974 | 58,548 | |||||||
Commitment fees |
674 | 632 | 522 | |||||||
Other financial costs |
394 | 356 | 395 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total financial costs |
60,247 | 65,122 | 66,287 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
During the year ended December 31, 2016, an amount of $5,637 representing the write-off of the unamortized deferred loan issuance costs in connection with the repayment of the loan agreement of GAS-seven Ltd. and GAS-eight Ltd. on July 25, 2016 (Note 6) is included in Amortization of deferred loan issuance costs. During the year ended December 31, 2018, an amount of $900 representing the write-off of the unamortized deferred loan issuance costs in connection with the termination of the term loan facility of the New Sponsor Credit Facility (Note 6) is included in Amortization of deferred loan issuance costs.
13. Related Party Transactions
The Partnership has the following balances with related parties which are included in the consolidated statements of financial position:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Amounts due from related parties |
|||||||
Due from the Cool Pool (a) |
| 5,281 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
| 5,281 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-39
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
13. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Amounts due to related parties |
|||||||
Due to GasLog LNG Services (b) |
4,916 | 1,368 | |||||
Due to GasLog (c) |
230 | 654 | |||||
Due to GasLog Carriers Ltd. ("GasLog Carriers") (d) |
4,746 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
9,892 | 2,022 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Loans due to related parties |
|||||||
New Sponsor Credit Facility with GasLog |
45,000 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
45,000 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The details of the credit facility with GasLog are disclosed in Note 6.
F-40
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
13. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
The Partnership had the following transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018:
Company
|
Details | Account | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Costs capitalized to vessels' cost |
||||||||||||||
GasLog LNG Services |
Construction supervision fees (i) | Vessels | 1,846 | | | |||||||||
Cost expensed |
||||||||||||||
GasLog |
Commercial management fee (ii) | General and administrative expenses | 4,535 | 5,040 | 5,040 | |||||||||
GasLog |
Administrative services fee (iii) | General and administrative expenses | 4,802 | 6,547 | 10,398 | |||||||||
GasLog LNG Services |
Management fees and other vessel management expenses (iv) | Vessel operating costs | 6,192 | 7,176 | 7,176 | |||||||||
GasLog LNG Services |
Other vessel operating costs | Vessel operating costs | 95 | 127 | 114 | |||||||||
GasLog |
Interest on revolving credit facility (Note 6) | Interest expense | 413 | 3,224 | 935 | |||||||||
GasLog |
Commitment fee on revolving credit facility (Note 6) | Other financial costs | 567 | 396 | 304 | |||||||||
GasLog |
Interest on interest rate swaps (Note 17) | (Loss)/gain on derivatives | 549 | 2,053 | (1,772 | ) | ||||||||
GasLog |
Realized loss on forward foreign exchange contracts held for trading (Note 17) | (Loss)/gain on derivatives | | | 409 | |||||||||
GasLog |
Compensation for lost hire (v) | Revenues | | | (481 | ) | ||||||||
Cool Pool |
Adjustment for net pool allocation | Net pool allocation | | | (3,700 | ) |
The Manager charged the vessel owning companies shipbuilding supervision fees pursuant to the shipbuilding supervision contracts that were signed on August 1, 2014 with respect to GAS-eleven Ltd., GAS-thirteen Ltd. and GAS-fourteen Ltd. In accordance with the shipbuilding supervision contracts, the Manager was appointed as the supervisor of the construction of the vessels under the relevant shipbuilding contracts and responsible for providing technical consultancy services and attending sea trials and factory acceptance tests until the successful delivery of each vessel. Monthly charge rates for the site inspection team varied from $12.5 to $18.5 according to the level of seniority of the inspectors. On November 4, 2015, all agreements were amended to delete the clauses regarding factory acceptance tests and technical consultancy fees.
Upon
completion of the IPO on May 12, 2014, the vessel-owning subsidiaries of the Initial Fleet entered into amended commercial management agreements with GasLog (the "Amended Commercial
Management Agreements"), pursuant to which GasLog provides certain commercial management services, including chartering services, consultancy services on market issues and invoicing and collection of
hire payables, to the Partnership. The annual commercial management fee under the amended agreements is $360 for each vessel payable quarterly in advance in lump sum amounts. In December 2013,
GAS-seven Ltd. entered into a commercial management agreement with GasLog for an annual commercial management fee of $540 that was amended to $360 when the vessel was acquired by the
Partnership on November 1, 2016. Additionally, in June 2015, GAS-eight Ltd. entered into a commercial management agreement with GasLog for an annual commercial management fee of $360.
F-41
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
13. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
The same provisions are included in the commercial management agreements that GAS-eleven Ltd., GAS-thirteen Ltd., GAS-fourteen Ltd., GAS-sixteen Ltd., GAS-seventeen Ltd., GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd., GAS-twenty one Ltd. and GAS-twenty seven Ltd. entered into with GasLog upon the deliveries of the GasLog Greece , the GasLog Geneva , the GasLog Gibraltar , the Methane Rita Andrea , the Methane Jane Elizabeth , the Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth , the Methane Heather Sally and the Methane Becki Anne , respectively, into GasLog's fleet in March 2016, September 2016, October 2016, April 2014, June 2014 and March 2015 (together with the Amended Commercial Management Agreements and the commercial management agreements entered into by GAS-seven Ltd. and GAS-eight Ltd. with GasLog, the "Commercial Management Agreements").
Upon completion of the IPO on May 12, 2014, the Partnership entered into an administrative services agreement (the "Administrative Services Agreement") with GasLog, pursuant to which GasLog will provide certain management and administrative services. The services provided under the Administrative Services Agreement are provided as the Partnership may direct, and include bookkeeping, audit, legal, insurance, administrative, clerical, banking, financial, advisory, client and investor relations services. The Administrative Services Agreement will continue indefinitely until terminated by the Partnership upon 90 days' notice for any reason in the sole discretion of the Partnership's board of directors. Until December 31, 2016, GasLog received a service fee of $588 per vessel per year in connection with providing services under this agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, the annual service fee was $632 and $812 per vessel per year, respectively. With effect from January 1, 2019, the service fee was amended to $608 per vessel per year.
Upon completion of the IPO on May 12, 2014, each of the vessel owning subsidiaries of the Initial Fleet entered into an amended ship management agreement (collectively, the "Amended Ship Management Agreements") under which the vessel owning subsidiaries pay a management fee of $46 per month to the Manager and reimburse the Manager for all expenses incurred on their behalf. The Amended Ship Management Agreements also provide for superintendent fees of $1 per day payable to the Manager for each day in excess of 25 days per calendar year for which a superintendent performed visits to the vessels, an annual incentive bonus of up to $72 based on key performance indicators predetermined annually and contain clauses for decreased management fees in case of a vessel's lay-up. The management fees are subject to an annual adjustment, agreed between the parties in good faith, on the basis of general inflation and proof of increases in actual costs incurred by the Manager. Each Amended Ship Management Agreement continues indefinitely until terminated by either party. The same provisions are included in the ship management agreements that GAS-sixteen Ltd., GAS-seventeen Ltd., GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd., GAS-twenty one Ltd. and GAS-twenty seven Ltd. entered into with the Manager upon the deliveries of the Methane Rita Andrea , the Methane Jane Elizabeth , the Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth , the Methane Heather Sally and the Methane Becki Anne , respectively, into GasLog's fleet in April 2014, June 2014 and March 2015 (together with the Amended Ship Management Agreements and the ship management agreement that GAS-seven Ltd. entered into with the Manager upon its vessel's delivery from the shipyard in 2013, the "Ship Management Agreements"). In May 2015, the Ship Management Agreements were further amended to delete the annual incentive bonus and superintendent fees clauses and, in the case of GAS-seven Ltd., to also increase the fixed monthly charge to $46 with effect from April 1, 2015. In April 2016, the Ship Management Agreements were amended to consolidate all ship management related fees into a single fee structure. This single fee structure was already provided for in the ship management agreements that GAS-eleven Ltd., GAS-thirteen Ltd. and GAS-fourteen Ltd. had entered into with GasLog upon the deliveries of the GasLog Greece in March 2016, the GasLog Geneva in September 2016 and the GasLog Gibraltar in October 2016, respectively (with a fixed monthly charge of $46).
Omnibus Agreement
Upon completion of the IPO on May 12, 2014, the Partnership entered into an omnibus agreement with GasLog, our general partner and certain of our other subsidiaries. The omnibus agreement governs among other things (i) when and the extent to which the Partnership and GasLog may compete against each other, (ii) the time and the value at which the Partnership may exercise the right to purchase certain offered vessels by GasLog (iii) certain rights of first offer granted to GasLog to purchase any of its vessels on charter for less than five full years from the Partnership and vice versa and (iv) GasLog's provisions of certain indemnities to the Partnership. On September 29, 2014, June 26, 2015, October 27, 2016, March 9, 2017, May 25, 2017 , August 30, 2017, March 3, 2018 and October 24, 2018, the Partnership exercised the option
F-42
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
13. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
to acquire (i) the Methane Rita Andrea and the Methane Jane Elizabeth, (ii) the Methane Alison Victoria , the Methane Shirley Elisabeth and the Methane Heather Sally , (iii) the GasLog Seattle (iv) the GasLog Greece , (v) the GasLog Geneva , (vi) the Solaris , (vii) the GasLog Gibraltar and (viii) the Methane Becki Anne , respectively.
14. Commitments and Contingencies
Future gross minimum revenues receivable upon collection of hire under non-cancellable time charter agreements as of December 31, 2018, are as follows (30 off-hire days are assumed when each vessel will undergo scheduled dry-docking; in addition, early delivery of the vessels by the charterers or any exercise of the charterers' options to extend the terms of the charters are not accounted for):
|
As of
December 31, 2018 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Period |
||||
Not later than one year |
256,451 | |||
Later than one year and not later than three years |
322,763 | |||
Later than three years and not later than five years |
181,181 | |||
Later than five years |
60,209 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
820,604 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
In April and May 2017, GasLog LNG Services entered into agreements in relation to investments in certain of the Partnership and GasLog's vessels, with the aim of enhancing their operational performance. Commitments relating to these agreements for the Partnership, are as follows:
|
As of
December 31, 2018 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Period |
||||
Not later than one year |
1,520 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
1,520 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Following the acquisition of (i) the Methane Rita Andrea and the Methane Jane Elizabeth , (ii) the Methane Alison Victoria, the Methane Shirley Elisabeth and the Methane Heather Sally and (iii) the Methane Becki Anne , the Partnership, through its subsidiaries (i) GAS-sixteen Ltd. and GAS-seventeen Ltd., (ii) GAS-nineteen Ltd., GAS-twenty Ltd. and GAS-twenty one Ltd. and (iii) GAS-twenty seven Ltd., respectively, is counter guarantor for the acquisition from BG Group of 83.33% of depot spares with an aggregate value of $6,000, of which $660 have been purchased and paid as of December 31, 2018 by GasLog. These spares should be acquired before March 31, 2020.
Additionally, in September 2017 and July 2018, GasLog LNG Services Ltd. entered into maintenance agreements with Wartsila Greece S.A. ("Wartsila") in respect of six of the Partnership's LNG carriers. The agreements ensure dynamic maintenance planning, technical support, security of spare parts supply, specialist technical personnel and performance monitoring.
F-43
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
14. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
Various claims, suits and complaints, including those involving government regulations, arise in the ordinary course of the shipping business. In addition, losses may arise from disputes with charterers, environmental claims, agents and insurers and from claims with suppliers relating to the operations of the Partnership's vessels. Currently, management is not aware of any such claims or contingent liabilities requiring disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
15. Financial Risk Management
The Partnership's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks, including market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. The Partnership's overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the Partnership's financial performance. The Partnership makes use of derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts to mitigate certain risk exposures.
Market risk
Interest Rate Risk: The Partnership is subject to market risks relating to changes in interest rates because it has floating rate debt outstanding. Significant increases in interest rates could adversely affect the Partnership's results of operations and its ability to service its debt. The Partnership uses interest rate swaps to reduce its exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates. The principal objective of these contracts is to minimize economic risks and costs associated with its floating rate debt and not for speculative or trading purposes. As of December 31, 2018, the Partnership had economically hedged 43.9% of its floating interest rate exposure on its outstanding borrowings (excluding the New Sponsor Credit Facility) by swapping the variable rate for a fixed rate (December 31, 2017: 34.1%).
The aggregate principal amount of the Partnership's outstanding floating rate debt which was not economically hedged as of December 31, 2018 was $701,719 (December 31, 2017: $908,569). As an indication of the extent of the Partnership's sensitivity to interest rate changes, an increase or decrease in LIBOR of 10 basis points would have decreased or increased, respectively, the profit during the year ended December 31, 2018 by $789, based upon its debt level during the period (December 31, 2017: $1,037 and December 31, 2016: $1,174).
Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis: The fair value of the interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2018 was estimated as a net asset of $5,513 (December 31, 2017: net asset of $6,346). For the three years ended December 31, 2018, the interest rate swaps were not designated as cash flow hedging instruments (Note 17).
The interest rate swap agreements described below are subject to market risk as they are recorded at fair value in the statement of financial position at year end. The fair value of interest rate swap liabilities increases when interest rates decrease and decreases when interest rates increase. As of December 31, 2018, if interest rates had increased or decreased by 10 basis points with all other variables held constant, the positive/(negative) impact, respectively, on the fair value of the interest rate swaps would have amounted to approximately $2,021 (December 31, 2017: $1,774 and December 31, 2016: $1,766) affecting loss/(gain) on swaps in the respective periods.
F-44
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
15. Financial Risk Management (Continued)
Currency Risk: Currency risk is the risk that the value of financial instruments and/or the cost of commercial transactions will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Currency risk arises when future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the Partnership's functional currency. The Partnership is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures primarily with respect to technical maintenance and crew costs denominated in euros. Specifically, for the year ended December 31, 2018, approximately $51,494 of the operating and administrative expenses were denominated in euros (December 31, 2017: $39,608 and December 31, 2016: $35,522). As of December 31, 2018, approximately $10,445 of the Partnership's outstanding trade payables and accruals were denominated in euros (December 31, 2017: $4,929).
The Partnership uses forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce its exposure to movements in exchange rates. As an indication of the extent of the Partnership's sensitivity to changes in exchange rate, a 10% increase in the average euro/dollar exchange rate would have decreased its profit and cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2018 by $5,149, based upon its expenses during the year (December 31, 2017: $3,961 and December 31, 2016: $3,552).
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that arises when the maturity of assets and liabilities does not match. An unmatched position potentially enhances profitability but can also increase the risk of losses.
The Partnership manages its liquidity risk by having secured credit lines, by receiving capital contributions to fund its commitments and by maintaining cash and cash equivalents.
The following tables detail the Partnership's expected cash flows for its financial liabilities. The tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Partnership can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and
F-45
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
15. Financial Risk Management (Continued)
principal cash flows. Variable future interest payments were determined based on an average LIBOR plus the margins applicable to the Partnership's loans at the end of each year presented.
|
Weighted-average
effective interest rate |
Less than
1 month |
1 - 3
months |
3 - 12
months |
1 - 5
years |
5+
years |
Total | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
December 31, 2018 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade accounts payable |
7,410 | 32 | 48 | | 7,490 | |||||||||||||||||
Due to related parties |
| 2,022 | | | | 2,022 | ||||||||||||||||
Other payables and accruals* |
9,308 | 17,741 | 4,914 | | | 31,963 | ||||||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities* |
| | | 264 | | 264 | ||||||||||||||||
Variable interest loans |
4.76 | % | 14,558 | 22,087 | 442,224 | 670,072 | 266,960 | 1,415,901 | ||||||||||||||
Fixed interest loans** |
| 75 | 466 | 1,014 | | 1,555 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
31,276 | 41,957 | 447,652 | 671,350 | 266,960 | 1,459,195 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2017 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade accounts payable |
4,982 | 78 | 65 | | | 5,125 | ||||||||||||||||
Due to related parties |
| 9,892 | | | | 9,892 | ||||||||||||||||
Other payables and accruals* |
9,561 | 9,673 | 2,421 | | | 21,655 | ||||||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
| | | 250 | | 250 | ||||||||||||||||
Variable interest loans |
3.71 | % | 44,729 | 21,152 | 100,420 | 1,096,246 | 308,678 | 1,571,225 | ||||||||||||||
Fixed interest loans** |
| 1,102 | 3,309 | 59,326 | | 63,737 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
59,272 | 41,897 | 106,215 | 1,155,822 | 308,678 | 1,671,884 | ||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The amounts included above for variable interest rate instruments are subject to change if changes in variable interest rates differ from those estimates of interest rates determined at the end of the reporting period.
The following tables detail the Partnership's expected cash flows for its derivative financial instruments. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted contractual net cash inflows and outflows on derivative instruments that are settled on a net basis. When the amount payable or receivable is not fixed, the amount disclosed has been determined by reference to the projected interest rates as illustrated by the yield curves existing at the end of the reporting period. The undiscounted
F-46
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
15. Financial Risk Management (Continued)
contractual cash flows are based on the contractual maturities of the interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts.
|
Less than
1 month |
1 - 3
months |
3 - 12
months |
1 - 5
years |
5+ years | Total | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
December 31, 2018 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
773 | 120 | 3,194 | 2,551 | (104 | ) | 6,534 | ||||||||||||
Forward foreign exchange contracts |
103 | 197 | 256 | | | 556 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
876 | 317 | 3,450 | 2,551 | (104 | ) | 7,090 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2017 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
(292 | ) | | (1 | ) | 7,341 | | 7,048 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
(292 | ) | | (1 | ) | 7,341 | | 7,048 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Partnership expects to be able to meet its current obligations resulting from financing and operating its vessels using the liquidity existing at year-end and the cash generated by operating activities. The Partnership expects to be able to meet its long-term obligations resulting from financing its vessels through cash generated from operations.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will fail to discharge its obligations and cause a financial loss. The Partnership is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by any of its counterparties. To limit this risk, the Partnership currently deals exclusively with financial institutions and customers with high credit ratings.
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
149,455 | 129,125 | |||||
Short-term investments |
| 10,000 | |||||
Trade and other receivables |
3,765 | 13,484 | |||||
Derivative financial instruments, current and non-current portion |
6,615 | 9,731 |
For the years ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, 100%, 100% and 92%, respectively, of the Partnership's revenue was earned from subsidiaries of Royal Dutch Shell plc ("Shell") and accounts receivable were not collateralized; however, management believes that the credit risk is partially offset by the creditworthiness of the Partnership's principal counterparty and the fact that the hire is being collected in advance. The Partnership did not experience any credit losses on its accounts receivable portfolio during the three years ended December 31, 2018. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the consolidated financial statements represents the Partnership's maximum exposure to credit risk. Management monitors exposure to credit risk and believes that there is no substantial credit risk arising from the Partnership's counterparty.
F-47
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
15. Financial Risk Management (Continued)
The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the direct and indirect counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies.
16. Capital Risk Management
The Partnership's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Partnership's ability to continue as a going concern and to pursue future growth opportunities. Among other metrics, the Partnership monitors capital using a total indebtedness to total assets ratio (Note 6), which is defined under certain of the Partnership's credit facilities as total debt and derivative financial instruments divided by total assets. The total indebtedness to total assets ratio is as follows:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Derivative financial instrumentscurrent asset |
(577 | ) | (4,615 | ) | |||
Derivative financial instrumentsnon-current asset |
(6,038 | ) | (5,116 | ) | |||
Borrowingscurrent liability |
121,197 | 429,437 | |||||
Borrowingsnon-current liability |
1,278,931 | 805,560 | |||||
Derivative financial instrumentscurrent liability |
269 | 1,253 | |||||
Derivative financial instrumentsnon-current liability |
| 3,543 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total indebtedness |
1,393,782 | 1,230,062 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Total assets |
2,528,263 | 2,488,638 | |||||
Total indebtedness/total assets |
55.1 | % | 49.4 | % |
17. Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair value of the derivative assets is as follows:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Derivative assets carried at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) |
|||||||
Interest rate swaps |
6,615 | 9,731 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
6,615 | 9,731 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Derivative financial instruments, current asset |
577 | 4,615 | |||||
Derivative financial instruments, non-current asset |
6,038 | 5,116 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
6,615 | 9,731 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-48
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
17. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)
The fair value of the derivative liabilities is as follows:
Interest rate swap agreements
The Partnership enters into interest rate swap agreements which convert the floating interest rate exposure into a fixed interest rate in order to hedge a portion of the Partnership's exposure to fluctuations in prevailing market interest rates. Under the interest rate swaps, the counterparty effects quarterly floating-rate payments to the Partnership for the notional amount based on the three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR, and the Partnership effects quarterly payments to the counterparty on the notional amount at the respective fixed rates.
Interest rate swaps held for trading
The principal terms of the interest rate swaps held for trading were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notional Amount | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Company
|
Counterparty | Trade Date |
Effective
Date |
Termination
Date |
Fixed
Interest Rate |
December 31,
2017 |
December 31,
2018 |
||||||||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | Nov 2016 | Nov 2016 | July 2020 | 1.54 | % | 130,000 | 130,000 | |||||||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | Nov 2016 | Nov 2016 | July 2021 | 1.63 | % | 130,000 | 130,000 | |||||||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | Nov 2016 | Nov 2016 | July 2022 | 1.72 | % | 130,000 | 130,000 | |||||||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | July 2017 | July 2017 | June 2022 | 2.19 | % | 80,000 | 80,000 | |||||||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | May 2018 | May 2018 | April 2023 | 3.15 | % | | 80,000 | |||||||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | Dec 2018 | Jan 2019 | Jan 2024 | 3.14 | % | | N/A | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
470,000 | 550,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In July 2016, the Partnership terminated the interest rate swap agreements of GAS-seven Ltd. and GAS-eight Ltd. associated with the Legacy Facility Refinancing (Note 6) paying their fair value on that date. The cumulative loss of $2,527, relating solely to the GAS-seven Ltd. swap agreements, from the period that hedging was effective was recycled to profit or loss during the year ended December 31, 2016.
F-49
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
17. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)
The change in the fair value of the contracts not designated as cash flow hedging instruments for the year ended December 31, 2018 amounted to a loss of $833 (December 31, 2017: $2,174 gain and December 31, 2016: $1,570 loss), which was recognized against earnings in the period incurred and is included in Loss/(gain) on interest rate swaps.
Forward foreign exchange contracts
The Partnership uses non-deliverable forward foreign exchange contracts to mitigate foreign exchange transaction exposures in euros ("EUR"). Under these non-deliverable forward foreign exchange contracts, the counterparties (GasLog and the Partnership) settle the difference between the fixed exchange rate and the prevailing rate on the agreed notional amounts on the respective settlement dates. All forward foreign exchange contracts are considered by management to be part of economic hedge arrangements but have not been formally designated as such.
Forward foreign exchange contracts held for trading
The principal terms of the forward foreign exchange contracts held for trading are as follows:
Company
|
Counterparty | Trade Date |
Settlement
Date |
Fixed
Exchange Rate (USD/EUR) |
Notional
Amount |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | May 2018 | Jan 2019 | 1.199415 | € | 2,000 | |||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | May 2018 | Feb 2019 | 1.200865 | € | 2,000 | |||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | May 2018 | Mar 2019 | 1.202315 | € | 2,000 | |||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | June 2018 | Apr 2019 | 1.19315 | € | 2,000 | |||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | June 2018 | May 2019 | 1.19645 | € | 2,000 | |||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | June 2018 | June 2019 | 1.19965 | € | 2,000 | |||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | August 2018 | July 2019 | 1.1738 | € | 2,000 | |||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | August 2018 | Aug 2019 | 1.1772 | € | 2,000 | |||||||||
GasLog Partners |
GasLog | August 2018 | Sept 2019 | 1.1809 | € | 2,000 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Total | € | 18,000 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The derivative instruments listed above were not designated as cash flow hedging instruments as of December 31, 2018. The change in the fair value of these contracts for the year ended December 31, 2018 amounted to a loss of $578 (December 31, 2017: nil and December 31, 2016: nil), which was recognized against earnings in the period incurred and is included in Loss/(gain) on interest rate swaps.
F-50
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
17. Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)
An analysis of Loss/(gain) on derivatives is as follows:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Realized loss/(gain) on derivatives held for trading |
2,740 | 2,053 | (1,363 | ) | ||||||
Unrealized loss/(gain) on derivatives held for trading |
1,570 | (2,174 | ) | 1,411 | ||||||
Recycled loss of cash flow hedges reclassified to profit or loss |
2,527 | | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total loss/(gain) on derivatives |
6,837 | (121 | ) | 48 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Fair value measurements
The fair value of the Partnership's financial assets and liabilities approximate to their carrying amounts at the reporting date.
The fair value of derivatives at the end of the reporting period is determined by discounting the future cash flows using the interest rate curves at the end of the reporting period, the estimation of the counterparty risk and the Partnership's own risk inherent in the contract. The derivatives met Level 2 classification, according to the fair value hierarchy as defined by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. There were no financial instruments in Levels 1 or 3 and no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the periods presented. The definitions of the levels, provided by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement , are based on the degree to which the fair value is observable:
F-51
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
18. Cash Flow Reconciliations
The reconciliations of the Partnership's non-cash investing and financing activities for the two years ended December 31, 2018 are presented in the following tables:
A reconciliation of borrowings arising from financing activities is as follows:
|
Opening balance | Cash flows |
Non-cash
items |
Deferred
financing costs, assets |
Total | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Borrowings outstanding as of January 1, 2017 |
1,563,932 | | | | 1,563,932 | |||||||||||
Borrowings drawdowns (Note 6) |
| 60,000 | (12,000 | ) | | 48,000 | ||||||||||
Borrowings repayments (Note 6) |
| (218,370 | ) | | | (218,370 | ) | |||||||||
Additions in deferred loan fees |
| (1,594 | ) | | | (1,594 | ) | |||||||||
Amortization of deferred loan issuance costs (Note 12) |
| | 8,160 | | 8,160 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2017 |
1,563,932 | (159,964 | ) | (3,840 | ) | | 1,400,128 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Borrowings outstanding as of January 1, 2018 |
1,400,128 | | | | 1,400,128 | |||||||||||
Borrowings drawdowns (Note 6) |
| 25,940 | | | 25,940 | |||||||||||
Borrowings repayments (Note 6) |
| (197,790 | ) | | | (197,790 | ) | |||||||||
Additions in deferred loan fees |
| (153 | ) | | 50 | (103 | ) | |||||||||
Amortization of deferred loan issuance costs (Note 12) |
| | 6,822 | | 6,822 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2018 |
1,400,128 | (172,003 | ) | 6,822 | 50 | 1,234,997 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A reconciliation of derivative assets is as follows:
|
Opening balance |
Non-cash
items |
Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net derivative assets as of January 1, 2017 |
4,172 | | 4,172 | |||||||
Unrealized gain on derivatives held for trading (Note 17) |
| 2,174 | 2,174 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net derivative assets as of December 31, 2017 |
4,172 | 2,174 | 6,346 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net derivative assets as of January 1, 2018 |
6,346 | | 6,346 | |||||||
Unrealized loss on derivatives held for trading (Note 17) |
| (1,411 | ) | (1,411 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net derivative assets as of December 31, 2018 |
6,346 | (1,411 | ) | 4,935 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-52
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
18. Cash Flow Reconciliations (Continued)
A reconciliation of vessels arising from investing activities is as follows:
|
Opening balance | Cash flows |
Non-cash
items |
Total | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vessels as of January 1, 2017 |
2,439,092 | | | 2,439,092 | |||||||||
Additions (Note 3) |
| 5,131 | 534 | 5,665 | |||||||||
Depreciation expense (Note 3) |
| | (81,089 | ) | (81,089 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vessels as of December 31, 2017 |
2,439,092 | 5,131 | (80,555 | ) | 2,363,668 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vessels as of January 1, 2018 |
2,363,668 | | | 2,363,668 | |||||||||
Additions (Note 3) |
| 24,177 | 9,568 | 33,745 | |||||||||
Depreciation expense (Note 3) |
| | (81,590 | ) | (81,590 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vessels as of December 31, 2018 |
2,363,668 | 24,177 | (72,022 | ) | 2,315,823 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A reconciliation of equity offerings arising from financing activities is as follows:
|
Cash flows |
Non-cash
items |
Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Proceeds from public offerings of common units and issuances of general partner units (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) (Note 5) |
144,297 | | 144,297 | |||||||
Proceeds from public offering of preference units (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) (Note 5) |
139,222 | | 139,222 | |||||||
Offering costs |
(2,033 | ) | (359 | ) | (2,392 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net proceeds from equity offerings in the year ended December 31, 2017 |
281,486 | (359 | ) | 281,127 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from public offerings of common units and issuances of general partner units (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) (Note 5) |
62,516 | | 62,516 | |||||||
Proceeds from public offering of preference units (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) (Note 5) |
208,394 | | 208,394 | |||||||
Offering costs |
(915 | ) | (703 | ) | (1,618 | ) | ||||
Payments for IDRs modification (including fees) |
(25,002 | ) | | (25,002 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net proceeds from equity offerings/modifications in the year ended December 31, 2018 |
244,993 | (703 | ) | 244,290 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
19. Earnings Per Unit
The Partnership calculates earnings per unit by allocating reported profit for each period to each class of units based on the distribution policy for available cash stated in the Partnership Agreement as generally described in Note 5 above.
In the three years ended December 31, 2018, the Partnership completed equity offerings of common units and issued general partner units to its general partner in order for GasLog to retain its 2.0%, as presented in Note 5. Also, on May 16, 2017, the subordination period expired and
F-53
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
19. Earnings Per Unit (Continued)
consequently all 9,822,358 subordinated units held by GasLog converted into common units on a one-for-one basis (Note 5).
Basic earnings per unit is determined by dividing profit for the year reported at the end of each period after deducting preference unit distributions by the weighted average number of units outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per unit is calculated by dividing the profit of the period attributable to common unitholders by the weighted average number of potential ordinary common units assumed to have been converted into common units, unless such potential ordinary common units have an antidilutive effect.
|
For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Profit for the year |
99,709 | 134,745 | 115,513 | |||||||
Less: |
||||||||||
Profit attributable to GasLog's operations* |
(22,439 | ) | (40,628 | ) | (12,916 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Partnership's profit |
77,270 | 94,117 | 102,597 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjustment for: |
||||||||||
Paid and accrued preference unit distributions |
| (7,749 | ) | (22,498 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Partnership's profit attributable to: |
77,270 | 86,368 | 80,099 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Common unitholders |
49,886 | 76,347 | 75,879 | |||||||
Subordinated unitholders** |
21,049 | 5,085 | N/A | |||||||
General partner |
1,545 | 1,728 | 1,602 | |||||||
Incentive distribution rights*** |
4,790 | 3,208 | 2,618 | |||||||
Weighted average units outstanding (basic) |
||||||||||
Common units |
22,934,380 | 36,493,143 | 42,945,432 | |||||||
Subordinated units** |
9,822,358 | 9,822,358 | N/A | |||||||
General partner units |
668,505 | 790,819 | 876,255 | |||||||
Earnings per unit (basic) |
||||||||||
Common unitholders |
2.18 | 2.09 | 1.77 | |||||||
Subordinated unitholders |
2.14 | 0.52 | N/A | |||||||
General partner |
2.31 | 2.18 | 1.83 | |||||||
Weighted average units outstanding (diluted) |
||||||||||
Common units |
22,963,214 | 36,547,545 | 43,034,117 | |||||||
Subordinated units** |
9,822,358 | 9,822,358 | N/A | |||||||
General partner units |
668,505 | 790,819 | 876,255 | |||||||
Earnings per unit (diluted) |
||||||||||
Common unitholders |
2.17 | 2.09 | 1.76 | |||||||
Subordinated unitholders |
2.14 | 0.52 | N/A | |||||||
General partner |
2.31 | 2.18 | 1.83 |
F-54
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
19. Earnings Per Unit (Continued)
Partnership on October 20, 2017, (v) GAS-fourteen Ltd. for the period prior to its transfer to the Partnership on April 26, 2018 and (vi) GAS-twenty seven Ltd. for the period prior to its transfer to the Partnership on November 14, 2018. While such amounts are reflected in the Partnership's financial statements because the transfers to the Partnership were accounted for as reorganizations of entities under common control (Note 1), the aforementioned entities were not owned by the Partnership prior to their transfers to the Partnership on the respective dates and accordingly the Partnership was not entitled to the cash or results generated in the period prior to such transfers.
20. Share-based Compensation
On April 1, 2015, April 1, 2016, April 3, 2017 and April 2, 2018, the Partnership granted to its executives Restricted Common Units ("RCUs") and Performance Common Units ("PCUs") in accordance with its 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2015 Plan"). On April 3, 2018, 16,999 RCUs and 16,999 PCUs vested under the Partnership's 2015 Plan.
The details of the aforementioned awards are presented in the following table:
Awards
|
Number | Grant date | Expiry date |
Fair value at
grant date |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RCUs |
16,999 | April 1, 2015 | n/a | $ | 24.12 | ||||||
PCUs |
16,999 | April 1, 2015 | n/a | $ | 24.12 | ||||||
RCUs |
24,925 | April 1, 2016 | n/a | $ | 16.45 | ||||||
PCUs |
24,925 | April 1, 2016 | n/a | $ | 16.45 | ||||||
RCUs |
26,097 | April 3, 2017 | n/a | $ | 23.85 | ||||||
PCUs |
26,097 | April 3, 2017 | n/a | $ | 23.85 | ||||||
RCUs |
24,608 | April 2, 2018 | n/a | $ | 23.40 | ||||||
PCUs |
24,608 | April 2, 2018 | n/a | $ | 23.40 |
The RCUs and PCUs vest three years after the grant dates subject to the recipients' continued service; vesting of the PCUs is also subject to the achievement of certain performance targets in relation to total unitholder return. Specifically, the performance measure is based on the total unitholder return ("TUR") achieved by the Partnership during the performance period, benchmarked against the TUR of a selected group of peer companies. TUR above the 75th percentile of the peer group results in 100% of the award vesting; TUR between the 50th and 75th percentile of the peer group results in 50% of award vesting; TUR below the 50th percentile of the peer group results in none of the award vesting. The holders are entitled to cash distributions that are accrued and settled on vesting.
F-55
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
20. Share-based Compensation (Continued)
The awards are settled in cash or in common units at the sole discretion of the board of directors or such committee as may be designated by the board to administer the 2015 Plan. These awards have been treated as equity settled because the Partnership has no present obligation to settle them in cash.
Fair value
The fair value per common unit of the RCUs and PCUs in accordance with the 2015 Plan was determined by using the grant date closing price of $24.12 for the 2015 grant, $16.45 for the 2016 grant, $23.85 for the 2017 grant and $23.40 for the 2018 grant and was not further adjusted since the holders are entitled to cash distributions.
Movement in RCUs and PCUs during the year
The summary of RCUs and PCUs is presented below:
|
Number of
awards |
Weighted
average contractual life |
Aggregate
fair value |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RCUs |
||||||||||
Outstanding as of January 1, 2017 |
41,924 | 1.84 | 820 | |||||||
Granted during the year |
26,097 | | 622 | |||||||
Forfeited during the year |
(546 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 |
67,475 | 1.38 | 1,429 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Granted during the year |
24,608 | | 576 | |||||||
Vested during the year |
(16,999 | ) | | (410 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding as of December 31, 2018 |
75,084 | 1.25 | 1,595 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
PCUs |
||||||||||
Outstanding as of January 1, 2017 |
41,924 | 1.84 | 820 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Granted during the year |
26,097 | | 622 | |||||||
Forfeited during the year |
(546 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 |
67,475 | 1.38 | 1,429 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Granted during the year |
24,608 | | 576 | |||||||
Vested during the year |
(16,999 | ) | | (410 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding as of December 31, 2018 |
75,084 | 1.25 | 1,595 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The total expense recognized in respect of share-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2018 is $1,034 ($850 for the year ended December 31, 2017; $480 for the year ended December 31, 2016). The total accrued cash distribution as of December 31, 2018 is $542 (December 31, 2017: $428).
F-56
GasLog Partners LP
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
(All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)
21. Taxation
Under the laws of the countries of the Partnership's incorporation and the vessels' registration, the Partnership is not subject to tax on international shipping income. However, it is subject to registration and tonnage taxes, which are included in vessel operating costs in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
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 Partnership, 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.
The Partnership did not qualify for this exemption for the three years ended December 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the estimated U.S. source gross transportation tax is $625 and is included under "Vessel Operating Costs" (December 31, 2017: $398 and December 31, 2016: $201).
22. Subsequent Events
On January 29, 2019, the board of directors of GasLog Partners approved and declared a quarterly cash distribution, with respect to the quarter ended December 31, 2018, of $0.55 per unit. The cash distribution was paid on February 13, 2019, to all common unitholders of record as of February 8, 2019. The aggregate amount of the declared distribution was $26,929, based on the numbers of units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018.
On January 29, 2019, the board of directors of GasLog Partners authorized a unit repurchase programme of up to $25,000 covering the period January 31, 2019 to December 31, 2021. Under the terms of the repurchase programme, GasLog Partners may repurchase common units from time to time, at its discretion, on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.
On February 20, 2019, GasLog Partners entered into a credit agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Nordea Bank ABP, filial i Norge and Iyo Bank, Ltd., Singapore Branch, each an original lender, of up to $450,000 (the "2019 GasLog Partners Facility"), in order to refinance the existing indebtedness due in November 2019 on five of its vessels. Subsequently on the same date, the Development Bank of Japan, Inc. entered the facility as lender via transfer certificate. The agreement provides for an amortising revolving credit facility which can be repaid and redrawn at any time for a period of five years. The total available facility amount will be reduced on a quarterly basis, with a final balloon amount payable concurrently with the last quarterly instalment, if any, in February 2024. The vessels covered by the 2019 GasLog Partners Facility are the GasLog Shanghai , the GasLog Santiago , the GasLog Sydney , the Methane Rita Andrea and the Methane Jane Elizabeth . The facility is subject to customary conditions precedent.
On February 22, 2019, the board of directors of GasLog Partners approved and declared a distribution on the Series A Preference Units of $0.5390625 per preference unit, a distribution on the Series B Preference Units of $0.5125 per preference unit and a distribution on the Series C Preference Units of $0.7083 per preference unit. The cash distributions are payable on March 15, 2019 to all unitholders of record as of March 7, 2019.
F-57
Private and Confidential
SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED BECAUSE CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT FOR THOSE TERMS HAS BEEN REQUESTED. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH FIVE ASTERISKS (*****).
Dated 20 February 2019
THE ENTITIES LISTED IN SCHEDULE 1
as Borrowers
CREDIT SUISSE AG
NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I NORGE
as mandated lead arrangers
(together as Arrangers)
with
NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I NORGE
as Agent
NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I NORGE
as Security Agent
CREDIT SUISSE AG
NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I NORGE
as Bookrunners
CREDIT SUISSE AG
as Global Co-ordinator
guaranteed by
GASLOG PARTNERS LP
and
GASLOG PARTNERS HOLDINGS LLC
FACILITY AGREEMENT
for
$450,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
|
|
Page | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clause | ||||||
1 |
|
Definitions and interpretation |
|
|
1 |
|
2 |
|
The Facility |
|
|
25 |
|
3 |
|
Purpose |
|
|
28 |
|
4 |
|
Conditions of Utilisation |
|
|
28 |
|
5 |
|
Utilisation |
|
|
29 |
|
6 |
|
Repayment |
|
|
31 |
|
7 |
|
Illegality, prepayment and cancellation |
|
|
33 |
|
8 |
|
Interest |
|
|
37 |
|
9 |
|
Interest Periods |
|
|
38 |
|
10 |
|
Changes to the calculation of interest |
|
|
39 |
|
11 |
|
Fees |
|
|
40 |
|
12 |
|
Tax gross-up and indemnities |
|
|
41 |
|
13 |
|
Increased Costs |
|
|
46 |
|
14 |
|
Other indemnities |
|
|
47 |
|
15 |
|
Mitigation by the Lenders |
|
|
50 |
|
16 |
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
50 |
|
17 |
|
Guarantee and indemnity |
|
|
51 |
|
18 |
|
Representations |
|
|
55 |
|
19 |
|
Information undertakings |
|
|
62 |
|
20 |
|
Financial covenants |
|
|
67 |
|
21 |
|
General undertakings |
|
|
68 |
|
22 |
|
Dealings with Ship |
|
|
73 |
|
23 |
|
Condition and operation of Ship |
|
|
77 |
|
24 |
|
Insurance |
|
|
80 |
|
25 |
|
Minimum security value |
|
|
84 |
|
26 |
|
Chartering undertakings |
|
|
88 |
|
27 |
|
Bank accounts |
|
|
89 |
|
28 |
|
Business restrictions |
|
|
91 |
|
29 |
|
Events of Default |
|
|
94 |
|
30 |
|
Changes to the Lenders |
|
|
100 |
|
31 |
|
Changes to the Obligors/Restriction on Debt Purchase Transactions |
|
|
104 |
|
32 |
|
Roles of Agent, Security Agent and Arrangers |
|
|
105 |
|
33 |
|
Conduct of business by the Finance Parties |
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
Page | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
34 |
|
Sharing among the Finance Parties |
|
|
128 |
|
35 |
|
Payment mechanics |
|
|
129 |
|
36 |
|
Set-off |
|
|
134 |
|
37 |
|
Notices |
|
|
134 |
|
38 |
|
Calculations and certificates |
|
|
137 |
|
39 |
|
Partial invalidity |
|
|
137 |
|
40 |
|
Remedies and waivers |
|
|
137 |
|
41 |
|
Amendments and grant of waivers |
|
|
137 |
|
42 |
|
Counterparts |
|
|
142 |
|
43 |
|
Confidentiality |
|
|
143 |
|
44 |
|
Governing law |
|
|
145 |
|
45 |
|
Enforcement |
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schedule 1 The original parties | 147 | |||||
Schedule 2 Ship information |
|
|
152 |
|
||
Schedule 3 Conditions precedent |
|
|
155 |
|
||
Schedule 4 Utilisation Request |
|
|
161 |
|
||
Schedule 5 Form of Compliance Certificate |
|
|
163 |
|
||
Schedule 6 Form of Transfer Certificate |
|
|
164 |
|
||
Schedule 7 Forms of Notifiable Debt Purchase Transaction Notice |
|
|
166 |
|
||
Schedule 8 Reduction Schedule |
|
|
168 |
|
THIS AGREEMENT is dated February 2019, and made between:
IT IS AGREED as follows:
1 Definitions and interpretation
In this Agreement and (unless otherwise defined in the relevant Finance Document) the other Finance Documents:
Acceptable Bank means:
and which is approved by the Borrowers.
Account means any bank account, deposit or certificate of deposit opened, made or established in accordance with clause 27 ( Bank accounts ).
Account Bank means, in relation to any Account and at the Borrowers' election:
Account Holder(s) means, in relation to any Account, the Obligor(s) in whose name(s) that Account is held.
Account Security means, in relation to an Account, a deed or other instrument executed by the relevant Account Holder(s) in favour of the Security Agent and/or any other Finance Parties in an agreed form conferring a Security Interest over that Account.
1
Accounting Reference Date means 31 December or such other date as may be approved by the Majority Lenders.
Affiliate means, in relation to any person, a Subsidiary of that person or a Holding Company of that person or any other Subsidiary of that Holding Company.
Agent includes any person who may be appointed as agent for the other Finance Parties under clause 32.12 ( Resignation of the Agent ) or any other provision of this Agreement.
Annual Financial Statements has the meaning given to it in clause 19 ( Information undertakings ).
Approved Brokers means each of Affinity LNG LLP, Clarksons Platou Securities AS, Braemar Seascope Limited, Fearnleys AS, Simpson, Spence & Young Ltd and Poten & Partners (London) or any other independent firm of shipbrokers agreed in writing from time to time between the Borrowers and the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders), unless any such person is a or becomes a Prohibited Person or otherwise is in breach of Sanctions.
Approved Exchange means NYSE or NASDAQ or any other national stock exchange acceptable to the Majority Lenders.
Approved Flag State means each of Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Hellenic Republic, Hong Kong, Marshall Islands, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Auditors means one of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, KPMG or Deloitte & Touche or another firm proposed by the Borrowers and approved by the Majority Lenders from time to time (provided that if the approval of Auditors as set out in this definition becomes contrary to any applicable law, directive or regulation, and the Majority Lenders so require, the Obligors agree that they will make such amendment to this definition as will be agreed between the Borrower and the Majority Lenders so as to ensure compliance with such law, directive or regulation).
Available Facility means, at any relevant time, such part of the Total Commitments (drawn and undrawn) which is available for borrowing under this Agreement at such time in accordance with clause 4 ( Conditions of Utilisation ) to the extent that such part of the Total Commitments is not cancelled or reduced under this Agreement.
Basel II 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 as updated prior to, and in the form existing on, the date of this Agreement, excluding any amendment thereto arising out of the Basel III Accord or Reformed Basel III.
Basel II Approach means, in relation to any Finance Party, either the Standardised Approach or the relevant Internal Ratings Based Approach (each as defined in the Basel II Regulations applicable to such Finance Party) adopted by that Finance Party (or any of its Affiliates) for the purposes of implementing or complying with the Basel II Accord.
Basel II Regulation means:
2
Basel III Accord means, together:
Basel III Increased Cost means an Increased Cost which is attributable to the implementation or application of or compliance with any Basel III Regulation (whether such implementation, application or compliance is by a government, regulator, Finance Party or any of its Affiliates).
Basel III Regulation means any law or regulation implementing the Basel III Accord (including the relevant provisions of CRD IV and CRR) save to the extent that such law or regulation re-enacts a Basel II Regulation and excluding any such law or regulation which implements Reformed Basel III.
Break Costs means the amount (if any) by which:
exceeds:
Business Day means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for general business in Basel, London, Oslo, Singapore, Tokyo and Zurich and (in relation to any date for payment or purchase of dollars) New York.
Cash Collateral Account means, to the extent required pursuant to clause 29.21(a)(ii) ( Charters ), each of the interest bearing dollar accounts of a Borrower with the Account Bank designated as a Cash Collateral Account under clause 27 ( Bank accounts ), and Cash Collateral Accounts means all of them.
Change of Control occurs if:
3
in any case without the prior written consent of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders).
Charged Property means all of the assets of the Obligors which from time to time are, or are expressed or intended to be, the subject of the Security Documents.
Charter means, in relation to a Ship, the charter commitment (if any) for that Ship details of which are provided in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ), as it may from time-to-time be amended or replaced in the circumstances and as permitted in accordance with clause 29.21(b) ( Charters ).
Charter Assignment means, in relation to a Ship and its Charter Documents, an assignment by the relevant Owner of its interest in such Charter Documents in favour of the Security Agent in the agreed form.
Charter Documents means, in relation to a Ship, the Charter (if any) of that Ship, any documents supplementing it and any guarantee or security given by any person to the relevant Owner for the relevant Charterer's obligations under it.
Charterer means, in relation to a Ship, the charterer named in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ) as charterer of that Ship, or such replacement charterer that is party to any Charter entered into in the circumstances and as permitted in accordance with clause 29.21(b) ( Charters ).
Classification means, in relation to a Ship, the classification specified in respect of such Ship in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ) with the relevant Classification Society or another classification approved by the Majority Lenders as its classification (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), at the request of the relevant Owner.
Classification Society means, in relation to a Ship, the classification society specified in respect of such Ship in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ), DNV GL, American Bureau of Shipping and Lloyd's Register of Shipping or another classification society being a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) or, if such association no longer exists, any similar association nominated by the Agent) approved by the Majority Lenders as its Classification Society (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), at the request of the relevant Owner.
Code means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Commercial Manager means, in relation to a Ship, GasLog or another manager appointed as the commercial manager of that Ship by the relevant Owner in accordance with clause 22.3 ( Manager ).
Commitment means:
4
to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.
Compliance Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form set out in Schedule 5 ( Form of Compliance Certificate ) or otherwise approved.
Confidential Information means all information relating to an Obligor, the Group, the Finance Documents, the Charter Documents or any other charter commitments (to the extent such information relating to such other charter commitments is confidential as a matter of law or contract) for each Ship or the Facility of which a Finance Party becomes aware in its capacity as, or for the purpose of becoming, a Finance Party or which is received by a Finance Party in relation to, or for the purpose of becoming a Finance Party under, the Finance Documents or the Facility from either:
in whatever form, and includes information given orally and any document, electronic file or any other way of representing or recording information which contains or is derived or copied from such information but excludes information that:
Constitutional Documents means, in respect of an Obligor or a Manager, such Obligor's or Manager's memorandum and articles of association, by-laws or other constitutional documents including as referred to in any certificate relating to an Obligor or a Manager delivered pursuant to Schedule 3 ( Conditions precedent ).
Cool Pool Arrangements has the meaning given to such term in clause 22.9 ( Sharing of Earnings ).
CRD IV means the directive 2013/36/EU of the European Union on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms.
CRR means the regulation 575/2013 of the European Union on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms.
Debt Purchase Transaction means, in relation to a person, a transaction where such person:
5
any Commitment or amount outstanding under this Agreement.
Deed of Covenant means, in relation to a Ship, a first deed of covenant (including a first assignment of its interest in the Ship's Insurances, Earnings and Requisition Compensation) in respect of such Ship by the relevant Owner in favour of the Security Agent in the agreed form.
Default means an Event of Default or any event or circumstance which would (with the expiry of a grace period, the giving of notice, the making of any determination under the Finance Documents or any combination of them) be an Event of Default.
Defaulting Lender means any Lender:
unless, in the case of paragraph (a) above:
Delegate means any delegate, agent, attorney, additional trustee or co-trustee appointed in writing by the Security Agent under the terms of any Finance Document.
Disposal Reduction Date means, in relation to:
Earnings means, in relation to a Ship and a person, all money at any time payable to that person for or in relation to the use or operation of such Ship including (without limitation) freight, hire and passage moneys, money payable to that person for the provision of services by or from such Ship or under any charter commitment, requisition for hire compensation, remuneration for salvage and towage services, demurrage and detention moneys and damages for breach and payments for termination or variation of any charter commitment and contributions of any nature whatsoever in respect of general average.
Earnings Account means each of the interest bearing dollar accounts of a Borrower with the Account Bank designated as an Earnings Account under clause 27 (Bank accounts ), and Earnings Accounts means all of them.
Environmental Claims means:
6
Environmental Incident means any Spill from any vessel in circumstances where:
Environmental Laws means all laws, regulations and conventions concerning pollution or protection of human health or the environment.
Event of Default means any event or circumstance specified as such in clause 29 ( Events of Default ).
Existing Indebtedness means, at any relevant time, the aggregate principal amounts owing by the Borrowers or any of them and secured on the Ships or any of them by way of first priority ship mortgage or mortgages, under a credit facility as disclosed by or on behalf of the Borrowers to the Lenders prior to the date of this Agreement, together with interest thereon and any other amounts owing thereunder or in connection therewith.
Existing Indebtedness Lender means any bank, financial institution or other person, who is a lender of Existing Indebtedness.
Facility means the revolving credit facility made available by the Lenders under this Agreement as described in clause 2 ( The Facility ), in five (5) Revolving Loan Ship Tranches, one in respect of each Ship.
Facility Office means:
Facility Period means the period from and including the date of this Agreement to and including the date on which the Total Commitments have reduced to zero and all indebtedness of the Obligors under the Finance Documents has been irrevocably and unconditionally paid and discharged in full.
FATCA means:
7
FATCA Application Date means:
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.
Fee Letters means any letters entered into between (a) any Finance Parties and (b) any Obligors by reference to this Agreement in relation to any fees payable to any Finance Parties and Fee Letter means any one of them.
Final Reduction Date means, subject to clause 35.7 ( Business Days ), the date falling 60 months after the date of this Agreement which date shall fall no later than 31 March 2019.
Finance Documents means this Agreement, any Fee Letter, any Quiet Enjoyment Agreement in relation to any Ship, the Security Documents, any Transfer Certificate and any other document designated as such by the Agent and the Borrowers.
Finance Party means the Agent, the Security Agent, the Global Co-ordinator, the Bookrunners, any Arranger or a Lender.
Financial Indebtedness means any indebtedness for or in respect of:
8
Flag State means, in relation to a Ship, the country specified in respect of such Ship in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ), or another Approved Flag State (provided that the provisions of clause 22.1(b) ( Ship's name and registration ) are complied with) or such other state or territory as may be approved by all the Lenders (acting reasonably), at the request of the relevant Owner, as being the Flag State of such Ship for the purposes of the Finance Documents.
Fleet Vessel means each Mortgaged Ship and any other vessel directly or indirectly owned, wholly or partly, by any Group Member.
Funding Rate means any individual rate notified by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of clause 10.3 (Cost of funds) .
GAAP means International Accounting Standards, International Financial Reporting Standards and related interpretations as amended, supplemented, issued or adopted from time to time by the International Accounting Standards Board to the extent applicable to the relevant financial statements.
GasLog means GasLog Ltd. of Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.
GasLog Holdings means the company described as such in Schedule 1 ( The original parties ).
General Assignment means, in relation to a Ship in respect of which the mortgage is not an account current form, a first assignment of its interest in the Ship's Insurances, Earnings and Requisition Compensation by the relevant Owner in favour of the Security Agent and/or any of the other Finance Parties in the agreed form.
GP LLC means GasLog Partners GP LLC of Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH96960.
Group means the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the time being and, for the purposes of clause 19.1 ( Financial statements ) and clause 20 ( Financial covenants ), any other entity required to be treated as a subsidiary in the Parent's consolidated accounts in accordance with GAAP and/or any applicable law.
Group Member means any Obligor and any other entity which is part of the Group.
Guarantee means the guarantee, undertakings and indemnity given under clause 17 ( Guarantee and indemnity ).
Guarantors means the Parent and GasLog Holdings and Guarantor means either of them.
Holding Company means, in relation to a company or corporation or other person, any other company or corporation or other person in respect of which it is a Subsidiary.
9
Impaired Agent means the Agent at any time when:
unless, in the case of paragraph (a) above:
Increased Costs has the meaning given to it in clause 13.1(b) ( Increased costs ).
Indemnified Person means:
Insolvency Event in relation to a Finance Party means that the Finance Party:
10
or petition is instituted or presented by a person or entity not described in paragraph (d) above and:
Insurance Notice means, in relation to a Ship, a notice of assignment in the form scheduled to that Ship's General Assignment or Deed of Covenant or in another approved form.
Insurances means, in relation to a Ship:
in the name of such Ship's Owner or the joint names of its Owner and any other person in respect of or in connection with such Ship and/or its Owner's Earnings from the Ship and includes all benefits thereof (including the right to receive claims and to return of premiums).
Interbank Market means the London interbank market.
Interest Period means, in relation to a Revolving Loan, each period determined in accordance with clause 9 ( Interest Periods ) and, in relation to an Unpaid Sum, each period determined in accordance with clause 8.3 ( Default interest ).
Interpolated Screen Rate means, in relation to LIBOR for an Interest Period with respect to any Revolving Loan or any part of it or any Unpaid Sum, the rate (rounded to the same number of
11
decimal places as the two relevant Screen Rates) which results from interpolating on a linear basis between:
each as of 11:00 a.m. on the relevant Quotation Day.
Last Availability Date means in relation to the Facility and each Revolving Loan, the date three (3) months before the Final Reduction Date, or, in each such case, such later date as may be approved by all the Lenders.
Legal Opinion means any legal opinion delivered to the Agent and the Security Agent under clause 4 (Conditions of Utilisation) .
Legal Reservations means:
Lender means:
which in each case has not ceased to be a Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and Lenders mean all of them.
LIBOR means, in relation to any Revolving Loan or any part of it or any Unpaid Sum:
and if, in either case, that rate is less than zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero.
Loss Payable Clauses means, in relation to a Ship, the provisions concerning payment of claims under the Ship's Insurances in the form scheduled to the Ship's General Assignment or (as the case may be) Deed of Covenant or in another approved form.
12
Losses means any costs, expenses (including, but not limited to, legal fees), payments, charges, losses, demands, liabilities, taxes (including VAT) claims, actions, proceedings, penalties, fines, damages, judgments, orders or other sanctions.
Major Casualty means any casualty to a vessel for which the total insurance claim, inclusive of any deductible, exceeds or may exceed the Major Casualty Amount.
Major Casualty Amount means, in relation to a Ship, the amount specified as such against the name of that Ship in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ) or the equivalent in any other currency.
Majority Lenders means:
Management Agreement means any management agreement of a Ship approved pursuant to clause 22.3 ( Manager ).
Manager means, in relation to a Ship, the Commercial Manager or the Technical Manager for that Ship and Managers means both of them.
Manager's Undertaking means, in relation to a Ship, an undertaking by any manager of the Ship to the Security Agent in the agreed form, including if required pursuant to clause 22.3 ( Manager ).
Margin means:
The determination of the Security Value for the purposes of application of paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above shall be made by the Agent by reference to valuations of the Mortgaged Ships made in accordance with clause 25 ( Minimum security value ). The Agent shall determine the applicable Margin in respect of the first Utilisation of each Revolving Loan Ship Tranche, on or before the relevant Utilisation Date and in any other case, on each of the 31 st of December and the 30 th of June of each calendar year, and the applicable Margin determined by the Agent shall apply from the commencement of the next applicable Interest Period until the next such determination by the Agent.
Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse effect on:
13
the Finance Documents or any of the rights or remedies of any Finance Party under this Agreement or any of the Finance Documents.
Minimum Value means, at any time, the amount in dollars which is 120% of the aggregate of all Revolving Loans.
Mortgage means, in relation to a Ship, a first priority or (as the case may be) first preferred mortgage of the Ship in the agreed form by the relevant Owner in favour of the Security Agent and/or any of the other Finance Parties.
Mortgage Period means, in relation to a Mortgaged Ship, the period from the date the Mortgage over that Ship is executed and registered until the date such Mortgage is released and discharged or, if earlier, its Total Loss Date.
Mortgaged Ship means, at any relevant time, any Ship which is subject to a Mortgage and/or whose Earnings, Insurances and Requisition Compensation are subject to a Security Interest under the Finance Documents.
New Lender has the meaning given to that term in clause 30 ( Changes to the Lenders ).
Non-Acceptable Charterer means a charterer who (to the Borrowers' knowledge) is subject to a final, non-appealable order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction being the outcome of proceedings regarding sanctions, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, securities or environmental laws violations, to the extent such order or judgment would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the standing and reputation of such charterer.
Notifiable Debt Purchase Transaction has the meaning given to that term in clause 31.3(b) ( Disenfranchisement of Debt Purchase Transactions entered into by Affiliates ).
Obligors means together the Borrowers and the Guarantors (and Obligor means any one of them).
Original Financial Statements means:
Original Security Documents means:
Owner means, in relation to a Ship, the Borrower specified against the name of that Ship in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ) and Owners means all of them.
Parent means the company described as such in Schedule 1 ( The original parties ).
14
Parent Affiliate means the Parent, each of its Affiliates, any trust of which the Parent or any of its Affiliates is a trustee, any partnership of which the Parent or any of its Affiliates is a partner and any trust, fund or other entity which is managed by, or is under the control of, the Parent or any of its Affiliates.
Participating Member State means any member state of the European Union that has adopted 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.
Payment Disruption Event means either or both of:
and which (in either such case) is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, the Party whose operations are disrupted.
Permitted Maritime Liens means, in relation to a Ship:
each securing obligations not more than 30 days overdue.
Permitted Security Interests means, in relation to any Mortgaged Ship, any Security Interest over it which is:
15
PROVIDED that in the case of (c) and (d) above the relevant liens (or any claim relating thereto) are, in the reasonable opinion of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders), covered by insurance or, as the case may be, appropriate reserves have been made.
Prohibited Person has the meaning give to such term in clause 21.11(f) ( Sanctions ).
Pollutant means and includes crude oil and its products, any other polluting, toxic or hazardous substance and any other substance whose release into the environment is regulated or penalised by Environmental Laws.
Quiet Enjoyment Agreement means, in relation to a Ship, a letter by the Security Agent addressed to, and acknowledged by, the relevant Owner and Charterer of that Ship in the agreed form (including being subject to compliance with Sanctions laws).
Quotation Day means, in relation to any period for which an interest rate is to be determined, two days on which banks are open for general business in London and Oslo (other than Saturday and Sunday) before the first day of that period unless market practice differs in the Interbank Market for a currency, in which case the Quotation Day for that currency shall be determined by the Agent in accordance with market practice in the Interbank Market (and if quotations would normally be given by leading banks in the Interbank Market on more than one day, the Quotation Day will be the last of those days).
Receiver means a receiver or a receiver and manager or an administrative receiver appointed in relation to the whole or any part of any Charged Property under any relevant Security Document.
Reduction Date means in relation to a Ship Commitment:
Reduction Schedule Start Date means in relation to a Revolving Loan Ship Tranche and the related Ship Commitment and subject to clause 35.7 ( Business Days ), the date falling three (3) months after the date of this Agreement.
Relevant Proportion in relation to each Revolving Loan Ship Tranche shall have the following meaning:
16
For the purposes of this definition and by way of illustration only, should Ship A be sold or become a Total Loss or if the Ship Commitment relative to Ship A be cancelled, the Relevant Proportion of each of the remaining Ships (i) for each of Ship B and Ship C shall be 1 / 3 and (b) for each of Ship D and Ship E shall be 1 / 6 .
Reformed Basel III means the measures set out in the document entitled "Basel III: Finalising post-crisis reforms" published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2017, as amended, supplemented or restated.
Registry means, in relation to each Ship, such registrar, commissioner or representative of the relevant Flag State who is duly authorised and empowered to register the relevant Ship, the relevant Owner's title to such Ship and the relevant Mortgage under the laws of its Flag State.
Relevant Jurisdiction means, in relation to an Obligor:
Repeating Representations means each of the representations and warranties set out in clauses 18.1 ( Status ) to 18.10 ( Ranking and effectiveness of security ), 18.16 ( No breach of laws ), 18.20 ( Security and Financial Indebtedness ), 18.22 ( Shares ), 18.24 ( No adverse consequences ), 18.25 ( Copies of documents ) and 18.27 ( No immunity ).
Requisition Compensation means, in relation to a Ship, any compensation paid or payable by a government entity for the requisition for title, confiscation or compulsory acquisition of such Ship.
Revolving Loan means a loan (being part of the Revolving Loan Ship Tranche for that Ship) made or to be made under the Facility and under the Ship Commitment for a Ship or (as the context may require) the outstanding principal amount of that loan and Revolving Loans means all of them.
Revolving Loan Ship Tranche A means, at any relevant time, the aggregate of the Revolving Loans drawn in respect of Ship A which are then outstanding, up to the Ship Commitment in respect of Ship A.
Revolving Loan Ship Tranche B means, at any relevant time, the aggregate of the Revolving Loans drawn in respect of Ship B which are then outstanding, up to the Ship Commitment in respect of Ship B.
Revolving Loan Ship Tranche C means, at any relevant time, the aggregate of the Revolving Loans drawn in respect of Ship C which are then outstanding, up to the Ship Commitment in respect of Ship C.
Revolving Loan Ship Tranche D means, at any relevant time, the aggregate of the Revolving Loans drawn in respect of Ship D which are then outstanding, up to the Ship Commitment in respect of Ship D.
Revolving Loan Ship Tranche E means, at any relevant time, the aggregate of the Revolving Loans drawn in respect of Ship E which are then outstanding, up to the Ship Commitment in respect of Ship E.
17
Revolving Loan Ship Tranches means Revolving Loan Ship Tranche A, Revolving Loan Ship Tranche B, Revolving Loan Ship Tranche C, Revolving Loan Ship Tranche D and Revolving Loan Ship Tranche E, and:
and Revolving Loan Ship Tranche means any of them.
Rollover Loan means one or more Revolving Loans under a Revolving Loan Ship Tranche:
Sanctions has the meaning given to it in clause 21.11 ( Sanctions ).
Sanctions Authority has the meaning given to it in clause 21.11 ( Sanctions ).
Screen Rate means the London interbank offered rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for dollars and the relevant period displayed (before any correction, recalculation or republication by the administrator) on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Thomson Reuters screen (or any replacement Thomson 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 Thomson Reuters. If such page or service ceases to be available, the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Borrowers.
Security Agent includes any person as may be appointed as security agent and trustee for the other Finance Parties under this Agreement and the other Finance Documents.
Security Documents means:
Security Interest means a mortgage, charge, pledge, lien, assignment, trust, hypothecation or other security interest of any kind securing any obligation of any person or any other agreement or arrangement having a similar effect.
Security Value means, at any time, the amount in dollars which, at that time, is the aggregate of (a) the value of all the Mortgaged Ships which have not then become a Total Loss (or, if less, the maximum amount capable of being secured by the Mortgages over the Mortgaged Ships) and (b) the value of any additional security then held by the Security Agent or any other Finance Party provided under clause 25 ( Minimum security value ) or clause 29.21(a)(ii) ( Charters ), in each
18
case as most recently determined in accordance with this Agreement (including under clause 25.4 ( Valuations procedure ).
Semi-Annual Financial Statements has the meaning given to it in clause 19.1 ( Financial statements ).
Ship A means the ship described as such in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ).
Ship B means the ship described as such in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ).
Ship C means the ship described as such in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ).
Ship Commitment means, in relation to a Ship, the amount specified as such in respect of such Ship in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ), being a part of the Total Commitments, as cancelled or reduced pursuant to any provision of this Agreement and available for Utilisation under the Revolving Loan Ship Tranche for that Ship.
Ship D means the ship described as such in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ).
Ship E means the ship described as such in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ).
Ship Representations means each of the representations and warranties set out in clauses 18.28 ( Ship status ) and 18.29 ( Ship's employment ).
Ships means each of the ships described in Schedule 2 ( Ship information ), being each of Ship A, Ship B, Ship C, Ship D and Ship E, and:
and Ship means any of them.
Spill means any spill, release or discharge of a Pollutant into the environment.
Subsidiary of a person means any other person:
Tax means any tax, levy, impost, duty or other charge or withholding of a similar nature (including any penalty or interest payable in connection with any failure to pay or any delay in paying any of the same) and Taxation shall be construed accordingly.
Technical Manager means GasLog LNG Services Ltd. of Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda or another manager appointed as the technical manager of that Ship by the relevant Owner in accordance with clause 22.3 ( Manager ).
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Total Commitments means the aggregate of the Commitments, being $ 450,000,000 as at the date of this Agreement.
Total Loss means, in relation to a vessel, its:
Total Loss Date means, in relation to the Total Loss of a vessel:
Total Loss Reduction Date means, where a Mortgaged Ship has become a Total Loss, the earlier of:
Transfer Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form set out in Schedule 6 ( Form of Transfer Certificate ) or any other form agreed between the Agent and the Borrowers or, at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default, required by the Agent.
Transfer Date means, in relation to an assignment pursuant to a Transfer Certificate, the later of:
Treasury Transaction means any derivative transaction entered into in connection with protection against or benefit from fluctuation in any rate or price.
Trust Property means, collectively:
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Unpaid Sum means any sum due and payable but unpaid by an Obligor under the Finance Documents.
US means the United States of America.
US Tax Obligor means:
Utilisation means the making of a Revolving Loan under each Revolving Loan Ship Tranche.
Utilisation Date means the date on which a Utilisation is made.
Utilisation Request means a notice substantially in the form set out in Schedule 4 ( Utilisation Request ).
VAT means:
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and controlled shall be construed accordingly;
and the above rules in paragraphs (A) to (B) will only apply to the last month of any period;
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Where any other Finance Document provides that this clause 1.4 shall apply to that Finance Document, any other provision of this Agreement which, by its terms, purports to apply to all or any of the Finance Documents and/or any Obligor shall apply to that Finance Document as if set out in it but with all necessary changes.
The terms of the Finance Documents (other than as relates to the creation and/or perfection of security) are subject to the terms of this Agreement and, in the event of any conflict between any provision of this Agreement and any provision of any Finance Document (other than in relation to the creation and/or perfection of security) the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail.
2 The Facility
Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Lenders make available to the Borrowers a revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount equal to the Total Commitments.
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clause 35 ( Payment mechanics ). This only applies until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Obligors under or in connection with the Finance Documents have been irrevocably paid in full.
3 Purpose
The Borrowers shall apply all amounts borrowed under the Facility in accordance with and subject to clause 3.2 ( Use ).
The Facility shall be made available to the Borrowers for the purpose of assisting the Borrowers to (a) refinance in full the Existing Indebtedness and (b) for general corporate and working capital purposes of the Group and, in the case of Rollover Loans under a Revolving Loan Ship Tranche, to repay maturing Revolving Loans under the same Revolving Loan Ship Tranche.
No Finance Party is bound to monitor or verify the application of any amount borrowed pursuant to this Agreement.
The Ship Commitment in respect of each Ship may only be drawn down under this Agreement if
The Agent shall notify the Borrowers and the Lenders promptly upon receiving and being satisfied with all of the documents and evidence delivered to it under this clause 4. Other than to the extent that the Majority Lenders notify the Agent in writing to the contrary before the Agent gives any such notification, the Lenders authorise (but do not require) the Agent to give that notification. The Agent shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses whatsoever as a result of giving any such notification.
The Lenders will only be obliged to comply with clause 5.4 ( Lenders' participation ):
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The conditions in this clause 4 are inserted solely for the benefit of the Finance Parties and may be waived on their behalf in whole or in part and with or without conditions by the Agent acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders provided however that the conditions set out under paragraphs 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9(a), 10 and 11 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 ( Conditions precedent ) may only be waived by the Agent, acting on the instructions of all the Lenders.
The legal opinions referred to in section 3 ( Legal Opinions) of Schedule 3, Part 1 ( Conditions precedent to first Utilisation ) shall be issued and delivered to the Agent in the agreed form no later than 3 days after the first Utilisation Date.
The Borrowers may utilise the Facility by delivery to the Agent of a duly completed Utilisation Request not later than 11:00 a.m. eight (8) Business Days before the proposed Utilisation Date.
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Ship Tranche is due to be repaid by the Borrowers and the proportion borne by each Lender's participation in the maturing Revolving Loan to the amount of that maturing Revolving Loan is the same as the proportion borne by that Lender's participation in the new Revolving Loans to the aggregate amount of those new Revolving Loans, the aggregate amount of the new Revolving Loans shall be treated as if applied in or towards repayment of the maturing Revolving Loan, so that:
If the Total Commitments have been partially reduced under this Agreement (but other than under clause 6.2 ( Scheduled reduction of Facility ) before any Reduction Date, each Ship Commitment shall be reduced pro rata and the amount of the instalments by which each Ship Commitment shall be reduced shall be pro rata.
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If it becomes unlawful in any applicable jurisdiction for a Lender to perform any of its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Finance Documents, or for any Lender to fund or maintain its participation in any Revolving Loan or it becomes unlawful for any Affiliate of a Lender for that Lender to do so:
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The Borrowers may, if they give the Agent not less than five (5) Business Days (or such shorter period as the Majority Lenders may agree) prior written notice, prepay the whole or any part of a Revolving Loan (but if in part, being a minimum amount of $5,000,000 and a multiple of $1,000,000), on the last day of an Interest Period in respect of the amount to be prepaid (or any other date subject to payment of any Break Costs).
the Borrowers may, whilst the circumstance giving rise to the requirement for that increase or indemnification continues, give the Agent notice of cancellation of the Commitments of that Lender and their intention to procure the repayment of that Lender's participation in the Revolving Loans or give the Agent notice of their intention to replace that Lender in accordance with clause 7.5(d).
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accordingly. The Agent shall as soon as practicable after receipt of a notice referred to in clause 7.5(a) above, notify all the Lenders.
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( Replacement of a Defaulting Lender )) the remaining undrawn Ship Commitments shall each be reduced rateably and the Total Commitments shall be reduced accordingly, and the Agent shall as soon as practicable after receipt of such notice, notify all the Lenders.
On a Mortgaged Ship's Disposal Reduction Date or upon the cancellation in full of a Ship Commitment pursuant to clause 7.3(a)(iii) ( Voluntary cancellation ) or upon a Change of Control in respect of a Borrower:
Any part of the Total Commitments relating to the Facility which has not become available by, or which is undrawn on, the Last Availability Date applicable to it shall be automatically cancelled at close of business in London on the Last Availability Date applicable to it.
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If the Borrowers or any Obligor is at any time not in compliance with the provisions of clause 21.11 ( Sanctions ) or at any time when a representation made or repeated under clause 18.32 ( Sanctions ) is not true, correct or accurate, then, without prejudice to any other rights of the Finance Parties under this Agreement and the other Finance Documents:
The rate of interest on each Revolving Loan for its Interest Period is the percentage rate per annum which is the aggregate of the applicable:
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The Borrowers shall pay accrued interest on each Revolving Loan on the last day of each Interest Period for that Revolving Loan (and, if an Interest Period is longer than three months, on the dates falling at three monthly intervals after the first day of that Interest Period).
The Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders and the Borrowers of the determination of a rate of interest under this Agreement.
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If an Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, that Interest Period will instead end on the next Business Day in that calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not).
If before close of business in London on the Quotation Day for an Interest Period the Agent receives notifications from a Lender or Lenders (whose aggregate participations in a Revolving Loan exceed 50 per cent of that Revolving Loan) that the cost to it of funding its participation in that Revolving Loan or relevant part of it from whatever source it may reasonably select would be in excess of LIBOR then clause 10.3 ( Cost of funds ) shall apply to that Revolving Loan or relevant part of it for the relevant Interest Period.
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If clause 10.3 ( Cost of funds ) applies, the Agent shall, as soon as is practicable, notify the Parent.
The Borrowers shall pay to the Agent (on behalf of the Lenders) a fee in dollars of 0.15% of the amount of each Utilisation (other than the first Utilisation of each Revolving Loan Ship Tranche).
The Borrowers shall pay any other fees set out in a Fee Letter in the amount and at the times agreed in the applicable Fee Letter.
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Protected Party means a Finance Party or, in relation to clause 14.4 (Indemnity concerning security) and clause 14.7 (Interest) insofar as it relates to interest on any amount demanded by that Indemnified Person under clause 14.4 (Indemnity concerning security) , any Indemnified Person, which is or will be subject to any liability, or required to make any payment, for or on account of Tax in relation to a sum received or receivable (or any sum deemed for the purposes of Tax to be received or receivable) under a Finance Document.
Tax Credit means a credit against, relief or remission for, or repayment of any Tax.
Tax Deduction means a deduction or withholding for or on account of Tax from a payment under a Finance Document, other than a FATCA Deduction.
Tax Payment means either the increase in a payment made by an Obligor to a Finance Party under clause 12.2 ( Tax gross-up ), a payment under clause 12.3 ( Tax indemnity ).
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if that Tax is imposed on or calculated by reference to the overall net income received or receivable (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) by that Finance Party; or
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supply to the Agent:
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materially inaccurate or incomplete, that Lender shall promptly update it and provide such updated withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver to the Agent unless it is unlawful for the Lender to do so (in which case the Lender shall promptly notify the Agent). The Agent shall provide any such updated withholding certificate, withholding statement, document, authorisation or waiver to the relevant Borrower.
The Borrowers shall pay and, within three Business Days of demand, indemnify each Finance Party against any cost, loss or liability that Finance Party incurs in relation to all stamp duty, registration and other similar Taxes payable in respect of any Finance Document provided that this clause 12.7 shall not apply in respect of any such stamp duty or Tax which is payable in respect of an assignment or transfer by a Finance Party of any of its rights and/or obligations under any Finance Document, except as such assignment or transfer is required by the terms of the Finance Documents, in terms of which this clause 12.7 shall apply in any event.
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Supplier (rather than being required to reimburse or indemnify the Recipient in respect of that consideration):
If an Obligor makes a Tax Payment and the relevant Finance Party determines that:
the Finance Party shall pay an amount to the Obligor which that Finance Party determines will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-Tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been required to be made by the Obligor.
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which is incurred or suffered by a Finance Party or any of its Affiliates to the extent that it is attributable to that Finance Party having entered into its Commitments or funding or performing its obligations under any Finance Document.
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that Obligor shall, as an independent obligation, within three (3) Business Days of demand by a Finance Party, indemnify each Finance Party to whom that Sum is due against any Losses arising out of or as a result of the conversion including any discrepancy between (i) the rate of exchange used to convert that Sum from the First Currency into the Second Currency and (ii) the rate or rates of exchange available to that person at the time of its receipt of that Sum.
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involved in any of the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents). This indemnity shall apply whether or not such claims, investigation, litigation or proceedings is brought by any Obligor, any other Group Member, any of their member(s) or (as the case may be) shareholders, their Affiliates, or creditors, or an Indemnified Person or any other person, or an Indemnified Person is otherwise a party thereto, except to the extent such Losses are found in a final non-appealable judgement by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnified Person's gross negligence or wilful default. Each Indemnified Person may enforce and enjoy the benefit of this clause 14.2 under the Third Parties Act.
The Borrowers shall promptly indemnify the Agent and Security Agent against:
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The indemnities by the Borrowers in favour of the Indemnified Persons contained in this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any breach by any Finance Party or any of the Borrowers of the terms of this Agreement, the repayment or prepayment of the Revolving Loans, the cancellation of the Total Commitments or the repudiation by the Agent or any of the Borrowers of this Agreement.
Each Indemnified Person may rely on the terms of clause 14.4 (Indemnity concerning security) and clauses 12 (Tax gross-up and indemnities) and 14.7 (Interest) insofar as it relates to interest on any amount demanded by that Indemnified Person under clause 14.4 (Indemnity concerning security) , subject to clause 1.3 ( Third party rights ) and the provisions of the Third Parties Act.
Moneys becoming due by the Borrowers to any Indemnified Person under the indemnities contained in this clause 14 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be paid on demand made by such Indemnified Person and shall be paid together with interest on the sum demanded from the date of demand therefor to the date of reimbursement by the Borrowers to such Indemnified Person (both before and after judgment) at the rate referred to in clause 8.3 (Default interest) .
Without prejudice to any other provision of the Finance Documents excluding or limiting the liability of any Indemnified Person, no Indemnified Person will be in any way liable or responsible to any Obligor (whether as mortgagee in possession or otherwise) who is a Party or is a party to a Finance Document to which this clause applies for any loss or liability arising from any act, default, omission or misconduct of that Indemnified Person, except to the extent caused by its own gross negligence or wilful default. Any Indemnified Person may rely on this clause 14.8 subject to clause 1.3 ( Third party rights ) and the provisions of the Third Parties Act.
The Borrowers shall indemnify each Finance Party against any and all Losses together with any VAT thereon which any of the Finance Parties may sustain or incur as a consequence of any fax or email communication purporting to originate from the Borrowers to the Agent or the Security Agent being made or delivered fraudulently or without proper authorisation (unless such Losses are the direct result of the gross negligence or wilful default of the relevant Finance Party or the Agent or the Security Agent).
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In no event shall any of the Finance Parties be liable on any theory of liability for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages and the Obligors hereby waive, release and agree (for and on behalf of themselves and on behalf of the other Group Members and their respective Affiliates and shareholders) not to sue upon any such claim for any such damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in their favour.
The Borrowers shall promptly within five (5) Business Days of demand pay the Agent, the Arrangers and the Security Agent the amount of all costs and expenses (including fees, costs and expenses of legal advisers and insurance and other consultants and advisers) reasonably incurred by any of them (and by any Receiver or Delegate) in connection with the negotiation, preparation, printing, execution, syndication, registration and perfection and any release, discharge or reassignment of:
whether or not the transactions contemplated under the Finance Documents are consummated.
If an Obligor requests an amendment, waiver or consent, the Borrowers shall, within five (5) Business Days of demand by the Agent, reimburse the Agent for the amount of all costs and
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expenses (including fees, costs and expenses of legal advisers and (subject to clause 24.17 ( Independent report ) insurance and other consultants and advisers) reasonably incurred by the Agent or the Security Agent (and by any Receiver or Delegate) in responding to, evaluating, negotiating or complying with that request or requirement.
The Borrowers shall, on demand by a Finance Party, pay to each Finance Party (through the Agent, except where a payment is to be made to the Security Agent, in which case such payment shall be made directly to the Security Agent), the amount of all costs and expenses (including fees, costs and expenses of legal advisers and insurance and other consultants, brokers, surveyors and advisers) reasonably incurred by that Finance Party in connection with:
The Borrowers shall, on demand by a Finance Party, pay to each Finance Party (through the Agent, except where a payment is to be made to the Security Agent, in which case such payment shall be made directly to the Security Agent), the amount of all costs and expenses (including fees, costs and expenses of legal advisers and insurance and other consultants, brokers, surveyors and advisers) incurred by that Finance Party in connection with the enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights under, any Finance Document and any proceedings initiated by or against any Indemnified Person and as a consequence of holding the Charged Property or enforcing those rights and any proceedings instituted by or against any Indemnified Person as a consequence of taking or holding the Security Documents or enforcing those rights.
Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally and jointly and severally with the other Guarantor:
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This guarantee is a continuing guarantee and will extend to the ultimate balance of sums payable by any Obligor under the Finance Documents, regardless of any intermediate payment or discharge in whole or in part.
If any payment is made by an Obligor, or any discharge, release or arrangement is given by a Finance Party (whether in respect of the obligations of any Obligor or any security for those
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obligations or otherwise) in whole or in part on the basis of any payment, security or other disposition, and the same is avoided or reduced or must be restored in, or as a result of, insolvency, liquidation, administration or any other similar event or otherwise, then:
The obligations of each Guarantor under this clause 17 will not be affected by an act, omission, matter or thing (whether or not known to it or any Finance Party) which, but for this clause, would reduce, release or prejudice any of its obligations under this clause 17 including (without limitation):
Each Guarantor waives any right it may have of first requiring any Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) to proceed against or enforce any other rights or security or claim payment from any person before claiming from that Guarantor under this clause 17. This waiver applies irrespective of any law or any provision of a Finance Document to the contrary.
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Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Obligors under or in connection with the Finance Documents have been irrevocably paid in full, each Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) may:
Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Obligors under or in connection with the Finance Documents have been irrevocably paid in full and unless the Agent otherwise directs, no Guarantor will exercise any rights which it may have by reason of performance by it of its obligations under the Finance Documents or by reason of any amount being payable, or liability arising, under this clause 17:
This guarantee is in addition to and is not in any way prejudiced by any other guarantee or security now or subsequently held by any Finance Party.
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Each Obligor makes and repeats the representations and warranties set out in this clause 18 to each Finance Party at the times specified in clause 18.33 ( Times when representations are made ).
Subject to the Legal Reservations, the obligations expressed to be assumed by each Obligor in each Finance Document and any Charter Document to which it is, or is to be, a party are or, when entered into by it, will be legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations and each Security Document to which an Obligor is, or will be, a party, creates or will create the Security Interests which that Security Document purports to create and those Security Interests are or will be valid and effective.
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into by it, all necessary action to authorise its entry into, each Finance Document and any Charter Document to which it is, or is to be a party and each of the transactions contemplated by those documents.
The entry into and performance by each Obligor and any Manager of, and the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents and the Charter Documents and the granting of the Security Interests purported to be created by the Security Documents do not and will not conflict with:
or constitute a default or termination event (however described) under any such agreement or instrument or result in the creation of any Security Interest (save for a Permitted Maritime Lien or under a Security Document) on any such Obligor's or such Manager's assets, rights or revenues.
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Each Obligor's payment obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party rank at least pari passu with all its other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated payment obligations, except for obligations mandatorily preferred by law applying to companies generally.
Subject to the Legal Reservations and any filing, registration or notice requirements which is referred to in any legal opinion delivered to the Security Agent and the Agent under clause 4.1 ( Conditions precedent to first Utilisation and to each further Utilisation ), the security created by the Security Documents has (or will have when the Security Documents have been executed) the priority which it is expressed to have in the Security Documents, the Charged Property is not subject to any Security Interest other than Permitted Security Interests and such security will constitute perfected security on the assets described in the Security Documents.
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No corporate action, legal proceeding or other procedure or step described in clause 29.9 ( Insolvency proceedings ) or creditors' process described in clause 29.10 ( Creditors' process ) has been taken or, to the knowledge of any Obligor or any Manager threatened in relation to an Obligor or a Manager or a Subsidiary of an Obligor or a Manager and none of the circumstances described in clause 29.8 ( Insolvency ) applies to an Obligor or a Manager or a Subsidiary of an Obligor or a Manager.
Under the laws of each Obligor's Relevant Jurisdictions it is not necessary that any Finance Document or any Charter Document to which it is, or is to be, party be filed, recorded or enrolled with any court or other authority in that jurisdiction or that any stamp, registration, notarial or similar Taxes or fees be paid on or in relation to any such Finance Document or any Charter Document or the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents or the Charter Documents except any filing, recording or enrolling or any tax or fee payable in relation to any Finance Document or any Charter Document which is referred to in any Legal Opinion and which will be made or paid promptly after the date of the relevant Finance Document or Charter Document.
No Obligor is required to make any deduction for or on account of Tax from any payment it may make under any Finance Document to which it is, or is to be, a party and no other party is required to make any such deduction from any payment it may make under any, Charter Document.
No litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings or investigations of, or before, any court, arbitral body or agency (including, without limitation, investigative proceedings) which, if adversely determined, might reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect have (to the best of any Obligor's or Manager's knowledge and belief) been started or threatened against any Obligor or any Manager or any Subsidiary of an Obligor.
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Each Group Member has conducted its businesses in compliance with applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and has instituted and maintained policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws.
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Each Obligor is or, on the date the Security Documents to which it is a party are entered into, will be, the sole legal and beneficial owner of the respective assets over which it purports to grant a Security Interest under the Security Documents, to which it is a party.
The shares of each Owner are fully paid and not subject to any option to purchase or similar rights. The Constitutional Documents of each Owner do not and could not restrict or inhibit any transfer of those shares on creation or enforcement of the Security Documents. There are no agreements in force which provide for the issue or allotment of, or grant any person the right to call for the issue or allotment of, any share or loan capital of each Owner (including any option or right of pre-emption or conversion).
The financial year-end of each Obligor is the Accounting Reference Date.
The copies of the Charter Documents and the Constitutional Documents of the Obligors delivered to the Agent under clause 4 ( Conditions of Utilisation ) will, as at their delivery dates, be true, complete and accurate copies of such documents and include all amendments and supplements to them as at the time of such delivery and no other agreements or arrangements exist between any of the parties to any Charter Document which would materially affect the transactions or arrangements contemplated by any Charter Document or modify or release the obligations of any party under that Charter Document.
No Obligor nor (so far as the Obligors are aware) any other person is in breach of any Charter Document to which it is a party nor has anything occurred which entitles or may entitle any party to any Charter Document to rescind or terminate it or decline to perform their obligations under it.
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No Obligor or any of its assets is immune to any legal action or proceeding.
Save for any brokerage fees paid to Poten & Partners Inc. and Abacus Energy Enterprises Ltd., there are no rebates, commissions or other payments in connection with any Charter other than those referred to in it.
In relation to the borrowing by each Borrower of the Revolving Loans, 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 each Borrower is a party, each Borrower confirms (a) that it is acting for its own account; (b) that it will use the proceeds of the Revolving Loans for its own benefit, under its full responsibility and exclusively for the purposes specified in this Agreement and (c) that the foregoing will not involve or lead to a contravention of any law, official requirement or other regulatory measure or procedure which has been implemented to combat Money Laundering (as defined in clause 21.14 ( Bribery and corruption )).
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Each Obligor undertakes that this clause 19 will be complied with throughout the Facility Period.
In this clause 19:
Annual Financial Statements means each of the financial statements for a financial year of the Group the Borrowers and the Guarantors, respectively, delivered pursuant to clause 19.1 ( Financial statements ).
Semi-Annual Financial Statements means each of the financial statements for a financial half-year to 30 June of the relevant year of the Group or GasLog Holdings, respectively, delivered pursuant to clause 19.1 ( Financial statements ).
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The Borrowers shall supply to the Agent (and the Agent shall supply to each Lender):
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The Borrowers shall notify the Agent (and the Agent shall notify each Lender) of any Default (and the steps, if any, being taken to remedy it) promptly upon any Obligor becoming aware of its occurrence (unless that Obligor is aware that a notification has already been provided by another Obligor).
The Borrowers, if so requested by the Agent, shall deliver sufficient copies of each document to be supplied under the Finance Documents to the Agent to distribute to each of the Lenders.
If any Lender (a Paper Form Lender ) does not agree to the delivery of information electronically then the Agent shall notify the Borrowers accordingly and the Borrowers shall supply the information to the Agent (in sufficient copies for each Paper Form Lender) in paper form. In any event the Borrowers shall supply the Agent with at least one copy in paper form of any information required to be provided by it.
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be supplied in paper form unless and until the Agent and each Website Lender is satisfied that the circumstances giving rise to the notification are no longer continuing.
The Borrowers will:
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have or will receive the commercial benefit of this Agreement have changed from the date hereof.
The Obligors shall procure that there are maintained, at all times throughout the Mortgage Period of each Ship, in the Earnings Account of the Owner of that Ship, minimum cash balances of no less than $1,500,000 (namely, at all times $1,500,000 per Mortgaged Ship).
Each Obligor undertakes that this clause 20 will be complied with throughout the Facility Period.
In this clause 20:
Cash and Cash Equivalents means cash and cash equivalents and short term, investments as set forth in the Financial Statements of the Group which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash with original maturities of six (6) months or less, but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, in each case cash and amounts set forth as restricted cash in the Financial Statements of the Group.
Financial Statements means any of the Annual Financial Statements and the Semi-Annual Financial Statements of the Group referred to and defined as such in clause 19.1 ( Financial statements ).
Free Liquidity means the aggregate of:
Maximum Leverage means, at any time, the figure calculated using the following formula:
Maximum Leverage | = |
Total Indebtedness
Total Assets |
Total Assets means, at any time, the amount of total assets of the Group on a consolidated basis as determined in accordance with GAAP and shown in the then most recent Financial Statements and calculated in the same manner as shown in the Original Financial Statements of the Group.
Total Indebtedness means, at any time, the aggregate Financial Indebtedness (on a consolidated basis) of the Group as shown in the then most recent Financial Statements.
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The financial covenants set out in clause 20.2 ( Financial condition ) shall be calculated in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis and tested upon receipt of the Annual Financial Statements and Semi-Annual Financial Statements of the Group by reference to the same and to each Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to clause 19.2 ( Provision and contents of Compliance Certificate and valuations ) together with such statements.
21 General undertakings
Each Obligor undertakes with each Finance Party that this clause 21 will be complied with throughout the Facility Period, except that the undertakings in clause 21.11 ( Sanctions ).
The proceeds of Utilisations will be used exclusively for the purposes specified in clause 3 ( Purpose ).
Each Obligor will promptly (and in connection with any Finance Document, as soon as such Finance Document is entered into):
any authorisation required under any law or regulation of a Relevant Jurisdiction to:
Each Obligor and each Manager will comply in all respects with all laws and regulations (including Environmental Laws) to which it may be subject where failure to do so has, or might reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.
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Except as approved by the Majority Lenders, or otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement, no material change will be made to the general nature of the business of any of the Obligors or the Group taken as a whole from that carried on at the date of this Agreement, save that any activities involving or undertaken whatsoever within the maritime sector by any Group Member will not be considered a change in the general nature of the business of any of the Obligors or the Group taken as a whole.
Except as approved by the Majority Lenders, no Obligor, will enter into any amalgamation, demerger, merger, consolidation, redomiciliation, legal migration or corporate reconstruction (other than an amalgamation, merger or consolidation of a Guarantor where such Guarantor is the surviving entity of the same).
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maintenance of any Security Interest (or the priority of any Security Interest) conferred or intended to be conferred on the Security Agent and/or any other Finance Party by or pursuant to the Finance Documents.
Each Obligor will ensure that (a) its obligations under the Finance Documents shall, without prejudice to the Security Interests intended to be created by the Security Documents, at all times rank at least pari passu with all its other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated Indebtedness with the exception of any obligations which are mandatorily preferred by law and not by contract and (b) any Financial Indebtedness of any Obligor to any other Group Member or any of its shareholders or other Affiliates shall be in all respects subordinated in ranking and priority of payment to all amounts owing to the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents.
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directly or indirectly on behalf of or for the benefit of, a Prohibited Person", where such chartering activity is not in breach of Sanctions);
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Each Obligor will ensure that any borrowing by it and/or the performance of its obligations hereunder and under the other Finance Documents to which it is a party will be for its own account and will not involve any breach by it of any law, or regulatory measure relating to money laundering as defined in the provisions of the directive (2005/60/EC) of the European Parliament and of the Council (as this may be repealed or replaced by transposition of directive (EU) 2015/849) or any equivalent law or regulatory measure in any other jurisdiction including Article 305bis of the Swiss Penal Code.
Each Obligor undertakes with the Finance Parties that, from the date of this Agreement and so long as any moneys are owing under any of the Finance Documents, upon the request of the Agent, it shall provide the Agent or any of its representatives, professional advisors and contractors with access to, and permit inspection of, books and records of any Group Member, in each case at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice.
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Each Borrower undertakes that this clause 22 will be complied with in relation to each Mortgaged Ship throughout the relevant Ship's Mortgage Period.
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A manager of the Ship (other than the Managers as at the date of this Agreement) shall not be appointed unless that manager and the terms of its appointment pursuant to the relevant Management Agreement are approved by the Majority Lenders (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and it has delivered a duly executed Manager's Undertaking
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to the Security Agent. The relevant Owner shall not agree to any material change to the terms of appointment of a manager whose appointment has been approved unless such change is also approved by the Majority Lenders (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
A properly certified copy of the relevant Mortgage shall be kept on board the Ship with its papers and shown to anyone having business with the Ship which might create or imply any commitment or Security Interest over or in respect of the Ship (other than a lien for crew's wages and salvage) and to any representative of the Agent or the Security Agent.
A framed printed notice of the Ship's Mortgage shall be prominently displayed in the navigation room and in the Master's cabin of the Ship. The notice must be in plain type and read as follows:
This Ship is subject to a first mortgage in favour of [ here insert name of mortgagee ] of [ here insert address of mortgagee ]. Under the said mortgage and related documents, neither the Owner nor any charterer nor the Master of this Ship has any right, power or authority to create, incur or permit to be imposed upon this Ship any commitments or encumbrances whatsoever other than for crew's wages and salvage".
No-one will have any right, power or authority to create, incur or permit to be imposed upon the Ship any lien whatsoever other than for crew's wages and salvage.
Where the Ship is (or is to be) sold in exercise of any power conferred by the Security Documents, the relevant Owner shall, upon the Agent's (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) request, immediately execute such form of transfer of title to the Ship as the Agent may require.
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The relevant Owner shall use the Ship only as a civil merchant trading ship.
The relevant Owner shall not enter into any arrangement under which its Earnings from the Ship may be shared with anyone else except:
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The relevant Owner's Earnings from the Ship shall be paid in the way required by the Ship's General Assignment, Deed of Covenant or any Charter Assignment. If any Earnings are held by brokers or other agents, they shall be paid to the Security Agent or the Agent (as the case may be), if it requires this after the Earnings have become payable to it under the Ship's General Assignment, Deed of Covenant or any Charter Assignment.
Except with approval by the Majority Lenders (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), no Ship shall be laid up or deactivated.
Each Borrower undertakes that this clause 23 will be complied with in relation to each Mortgaged Ship throughout the relevant Ship's Mortgage Period.
In this clause 23.1 and in Schedule 3 ( Conditions precedent ):
applicable code means any code or prescribed procedures required to be observed by the Ship or the persons responsible for its operation under any applicable law (including but not limited to those currently known as the ISM Code and the ISPS Code).
applicable law means all laws and regulations applicable to vessels registered in the Ship's Flag State or which for any other reason apply to the Ship or to its condition or operation at any relevant time.
applicable operating certificate means any certificates or other document relating to the Ship or its condition or operation required to be in force under any applicable law or any applicable code.
The Ship shall be kept in a good, safe and efficient state of repair. The quality of workmanship and materials used to repair the Ship or replace any damaged, worn or lost parts or equipment shall be sufficient to ensure that the Ship's value is not materially reduced.
Except with approval, the structure, type or performance characteristics of the Ship shall not be modified in a way which could or might materially alter the Ship or materially reduce its value.
Except with approval, no material part of the Ship or any equipment shall be removed from the Ship if to do so would materially reduce its value (unless at the same time it is replaced with equivalent parts or equipment owned by the relevant Owner free of any Security Interest except under the Security Documents).
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Except with approval, equipment owned by a third party shall not be installed on the Ship if it cannot be removed without risk of causing damage to the structure or fabric of the Ship or incurring significant expense.
The Ship's class shall be the relevant Classification free of any overdue qualifications with the relevant Classification Society and neither the Classification nor the Classification Society of the Ship shall be changed without approval of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld and which approval shall not be required in respect of a change to one of DNV GL, American Bureau of Shipping or Lloyd's Register of Shipping). The Ship and every person who owns, operates or manages the Ship shall comply with all applicable laws and the requirements of all applicable codes. There shall be kept in force and on board the Ship or in such person's custody any applicable operating certificates which are required by applicable laws or applicable codes to be carried on board the Ship or to be in such person's custody.
The Ship shall be submitted to continuous surveys and any other surveys which are required for it to maintain the Classification as its class. Copies of reports of those surveys shall be provided promptly to the Agent if it so requests.
The Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) and/or surveyors appointed by it for such purpose (in consultation with the Borrowers) shall be allowed to board the Ship at all times, subject to reasonable prior notice to the relevant Owner and without hindering the Ship's continuous, safe and efficient operations, to inspect it and given all proper facilities needed for that purpose. The Agent shall be given reasonable advance notice of any intended drydocking of the Ship (whatever the purpose of that drydocking). The Borrowers shall bear the cost of only one such inspection of the Ship per calendar year unless there is an Event of Default which is continuing or the inspection of the relevant Ship reveals issues in respect of the condition of the Ship that indicate a breach of clause 23.2 ( Repair ) or 23.6 ( Maintenance of class; compliance with laws and codes ).
All debts, damages, liabilities and outgoings (due and payable and not contested by the relevant Owner in good faith) which have given, or may reasonably give, rise to maritime, statutory or possessory liens on, or claims enforceable against, the Ship, its Earnings or Insurances shall be promptly paid and discharged.
The Ship, its Earnings and Insurances shall be released within 15 days (or such longer period as may be approved) from any arrest, detention, attachment or levy, and any legal process against the Ship shall be discharged within 15 days (or such longer period as may be approved), by whatever action is required to achieve that release or discharge.
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The Agent shall promptly be given any information which it may reasonably require about the Ship or its employment, position, use or operation, including details of towages and salvages, and copies of all its charter commitments (other than any Confidential Information in respect of the Cool Pool Arrangements) entered into by or on behalf of any Obligor or any Manager and copies of any applicable operating certificates.
The Agent shall promptly be notified of:
All tolls, dues and other outgoings whatsoever in respect of the Ship and its Earnings and Insurances shall be paid promptly to the extent such payment is not being contested in good faith and with adequate reserves. Proper accounting records shall be kept of the Ship and its Earnings.
The Agent shall be allowed proper and reasonable access, subject to prior written notice and provided that the operations of the relevant Owner are not in any way hindered, to those accounting records when it reasonably requests it and, when it reasonably requires it, shall be given satisfactory evidence that:
Except with approval by the Majority Lenders, the Ship shall not be put into any other person's possession for work to be done on the Ship if the cost of that work will exceed or is likely to
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exceed the Major Casualty Amount for such Ship unless the relevant Owner has established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Agent that it has sufficient reserves with the Account Bank to pay for such works or that person gives the Security Agent a written undertaking in approved terms not to exercise any lien on the Ship or its Earnings for any of the cost of such work.
As soon as reasonably practicable after the Agent requests it and promptly after each inspection made pursuant to clause 23.8 ( Inspection and notice of drydockings ), the Agent shall be given a report on the seaworthiness and/or safe operation of the Ship, from surveyors or inspectors approved by the Majority Lenders. If any recommendations are made in such a report they shall be complied with in the way and by the time recommended in the report.
The Ship shall not be employed:
and the persons responsible for the operation of the Ship shall take all necessary and proper precautions to ensure that this does not happen, including participation in industry or other voluntary schemes available to the Ship and in which leading operators of ships operating under the same flag or engaged in similar trades generally participate at the relevant time.
No Ship shall enter or remain in any zone which has been declared a war zone by any government entity or that Ship's war risk insurers except with prior written notification to the Agent and provided that the Borrowers have delivered to the Agent written evidence satisfactory to it that any requirements of that Ship's insurers necessary to ensure that such Ship remains properly insured in accordance with the Finance Documents (including any requirement for the payment of extra insurance premiums) are complied with.
Each Borrower undertakes that this clause 24 shall be complied with in relation to each Mortgaged Ship and its Insurances throughout the relevant Ship's Mortgage Period.
In this clause 24:
excess risks means the proportion (if any) of claims for general average, collision liability, salvage and salvage charges not recoverable under the hull and machinery insurances of a vessel in consequence of the value at which the vessel is assessed for the purpose of such claims exceeding its insured value.
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excess war risk P&I cover means cover for claims in excess of amounts recoverable under the usual war risk cover including (but not limited to) hull and machinery, crew and protection and indemnity risks.
hull cover means insurance cover against the risks identified in clause 24.2(a) ( Coverage required ).
minimum hull cover means, in relation to a Mortgaged Ship, an amount equal at the relevant time to 120% of such proportion of the Available Facility at such time as is equal to the proportion which the market value of such Mortgaged Ship bears to the aggregate of the market values of all of the Mortgaged Ships at the relevant time.
P&I risks means the usual risks (including liability for oil pollution, excess war risk P&I cover) covered by a protection and indemnity association which is a member of the International Group of protection and indemnity associations (or, if the International Group ceases to exist, any other leading protection and indemnity association or other leading provider of protection and indemnity insurance) (including, without limitation, the proportion (if any) of any collision liability not covered under the terms of the hull cover).
The Ship (including its hull and machinery, hull interest, freight interest, disbursements and/or increased value) shall at all times be insured at the Ship's Owner's cost:
The insurance coverage required by clause 24.2 ( Coverage required ) shall be:
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other Finance Parties in an approved form and provided such supporting documents and opinions in relation to that assignment as the Agent requires);
The aggregate amount of any excess or deductible under the Ship's hull cover shall not exceed $1,000,000 or any other approved amount.
If the Ship's hull cover also insures other vessels, the Security Agent shall either be given an undertaking in approved terms by the brokers or (if such cover is not placed through brokers or the brokers do not, under any applicable laws or insurance terms, have such rights of set off and cancellation) the relevant insurers that the brokers or (if relevant) the insurers will not:
or the Borrowers shall ensure that hull cover for the Ship and any other Mortgaged Ships is provided under a separate policy from any other vessels.
All premiums, calls, contributions or other sums payable in respect of the Insurances shall be paid punctually by the Owner and the Agent shall be provided with all relevant receipts or other evidence of payment upon request.
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At least 14 days before any of the Ship's Insurances are due to expire, the Agent shall be notified of the names of the brokers, insurers and associations proposed to be used for the renewal of such Insurances and the amounts, risks and terms in, against and on which the Insurances are proposed to be renewed.
At least seven (7) days before any of the Ship's Insurances are due to expire, instructions shall be given to brokers, insurers and associations for them to be renewed or replaced on or before their expiry.
The Ship's Insurances shall be renewed upon their expiry in a manner and on terms which comply with this clause 24 and confirmation of such renewal given by approved brokers or insurers which shall be provided to the Agent at least five (5) days (or such shorter period as may be approved) before such expiry.
Any guarantee or undertaking required by any protection and indemnity or war risks association in relation to the Ship shall be provided when required by the association.
The Agent shall be provided with pro forma copies of all insurance policies and other documentation issued by brokers, insurers and associations in connection with the Ship's Insurances as soon as they are available after they have been placed or renewed and all insurance policies and other documents relating to the Ship's Insurances shall be deposited with any approved brokers or (if not deposited with approved brokers) the Agent or some other approved person.
Unless otherwise approved where the Agent is satisfied that equivalent protection is afforded by the terms of the relevant Insurances and/or any applicable law and/or a letter of undertaking provided by another person, on each placing or renewal of the Insurances, the Agent shall be provided promptly with letters of undertaking in an approved form (having regard to general insurance market practice and law at the time of issue of such letter of undertaking) from the relevant brokers, insurers and associations.
The interest of the Security Agent or any other Finance Parties as assignees of the Insurances shall be endorsed on all insurance policies and other documents by the incorporation of a Loss Payable Clause and an Insurance Notice in respect of the Ship and its Insurances signed by its Owner and, unless otherwise approved, each other person assured under the relevant cover (other than the Security Agent or any other Finance Party if it is itself an assured).
If so required by the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders), the Agent shall promptly be provided with copies of all written communications between the assureds and
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brokers, insurers and associations relating to any of the Ship's Insurances as soon as they are available.
All requirements applicable to the Ship's Insurances shall be complied with and the Ship's Insurances shall only be subject to approved exclusions or qualifications.
If the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) requires and obtains a detailed report from an approved independent firm of marine insurance brokers giving their opinion on the adequacy of the Ship's Insurances then the Agent shall be provided promptly by the Borrowers with such a report at no cost to the Agent or (if the Agent obtains such a report itself, which it shall be entitled to do) the Borrowers shall reimburse the Agent for the cost of obtaining that report. The Borrowers shall not bear the cost of more than one such report per Ship per calendar year, unless there is an Event of Default.
All documents and other information and all assistance required by the Agent to assist it and/or the Security Agent in trying to collect or recover any claims under the Ship's Insurances shall be provided promptly.
The Ship shall only be employed or operated in conformity with the terms of the Ship's Insurances (including any express or implied warranties) and not in any other way (unless the insurers have consented and any additional requirements of the insurers have been satisfied).
If any of the Ship's Insurances are on terms that require a declaration, certificate or other document to be made or filed before the Ship sails to, or operates within, an area, those terms shall be complied with within the time and in the manner required by those Insurances.
All sums paid under the Ship's Insurances to anyone other than the Security Agent shall be applied in repairing the damage and/or in discharging the liability in respect of which they have been paid except to the extent that the repairs have already been paid for and/or the liability already discharged in which case such sums shall be applied in reimbursement of such costs incurred.
Any claim under the Ship's Insurances for a Total Loss and any claim for Major Casualty shall only be settled, compromised or abandoned with prior approval of the Majority Lenders.
Each Borrower undertakes that this clause 25 will be complied with throughout the Facility Period.
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For the purpose of the Finance Documents, the value at any time of any Mortgaged Ship or a Ship before any Utilisation obtained under clause 4 ( Conditions of Utilisation ), or any other asset over which additional security is provided under clause 25.13 ( Creation of additional security ), will be its value as most recently determined in accordance with this clause 25 or, if no such value has been obtained, its value determined under any valuation made pursuant to clause 4 ( Conditions of Utilisation ).
and in each case otherwise in accordance with this clause 25.
The Borrowers shall bear, and reimburse to the Agent where incurred by the Agent, all costs and expenses of providing such a valuation under this clause 25 (including for the purposes of determining the applicable Margin as and when required and referenced in the definition of " Margin " in clause 1.1 ( Definitions )) and clause 19.2 ( Provision and contents of Compliance Certificate and valuations ) provided however that if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing the Borrowers shall bear the cost of the valuations of each Mortgaged Ship only twice per calendar year (save for any valuations made pursuant to clause 4 ( Conditions of Utilisation ).
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Valuations shall be provided by valuers in dollars or, if a valuer is of the view that the relevant type of vessel is generally bought and sold in another currency, in that other currency. If a valuation is provided in another currency, for the purposes of this Agreement it shall be converted into dollars at the Agent's spot rate of exchange for the purchase of dollars with that other currency as at the date to which the valuation relates.
Unless otherwise approved in accordance with clause 25.4(b)( Valuations procedure ) or clause 25.13(a) ( Creation of additional security ), each valuation will be addressed to the Agent in its capacity as such, it will be, not more than 90 days old from its delivery to the Agent or from the date on which it is to be delivered and made:
The Borrowers shall promptly provide to the Agent and any such valuer any information which they reasonably require for the purposes of providing such a valuation.
All valuers must be Approved Brokers. The Agent may from time to time notify the Borrowers and the Lenders of any additional independent ship brokers which have been approved by the Borrowers and the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) as Approved Brokers for the purposes of this clause 25 and this Agreement, and the Majority Lenders may from time to time request the replacement of an Approved Broker.
When a valuation is required for the purposes of this clause 25, the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) or, if so approved at that time, the Borrowers shall promptly appoint the relevant Approved Brokers to provide such a valuation. If the Borrowers are approved to appoint the relevant Approved Brokers but fail to do so promptly, the Agent may appoint the relevant Approved Brokers to provide that valuation.
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The value of any additional security which the Borrowers offer to provide to remedy all or part of a shortfall in the amount of the Security Value will only be taken into account for the purposes of determining the Security Value if and when:
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If the Security Value shall at any time exceed the Minimum Value, and the Borrowers shall previously have provided further security to the Security Agent and/or the other Finance Parties pursuant to clause 25.12 ( Security shortfall ), the Security Agent (on the instructions of the Agent) and the other Finance Parties shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after notice from the Borrowers to do so and subject to being indemnified to their satisfaction against the cost of doing so, procure the release of any such further security specified by the Borrowers provided that the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) is satisfied that, immediately following such release, the Security Value will equal or exceed the Minimum Value and no other Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
Each Borrower undertakes that this clause 26 will be complied with in relation to each Mortgaged Ship throughout the relevant Ship's Mortgage Period.
Except for variations which (a) reduce the tenor of a Charter, (b) reduce the applicable charter rate in respect of the firm tenor of a Charter, (c) result in a charter rate during an extension of the tenor of a Charter which is materially less beneficial to the relevant Owner than the terms which at the time could be reasonably expected to be obtained on the open market for vessels of the same age and type as the relevant Ship and for charter commitments of a similar type and period, (d) in connection with the extension of a Charter would result in the Charterer being a Non-Acceptable Charterer, (e) change the scheduled dates for payment of charter hire under a Charter by more than 30 days or change the payment terms to payments in arrear, (f) result in any assignment, transfer or novation of a Charter Document whether from the relevant Owner or the relevant Charterer (an Owner shall be entitled to novate a Charter Document to another Owner subject to the novatee assigning the benefit of such novated Charter Document to the Security Agent and satisfying the provisions of clauses 22.7(b) ( Chartering ) which shall apply to this clause mutatis mutandis as set out in full herein), (g) would result in the conversion of a Charter to a bareboat charter or an arrangement under which operational control over the Ship is passed to another person (unless operational control is passed to the Ship's Technical Manager) or (h) affect termination rights under a Charter, where, in each case, approval shall be required, each Owner shall be entitled to amend or vary a Charter without approval. The relevant Owner shall notify the Agent of any variation of a Charter promptly upon such variation having been effected.
Subject to clause 26.1( Variations ), an Owner may release any obligation of any other person under the Charter Documents, waive any breach of any such obligation or consent to anything which would otherwise be such a breach.
Subject to clause 29.21 ( Charters ) and unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, each Owner shall be entitled, with prior notice to the Agent, to terminate or rescind any Charter Document or withdraw the Ship from service under the Charter or take any similar action.
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The relevant Owner shall perform its obligations under the Charter Documents and use its reasonable endeavours to ensure that each other party to them performs their obligations under the Charter Documents.
The relevant Owner shall give notice of assignment of the Charter Documents to the other parties to such documents promptly upon execution of the relevant Charter Assignment in the form specified by the relevant Charter Assignment for that Ship and shall ensure that the Agent receives a copy of that notice acknowledged by each addressee in the form specified therein and any relevant Quiet Enjoyment Agreement as soon as practically possible after the relevant Charter Assignment has been executed by the Security Agent and any relevant counterparty to such documents, and in any event at the times required under clause 4.1 ( Conditions precedent to first Utilisation and to each further Utilisations ) and Schedule 3 ( Conditions precedent ) as applicable.
All Earnings which the relevant Owner is entitled to receive under the Charter Documents shall be paid into the relevant Owner's Earnings Account or, following an Event of Default, in the manner required by the Security Documents.
If required by the charterer of a replacement charter commitment referred to in clause 29.21(b) (Charters) as a condition to entering into the same, the Lenders agree to instruct the Security Agent to enter into a quiet enjoyment agreement with such charterer on substantially the same terms as the Quiet Enjoyment Agreements in respect of any such replacement charter commitment.
Each Borrower undertakes that this clause 27 will be complied with throughout the Facility Period.
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purpose whatsoever which is permitted (or not prohibited) by the terms of this Agreement and the Finance Documents and for as long as any such withdrawal will not result in the Borrowers being in breach of clause 19.11 ( Liquidity ).
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other party and provide the Agent with any other information it may request concerning any Account.
Except as otherwise approved by the Majority Lenders, each Obligor undertakes that throughout the Facility Period this clause 28 will be complied with by and in respect of each Group Member to which each of the provisions below is expressed to apply.
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No Borrower shall incur or permit to exist, any Financial Indebtedness owed by it to anyone else except:
No Borrower shall give or permit to exist, any guarantee by it in respect of indebtedness of any person or allow any of its indebtedness to be guaranteed by anyone else except:
No Borrower shall make, grant or permit to exist any loans or any credit by it to anyone else other than:
No Borrower shall:
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No Borrower shall enter into a single transaction or a series of transactions, whether related or not and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, to dispose of any asset except for any of the following disposals so long as they are not prohibited by any other provision of the Finance Documents:
No Borrower shall be party to any arrangement or contract with any of its Affiliates (other than in respect of intra-Group loans, to the extent expressly permitted by the other provisions of this clause 28 ( Business restrictions )) unless such arrangement or contract is on an arm's length basis.
No Borrower shall establish or acquire a company or other entity.
No Borrower shall acquire any person, business, assets or liabilities or make any investment in any person or business or enter into any joint-venture arrangement except:
No Borrower shall redeem or purchase or otherwise reduce any of its equity or any other share capital or any warrants or any uncalled or unpaid liability in respect of any of them or reduce the amount (if any) for the time being standing to the credit of its share premium account or capital redemption or other undistributable reserve in any manner.
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None of the Obligors shall:
except if no Event of Default is continuing at the time of the declaration or payment of any such dividend, distribution or other payment, nor would result from the declaration or payment of the same and such a dividend, distribution and payment is declared and made.
Each of the events or circumstances set out in clauses 29.1 ( Non-payment ) to 29.22 ( Legal and beneficial ownership ) is an Event of Default.
An Obligor does not pay on the due date any amount payable pursuant to a Finance Document at the place at and in the currency in which it is expressed to be payable provided however that no Event of Default shall occur if a Payment Disruption Event has occurred and such payment is made within three (3) Business Days of the due date.
The Borrowers do not comply with clause 25.12 ( Security shortfall ).
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Any representation or statement made or deemed to be made by an Obligor in the Finance Documents or any other document delivered by or on behalf of any Obligor under or in connection with any Finance Document (excluding the representations under clause 18.32 ( Sanctions )) is or proves to have been incorrect or misleading when made or deemed to be made, unless the same is capable of remedy and is remedied within twenty (20) days of the earlier of (a) the Agent giving notice to the Borrowers and (b) any of the Borrowers becoming aware of the same.
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negotiations with one or more of its creditors with a view to rescheduling any of its indebtedness.
or any analogous procedure or step is taken in any jurisdiction.
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Any Obligor suspends or ceases to carry on (or threatens to suspend or cease to carry on) all or a material part of its business (except in the case of an Owner as a result of the sale of its Ship in accordance with, and subject to, the provisions of this Agreement).
The authority or ability of any Obligor to conduct its business is limited or wholly or substantially curtailed by any seizure, expropriation, nationalisation, intervention, restriction or other action by or on behalf of any governmental, regulatory or other authority or other person in relation to any Obligor or any of its assets.
An Obligor repudiates a Finance Document.
Any litigation, alternative dispute resolution, arbitration or administrative proceeding is taking place against any Obligor or any of its assets, rights or revenues which, if adversely determined, might reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Any event or circumstance or series of events (including any Environmental Incident or any change of law) occurs which the Majority Lenders reasonably believe has, or is reasonably expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.
Any Security Interest (other than a Permitted Maritime Lien) in respect of Charged Property becomes enforceable.
Any Mortgaged Ship is arrested, confiscated, seized, taken in execution, impounded, forfeited, detained in exercise or purported exercise of any possessory lien or other claim and the relevant Owner fails to procure the release of such Ship within a period of 30 days thereafter (or such longer period as may be approved).
Except with approval of the Majority Lenders, the registration of any Mortgaged Ship under the laws and flag of its Flag State is cancelled or terminated or, where applicable, not renewed or, if such Mortgaged Ship is only provisionally registered on the date of its Mortgage, such Ship is not permanently registered under such laws within 90 days of such date.
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The Flag State of any Mortgaged Ship or any Relevant Jurisdiction of an Obligor becomes involved in hostilities or civil war or there is a seizure of power in the Flag State or any such Relevant Jurisdiction by unconstitutional means if, in any such case, such event or circumstance, has or might reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect and, within 14 days of notice from the Agent to do so (or such longer period as may be approved), such action as the Agent may require to ensure that such event or circumstance will not have such an effect has not been taken by the Borrowers.
Except with approval of the Majority Lenders, a Charter of any Ship (which for the purposes of this clause 29.21 shall include any charter commitment that replaces a Charter pursuant to clause 29.21(b)) is terminated, cancelled or rescinded or (except as a result of the relevant Ship being a Total Loss) frustrated or any Ship is withdrawn from service under a Charter before the time that Charter was scheduled to expire (any such Ship, an Affected Ship ), provided however that no Event of Default shall occur under this clause 29.21 in relation to a Charter or Affected Ship, if the conditions under either paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) below are satisfied in respect of that Charter or (as the case may be) Affected Ship within 90 days of such termination, cancellation, rescission, frustration or withdrawal either:
For the purposes of this clause:
Affected Ship Prepayment Amount shall be an amount equal to the lesser of:
Contract Day Rate shall mean the applicable daily hire as set out in the Charter of the Affected Ship.
Prepayment Day Rate shall:
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or is otherwise acceptable in form and substance in all respects to the Majority Lenders in their absolute discretion; and
On and at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing the Agent shall, if so directed by the Majority Lenders, by notice to the Borrowers:
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Subject to this clause 30, a Lender (the Existing Lender ) may assign any of its rights to another bank or financial institution or to a trust, fund or other entity which is regularly engaged in or established for the purpose of making, purchasing or investing in loans, securities or other financial assets (the New Lender ).
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decision to the same extent as the Existing Lender would have been had it remained a Lender.
then the New Lender or Lender acting through its new Facility Office is only entitled to receive payment under those clauses to the same extent as the Existing Lender or Lender acting through its previous Facility Office would have been if the transfer, assignment or change had not occurred unless the transfer, assignment or change is made by the Lender with the Borrowers' agreement to mitigate any circumstances giving rise to a Tax Payment or increased cost, or a right to be prepaid and/or cancelled by reason of illegality.
The New Lender shall, on the date upon which an assignment takes effect, pay to the Agent (for its own account) a fee of $5,000.
and any representations or warranties implied by law are excluded.
and has not relied exclusively on any information provided to it by the Existing Lender or any other Finance Party in connection with any Finance Document;
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The Agent shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after it has executed a Transfer Certificate and any other document required under clause 30.2(c) ( Conditions of assignment ), send a copy of that Transfer Certificate and such other documents to the Borrowers.
In addition to the other rights provided to Lenders under this clause 30.7, each Lender may without consulting with or obtaining consent from an Obligor, 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:
If the Agent has notified the Lenders that it is able to distribute interest payments on a "pro rata basis" to Existing Lenders and New Lenders then (in respect of any assignment pursuant to clause 30.5 ( Procedure for assignment ) the Transfer Date of which, in each case, is after the date of such notification and is not on the last day of an Interest Period):
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No Obligor may assign any of its rights or transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents without the prior written consent of all the Lenders.
The Obligors shall not, and each Guarantor shall procure that each Group Member shall not, enter into any Debt Purchase Transaction or be a Lender or beneficially own all or any part of the share capital of a company that is or is to be a Lender or a party to a Debt Purchase Transaction of the type referred to in the definition of Debt Purchase Transaction.
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Any Parent Affiliate which is or becomes a Lender and which enters into a Debt Purchase Transaction as a purchaser or a participant shall, by 5.00 pm on the Business Day following the day on which it entered into the Debt Purchase Transaction, notify the Agent of the extent of the Commitment(s) or amount outstanding to which that Debt Purchase Transaction relates. The Agent shall promptly disclose such information to the Lenders.
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106
Except as specifically provided in the Finance Documents, the Arrangers, the Bookrunner and the Global Co-ordinator have no obligations of any kind to any other Party under or in connection with any Finance Document or the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents.
The Agent, the Security Agent, the Arrangers, the Bookrunner and the Global Co-ordinator may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with any Obligor or other Group Member or their Affiliates and shall not be obliged to account to the other Finance Parties for any profits.
107
108
Neither the Agent nor any Arranger is responsible or liable for:
109
The Agent shall not be bound to enquire:
110
agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with, any Finance Document or the Charged Property unless directly caused by the gross negligence or wilful default of the Agent and in the course of the exercise or non-exercise by it of any right, power, authority or discretion given to it expressly under a Finance Document; or
including (in each case and without limitation) such damages, costs, losses, diminution in value or liability arising as a result of: nationalisation, expropriation or other governmental actions; any regulation, currency restriction, devaluation or fluctuation; market conditions affecting the execution or settlement of transactions or the value of assets (including any Payment Disruption Event); breakdown, failure or malfunction of any third party transport, telecommunications, computer services or systems; natural disasters or acts of God; war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or strikes or industrial action.
on behalf of any Lender and each Lender confirms to the Agent and the Arrangers that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by the Agent or any Arranger.
111
saving, or for special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages, whether or not the Agent has been advised of the possibility of such loss or damages.
112
as the successor Agent may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as Agent under the Finance Documents. The Borrowers shall, within three Business Days of demand, reimburse the retiring Agent for the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) properly incurred by it in making available such documents and records and providing such assistance.
113
(other than its obligations under clause 32.13(b)) (and any agency fees for the account of the retiring Agent shall cease to accrue from (and shall be payable on) that date).
114
Without affecting the responsibility of any Obligor for information supplied by it or on its behalf in connection with any Finance Document, each Lender confirms to each other Finance Party that it has been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with any Finance Document including but not limited to:
115
If any Party owes an amount to the Agent under the Finance Documents the Agent may, after giving notice to that Party, deduct an amount not exceeding that amount from any payment to that Party which the Agent would otherwise be obliged to make under the Finance Documents and apply the amount deducted in or towards satisfaction of the amount owed. For the purposes of the Finance Documents that Party shall be regarded as having received any amount so deducted.
Although the Agent and the Security Agent may from time to time be the same entity, that entity will have entered into the Finance Documents (to which it is party) in its separate capacities as agent for the Finance Parties and (as appropriate) security agent and trustee for the Finance Parties. Where any Finance Document provides for the Agent or Security Agent to communicate with or provide instructions to the other, while they are the same entity, such communication or instructions will not be necessary.
116
117
to be liable for any loss on realisation or for any default or omission on realisation or for any default or omission for which a mortgagee in possession might be liable unless such loss, default or omission is caused by its own gross negligence or wilful default.
118
Without prejudice to the provisions of clause 32.22 ( Instructions to Security Agent ) the Security Agent may (but shall not be obliged to), in the absence of any instructions to the contrary, take such action in the exercise of any of its powers and duties under the Finance Documents as it considers in its discretion to be appropriate and in the best interests of the Finance Parties.
119
any other beneficiary of the Security Documents or any receiver or administrator may credit any moneys received by it to a suspense account for so long and in such manner as the Security Agent, such other beneficiary of the Security Documents or such receiver or administrator may from time to time determine with a view to preserving the rights of the Finance Parties or any of them to prove for the whole of their respective claims against the Borrowers or any other person liable.
In its capacity as trustee in relation to the Trust Property, the Security Agent:
120
or its solicitors or auditors possession of, such documents when necessary or convenient and the Security Agent shall not be responsible for any loss incurred in connection with any such deposit, access or possession if it has exercised reasonable care in the selection of a safe deposit, safe, receptacle or firm of solicitors or company;
The rights, powers and discretions conferred upon the Security Agent by this Agreement shall be supplemental to the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000 and in addition to any which may be vested in the Security Agent by general law or otherwise.
Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to the duties of the Security Agent in relation to the trusts constituted by this Agreement. Where there are any inconsistencies between the Trustee Act 1925 or the Trustee Act 2000 and the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall, to the extent allowed by law, prevail and, in the case of any inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000, the provisions of this Agreement shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of that Act.
Where the Security Agent is named on any insurance policy (including the Insurances) as an insured party and/or loss payee, the Security Agent shall not be responsible for any loss which may be suffered by reason of, directly or indirectly, its failure to notify the insurers of any material fact relating to the risk assumed by such insurers or any other information of any kind,
121
unless the Agent shall have requested it to do so in writing and the Security Agent shall have failed to do so within 14 days after receipt of that request. The Security Agent shall have no obligation to, or any liability for any failure to, insure any of the Charged Property.
The Security Agent may (to the extent legally permitted) appoint and pay any person to act as a custodian or nominee on any terms in relation to any assets of the trust as the Security Agent may determine, including for the purpose of depositing with a custodian this Agreement or any document relating to the trust created under this Agreement and the Security Agent shall not be responsible for any loss, liability, expense, demand, cost, claim or proceedings incurred by reason of the misconduct, omission or default on the part of any person appointed by it under this Agreement or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any person if it has exercised reasonable care in the selection of such person.
The Security Agent shall be entitled to accept without enquiry, and shall not be obliged to investigate, any right and title that any of the Obligors have to any of the Charged Property and shall not be liable for or bound to require any debtor to remedy any defect in its right or title.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary expressed or implied in the Finance Documents, the Security Agent may refrain from doing anything which in its opinion will or may be contrary to any relevant law, directive or regulation of any applicable jurisdiction and the Security Agent may do anything which is, in its opinion, necessary to comply with any such law, directive or regulation.
The other Finance Parties shall co-operate with each other and with the Security Agent and any receiver or administrator under the Security Documents in realising the property and assets
122
subject to the Security Documents and in ensuring that the net proceeds realised under the Security Documents after deduction of the expenses of realisation are applied in accordance with clause 32.24(a) ( Order of application ).
The other Finance Parties shall provide the Security Agent with such written information as it may reasonably require for the purposes of carrying out its duties and obligations under the Security Documents and, in particular, with such necessary directions in writing so as to enable the Security Agent to make the calculations and applications contemplated by clause 32.24(a) ( Order of application ) above and to apply amounts received under, and the proceeds of realisation of, the Security Documents as contemplated by the Security Documents, clause 35.5 ( Partial payments ) and clause 32.24(a) ( Order of application ).
It is understood and agreed by each Finance Party (other than the Security Agent) that it has itself been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal of and investigations into the financial condition, creditworthiness, condition, affairs, status and nature of each Obligor and, accordingly, the Security Agent shall not have any liability or
123
responsibility for and each other Finance Party warrants to the Security Agent that it has not relied and will not hereafter rely on the Security Agent:
Each Finance Party acknowledges that pursuant to any enforcement action by the Security Agent (or a Receiver) carried out on the instructions of the Agent it may be desirable for the purpose of such enforcement and/or maximising the realisation of the Charged Property being enforced against, that any rights or claims of or by the Security Agent (for the benefit of the Finance Parties) and/or any Finance Parties against any Obligor and/or any Security Interest over any assets of any Obligor (in each case) as contained in or created by any Finance Document, other than such rights or claims or security being enforced, be released in order to facilitate such enforcement action and/or realisation and, notwithstanding any other provision of the Finance Documents, each Finance Party hereby irrevocably authorises the Security Agent (acting on the instructions of the Agent) to grant any such releases (and the Security Agent will notify the Lenders through the Agent as soon as reasonably practicable of such release) to the extent necessary to fully effect such enforcement action and realisation including, without limitation, to the extent necessary for such purposes to execute release documents in the name of and on behalf of the Finance Parties. Where the relevant enforcement is by way of disposal of shares in an Obligor, the requisite release shall include releases of all claims (including under guarantees) of the Finance Parties and/or the Security Agent against such Obligor and of all Security Interests over the assets of such Obligor.
124
Each Obligor which is a Party undertakes with the Security Agent on behalf of the Finance Parties that it will, on demand by the Security Agent, pay to the Security Agent all money from time to time owing, and discharge all other obligations from time to time incurred, by it under or in connection with the Finance Documents.
The Security Agent shall have power by notice in writing to the other Finance Parties and the Borrowers to appoint any person either to act as separate trustee or as co-trustee jointly with the Security Agent:
and any person so appointed shall (subject to the provisions of this Agreement) have such rights (including as to reasonable remuneration), powers, duties and obligations as shall be conferred or imposed by the instrument of appointment. The Security Agent shall have power to remove any person so appointed. At the request of the Security Agent, the other parties to this Agreement shall forthwith execute all such documents and do all such things as may be required to perfect such appointment or removal and each such party irrevocably authorises the Security Agent in its name and on its behalf to do the same. Such a person shall accede to this Agreement as a Security Agent to the extent necessary to carry out their role on terms satisfactory to the Security Agent and (subject always to the provisions of this Agreement) have such trusts, powers, authorities, liabilities and discretions (not exceeding those conferred on the Security Agent by this Agreement and the other Finance Documents) and such duties and obligations as shall be conferred or imposed by the instrument of appointment (being no less onerous than would have applied to the Security Agent but for the appointment). The Security Agent shall not be bound to supervise, or be responsible for any loss incurred by reason of any act or omission of, any such person if the Security Agent shall have exercised reasonable care in the selection of such person.
It is agreed by all the parties to this Agreement that:
125
the Borrowers shall pay to the Security Agent any additional reasonable remuneration (together with any applicable taxes thereon) which shall be calculated by reference to its hourly rates in force from time to time.
If the Borrowers fail to pay any amount payable by them to the Security Agent under this Agreement on its due date, interest shall accrue on the overdue amount (and be compounded with it) from the due date up to the date of actual payment (both before and after judgment and to the extent interest at a default rate is not otherwise being paid on such sum) at the rate which is two per cent. (2%) per annum over the rate at which the Security Agent was being offered, by prime banks in the London interbank market, deposits in an amount comparable to the unpaid amounts in the currencies of those amounts for such period(s) as the Security Agent may from time to time select.
If all of the amounts owing under the Finance Documents and all other obligations the discharge of which is secured by any of the Security Documents have been fully and finally discharged and none of the Finance Parties is under any commitment, obligation or liability (whether actual or contingent) to make advances or provide other financial accommodation to the Borrowers under or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Finance Document, the trusts herein set out shall be wound up and the Security Agent shall, at the request and cost of the Borrowers and acting on the instructions of the Agent, release, without recourse or warranty, all of the security then held by it, whereupon the Security Agent, the Agent, the Lenders and the Obligors shall be released from their obligations hereunder (save for those which arose prior to such winding up).
No provision of this Agreement will:
126
Notwithstanding clause 2.2 ( Finance Parties' rights and obligations ), if the Agent makes a declaration under clause 29.23 ( Acceleration ) the Agent shall, in the names of all the Finance Parties, take such action on behalf of the Finance Parties and conduct such negotiations with the Borrowers and any Group Members and generally administer the Facility in accordance with the wishes of the Majority Lenders. All the Finance Parties shall be bound by the provisions of this clause and no Finance Party shall be entitled to take action independently against any Obligor or any of its assets without the prior consent of the Majority Lenders.
This clause shall not override clause 32 ( Roles of Agent, Security Agent and Arrangers ) as it applies to the Security Agent.
Where any Finance Document provides for any matter to be determined by reference to the opinion of, or to be subject to the consent, approval or request of, the Majority Lenders or for any action to be taken on the instructions of the Majority Lenders (a majority decision ), such majority decision shall (as between the Lenders) only be regarded as having been validly given or issued by the Majority Lenders if all the Lenders shall have received prior notice of the matter on which such majority decision is required and the relevant majority of Lenders shall have given or issued such majority decision. However (as between any Obligor and the Finance Parties) the relevant Obligor shall be entitled (and bound) to assume that such notice shall have been duly received by each Lender and that the relevant majority shall have been obtained to constitute Majority Lenders when notified to this effect by the Agent whether or not this is the case.
127
If a Finance Party (a Recovering Finance Party ) receives or recovers any amount from an Obligor other than in accordance with clause 35 ( Payment mechanics ) (a Recovered Amount ) and applies that amount to a payment due under the Finance Documents then:
The Agent shall treat the Sharing Payment as if it had been paid by the relevant Obligor and distribute it between the Finance Parties (other than the Recovering Finance Party) (the Sharing Finance Parties ) in accordance with clause 35.5 ( Partial payments ) towards the obligations of that Obligor to the Sharing Finance Parties.
On a distribution by the Agent under clause 34.2 ( Redistribution of payments ) of a payment received by a Recovering Finance Party from an Obligor, as between the relevant Obligor and the Recovering Finance Party, an amount of the Recovered Amount equal to the Sharing Payment will be treated as not having been paid by that Obligor to that Recovering Finance Party.
If any part of the Sharing Payment received or recovered by a Recovering Finance Party becomes repayable and is repaid by that Recovering Finance Party, then:
128
Each payment received by the Agent under the Finance Documents for another Party shall, subject to clause 35.3 ( Distributions to an Obligor ) and clause 35.4 ( Clawback and pre-funding ) be made available by the Agent as soon as practicable after receipt to the Party entitled to receive payment in accordance with this Agreement (in the case of a Lender, for the account of its Facility Office), to such account as that Party may notify to the Agent by not less than five Business Days' notice with a bank specified by that Party in the principal financial centre of the country of that currency (or, in relation to euro, in the principal financial centre of a Participating Member State or London, as specified by that Party).
The Agent may (with the consent of the Obligor or in accordance with clause 36 ( Set-off )) apply any amount received by it for that Obligor in or towards payment (on the date and in the currency and funds of receipt) of any amount due from that Obligor under the Finance Documents or in or towards purchase of any amount of any currency to be so applied.
129
All payments to be made by an Obligor under the Finance Documents shall be calculated and be made without (and free and clear of any deduction for) set-off or counterclaim.
130
For the purposes of clause 29.1 ( Non-payment ) and subject to the Agent's right to demand interest under clause 8.3 ( Default interest ), payments on demand shall be treated as paid when due if paid within three Business Days of demand.
131
If either the Agent determines (in its discretion) that a Payment Disruption Event has occurred or the Agent is notified by the Borrowers that a Payment Disruption Event has occurred:
132
the bank with whom the trust account is held to transfer the amount (together with any accrued interest) to the successor Agent for distribution in accordance with clause 35.2 ( Distributions by the Agent) .
133
A Finance Party may set off any matured obligation due from an Obligor under the Finance Documents (to the extent beneficially owned by that Finance Party) against any matured obligation owed by that Finance Party to that Obligor, regardless of the place of payment, booking branch or currency of either obligation. If the obligations are in different currencies, the Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. For the purpose of this clause the term "Finance Party" includes each of the relevant Finance Party's holding companies and subsidiaries and each subsidiary of the relevant Finance Party's holding companies (as defined in the Companies Act 2006).
Any communication to be made under or in connection with the Finance Documents shall be made in writing and, unless otherwise stated, may be made by fax or letter.
The address, and fax number (and the department or officer, if any, for whose attention the communication is to be made) of each Obligor or Finance Party for any communication or document to be made or delivered under or in connection with the Finance Documents is:
or, in each case, any substitute address, fax number, or department or officer as an Obligor or Finance Party may notify to the Agent (or the Agent may notify to the other Parties, if a change is made by the Agent) by not less than five Business Days' notice.
134
and, if a particular department or officer is specified as part of its address details provided under clause 37.2 ( Addresses ), if addressed to that department or officer.
The Agent shall notify the other Parties on changing its address or fax number. All other Parties should notify promptly upon change of their address or fax number pursuant to clause 37.2 ( Addresses ).
135
If the Agent is an Impaired Agent the Parties may, instead of communicating with each other through the Agent, communicate with each other directly and (while the Agent is an Impaired Agent) all the provisions of the Finance Documents which require communications to be made or notices to be given to or by the Agent shall be varied so that communications may be made and notices given to or by the relevant parties directly. This provision shall not operate after a replacement Agent has been appointed.
136
In any litigation or arbitration proceedings arising out of or in connection with a Finance Document, the entries made in the accounts maintained by a Finance Party are prima facie evidence of the matters to which they relate.
Any certification or determination by a Finance Party of a rate or amount under any Finance Document is, in the absence of manifest error, conclusive evidence of the matters to which it relates.
Any interest or fee accruing under a Finance Document will accrue from day to day and is calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a year of 360 days or, in any case where the practice in the Interbank Market differs, in accordance with that market practice.
If, at any time, any provision of a Finance Document is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under any law of any jurisdiction, neither the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions nor the legality, validity or enforceability of such provision under the law of any other jurisdiction will in any way be affected or impaired.
No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of any Finance Party, any right or remedy under a Finance Document shall operate as a waiver of any such right or remedy or constitute an election to affirm any of the Finance Documents. No election to affirm any of the Finance Documents on the part of any Finance Party shall be effective unless it is in writing. No single or partial exercise of any right or remedy shall prevent any further or other exercise or the exercise of any other right or remedy. The rights and remedies provided in the Finance Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
137
An amendment, waiver or discharge or release or a consent of, or in relation to, the terms of any Finance Document that has the effect of changing or which relates to:
shall not be made, or given, without the prior consent of all the Lenders and must be in writing.
138
139
For the purposes of this paragraph (b):
Relevant Date means the later of
140
Relevant Request means a request for a consent, waiver, amendment of or in relation to any term of any Finance Document or any other vote of Lenders under the terms of this Agreement other than an amendment, waiver or consent referred to in clause 41.2 ( All Lender matters ) excluding paragraph (h) thereof.
Except with the approval of all the Lenders or for a release which is expressly permitted or required by the Finance Documents, the Agent shall not have authority to authorise the Security Agent to release:
Subject to clause 41.3 ( Other exceptions ), if a Screen Rate Replacement Event has occurred in relation to the Screen Rate, any amendment or waiver which relates to:
(b)
may be made with the consent of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) and the Borrowers.
" Relevant Nominating Body " means any applicable central bank, regulator or other supervisory authority or a group of them, or any working group or committee sponsored or chaired by, or constituted at the request of, any of them or the Financial Stability Board.
" Replacement Benchmark " means a benchmark rate which is:
141
and if replacements have, at the relevant time, been formally designated, nominated or recommended under both paragraphs, the "Replacement Benchmark" will be the replacement under paragraph (ii) above;
" Screen Rate Replacement Event " means, in relation to the Screen Rate:
provided that, in each case, at that time, there is no successor administrator to continue to provide that Scree Rate; or
Each Finance Document may be executed in any number of counterparts, and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of the Finance Document.
142
Each Finance Party agrees to keep all Confidential Information confidential and not to disclose it to anyone, save to the extent permitted by clause 43.2 ( Disclosure of Confidential Information ) and clause 43.3 ( Disclosure to numbering service providers ), and to ensure that all Confidential Information is protected with security measures and a degree of care that would apply to its own confidential information.
Any Finance Party may disclose (without the consent of the Obligors) to (i) any of its Affiliates, employees (including service and settlement employees), officers, representatives or advisers and (ii) any other person:
any information about any Obligor, the Group and the Finance Documents as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if any such person has entered into a confidentiality agreement substantially in the form of the then current form of LMA Confidentiality Letter (Purchaser) for the secondary trading of loans ; and any Finance Party may disclose (with the consent of the Borrowers) to any other person not included in paragraphs 43.2(a) - 43.2(h) above, any information about any Obligor, the Group and the Finance Documents as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if any such person has entered into a confidentiality agreement substantially in the form agreed between the Borrowers and the relevant Finance Party.
143
to enable such numbering service provider to provide its usual syndicated loan numbering identification services.
This clause 43 constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties in relation to the obligations of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents regarding Confidential Information and supersedes any previous agreement, whether express or implied, regarding Confidential Information.
144
Each of the Finance Parties acknowledges that some or all of the Confidential Information is or may be price-sensitive information and that the use of such information may be regulated or prohibited by applicable legislation including securities law relating to insider dealing and market abuse and each of the Finance Parties undertakes not to use any Confidential Information for any unlawful purpose.
The obligations in this clause 43 are continuing and, in particular, shall survive and remain binding on each Finance Party for a period of twelve months from the earlier of:
This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations connected with it are governed by English law.
145
jurisdiction. To the extent allowed by law, the Finance Parties may take concurrent proceedings in any number of jurisdictions.
Without prejudice to any other mode of service allowed under any relevant law, each Obligor which is a Party:
This Agreement has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.
146
Schedule 1
The original parties
Borrowers
Name : | GAS-three Ltd. | |
Jurisdiction of incorporation |
|
Bermuda |
Registration number ( or equivalent, if any ) |
|
44211 |
English process agent ( if not incorporated in England ) |
|
GasLog Services UK Ltd. C/O 81 Kings Road, London, SW3 4XN |
Registered office |
|
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda |
Address for service of notices |
|
Alastair Maxwell, c/o GasLog Monaco SAM, Gildo Pastor Center, 7, rue du Gabian, MC98000, Monaco |
Name : | GAS-four Ltd. | |
Jurisdiction of incorporation |
|
Bermuda |
Registration number ( or equivalent, if any ) |
|
44210 |
English process agent ( if not incorporated in England ) |
|
GasLog Services UK Ltd. C/O 81 Kings Road, London, SW3 4XN |
Registered office |
|
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda |
Address for service of notices |
|
Alastair Maxwell, c/o GasLog Monaco SAM, Gildo Pastor Center, 7, rue du Gabian, MC98000, Monaco |
Name : | GAS-five Ltd. | |
Jurisdiction of incorporation |
|
Bermuda |
Registration number ( or equivalent, if any ) |
|
45104 |
English process agent ( if not incorporated in England ) |
|
GasLog Services UK Ltd. C/O 81 Kings Road, London, SW3 4XN |
Registered office |
|
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda |
Address for service of notices |
|
Alastair Maxwell, c/o GasLog Monaco SAM, Gildo Pastor Center, 7, rue du Gabian, MC98000, Monaco |
147
Name : | GAS-sixteen Ltd. | |
Jurisdiction of incorporation |
|
Bermuda |
Registration number ( or equivalent, if any ) |
|
48624 |
English process agent ( if not incorporated in England ) |
|
GasLog Services UK Ltd. C/O 81 Kings Road, London, SW3 4XN |
Registered office |
|
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda |
Address for service of notices |
|
Alastair Maxwell, c/o GasLog Monaco SAM, Gildo Pastor Center, 7, rue du Gabian, MC98000, Monaco |
Name : | GAS-seventeen Ltd. | |
Jurisdiction of incorporation |
|
Bermuda |
Registration number ( or equivalent, if any ) |
|
48625 |
English process agent ( if not incorporated in England ) |
|
GasLog Services UK Ltd. C/O 81 Kings Road, London, SW3 4XN |
Registered office |
|
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda |
Address for service of notices |
|
Alastair Maxwell, c/o GasLog Monaco SAM, Gildo Pastor Center, 7, rue du Gabian, MC98000, Monaco |
Name | GasLog Partners LP | |
Jurisdiction of incorporation |
|
Marshall Islands |
Registration number ( or equivalent, if any ) |
|
950063 |
English process agent ( if not incorporated in England ) |
|
GasLog Services UK Ltd. C/O 81 Kings Road, London, SW3 4XN |
Registered office |
|
Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH96960 |
Address for service of notices |
|
Alastair Maxwell, c/o Gaslog Monaco SAM, Gildo Pastor Center, 7, rue du Gabian, MC98000, Monaco |
148
Name | GasLog Partners Holdings LLC | |
Jurisdiction of incorporation |
|
Marshall Islands |
Registration number ( or equivalent, if any ) |
|
962930 |
English process agent ( if not incorporated in England ) |
|
GasLog Services UK Ltd. C/O 81 Kings Road, London, SW3 4XN |
Registered office |
|
Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH96960 |
Address for service of notices |
|
Alastair Maxwell, c/o Gaslog Monaco SAM, Gildo Pastor Center, 7, rue du Gabian, MC98000, Monaco |
Name | Credit Suisse AG | |||
Facility Office, address, fax number and attention details for notices |
|
Facility Office: Address: |
|
St. Alban-Graben 1-3 4051 Basel Switzerland |
|
|
Fax: |
|
+41 61 266 79 39 |
|
|
Attention: |
|
Ship Finance/Loans Administration |
Commitment ($) |
|
300,000,000 |
|
|
Name | Nordea Bank Abp, Filial I Norge | |||
Facility Office, address, fax number and attention details for notices |
|
Facility Office: Address: |
|
Essendrops gate 7, 0368 Oslo, Norway |
|
|
Operations/Administrations: |
||
|
|
Address: |
|
Essendrops gate 7, 0368 Oslo Norway |
|
|
E-mail: |
|
sls.shipping.norway@nordea.com / agency.soosid@nordea.com |
|
|
Attention: |
|
SLS Norway / Agency Norway |
Commitment ($) |
|
100,000,000 |
|
|
149
Name | The IyoBank, Ltd. Singapore Branch | |||
Facility Office, address, fax number and attention details for notices |
|
Facility Office: Address: |
|
8 Marina View #15-02 Asia Square Tower 1 Singapore 018960 |
|
|
E-mail: |
|
iyo812fnj52p@iyobank.co.jp |
|
|
Attention: |
|
Takeki Suzuki |
Commitment ($) |
|
50,000,000 |
|
|
Name | Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge | |||
Facility Office, address, fax number and attention details for notices |
|
Address: |
|
Essendrops gate 7, 0368 Oslo, Norway |
|
|
E-mail: |
|
sls.shipping.norway@nordea.com / agency.soosid@nordea.com |
|
|
Attention: |
|
SLS Norway / Agency Norway |
Name | Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge | |||
Facility Office, address, fax number and attention details for notices |
|
Address: |
|
Essendrops gate 7, 0368 Oslo, Norway |
|
|
E-mail: |
|
sls.shipping.norway@nordea.com / agency.soosid@nordea.com |
|
|
Attention: |
|
SLS Norway / Agency Norway |
The Arrangers
Mandated Lead Arrangers
Name | Credit Suisse AG | |||
Name |
|
Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge |
150
Name | Credit Suisse AG | |||
Facility Office, address, fax number and attention details for notices |
|
Address: |
|
St. Alban-Graben 1-3 4051 Basel Switzerland |
|
|
Fax: |
|
+41 61 266 79 39 |
|
|
Attention: |
|
Ship Finance/Loans Administration |
Name | Credit Suisse AG | |||
Name |
|
Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge |
151
Owner: | GAS-three Ltd. | |
Ship Name: |
|
m.v. " GasLog Shanghai " |
Ship Commitment: |
|
$112,500,000 |
Flag State |
|
Bermuda |
Charter description: |
|
No chartersubject to the Cool Pool Arrangements |
Classification: |
|
✠ A1, Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier, , ✠ AMS, ✠ ACCU, ✠ APS, SH, CPS, SHCM. Additional Notations: NIBS, POT, RRDA, ENVIRO+, UWILD, TCM, CRC, SFA 40, SH-DLA, DFD, PMP, RES, PORT, RW |
Classification Society: |
|
American Bureau of Shipping |
IMO number: |
|
9600528 |
Year of build: |
|
2013 |
Major Casualty Amount: |
|
$5,000,000 |
Owner: | GAS-four Ltd. | |
Ship Name: |
|
m.v. " GasLog Santiago " |
Ship Commitment: |
|
$112,500,000 |
Flag State |
|
Bermuda |
Charter description: |
|
A time charter between Gas-four Ltd and the relevant Charterer dated 22 March 2018 |
Charterer: |
|
Trafigura Maritime Logistics Pte. Ltd of Singapore |
Classification: |
|
✠ A1, Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier, , ✠ AMS, ✠ ACCU, ✠ APS, SH, CPS, SHCM. Additional Notations: NIBS, POT, RRDA, ENVIRO+, UWILD, TCM, CRC, SFA 40, SH-DLA, DFD, PMP, RES, PORT, RW |
Classification Society: |
|
American Bureau of Shipping |
IMO number: |
|
9600530 |
Year of build: |
|
2013 |
Major Casualty Amount: |
|
$5,000,000 |
152
Owner: | GAS-five Ltd. | |
Ship Name: |
|
m.v. " GasLog Sydney " |
Ship Commitment: |
|
$112,500,000 |
Flag State |
|
Bermuda |
Charter description: |
|
A time charter between Gas-five Ltd. and the relevant Charterer dated 18 June 2018 |
Charterer: |
|
Cheniere Marketing International LLP of England |
Classification: |
|
✠ A1, Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier, , ✠ AMS, ✠ ACCU, ✠ APS, SH, CPS, SHCM. Additional Notations: NIBS, POT, RRDA, ENVIRO+, UWILD, TCM, CRC, SFA 40, SH-DLA, DFD, PMP, RES, PORT, RW |
Classification Society: |
|
American Bureau of Shipping |
IMO number: |
|
9626273 |
Year of build: |
|
2013 |
Major Casualty Amount: |
|
$5,000,000 |
Owner: | GAS-sixteen Ltd. | |
Ship Name: |
|
m.v. " Methane Rita Andrea " |
Ship Commitment: |
|
$56,250,000 |
Flag State |
|
Bermuda |
Charter description: |
|
A time charter made between GAS-sixteen Ltd. and the relevant Charterer dated 4 April 2014 |
Charterer: |
|
Methane Services Limited of England |
Classification: |
|
✠ A1, Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier, , ✠ AMS, ✠ ACCU, FL40, SH, SHCM. Additional Notations: NIBS, RRDA, TCM, PMP+, CRC, SFA 40, SH-DLA |
Classification Society: |
|
American Bureau of Shipping |
IMO Number: |
|
9307188 |
Year of build: |
|
2006 |
Major Casualty Amount: |
|
$3,000,000 |
153
Owner: | GAS-seventeen Ltd. | |
Ship Name: |
|
m.v. " Methane Jane Elizabeth " |
Ship Commitment: |
|
$56,250,000 |
Flag State |
|
Bermuda |
Charter description: |
|
A time charter made between GAS-seventeen Ltd. and the relevant Charterer dated 4 April 2014 |
Charterer: |
|
Methane Services Limited of England |
Classification: |
|
✠ A1, Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier, , ✠ AMS, ✠ ACCU, FL40, SH, SHCM. Additional Notations: NIBS, RRDA, TCM, PMP+, CRC, SFA 40, SH-DLA |
Classification Society: |
|
American Bureau of Shipping |
IMO number: |
|
9307190 |
Year of build: |
|
2006 |
Major Casualty Amount: |
|
$3,000,000 |
154
Schedule 3
Conditions precedent
Part 1
Conditions precedent to first Utilisation
1 Obligors' corporate documents
2 Charters
The Charters for each of Ship B, Ship C, Ship D and Ship E duly executed and with charter tenors which are no less than:
155
and otherwise in form satisfactory to the Majority Lenders.
3 Legal opinions
Agreed forms of the following legal opinions, each addressed to the Agent, the Security Agent and the Lenders (and in a form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, the Lenders) and capable of being relied upon by any persons who become Lenders pursuant to the primary syndication of the Facility:
4 Other documents and evidence
Evidence that any Account required to be established under clause 27 ( Bank accounts ) has been opened (a) and established with the Account Bank and that all documents required by the Account Bank in relation to the opening of the Accounts (including disclosure of the ultimate beneficial ownership of each Borrower and any other documents required for the purpose of completing the "know your customer" process), (b) any Account Security in respect of each such Account has been executed and delivered by the relevant Account Holder in favour of the Security Agent and/or any of the other Finance Parties and (c) that any notice required to be given to an Account Bank under that Account Security has been given to it and acknowledged by it in the manner required by that Account Security and that an amount has been credited to it.
Such documentation and information as any Finance Party may reasonably request through the Agent to comply with "know your customer" or similar identification procedures under all laws and regulations applicable to that Finance Party.
156
9 Registration of Ship
Evidence that each Ship:
157
10 Mortgage registration
Evidence that the Mortgage in respect of each Ship has been registered with first priority and/or preferred status against the relevant Ship through the relevant Registry under the laws and flag of the relevant Flag State.
In relation to each Ship's Insurances:
Copies of:
13 Fees and expenses
Evidence that the fees, costs and expenses that are due from the Borrowers pursuant to clause 11 ( Fees ) and clause 16 ( Costs and expenses ) have been paid or will be paid by the relevant Utilisation Date.
Copies of each Ship's certificate of financial responsibility and vessel response plan required under United States law and evidence of their approval by the appropriate United States government entity and (if requested by the Agent) an environmental report in respect of the relevant Ship from an approved person.
Evidence that any consents required in connection with the registration of title to each Ship, the registration of the Mortgage over each Ship and, if applicable, the assignment of any Charter in relation to the Ship have been obtained.
158
A copy, certified by an approved person to be a true and complete copy, of the Management Agreement between the relevant Owner and each Manager relating to the appointment of that Manager in respect of each Ship.
(If required by the Agent) A survey report from approved surveyors obtained not more than ten (10) days before the relevant Utilisation Date evidencing that each Ship is seaworthy and capable of safe operation.
Evidence that the Borrowers are in compliance with clause 19.11 ( Liquidity ) in respect of each Ship and that the minimum balance required thereunder in respect of each Ship upon the first Utilisation has been paid into the relevant Earnings Account.
Any other document, authorisation, opinion or assurance required by the Agent.
Valuations dated at least five (5) calendar days before but no more than 90 calendar days before the proposed Utilisation and otherwise made in accordance with clause 25 ( Minimum security value ).
159
Part 2
Conditions precedent to each further Utilisation
1 Value of security
Other than in respect of a Rollover Loan, Valuations dated at least five (5) calendar days before but no more than 90 calendar days before the proposed Utilisation of each Ship and otherwise made in accordance with clause 25 ( Minimum security value ).
2 Fees and expenses
Evidence that the fees, costs and expenses that are due from the Borrowers pursuant to clause 11 ( Fees ) and clause 16 ( Costs and expenses ) have been paid or will be paid by the relevant Utilisation Date.
160
Schedule 4
Utilisation Request
From: |
GAS-three Ltd.
GAS-four Ltd. GAS-five Ltd. GAS-sixteen Ltd. GAS-seventeen Ltd. |
|
To: |
|
Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge as Agent |
Dated: |
|
[ · ] |
Dear Sirs $450,000,000 Facility Agreement dated [ · ] 2019 (the Agreement) |
Proposed Utilisation Date: |
[ · ] (or, if that is not a Business Day, the next Business Day) |
|
Amount: |
$[ · ] of which $[ · ] is related to Rollover Loans |
[Ship A: $[ · ];
Ship B: $[ · ];
Ship C: $[ · ];
Ship D: $[ · ];
Ship E: $[ · ];]
161
Yours faithfully | ||
authorised signatory for GAS-three LTD. |
|
|
authorised signatory for GAS-four LTD. |
|
|
authorised signatory for GAS-five LTD. |
|
|
authorised signatory for GAS-sixteen LTD. |
|
|
authorised signatory for GAS-seventeen LTD. |
|
|
162
Schedule 5
Form of Compliance Certificate
To: | Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge as Agent | |
From: |
|
GasLog Partners LP |
Dated: |
|
[ · ] |
Dear Sirs
$450,000,000 Facility Agreement dated [ · ] 2019 (the Agreement)
Signed by: | ||
Chief Financial Officer For and on behalf of GASLOG PARTNERS LP |
|
|
163
Schedule 6
Form of Transfer Certificate
To: | Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge as Agent | |
From: |
|
[ The Existing Lender ] (the Existing Lender ) and [ The New Lender ] (the New Lender ) |
Dated:
$450,000,000 Facility Agreement dated [ · ] 2019 ( the Agreement )
Note: The execution of this Transfer Certificate alone may not assign a proportionate share of the Existing Lender's interest in the Security Interests constituted by the Security Documents in all jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of the New Lender to ascertain whether any other documents or other formalities are required to perfect an assignment of such a share in the Existing Lender's interest in the Security Interests constituted by the Security Documents in any jurisdiction and, if so, to arrange for execution of those documents and completion of those formalities.
164
The Schedule
Rights to be assigned and obligations to be released and undertaken
[ insert relevant details ]
[Facility Office address, fax number and attention details for notices and account details for payments.]
[ Existing Lender ] | [ New Lender ] | |
By: | By: |
This is accepted by the Agent as a Transfer Certificate and the Transfer Date is confirmed as [ · ].
Signature of this Transfer Certificate by the Agent constitutes confirmation by the Agent of receipt of notice of the assignment referred to herein, which notice the Agent receives on behalf of each Finance Party.
Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge
as Agent
By:
165
Schedule 7
Forms of Notifiable Debt Purchase Transaction Notice
Part 1
Form of Notice on Entering into Notifiable Debt Purchase Transaction
To: | Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge as Agent | |
From: |
|
[The Lender] |
Dated: |
|
|
$450,000,000 Facility Agreement dated [ · ] 2019 (the Agreement)
Commitment | Amount of our Commitment to which Notifiable Debt Purchase Transaction relates | ||
|
[ · ] |
|
[insert amount (of Commitment) to which the relevant Debt Purchase Transaction applies] |
[Lender]
By: |
166
Part 2
Form of Notice on Termination of Notifiable Debt Purchase Transaction / Notifiable Debt Purchase Transaction ceasing to be with a Parent Affiliate
To: | Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge as Agent | |
From: |
|
[The Lender] |
Dated: |
|
|
$450,000,000 Facility Agreement dated [ · ] 2019 (the Agreement)
Commitment | Amount of our Commitment to which Notifiable Debt Purchase Transaction relates (Base Currency) | ||
|
[ · ] |
|
[insert amount (of Commitment) to which the relevant Debt Purchase Transaction applies] |
[Lender]
By: |
167
For each of Ship A, Ship B and Ship C:
Reduction Date
|
Amount ($) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
First |
1,545,000 | |||
Second |
1,545,000 | |||
Third |
1,545,000 | |||
Fourth |
1,545,000 | |||
Fifth |
1,545,000 | |||
Sixth |
1,545,000 | |||
Seventh |
1,545,000 | |||
Eighth |
1,545,000 | |||
Ninth |
1,545,000 | |||
Tenth |
1,545,000 | |||
Eleventh |
1,545,000 | |||
Twelfth |
1,545,000 | |||
Thirteenth |
1,545,000 | |||
Fourteenth |
1,545,000 | |||
Fifteenth |
1,545,000 | |||
Sixteenth |
1,545,000 | |||
Seventeenth |
1,545,000 | |||
Eighteenth |
1,545,000 | |||
Nineteenth |
1,545,000 | |||
Twentieth |
83,145,000 | |||
Total |
112,500,000 |
For each of Ship D and E:
Reduction Date
|
Amount ($) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
First |
1,361,000 | |||
Second |
1,361,000 | |||
Third |
1,361,000 | |||
Fourth |
1,361,000 | |||
Fifth |
1,361,000 | |||
Sixth |
1,361,000 | |||
Seventh |
1,361,000 | |||
Eighth |
1,361,000 | |||
Ninth |
1,361,000 | |||
Tenth |
1,361,000 | |||
Eleventh |
1,361,000 | |||
Twelfth |
1,361,000 | |||
Thirteenth |
1,361,000 | |||
Fourteenth |
1,361,000 | |||
Fifteenth |
1,361,000 | |||
Sixteenth |
1,361,000 | |||
Seventeenth |
1,361,000 | |||
Eighteenth |
1,361,000 | |||
Nineteenth |
1,361,000 | |||
Twentieth |
30,391,000 | |||
Total |
56,250,000 |
168
THE BORROWERS
GAS-three LTD. |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | |||
GAS-four LTD. |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | |||
GAS-five LTD. |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | |||
GAS-sixteen LTD. |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | |||
GAS-seventeen LTD. |
) |
|
||
By: |
) |
THE GUARANTORS
EXECUTED as a DEED |
) | |||
By |
) | |||
for and on behalf of |
) |
|
||
GASLOG PARTNERS LP |
) | Authorised Signatory | ||
as Parent and Guarantor |
) | |||
in the presence of: |
) | |||
|
|
|
||
Witness |
||||
Name: |
||||
Address: |
||||
Occupation: |
||||
EXECUTED as a DEED |
) |
|
||
By |
) | |||
for and on behalf of |
) | |||
GASLOG PARTNERS HOLDINGS LLC |
) |
|
||
as Guarantor |
) | Authorised Signatory | ||
in the presence of: |
) | |||
|
|
|
||
Witness |
||||
Name: |
||||
Address: |
||||
Occupation: |
169
THE ARRANGERS
CREDIT SUISSE AG |
) |
|
||
as Mandated Lead Arranger |
) | Attorney-in-fact | ||
By: |
) | |||
NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I NORGE |
) |
|
||
as Mandated Lead Arranger |
) | Attorney-in-fact | ||
By: |
) | |||
THE ORIGINAL LENDERS |
|
|
||
CREDIT SUISSE AG |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | Attorney-in-fact | ||
NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I NORGE |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | Attorney-in-fact | ||
THE IYOBANK, LTD. SINGAPORE BRANCH |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | Attorney-in-fact | ||
THE GLOBAL CO-ORDINATOR |
|
|
||
CREDIT SUISSE AG |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | Authorised signatory | ||
THE BOOKRUNNERS |
|
|
||
CREDIT SUISSE AG |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | Attorney-in-fact | ||
NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I NORGE |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | Attorney-in-fact | ||
THE AGENT |
|
|
||
NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I NORGE |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | Attorney-in-fact | ||
THE SECURITY AGENT |
|
|
||
NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I NORGE |
) |
|
||
By: |
) | Attorney-in-fact |
170
SUBSIDIARIES OF GASLOG PARTNERS LP
The following companies are subsidiaries of GasLog Partners LP:
Name of Subsidiary
|
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation |
Proportion of
Ownership Interest |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GAS-three Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-four Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-five Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-seven Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-eight Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-eleven Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-thirteen Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-fourteen Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-sixteen Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-seventeen Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-nineteen Ltd |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-twenty Ltd |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-twenty one Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GAS-twenty seven Ltd. |
Bermuda | 100 | % | |||
GasLog Partners Holdings LLC |
Marshall Islands | 100 | % |
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Andrew J. Orekar, certify that:
Dated: February 26, 2019
By: |
/s/ ANDREW J. OREKAR
Name: Andrew J. Orekar Title: Chief Executive Officer |
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Alastair Maxwell, certify that:
Dated: February 26, 2019
By: |
/s/ ALASTAIR MAXWELL
Name: Alastair Maxwell Title: Chief Financial Officer |
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the annual report on Form 20-F of GasLog Partners LP, a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (the "Partnership"), for the period ending December 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), the undersigned officer of the Company certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
The foregoing certification is provided solely for purposes of complying with the provisions of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any other purpose.
Date: February 26, 2019
By: |
/s/ ANDREW J. OREKAR
|
|||||
Name: | Andrew J. Orekar | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the annual report on Form 20-F of GasLog Partners LP, a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (the "Partnership"), for the period ending December 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), the undersigned officer of the Partnership certifies pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
The foregoing certification is provided solely for purposes of complying with the provisions of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any other purpose.
Date: February 26, 2019
By: |
/s/ ALASTAIR MAXWELL
|
|||||
Name: | Alastair Maxwell | |||||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements, No. 333-220736 on Form F-3, and No. 333-203139 on Form S-8, of our reports dated February 26, 2019, relating to the consolidated financial statements of GasLog Partners LP, and the effectiveness of GasLog Partners LP's internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F of GasLog Partners LP for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Deloitte LLP
London, United Kingdom
February 26, 2019
Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.
Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom affiliate of Deloitte NWE LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"). DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL and Deloitte NWE LLP do not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.
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