As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2012

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 20-F

 


 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

 

OR

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

o SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of event requiring this shell company report ________________

 

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

 

Commission file number 001-34985

 

Globus Maritime Limited

(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)

 

128 Vouliagmenis Avenue, 3rd Floor, 166 74 Glyfada, Athens, Greece

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

George Karageorgiou

128 Vouliagmenis Avenue, 3rd Floor

166 74 Glyfada, Athens, Greece

Tel: +30 210 960 8300

Facsimile:   +30 210 960 8359

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered
Common Shares, par value $0.004 per  share Nasdaq Global Market

 

 
 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

 

None

(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

As of December 31, 2011, there were 10,100,477 shares of the registrant’s Common Shares outstanding.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

¨ Yes x No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

¨ Yes x No

 

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

x Yes ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). N/A

¨ Yes ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer x

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filling:

 

U.S. GAAP  ¨ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued Other ¨
  by the International Accounting Standards Board x  

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. N/A

 

¨ Item 17     ¨ Item 18

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  o Yes x No

 

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. N/A

 

¨ Yes ¨ No

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 3
PART I    
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers 5
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable 5
Item 3. Key Information 5
Item 4. Information on the Company 33
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments 52
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects 52
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees 75
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions 80
Item 8. Financial Information 82
Item 9. The Offer and Listing 83
Item 10. Additional Information 84
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 101
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities 102
PART II    
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies 102
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds 103
Item 15. Controls and Procedures 103
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert 104
Item 16B. Code of Ethics 104
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 104
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees 105
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers 105
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant 105
Item 16G. Corporate Governance 105
Item 16H. Mining Safety Disclosure 105
PART III    
Item 17. Financial Statements 105
Item 18. Financial Statements 106
Item 19. Exhibits 106
     
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-1

 

2
 

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of U.S. securities laws, and Globus Maritime Limited desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation.

 

The “Company,” “Globus,” “Globus Maritime,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Globus Maritime Limited and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts or that are not present facts or conditions. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology or words, such as, “anticipate,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “ongoing,” “pending,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seeks,” “should,” “views” or similar words or phrases or variations thereon, or the negatives of those words or phrases, or statements that events, conditions or results “can,” “will,” “may,” “must,” “would,” “could” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions in connection with any discussion, expectation or projection of future operating or financial performance, costs, regulations, events or trends. The absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements and information are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all statements in this annual report on Form 20-F concerning or relating to estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenses, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates, financial results and liquidity are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time may make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting our best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Other factors may affect the accuracy of these forward-looking statements and our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by us may include, but are not limited to, those factors and conditions described under “Item 3.D.  Risk Factors” as well as general conditions in the economy, dry bulk industry and capital markets. We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events after the date of this annual report on Form 20-F or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or new information, other than any obligation to disclose material information under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this annual report on Form 20-F including, without limitation, in the sections entitled “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” “Item 4.A.  Business Overview” and “Item 8.A.  Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividend Policy.”

 

Terms Used in this Annual Report on Form 20-F

 

References to our common shares are references to Globus Maritime Limited’s registered common shares, par value $0.004 per share, or, as applicable, the ordinary shares of Globus Maritime Limited prior to our redomiciliation into the Marshall Islands on November 24, 2010.

 

References to our Class B shares are references to Globus Maritime Limited’s registered Class B shares, par value $0.001 per share, none of which are currently outstanding. We refer to both our common shares and Class B shares as our shares. References to our Series A Preferred Shares are references to our shares of Series A preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, none of which were outstanding as of December 31, 2011.

 

3
 

 

On July 29, 2010, we effected a four-for-one reverse split of our common shares. Unless otherwise noted, all historical share numbers and per share amounts in this annual report on Form 20-F have been adjusted to give effect to this reverse split.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “dollars” and “$” in this annual report on Form 20-F are to, and amounts are presented in, U.S. dollars.

 

Rounding

 

Certain financial information has been rounded, and, as a result, certain totals shown in this annual report on Form 20-F may not equal the arithmetic sum of the figures that should otherwise aggregate to those totals.

 

4
 

 

PART I

 

Item 1.  Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 2.  Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 3.  Key Information

 

A.  Selected Financial Data

 

The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial and operating data. The summary consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IASB. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. Results of operations in any period are not necessarily indicative of results in any future period.

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    (Expressed in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share data)  
    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
Statements of comprehensive income data                                        
Revenue     35,559       28,860       52,812       98,597       40,960  
Voyage expenses     (3,283 )     (2,152 )     (3,742 )     (6,674 )     (2,245 )
Net revenue(1)     32,276       26,708       49,070       91,923       38,715  
Vessel operating expenses     (7,967 )     (5,887 )     (10,137 )     (12,537 )     (7,639 )
Depreciation     (10,180 )     (7,367 )     (11,204 )     (17,407 )     (10,212 )
Depreciation of drydocking costs     (318 )     (410 )     (1,512 )     (1,572 )     (1,033 )
Amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels     (779 )     -       -       -       -  
Administrative expenses     (2,078 )     (2,310 )     (2,004 )     (2,122 )     (1,292 )
Administrative expenses payable to related parties     (1,150 )     (1,066 )     (1,272 )     (1,216 )     (1,377 )
Share based payments     (364 )     (311 )     (1,754 )     (770 )     (380 )
Impairment loss     -       -       (28,429 )     (20,224 )     -  
Gain/(loss) on sale of vessels     -       7       (802 )     15,095       -  
Other (expenses)/income, net     (124 )     (35 )     (106 )     408       (36 )
Operating profit/(loss) before financing activities     9,316       9,329       (8,150 )     51,578       16,746  
                                         
Interest income from bank balances & bank deposits     52       247       1,032       946       577  
Interest expense and finance costs     (2,821 )     (2,133 )     (2,926 )     (7,707 )     (5,596 )
Gain/(loss) on derivative financial instruments     369       (570 )     143       (1,373 )     -  
Foreign exchange gains/(losses), net     9       (870 )     (178 )     (626 )     298  
Total finance costs, net     (2,391 )     (3,326 )     (1,929 )     (8,760 )     (4,721 )
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year     6,925       6,003       (10,079 )     42,818       12,025  
                                         
Attributable to:                                        
Shareholders of Globus Maritime Limited     6,925       6,003       (10,079 )     42,818       11,210  
Non-controlling interest     -       -       -       -       815  
      6,925       6,003       (10,079 )     42,818       12,025  
                                         
Basic earnings/(loss) per share for the year     0.80       0.83       (1.40 )     5.98       1.89  
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share for the year     0.79       0.82       (1.40 )     5.93       1.89  
Weighted average number of common shares, basic     8,688,543       7,243,340       7,192,369       7,162,564       5,946,350  
Weighted average number of common shares, diluted     8,738,444       7,340,221       7,192,369       7,226,767       5,946,350  
Dividends declared per share     0.64       0.27       -       2.6       0.53  
Adjusted EBITDA(2) (unaudited)     20,593       17,099       33,797       75,686       27,991  

 

5
 

 

(1) Net Revenue is computed by subtracting voyage expenses from revenue.  Net Revenue is not a recognized measurement under IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative or comparable to net income.

 

(2) Adjusted EBITDA represents net earnings before interest and finance costs net, gains or losses from the change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, foreign exchange gains or losses, income taxes, depreciation, depreciation of drydocking costs, amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels, impairment and gains or losses from sale of vessels. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to total comprehensive income/(loss) or cash generated from operations, as determined by IFRS, and our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under IFRS.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is included herein because it is a basis upon which we assess our financial performance and because we believe that it presents useful information to investors regarding a company’s ability to service and/or incur indebtedness and it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry.

 

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under IFRS. Some of these limitations are:

 

Ø Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

 

Ø Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;

 

Ø Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in or cash requirements for our working capital needs; and

 

Ø other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

 

6
 

 

Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business.

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of total comprehensive income/(loss) to Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited) for the periods presented:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    (Expressed in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)  
    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year     6,925       6,003       (10,079 )     42,818       12,025  
Interest and finance costs, net     2,769       1,886       1,894       6,761       5,019  
(Gain)/loss on derivative financial instruments     (369 )     570       (143 )     1,373       -  
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses     (9 )     870       178       626       (298 )
Depreciation     10,180       7,367       11,204       17,407       10,212  
Depreciation of drydocking costs     318       410       1,512       1,572       1,033  
Amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels     779       -       -       -       -  
(Gain)/loss on sale of vessels     -       (7 )     802       (15,095 )     -  
Impairment loss     -       -       28,429       20,224       -  
Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited)     20,593       17,099       33,797       75,686       27,991  

 

    As of December 31,  
    (Expressed in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)  
    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
Statements of financial position data                                        
Total non-current assets     242,592       191,556       93,204       216,075       273,781  
Total current assets (including “Non-current assets classified as held for sale”)     13,467       26,896       94,366       68,371       11,719  
Total assets     256,059       218,452       187,570       284,446       285,500  
Total equity     140,019       117,788       113,458       121,783       96,677  
Total non-current liabilities     105,584       85,388       36,218       79,735       157,069  
Total current liabilities     10,456       15,276       37,894       82,928       31,754  
Total equity and liabilities     256,059       218,452       187,570       284,446       285,500  

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    (Expressed in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)  
    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
Statements of cash flows data                                        
Net cash generated from operating activities     19,774       16,182       33,566       70,383       30,248  
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities     (61,782 )     (72,719 )     60,253       27,077       (183,044 )
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities     25,681       27,034       (74,496 )     (72,857 )     159,770  

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
Ownership days(1)     2,125       1,458       2,314       2,878       2,017  
Available days(2)     2,111       1,458       2,277       2,808       1,965  
Operating days(3)     2,083       1,441       2,246       2,781       1,837  
Bareboat charter days(4)     365       186       -       -       -  
Fleet utilization(5)     98.7 %     98.8 %     98.6 %     99.0 %     93.5 %
Average number of vessels(6)     5.8       4.0       6.3       7.9       5.5  
Daily time charter equivalent (TCE) rate(7)   $ 15,619     $ 18,996     $ 21,550     $ 32,736     $ 19,702  

 

7
 

 

(1) Ownership days are the aggregate number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet has been owned by us.

(2) Available days are the number of our ownership days less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades or special surveys.

(3) Operating days are the number of available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that the vessels are off-hire due to any reason, including unforeseen circumstances.

(4) Bareboat charter days are the aggregate number of days in a period during which the vessels in our fleet are subject to a bareboat charter.

(5) We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of our operating days during a period by the number of our available days during the period.

(6) Average number of vessels is measured by the sum of the number of days each vessel was part of our fleet during a relevant period divided by the number of calendar days in such period.

(7) TCE rates are our revenue less net revenue from our bareboat charters less voyage expenses during a period divided by the number of our available days during the period excluding bareboat charter days, which is consistent with industry standards. TCE is a measure not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Please read “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”

 

The following table reflects the calculation of our daily TCE rates for the periods presented.

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    (Expressed in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, except number of days and daily
TCE rates)
 
    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
                               
Revenue     35,559       28,860       52,812       98,597       40,960  
Less: Voyage expenses     3,283       2,152       3,742       6,674       2,245  
Less: bareboat charter net revenue     5,006       2,545       -       -       -  
Net revenue excluding bareboat charter net revenue     27,270       24,163       49,070       91,923       38,715  
Available days net of bareboat charter days     1,746       1,272       2,277       2,808       1,965  
Daily TCE rate     15,619       18,996       21,550       32,736       19,702  

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not Applicable.

 

C.  Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not Applicable.

 

D.  Risk Factors

 

This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of U.S. securities laws that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements and information. Factors that may cause such a difference include those discussed below and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

Some of the following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate and our business in general. Other risks relate principally to the securities market and ownership of our common shares. The occurrence of any of the events described in this section could significantly and negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results, ability to pay dividends or the trading price of our common shares.

 

8
 

 

Risks relating to Our Industry

 

The seaborne transportation industry is cyclical and volatile.

 

The international seaborne transportation industry is both cyclical and volatile in terms of charter rates, vessel values and profitability. Fluctuations in charter rates result from changes in the supply and demand for vessel capacity and changes in the supply and demand for energy resources, commodities, semi-finished and finished consumer and industrial products internationally carried at sea. Since the early part of 2009, rates have been volatile, but gradually recovered from market lows with further improvements taking place in the first half of 2010, before leveling out in the second half of 2010 and declining in 2011 and early 2012. Because from time to time we may charter some of our vessels pursuant to short-term time charters or on the spot market, we may be exposed to changes in spot market and short-term charter rates for dry bulk vessels and such changes may affect our earnings and the value of our dry bulk vessels at any given time. The supply of and demand for shipping capacity strongly influences freight rates. The factors affecting the supply and demand for vessels are outside of our control, and the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable.

 

Factors that influence demand for vessel capacity include:

 

Ø supply and demand for energy resources, commodities, semi-finished and finished consumer and industrial products;

 

Ø changes in the production of energy resources, commodities, semi-finished and finished consumer and industrial products;

 

Ø the location of regional and global production and manufacturing facilities;

 

Ø the location of consuming regions for energy resources, commodities, semi-finished and finished consumer and industrial products;

 

Ø the globalization of production and manufacturing;

 

Ø global and regional economic and political conditions;

 

Ø developments in international trade;

 

Ø changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns, including the distance dry bulk cargo is transported by sea;

 

Ø environmental and other regulatory developments;

 

Ø currency exchange rates; and

 

Ø weather.

 

9
 

 

Factors that influence the supply of vessel capacity include:

 

Ø the number of newbuilding deliveries, which among other factors relates to the ability of shipyards to deliver newbuildings by contracted delivery dates and the ability of purchasers to finance such newbuildings;

 

Ø the scrapping rate of older vessels;

 

Ø vessel casualties;

 

Ø the price of steel;

 

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

 

Ø the number of vessels that are out of service; and

 

Ø port or canal congestion.

 

We anticipate that the future demand for our dry bulk vessels and charter rates will be dependent upon continued economic growth in the world’s economies including China and India, seasonal and regional changes in demand and changes to the capacity of the global dry bulk vessel fleet and the sources and supply of dry bulk cargo to be transported by sea. Adverse economic, political, social or other developments could negatively impact charter rates and therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

 

The dry bulk vessel charter market remains significantly below its high in 2008.

 

The revenues, earnings and profitability of companies in our industry are affected by the charter rates that can be obtained in the market, which is volatile and has experienced significant declines since its highs in the middle of 2008. For example, the BDI declined from a high of 11,793 in May 2008 to a low of 663 in December 2008, which represents a decline of 94.0% within a single calendar year. During 2009, 2010 and 2011, the BDI remained volatile. During 2009, the BDI reached a low of 772 in January 2009 and a high of 4,661 in November 2009. During 2010, the BDI reached a high of 4,209 in May 2010 and a low of 1,700 in July 2010. During 2011, the BDI remained volatile, ranging from a low of 1,042 on February 4, 2011 to a high of 2,173 on October 14, 2011. The BDI continued to decline during the first three months of 2012 reaching a 26-year low of 647 on February 3, 2012 owning to a combination of weak vessel demand and increases in supply. On April 23, 2012 the BDI was 1,090.

 

The decline and volatility in charter rates is primarily due to the number of newbuilding deliveries as vessel oversupply is gradually taking its toll on the market. Increased demand for drybulk commodities has been unable to fully absorb the approximately 98 million new deadweight tonnage (dwt) that entered the market in 2011, despite almost record high scrapping levels of approximately 22.3 million dwt and an approximate 30% delivery slippage. 2011 was the second consecutive year of double-digit growth in the drybulk fleet. In 2011, 1,181 drybulk carriers of an aggregate 98 million dwt entered service, representing a year-on-year increase in deadweight of approximately 14% compared to 2010.

 

The decline and volatility in charter rates in the dry bulk market also affects the value of our dry bulk vessels, which follows the trends of dry bulk charter rates, and earnings on our charters, and similarly affects our cash flows, liquidity and compliance with the covenants contained in our loan arrangements.

 

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There remains considerable instability in the world economy.

 

We expect that a significant number of the port calls we expect our vessels to make will likely involve the loading or discharging of raw materials in ports in the Asia Pacific region, particularly China. As a result, a negative change in economic conditions in any Asia Pacific country, particularly China, Japan and, to some extent, India, can have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations, as well as our future prospects, by reducing demand and, as a result, charter rates and affecting our ability to charter our vessels. In the recent past, China and India have had two of the world’s fastest growing economies in terms of gross domestic product and have been the main driving force behind increases in marine dry bulk trade and the demand for dry bulk vessels. If economic growth declines in China, Japan, India and other countries in the Asia Pacific region, we may face decreases in such dry bulk trade and demand. Moreover, a slowdown in the United States and Japanese economies or the economies of the European Union or certain Asian countries may adversely affect economic growth in China, India and elsewhere. Such an economic downturn in any of these countries could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

 

The international shipping industry and dry bulk market are highly competitive.

 

The shipping industry and dry bulk market are capital intensive and highly fragmented with many charterers, owners and operators of vessels and are characterized by intense competition. Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners, some of whom have substantially greater resources than we do. The trend towards consolidation in the industry is creating an increasing number of global enterprises capable of competing in multiple markets, which may result in a greater competitive threat to us. Our competitors may be better positioned to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and employment of their businesses than we are. Competition for the transportation of cargo by sea is intense and depends on customer relationships, operating expertise, professional reputation, price, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the vessel and its operators to the charterers. Competition may increase in some or all of our principal markets, including with the entry of new competitors, who may operate larger fleets through consolidations or acquisitions and may be able to sustain lower charter rates and offer higher quality vessels than we are able to offer. We may not be able to continue to compete successfully or effectively with our competitors and our competitive position may be eroded in the future, which could have an adverse effect on our fleet utilization and, accordingly, business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

 

There may be changes in the economic and political environment in China and China may adopt policies to regulate its economy.

 

The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in respects such as structure, government involvement, level of development, growth rate, capital reinvestment, allocation of resources, rate of inflation and balance of payments position. Prior to 1978, the Chinese economy was a planned economy. Since 1978, increasing emphasis has been placed on the utilization of market forces in the development of the Chinese economy. Although state-owned enterprises still account for a substantial portion of the Chinese industrial output, in general, the Chinese government is reducing the level of direct control that it exercises over the economy through State Plans and other measures. There is an increasing level of freedom and autonomy in areas such as allocation of resources, production, pricing and management and a gradual shift in emphasis to a “market economy” and enterprise reform. Limited price reforms were undertaken, with the result that prices for certain commodities are principally determined by market forces. Many of the reforms are unprecedented or experimental and may be subject to revision, change or abolition based upon the outcome of such experiments. We cannot assure you that the Chinese government will continue to pursue a policy of economic reform.

 

The level of imports to and exports from China could be adversely affected by changes to these economic reforms by the Chinese government, as well as by changes in political, economic and social conditions or other relevant policies of the Chinese government, such as changes in laws, regulations or export and import restrictions, all of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.

 

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We depend on spot charters in volatile shipping markets.

 

We currently charter three of our seven vessels on the spot charter market, and we may charter other vessels on the spot market in the future. The spot charter market is highly competitive and spot charter rates may fluctuate significantly based upon available charters and the supply of and demand for seaborne shipping capacity. While our focus on the spot market may enable us to benefit if industry conditions strengthen, we must consistently procure spot charter business. Conversely, such dependence makes us vulnerable to declining market rates for spot charters and to the off-hire periods including ballast passages. Rates within the spot charter market are subject to volatile fluctuations while longer-term time charters provide income at pre-determined rates over more extended periods of time. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in keeping our vessels fully employed in these short-term markets or that future spot rates will be sufficient to enable the vessels to be operated profitably. A significant decrease in charter rates would affect value and adversely affect our profitability, cash flows and ability to pay dividends. We cannot give assurances that future available spot charters will enable us to operate our vessels profitably.

 

There may be an oversupply of dry bulk vessels in the world fleet.

 

The market supply of dry bulk vessels has been increasing as a result of the delivery of numerous newbuilding orders over the last few years. Newbuildings were delivered in significant numbers starting at the beginning of 2006 and continued to be delivered in significant numbers through 2011. Approximately 98 million new dwt entered the market in 2011. Despite high scrapping levels of approximately 22.3 million dwt and an approximate 30% delivery slippage, 2011 was the second consecutive year of double-digit growth in the dry bulk fleet. As of the end of December 2011, newbuilding orders had been placed for an aggregate of approximately 32% of the existing global dry bulk fleet on a dwt basis, with deliveries occurring intermittently until 2015. An oversupply of dry bulk vessel capacity, particularly during a period of economic recession, may result in a reduction of charter hire rates. If we cannot enter into charters on acceptable terms, we may have to secure charters on the spot market, where charter rates are more volatile and revenues are, therefore, less predictable, or we may not be able to charter our vessels at all. In addition, a material increase in the net supply of dry bulk vessel capacity without corresponding growth in dry bulk vessel demand could have a material adverse effect on our fleet utilization and our charter rates generally, and could, accordingly, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

 

The market values of our vessels may decrease and future declines may require us to impair the carrying values of our fleet.

 

The market value of dry bulk vessels has generally experienced high volatility. The market prices for secondhand and newbuilding dry bulk vessels in the recent past have declined from historically high levels to low levels within a short period of time. The market value of our vessels may increase and decrease depending on a number of factors including:

 

Ø prevailing level of charter rates;

 

Ø general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry;

 

Ø competition from other shipping companies;

 

Ø configurations, sizes and ages of vessels;

 

Ø supply and demand for vessels;

 

Ø other modes of transportation;

 

Ø cost of newbuildings;

 

Ø governmental or other regulations; and

 

Ø technological advances.

 

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If a determination is made that a vessel’s future useful life is limited or its future earnings capacity is reduced, it could result in an impairment of its value on our financial statements that would result in a charge against our earnings and the reduction of our stockholders’ equity.

 

Our credit facility with Credit Suisse AG, which we refer to as our Credit Facility, our loan agreement with Deutsche Schiffsbank Aktiengesellschaft, which we refer to as the Kelty Loan Agreement, and our loan agreement with DVB Bank SE, which we refer to as the DVB Loan Agreement, are secured by mortgages on our vessels, and require us to maintain specified collateral coverage ratios and to satisfy financial covenants, including requirements based on the market value of our vessels and our net worth. Since the middle of 2008, the prevailing conditions in the dry bulk charter market coupled with the general difficulty in obtaining financing for vessel purchases have led to a significant decline in the market values of our vessels. Further declines of market values of our vessels can affect our ability to comply with various covenants. If we are unable to comply with the financial and other covenants under our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement, and the DVB Loan Agreement, and if we are unable to obtain waivers, our lenders could accelerate our indebtedness and foreclose on vessels in our fleet, which would impair our ability to continue to conduct our business. If our indebtedness were accelerated in full or in part, it would be very difficult in the current financing environment for us to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing and we could lose our vessels if our lenders foreclose upon their liens, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, ability to continue our business and pay dividends.

 

If we sell any vessel at a time when vessel prices have fallen and before we have recorded an impairment adjustment to our financial statements, the sale may be at less than the vessel’s depreciated book value in our financial statements, resulting in a loss and a reduction in earnings. If the market values of our vessels decrease, such decrease and its effects could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

 

Our industry is subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations.

 

Our operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the form of international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and national and international regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate or are registered, which can significantly affect the ownership and operation of our vessels. These requirements include but are not limited to: International U.S. Oil Pollution Act 1990, as amended, which we refer to as OPA; International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, which we refer to as SOLAS; International Convention on Load Lines, 1966; International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, Protocol 1978; International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001; International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996; International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as amended in 2000, which we refer to as the CLC; International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971; and Marine Transportation Security Act of 2002, which we refer to as the MTSA.

 

Government regulation of vessels, particularly in the area of environmental requirements, can be expected to become more stringent in the future and could require us to incur significant capital expenditures on our vessels to keep them in compliance, or even to scrap or sell certain vessels altogether. Compliance with such laws, regulations and standards, where applicable, may require installation of costly equipment or operational changes and may affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. We may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations, including, but not limited to, costs relating to air emissions, the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection, elimination of tin-based paint, development and implementation of emergency procedures and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents. These costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends.

 

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Additional conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Because such conventions, laws and regulations are often revised, or the required additional measures for compliance are still under development, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with such conventions, laws and regulations or the impact thereof on the resale prices or useful lives of our vessels. We are also required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses, certificates and financial assurances with respect to our operations.

 

These requirements can also affect the resale prices or useful lives of our vessels or require reductions in capacity, vessel modifications or operational changes or restrictions. Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to decreased availability of or more costly insurance coverage for environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports, or detention in certain ports. Under local, national and foreign laws, as well as international treaties and conventions, we could incur material liabilities, including cleanup obligations and claims for natural resource, personal injury and property damages in the event that there is a release of petroleum or other hazardous materials from our vessels or otherwise in connection with our operations. Violations of, or liabilities under, environmental regulations can result in substantial penalties, fines and other sanctions, including, in certain instances, seizure or detention of our vessels. Events of this nature would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The operation of our vessels is affected by the requirements set forth in the ISM Code. The ISM Code requires shipowners, ship managers and bareboat charterers to develop and maintain an extensive “Safety Management System” that includes the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for safe operation and describing procedures for dealing with emergencies. The failure of a shipowner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject it to increased liability, may invalidate existing insurance or decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports. As of the date of this document, each of our vessels is ISM Code-certified.

 

Climate change and greenhouse gas restrictions may be imposed.

 

Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries and the International Maritime Organization, or IMO, have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These regulatory measures may include, among others, adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. In addition, although the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping currently are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which required adopting countries to implement national programs to reduce emissions of certain gases, a new treaty may be adopted in the future that includes restrictions on shipping emissions. Compliance with changes in laws, regulations and obligations relating to climate change could increase our costs related to operating and maintaining our vessels and require us to install new emission controls, acquire allowances or pay taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions, or administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. Revenue generation and strategic growth opportunities may also be adversely affected.

 

Capital expenditures and other costs necessary to operate and maintain our vessels may increase.

 

Changes in safety or other equipment standards, as well as compliance with standards imposed by maritime self-regulatory organizations and customer requirements or competition, may require us to make additional expenditures. In order to satisfy these requirements, we may, from time to time, be required to take our vessels out of service for extended periods of time, with corresponding losses of revenues. In the future, market conditions may not justify these expenditures or enable us to operate some or all of our vessels profitably during the remainder of their economic lives.

 

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There are inherent operational risks in the seaborne transportation industry.

 

The operation of any vessel includes risks such as mechanical failure, collision, fire, contact with floating objects, cargo or property loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, piracy, terrorist attacks, armed hostilities and labor strikes. Such occurrences could result in death or injury to persons, loss of property or environmental damage, delays in the delivery of cargo, loss of revenues from or termination of charter contracts, governmental fines, penalties or restrictions on conducting business, higher insurance rates and damage to our reputation and customer relationships generally. In the past, political conflicts have also resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways and other efforts to disrupt international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region. In addition, there is always the possibility of a marine disaster, including oil spills and other environmental damage.

 

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

 

Our insurance may not be adequate to cover our losses that may result from our operations.

 

We carry insurance to protect us against most of the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business, including marine hull and machinery insurance, war risk insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes pollution risks, crew insurance and war risk insurance. However, we may not be adequately insured to cover losses from our operational risks, which could have a material adverse effect on us. Additionally, our insurers may refuse to pay particular claims and our insurance may be voidable by the insurers if we take, or fail to take, certain action, such as failing to maintain certification of our vessels with applicable maritime regulatory organizations. Any significant uninsured or underinsured loss or liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends. It may also result in protracted legal litigation. In addition, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates in the future during adverse insurance market conditions. We maintain, for each of our vessels, pollution liability coverage insurance for $1.0 billion per event. If damages from a catastrophic spill exceed our insurance coverage, it would have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.

 

Moreover, insurers have over the last few years increased premiums and reduced or restricted coverage for losses caused by terrorist acts generally.

 

In addition, we do not currently carry and may not carry loss-of-hire insurance, which covers the loss of revenue during extended vessel off-hire periods, such as those that occur during an unscheduled drydocking due to damage to the vessel from accidents. Accordingly, any loss of a vessel or extended vessel off-hire, due to an accident or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and our ability to pay dividends.

 

We may be subject to funding calls by our protection and indemnity clubs, and our clubs may not have enough resources to cover claims made against them.

 

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

 

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We may be subject to increased inspection procedures, tighter import and export controls and new security regulations.

 

International shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin and destination and trans-shipment points. Inspection procedures can result in the seizure of the cargo and contents of our vessels, delays in the loading, offloading or delivery and the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us.

 

It is possible that changes to inspection procedures could impose additional financial and legal obligations on us. Furthermore, changes to inspection procedures could also impose additional costs and obligations on our customers and may, in certain cases, render the shipment of certain types of cargo impractical. Any such changes or developments may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to pay dividends.

 

Rising fuel prices may adversely affect our profits.

 

While we currently have no charters under which we are bearing the cost of fuel (bunkers), fuel is a significant, if not the largest, expense if vessels are under voyage charter. Moreover, the cost of fuel will affect the profit we can earn on the spot market. Upon redelivery of vessels at the end of a time charter, we may be obliged to repurchase the fuel on board at prevailing market prices, which could be materially higher than fuel prices at the inception of the time charter period. As a result, an increase in the price of fuel may adversely affect our profitability. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical events, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns. Further, fuel may become much more expensive in the future, which may reduce the profitability and competitiveness of our business versus other forms of transportation, such as truck or rail.

 

The operation of dry bulk vessels has certain unique operational risks.

 

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

 

Maritime claimants could arrest our vessels, which would interrupt our business.

 

Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against a vessel, or other assets of the relevant vessel-owning company, for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a claimant may seek to obtain security for its claim by arresting a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels, such as the arrest of the m/v Star Globe due to non-payment by the previous charterer for certain supplies (please read “Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings”), or other assets of the relevant vessel-owning company or companies, could cause us to default on a charter, breach covenants in our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement or the DVB Loan Agreement, interrupt our cash flow and require us to pay large sums of money to have the arrest or attachment lifted.

 

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

 

Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency.

 

A government could requisition one or more of our vessels for title or for hire. Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes the owner. Requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes the charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during a period of war or emergency, although governments may elect to requisition vessels in other circumstances. Even if we would be entitled to compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our vessels, the amount and timing of payment would be uncertain. Government requisition of one or more of our vessels may negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

 

We may be affected by world events, such as terrorist attacks.

 

Terrorist attacks such as the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, in London on July 7, 2005 and in Mumbai on November 26, 2008 and the continuing response of the United States and others to these attacks, as well as the threat of future terrorist attacks in the United States or elsewhere, continues to cause uncertainty in the world’s financial markets and may affect our business, operating results and financial condition. The continuing presence of United States and other armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan may lead to additional acts of terrorism and armed conflict around the world, which may contribute to further economic instability in the world’s financial markets. These uncertainties could also adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. In the past, political conflicts have also resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways and other efforts to disrupt international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region. Acts of terrorism have also affected vessels. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our operating results, revenues, costs and ability to pay dividends.

 

Terrorist attacks on vessels, such as the October 2002 attack on the m.v. Limburg and the July 2010 alleged Al-Qaeda attack on the M. Star, both Very Large Crude Carriers not related to us, may in the future also negatively affect our operations and financial condition and directly impact our vessels or our customers. Future terrorist attacks could result in increased volatility and turmoil of the financial markets in the United States and globally. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our operating results, revenues, costs and ability to pay dividends.

 

Natural disasters, such as the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, could affect our business.

 

Japan is one of the world’s leading importers of dry bulk commodities. The severe earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011 have had an adverse effect on Japan’s manufacturing capabilities and economy generally. The extent to which the earthquake, tsunami and pollution from emitted radiation from damaged nuclear reactors will affect the international economies and shipping industry is unclear. These disasters could decrease dry bulk imports to that country for an undeterminable period of time. This, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

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Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels have recently increased in frequency .

 

Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea and in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. Throughout 2008, 2009 and 2010 the frequency of piracy incidents increased significantly, particularly in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia, while declining in last half of 2011. If these piracy attacks result in regions in which our vessels are deployed being characterized by insurers as “war risk” zones or Joint War Committee “war and strikes” listed areas, premiums payable for such coverage could increase significantly and such insurance coverage may be more difficult or impossible to obtain. One of our vessels was previously the subject of an attempted piracy attack, but it was able to evade such attack without damage to the vessel or its crew. In addition, crew costs, including employing onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, detention hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or an increase in cost, or unavailability of insurance for our vessels could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

 

Disruptions in world financial markets and the resulting governmental action in Europe, the United States and in other parts of the world could affect us .

 

The credit markets in Europe, the United States and other parts of the world have experienced significant contraction, deleveraging and reduced liquidity, and the United States federal government, state governments, the European Union and other foreign governments have implemented and are considering a broad variety of governmental action and/or new regulation of the financial markets and may implement additional regulations in the future. Securities and futures markets and the credit markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations and other requirements. The Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC, other regulators, self-regulatory organizations and exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of market emergencies, and may effect changes in law or interpretations of existing laws.

 

A number of financial institutions have experienced serious financial difficulties and, in some cases, have entered bankruptcy proceedings or are in regulatory enforcement actions. An increasing number of financial institutions will likely continue to experience serious financial difficulties as a result of a deterioration in the stability, or perceived stability, of the respective countries in which these institutions are based or operate, due to the European sovereign debt crisis, which began in May 2010 in the wake of Greece’s public finance problems and spread rapidly to the countries of the Euro area exhibiting greatest weakness. The ongoing deterioration of the sovereign debt of several European countries, together with the risk of contagion to other, more stable, countries, particularly France and Germany, has exacerbated the global economic crisis. This situation has also raised a number of uncertainties regarding the stability and overall standing of the European Monetary Union. The Eurozone has recently seen an increase in credit spreads, together with reduced liquidity and access to financing on the market. In 2011, these negative trends have worsened and have caused considerable turbulence on the global financial and credit markets due to the fears related to the downgrading of the sovereign debt of several Eurozone countries, including France, and fiscal instability in other countries, such as Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, which saw its credit rating being downgraded by Standard & Poor’s.

 

The failure of the initiatives implemented by supranational institutions to resolve the debt crisis could lead to serious concerns that the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis could worsen, which may result in the reintroduction of national currencies in one or more Eurozone countries or, in particularly dire circumstances, the abandonment of the Euro. The departure or risk of departure from the Euro by one or more Eurozone countries and/or the abandonment of the Euro as a currency could have major negative effects on the world financial markets.

 

The uncertainty surrounding the future of the credit markets in Europe, the United States and other parts of the world and the rest of the world has resulted in reduced access to credit worldwide. As of December 31, 2011, we had total outstanding indebtedness of $111.4 million (of principal balance) under our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement. Our activities are subject to liquidity risk, that is, the risk that we will be unable to meet our payment obligations, including loan commitments, when due. In light of this, the availability of the liquidity needed to carry out the various activities in which we are engaged and the ability to access long-term financing are essential for us to be able to meet our anticipated and unforeseen cash payment obligations, so as not to impair our day-to-day operations or financial position. The global financial market crisis and the current instability have led to a sharp fall in liquidity.

 

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We face risks attendant to changes in economic environments, changes in interest rates and instability in the banking and securities markets around the world, among other factors. Major market disruptions and the current adverse changes in market conditions and regulatory climate in Europe, the United States and worldwide may adversely affect our business or impair our ability to borrow amounts under our current loan arrangements or any future financial arrangements. We cannot predict how long the current market conditions will last. However, these recent and developing economic and governmental factors, together with the concurrent decline in charter rates and vessel values, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and ability to pay dividends.

 

Compliance with safety and other vessel requirements imposed by classification societies may be costly.

 

The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be certified as safe and seaworthy in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, and accordingly vessels must undergo regular surveys. All of the vessels that we operate are classed by one of the major classification societies, including Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK), American Bureau of Shipping and Germanischer Lloyd.

 

Vessels must undergo annual surveys, immediate surveys and special surveys. In lieu of a special survey, a vessel’s machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed over a five-year period. Our vessels are on special survey cycles for hull inspection and continuous survey cycles for machinery inspection. Every vessel is also required to be drydocked every two to three years for inspection of its underwater parts.

 

If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual, intermediate or special survey, the vessel may be unable to trade between ports and may be unemployable which could trigger the violation of certain covenants in our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement. Such an occurrence could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

 

Dividends paid by Globus Maritime may not constitute qualified dividend income eligible for a preferential rate of United States federal income taxation.

 

Unless Congress passes a law to extend the 15% preferential rate of tax on qualified dividend income, the rate of tax on qualified dividend income will increase after December 31, 2012. There can be no assurance as to whether the preferential rate of tax will be available generally if we pay a dividend before December 31, 2012, and even if the preferential rate is extended whether it would apply to dividends paid by a non-U.S. corporation such as the Company. Legislation has been previously introduced in the U.S. Congress that would deny the preferential rate of U.S. federal income tax currently imposed on qualified dividend income in certain circumstances. Some of these proposals, if enacted, may disqualify dividends from a non-U.S. corporation for the 15% preferential rate of tax on qualified dividend income.

 

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

 

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

 

Risks relating to Globus Maritime

 

We may be unable to attract and retain key management personnel and other employees in the shipping industry.

 

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and efforts of our management team, and in particular on the experience, abilities, business relationships and efforts of our chief executive officer, president and co-founder, George Karageorgiou. Although we have entered into employment agreements in relation to the services of Mr. Karageorgiou and our chief financial officer, Elias Deftereos, there is no guarantee that such agreements will not be terminated or honored. Our success will depend upon our ability to hire and retain key members of our management team and to hire new members as may be necessary. The loss of any of these individuals, in particular Mr. Karageorgiou, could adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition. Difficulty in hiring and retaining replacement personnel could have a similar effect. We do not intend to maintain “key man” life insurance for any of our senior management.

 

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Labor interruptions could disrupt our business.

 

Our vessels are manned by masters, officers and crews (totaling approximately 138 as of December 31, 2011). Seafarers employed on the vessels in our fleet are covered by industry-wide collective bargaining agreements that set basic standards. Any labor interruptions or employment disagreements with our crew members could disrupt our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends. We cannot assure you that collective bargaining agreements will prevent labor interruptions.

 

As we expand our business, we may need to improve our operating and financial systems and will need to recruit suitable employees and crew for our vessels.

 

Our current operating and financial systems may not be adequate as we implement our plans to expand the size of our fleet, and our attempts to improve those systems may be ineffective. In addition, as we seek to expand our internal technical management capabilities and our fleet, we or our crewing agents may need to recruit suitable additional seafarers and shore based administrative and management personnel. We cannot guarantee that we or our crewing agents will be able to hire suitable employees or a sufficient number of employees as we expand our fleet. If we or our crewing agent encounter business or financial difficulties, we may not be able to adequately staff our vessels. If we are unable to develop and maintain effective financial and operating systems or to recruit suitable employees as we expand our fleet, our financial performance may be adversely affected and, among other things, the amount of cash available for distribution as dividends to our shareholders may be reduced or eliminated.

 

Recently, the limited supply of and increased demand for well-qualified crew, due to the increase in the size of the global shipping fleet, has created upward pressure on crewing costs, which we generally bear under our time and spot charters. Increases in crew costs may adversely affect our profitability.

 

We may be unable to successfully employ our vessels on long-term time charters or take advantage of favorable opportunities involving short-term or spot market charter rates.

 

Our strategy involves employing our vessels primarily on time charters generally with durations of between three months and five years. As of December 31, 2011, six of our dry bulk vessels were employed on time and bareboat charters with remaining terms of 19 months on average (based on earliest charter expiration dates), although currently, four of our vessels are operating under time and bareboat charters. Although time charters with durations of between one to three years provide relatively steady streams of revenue, our vessels committed to such charters may not be available for rechartering or for spot market voyages when such employment would allow us to realize the benefits of comparably more favorable charter rates. In addition, in the future, we may not be able to enter into new time charters on favorable terms. The market is volatile, and in the past charter rates have declined below operating costs of vessels. If we are required to enter into a charter when charter rates are low, employ our vessels on the spot market during periods when charter rates have fallen or we are unable to take advantage of short-term opportunities on the spot or charter market, our earnings and profitability could be adversely affected. We cannot assure you that future charter rates will enable us to operate our vessels profitably or to pay dividends, or both.

 

Our charterers may renegotiate or default on their charters.

 

Our charters provide the charterer the right to terminate the charter on the occurrence of stated events or the existence of specified conditions. In addition, the ability and willingness of each of our charterers to perform its obligations under their charters with us will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control. These factors may include general economic conditions, the condition of the dry bulk shipping industry and the overall financial condition of the counterparties. The costs and delays associated with the default of a charterer of a vessel may be considerable and may adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.

 

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In the recent depressed dry bulk market conditions, there have been numerous reports of charterers renegotiating their charters or defaulting on their obligations thereunder. If our current charterers or a future charterer defaults on a charter, we will seek the remedies available to us, which may include arbitration or litigation to enforce the contract, although such efforts may not be successful. We cannot predict whether our charterers will, upon the expiration of their charters, recharter our vessels on favorable terms or at all. If our charterers decide not to recharter our vessels, we may not be able to recharter them on terms similar to the terms of our current charters or at all. In the future, we may also employ our dry bulk vessels on the spot charter market, which is subject to greater rate fluctuation than the time charter market. If we receive lower charter rates under replacement charters or are unable to recharter all of our vessels, this may adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.

 

The aging of our fleet may result in increased operating costs in the future.

 

In general, the cost of maintaining a vessel in good operating condition increases with the age of the vessel. As of December 31, 2011, the weighted average age of the vessels in our current fleet was 5.1 years. As our fleet ages, we will incur increased costs. Older vessels are typically less fuel efficient and more costly to maintain than more recently constructed vessels due to improvements in engine technology. Cargo insurance rates, paid by charterers, increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers. Governmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which our vessels may engage. We cannot assure you that, as our vessels age, further market conditions will justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.

 

We may have difficulty managing our planned growth properly.

 

Any future acquisitions of additional vessels will impose additional responsibilities on our management and staff and may require us to increase the number of our personnel. In the event of a future acquisition of additional vessels, we will also have to increase our customer base to provide continued employment for the new vessels.

 

We intend to continue to grow our business through disciplined acquisitions of secondhand vessels that meet our selection criteria and newly-built vessels if we can negotiate attractive purchase prices. Our future growth will primarily depend on:

 

  Ø locating and acquiring suitable vessels;

 

  Ø identifying and consummating acquisitions;

 

  Ø enhancing our customer base;

 

  Ø managing our expansion; and

 

  Ø obtaining required financing on acceptable terms.

 

A delay in the delivery to us of any such vessel, or the failure of the shipyard to deliver a vessel at all, could cause us to breach our obligations under a related charter and could adversely affect our earnings. In addition, the delivery of any of these vessels with substantial defects could have similar consequences. A shipyard could fail to deliver a newbuilding on time or at all because of:

 

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

 

  Ø quality or engineering problems;

 

  Ø bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the shipyard;

 

  Ø a backlog of orders at the shipyard;

 

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

 

  Ø our requests for changes to the original vessel specifications or disputes with the shipyard;
     
  Ø shortages of or delays in the receipt of necessary construction materials, such as steel; or

 

  Ø shortages of or delays in the receipt of necessary equipment, such as main engines, electricity generators and propellers.

 

In addition, if we enter a newbuilding or secondhand contract in the future, we may seek to terminate the contract due to market conditions, financing limitations or other reasons. The outcome of contract termination negotiations may require us to forego deposits on construction or purchase and pay additional cancellation fees. In addition, where we have already arranged a future charter with respect to the terminated newbuilding contract, we would need to provide an acceptable substitute vessel to the charterer to avoid breaching our charter agreement.

 

During periods in which charter rates are high, vessel values generally are high as well, and it may be difficult to consummate vessel acquisitions or enter into newbuilding contracts at favorable prices. During periods when charter rates are low, we may be unable to fund the acquisition of newbuildings, whether through lending or cash on hand. For these reasons, we may be unable to execute our growth plans or avoid significant expenses and losses in connection with our future growth efforts.

 

Growing any business by acquisition presents numerous risks, such as undisclosed liabilities and obligations, the possibility that indemnification agreements will be unenforceable or insufficient to cover potential losses and difficulties associated with imposing common standards, controls, procedures and policies, obtaining additional qualified personnel, managing relationships with customers and integrating newly acquired assets and operations into existing infrastructure. We cannot give any assurance that we will be successful in executing our growth plans or that we will not incur significant expenses and losses in connection with our future growth.

 

Possible new legislative or regulatory changes in Greece may adversely affect our results from operations.

 

Globus Shipmanagement Corp., our ship management subsidiary, who we refer to as our Manager, is regulated under Greek Law 89/67, and conducts its operations and those on our behalf primarily in Greece. Greece has been implementing new legislative measures to address financial difficulties, several of which as a response from oversight by the International Monetary Fund and by European regulatory bodies such as the European Central bank. Such legislative actions may impose new regulations on our operations in Greece that will require us to incur new or additional compliance or other administrative costs and may require that our Manager or we pay to the Greek government new taxes or other fees. Any such taxes, fees or costs we incur could be in amounts that are significantly greater than those in the past and could adversely affect our results from operations.

 

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We expect that a limited number of financial institutions will hold our cash including financial institutions that may be located in Greece.

 

We expect that a limited number of financial institutions will hold all of our cash, including some institutions located in Greece. Our bank accounts are with banks in Switzerland, Germany and Greece. Of the financial institutions located in Greece, some are subsidiaries of international banks and others are Greek financial institutions. We do not expect that these balances will be covered by insurance in the event of default by these financial institutions. The occurrence of such a default could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and we may lose part or all of our cash that we deposit with such banks.

 

Purchasing and operating secondhand vessels may result in increased operating costs and reduced fleet utilization.

 

While we have the right to inspect previously owned vessels prior to our purchase of them, such an inspection does not provide us with the same knowledge about their condition that we would have if these vessels had been built for and operated exclusively by us. A secondhand vessel may have conditions or defects that we are not aware of when we buy the vessel and which may require us to incur costly repairs to the vessel. These repairs may require us to put a vessel into drydocking, which would reduce our fleet utilization. Furthermore, we usually do not receive the benefit of warranties on secondhand vessels.

 

The declaration and payment of dividends to holders of our shares will depend on a number of factors and will always be subject to the discretion of our board of directors.

 

There can be no assurance that dividends will be paid to holders of our shares in any anticipated amounts and frequency at all. Our policy is to declare and pay to holders of our shares a variable quarterly dividend in excess of 50% of the net income of the previous quarter subject to any reserves our board of directors may from time to time determine are required. However, we may incur other expenses or liabilities that would reduce or eliminate the cash available for distribution as dividends, including as a result of the risks described in this section of this annual report on Form 20-F or as a result of losses in connection with actions of the former charterer of the m/v Star Globe for which we are currently in arbitration proceedings to recover. Our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement also prohibit our declaration and payment of dividends under some circumstances. Under each of our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement we will be prohibited from paying dividends if an event of default has occurred or any event has occurred or circumstance arisen which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or the satisfaction of any other condition would constitute an event of default under our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement. Please read “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Indebtedness” for further information. We may also enter into new financing or other agreements that may restrict our ability to pay dividends. In addition, we may pay dividends to the holders of our Series A Preferred Shares prior to the holders of our shares.

 

In addition, the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of our shares will be subject at all times to the discretion of our board of directors, and will be paid equally on a per-share basis between our common shares and our Class B shares, to the extent any are issued and outstanding. We can provide no assurance that dividends will be paid in the future.

 

There may be a high degree of variability from period to period in the amount of cash, if any, that is available for the payment of dividends based upon, among other things:

 

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

 

  Ø the level of our operating costs;

 

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

 

  Ø vessel acquisitions and related financings;

 

  Ø restrictions in our Credit Facility, Kelty Loan Agreement and DVB Loan Agreement and in any future debt arrangements;

 

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

 

  Ø prevailing global and regional economic and political conditions;

 

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

 

  Ø our overall financial condition;

 

  Ø our cash requirements and availability;

 

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

 

  Ø restrictions under Marshall Islands law.

 

Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus or net profits, or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such a dividend. We may not have sufficient funds, surplus or net profits to make distributions available to us.

 

We may incur expenses or liabilities or be subject to other circumstances in the future that reduce or eliminate the amount of cash that we have available for distribution as dividends, if any. Our growth strategy contemplates that we will finance the acquisition of our newbuildings or selective acquisitions of vessels through a combination of our operating cash flow and debt financing through our subsidiaries or equity financing. If financing is not available to us on acceptable terms, our board of directors may decide to finance or refinance acquisitions with a greater percentage of cash from operations to the extent available, which would reduce or even eliminate the amount of cash available for the payment of dividends. We may also enter into other agreements that will restrict our ability to pay dividends.

 

The amount of cash we generate from our operations may differ materially from our net income or loss for the period, which will be affected by non-cash items. We may incur other expenses or liabilities that could reduce or eliminate the cash available for distribution as dividends. As a result of these and the other factors mentioned above, we may pay dividends during periods when we record losses and may not pay dividends during periods when we record net income, if we pay dividends at all.

 

We may declare and pay dividends only to the holders of our Series A Preferred Shares or prior to declaring and paying any dividends to our common shareholders.

 

Our Series A Preferred Shares are entitled to receive dividends at the discretion of our Remuneration Committee. The declaration and payment of any dividend to holders of our common shares and Class B shares is also at the discretion of our board of directors. It is possible in the future that we will pay dividends only to holders of the Series A Preferred Shares or prior to the holders of our common shares and Class B shares. As a result of such potential dividend policy, the market price of our common shares could be adversely affected.

 

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We are a holding company, and we will depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial obligations or to make dividend payments.

 

We are a holding company and our subsidiaries, which are all directly wholly owned by us, will conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets. We have no significant assets other than the equity interests in our wholly owned subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to make dividend payments depends on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. If we are unable to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, our board of directors may exercise its discretion not to declare or pay dividends. In addition, our subsidiaries are subject to limitations on the payment of dividends under Marshall Islands or Maltese law.

 

Management may be unable to provide reports as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting or our independent registered public accounting firm may be unable to provide us with unqualified attestation reports as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which we refer to as Sarbanes-Oxley, we are required to include in each of our annual reports on Form 20-F commencing for the year ended December 31, 2011 a report containing our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and we may also be required to include, in our future annual reports, a related attestation of our independent registered public accounting firm. Our manager, Globus Shipmanagement, will provide substantially all of our financial reporting, and we will depend on the procedures it has in place. If, in such annual reports on Form 20-F, our management cannot provide a report as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting or our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to provide us with an unqualified attestation report as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could result in a decrease in the value of our common shares.

 

Unless we set aside reserves or are able to borrow funds for vessel replacement, at the end of a vessel’s useful life our revenues will decline.

 

As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the vessels in our current fleet had a weighted average age of 5.1 and 4.0 years, respectively. Unless we maintain reserves or are able to borrow or raise funds for vessel replacement, we will be unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their remaining useful lives, which we expect to be 25 years from the date of their construction. Our cash flows and income are dependent on the revenues earned by the chartering of our vessels to customers. If we are unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives, our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends will be materially adversely affected. Any reserves set aside for vessel replacement may not be available for dividends. 

 

Investments in derivative instruments such as forward freight agreements could result in losses.

 

From time to time, we may take positions in derivative instruments including forward freight agreements, or FFAs. FFAs and other derivative instruments may be used to hedge a vessel owner’s exposure to the charter market by providing for the sale of a contracted charter rate along a specified route and period of time. Upon settlement, if the contracted charter rate is less than the average of the rates, as reported by an identified index, for the specified route and time period, the seller of the FFA is required to pay the buyer an amount equal to the difference between the contracted rate and the settlement rate, multiplied by the number of days in the specified period. Conversely, if the contracted rate is greater than the settlement rate, the buyer is required to pay the seller the settlement sum. If we take positions in FFAs or other derivative instruments and do not correctly anticipate charter rate movements over the specified route and time period, we could suffer losses in the settling or termination of the FFA. This could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends.

 

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We depend upon a few significant customers for a large part of our revenues.

 

We derive a significant part of our revenue from a small number of customers. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we derived substantially all of our revenues from approximately 14 customers and a majority of our revenues from four customers. If one or more of our customers that contribute to a significant part of our revenues is unable to perform under a charter with us and we are not able to find a replacement charter, or if such a customer exercises certain rights to terminate the charter, we could suffer a loss of revenues that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution as dividends to our shareholders.

 

We could lose a customer or the benefits of a time charter if, among other things:

 

  Ø the customer fails to make charter payments because of its financial inability, disagreements with us or otherwise;

 

  Ø the customer terminates the charter because of our non-performance, including failure fail to deliver the vessel within a fixed period of time, the vessel is lost or damaged beyond repair, serious deficiencies in the vessel, prolonged periods of off-hire or our default under the charter; or

 

  Ø the customer terminates the charter because the vessel has been subject to seizure for more than 30 days.

 

If we lose a key customer, we may be unable to obtain charters on comparable terms with charterers of comparable standing or we may have increased exposure to the volatile spot market, which is highly competitive and subject to significant price fluctuations. We would not receive any revenues from such a vessel while it remained unchartered, but we may be required to pay expenses necessary to maintain the vessel in proper operating condition, insure it and service any indebtedness secured by such vessel. The loss of any of our customers, time charters or vessels or a decline in payments under our charters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends.

 

We cannot assure you that we will be able to borrow amounts under our Credit Facility or future debt arrangements and restrictive covenants in our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement may impose financial and other restrictions on us.

 

Our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreements impose operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions may limit our ability to, among other things:

 

  Ø create or permit liens on our assets;

 

  Ø engage in mergers or consolidations;

 

  Ø change the flag or classification society of our vessels;

 

  Ø pay dividends; and

 

  Ø change the management of our vessels.

 

Moreover, these restrictions could limit our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs, make acquisitions or pursue available business opportunities. In addition, our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreements will, and future credit arrangements will likely , require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial covenants during the remaining terms of such agreements, some of which are based upon the market value of our fleet. If the market value of our fleet declines sharply, we may not be in compliance with certain provisions of our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreements and we may not be able to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing. We expect that the market value of our fleet will be above the minimum market values required by our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement. However, should our time charter rate or vessel values materially decline in the future due to any of the reasons discussed in the risk factors set forth above or otherwise, we may be required to take action to reduce our debt or to act in a manner contrary to our business objectives to meet these ratios and satisfy these covenants.

 

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Events beyond our control, including changes in the economic and business conditions in the shipping sectors in which we operate, may affect our ability to comply with these covenants. We cannot assure you that we will satisfy this requirement or that our lenders will waive any failure to do so.

 

A breach of any of the covenants in, or our inability to maintain the required financial ratios under, our Credit Facility would prevent us from borrowing additional money under this facility and could result in a default under our Credit Facility. If an event of default occurs under our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement or the DVB Loan Agreement, the respective lender could elect to declare the outstanding debt, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable and proceed against the collateral securing that debt, which could constitute all or substantially all of our assets.

 

Therefore, our discretion is limited because we may need to obtain consent from our lenders in order to engage in certain corporate actions. Our lenders’ interests may be different from ours, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain our lenders’ consent when needed. This may limit our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders, finance our future operations or pursue business opportunities.

 

We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any indebtedness incurred under our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement or obtain additional debt financing.

 

We may finance future fleet expansion with additional secured indebtedness. While we may refinance amounts drawn under our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement or secure new debt facilities with the net proceeds of future debt and equity offerings, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so at an interest rate or on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. Our ability to obtain bank financing or to access the capital markets for future offerings may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such financing or offering, including the actual or perceived credit quality of our charterers and the market value of our fleet, as well as by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions, weakness in the financial markets and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. Significant contraction, de-leveraging and reduced liquidity in credit markets worldwide is reducing the availability and increasing the cost of credit.

 

If we are not able to refinance our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement or obtain new debt financing on terms acceptable to us, we will have to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to pay the principal and interest of this indebtedness. If we are not able to satisfy these obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans. In addition, debt service payments under our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement or alternative financing may limit funds otherwise available for working capital, capital expenditures, the payment of dividends and other purposes. Our inability to obtain additional or replacement financing at anticipated costs or at all may materially affect our results of operation, our ability to implement our business strategy and our payment of dividends.

 

The superior voting rights of our Class B shares, if issued, may limit our common shareholders’ ability to influence corporate matters.

 

Under our articles of incorporation, our Class B shares have 20 votes per share, and our common shares have one vote per share. We currently have no Class B shares outstanding.

 

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Even after we issue or otherwise sell additional common shares after an issuance of Class B shares, holders of our Class B shares, depending on the number, may have substantial control and influence over our management and affairs and over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or its assets. It is possible that, because of this dual class stock structure, holders of our Class B shares will be able to control all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval even though they may own significantly less than 50% of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our common shares and Class B shares. This potential concentrated control could limit our common shareholders’ ability to influence corporate matters and, as a result, we may take actions that our common shareholders do not view as beneficial. As a result, the market price of our common shares could be adversely affected.

 

Provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws may have anti-takeover effects.

 

Several provisions of our articles of incorporation, which are summarized below, may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire our company. However, these anti-takeover provisions could also discourage, delay or prevent the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise that a shareholder may consider in its best interest and the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

 

Dual Class Stock . Our dual class stock structure, which consists of common shares and Class B shares, can provide holders of our Class B shares a significant degree of control over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or its assets.

 

Blank Check Preferred Shares . Under the terms of our articles of incorporation, our board of directors will have authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 100 million shares of “blank check” preferred shares. Our board could authorize the issuance of preferred shares with voting or conversion rights that could dilute the voting power or rights of the holders of common shares. The issuance of preferred shares, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us or the removal of our management and may harm the market price of our common shares. We intend to issue one preferred share to Mr. Feidakis or his affiliate that will provide the holder with the ability to appoint any one person to be a director, who may also be the chairman of our board of directors, for so long as such holder and his or its affiliates also hold in the aggregate at least 30% of the voting power of our shares. Such preferred share will have no voting or dividend rights.

 

Classified Board of Directors . Our articles of incorporation provide for the division of our board of directors into three classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible, serving staggered, three-year terms beginning upon the expiration of the initial term for each class. Approximately one-third of our board of directors is elected each year. This classified board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of us. It could also delay shareholders who do not agree with the policies of our board of directors from removing a majority of our board of directors for up to two years.

 

Election of Directors . Our articles of incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors. Our bylaws require parties, other than the chairman of the board of directors, board of directors and shareholders holding 30% or more of the voting power of the aggregate number of our shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, to provide advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

 

Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations . Our bylaws provide that shareholders, other than shareholders holding 30% or more of the voting power of the aggregate number of our shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. Generally, to be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 150 days or more than 180 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders. Our bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a shareholder’s notice. These provisions may impede a shareholder’s ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of shareholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of shareholders.

 

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We are subject to risk relating to exchange rate fluctuations as we generate revenues from the trading of our vessels in U.S. dollars but incur a portion of our expenses in other currencies.

 

We generate substantially all of our revenues from the trading of our vessels in U.S. dollars, but in 2011 we incurred approximately 22% of our vessel operating expenses, and certain administrative expenses, in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. This difference could lead to fluctuations in net profit due to changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the other currencies. Expenses incurred in foreign currencies against which the U.S. dollar falls in value can increase, decreasing our revenues. We have not hedged our currency exposure, and, as a result, our results of operations and financial condition, denominated in U.S. dollars, and our ability to pay dividends could suffer.

 

Increases in interest rates may cause the market price of our shares to decline.

 

An increase in interest rates may cause a corresponding decline in demand for equity investments in general. Any such increase in interest rates or reduction in demand for our shares resulting from other relatively more attractive investment opportunities may cause the trading price of our shares to decline.

 

The public market may not continue to be active and liquid enough for you to resell our common shares in the future.

 

The price of our common shares may be volatile and may fluctuate due to factors such as:

 

  Ø actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results and those of other public companies in our industry;

 

  Ø mergers and strategic alliances in the dry bulk shipping industry;

 

  Ø market conditions in the drybulk shipping industry;

 

  Ø changes in government regulation;

 

  Ø shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts;

 

  Ø announcements concerning us or our competitors; and

 

  Ø the general state of the securities market.

 

The dry bulk shipping industry has been highly unpredictable and volatile. The market for common shares in this industry may be equally volatile.

 

Our chairman of the board of directors holds a majority of our total outstanding common shares, which provides control over matters on which our shareholders are entitled to vote.

 

As of December 31, 2011, Mr. Georgios Feidakis, our chairman of the board of directors, beneficially owned a majority of our outstanding common shares. Please read “Item 7.A. Major Stockholders.” Until such time that we issue additional securities or Mr. Feidakis sells all or a portion of his common shares, Mr. Feidakis can control the outcome of matters on which our shareholder are entitled to vote, including the election of directors and other significant corporate actions. The interests of Mr. Feidakis may be different from your interests.

 

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We may have to pay tax on U.S. source shipping income.

 

Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel-owning or chartering company that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States is characterized as U.S. source shipping income and such income is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deductions, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under section 883 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, which we refer to as the Section 883 Exemption. The eligibility of Globus Maritime and its subsidiaries to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption is determined each taxable year and is dependent on certain circumstances related to the ownership of our shares and on interpretations of existing U.S. Treasury regulations, each of which could change. We can therefore give no assurance that we will in fact be eligible to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption for all taxable years. In addition, changes to the Code, the U.S. Treasury regulations or the interpretation thereof by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, or the courts could adversely affect the ability of Globus Maritime and its subsidiaries to take advantage of the Section 883 Exemption.

 

If we are not entitled to the Section 883 Exemption for any taxable year in which any company in the group earns U.S. source shipping income, any company earning such U.S. source shipping income, would be subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax on the gross amount of the U.S. source shipping income for the year (or an effective rate of 2% on shipping income attributable to the transportation of freight to or from the United States). The imposition of this taxation could have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to our shareholders.

 

For a more complete discussion, please read the section entitled “Item 10.E. Taxation— U.S. Tax Considerations— U.S. Federal Income Taxation of the Company.”

 

U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company,” which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.

 

A foreign corporation will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of “passive income” or at least 50% of the average value of the corporation’s assets produce or are held for the production of those types of “passive income.” For purposes of these tests, “passive income” includes dividends, interest and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties 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. shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC, unless those shareholders make an election available under the Code (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such shareholders). In particular, U.S. shareholders who are individuals would not be eligible for the 15% preferential tax rate on qualified dividends that is in effect through December 31, 2012. Please read “Item 10.E. Taxation—U.S. Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of United States Holders” for a more comprehensive discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders if we are treated as a PFIC.

 

Based on our current operations and anticipated future operations, we believe that Globus Maritime should not be treated as a PFIC. In this regard, we intend to treat gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering activities as services income, rather than rental income. Accordingly, we believe that our income from our time chartering activities should not constitute “passive income,” and that the assets we own and operate in connection with the production of that income do not constitute assets that produce or are held for the production of “passive income.”

 

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There are legal uncertainties involved in this determination, because there is no direct legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our current and projected future operations. Moreover, a case by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held that, contrary to the position of the IRS in that case, and for purposes of a different set of rules under the Code, income received under a time charter of vessels should be treated as rental income rather than services income. 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 would be treated as rental income, and we would be a PFIC unless an active leasing exception applies. Although the IRS has announced that it will not follow the reasoning of this case, and that it intends to treat the income from standard industry time charters as services income, no assurance can be given that a U.S. court will not follow the aforementioned case. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we would not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if there were to be changes in our assets, income or operations.

 

If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year, our U.S. shareholders will face adverse U.S. tax consequences and information reporting obligations, as more fully described under “Item 10.E. Taxation—U.S. Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of United States Holders.”

 

Our vessels may call on ports located in countries that are subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the United States or other governments.

 

From time to time on charterers’ instructions, our vessels may call on ports located in countries subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the United States government and countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism, including Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria. The United States sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or strengthened over time. In 2010, the United States enacted the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act, or CISADA, which expanded the scope of the Iran Sanctions Act. Among other things, CISADA expands the application of the prohibitions to companies such as ours, and introduces limits on the ability of companies and persons to do business or trade with Iran when such activities relate to the investment, supply or export of refined petroleum or petroleum products. In addition, the U.S. Congress is currently considering the enactment of the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Reform and Modernization Act of 2011, which would, among other things, provide for the imposition of sanctions, including a 180-day prohibition on calling on U.S. ports and enhanced vessel inspections, on companies or persons that provide certain shipping services to or from Iran, North Korea or Syria.

 

Although we believe that we are in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in fines or other penalties and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our company. Additionally, some investors may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our company simply because we do business with companies that do business in sanctioned countries. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation. Investor perception of the value of our common shares may be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries.

 

We are subject to Marshall Islands corporation law, which is not well-developed.

 

Our corporate affairs are governed by our articles of incorporation, our bylaws and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or the BCA. The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, there have been few judicial cases in the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the laws of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain United States jurisdictions. The rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in or redomiciled into the Marshall Islands may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in the United States. While the BCA provides that it is to be interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, there have been few, if any, court cases interpreting the BCA in the Marshall Islands and we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as United States courts. Thus, you may have more difficulty in protecting your interests in the face of actions by our management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a United States jurisdiction that has developed a more substantial body of case law in the corporate law area.

 

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It may be difficult to serve us with legal process or enforce judgments against us, our directors or our management.

 

Our business is operated primarily from our offices in Greece. In addition, a majority of our directors and officers are non-residents of the United States, and all of our assets and 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. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both within and outside of the United States, judgments you may obtain in the United States courts against us or these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of United States federal or state securities laws. There is also substantial doubt that the courts of the Marshall Islands or Greece would enter judgments in original actions brought in those courts predicated on United States federal or state securities laws.

 

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

 

We redomiciled into the Marshall Islands and our subsidiaries are incorporated under the laws of the Marshall Islands or Malta, we have limited operations in the United States and we maintain limited assets in the United States. Consequently, in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding involving us or any of our subsidiaries, bankruptcy laws other than those of the United States could apply. Marshall Islands does not have a bankruptcy statute or general statutory mechanism for insolvency proceedings. If we become a debtor under U.S. bankruptcy law, bankruptcy courts in the United States may seek to assert jurisdiction over all of our assets, wherever located, including property situated in other countries. There can be no assurance, however, that we would become a debtor in the United States, or that a U.S. bankruptcy court would be entitled to, or accept, jurisdiction over such a bankruptcy case, or that courts in other countries that have jurisdiction over us and our operations would recognize a U.S. bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction if any other bankruptcy court would determine it had jurisdiction. These factors may delay or prevent us from entering bankruptcy in the United States and may affect the ability of our shareholders to receive any recovery following our bankruptcy.

 

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, is currently unable to inspect the audit work and practices of auditors operating in Greece, including our auditor.

 

Auditors of U.S. public companies are required by law to undergo periodic PCAOB inspections that assess their compliance with U.S. law and professional standards in connection with performance of audits of financial statements filed with the SEC. Certain European Union, or EU, countries do not permit the PCAOB to conduct inspections of accounting firms established and operating in EU countries, even if they are part of major international firms. Accordingly, unlike for most U.S. public companies, the PCAOB is prevented from evaluating our auditor’s performance of audits and its quality control procedures, and, unlike the shareholders of most U.S. public companies, our shareholders are deprived of the possible benefits of such inspections.

 

We, or our large shareholders, may sell additional securities in the future.

 

The market price of our common shares could decline due to sales of a large number of our securities in the market, including sales of shares by our large shareholders, or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales could also make it more difficult or impossible for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate to raise funds through future offerings of shares.

 

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We may issue additional common shares, including Class B shares, or other equity securities without your approval.

 

We may issue additional common shares, including Class B shares, or other equity securities of equal or senior rank in the future in connection with, among other things, future vessel acquisitions, repayment of outstanding indebtedness or our equity incentive plan, without shareholder approval, in a number of circumstances. For example, in April 2012, we issued 3,347 Series A Preferred Shares.

 

Our issuance of additional common shares, including Class B shares, or other equity securities of equal or senior rank would have the following effects:

 

  Ø our existing shareholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;
     
  Ø the amount of cash available for dividends payable on our common shares may decrease;
     
  Ø the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding common share may be diminished; and
     
  Ø the market price of our common shares may decline.

 

Item 4.  Information on the Company

 

A.  History and Development of the Company

 

We originally incorporated as Globus Maritime Limited on July 26, 2006 pursuant to the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (as amended), and began operations in September 2006. Following the conclusion of our initial public offering on June 1, 2007, our common shares were listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market, or AIM, under the ticker “GLBS.L.” On July 29, 2010, we effected a one-for-four reverse stock split, with our issued share capital resulting in 7,240,852 common shares of $0.004 each.

 

On November 24, 2010, we redomiciled into the Marshall Islands pursuant to the BCA and a resale registration statement for our common shares was declared effective by the SEC. Once the resale registration statement was declared effective by the SEC, our common shares began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker “GLBS.” Our common shares were suspended from trading on the AIM on November 24, 2010 and were delisted from the AIM on November 26, 2010.

 

On June 30, 2011, we completed our a follow-on public offering in the United States under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the Securities Act, of 2,750,000 common shares at a price of $8.00 per share, the net proceeds of which amounted to approximately $20 million.

 

As of December 31, 2011, our issued and outstanding capital stock consisted of 10,100,477 common shares.

 

Our executive office is located at the office of Globus Shipmanagement Corp., who we refer to as our Manager, at 128 Vouliagmenis Avenue, 3rd Floor, 166 74 Glyfada, Athens, Greece. Our telephone number is +30 210 960 8300. Our registered agent in the Marshall Islands is The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands, Inc. and our registered address in the Marshall Islands is Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH96960. We maintain our website at www.globusmaritime.gr. Information that is available on or accessed through our website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

As of December 31, 2009, our fleet comprised a total of four dry bulk vessels, consisting of two Handymaxes, one Supramax and one Panamax, with a weighted average age of approximately 10.5 years and a total carrying capacity of 212,915 dwt.

 

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In February 2010, we sold both Handymax vessels, the m/v Sea Globe and the m/v Coral Globe , for an aggregate total selling price of $34.0 million. In May 2010, we purchased two sister ships, the m/v Sky Globe and m/v Star Globe , for a total purchase price of approximately $65.7 million. In June 2010, we purchased one Kamsarmax vessel, the m/v Jin Star , for $41.1 million.

 

As of December 31, 2010, our fleet comprised a total of five dry bulk vessels, consisting of one Panamax, three Supramaxes and one Kamsarmax, with a weighted average age of approximately 4.0 years and a total carrying capacity of 319,664 dwt.

 

In March 2011, we purchased a 2007-built Supramax vessel for $30.3 million. The vessel was delivered in September 2011 and was named “Sun Globe.” In May 2011, we purchased a 2005-built Panamax vessel for $31.4 million. The vessel was delivered in June 2011 and was named “Moon Globe.”

 

As of December 31, 2011, our fleet comprised a total of seven dry bulk vessels, consisting of two Panamax, four Supramaxes and one Kamsarmax, with a weighted average age of approximately 5.1 years and a total carrying capacity of 452,886 dwt.

 

Our capital expenditures, which principally consist of purchasing, operating and maintaining dry bulk vessels, for the previous three fiscal years apart from the aforementioned vessel acquisitions, consisted of deferred drydocking costs. We incurred deferred drydocking costs of $0.5 million in 2011, of $0 in 2010 and of $1.1 million in 2009. 

 

B.  Business Overview

 

We are an integrated dry bulk shipping company, providing marine transportation services on a worldwide basis. We own, operate and manage a fleet of dry bulk vessels that transport iron ore, coal, grain, steel products, cement, alumina and other dry bulk cargoes internationally. We intend to grow our fleet through timely and selective acquisitions of modern vessels in a manner that we believe will provide an attractive return on equity and will be accretive to our earnings and cash flow based on anticipated market rates at the time of purchase. There is no guarantee however, that we will be able to find suitable vessels to purchase or that such vessels will provide an attractive return on equity or be accretive to our earnings and cash flow.

 

Our operations are managed by our Athens, Greece-based wholly owned subsidiary, Globus Shipmanagement Corp., who we refer to as our Manager, who provides in-house commercial and technical management exclusively for our vessels. Our Manager enters into a ship management agreement with each of our wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiaries to provide services that include managing day-to-day vessel operations, such as supervising the crewing, supplying, maintaining of vessels and other services.

 

The following table presents information concerning our vessels.

 

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Vessel  

Year

Built

  Flag  

Direct

Owner

  Shipyard   Vessel Type  

Delivery

Date

 

Carrying

Capacity

(dwt)

m/v Tiara

Globe

  1998   Marshall Islands   Elysium Maritime Limited   Hudong Zhonghua   Panamax   December 2007   72,928
m/v River Globe   2007   Marshall Islands   Devocean Maritime Ltd.   Yangzhou Dayang   Supramax   December 2007   53,627
m/v Sky Globe   2009   Marshall Islands   Domina Maritime Ltd.   Taizhou Kouan   Supramax   May 2010   56,855
m/v Star Globe   2010   Marshall Islands   Dulac Maritime S.A.   Taizhou Kouan   Supramax   May 2010   56,867
m/v Jin Star   2010   Panama   Kelty Marine Ltd.   Jiangsu Eastern   Kamsarmax   June 2010   79,387
m/v Moon Globe   2005   Marshall Islands   Artfull Shipholding S.A.   Hudong-Zhonghua   Panamax   June 2011   74,432
 m/v Sun Globe   2007   Malta    Longevity Maritime Limited    Tsuneishi Cebu    Supramax    September 2011   58,790
                    Total:       452,886

 

We own each of our vessels through separate, wholly owned subsidiaries, six of which are incorporated in the Marshall Islands, and one of which is incorporated in Malta. One of the Panamax vessels and all of our Supramax vessels are geared. Geared vessels can operate in ports with minimal shore-side infrastructure. Due to the ability to switch between various dry bulk cargo types and to service a wider variety of ports, the day rates for geared vessels tend to have a premium.

 

We budget 20 days per drydocking per vessel. Actual length will vary based on the condition of each vessel, shipyard schedules and other factors.

 

Employment of our Vessels

 

Our strategy is to employ our vessels on a mix of all types of charter contracts, including bareboat charters, time charters and spot charters. We believe this strategy provides the cash flow stability, reduced exposure to market downturns and high utilization rates of the charter market, while at the same time enabling us to benefit from periods of increasing spot market rates. We may, however, seek to employ a greater portion of our fleet on the spot market or on time charters with longer durations, should we believe it to be in our best interests. In addition, we seek to stagger the expiration dates of our charters to reduce exposure to volatility in the shipping cycle when our vessels come off of charter. We also continually monitor developments in the dry bulk shipping industry and, subject to market demand, will adjust the number of vessels on charters and the charter periods for our vessels according to market conditions.

 

We and our Manager have developed relationships with a number of international charterers, vessel brokers, financial institutions, insurers and shipbuilders. We have also developed a network of relationships with vessel brokers who help facilitate vessel charters and acquisitions.

 

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The following table presents information concerning the employment of our vessels.

 

Vessel   Charterer   Date
Charter
Began
  Term of
Charter
  Charter
Expiration
Date
(Earliest)
  Charter
Type
  Charter Rate (per
day)(1)
m/v Tiara Globe   Spot   n/a   n/a   n/a   Spot   n/a
m/v River Globe   Spot   n/a   n/a   n/a   Spot   n/a
m/v Sky Globe   Hyundai Merchant Marine Co   August 2011   Two years(3)   August 2013   Time   

$12,000 - 1st year

$12,500 - 2nd year

m/v Star Globe   Spot   n/a   n/a   n/a   Spot   n/a
m/v Jin Star   Eastern Media International and Far Eastern Silo & Shipping   June 2010  

56 months(2)

 

  January 2015   Bareboat   $14,250
m/v Moon Globe   Guaranteed nominee of Gleamray Maritime Inc   June 2011   Two years   June 2013   Time   $18,000 (net of commissions)
m/v Sun Globe   COSCO Qingdao Ocean Shipping Co   September 2011   Minimum of 40 months (maximum of 42 months)   January 2015   Time   $16,000

 

(1) This table shows gross rates and does not reflect any commissions payable unless otherwise stated.

(2) Upon expiration, the charter can be extended for one year at the charterer’s option, and thereafter extended one additional year at our option.

(3) The time charter contains a provision that allows for redelivery plus or minus 15 days on charterers option.

 

Each of our vessels travels across the world and not on any particular route. The charterers of our vessels, whether time, bareboat or on the spot market, select the locations to which our vessels travel.

 

Time Charter

 

A time charter is a contract for the use of a vessel for a fixed period of time at a specified daily rate. Under a time charter, the vessel owner provides crewing, insuring, repairing and maintenance and other services related to the vessel’s operation, the cost of which is included in the daily rate, and the customer is responsible for substantially all of the vessel voyage costs, including the cost of bunkers (fuel oil) and canal and port charges. The owner also pays commissions typically ranging from 0% to 6.25% of the total daily charter hire rate of each charter to unaffiliated ship brokers and to in-house brokers associated with the charterer, depending on the number of brokers involved with arranging the charter. Three of the vessels in our fleet are hired out under time charters, and we intend to continue to hire out our vessels under time charters in the future.

 

Basic Hire Rate and Term

 

“Basic hire rate” refers to the basic payment from the customer for the use of the vessel. The hire rate is generally payable semi-monthly or 15 days, in advance, in U.S. dollars as specified in the charter. The following chart discloses when such vessels are contracted to be redelivered to us at the end of the charter period.

 

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Vessel Name Earliest Anticipated Redelivery Date
m/v Sky Globe August 2013
m/v Moon Globe June 2013
m/v Sun Globe January 2015

 

Off-hire

 

When the vessel is “off-hire,” the charterer generally is not required to pay the basic hire rate, and we are responsible for all costs. Prolonged off-hire may lead to vessel substitution or termination of the time charter. A vessel generally will be deemed off-hire if there is a loss of time due to, among other things, operational deficiencies; drydocking for examination or painting the bottom; equipment breakdowns; damages to the hull; or similar problems.

 

Ship Management and Maintenance

 

We are responsible for the technical management of the vessel and for maintaining the vessel, periodic drydocking, cleaning and painting and performing work required by regulations. Globus Shipmanagement provides the technical, commercial and day-to-day operational management of our vessels. Technical management includes crewing, maintenance, repair and drydockings. We pay Globus Shipmanagement $700 per vessel per day. All fees payable to Globus Shipmanagement are eliminated upon consolidation of our accounts.

 

Termination

 

We are generally entitled to suspend performance under the time charter if the customer defaults in its payment obligations. Either party may terminate the charter in the event of war in specified countries.

 

Commissions

 

During 2011, we paid commissions ranging from 0% to 5.75% relevant to each time charter agreement.

 

Bareboat Charter

 

A bareboat charter is a contract pursuant to which the vessel owner provides the vessel to the charterer for a fixed period of time at a specified daily rate, and the charterer provides for all of the vessel’s operating expenses including crewing, repairs, maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses in addition to the voyage costs, and generally assumes all risk of operation. The charterer undertakes to maintain the vessel in a good state of repair and efficient operating condition and drydock the vessel during this period as per the classification society requirements. We have bareboat chartered the m/v Jin Star to Eastern Media International Corporation and Far Eastern Silo & Shipping (Panama) S.A.

 

Basic Hire Rate and Term

 

Our bareboat charter commenced upon the vessel’s delivery for a 56 month term at a rate of $14,250 per day. Our bareboat charter includes an option to extend the charter’s term for one additional year at the charterer’s option. After such one year extension, we can extend the charter for one additional year.

 

Redelivery

 

Upon the expiration of the bareboat charter, the charterer is required to redeliver the vessel in as good structure, state, condition and class as that in which the vessel was delivered, fair wear and tear not affecting class excepted.

 

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Ship Management and Maintenance

 

Under the bareboat charter, the charterer is responsible for crewing, insuring, maintaining and repairing the vessel including any drydocking as well as for all other operating costs with respect to the vessel. The charterer will cover the costs associated with the vessel’s special surveys and related drydocking falling within the charter period.

 

Termination

 

We have the right to terminate the charter if the charterer fails (following a short grace period in which the charterer may have an opportunity to cure) to make punctual hire payments, to insure the vessel or to maintain and/or repair the vessel as agreed.

 

Either party may terminate the charter in the event of war. The charterer may also terminate the charter if the charterer is deprived of ownership of the vessel for 14 days. In addition, the bareboat charter terminates automatically upon a total or constructive loss of the vessel.

 

Commissions

 

We pay a 3.75% commission on our bareboat charter.

 

Our Customers

 

We seek to charter our vessels to customers who we perceive as creditworthy thereby minimizing the risk of default by our charterers. We also try to select charterers depending on the type of product they want to carry and the geographical areas in which they tend to trade.

 

Our assessment of a charterer’s financial condition and reliability is an important factor in negotiating employment for our vessels. We generally charter our vessels to operators, trading houses (including commodities traders), shipping companies and producers and government-owned entities and generally avoid chartering our vessels to companies we believe to be speculative or undercapitalized entities. Since our operations began in September 2006, our customers have included COSCO Bulk Carrier Co., Ltd, Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S, ED & F Man Shipping Limited, STX Pan Ocean Co., Ltd, Transgrain, Korea Line Corporation and Allied Maritime Inc. In addition, during the periods when some of our vessels were trading on the spot market, they have been chartered to charterers such as Cargill International SA, Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG, Western Bulk Carriers KS and others, thus expanding our customer base.

 

In March 2012, we commenced London arbitration proceedings against Allied Maritime, Inc. (which we refer to as the Charterer), the former charterer of the m/v Star Globe , a 2010 built 56,867 dwt Supramax bulk carrier, (which we refer to as the Vessel), under a time charter for the Vessel dated 12 May 2011 (which we refer to as the Charter). The Company is claiming an amount of approximately $1,700,000 as a debt and/or damages. Such amount includes, among others, outstanding hire, damages arising from the Charterer’s failure to replenish bunkers upon the Vessel’s redelivery and to deliver the Vessel within the agreed redelivery range, as well as further amounts that the Company had to pay to two bunkers suppliers relating to bunkers that the Charterer had ordered and received but for which the Charterer did not pay. The claim is largely undisputed by the Charterer, and the Company is currently taking measures to obtain security.

 

Competition

 

Our business fluctuates in line with the main patterns of trade of the major dry bulk cargoes and varies according to changes in the supply and demand for these items. We operate in markets that are highly competitive and based primarily on supply and demand. We compete for charters on the basis of price, vessel location, size, age and condition of the vessel, as well as on our reputation as an owner and operator. We compete with other owners of dry bulk vessels in the Panamax, Supramax and Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels, but we also compete with owners for the purchase and sale of vessels of all sizes.

 

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Ownership of dry bulk vessels is highly fragmented. It is likely that we will face substantial competition for long-term charter business from a number of experienced companies. Many of these competitors will have larger dry bulk vessel fleets and greater financial resources than us, which may make them more competitive. It is also likely that we will face increased numbers of competitors entering into our transportation sectors, including in the dry bulk sector. Many of these competitors have strong reputations and extensive resources and experience. Increased competition may cause greater price competition, especially for long-term charters. We believe that no single competitor has a dominant position in the markets in which we compete.

 

The process for obtaining longer term time charters generally involves a lengthy and intensive screening and vetting process and the submission of competitive bids. In addition to the quality and suitability of the vessel, longer term shipping contracts may be awarded based upon a variety of other factors relating to the vessel operator, including:

 

  Ø environmental, health and safety record;

 

  Ø compliance with regulatory industry standards;

 

  Ø reputation for customer service, technical and operating expertise;

 

  Ø shipping experience and quality of vessel operations, including cost-effectiveness;

 

  Ø quality, experience and technical capability of crews;

 

  Ø the ability to finance vessels at competitive rates and overall financial stability;

 

  Ø relationships with shipyards and the ability to obtain suitable berths;

 

  Ø construction management experience, including the ability to procure on-time delivery of new vessels according to customer specifications;

 

  Ø willingness to accept operational risks pursuant to the charter, such as allowing termination of the charter for force majeure events; and

 

  Ø competitiveness of the bid in terms of overall price.

 

As a result of these factors, we may be unable to expand our relationships with existing customers or obtain new customers for long-term time charters on a profitable basis, if at all. However, even if we are successful in employing our vessels under longer term charters, our vessels will not be available for trading on the spot market during an upturn in the market cycle, when spot trading may be more profitable. If we cannot successfully employ our vessels in profitable charters, our results of operations and operating cash flow could be materially adversely affected.

 

The Dry Bulk Shipping Industry

 

The world dry bulk fleet is generally divided into six major categories, based on a vessel’s cargo carrying capacity. These categories consist of: Handysize, Handymax/Supramax, Panamax, Post Panamax, Capesize and Very Large Ore Carrier.

 

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Ø      Handysize .   Handysize vessels have a carrying capacity of up to 39,999 dwt. These vessels are primarily involved in carrying minor bulk cargoes. Increasingly, vessels of this type operate on regional trading routes, and may serve as trans-shipment feeders for larger vessels. Handysize vessels are well suited for small ports with length and draft restrictions. Their cargo gear enables them to service ports lacking the infrastructure for cargo loading and unloading.

 

Ø      Handymax/Supramax . Handymax vessels have a carrying capacity of between 40,000 and 59,999 dwt. These vessels operate on a large number of geographically dispersed global trade routes, carrying primarily iron ore, coal, grains and minor bulks. Within the Handymax category there is also a sub-sector known as Supramax . Supramax bulk vessels are vessels between 50,000 to 59,999 dwt, normally offering cargo loading and unloading flexibility with on-board cranes, while at the same time possessing the cargo carrying capability approaching conventional Panamax bulk vessels. Hence, the earnings potential of a Supramax dry bulk vessel, when compared to a conventional Handymax vessel of 45,000 dwt, is greater.

 

Ø      Panamax . Panamax vessels have a carrying capacity of between 60,000 and 79,999 dwt. These vessels carry coal, grains, and, to a lesser extent, minor bulks, including steel products, forest products and fertilizers. Panamax vessels are able to pass through the Panama Canal, making them more versatile than larger vessels.

 

Ø      Post Panamax (also known as Kamsarmax). Post Panamax vessels typically have a carrying capacity of between 80,000 and 109,999 dwt. These vessels tend to be shallower and have a larger beam than a standard Panamax vessel with a higher cubic capacity. They have been designed specifically for loading high cubic cargoes from draught restricted ports. This type of vessel cannot transit the Panama Canal. The term Kamsarmax stems from Port Kamsar in Guinea, where large quantities of bauxite are exported from a port with only 13.5 meter draught and a 229 meter length overall restriction, but no beam restriction.

 

Ø      Capesize . Capesize vessels have carrying capacities of between 110,000 and 199,999 dwt. Only the largest ports around the world possess the infrastructure to accommodate vessels of this size. Capesize vessels are mainly used to transport iron ore or coal and, to a lesser extent, grains, primarily on long-haul routes.

 

Ø      VLOC . Very large ore carriers are in excess of 200,000 dwt and are a comparatively new sector of the dry bulk vessel fleet. VLOCs are built to exploit economies of scale on long-haul iron ore routes.

 

The supply of dry bulk shipping capacity, measured by the amount of suitable vessel tonnage available to carry cargo, is determined by the size of the existing worldwide dry bulk fleet, the number of new vessels on order, the scrapping of older vessels and the number of vessels out of active service (i.e., laid up or otherwise not available for hire). In addition to prevailing and anticipated freight rates, factors that affect the rate of newbuilding, scrapping and laying-up include newbuilding prices, secondhand vessel values in relation to scrap prices, costs of bunkers and other voyage expenses, costs associated with classification society surveys, normal maintenance and insurance coverage, the efficiency and age profile of the existing fleets in the market and government and industry regulation of marine transportation practices. The supply of dry bulk vessels is not only a result of the number of vessels in service, but also the operating efficiency of the fleet. Dry bulk trade is influenced by the underlying demand for the dry bulk commodities which, in turn, is influenced by the level of worldwide economic activity. Generally, growth in gross domestic product and industrial production correlate with peaks in demand for marine dry bulk transportation services.

 

Dry bulk vessels are one of the most versatile elements of the global shipping fleet in terms of employment alternatives. They seldom operate on round trip voyages with high ballasting times. Rather, they often participate in triangular or multi-leg voyages.

 

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Charter Rates

 

In the time charter market, rates vary depending on the length of the charter period and vessel specific factors such as age, speed, size and fuel consumption. In the voyage charter market, rates are influenced by cargo size, commodity, port dues and canal transit fees, as well as delivery and redelivery regions. In general, a larger cargo size is quoted at a lower rate per ton than a smaller cargo size. Routes with costly ports or canals generally command higher rates. Voyages loading from a port where vessels usually discharge cargo, or discharging from a port where vessels usually load cargo, are generally quoted at lower rates. This is because such voyages generally increase vessel efficiency by reducing the unloaded portion (or ballast leg) that is included in the calculation of the return charter to a loading area.

 

Within the dry bulk shipping industry, the freight rate indices issued by the Baltic Exchange in London are the references most likely to be monitored. These references are based on actual charter hire rates under charters entered into by market participants as well as daily assessments provided to the Baltic Exchange by a panel of major shipbrokers. The Baltic Exchange, an independent organization comprised of shipbrokers, shipping companies and other shipping players, provides daily independent shipping market information and has created freight rate indices reflecting the average freight rates (that incorporate actual business concluded as well as daily assessments provided to the exchange by a panel of independent shipbrokers) for the major bulk vessel trading routes. These indices include the Baltic Panamax Index, the index with the longest history and, more recently, the Baltic Capesize Index.

 

Charter (or hire) rates paid for dry bulk vessels are generally a function of the underlying balance between vessel supply and demand. Over the past 25 years, dry bulk cargo charter rates have passed through cyclical phases and changes in vessel supply and demand have created a pattern of rate “peaks” and “troughs.” Generally, spot/voyage charter rates will be more volatile than time charter rates, as they reflect short term movements in demand and market sentiment. The BDI declined from a high of 11,793 on May 20, 2008 to a low of 663 on December 5, 2008, which represents a decline of 94.0% within a single calendar year. The BDI fell over 70.0% during October 2008 alone. During 2009 and 2010, the BDI remained volatile. During 2009, the BDI reached a low of 772 on January 5, 2009 and a high of 4,661 on November 19, 2009. During 2010, the BDI reached a high of 4,209 on May 26, 2010 and a low of 1,700 on July 15, 2010. During 2011, the BDI reached a low of 1,042 on February 4, 2011 and a high of 2,173 on October 14, 2011. The BDI continued to decline during the first three months of 2012 reaching 934 at March 30, 2012. On April 23, 2012 the BDI was 1,090.

 

Vessel Prices

 

Dry bulk vessel values have declined both as a result of a slowdown in the availability of global credit and the significant deterioration in charter rates. Charter rates and vessel values have been affected in part by the lack of availability of credit to finance both vessel purchases and purchases of commodities carried by sea. Consistent with these trends, the market value of our dry bulk carriers has declined. Although charter rates and vessel values have increased from their low levels in 2008, there can be no assurance as to how long charter rates and vessel values will remain at their current levels or whether they will decrease or improve to any significant degree.

 

Seasonality

 

Our fleet consists of dry bulk vessels that operate in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, as a result, in charter rates. The dry bulk sector is typically stronger in the fall and winter months in anticipation of increased consumption of coal and other raw materials in the northern hemisphere during the winter months. Such seasonality will affect the rates we obtain on the vessels in our fleet that operate on the spot market.

 

Permits and Authorizations

 

We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our vessels. The kinds of permits, licenses and certificates required depend upon several factors, including the commodity transported, the waters in which the vessel operates, the nationality of the vessel’s crew and the age of a vessel. We have been able to obtain all permits, licenses and certificates currently required to permit our vessels to operate. Additional laws and regulations, environmental or otherwise, may be adopted which could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of us doing business.

 

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Inspection by Classification Societies

 

Every oceangoing vessel must be “classed” by a classification society. The classification society certifies that the vessel is “in class,” signifying that the vessel has been built and maintained in accordance with the rules of the classification society and complies with applicable rules and regulations of the vessel’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. For maintenance of the class certification, regular and extraordinary surveys of hull, machinery, including the electrical plant and any special equipment classed are required to be performed as follows:

 

  Ø Annual Surveys . For seagoing vessels, annual surveys are conducted for the hull and the machinery, including the electrical plant and where applicable for special equipment classed, at intervals of 12 months from the date of commencement of the class period indicated in the certificate.

 

  Ø Intermediate Surveys . Extended annual surveys are referred to as intermediate surveys and typically are conducted two and one-half years after commissioning and each class renewal. Intermediate surveys may be carried out on the occasion of the second or third annual survey.

 

  Ø Class Renewal Surveys . Class renewal surveys, also known as special surveys, are carried out for the vessel’s hull, machinery, including the electrical plant, and for any special equipment classed, at the intervals indicated by the character of classification for the hull. At the special survey the vessel is thoroughly examined, including audio-gauging to determine the thickness of the steel structures. Should the thickness be found to be less than class requirements, the classification society would prescribe steel renewals. The classification society may grant a one-year grace period for completion of the special survey. Substantial amounts of money may have to be spent for steel renewals to pass a special survey if the vessel experiences excessive wear and tear. In lieu of the special survey every four or five years, depending on whether a grace period was granted, a shipowner has the option of arranging with the classification society for the vessel’s hull or machinery to be on a continuous survey cycle, in which every part of the vessel would be surveyed within a five-year cycle. At an owner’s application, the surveys required for class renewal may be split according to an agreed schedule to extend over the entire period of class. This process is referred to as continuous class renewal.

 

All areas subject to survey as defined by the classification society are required to be surveyed at least once per class period, unless shorter intervals between surveys are prescribed elsewhere. The period between two subsequent surveys of each area must not exceed five years.

 

Most vessels are also drydocked every 30 to 36 months for inspection of the 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 shipowner within prescribed time limits.

 

Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage that a vessel be certified as “in class” by a classification society that is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies. All our vessels that we operate are certified as being “in class” by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK), American Bureau of Shipping or Germanischer Lloyd. Typically, all new and secondhand vessels that we purchase must be certified prior to their delivery under our standard purchase contracts and memorandum of agreement. Under our standard purchase contracts, unless negotiated otherwise, if the vessel is not certified on the date of closing, we would have no obligation to take delivery of the vessel. Although we may not have an obligation to accept any vessel that is not certified on the date of closing, we may determine nonetheless to purchase the vessel, should we determine it to be in our best interests. If we do so, we may be unable to charter such vessel after we purchase it until it obtains such certification, which could increase our costs and affect the earnings we anticipate from the employment of the vessel.

 

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Risk Management and Insurance

 

General

 

The operation of any cargo vessel embraces a wide variety of risks, including the following:

 

  Ø mechanical failure or damage, for example by reason of the seizure of a main engine crankshaft;

 

  Ø cargo loss, for example arising from hull damage;

 

  Ø personal injury, for example arising from collision or piracy;

 

  Ø losses due to piracy, terrorist or war-like action between countries;

 

  Ø environmental damage, for example arising from marine disasters such as oil spills and other environmental mishaps;

 

  Ø physical damage to the vessel, for example by reason of collision;

 

  Ø damage to other property, for example by reason of cargo damage or oil pollution; and

 

  Ø business interruption, for example arising from strikes and political or regulatory change.

 

The value of such losses or damages may vary from modest sums, for example for a small cargo shortage damage claim, to catastrophic liabilities, for example arising out of a marine disaster, such as a serious oil or chemical spill, which may be virtually unlimited. While we maintain the traditional range of marine and liability insurance coverage for our fleet (hull and machinery insurance, war risks insurance and protection and indemnity coverage) in amounts and to extents that we believe are prudent to cover normal risks in our operations, we cannot insure against all risks, and we cannot be assured that all covered risks are adequately insured against. Furthermore, there can be no guarantee that any specific claim will be paid by the insurer or that it will always be possible to obtain insurance coverage at reasonable rates. Any uninsured or under-insured loss could harm our business and financial condition.

 

Hull and Machinery and War Risks

 

The principal coverages for marine risks (covering loss or damage to the vessels, rather than liabilities to third parties) are hull and machinery insurance and war risk insurance. These address the risks of the actual or constructive total loss of a vessel and accidental damage to a vessel’s hull and machinery, for example from running aground or colliding with another ship. These insurances provide coverage which is limited to an agreed “insured value” which, as a matter of policy, is never less than the particular vessel’s fair market value. Reimbursement of loss under such coverage is subject to policy deductibles which vary according to the vessel and the nature of the coverage. Hull and machinery deductibles may, for example, be between $75,000 and $150,000 per incident whereas the war risks insurance has a more modest incident deductible of, for example, $30,000.

 

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Protection and Indemnity Insurance

 

Protection and indemnity insurance is a form of mutual indemnity insurance provided by mutual marine protection and indemnity associations, or “P&I Clubs,” formed by vessel owners to provide protection from large financial loss to one club member by contribution towards that loss by all members.

 

Each of the vessels that we operate is entered in the Gard P&I (Bermuda) Ltd. which we refer to as the Club, for third party liability marine insurance coverage. The Club is a mutual insurance vehicle. As a member of the Club, we are insured, subject to agreed deductibles and our terms of entry, for our legal liabilities and expenses arising out of our interest in an entered ship, out of events occurring during the period of entry of the ship in the Club and in connection with the operation of the ship, against specified risks. These risks include liabilities arising from death of crew and passengers, loss or damage to cargo, collisions, property damage, oil pollution and wreck removal.

 

The Club benefits from its membership in the International Group of P&I Clubs, or the International Group, for its main reinsurance program, and maintains a separate complementary insurance program for additional risks.

 

The Club’s policy year commences each February. The mutual calls are levied by way of Estimated Total Premiums, or ETP, and the amount of the final installment of the ETP varies in accordance with the actual total premium ultimately required by the Club for a particular policy year. Members have a liability to pay supplementary calls which may be levied by the Club if the ETP is insufficient to cover the Club’s outgoings in a policy year.

 

Cover per claim is generally limited to an unspecified sum, being the amount available from reinsurance plus the maximum amount collectable from members of the International Group by way of overspill calls. Certain exceptions apply, including a $1.0 billion limit on claims in respect of oil pollution, a $3.0 billion limit on cover for passenger and crew claims and a sub-limit of $2.0 billion for passenger claims.

 

To the extent that we experience either a supplementary or an overspill call our policy is to expense such amounts.

 

Uninsured Risks

 

Not all risks are insured and not all risks are insurable. The principal insurable risks which nevertheless remain uninsured across our fleet are “loss of hire” and “strikes.” We will not insure these risks because we regard the costs as disproportionate. These insurances provide, subject to a deductible, a limited indemnity for hire that is not receivable by the shipowner for reasons set forth in the policy. For example, loss of hire risk may be covered on a 14/90/90 basis, with a 14 days deductible, 90 days cover per incident and a 90-day overall limit per vessel per year. Should a vessel on time charter, where the vessel is paid a fixed hire day by day, suffer a serious mechanical breakdown, the daily hire will no longer be payable by the charterer. The purpose of the loss of hire insurance is to secure the loss of hire during such periods.

 

Environmental Regulation

 

Sources of Applicable Rules and Standards

 

Shipping is one of the world’s most heavily regulated industries, and it is subject to many industry standards. Government regulation significantly affects the ownership and operation of vessels. These regulations consist mainly of rules and standards established by international conventions, but they also include national, state and local laws and regulations in force in jurisdictions where vessels may operate or are registered, and which may be more stringent than international rules and standards. This is the case particularly in the United States and, increasingly, in Europe.

 

A variety of governmental and private entities subject vessels to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. These entities include local port authorities (the U.S. Coast Guard, harbor masters or equivalent entities), classification societies, flag state administration (country vessel of registry), and charterers, particularly terminal operators. Certain of these entities require vessel owners to obtain permits, licenses and certificates for the operation of their vessels. Failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require a vessel owner to incur substantial costs or temporarily suspend operation of one or more of its vessels.

 

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Heightened levels of environmental and quality concerns among insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers continue to lead to greater inspection and safety requirements on all vessels and may accelerate the scrapping of older vessels throughout the industry. Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for vessels that conform to stricter environmental standards. Vessel owners are required to maintain operating standards for all vessels that will emphasize operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of officers and crews and compliance with U.S. and international regulations. Because laws and regulations are frequently changed and may impose increasingly stricter requirements, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. In addition, a future serious marine incident that causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our profitability.

 

The International Maritime Organization, or IMO, has negotiated a number of international conventions concerned with preventing, reducing or controlling pollution from vessels. These fall into two main categories, consisting firstly of those concerned generally with vessel safety standards, and secondly of those specifically concerned with measures to prevent pollution.

 

Ship Safety Regulation

 

A primary international safety instrument is the Safety of Life at Sea Convention of 1974, as amended, or SOLAS, together with the regulations and codes of practice that form part of its regime. Much of SOLAS is not directly concerned with preventing pollution, but some of its safety provisions are intended to prevent pollution as well as promote safety of life and preservation of property. These regulations have been and continue to be regularly amended as new and higher safety standards are introduced with which we are required to comply.

 

An amendment of SOLAS introduced the International Safety Management, or ISM, Code, which has been effective since July 1998. Under the ISM Code, the party with operational control of a vessel is required to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies. The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel’s management with code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by the respective flag state for the vessel, under the ISM Code.

 

Another amendment of SOLAS, made after the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, introduced special measures to enhance maritime security, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, or ISPS Code.

 

The vessels that we operate maintain ISM and ISPS certifications for safety and security of operations.

 

Regulations to Prevent Pollution from Ships

 

In the secondary main category of international regulation, the primary instrument is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, or MARPOL, which imposes environmental standards on the shipping industry set out in Annexes I-VI of MARPOL. These contain regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil (Annex I), by noxious liquid substances in bulk (Annex II), by harmful substances in packaged forms within the scope of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (Annex III), by sewage (Annex IV), by garbage (Annex V) and by air emissions (Annex VI).

 

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These regulations have been and continue to be regularly amended as new and higher standards of pollution prevention are introduced with which we are required to comply.

 

For example, MARPOL Annex VI sets limits on Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions from vessel exhausts, prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances and limits the emission of volatile organic compound (VOC). Limiting worldwide SOx emissions will mean a cap on the content of sulphur in fuel oil of 3.5%. For special areas (SECAS) the cap is lower at currently at 1.0% and will reduce to 0.1% after January 1, 2015. In addition, within the EU Member States the current cap is now at 0.1%. Limiting NOx emissions is set on a three tier reduction, the final one of which comes into force on January 1, 2016. We anticipate incurring costs at each stage of implementation on all these areas. Currently we are compliant in all our vessels.

 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

 

In February 2005, the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change entered into force. Pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol, adopting countries are required to implement national programs to reduce emissions of certain gases, generally referred to as greenhouse gases, which are suspected of contributing to global warming. Currently, the greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping do not come under the Kyoto Protocol. The European Union confirmed in April 2007 that it plans to expand the European Union emissions trading scheme by adding vessels. In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, issued an “endangerment finding” regarding greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The EPA’s “endangerment finding” does not impose any requirements on the industry, but it indicates that the EPA may issue regulations. Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, European Union or individual countries where we operate that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases from vessels could require us to make significant financial expenditures, which we cannot predict with certainty at this time.

 

Anti-Fouling Requirements

 

In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, or the Anti-fouling Convention. The Anti-fouling Convention prohibits the use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels after September 1, 2003. The exteriors of vessels constructed prior to January 1, 2003 that have not been in drydock must, as of September 17, 2008, either not contain the prohibited compounds or have coatings applied to the vessel exterior that act as a barrier to the leaching of the prohibited compounds. Vessels of over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages must obtain an International Anti-Fouling System Certificate and undergo a survey before the vessel is put into service or when the anti-fouling systems are altered or replaced.

 

Other International Regulations to Prevent Pollution

 

In addition to MARPOL, other more specialized international instruments have been adopted to prevent different types of pollution or environmental harm from vessel. In February 2004, the IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention. This Convention has not come into force. The BWM Convention’s implementing regulations call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements, beginning in 2009, to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits. The BWM Convention will not enter into force until 12 months after it has been adopted by 30 states, the combined merchant fleets of which represent not less than 35.0% of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant shipping. To date, there has not been sufficient adoption of this standard by governments that are members of the convention for it to take force.

 

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Although the United States is not a party to these conventions, many countries have ratified and follow the liability plan adopted by the IMO and set out in the CLC and its Protocols. Under this convention and depending on whether the country in which the damage results is a party to the 1992 Protocol to the CLC, a vessel’s registered owner is strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain defenses. The limits on liability outlined in the 1992 Protocol use the International Monetary Fund currency unit of Special Drawing Rights, or SDR. Under an amendment to the 1992 Protocol that became effective on November 1, 2003, for vessels between 5,000 and 140,000 gross tons (a unit of measurement for the total enclosed spaces within a vessel), liability is limited to approximately 4.51 million SDR plus 631 SDR for each additional gross ton over 5,000. For vessels of over 140,000 gross tons, liability is limited to 89.77 million SDR. The exchange rate between SDRs and U.S. dollars was 0.647249 SDR per U.S. dollar on April 24, 2012. The right to limit liability is forfeited under the CLC where the spill is caused by the shipowner’s actual fault and under the 1992 Protocol where the spill is caused by the shipowner’s intentional or reckless conduct. Vessels trading with states that are parties to these conventions must provide evidence of insurance covering the liability of the owner. In jurisdictions where the CLC has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or in a manner similar to that of the convention. We believe that our protection and indemnity insurance will cover the liability under the plan adopted by the IMO.

 

IMO regulations also require owners and operators of vessels to adopt Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plans. Periodic training and drills for response personnel and for vessels and their crews are required.

 

European Regulations

 

European regulations in the maritime sector are in general based on international law most of which were promulgated by the IMO and then adopted by the Member States. However, since the Erika incident in 1999, when the Erika broke in two off the coast of France while carrying heavy fuel oil, the European Community has become increasingly active in the field of regulation of maritime safety and protection of the environment. It has been the driving force behind a number of amendments of MARPOL (including, for example, changes to accelerate the timetable for the phase-out of single hull tankers, and prohibiting the carriage in such tankers of heavy grades of oil), and if dissatisfied either with the extent of such amendments or with the timetable for their introduction it has been prepared to legislate on a unilateral basis. In some instances where it has done so, international regulations have subsequently been amended to the same level of stringency as that introduced in Europe, but the risk is well established that EU regulations (and other jurisdictions) may from time to time impose burdens and costs on shipowners and operators which are additional to those involved in complying with international rules and standards.

 

In some areas of regulation the EU has introduced new laws without attempting to procure a corresponding amendment of international law. Notably, it adopted in 2005 a directive on ship-source pollution, imposing criminal sanctions for pollution not only where this is caused by intent or recklessness (which would be an offense under MARPOL), but also where it is caused by “serious negligence.” The directive could therefore result in criminal liability being incurred in circumstances where it would not be incurred under international law. Experience has shown that in the emotive atmosphere often associated with pollution incidents, retributive attitudes towards vessel interests have found expression in negligence being alleged by prosecutors and found by courts on grounds which the international maritime community has found hard to understand. Moreover, there is skepticism that the notion of “serious negligence” is likely to prove any narrower in practice than ordinary negligence. Criminal liability for a pollution incident could not only result in us incurring substantial penalties or fines but may also, in some jurisdictions, facilitate civil liability claims for greater compensation than would otherwise have been payable.

 

Compliance Enforcement

 

The flag state, as defined by the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea, has overall responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of international maritime regulations for all vessels granted the right to fly its flag. The “Shipping Industry Guidelines on Flag State Performance” evaluates flag states based on factors such as sufficiency of infrastructure, ratification of international maritime treaties, implementation and enforcement of international maritime regulations, supervision of surveys, casualty investigations and participation at IMO meetings. The vessels that we operate are flagged in the Marshall Islands. Marshall Islands-flagged vessels have historically received a good assessment in the shipping industry.

 

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Noncompliance with the ISM Code or other IMO regulations may subject the shipowner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The U.S. Coast Guard and European Union authorities have, for example, indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively. As of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, each of our vessels is ISM Code certified. However, there can be no assurance that such certificate will be maintained.

 

The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulations may have on our operations.

 

United States Environmental Regulations and Laws Governing Civil Liability for Pollution

 

Environmental legislation in the United States merits particular mention as it is in many respects more onerous than international laws, representing a high-water mark of regulation with which shipowners and operators must comply, and of liability likely to be incurred in the event of non-compliance or an incident causing pollution.

 

U.S. federal legislation, including notably the OPA, establishes an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills, including bunker oil spills from dry bulk vessels as well as cargo or bunker oil spills from tankers. The OPA affects all owners and operators whose vessels trade in the United States, its territories and possessions or whose vessels operate in United States waters, which includes the United States’ territorial sea and its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Under the OPA, vessel owners, operators and bareboat charterers are “responsible parties” and are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war) for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages arising from discharges or substantial threats of discharges of oil from their vessels. In addition to potential liability under the OPA as the relevant federal legislation, vessel owners may in some instances incur liability on an even more stringent basis under state law in the particular state where the spillage occurred.

 

Title VII of the U.S. Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 amended the OPA to require the owner or operator of any non-tank vessel of 400 gross tons or more that carries oil of any kind as a fuel for main propulsion, including bunkers, to prepare and submit a response plan for each vessel. Prior to this amendment, these provisions of the OPA applied only to vessels that carried oil in bulk as cargo. The vessel response plans must include detailed information on actions to be taken by vessel personnel to prevent or mitigate any discharge or substantial threat of such a discharge of oil from the vessel due to operational activities or casualties.

 

The OPA limits the liability of responsible parties to the greater of $1,000 per gross ton or $854,400 per non-tank vessel that is over 300 gross tons (subject to possible adjustment for inflation).

 

These limits of liability do not apply if an incident was proximately caused by violation of applicable United States federal safety, construction or operating regulations or by a responsible party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or if the responsible party fails or refuses to report the incident or to cooperate and assist in connection with oil removal activities.

 

In addition, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, which applies to the discharge of hazardous substances (other than oil) whether on land or at sea, contains a similar liability regime and provides for cleanup, removal and natural resource damages. Liability under CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $0.5 million for vessels not carrying hazardous substances as cargo or residue, unless the incident is caused by gross negligence, willful misconduct or a violation of certain regulations, in which case liability is unlimited.

 

We maintain, for each of our owned vessels, insurance coverage against pollution liability risks in the amount of $1.0 billion per event. This insurance coverage is subject to exclusions, deductibles and other terms and conditions. If any liabilities or expenses fall within an exclusion from coverage, or if damages from a catastrophic incident exceed the $1.0 billion limitation of coverage per event, our cash flow, profitability and financial position could be adversely impacted.

 

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The OPA requires owners and operators of all vessels over 300 gross tons, even those that do not carry petroleum or hazardous substances as cargo, to establish and maintain with the U.S. Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet their potential liabilities under the OPA. The U.S. Coast Guard has implemented regulations requiring evidence of financial responsibility for containerships in the amount of $1,300 per gross ton, which includes the OPA limitation on liability of $1,000 per gross ton and the CERCLA liability limit of $300 per gross ton for vessels not carrying hazardous substances as cargo or residue. Under the regulations, vessel owners and operators may evidence their financial responsibility by showing proof of insurance, surety bond, self-insurance or guaranty. We believe our insurance coverage as described above meets the requirements of the OPA.

 

Under the OPA, an owner or operator of a fleet of vessels is required only to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to cover the vessel in the fleet having the greatest limited liability under the OPA. Under the self-insurance provisions, the shipowner or operator must have a net worth and working capital, measured in assets located in the United States against liabilities located anywhere in the world, that exceeds the applicable amount of financial responsibility.

 

The U.S. Coast Guard’s regulations concerning certificates of financial responsibility provide, in accordance with the OPA, that claimants may bring suit directly against an insurer or guarantor that furnishes the guaranty that supports the certificates of financial responsibility. In the event that such insurer or guarantor is sued directly, it is prohibited from asserting any contractual defense that it may have had against the responsible party and is limited to asserting those defenses available to the responsible party and the defense that the incident was caused by the willful misconduct of the responsible party.

 

The OPA specifically permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills. In some cases, states that have enacted such legislation have not yet issued implementing regulations defining vessels owners’ responsibilities under these laws. We intend to comply with all applicable state regulations in the ports where our vessels call.

 

The United States Clean Water Act, or CWA, prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances in U.S. navigable waters and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for unauthorized discharges. The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under CERCLA.

 

The EPA enacted rules governing the regulation of ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels within U.S. waters. Under the rules, commercial vessels 79 feet in length or longer (other than commercial fishing vessels), or Regulated Vessels, are required to obtain a CWA permit regulating and authorizing such normal discharges. This permit, which the EPA has designated as the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels, or VGP, incorporates the current U.S. Coast Guard requirements for ballast water management as well as supplemental ballast water requirements, and includes limits applicable to specific discharge streams, such as deck runoff, bilge water and gray water.

 

For each discharge type, among other things, the VGP establishes effluent limits pertaining to the constituents found in the effluent, including best management practices, or BMPs, designed to decrease the amount of constituents entering the waste stream. Unlike land-based discharges, which are deemed acceptable by meeting certain EPA-imposed numerical effluent limits, each of the VGP discharge limits is deemed to be met when a Regulated Vessel carries out the BMPs pertinent to that specific discharge stream. The VGP imposes additional requirements on certain Regulated Vessel types that emit discharges unique to those vessels. Administrative provisions, such as inspection, monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements are also included for all Regulated Vessels.

 

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The VGP application procedure, known as the Notice of Intent, or NOI, may be accomplished through the “eNOI” electronic filing interface, which became operational in June 2009. Owners and operators of Regulated Vessels must have filed their NOIs prior to September 19, 2009, or the Deadline. Any Regulated Vessel that did not file an NOI by the Deadline would, as of that date, no longer be covered by the VGP and would not be allowed to discharge into U.S. navigable waters until it has obtained a VGP. Any Regulated Vessel that was delivered on or before the Deadline will receive final VGP permit coverage on the date that the EPA receives such Regulated Vessel’s complete NOI. Regulated Vessels delivered after the Deadline would not receive VGP permit coverage until 30 days after their NOI submission. We submitted NOIs for all our vessels to which the CWA applies. The EPA issued a revised draft VGP in 2011, and has stated that it expects to take action with respect to the revised draft VGP by November 2012.

 

In addition, pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA, which requires each state to certify federal discharge permits such as the VGP, certain states have enacted additional discharge standards as conditions to their certification of the VGP. These local standards bring the VGP into compliance with more stringent state requirements, such as those further restricting ballast water discharges and preventing the introduction of non-indigenous species considered to be invasive. The VGP and related state-specific regulations and any similar restrictions enacted in the future will increase the costs of operating in the relevant waters.

 

The U.S. National Invasive Species Act, or NISA, was enacted in 1996 in response to growing reports of harmful organisms being released into U.S. ports through ballast water taken on by vessels in foreign ports. NISA established a ballast water management program for vessels entering U.S. waters. Under NISA, mid-ocean ballast water exchange is voluntary, except for vessels heading to the Great Lakes or Hudson Bay, or vessels engaged in the foreign export of Alaskan North Slope crude oil. However, NISA’s reporting and record keeping requirements are mandatory for vessels bound for any port in the United States. Although ballast water exchange is the primary means of compliance with NISA’s guidelines, compliance can also be achieved through the retention of ballast water on board the ship, or the use of environmentally sound alternative ballast water management methods approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. If the mid-ocean ballast exchange is made mandatory throughout the United States, or if water treatment requirements or options are instituted, the cost of compliance could increase for ocean carriers. Although we do not believe that the costs of compliance with a mandatory mid-ocean ballast exchange would be material, it is difficult to predict the overall impact of such a requirement on the dry bulk shipping industry. In April 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that amends NISA by prohibiting the discharge of ballast water unless it has been treated with specified methods or acceptable alternatives. Similar bills have been introduced in the U.S. Senate, but we cannot predict whether a similar bill will be enacted into law by the current U.S. Congress. In the absence of federal standards, states have enacted legislation or regulations to address invasive species through ballast water and hull cleaning management and permitting requirements. For instance, in 2007 the state of California enacted legislation extending its ballast water management program to regulate the management of “hull fouling” organisms attached to vessels and adopted regulations limiting the number of organisms in ballast water discharges. In addition, in November 2008, the Sixth Circuit affirmed a District Court’s dismissal of challenges to the state of Michigan’s ballast water management legislation mandating the use of various techniques for ballast water treatment. Other states may proceed with the enactment of similar requirements that could increase the costs of operating in state waters.

 

Security Regulations

 

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there have been a variety of initiatives intended to enhance vessel security. In November 2002, the MTSA came into effect. To implement certain portions of the MTSA, in July 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels 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. The new chapter went into effect on July 1, 2004, and imposes various detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities, most of which are contained in the newly created ISPS Code. Among the various requirements are:

 

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  Ø on-board installation of automatic information systems to enhance vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communications;

 

  Ø on-board installation of ship security alert systems;

 

  Ø the development of vessel security plans; and

 

  Ø compliance with flag state security certification requirements.

 

The U.S. Coast Guard regulations, intended to be aligned with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from MTSA vessel security measures, provided such vessels have on board, by July 1, 2004, a valid International Ship Security Certificate that attests to the vessel’s compliance with SOLAS security requirements and the ISPS Code. The vessels in our fleet that we operate have on board valid International Ship Security Certificates and, therefore, will comply with the requirements of the MTSA.

 

International Laws Governing Civil Liability to Pay Compensation or Damages

 

In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or the Bunker Convention, which imposes strict liability on shipowners for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of “bunker oil.” The Bunker Convention defines “bunker oil” as “any hydrocarbon mineral oil, including lubricating oil, used or intended to be used for the operation or propulsion of the ship, and any residues of such oil.” The Bunker Convention also requires registered owners of vessels over a certain size to maintain insurance for pollution damage in an amount equal to the limits of liability under the applicable national or international limitation regime (but not exceeding the amount calculated in accordance with the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims of 1976, as amended, or the 1976 Convention). The Bunker Convention entered into force in November 2008, and as of early 2012 had 64 contracting states. In other jurisdictions, liability for spills or releases of oil from vessels’ bunkers continues to be determined by the national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where the events or damages occur.

 

Outside the United States, national laws generally provide for the owner to bear strict liability for pollution, subject to a right to limit liability under applicable national or international regimes for limitation of liability. The most widely applicable international regime limiting maritime pollution liability is the 1976 Convention. Rights to limit liability under the 1976 Convention are forfeited where a spill is caused by a shipowners’ intentional or reckless conduct. Some states have ratified the 1996 LLMC Protocol to the 1976 Convention, which provides for liability limits substantially higher than those set forth in the 1976 Convention to apply in such states. Finally, some jurisdictions are not a party to either the 1976 Convention or the 1996 LLMC Protocol, and, therefore, shipowners’ rights to limit liability for maritime pollution in such jurisdictions may be uncertain.

 

C.  Organizational Structure

 

Globus is a holding company. We own eight operational subsidiaries, seven of which are Marshall Islands corporations and one of which is incorporated in Malta. Seven of our operational subsidiaries each own one vessel and our eighth operational subsidiary, our Manager, provides the technical and day-to-day commercial management of our fleet. Our Manager maintains ship management agreements with each of our vessel-owning subsidiaries.

 

D.  Property, Plants and Equipment

 

In August 2006, our Manager entered into a rental agreement for 350 square meters of office space for our operations within a building owned by Cyberonica S.A., a company related to us through common control. Rental expense is currently €14,578 per month. The rental agreement provides for an annual increase in rent of 2% above the rate of inflation as set by the Bank of Greece. The contract runs for nine years and can be terminated by us with six months notice. We do not presently own any real estate.

 

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We have no manufacturing capacity, nor do we produce any products.

 

We believe that our existing facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the foreseeable future.

 

Item 4A.  Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. We believe that the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results or plan of operations could differ materially from those anticipated by forward-looking information due to factors discussed under “Item 3.D.  Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

A.  Operating Results

 

Overview

 

We are an integrated dry bulk shipping company, which began operations in September 2006, providing marine transportation services on a worldwide basis. We own, operate and manage a fleet of dry bulk vessels that transport iron ore, coal, grain, steel products, cement, alumina and other dry bulk cargoes internationally. Following the conclusion of our initial public offering on June 1, 2007, our common shares were listed on the AIM under the ticker “GLBS.L.” On July 29, 2010, we effected a one-for-four reverse stock split, with our issued share capital resulting in 7,240,852 common shares of $0.004 each. On November 24, 2010, we redomiciled into the Marshall Islands pursuant to the BCA and a resale registration statement for our common shares was declared effective by the SEC. Once the resale registration statement was declared effective by the SEC, our common shares began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker “GLBS.” We delisted our common shares from the AIM on November 26, 2010.

 

On June 30, 2011, we completed a follow-on public offering in the United States under the Securities Act, of 2,750,000 common shares at a price of $8.00 per share, the net proceeds of which amounted to approximately $20 million. As of December 31, 2011, our issued and outstanding capital stock consisted of 10,100,477 common shares.

 

As of December 31, 2010, our fleet consisted of five dry bulk vessels (three Supramaxes, one Panamax and one Kamsarmax) with an aggregate carrying capacity of 319,664 dwt. In March 2011, the Company purchased from an unaffiliated third party a 2007-built Supramax vessel for $30.3 million. The vessel was delivered in September 2011 and was named “Sun Globe.” In May 2011 the Company purchased from an unaffiliated third party a 2005-built Panamax vessel for $31.4 million. The vessel was delivered in June 2011 and was named “Moon Globe.” As of December 31, 2011, our fleet consisted of seven dry bulk vessels (four Supramaxes, two Panamax and one Kamsarmax) with an aggregate carrying capacity of 452,886 dwt.

 

We intend to grow our fleet through timely and selective acquisitions of modern vessels in a manner that we believe will provide an attractive return on equity and will be accretive to our earnings and cash flow based on anticipated market rates at the time of purchase. There is no guarantee however, that we will be able to find suitable vessels to purchase or that such vessels will provide an attractive return on equity or be accretive to our earnings and cash flow.

 

Our strategy is to employ our vessels on a mix of all types of charter contracts, including bareboat charters, time charters and spot charters. We may, from time to time, enter into charters with longer durations depending on our assessment of market conditions.

 

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We seek to manage our fleet in a manner that allows us to maintain profitability across the shipping cycle and thus maximize returns for our shareholders. To accomplish this objective we have deployed our vessels primarily on a mix of bareboat and time charters (with terms of between three months and five years) and spot charters. According to our assessment of market conditions, we have adjusted the mix of these charters to take advantage of the relatively stable cash flow and high utilization rates associated with time charters or to profit from attractive spot charter rates during periods of strong charter market conditions.

 

The average number of vessels in our fleet for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was 5.8, 4.0 and 6.3 respectively.

 

Our operations are managed by our Athens, Greece-based wholly owned subsidiary, Globus Shipmanagement Corp., our Manager, who provides in-house commercial and technical management exclusively for our vessels. Our Manager enters into a ship management agreement with each of our wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiaries to provide such services.

 

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

 

We believe that the important measures for analyzing trends in our results of operations consist of the following:

 

  Ø Ownership days . We define ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet has been owned by us. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that we record during a period.

 

  Ø Available days . We define available days as the number of our ownership days less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades or special surveys. The shipping industry uses available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels should be capable of generating revenues.

 

  Ø Operating days . Operating days are the number of available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that the vessels are off-hire due to any reason, including unforeseen circumstances. The shipping industry uses operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period during which vessels generate revenues.

 

  Ø Fleet utilization . We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of our operating days during a period by the number of our available days during the period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company’s efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the amount of days that its vessels are off-hire for reasons other than scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades, special surveys or vessel positioning.

 

  Ø Average number of vessels . We measure average number of vessels by the sum of the number of days each vessel was part of our fleet during a relevant period divided by the number of calendar days in such period.

 

  Ø TCE rates . We define TCE rates as our revenue less net revenue from our bareboat charters less voyage expenses during a period divided by the number of our available days during the period excluding bareboat charter days, which is consistent with industry standards. TCE is a non-GAAP measure. TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare daily earnings generated by vessels on time charters with daily earnings generated by vessels on voyage charters, because charter hire rates for vessels on voyage charters are generally not expressed in per day amounts while charter hire rates for vessels on time charters generally are expressed in such amounts.

 

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The following table reflects our ownership days, available days, operating days, average number of vessels and fleet utilization for the periods indicated. 

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
Ownership days   2,125       1,458       2,314       2,878       2,017  
Available days   2,111       1,458       2,277       2,808       1,965  
Operating days   2,083       1,441       2,246       2,781       1,837  
Bareboat charter days   365       186       -       -       -  
Fleet utilization   98.7 %     98.8 %     98.6 %     99.0 %     93.5 %
Average number of vessels   5.8       4.0       6.3       7.9       5.5  
Daily time charter equivalent (TCE) rate $ 15,619     $ 18,996     $ 21,550     $ 32,736     $ 19,702  

 

We utilize TCE because we believe it is a meaningful measure to compare period-to-period changes in our performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., voyage charters, spot charters and time charters) under which our vessels may be employed between the periods. Our management also utilizes TCE to assist them in making decisions regarding employment of our vessels. We believe that our method of calculating TCE is consistent with industry standards and is determined by dividing revenue after deducting voyage expenses, and net revenue from our bareboat charters, by available days for the relevant period excluding bareboat charter days. Voyage expenses primarily consist of brokerage commissions and port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise be paid by the charter under a time charter contract.

 

The following table reflects the calculation of our daily TCE rates for the periods indicated.

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

(Expressed in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, except
number of days and daily
TCE rates)

 
    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
                               
Revenue   35,559       28,860       52,812       98,597       40,960  
Less: Voyage expenses   3,283       2,152       3,742       6,674       2,245  
Less: bareboat charter net revenue   5,006       2,545       -       -       -  
Net revenue excluding bareboat charter net revenue   27,270       24,163       49,070       91,923       38,715  
Available days net of bareboat charter days   1,746       1,272       2,277       2,808       1,965  
Daily TCE rate   15,619       18,996       21,550       32,736       19,702  

 

Lack of Historical Operating Data for Vessels Before their Acquisition

 

Consistent with shipping industry practice, we were not and have not been able obtain the historical operating data for the secondhand vessels we purchase, in part because that information is not material to our decision to acquire such vessels, nor do we believe such information would be helpful to potential investors in our common shares in assessing our business or profitability. We purchased our vessels under a standardized agreement commonly used in shipping practice, which, among other things, provides us with the right to inspect the vessel and the vessel’s classification society records. The standard agreement does not provide us the right to inspect, or receive copies of, the historical operating data of the vessel. Accordingly, such information was not available to us. Prior to the delivery of a purchased vessel, the seller typically removes from the vessel all records, including past financial records and accounts related to the vessel. Typically, the technical management agreement between a seller’s technical manager and the seller is automatically terminated and the vessel’s trading certificates are revoked by its flag state following a change in ownership.

 

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In addition, and consistent with shipping industry practice, we treat the acquisition of vessels from unaffiliated third parties as the acquisition of an asset rather than a business. We believe that, under the applicable provisions of Rule 11-01(d) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act, the acquisition of our vessels does not constitute the acquisition of a “business” for which historical or pro forma financial information would be provided pursuant to Rules 3-05 and 11-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

Although vessels are generally acquired free of charter, we may in the future acquire some vessels with charters. Where a vessel has been under a voyage charter, the vessel is usually delivered to the buyer free of charter. It is rare in the shipping industry for the last charterer of the vessel in the hands of the seller to continue as the first charterer of the vessel in the hands of the buyer. In most cases, when a vessel is under time charter and the buyer wishes to assume that charter, the vessel cannot be acquired without the charterer’s consent and the buyer entering into a separate direct agreement, called a novation agreement, with the charterer to assume the charter. The purchase of a vessel itself does not transfer the charter because it is a separate service agreement between the vessel owner and the charterer.

 

If the Company acquires a vessel subject to a time charter, it amortizes the amount of the component that is attributable to favorable or unfavorable terms relative to market terms and is included in the cost of that vessel, over the remaining term of the lease. The amortization is included in line “amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels” in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

If we purchase a vessel and assume or renegotiate a related time charter, we must take the following steps before the vessel will be ready to commence operations:

 

  Ø obtain the charterer’s consent to us as the new owner;

 

  Ø obtain the charterer’s consent to a new technical manager;

 

  Ø in some cases, obtain the charterer’s consent to a new flag for the vessel;

 

  Ø arrange for a new crew for the vessel, and where the vessel is on charter, in some cases, the crew must be approved by the charterer;

 

  Ø replace all hired equipment on board, such as gas cylinders and communication equipment;

 

  Ø negotiate and enter into new insurance contracts for the vessel through our own insurance brokers;

 

  Ø register the vessel under a flag state and perform the related inspections in order to obtain new trading certificates from the flag state;

 

  Ø implement a new planned maintenance program for the vessel; and

 

  Ø ensure that the new technical manager obtains new certificates for compliance with the safety and vessel security regulations of the flag state.

 

The following discussion is intended to help you understand how acquisitions of vessels affect our business and results of operations.

 

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Our business is comprised of the following main elements:

 

  Ø

employment and operation of our dry bulk vessels; and 

     
  Ø management of the financial, general and administrative elements involved in the conduct of our business and ownership of our dry bulk vessels.

 

The employment and operation of our vessels require the following main components:

 

  Ø vessel maintenance and repair;

 

  Ø crew selection and training;

 

  Ø vessel spares and stores supply;

 

  Ø contingency response planning;

 

  Ø onboard safety procedures auditing;

 

  Ø accounting;

 

  Ø vessel insurance arrangement;

 

  Ø vessel chartering;

 

  Ø vessel security training and security response plans (ISPS);

 

  Ø obtaining ISM certification and audit for each vessel within the six months of taking over a vessel;

 

  Ø vessel hire management;

 

  Ø vessel surveying; and

 

  Ø vessel performance monitoring.

 

The management of financial, general and administrative elements involved in the conduct of our business and ownership of our vessels requires the following main components:

 

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

 

  Ø management of our accounting system and records and financial reporting;

 

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

 

  Ø management of the relationships with our service providers and customers.

 

The principal factors that affect our profitability, cash flows and shareholders’ return on investment include:

 

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  Ø rates and periods of hire;

  

  Ø levels of vessel operating expenses, including repairs and drydocking;

 

  Ø purchase and sale of vessels;

 

  Ø depreciation expenses;

 

  Ø

financing costs; and

 

  Ø fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

 

Revenue

 

Overview

 

We generate revenues by charging our customers for the use of our vessels to transport their dry bulk commodities. Under a time charter, the charterer pays us a fixed daily charter hire rate and bears all voyage expenses, including the cost of bunkers (fuel oil) and port and canal charges. We remain responsible for paying the chartered vessel’s operating expenses, including the cost of crewing, insuring, repairing and maintaining the vessel, the costs of spares and consumable stores, tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses. Under a bareboat charter, the charterer pays us a fixed daily charter hire rate and bears all voyage expenses, as well as the vessel’s operating expenses.

 

Spot charters can be spot voyage charters or spot time charters. Spot voyage charters involve the carriage of a specific amount and type of cargo on a load-port to discharge-port basis, subject to various cargo handling terms, and the vessel owner is paid on a per-ton basis. Under a spot voyage charter, the vessel owner is responsible for the payment of all expenses including capital costs, voyage and expenses, such as port, canal and bunker costs. A spot time charter is a contract to charter a vessel for an agreed period of time at a set daily rate. Under spot time charters, the charterer pays the voyage expenses.

 

Revenues

 

Our revenues are driven primarily by the number of vessels in our fleet, the number of days during which our vessels operate and the amount of daily hire rates that our vessels earn under charters or on the spot market, which, in turn, are affected by a number of factors, including:

 

  Ø the duration of our charters;

 

  Ø the number of days our vessels are hired to operate on the spot market;

 

  Ø our decisions relating to vessel acquisitions and disposals;

 

  Ø the amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels for employment;

 

  Ø the amount of time that our vessels spend in drydocking undergoing repairs;

 

  Ø maintenance and upgrade work;

 

  Ø the age, condition and specifications of our vessels;

 

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  Ø levels of supply and demand in the dry bulk shipping industry; and

 

  Ø other factors affecting spot market charter rates for dry bulk vessels.

 

Our revenues in 2009 declined as we were exposed to the lower charter rates on the spot market and consequently a number of vessels were fixed to new employments at daily time charter rates considerably lower than their previous employments, in addition to the lower spot charter rates we earned. We also disposed of vessels in 2009, which led to decreased ownership, available and operating days.

 

Our revenues in 2010 declined as a result of the reduction in the size of our fleet, which decreased our ownership, available and operating days. Revenues also decreased in 2010 due to lower daily time charter and spot rates earned on average from our vessels compared to 2009.

 

Our revenues in 2011 increased as a result of the increase in the size of our fleet, which increased our ownership, available and operating days.

 

Employment of our Vessels

 

As of December 31, 2011, we employed our vessels as follows:

 

Ø m/v Tiara Globe – on a time charter with Transgrain Shipping that began in February 2010 and was scheduled to expire in a minimum of 24 months (maximum of 26 months) from such date, at the gross rate of $20,000 per day.

 

Ø m/v Star Globe – on a time charter with Allied Maritime Inc. that began in May 2011 and was scheduled to expire in a minimum of 6 months (maximum of 8 months) from such date, at the gross rate of $15,600 per day.

 

Ø m/v River Globe – on a time charter with Allied Maritime Inc. that began in May 2011 and was scheduled to expire in a minimum of 5 months (maximum of 7 months) from such date, at the gross rate of $14,500 per day.

 

Ø m/v Jin Star – on a bareboat charter with Eastern Media International Corporation and Far Eastern Silo & Shipping (Panama) S.A. that began in June 2010 for a period of 56 months (which can be extended for one year at the charterer’s option, and thereafter extended one additional year at our option), at the gross rate of $14,250 per day.

 

Ø m/v Sky Globe – on a time charter with Hyundai Merchant Marine that began in August 2011 and is scheduled to expire 24 months from such date, at the gross rate of $12,000 per day for the first year and $12,500 per day for the second year.

 

Ø m/v Moon Globe – on a time charter with Western Ocean Shipping Inc that began in June 2011 and is scheduled to expire 24 months from such date, at the net rate of $18,000 per day.

 

Ø m/v Sun Globe – on a time charter with Qingdao Ocean Shipping Co that began in September 2011 and is scheduled to expire in a minimum of 40 months (maximum of 42 months) from such date, at the gross rate of $16,000 per day.

 

Our charter agreements subject us to counterparty risk. In depressed market conditions, charterers may seek to renegotiate the terms of their existing charter parties or avoid their obligations under those contracts. Should counterparties to one or more of our charters fail to honor their obligations under their agreements with us, we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay dividends.

 

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Voyage Expenses

 

We charter our vessels primarily through time charters under which the charterer is responsible for most voyage expenses, such as the cost of bunkers (fuel oil), port expenses, agents’ fees, canal dues, extra war risks insurance and any other expenses related to the cargo.

 

Whenever we employ our vessels on a voyage basis (such as trips for the purpose of geographically repositioning a vessel or trip(s) after the end of one time charter and up to the beginning of the next time charter), we incur voyage expenses that include port expenses and canal charges and bunker (fuel oil) expenses.

 

If we charter our vessels on bareboat charters, the charterer will pay for most of the voyage expenses.

 

As is common in the shipping industry, we have historically paid commissions ranging from 0% to 6.25% of the total daily charter hire rate of each charter to unaffiliated ship brokers and in-house brokers associated with the charterers, depending on the number of brokers involved with arranging the charter.

 

For 2011, 2010 and 2009, commissions amounted to $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

 

We believe that the amounts and the structures of our commissions are consistent with industry practices.

 

These commissions are directly related to our revenues. We therefore expect that the amount of total commissions will increase as the size of our fleet grows as a result of additional vessel acquisitions and employment of those vessels.

 

Net Revenue

 

We calculate our net revenue by subtracting our voyage expenses from our revenues. Net Revenue is not a recognized measurement under IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative or comparable to net income.

 

Vessel Operating Expenses

 

Vessel operating expenses include costs for crewing, insurance, repairs and maintenance, lubricants, spare parts and consumable stores, statutory and classification tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses. We calculate daily vessel operating expenses by dividing vessel operating expenses by ownership days for the relevant time period excluding bareboat charter days.

 

Our vessel operating expenses have historically fluctuated as a result of changes in the size of our fleet. In addition, a portion of our vessel operating expenses is in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, such as costs related to repairs, spare parts and consumables. These expenses may increase or decrease as a result of fluctuation of the U.S. dollar against these currencies.

 

We expect that crewing costs will increase in the future due to the shortage in the supply of qualified sea-going personnel. In addition, we expect that maintenance costs will increase as our vessels age. Other factors that may affect the shipping industry in general, such as the cost of insurance, may also cause our expenses to increase. To the extent that we purchase additional vessels, we expect our vessel operating expenses to increase accordingly.

 

Depreciation

 

The cost of our vessels is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of each vessel. Depreciation is based on the cost of the vessel less its estimated residual value. We estimate the useful life of our vessels to be 25 years from the date of delivery from the shipyard. Furthermore, we estimate the residual values of our vessels to be $200 per light-weight ton. We do not expect these assumptions to change in the near future. We expect that these charges will increase if we acquire additional vessels.

 

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Depreciation of Drydocking Costs

 

Vessels are required to be drydocked for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating. Drydockings occur approximately every 2.5 years. The costs associated with the drydockings are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the period between drydockings, to a maximum of 2.5 years. At the date of acquisition of a secondhand vessel, we estimate the component of the cost that corresponds to the economic benefit to be derived until the first scheduled drydocking of the vessel under our ownership and this component is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining period through the estimated drydocking date. We expect that drydocking costs will increase as our vessels age and if we acquire additional vessels.

 

Amortization of Fair Value of Time Charter Attached to Vessels

 

If the Company acquires a vessel subject to a time charter, it amortizes the amount of the component that is attributable to favorable or unfavorable terms relative to market terms and is included in the cost of that vessel, over the remaining term of the lease. The amortization is included in line “amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels” in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

Administrative Expenses

 

Our administrative expenses include payroll expenses, traveling, promotional and other expenses associated with us being a public company, which include the preparation of disclosure documents, legal and accounting costs, director and officer liability insurance costs and costs related to compliance. We expect that our administrative expenses will increase as we enlarge our fleet.

 

Administrative Expenses Payable to Related Parties

 

Our administrative expenses payable to related parties include cash remuneration of our senior management and directors and rental of our office space.

 

Share Based Payments

 

We operate an equity-settled, share based compensation plan. The value of the service received in exchange of the grant of shares is recognized as an expense. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the share awards at the grant date. The relevant expense is recognized in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, with a corresponding impact in equity.

 

Impairment Loss

 

We assess at each reporting date whether there is an indication that a vessel may be impaired. The vessel’s recoverable amount is estimated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such indication exists and where the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the vessel is written down to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the vessel. Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. If that is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. That increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. After such a reversal, the depreciation charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised carrying amount, less any residual value, on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.

 

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Gain/(Loss) on Sale of Vessels

 

Gain or loss on the sale of vessels is the residual value remaining after deducting from the vessels’ sale proceeds, the carrying value of the vessels at the respective date of delivery to their new owners and the total expenses associated with the sale.

 

Other (Expenses)/Income, Net

 

We include other operating expenses or income that is not classified otherwise. It mainly consists of provisions for insurance claims deductibles and refunds from insurance claims.

 

Interest Income from Bank Balances & Bank Deposits

 

We earn interest on the funds we have deposited with banks as well as from short-term certificates of deposit.

 

Interest Expense and Finance Costs

 

We incur interest expense and financing costs in connection with the indebtedness under our Credit Facility, Kelty Loan Agreement and DVB Loan Agreement. We also incurred financing costs in connection with establishing those arrangements, which is included in our finance costs and amortization and write-off of deferred finance charges. As of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we had $111.4 million, $96.7 million and $70.6 million of indebtedness outstanding under our then existing credit arrangements, respectively. We incur interest expense and financing costs relating to our outstanding debt as well as our available but undrawn Credit Facility. We will incur additional interest expense in the future on our outstanding borrowings and under future borrowings to finance future acquisitions.

 

Gain/(Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments

 

We may enter into derivative financial instruments, which mainly consist of interest rate SWAP agreements. Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized immediately in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

Foreign Exchange Gains/(Losses), Net

 

We generate substantially all of our revenues from the trading of our vessels in U.S. dollars but incur a portion of our expenses in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. While we were incorporated in Jersey, the majority of our general and administrative expenses as well as the dividends paid to shareholders were in U.K. pounds sterling. We have since redomiciled into the Marshall Islands and our common shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market. Therefore, we do not anticipate having any material expenses in U.K. pounds sterling, and going forward our dividends will be declared and paid in U.S. dollars.

 

For cash management, or treasury, purposes, we convert U.S. dollars into foreign currencies to pay for our non-U.S. dollar expenses, which we then hold on deposit until the date of each transaction. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates create foreign exchange gains or losses when we mark-to-market these non-U.S. dollar deposits.

 

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For accounting purposes, expenses incurred in all foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of each transaction.

 

Because a portion of our expenses is payable in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, our expenses may from time to time increase relative to our revenues as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates, which could affect the amount of net income that we report in future periods.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following is a discussion of our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 and for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the year ended December 31, 2010

 

As of December 31, 2010, our fleet consisted of five dry bulk vessels (three Supramaxes, one Panamax and one Kamsarmax) with an aggregate carrying capacity of 319,664 dwt. In March 2011, the Company purchased from an unaffiliated third party a 2007-built Supramax vessel for $30.3 million. The vessel was delivered in September 2011 and was named “Sun Globe.” In May 2011, the Company purchased from an unaffiliated third party a 2005-built Panamax vessel for $31.4 million. The vessel was delivered in June 2011 and was named “Moon Globe.” As of December 31, 2011, our fleet consisted of seven dry bulk vessels (four Supramaxes, two Panamax and one Kamsarmax) with an aggregate carrying capacity of 452,886 dwt.

 

During 2011, we had an operating profit of $9.3 million.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we had an average of 5.8 dry bulk vessels in our fleet. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we had an average of 4.0 dry bulk vessels in our fleet.

 

Revenue . Revenue increased by $6.7 million, or 23%, to $35.6 million in 2011, compared to $28.9 million in 2010. Net revenues increased by $5.6 million, or 21%, to $32.3 million in 2011, from $26.7 million in 2010. The increase is partly attributable to an increase in the size of the fleet, which resulted in a 45% increase in operating days and effectively increased our net revenue by approximately $12.0 million, assuming all other variables were held constant. The increase in our net revenue was partly offset by an 18% decrease in average TCE rates due to the unfavorable average shipping rates achieved by the vessels in our fleet in 2011 compared to 2010, which effectively reduced our net revenues by approximately $6.4 million, assuming all other variables were held constant. In 2011, we had total operating days of 2,083 and fleet utilization of 98.7%, compared to 1,441 operating days and a fleet utilization of 98.8% in 2010.

 

Voyage expenses. Voyage expenses increased by $1.1 million, or 50%, to $3.3 million in 2011, compared to $2.2 million in 2010. This increase is attributable to the increase in our revenues and the increase in the size of our fleet.

 

Vessel operating expenses. Vessel operating expenses increased by $2.1 million, or 36%, to $8.0 million in 2011, compared to $5.9 million in 2010. The increase in operating expenses is attributable to the 46% increase in ownership days resulting from the increase of the average number of vessels in our fleet from 4.0 vessels in 2010 to 5.8 vessels in 2011. The breakdown of our operating expenses for the year 2011 was as follows:

 

Crew expenses     52 %
Repairs and spares     17 %
Insurance     11 %
Stores     12 %
Lubricants     6 %
Other     2 %

 

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Daily vessel operating expenses were $4,527 in 2011 compared to $4,628 in 2010, representing a decrease of 2%.

 

Depreciation . Depreciation increased by $2.8 million, or 38%, to $10.2 million in 2011, compared to $7.4 million in 2010. This increase is directly the result of the increase in the average number of vessels in our fleet.

 

Amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels . Amortization amounted to $0.8 million in 2011 directly attributable to the time charters attached, with favorable terms relevant to market terms, on the m/v Moon Globe and m/v Sun Globe acquired in 2011. No other vessels have been acquired in the past with time charters attached.

 

Administrative expenses. Administrative expenses decreased by $0.2 million, or 9%, to $2.1 million in 2011, compared to $2.3 million in 2010. This decrease is directly the result of the additional costs incurred for listing our common shares on the Nasdaq Global Market in 2010.

 

Interest expense and finance costs. Interest expense increased by $0.7 million, or 33%, to $2.8 million in 2011, compared to $2.1 million in 2010. This increase is mainly due to the increase in our average level of debt during 2011 compared to 2010 as well as due to the increase in our weighted average interest rate to 1.69% during 2011 from 1.46% during 2010. The total outstanding bank loans as of December 31, 2011 amounted to $111.4 million compared to $96.7 million as of December 31, 2010. All of our bank loans are denominated in U.S. dollars.

 

Gain/(loss) on derivative financial instruments. The valuation of our two interest rate swaps at the end of each period is affected by the prevailing interest rates at that time. At December 31, 2011, the two interest rate SWAP agreements (for $25 million in total, or 22% of our total debt outstanding of $111.4 million) were recorded at fair market value, which is the amount that would be paid by us or to us should those instruments be terminated. The change in the valuation of the SWAP agreements between December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was recorded as a $0.4 million non-cash unrealized gain for 2011.

 

Year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the year ended December 31, 2009

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, we agreed to sell to unaffiliated third parties five vessels, each of which was built in the mid-1990s. Three of these vessels (the m/v Island Globe , m/v Gulf Globe and m/v Lake Globe ) were delivered to their new owners during 2009, and two vessels (the m/v Sea Globe and m/v Coral Globe ) were delivered to their new owners in February 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we acquired three vessels from unaffiliated third parties. The m/v Sky Globe and m/v Star Globe were delivered to us in May 2010 and the m/v Jin Star was delivered to us in June 2010.

 

During 2010, we had an operating profit of $9.3 million.

 

In 2009, when the memoranda of agreement to sell the five vessels were executed, the book value (or carrying amount) of each of the vessels was higher than the agreed sale price. The mandatory adjustment of the book values (or carrying amount) of these five vessels resulted in a $28.4 million impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2009 and we had an operating loss of $8.2 million.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we had an average of 4.0 dry bulk vessels in our fleet. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we had an average of 6.3 dry bulk vessels in our fleet.

 

Revenue . Revenue decreased by $23.9 million, or 45%, to $28.9 million in 2010, compared to $52.8 million in 2009. Net revenue decreased by $22.4 million, or 46%, to $26.7 million in 2010, from $49.1 million in 2009. The decrease is partly attributable to a decrease in the size of the fleet, which resulted in a 36% decrease in operating days and effectively reduced our net revenue by approximately $17.7 million, assuming all other variables were held constant. In addition, the decrease is partly attributable to a 12% decrease in average TCE rates due to the unfavorable average shipping rates achieved by the vessels in our fleet in 2010 compared to 2009, which effectively reduced our net revenue by approximately $4.7 million, assuming all other variables were held constant. In 2010, we had total operating days of 1,441 and fleet utilization of 98.8%, compared to 2,246 operating days and a fleet utilization of 98.6% in 2009.

 

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Voyage expenses . Voyage expenses decreased by $1.5 million, or 41%, to $2.2 million in 2010, compared to $3.7 million in 2009. This decrease is attributable to the decrease in our revenues and the reduction of the size of our fleet.

 

Vessel operating expenses . Vessel operating expenses decreased by $4.2 million, or 42%, to $5.9 million in 2010, compared to $10.1 million in 2009. The decrease in operating expenses is attributable to the 37% decrease in ownership days resulting from the decrease of the average number of vessels in our fleet from 6.3 vessels in 2009 to 4.0 vessels in 2010. The breakdown of our operating expenses for the year 2010 was as follows:

 

Crew expenses     52 %
Repairs and spares     17 %
Insurance     10 %
Stores     11 %
Lubricants     7 %
Other     2 %

 

Daily vessel operating expenses were $4,628 in 2010 compared to $4,381 in 2009, representing an increase of 6%. This increase is mainly due to the initial supplies for our two new acquisitions, the m/v Sky Globe and m/v Star Globe that were delivered to us in May 2010.

 

Depreciation . Depreciation decreased by $3.8 million, or 34%, to $7.4 million in 2010, compared to $11.2 million in 2009. This decrease is directly the result of the decrease in the average number of vessels in our fleet.

 

Depreciation of drydocking costs . Depreciation of drydocking costs decreased by $1.1 million, or 73%, to $0.4 million in 2010, compared to $1.5 million in 2009. This decrease is directly the result of the decrease in the average number of vessels in our fleet.

 

Administrative expenses . Administrative expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 15%, to $2.3 million in 2010, compared to $2.0 million in 2009. This increase is directly the result of the additional costs incurred for listing our common shares on the Nasdaq Global Market.

 

Share based payments . Share based payments decreased by $1.5 million, or 83%, to $0.3 million in 2010, compared to $1.8 million in 2009. On April 21, 2009, our board of directors in agreement with our chief executive officer, decided to release the unvested 42,763 common shares awarded on March 4, 2008 to our chief executive officer under our long term incentive plan. We accounted for the cancellation of the award as an acceleration of vesting and therefore recognized immediately the amount that otherwise would have been recognized over the remaining of the vesting period to March 4, 2011. The amount recognized in 2009 relating to such cancellation was $1.4 million. There was no such charge in 2010.

 

Impairment loss . No impairment loss was recognized in 2010. In 2009, we entered into five memoranda of agreement for the sale of the m/v Sea Globe , m/v Coral Globe , m/v Island Globe , m/v Gulf Globe and m/v Lake Globe . From the date each memorandum of agreement was executed until the delivery of each vessel to its respective new owner, the vessels were classified as held for sale and were measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sale. As a result, we recognized an impairment loss of approximately $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Interest income from bank balances & deposits . Interest income decreased by $0.8 million, or 80%, to $0.2 million in 2010, compared to $1.0 million in 2009. This decrease is directly the result of the decrease in our average cash balances.

 

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Interest expense and finance costs . Interest expense decreased by $0.8 million, or 28%, to $2.1 million in 2010, compared to $2.9 million in 2009. This decrease is directly the result of the decrease in our average level of debt during 2010 compared to 2009. The total outstanding bank loans as of December 31, 2010 amounted to $96.7 million compared to $70.6 million as of December 31, 2009. All of our bank loans are denominated in U.S. dollars.

 

Gain/(loss) on derivative financial instruments . The valuation of our two interest rate swaps at the end of each period is affected by the prevailing interest rates at that time. At December 31, 2010, the two interest rate SWAP agreements (for $25 million in total, or 26% of our total debt outstanding of $96.7 million) were recorded at fair value, which is the amount that would be paid by us or to us should those instruments be terminated. The change in the valuation of the SWAP agreements between December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was recorded as a $0.6 million non-cash unrealized loss for 2010.

 

Foreign exchange (losses)/gains, net . Foreign exchange losses were $0.9 million for 2010, compared to losses of $0.2 million in 2009. Foreign currency exchange losses resulted primarily from the change in fair value of cash deposits in the Euro, as well as currency exchanges, to pay for vessel operating expenses and general and administrative expenses, a portion of which were in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation has only a moderate effect on our expenses given current economic conditions. In the event that significant global inflationary pressures appear, these pressures would increase our operating, voyage, administrative and financing costs.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The preparation of those financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

 

Critical accounting policies are those that reflect significant judgments of uncertainties and potentially result in material different results under different assumptions and conditions. We have described below what we believe are our most critical accounting policies, because they generally involve a comparatively higher degree of judgment in their application. For a description of all our significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: We assess at each reporting date whether there is an indication that a vessel may be impaired. The vessel’s recoverable amount is estimated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

 

If such indication exists and where the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the vessel is written down to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the vessel. This assessment is made at the individual vessel level as separately identifiable cash flow information for each vessel is available. We determine the fair value of our assets based on management estimates and assumptions and by making use of available market data and taking into consideration third party valuations.

 

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The estimated future cash flows are determined by considering the charter revenues from existing time charters for the fixed fleet days and an estimated daily time charter equivalent for the unfixed days, based on the most recent 10 year historical average of the six-month, one-year and three-year time charter rates over the remaining estimated life of each vessel assuming an annual growth rate as published by the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, net of brokerage commissions. Expected outflows for scheduled vessels’ maintenance and vessel operating expenses are based on historical rates, and adjusted annually assuming an average annual inflation rate as published by the IMF. Effective fleet utilization is assumed to be 92%, taking into account the period(s) each vessel is expected to undergo drydocking and estimated off-hire days during the year. We have assumed no change in the remaining estimated useful lives of the current fleet, and scrap values based on $200 per lightweight ton at disposal.

 

Although we believe that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate, these assumptions are highly subjective and we are not able to estimate the variability between the assumptions used and actual results that is reasonably likely to result in the future.

 

Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. If that is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. That increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. After such a reversal, the depreciation charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised carrying amount, less any residual value, on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.

 

As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned and operated a fleet of seven vessels, with an aggregate carrying value of $242.5 million. The carrying value of each of the Company’s vessels does not necessarily represent its fair market value or the amount that could be obtained if the vessel were sold. The Company’s estimates of the market values assume that the vessels are in good and seaworthy condition without need for repair and, if inspected, would be certified as being in class without any recommendations of any kind. Because vessel values are highly volatile, these estimates may not be indicative of either current or future prices that the Company could achieve if it were to sell any of the vessels. On a vessel-by-vessel basis, as of December 31, 2011, the carrying value of all of Company’s vessels exceeded the estimated fair market value of those same vessels by approximately $71.8 million in aggregate.

 

A vessel-by-vessel carrying value summary as of December 31, 2011, follows:

 

 

 

 

Drybulk Vessels

 

 

 

 

Dwt

   

 

 

Year

Built

   

 

 

Date of

Acquisition

   

 

Purchase Price

(in Millions of

U.S. Dollars)

    Carrying Value
as of December 31,
2011 (in Millions of
U.S. Dollars)
 
m/v River Globe   53,627       2007       December 2007     57.5     46.7  
m/v Sky Globe   56,855       2009       May 2010     32.8     30.7  
m/v Star Globe   56,867       2010       May 2010     32.8     30.8  
m/v Sun Globe   58,790       2007       September 2011     30.3     29.6  
m/v Tiara Globe   72,928       1998       December 2007     66.8     36.3  
m/v Moon Globe   74,432       2005       June 2011     31.4     30.1  
m/v Jin Star   79,387       2010       June 2010     41.1     38.3  
                                    242.5  
                                         

Vessels, net: Vessels are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation (including depreciation of drydocking costs and component attributable to favorable or unfavorable lease terms relative to market terms) and accumulated impairment losses. Vessel cost consists of the contract price for the vessel and any material expenses incurred upon acquisition (initial repairs, improvements and delivery expenses, interest and on-site supervision costs incurred during the construction periods). Any seller’s credit, which is the amounts received from the seller of the vessels until date of delivery, is deducted from the cost of the vessel. Subsequent expenditures for conversions and major improvements are also capitalized when the recognition criteria are met. Otherwise, these amounts are charged to expenses as incurred.

 

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Depreciation: We depreciate our vessels based on a straight line basis over the expected useful life of each vessel, which is 25 years from the date of their initial delivery from the shipyard, which we believe is within industry standards and represents the most reasonable useful life for each of our vessels. Depreciation is based on the cost of the vessel less its estimated residual value at the date of the vessel’s acquisition, which is estimated at $200 per lightweight ton, which we believe is common in the shipping industry. Secondhand vessels are depreciated from the date of their acquisition through their remaining estimated useful lives. A decrease in the useful life of a vessel or in its residual value would have the effect of increasing the annual depreciation charge. When regulations place limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, its useful life is adjusted to end at the date such regulations become effective.

 

Drydocking costs: Vessels are required to be drydocked for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating. Drydockings occur approximately every 2.5 years. The costs associated with the drydockings are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the period between drydockings, to a maximum of 2.5 years. At the date of acquisition of a secondhand vessel, management estimates the component of the cost that corresponds to the economic benefit to be derived until the first scheduled drydocking of the vessel under our ownership and this component is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining period through the estimated drydocking date.

 

Costs capitalized are limited to actual costs incurred, such as shipyard rent, paints and related works and surveyor fees in relation to obtaining the class certification. If a drydocking is performed prior to the scheduled date, the remaining unamortized balances of previous drydockings are immediately written off. Unamortized balances of vessels that are sold are written off and included in the calculation of the resulting gain or loss in the period of the vessel’s sale.

 

Amortization of lease component: When we acquire a vessel subject to a time charter, we amortize the amount of the component attributable to the favorable or unfavorable terms of the time charter relative to market terms which is included in the cost of that vessel, over the remaining term of the time charter.

 

Non-current assets held for sale: Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. We determine the fair value of our assets based on management estimates and assumptions and by making use of available market data and taking into consideration third party valuations. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value less costs to sell, we recognize a loss under impairment loss in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a complete sale within one year from the date of classification. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets once classified as held for sale are not depreciated or amortized.

 

Revenue: We generate our revenues from charterers for the charter hire of our vessels. Vessels are chartered using time charters, where a contract is entered into for the use of a vessel for a specific period of time and a specified daily charter hire rate. If a time charter agreement exists and collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured, revenue is recognized on a straight line basis over the period of the time charter. Such revenues are treated in accordance with IAS 17 as lease income. Associated voyage expenses, which primarily consist of commissions, are recognized on a pro rata basis over the duration of the period of the time charter. Deferred revenue relates to cash received prior to the financial position date and is related to revenue earned after such date.

 

Voyage expense: Consisting primarily of port expenses and owner’s expenses paid by the charterer, canal and bunker expenses that are unique to a particular charter under time charter arrangements or by us under voyage charter arrangements. Furthermore, voyage expenses include commission on income paid by us. We defer bunker expenses under voyage charter agreements and amortize them over the related voyage.

 

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Trade receivables, net: The amount shown as trade receivables at each financial position date includes estimated recoveries from charterers for hire, freight and demurrage billings, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Trade receivables are measured at amortized cost less impairment losses, which are recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. At each financial position date, all potentially uncollectible accounts are assessed individually for the purpose of determining the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts. Although we may believe that our provisions are based on fair judgment at the time of their creation, it is possible that an amount under dispute will not be recovered and the estimated provision of doubtful accounts would be inadequate. If any of our revenues become uncollectible, these amounts would be written-off at that time.

 

Derivative financial instruments: Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. The fair value of these instruments at each reporting date is derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets, liabilities (risk adjusted) and market-corroborated inputs, such as market comparables, interest rates, yield curves and other items that allow value to be determined. Changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized immediately in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

B.  Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of December 31, 2011, we had $9.3 million of “cash and bank balances and bank deposits” that consisted of $7.3 million cash short-term bank deposits with original maturities of three months or less and $2.0 million of deposits on pledge. In addition we had an amount up to $10.0 million available to be drawn under our Credit Facility.

 

As of December 31, 2011, we had an aggregate bank debt outstanding of $111.4 million, which includes $52.0 million from our Credit Facility, $23.7 million from the Kelty Loan Agreement and $35.7 million from the DVB Loan Agreement.

 

As of December 31, 2010, we had $24.6 million of “cash and bank balances and bank deposits” that consisted of $23.6 million of cash short-term bank deposits with original maturities shorter than three months and $1.0 million of deposits on pledge.

 

As of December 31, 2010, we had an aggregate bank debt outstanding of $96.7 million, which includes $71.0 million drawn from our Credit Facility and $25.7 million owed on the Kelty Loan Agreement.

 

Our primary uses of funds have been capital expenditures for the acquisition of vessels, vessel operating expenses, general and administrative expenses, expenditures incurred in connection with ensuring that our vessels comply with international and regulatory standards, financing expenses and repayments of bank loans and payments of dividends to our shareholders. We do not have any commitments for newbuilding contracts.

 

Since our operations began in 2006, we have financed our capital requirements with equity contributions from shareholders, long-term bank debt and cash from operations, including cash from sales of vessels. To finance further vessel acquisitions of either new or secondhand vessels, we anticipate that our primary sources of funds will be our current cash, cash from continuing operations, additional indebtedness to be raised and, possibly, future equity or debt financings.

 

Working capital, which is current assets, minus current liabilities, including the current portion of long-term debt, amounted to $3.0 million and $11.6 million as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

Because of the global economic downturn that has affected the international dry bulk industry we may not be able to obtain financing either from our Credit Facility or the equity markets. Although we expect our liquidity to be less than in previous years based on the current economic state, based on our planned expenditures and assuming no unanticipated expenses, we believe that our cash reserves and expected cash from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for the next twelve months.

 

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Cash Flows

 

Cash and bank balances and bank deposits decreased to $9.3 million as of December 31, 2011, compared to $24.6 million as of December 31, 2010 and $59.2 million as of December 31, 2009. While $2.0 million, or 22%, was pledged as collateral at the end of 2011, $1.0 million, or 4%, was pledged as collateral at the end of 2010 and $6.0 million, or 10%, was pledged as collateral at the end of 2009. We consider highly liquid investments such as bank time deposits with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Net Cash Generated From Operating Activities

 

Net cash generated from operating activities increased by $3.6 million, or 22%, to $19.8 million in 2011, compared to $16.2 million in 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of operating days due to the increase in the size of our fleet. Net cash generated from operating activities decreased by $17.4 million, or 52%, to $16.2 million in 2010, compared to $33.6 million in 2009. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in the number of operating days that we achieved during the year due to the operation of a smaller fleet and the decrease in time charter equivalent rate, which resulted in decreased revenues.

 

Net Cash (Used In) Generated From Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $61.8 million during 2011, which was attributable to net cash of $61.8 million used for the acquisition of the m/v Moon Globe and m/v Sun Globe .

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $72.7 million during 2010, which was attributable to net cash of $106.1 million used for the acquisition of the m/v Star Globe , m/v Sky Globe and m/v Jin Star and $33.0 million generated from the sale of the m/v Sea Globe and m/v Coral Globe and $0.4 million interest received on our cash balances.

 

Net cash generated from investing activities was $60.3 million for 2009, which consisted mainly of the $49.0 million received from the sale of three vessels during 2009, plus $10.0 million which was reclassified upon the maturity of a time deposit with original maturity of four months and $1.2 million interest received on our cash balances.

 

Net Cash Generated From (Used In) Financing Activities

 

Net cash generated from financing activities in 2011 amounted to $25.7 million and consisted of $37.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt drawn for the acquisition of the m/v Moon Globe and m/v Sun Globe and $20.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of share capital, net of transaction costs, reduced by $22.3 million of indebtedness that we repaid under our existing credit and loan facilities, $1.0 million of pledged cash, $5.1 million of dividends paid, $2.7 million of interest paid and $0.2 million of loan fees.

 

Net cash generated from financing activities in 2010 amounted to $27.0 million and consisted of $62.2 million of proceeds drawn for the acquisition of the m/v Star Globe , m/v Sky Globe and m/v Jin Star and $5.0 million of pledged cash, which was released by the bank reduced by $0.2 million of loan fees paid, $36.1 million of indebtedness that we repaid under our then-existing credit and loan facilities, $1.9 million of interest paid on our loans and $2.0 million of dividends paid in 2010.

 

Net cash used in financing activities in 2009 amounted to $74.5 million and consisted of $87.0 million of indebtedness that we repaid under our then-existing credit and loan facilities, plus $2.9 million of interest paid on our loans, reduced by $15.4 million of pledged cash, which was released by the bank.

 

Indebtedness

 

We operate in a capital intensive industry which requires significant amounts of investment, and we fund a portion of this investment through long-term bank debt.

 

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As of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we and our vessel-owning subsidiaries had outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement of an aggregate of $111.4 million, $96.7 million and $70.6 million, respectively.

 

Credit Facility

 

General

 

In November 2007, we entered into a $120.0 million secured reducing revolving Credit Facility with Credit Suisse AG, which we have supplemented from time to time. Our Credit Facility is available to us in connection with vessel acquisitions by our vessel-owning subsidiaries as well as for working capital purposes. Our Credit Facility had an original term of eight years and has a remaining term as of December 31, 2011, of approximately 3.9 years.

 

Our Credit Facility permits us to borrow funds up to the reducing facility limit which began at $120.0 million and which is reduced on “Reduction Dates” every six months (in May and November) according to the following agreed schedule: (1) by $10.0 million on each of the first to fourth Reduction Dates, inclusive, (2) by $4.5 million on each of the fifth to fifteenth Reduction Dates, inclusive, and (3) by $30.5 million on the sixteenth and final Reduction Date, which is November 2015. Consequently, on every Reduction Date that the outstanding balance exceeds the applicable reduced facility limit, we must pay a principal installment to the bank to ensure that the outstanding balance remains at or below the applicable facility limit.

 

We can voluntarily prepay principal installments to the bank without penalty at any time between Reduction Dates. Such voluntarily prepaid principal amounts become undrawn amounts under the Credit Facility and we can re-borrow such amounts, or parts thereof, subject to the reducing facility limit. Our Credit Facility has commitment fees of 0.25% per annum on any undrawn amounts under the facility, other than undrawn amounts relating to approximately $14.9 million, in which the commitment fee is 0.5%. Interest on outstanding balances is payable at 0.95% per annum over LIBOR, except when the aggregate security value of the mortgaged vessels is more than 200% of the outstanding balances, in which case the interest is 0.75% per annum over LIBOR.

 

Our ability to borrow amounts under our Credit Facility is subject to satisfaction of certain customary conditions precedent and compliance with terms and conditions included in our Credit Facility documentation. To the extent that the vessels in our fleet that secure our obligations under our Credit Facility are insufficient to satisfy minimum security requirements, we will be required to grant additional security or obtain a waiver or consent from the lender.

 

Security

 

Our obligations under our Credit Facility are currently secured by a first preferred mortgage on four vessels (the m/v Tiara Globe , m/v River Globe , m/v Sky Globe and m/v Star Globe ), and such other vessels that we may from time to time include with the approval of our lender. Our Credit Facility is also secured by a first priority assignment of any time charter or other contract of employment of any vessel that acts as security, a first priority account pledge over the operating account of the vessel-owning company and an assignment of the vessel’s insurances and earnings. We may grant additional security from time to time in the future. Each of the vessel-owning subsidiaries that owns a vessel pledged as security under our Credit Facility has guaranteed our obligations under the facility.

 

Covenants

 

Our Credit Facility contains financial and other covenants requiring us, among other things, to ensure that:

 

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Ø the aggregate market value of the vessels in our fleet financed by our Credit Facility at all times is or exceeds 133% of the outstanding balance under our Credit Facility plus the notional or actual cost of terminating any relating hedging arrangements minus the aggregate amount, if any, standing to the credit of our operating accounts or any bank accounts opened with Credit Suisse AG, which are subject to an encumbrance in favor of Credit Suisse AG and designated as a “security account” by Credit Suisse AG for purposes of our Credit Facility;

  

Ø the ratio of our consolidated market adjusted net worth to our total assets will not be less than 0.35:1.0;

 

Ø Mr. Feidakis maintains at least 35% of our total issued voting share capital; and

 

Ø we maintain consolidated cash and cash equivalents (including, based on communications with Credit Suisse, any undrawn commitments so long as such undrawn amount would not trigger an event of default) not less than the greater of (1) $10.0 million; and (2) the sum determined by Credit Suisse AG to be the aggregate of the total principal amount of all borrowed money; and interest accruing thereon, payable by us and our subsidiaries and which falls due in the six-month period commencing on any relevant day.

 

Our Credit Facility also contains general covenants that require us to comply with the ISPS Code, carry all required licenses and provide financial statements to the bank. In addition, our Credit Facility includes customary events of default, including those relating to a failure to pay principal or interest, a breach of covenant, representation and warranty, a cross-default to other indebtedness and non-compliance with security documents. We are permitted to pay dividends in respect of any of our financial quarters so long as we are not in default of our Credit Facility at the time of the declaration or payment of the dividends nor would a default occur as a result of the declaration or payment of such dividends.

 

As of December 31, 2011, we had a $52.0 million outstanding balance under our Credit Facility, and our Credit Facility limit was $62.0 million. We therefore had $10.0 million of committed amount available to be drawn. The next scheduled reduction of the facility limit is in May 2012.

 

Kelty Loan Agreement

 

In June 2010, through our wholly owned subsidiary, Kelty Marine Ltd., we entered into the $26.7 million Kelty Loan Agreement with Deutsche Schiffsbank Aktiengesellschaft and used funds borrowed thereunder to finance part of the purchase price for the m/v Jin Star . We act as guarantor for this loan.

 

The Kelty Loan Agreement has a term of seven years and is payable in 28 equal quarterly installments of $500,000 starting in September 2010, as well as a balloon payment of $12.65 million payable together with the 28th and final installment payable in June 2017. Interest on outstanding balances under the Kelty Loan Agreement is payable at LIBOR plus a variable margin. The applicable margin is determined on the basis of the “loan to value ratio,” which is a fraction where the numerator is the principal amount outstanding under the Kelty Loan Agreement and the denominator is the charter free market value of the m/v Jin Star and any amount of free liquidity maintained with Deutsche Schiffsbank Aktiengesellschaft. Set forth below is the margin that will apply to the loan, depending on the applicable loan to value ratio in any given application period:

 

Loan to Value Ratio   Margin  
Less than 45%     2.25 %
         
Equal or greater than 45% and less than or equal to 60%     2.40 %
         
Greater than 60% and less than or equal to 70%     2.50 %
         
Greater than 70%     2.75 %

 

Kelty Marine can prepay the loan in a minimum amount of $1 million and multiples thereof, up to $2 million per year without any penalty. The Kelty Loan Agreement had a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum on the amount of the undrawn balance of the agreement through September 30, 2010, and had a 0.75% flat management fee on the loan amount. As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding principal balance was $23.7 million. A quarterly installment of $500,000 was paid during March 2012 and the next quarterly installment is due in June 2012.

 

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Security

 

The loan is secured by a first preferred mortgage on the m/v Jin Star , assignment of insurances, earnings and requisition compensation on the vessel and assignment of the bareboat charter.

 

Covenants

 

The Kelty Loan Agreement contains financial and other covenants requiring Kelty Marine to, among other things, ensure that:

 

Ø Kelty Marine does not undergo a change of control;

 

Ø Kelty Marine and/or the Company maintain at least $1 million in minimum liquidity with Deutsche Schiffsbank Aktiengesellschaft;

 

Ø the ratio of our shareholders’ equity to total assets is not less than 25%;

 

Ø we must have a minimum equity of $50 million;

 

Ø the market value of the m/v Jin Star and any additional security provided, including the minimum liquidity with Deutsche Schiffsbank Aktiengesellschaft, is or exceeds 130% of the aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding under the Kelty Loan Agreement; and

 

Ø Mr. Feidakis and Mr. Karageorgiou, our founders, maintain in the aggregate at least 37% of the shareholding in us.

 

The Kelty Loan Agreement permits us to declare and pay dividends without prior written permission of the lender so long as there is no event of default under such agreement.

 

DVB Loan Agreement

 

In June 2011, through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Artful Shipholding S.A. and Longevity Maritime Limited, we entered into the DVB Loan Agreement for an amount up to $40 million with DVB Bank SE and used funds borrowed thereunder to finance part of the purchase price for the m/v Moon Globe and m/v Sun Globe . We act as guarantor for this loan.

 

In June 2011, $19 million was drawn (Tranche A) for the purpose of partly financing the acquisition of the m/v Moon Globe . Tranche A is payable in 30 quarterly installments of $440,000 and a balloon payment of $5.8 million payable together with the 30 th and last installment payable in December 2018. As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding principal balance of Tranche A was $18.1 million. A quarterly installment of $440,000 was paid during March 2012, and the next quarterly installment is due in June 2012.

 

In September 2011, $18 million was drawn (Tranche B) for the purpose of partly financing the acquisition of the m/v Sun Globe . Tranche B is payable in 30 quarterly installments of $416,250 and a balloon payment of $5.5 million payable together with the 30 th and last installment payable in March 2019. As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding principal balance of Tranche B was $17.6 million. A quarterly installment of $416,250 was paid during March 2012 and the next quarterly installment is due in June 2012.

 

Security

 

The obligations under the DVB Loan Agreement is secured by a first priority mortgage on the m/v Sun Globe and the m/v Moon Globe , as well as assignment of the time charters and assignments of earnings, insurances and requisition compensation.

 

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Covenants

 

The DVB Loan Agreement contains the following provisions:

 

Ø interest on outstanding loan balances to be payable at LIBOR plus 2.5% per annum;

 

Ø any outstanding amount under the DVB Loan Agreement may be prepaid in a multiple of $500,000 with five days business prior written notice. A variable prepayment fee applies in case of refinancing of the DVB loan agreement by another lender within the first three years of a new loan, but is not applicable in case of the sale of a vessel or repayment of such facility by equity; and

 

Ø dividends are permitted so long as the covenants under the DVB Loan Agreement are complied with before and after any such dividend payment.

 

The DVB Loan Agreement contains financial and other covenants requiring us, among other things, to ensure that:

 

Ø the aggregate fair market value of the m/v Sun Globe and the m/v Moon Globe must equal or exceed 120% of the outstanding balance under the DVB Loan Agreement less any cash held in DVB Bank’s account and pledged to such lender during the first two years, and 130% thereafter. If such minimum is not met, DVB Bank will have the right to require each of the vessel-owning subsidiaries that owns a vessel pledged as security under the DVB Loan Agreement and/or us to provide additional security and/or prepay a portion of the amount outstanding under the DVB Loan Agreement within 30 days.

 

Ø the vessel-owning subsidiaries that own a vessel pledged as security under the DVB Loan Agreement will each maintain a minimum liquidity of $500,000;

 

Ø the ratio of our market adjusted net worth to our total assets must be greater than 35%;

 

Ø we maintain a minimum market adjusted net worth of more than $50.0 million and a minimum liquidity of the lesser of $10.0 million and $1.0 million per vessel owned by us;

 

Ø Mr. Feidakis and Mr. Karageorgiou maintain at least 35% of our total voting share capital; and

 

Ø we maintain our listing on a major stock exchange in the United States, Europe or Asia.

 

The DVB Loan Agreement initially contained a covenant that Mr. Feidakis be a member of our board of directors and Mr. Karageorgiou be our Chief Executive Officer; this covenant was waived by DVB Bank in November 2011.

 

As of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we were not in breach of any provisions of our Credit Facility, Kelty Loan Agreement or DVB Loan Agreement.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The major trading currency of our business is the U.S. dollar. Movements in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies can potentially impact our operating and administrative expenses and therefore our operating results.

 

In November 2008, in an effort to mitigate the exposure to interest rate movements, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements for a notional amount of $25 million in total, which remain in place on the date of this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

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We believe that we have a low risk approach to treasury management. Cash balances are invested in term deposit accounts, with their maturity dates projected to coincide with our liquidity requirements. Credit risk is diluted by placing cash on deposit with a variety of institutions in Europe, including a small number of banks in Greece, which are selected based on their credit ratings. We have policies to limit the amount of credit exposure to any particular financial institution.

 

As of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we did not use and have not used any financial instruments designated in our financial statements as those with hedging purposes.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with our vessel acquisitions. We have no agreements to purchase any additional vessels, but may do so in the future. We expect that any purchases of vessels will be paid for with cash from operations, with funds from new credit facilities from banks with whom we currently transact business, with loans from banks with whom we do not have a banking relationship but will provide us funds at terms acceptable to us, with funds from equity or debt issuances or any combination thereof.

 

We incur additional capital expenditures when our vessels undergo surveys. This process of recertification may require us to reposition these vessels from a discharge port to shipyard facilities, which will reduce our operating days during the period. The loss of earnings associated with the decrease in operating days, together with the capital needs for repairs and upgrades, is expected to result in increased cash flow needs. We expect to fund these expenditures with cash on hand.

 

C.  Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

We incur, from time to time, expenditures relating to inspections for acquiring new vessels that meet our standards. Such expenditures are insignificant and they are expensed as they incur.

 

D.  Trend Information

 

Our results of operations depend primarily on the charter hire and spot market rates that we are able to realize. Charter hire and spot market rates paid for dry bulk vessels are primarily a function of the underlying balance between vessel supply and demand. To the extent that either supply or demand is significantly affected, we believe this would cause rates to fluctuate.

 

While global trade is likely to continue to grow, we expect the overcapacity in the shipping market to continue to exert considerable pressure on charter rates, negating any upward trends possibly arising from any favorable price and volume developments in the underlying markets. There can be no assurance as to how long charter rates will remain at their currently low levels or whether they will improve or deteriorate and, if so, when and to what degree. Charter rates may remain at depressed levels for some time, which will adversely affect our revenue and profitability. As a result of the volatility and rate decline witnessed in the charter markets, the continued lack of availability of credit to finance vessel acquisitions and an overwhelming orderbook delivery rate during 2011, vessel values are expected to remain under severe pressure.

 

E.  Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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F.  Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and their maturity dates as of December 31, 2011:

 

    Within
One Year
    One to Three
Years
    Three to
Five Years
    More than
Five years
    Total  
    (in thousands of U.S. Dollars)  
Long term debt(1)   $ 5,425       27,850       45,850       32,229       111,354  
Operating lease obligations(2)     259       539       185       -       983  

 

(1) Our long term debt includes our Credit Facility, the Kelty Loan Agreement and the DVB Loan Agreement each of which is described in “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Indebtedness.” The table above does not include projected interest payments which are based on LIBOR plus a margin.

 

(2) We rent our office space from Cyberonica S.A. for an amount of €14,578 per month, which we expect will increase at a rate of 2.5% per year. We expect that the Euro:U.S. dollar exchange rate is 1.0:1.4.

 

G.  Safe Harbor

 

See the section entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

Item 6.  Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and our directors. Our articles of incorporation provide for a board of directors serving staggered, three-year terms, other than any members of our board of directors that may serve at the option of the holders of preferred shares, if any are issued with relevant appointment powers. The term of our Class I directors expires at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2014, the term of our Class II directors expires at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2012 and the term of our Class III directors expires at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2013. Officers are appointed from time to time by our board of directors and hold office until a successor is appointed or their employment is terminated. The business address of each of the directors and officers is c/o Globus Shipmanagement Corp., 128 Vouliagmenis Avenue, 3rd Floor, 166 74 Glyfada, Athens, Greece.

 

Name Position Age
Georgios Feidakis Chairman of the Board of Directors 61
Georgios Karageorgiou Director, President and Chief Executive Officer 47
Elias S. Deftereos Director, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary 51
Amir Eilon Director 63
Jeffrey O. Parry Director 52

 

Georgios (“George”) Feidakis , a Class III director, is our founder and principal shareholder and has served as chairman of the board of directors since inception. Mr. Feidakis is also the major shareholder and Chairman of F.G. Europe S.A., a company Mr. Feidakis has been involved with since 1994 and that has been listed on the Athens Stock Exchange since 1968, and acts as a director and executive for several of its subsidiaries. FG Europe is active in four lines of business and distributes well known brands in Greece, the Balkans, Turkey and Italy. FG Europe is in the air-conditioning and white/brown electric goods market in Greece and is active in power generation and mobile telephony. Mr. Feidakis is also the director and chief executive officer of R.F. Energy S.A., a company that plans, develops and controls the operation of energy projects, and acts as a director and executive for several of its subsidiaries.

 

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Georgios (“George”) Karageorgiou , a Class I director, has served as our chief executive officer since our inception and was appointed our president in 2011. From 1992 to March 2004, Mr. Karageorgiou worked as a director and corporate secretary for Stelmar Shipping Limited, a shipping company listed on the New York Stock Exchange between 2001 and 2004. Mr. Karageorgiou worked as a projects engineer for Kassos Maritime Enterprises from 1990 to 1992. Mr. Karageorgiou was also a director of easyGroup Ltd, easyJet Holdings Ltd, easyInternetCafe Ltd, easyCruise Ltd, Stelinvest Corp. and a number of other easyGroup subsidiaries from 1995 through March 2005. Mr. Karageorgiou holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.E. in Ocean Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and an M.Sc. in Shipping Trade and Finance from City University Business School.

 

Elias S. Deftereos , a Class II director, has served as our chief financial officer and a member of our board of directors since April 2007. Mr. Deftereos previously worked as a finance director at Astron Maritime from March 2005 to July 2006 and as the finance director of Konkar Shipping Agencies S.A. from January 2004 to February 2005, each of which company managed fleets of dry bulk vessels. Mr. Deftereos worked as the group treasurer of Mytilineos Holdings from 1999 to 2001, a company listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, and as an investment manager for Lehman Brothers from 1997 to 1998. Mr. Deftereos worked as an account officer for ship financing for ABN AMRO Bank from 1994 to 1996, and an analyst for Olympic Maritime of the Onassis Group from 1988 to 1991. Mr. Deftereos holds a B.A. in Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago.

 

Amir Eilon , a Class III director, has served as our director since June 2007. Mr. Eilon has been a director of Eilon & Associates Limited since February 1999, which provides general corporate advice. Mr. Eilon was previously a non-executive chairman of Spring plc, listed on the London Stock Exchange, from mid-2004 to August 2009 and a director of Flamingo Holdings, a venture capital backed private company, from March 2007 to April 2009. Mr. Eilon was the managing director of Credit Suisse First Boston Private Equity from 1998 to 1999, the managing director of BZW from 1990 to 1998, where he was head of global capital markets, and the managing director of Morgan Stanley, London from 1985 to 1990, where he was responsible for international equity capital markets.

 

Jeffrey O. Parry , a Class II director, has served as our director since July 2010. Mr. Parry is currently the president of Mystic Marine Advisors LLC, a Connecticut-based advisory firm specializing in turnaround and emerging shipping companies, and has been affiliated with such company since August 1998. From July 2008 to October 2009, he was president and chief executive officer of Nasdaq-listed Aries Maritime Transport Limited (now named NewLead Holdings Ltd.). Mr. Parry has also served as the managing director of A.G. Pappadakis & Co. Ltd, an Athens-based shipowner from March 2007 to July 2008, and managing director of Poten Capital Services LLC, a U.S. broker/dealer firm specializing in shipping from February 2003 to March 2007. Mr. Parry holds a B.A. from Brown University and an MBA from Columbia University. Mr. Parry started his career as a stevedore on the New York waterfront. Mr. Parry is a director of TBS International Ltd.

 

There are no family relationships between any of our directors or senior management. There are no arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any person referred to above was selected as a director or member of senior management.

 

B.  Compensation

 

The aggregate compensation other than share based compensation paid to members of our senior management in 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively. In addition, our senior management received an aggregate of 33,563 common shares in 2011, 29,521 common shares in 2010 and 64,203 common shares in 2009. The aggregate compensation, other than share based compensation, paid to our non-executive directors in 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $145,000, $124,000 and $143,000, respectively, plus reimbursements for actual expenses incurred while acting in their capacity as a director. In addition, in 2011, 2010 and 2009, non-executive directors received an aggregate of 7,800 common shares, 2,822 common shares and 8,477 common shares, respectively.

 

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Our Greek employees are bound by Greek labor law, which provides certain payments to these employees upon their dismissal or retirement. We accrued in 2011 a non-current liability of $66,000 for such payments.

 

We do not have a retirement plan for our officers or directors.

 

C.  Board Practices

 

Our board of directors and executive officers will oversee and supervise our operations.

 

Each director holds office until his successor is elected or appointed, unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the articles of incorporation or with the provisions of the BCA. In addition to cash compensation, we pay each of Mr. Eilon and Mr. Parry $20,000 in our shares annually. The members of our senior management are appointed to serve at the discretion of our board of directors. Our board of directors and committees of our board of directors schedule regular meetings over the course of the year. Under the Nasdaq rules, we believe that Mr. Eilon and Mr. Parry are independent.

 

We have an Audit Committee, a Remuneration Committee and a Nomination Committee.

 

The Audit Committee is comprised of Amir Eilon and Jeffrey O. Parry. It is responsible for ensuring that our financial performance is properly reported on and monitored, for reviewing internal control systems and the auditors’ reports relating to our accounts and for reviewing and approving all related party transactions. Our board of directors has determined that Amir Eilon is our audit committee financial expert. Each Audit Committee member has experience in reading and understanding financial statements, including statements of financial position, statements of comprehensive income and statements of cash flows.

 

The Remuneration Committee is comprised of George Feidakis, Amir Eilon and Jeffrey O. Parry. It is responsible for determining, subject to approval from our board of directors, the remuneration guidelines to apply to our executive officers, secretary and other members of the executive management as our board of directors designates the Remuneration Committee to consider. It is also responsible for determining the total individual remuneration packages of each director including, where appropriate, bonuses, incentive payments and share options. The Remuneration Committee will also liaise with the Nomination Committee to ensure that the remuneration of newly appointed executives falls within our overall remuneration policies.

 

The Nomination Committee is comprised of George Feidakis, Amir Eilon and Jeffrey O. Parry. It is responsible for reviewing the structure, size and composition of our board of directors and identifying and nominating candidates to fill board positions as necessary.

 

D.  Employees

 

As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately eleven full-time employees and six consultants, including the senior management, all of whom were hired through our Manager. All of these employees are located in Greece and are engaged in the service and management of our fleet. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, although certain crew members are parties to collective bargaining agreements. We do not employ a significant number of temporary employees.

 

E.  Share Ownership

 

With respect to the total number of common shares owned by all of our officers and directors, individually and as a group, please read “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.”

 

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Long Term Incentive Plan

 

We allocate a portion of annual compensation to awards of our common shares, or awards, under our long term incentive plan, because we believe that equity awards are important to align our employees’ interests with those of our shareholders. Our long term incentive plan is administered by our Remuneration Committee.

 

Our board of directors believes that these awards will keep our employees focused on our growth, as well as dividend growth and its impact on our share price, over an extended time period. In addition, our board of directors believes the gradual vesting schedule of these awards will help us retain both our executive officers and key employees. The amount of awards we grant to any person under our long term incentive plan is subject to the performance condition as set out below.

 

Grant of Awards

 

Awards are generally granted on an annual basis. Awards may generally only be granted in the period of four weeks commencing on the day following any amendment to our long term incentive plan taking effect; or an announcement by us of our results for any period, or the issue by us of a prospectus or similar document. The grant of any awards under our long term incentive plan will be subject to performance conditions.

 

Performance Condition

 

The Remuneration Committee generally compares our performance in terms of total shareholder return, which is calculated based on changes in share price and dividends paid over a calendar year, and which we refer to as TSR, relative to a peer group of publicly listed dry bulk shipping companies. The current peer group that we use is comprised of the following companies, which is subject to change at the discretion of our Remuneration Committee: Diana Shipping Inc., Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd., Paragon Shipping Inc., DryShips Inc., Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc., Euroseas Ltd., FreeSeas Inc., Genco Shipping & Trading Limited and Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp.

 

We believe that TSR, measured relative to the performance of comparable companies, is the best way of evaluating our performance and measuring value creation for shareholders.

 

If, on the purported date of grant, we rank below the twentieth percentile within the peer group, then no awards may be granted. If we achieve or exceed the twentieth percentile, the number of common shares which may be made subject to an award to a particular individual on the date of grant shall be restricted to a percentage of the “individual limit” referred to below. This percentage shall be calculated on a straight-line basis from 17.5% of the individual limit (if we achieve the twentieth percentile) to the maximum value we are permitted to grant under our long term incentive plan (if we achieve the hundredth percentile and therefore rank first compared to our then existing peer group). These targets will be reviewed annually.

 

Individual Limit

 

In any fiscal year, no participant may be granted awards over common shares with a market value (on the relevant date(s) of grant) in excess of 200% of the aggregate of the participant’s annual salary and bonus.

 

Vesting of Awards

 

Subject to what is set out below, awards vest proportionally over a three-year period from their date of grant and vested common shares subject to awards will be delivered to participants within the 30 days that follow the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant of the relevant award. If the participant is summarily dismissed from his employment, his award in respect of vested and unvested common shares will lapse in its entirety. In all other circumstances of cessation of employment (unless the Remuneration Committee acting in its absolute discretion otherwise determines), the participant shall retain his vested award but any unvested award shall lapse. Vested common shares subject to awards in such circumstances will be delivered to participants within the 30 days that follow cessation of employment.

 

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Lock In

 

After shares are issued under our long term incentive plan, they are subject to a one-year “lock-in” period pursuant to the terms of our long term incentive plan.

 

Overall Limit

 

Not more than 10% of our issued share capital (including shares held in treasury) may be made subject to awards or options granted under our long term incentive plan or any other share-based employee incentive plan established by us in any ten-year period.

 

2011 and 2010 Grants

 

No awards were granted during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

2009 Grants

 

On December 10, 2009, we granted to our two executive officers and a number of managers and staff of our Manager a conditional award of 575,199 shares, which following our four-for-one reverse split of our common shares, became an effective award of 143,799, with a conditional right for the shares to be allotted and delivered to them in the future at no cost. If a cash dividend is paid during the vesting period, additional shares will be granted and calculated in accordance with the terms of our long term incentive plan. Due to the cash dividends declared and paid during 2011, an additional 8,608 common shares of the Company were added to the initially granted shares. On December 10, 2011, the second anniversary of the 2009 grant, 52,989 common shares were issued and delivered to the relevant award holders. The outstanding award, as of December 31, 2011, adjusted for the effects of dividends paid, award forfeitures, reverse split and common shares allotted and delivered became as follows:

 

Ø 255,536 ordinary shares were granted to George Karageorgiou, our chief executive officer, which following our four-for-one reverse split of our common shares, dividends paid and common shares vested and delivered, became an award of which 23,063 shares remain to be vested;

 

Ø 94,679 ordinary shares were granted to Elias Deftereos, our chief financial officer, which following our four-for-one reverse split of our common shares, dividends paid and common shares vested and delivered, became an award of which 8,545 shares remain to be vested; and

 

Ø 224,984 ordinary shares were granted to fourteen managers and staff of Globus Shipmanagement, which following our four-for-one reverse split of our common shares, dividend paid, award forfeitures and common shares vested and delivered, became an award of which 18,294 shares remain to be vested.

 

Our long term incentive plan provides that these shares vest on a daily basis over a three year period starting from the date of grant, and one-third of these shares will be allotted and delivered to them at no cost on each of the first, second and third anniversaries, subject to their continuing employment.

 

There are no other outstanding awards.

 

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Item 7.  Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

A.  Major Shareholders

 

The following table sets forth information concerning ownership of our common shares as of April 24, 2012 by persons who beneficially own more than 5.0% of our outstanding common shares, each person who is a director of our company, each executive officer named in this annual report on Form 20-F and all directors and executive officers as a group.

 

Beneficial ownership of shares is determined under rules of the SEC and generally includes any shares over which a person exercises sole or shared voting or investment power. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.

 

The numbers of shares and percentages of beneficial ownership are based on approximately 10,141,499 common shares outstanding on April 24, 2012. All common shares owned by the shareholders listed in the table below have the same voting rights as the other of our outstanding common shares.

 

The address for those individuals for which an address is not otherwise indicated is: c/o Globus Shipmanagement Corp., 128 Vouliagmenis Avenue, 3rd Floor, 166 74 Glyfada, Athens, Greece.

 

Name and address of beneficial owner   Number of common
shares beneficially
owned as of April 24,
2012
    Percentage of common
shares beneficially owned as
of April 24, 2012
 
George Feidakis (1)     5,204,475       51.3 %
George Karageorgiou     329,899       3.3 %
Elias S. Deftereos     47,471       *  
Amir Eilon     16,248       *  
Jeffrey O. Parry     5,319       *  
                 
All executive officers and directors as a group (five persons)     5,603,412       55.2 %

 

*Less than 1.0% of the outstanding shares.

(1) Mr. George Feidakis beneficially owns 4,724,475 of his common shares through Firment Trading Limited, a Cypriot company, for which he exercises sole voting and investment power through two companies that hold Firment Trading’s shares in trust for Mr. Feidakis. Mr. Feidakis beneficially owns 480,000 common shares through F.G. Europre S.A., a Greek company of which Mr. Feidakis is the majority shareholder. Mr. Feidakis and Firment Trading Limited disclaim beneficial ownership over such common shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interests in such shares.

 

To the best of our knowledge, except as disclosed in the table above, we are not owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by another corporation or by any foreign government. To the best of our knowledge, there are no agreements in place that could result in a change of control of us.

 

In the normal course of business, there have been institutional investors that buy and sell our shares. It is possible that significant changes in the percentage ownership of these investors will occur.

 

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B.  Related Party Transactions

 

Lease

 

During the 2011, 2010 and 2009 fiscal years, we paid $243,000, $232,000 and $239,000, respectively, to Cyberonica S.A., a company owned by Mr. Feidakis, for the rental of 350 square meters of office space for our operations.

 

Business Opportunities Agreement

 

In November 2010, Mr. Feidakis entered into a business opportunities arrangement with us. Under this agreement, Mr. Feidakis is required to disclose to us any business opportunities relating to dry bulk shipping that may arise during his service to us as a member of our board of directors that could reasonably be expected to be a business opportunity that we may pursue. Mr. Feidakis agreed to disclose all such opportunities, and the material facts attendant thereto, to our board of directors for our consideration and if our board of directors fails to adopt a resolution regarding an opportunity within seven business days of disclosure, we will be deemed to have declined to pursue the opportunity, in which event Mr. Feidakis will be free to pursue it. Mr. Feidakis is also prohibited for six months after the termination of the agreement to solicit any of our or our subsidiaries’ senior employees or officers. Mr. Feidakis’ obligations under the business opportunities agreement will also terminate when he no longer beneficially owns our shares representing at least 30% of the combined voting power of all our outstanding shares or any other equity, or no longer serves as our director. Mr. Feidakis remains free to conduct his other businesses that are not related to dry bulk shipping.

 

Registration Rights Agreement

 

In November 2010, we entered into a registration rights agreement with Firment Trading Limited and Kim Holdings S.A., pursuant to which we granted to them and their affiliates (including Mr. George Feidakis and Mr. George Karageorgiou) and certain of their transferees, the right, under certain circumstances and subject to certain restrictions to require us to register under the Securities Act our common shares held by them. Under the registration rights agreement, these persons have the right to request us to register the sale of shares held by them on their behalf and may require us to make available shelf registration statements permitting sales of shares into the market from time to time over an extended period. In addition, these persons have the ability to exercise certain piggyback registration rights in connection with registered offerings requested by shareholders or initiated by us.

  

Consulting Agreements

 

In addition to employment agreements, we had entered into separate consulting agreements with companies wholly owned by each of our executive officers for them to assist and advise our executive officers in respect of their respective duties performed outside of Greece. We terminated these consulting agreements in December 2011.

 

Employment of Relative of Mr. Feidakis

 

In October 2011, we entered into an employment agreement with the son of our chairman of the board of directors and largest beneficial shareholder, Mr. Feidakis, to act in a non-managerial position.

 

C.  Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not Applicable.

 

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Item 8.  Financial Information

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

See Item 18.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

In March 2012, we commenced London arbitration proceedings against the Charterer, the former charterer of the Vessel under the Charter. The Company is claiming an amount of approximately $1,700,000 as a debt and/or damages. Such amount includes, among others, outstanding hire, damages arising from the Charterer’s failure to replenish bunkers upon the Vessel’s redelivery and to deliver the Vessel within the agreed redelivery range, as well as further amounts that the Company had to pay to two bunkers suppliers relating to bunkers that the Charterer had ordered and received but for which the Charterer did not pay. The claim is largely undisputed by the Charterer, and the Company is currently taking measures to obtain security.

 

We have not been involved in any other legal proceedings which may have, or have had, a significant effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity, nor are we aware of any other proceedings that are pending or threatened which may have a significant 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 personal injury and property casualty claims. We expect that these claims would be covered by insurance, subject to customary deductibles. Those claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources.

 

Our Dividend Policy and Restrictions on Dividends

 

Our dividend policy is to pay to holders of our shares a variable quarterly dividend in excess of 50% of the net income of the previous quarter subject to any reserves our board of directors may from time to time determine are required. We believe this policy maintains an appropriate level of dividend cover taking into account the likely effects of the shipping cycle and the need to retain cash to reinvest in vessel acquisitions.

 

In calculating our dividend to holders of our shares, we exclude any gain on the sale of vessels and any unrealized gains or losses on derivatives. Our board of directors, in its discretion, can determine in the future whether any capital surpluses arising from vessel sales are included in the calculation of a dividend. Dividends will be paid in U.S. dollars equally on a per-share basis between our common shares and our Class B shares, to the extent any are issued and outstanding.

 

Our Remuneration Committee will also determine, in its sole discretion, when and to the extent dividends are paid to the holders of our Series A Preferred Shares.

 

We are a holding company, with no material assets other than the shares of our subsidiaries. Therefore, our ability to pay dividends depends on the earnings and cash flow of those subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends to us. Additionally, the declaration and payment of any dividend is subject at all times to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition and anticipated cash requirements and availability, additional acquisitions of vessels, restrictions in our debt arrangements, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of distributions to shareholders, required capital and drydocking expenditures, reserves established by our board of directors, increased or unanticipated expenses, a change in our dividend policy, additional borrowings, future issuances of securities or as a result of losses in connection with actions of the former charterer of the m/v Star Globe for which we are currently in arbitration proceedings to recover and other factors, many of which will be beyond our control.

 

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Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus (retained earnings and the excess of consideration received from the sale of shares above the par value of the shares) or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such dividend.

 

We historically paid dividends to our shareholders in amounts ranging from $0.03 per share to $0.50 per share. We did not declare or pay dividends in 2009. Historical dividend payments should not provide any promise or indication of future dividend payments.

 

Dividends declared and paid during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

2010   $ cents per share     Date declared   Date Paid  
Interim dividend for 2010     11.29(GBp 7.3)     September 6, 2010   September 24, 2010  
Quarterly dividend for 2010     16.00     December 2, 2010   December 28, 2010  

 

2011   $ cents per share     Date declared   Date Paid  
Quarterly dividend for 2010     16.00     February 24, 2011   March 17, 2011  
Quarterly dividend for 2011     16.00     May 5, 2011   May 31, 2011  
Quarterly dividend for 2011     16.00     June 4, 2011   July 28, 2011  
Quarterly dividend for 2011     16.00     October 20, 2011   November 9, 2011  

 

B.  Significant Changes

 

There have been no significant changes since the date of the annual consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

Item 9.  The Offer and Listing

 

Our common shares began trading in the United Kingdom on the London Stock Exchange through the AIM on June 6, 2007 under the stock symbol “GLBS.L.” All such trades were conducted with pounds sterling. Our common shares were suspended from trading on the AIM as of November 24, 2010 and were delisted from the AIM on November 26, 2010.

 

On November 24, 2010, we redomiciled into the Marshall Islands pursuant to the BCA and a resale registration statement for our common shares was declared effective by the SEC. Once the resale registration statement was declared effective by the SEC, our common shares began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker “GLBS.”

 

The following table lists the high and low sales prices on the AIM and the Nasdaq Global Market, as applicable, for our common shares for the last six months; the last nine fiscal quarters; and the last five fiscal years (since we began trading on the AIM).

 

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On July 29, 2010, we effected a four-for-one reverse split of our common shares. Prices indicated below with respect to our common share price include inter-dealer prices, without retail mark up, mark down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars, using a using an exchange rate of U.K. pounds sterling:U.S. dollar of 1.0:1.6. 

 

Period Ended   High     Low  
             
Monthly                
March 2012   $ 6.00     $ 4.85  
February 2012   $ 5.19     $ 4.07  
January 2012   $ 4.75     $ 3.15  
December 2011   $ 4.29     $ 2.50  
November 2011   $ 4.6335     $ 3.26  
October 2011   $ 5.199     $ 4.176  
                 
Quarterly                
First Quarter 2012   $ 6.00     $ 3.15  
Fourth Quarter 2011   $ 5.199     $ 2.50  
Third Quarter 2011   $ 7.95     $ 4.576  
Second Quarter 2011   $ 10.92     $ 6.84  
First Quarter 2011   $ 10.50     $ 7.80  
Fourth Quarter 2010   $ 13.59     $ 8.99  
Third Quarter 2010   $ 10.32     $ 8.64  
Second Quarter 2010   $ 8.96     $ 7.84  
First Quarter 2010   $ 8.00     $ 6.05  
                 
Yearly                
2011   $ 10.92     $ 2.50  
2010   $ 13.59     $ 6.05  
2009   $ 6.98     $ 2.82  
2008   $ 35.52     $ 4.16  
2007   $ 40.00     $ 19.20  

 

Item 10.  Additional Information

 

A. Share Capital

 

Not Applicable.

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

Purpose

 

Our objects and purposes, as provided in Section 1.3 of our articles of incorporation, are to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the BCA.

 

Common Shares and Class B Shares

 

Generally, Marshall Islands law provides that the holders of a class of stock of a Marshall Islands corporation are entitled to a separate class vote on any proposed amendment to the relevant articles of incorporation that would change the aggregate number of authorized shares or the par value of that class of shares or alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of that class so as to affect it adversely. Except as described below, holders of our common shares and Class B shares will have equivalent economic rights, but holders of our common shares will be entitled to one vote per share and holders of our Class B shares will be entitled to 20 votes per share. Each holder of Class B shares (not including the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries) may convert, at its option, any or all of the Class B shares held by such holder into an equal number of common shares.

 

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Except as otherwise provided by the BCA, holders of our common shares and Class B shares will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the election of directors.

 

The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our shares are subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred shares that have been issued and which we may issue in the future.

 

Holders of our common shares do not have conversion, redemption or pre-emptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities.

 

There is no limitation on the right to own securities or the rights of non-resident shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our securities under Marshall Islands law or our articles of incorporation or bylaws.

 

Preferred Shares

 

Our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to establish and issue up to 100 million preferred shares and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the rights and preferences of that series, including:

 

  Ø the designation of the series;

 

  Ø the number of preferred shares in the series;

 

  Ø the preferences and relative participating option or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series; and

 

  Ø the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series (subject to terms set forth below with regard to the policy of our board of directors regarding preferred shares).

 

Our board of directors may issue preferred shares on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of us or the removal of management. We intend to issue one preferred share to Mr. Feidakis or his affiliate that will provide the holder with the ability to appoint any one person to be a director, who may also be the chairman of our board of directors, for so long as such holder and his or its affiliates also hold in the aggregate at least 30% of the voting power of our shares. Such preferred share will have no voting or dividend rights.

 

We issued in April 2012 an aggregate of 3,347 Series A Preferred Shares to our two executive officers. The holders of our Series A Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive, if funds are legally available, dividends payable in cash in an amount per share to be determined by unanimous resolution of our Remuneration Committee, in its sole discretion. Our board of directors or Remuneration Committee will determine whether funds are legally available under the BCA for such dividend. Any accrued but unpaid dividends will not bear interest. Except as may be provided in the BCA, holders of our Series A Preferred Shares do not have any voting rights. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our Series A Preferred Shares will be entitled to a preference in the amount of the declared and unpaid dividends, if any, as of the date of liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Our Series A Preferred Shares are not convertible into any of our other capital stock.

 

The Series A Preferred Shares are redeemable at the written request of the Remuneration Committee, at par value plus all declared and unpaid dividends as of the date of redemption plus any additional consideration determined by a unanimous resolution of the Remuneration Committee.

 

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Liquidation

 

In the event of our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment in full of the amounts, if any, required to be paid to our creditors and the holders of preferred shares, our remaining assets and funds shall be distributed pro rata to the holders of our common shares and Class B shares, and the holders of common shares and the holders of Class B shares shall be entitled to receive the same amount per share in respect thereof.

 

Dividends

 

Declaration and payment of any dividend is subject to the discretion of our board of directors. The timing and amount of dividend payments to holders of our shares will depend on a series of factors and risks described under “Item 3.D.  Risk Factors,” and includes risks relating to earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, restrictions in our current and future loan arrangements, the provisions of the Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of dividends and other factors. The BCA generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from paid-in capital in excess of par value and our earnings or while we are insolvent or if we would be rendered insolvent upon paying the dividend.

 

Subject to preferences that may apply to any shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, the holders of our common shares and Class B shares will be entitled to share equally in any dividends that our board of directors may declare from time to time out of funds legally available for dividends.

 

Conversion

 

Our common shares will not be convertible into any other shares of our capital stock. Each of our Class B shares will be convertible at any time at the election of the holder thereof into one of our common shares. All conversions will be effected on a one-for-one basis. We will not reissue or resell any Class B shares that shall have been converted into common shares.

 

Directors

 

Our directors will be elected by the vote of the plurality of the votes cast by holders with voting power of our voting shares. Our articles of incorporation provide that our board of directors must consist of at least three members. Shareholders may change the number of directors only by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the total voting power of our outstanding capital stock (subject to the rights of any holders of preferred shares). The board of directors may change the number of directors only by a majority vote of the entire board of directors. We intend to issue one preferred share to Mr. Feidakis or his affiliate that will provide the holder with the ability to appoint any one person to be a director, who may also be the chairman of our board of directors, for so long as such holder and his or its affiliates also hold in the aggregate at least 30% of the voting power of our shares. Such preferred share will have no voting or dividend rights.

 

No contract or transaction between us and one or more of our directors or officers will be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of our board of directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because his or her or their votes are counted for such purpose, if (1) the material facts as to his or her or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to our board of directors or the committee and the board of directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, or, if the votes of the disinterested directors are insufficient to constitute an act of the board of directors, by unanimous vote of the disinterested directors; or (2) the material facts as to his or her or their relationship or interest and as to the shareholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the shareholders.

 

Our board of directors has the authority to fix the compensation of directors for their services.

 

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Classified Board of Directors

 

Our articles of incorporation provide for a board of directors serving staggered, three-year terms. Approximately one-third of our board of directors will be elected each year.

 

Removal of Directors; Vacancies

 

Our articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of holders of 66-2/3% of the total voting power of our outstanding capital stock. Our bylaws require parties to provide advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors other than the board of directors and shareholders holding 30% or more of the voting power of the aggregate number of our shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.

 

No Cumulative Voting

 

The BCA provides that shareholders are not entitled to the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless our articles of incorporation provide otherwise. Our articles of incorporation prohibit cumulative voting.

 

Shareholder Meetings

 

Under our bylaws, annual shareholder meetings will be held at a time and place selected by our board of directors. The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands. Special meetings may be called by the chairman of our board of directors, by resolution of our board of directors or by holders of 30% or more of the voting power of the aggregate number of our shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at such meeting. Our board of directors may set a record date between 15 and 60 days before the date of any meeting to determine the shareholders that will be eligible to receive notice and vote at the meeting.

 

Dissenters’ Right of Appraisal and Payment

 

Under the BCA, our shareholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, including any merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual course of our business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares. In the event of any amendment of our articles of incorporation, a shareholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares. The dissenting shareholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment. In the event that we and any dissenting shareholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the institution of proceedings in the high court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or in any appropriate court in any jurisdiction in which our shares are primarily traded on a local or national securities exchange to fix the value of the shares.

 

Shareholders’ Derivative Actions

 

Under the BCA, any of our shareholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the shareholder bringing the action is a holder of common shares both at the time the derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates.

 

Amendment to our Articles of Incorporation

 

Except as otherwise provided by law, any provision in our articles of incorporation requiring a vote of shareholders may only be amended by such a vote. Further, certain sections may only be amended by affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the voting shares.

 

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Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

Certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws, which are summarized in the following paragraphs, may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt or hostile change of control that a shareholder may consider in its best interest, including those attempts that may result in a premium over the market price for our common shares held by shareholders.

 

Two Classes of Shares

 

Our Class B shares will have 20 votes per share, while our common shares, which is the only class of shares that is currently outstanding and is the only class of shares listed on an established U.S. securities exchange, will have one vote per share. Because of this share structure, any issuance of Class B shares may cause such holders to be able to significantly influence matters submitted to our shareholders for approval even if such holders and their affiliates come to own significantly less than 50% of the aggregate number of outstanding common shares and Class B shares. This control over shareholder voting could discourage others from initiating any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transaction that other shareholders may view as beneficial and which would require shareholder approval.

 

Blank Check Preferred Shares

 

Under the terms of our articles of incorporation, our board of directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 100 million shares of blank check preferred shares. As of April 2012, we have outstanding only 3,347 Series A Preferred Shares issued to our executive officers. Except as may be provided in the BCA, holders of our Series A Preferred Shares do not have any voting rights.

 

Classified Board of Directors

 

Our articles of incorporation provide for a board of directors serving staggered, three-year terms. Approximately one-third of our board of directors will be elected each year. This classified board of directors provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of us. It could also delay shareholders who do not agree with the policies of the board of directors from removing a majority of the board of directors for two years.

 

No Cumulative Voting

 

The BCA provides that shareholders are not entitled to the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless our articles of incorporation provide otherwise. Our articles of incorporation prohibit cumulative voting.

 

Calling of Special Meetings of Shareholders

 

Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our shareholders may be called only by the chairman of our board of directors, by resolution of our board of directors or by holders of 30% or more of the voting power of the aggregate number of our shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at such meeting.

 

Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations

 

Our bylaws provide that, with a few exceptions, shareholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary.

 

Generally, to be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 150 days nor more than 180 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders. Our bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a shareholder’s notice. These provisions may impede shareholders’ ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of shareholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of shareholders.

 

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Business Combinations

 

Although the BCA does not contain specific provisions regarding “business combinations” between companies organized under or redomiciled pursuant to the laws of the Marshall Islands and “interested shareholders,” these provisions are contained in our articles of incorporation. Specifically, our articles of incorporation contain provisions that prohibit us from engaging in a business combination with an interested shareholder for a period of three years following the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder, unless, in addition to any other approval that may be required by applicable law:

 

  Ø prior to the date of the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, our board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder;

 

  Ø upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the interested shareholder owned at least 85.0% of our voting shares outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned by (1) persons who are directors and officers and (2) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

  Ø at or after the date of the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the business combination is approved by our board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of shareholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the voting power of the voting shares that are not owned by the interested shareholder.

 

Among other transactions, a “business combination” includes any merger or consolidation of us or any directly or indirectly majority-owned subsidiary of ours with (1) the interested shareholder or any of its affiliates or (2) with any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the interested shareholder. Generally, an “interested shareholder” is any person or entity (other than us and any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of ours) that:

 

  Ø owns 15.0% or more of our outstanding voting shares;

 

  Ø is an affiliate or associate of ours and was the owner of 15.0% or more of our outstanding voting shares at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such person is an interested shareholder; or

 

  Ø is an affiliate or associate of any person listed in the first two bullets, except that any person who owns 15.0% or more of our outstanding voting shares, as a result of action taken solely by us will not be an interested shareholder unless such person acquires additional voting shares, except as a result of further action by us and not caused, directly or indirectly, by such person.

 

Additionally, the restrictions regarding business combinations do not apply to persons that became interested shareholders prior to the effectiveness of our articles of incorporation.

 

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

The BCA authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors and officers to corporations and their shareholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties. Our articles of incorporation include a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by law and provides that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by law. We are also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses to our directors and officers and expect to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for our directors and officers for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and the directors’ and officers’ insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.

 

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The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our articles of incorporation may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, may otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. In addition, an investor in our common shares may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

 

There is no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

 

C.  Material Contracts

 

We refer you to “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions” for a discussion of our agreements with companies related to us. We also refer you to “Item 4.  Information on the Company,” “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Indebtedness” and “Item 6.E. Share Ownership—Long Term Incentive Plan” for a description of other material contracts.

 

Other than these agreements, we have no material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which the Company or any member of the group is a party.

 

D.  Exchange Controls

 

Under Marshall Islands law, there are currently no restrictions on the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls or restrictions that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our common shares.

 

E.  Taxation

 

Marshall Islands Tax Considerations

 

The following is applicable only to persons who do not reside in, maintain offices in or engage in business in the Marshall Islands.

 

Because we do not, and we do not expect that we or any of our future subsidiaries will, conduct business or operations in the Marshall Islands, and because we anticipate that all documentation related to any offerings of our securities will be executed outside of the Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law our shareholders will not be subject to Marshall Islands taxation or withholding tax on our distributions. In addition, our shareholders will not be subject to Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of our common shares, and our shareholders will not be required by the Marshall Islands to file a tax return related to our common shares.

 

Malta Tax Considerations

 

One of our subsidiaries is a Maltese shipping company owning a vessel flying the flag of Malta, and has been granted approval by the Maltese authorities for the vessel to be treated as a “tonnage tax vessel,” in which case the income generated by our subsidiary company from the ownership and operation of the vessel is not subject to any tax in Malta. As a consequence, we do not expect our shareholders to be materially affected by the above regime to which such Maltese shipping company is subject under the laws of Malta.

 

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United States Tax Considerations

 

This discussion of United States federal income taxes is based upon provisions of the Code, existing final, temporary and proposed regulations thereunder and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all as in effect on the effective date of this annual report on Form 20-F and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below. No rulings have been or are expected to be sought from the IRS with respect to any of the United States federal income tax consequences discussed below, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not take contrary positions.

 

Further, the following summary does not deal with all United States federal income tax consequences applicable to any given holder of our common shares, nor does it address the United States federal income tax considerations applicable to categories of investors subject to special taxing rules, such as expatriates, banks, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, dealers or traders in securities or currencies, partnerships, S corporations, estates and trusts, investors that hold their common shares as part of a hedge, straddle or an integrated or conversion transaction, investors whose “functional currency” is not the United States dollar or investors that own, directly or indirectly 10% or more of our stock by vote or value. Furthermore, the discussion does not address alternative minimum tax consequences or estate or gift tax consequences, or any state tax consequences, and is limited to people that will hold their common shares as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. Each shareholder is encouraged to consult, and discuss with his or her own tax advisor the United States federal, state, local and non-United States tax consequences particular to him or her of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of common shares. Further, it is the responsibility of each shareholder to file all state, local and non-U.S., as well as U.S. federal, tax returns that may be required of it.

 

Pursuant to U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations, the Company and its tax advisors hereby inform you that: (1) any tax advice contained in this annual report on Form 20-F is not intended and was not written to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purposes of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer; and (2) each taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation of the Company

 

Taxation of Operating Income

 

Unless exempt from United States federal income taxation under the rules described below in “—The Section 883 Exemption,” a foreign corporation that earns only transportation income is generally subject to United States federal income taxation under one of two alternative tax regimes: (1) the 4% gross basis tax or (2) the net basis tax and branch profits tax. Since its redomiciliation, the Company is a Marshall Islands corporation and its subsidiaries are incorporated in the Marshall Islands or Malta. There is no comprehensive income tax treaty between the Marshall Islands and the United States, so the Company and its Marshall Islands subsidiaries cannot claim an exemption from this tax under a treaty.

 

The 4% Gross Basis Tax

 

The United States imposes a 4% United States federal income tax (without allowance of any deductions) on a foreign corporation’s United States source gross transportation income to the extent such income is not treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business. For this purpose, transportation income includes income from the use, hiring or leasing of a vessel, or the performance of services directly related to the use of a vessel (and thus includes time charter, spot charter and bareboat charter income). The United States source portion of transportation income is 50% of the income attributable to voyages that begin or end, but not both begin and end, in the United States. As a result of this sourcing rule the effective tax rate is 2% of the gross income attributable to U.S. voyages. Generally, no amount of the income from voyages that begin and end outside the United States is treated as United States source, and consequently none of the transportation income attributable to such voyages is subject to this 4% tax. (Although the entire amount of transportation income from voyages that begin and end in the United States would be United States source, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries expects to have any transportation income from voyages that both begin and end in the United States.)

 

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The Net Basis Tax and Branch Profits Tax

 

The Company and each of its subsidiaries do not expect to engage in any activities in the United States (other than port calls of its vessels) or otherwise have a fixed place of business in the United States. Consequently, the Company and its subsidiaries are not expected to be subject to the net basis or branch profits taxes. Nonetheless, if this situation were to change or if the Company or a subsidiary of the Company were to be treated as engaged in a United States trade or business, all or a portion of the Company’s or such subsidiary’s taxable income, including gain from the sale of vessels, could be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of this United States trade or business, or effectively connected income. Any effectively connected income, net of allowable deductions, would be subject to United States federal corporate income tax (with the highest statutory rate currently being 35%). In addition, an additional 30% branch profits tax would be imposed on the Company or such subsidiary at such time as the Company’s or such subsidiary’s after-tax effectively connected income is deemed to have been repatriated to the Company’s or subsidiary’s offshore office.

 

The 4% gross basis tax described above is inapplicable to income that is treated as effectively connected income. A non-United States corporation’s United States source transportation income would be considered to be effectively connected income only if the non-United States corporation has or is treated as having a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of the transportation income and substantially all of its United States source transportation income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation (such as a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States). The Company and its vessel-owning subsidiaries believe that their vessels will not operate to and from the United States on a regularly scheduled basis. Based on the intended mode of shipping operations and other activities, the Company and its vessel-owning subsidiaries do not expect to have any effectively connected income.

 

The Section 883 Exemption

 

Both the 4% gross basis tax and the net basis and branch profits taxes described above are inapplicable to transportation income that qualifies for the Section 883 Exemption. To qualify for the Section 883 Exemption a foreign corporation must, among other things:

 

  Ø be organized in a jurisdiction outside the United States that grants an equivalent exemption from tax to corporations organized in the United States (an “Equivalent Exemption”);

 

  Ø satisfy one of the following three ownership tests (discussed in more detail below): (1) the more than 50% ownership test, or 50% Ownership Test, (2) the controlled foreign corporation test, or CFC Test, or (3) the “Publicly Traded Test”; and

 

  Ø meet certain substantiation, reporting and other requirements (which include the filing of United States income tax returns).

 

The Company is a Marshall Islands corporation, and each of the vessels in its fleet is owned by a separate wholly owned subsidiary organized in the Marshall Islands or Malta. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recognizes the Marshall Islands and Malta as jurisdictions which grant an Equivalent Exemption; therefore, the Company and each of its vessel-owning subsidiaries meets the first requirement for the Section 883 Exemption for periods after November 24, 2010.

 

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The 50 % Ownership Test

 

In order to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test, a non-United States corporation must be able to substantiate that more than 50% of the value of its shares is owned, directly or indirectly, by “qualified shareholders.” For this purpose, qualified shareholders are: (1) individuals who are residents (as defined in the Treasury regulations promulgated under Section 883 of the Code, or Section 883 Regulations) of countries, other than the United States, that grant an Equivalent Exemption, (2) non-United States corporations that meet the Publicly Traded Test of the Section 883 Regulations and are organized in countries that grant an Equivalent Exemption, or (3) certain foreign governments, non-profit organizations, and certain beneficiaries of foreign pension funds. In order for a shareholder to be a qualified shareholder, there generally cannot be any bearer shares in the chain of ownership between the shareholder and the taxpayer claiming the exemption (unless such bearer shares are maintained in a dematerialized or immobilized book-entry system as permitted under the Section 883 Regulations). A corporation claiming the Section 883 exemption based on the 50% Ownership Test must obtain all the facts necessary to satisfy the IRS that the 50% Ownership Test has been satisfied (as detailed in the Section 883 Regulations). For the taxable year ended December 31, 2011, the Company believes that each of its vessel-owning subsidiaries satisfied the 50% Ownership Test based on the beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the value of its shares by a qualifying shareholder, assuming that such shareholder meets all of the substantiation and reporting requirements under Section 883 of the Code and the Section 883 Regulations for such taxable year, and that each such subsidiary should therefore qualify for the Section 883 Exemption for such taxable year.

 

The CFC Test

 

The CFC Test requires that a non-United States corporation be treated as a controlled foreign corporation, or a CFC, for United States federal income tax purposes for more than half of the days in the taxable year. A CFC is a foreign corporation, more than 50% of the vote or value of which is owned by significant U.S. shareholders (meaning U.S. persons who own at least 10% of the voting power of the foreign corporation). In addition, more than 50% of the value of the shares of the CFC must be owned by qualifying U.S. persons for more than half of the days during the taxable year concurrent with the period of time that the company qualifies as a CFC. For this purpose, a qualifying U.S. person is defined as a U.S. citizen or resident alien, a domestic corporation or domestic trust, in each case, if such U.S. person provides the company claiming the exemption with an ownership statement. Please read “—United States Federal Income Taxation of the Company—The Publicly Traded Test.” The Company does not believe that the requirements of the CFC Test will be met in the near future with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

The Publicly Traded Test

 

The Publicly Traded Test requires that one or more classes of equity representing more than 50% of the voting power and value in a non-United States corporation be “primarily and regularly traded” on an established securities market either in the United States or in a foreign country that grants an Equivalent Exemption. The Section 883 Regulations provide, in relevant part, that the shares of a non-United States corporation will be considered to be “primarily traded” on an established securities market in a country if the number of shares of each class of shares that are traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in each such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. The Section 883 Regulations also generally provide that shares will be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market if one or more classes of shares in the corporation representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the total combined voting power and value of all classes of shares of the corporation are listed on an established securities market. Also, with respect to each class relied upon to meet this requirement (1) such class of shares must be traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or one-sixth of the days in a short taxable year, and (2) the aggregate number of shares of such class of shares traded on such market during the taxable year is at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of shares outstanding during such year or as adjusted for a short taxable year. These two tests are deemed to be satisfied if such class of shares is traded on an established market in the United States and such shares are regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such shares.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Section 883 Regulations provide, in relevant part, that a class of shares will not be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market for any taxable year in which 50% or more of the vote and value of the outstanding shares of such class are owned, actually or constructively under specified share attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of the vote and value of such class of outstanding shares, to which we refer as the 5 Percent Override Rule.

 

For purposes of being able to determine the person who actually or constructively own 5% or more of the vote and value of the Company’s common shares, or 5% Shareholders, the Section 883 Regulations permit the Company to rely on those persons that are identified on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the SEC, as owning 5% or more of the Company’s common shares.

 

In the event the 5 Percent Override Rule is triggered, the Section 883 Regulations provide that such rule will not apply if the Company can establish that within the group of 5% Shareholders, there are sufficient qualified shareholders within the meaning of Section 883 and the Section 883 Regulations to preclude non-qualified shareholders in such group from owning 50% or more of the total value of the Company’s common shares for more than half the number of days during the taxable year.

 

The Company and its vessel-owning subsidiaries should satisfy the 50% Ownership Test. The stock in the Company’s vessel-owning subsidiaries is not publicly traded, but if the Company meets the Publicly Traded Test described above, the Company also may be a qualifying shareholder for purposes of applying the 50% Ownership Test as to any subsidiary claiming the Section 883 Exemption. However, if for any period after the Company issues the Class B shares, the common shares represent less than 50% of the voting power of the Company, the Company would not be able to satisfy the Publicly Traded Test for such period because less than 50% of the stock of the Company, measured by voting power, would be listed on an established securities market.

 

A foreign corporation can only claim the Section 883 Exemption if it receives the ownership statements required under the Section 883 Regulations certifying as to the matters required to satisfy the relevant ownership test, each an ownership statement. Each of our vessel-owning subsidiaries has received, or expects to receive, ownership statements, relating to the year ended December 31, 2011, certifying the qualifying shareholder status of a shareholder beneficially owning more than 50% of the value of each such subsidiary’s stock and the status of intermediaries as required to support a claim by each vessel-owning subsidiary of the Section 883 Exemption.

 

Each of the Company’s vessel-owning subsidiaries has claimed the Section 883 Exemption on the basis that it satisfies the 50% Ownership Test and the Company intends to continue to comply with the substantiation, reporting and other requirements that are applicable under Section 883 of the Code to enable such subsidiaries to claim the exemption on this basis.

 

In the future, if the shareholders or the relative ownership in the Company changes, if the Company believes that it (or its subsidiaries) can qualify for the Section 883 Exemption, each shareholder who is or may be a qualifying person will be asked to provide to the Company an ownership statement for purposes of substantiating the relevant company’s entitlement for the exemption. An ownership statement is required to be signed by the shareholder under penalties of perjury and contains information regarding the residence of the shareholder and its ownership in the company claiming the Section 883 Exemption. If the Company or a subsidiary needs to obtain additional ownership statements in order to establish a Section 883 Exemption, there is no guarantee that shareholders representing a sufficient ownership interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries will provide ownership statements to the relevant company so that it will satisfy any of the Section 883 ownership tests and the Section 883 Exemption would not apply to the Company. If in future years the shareholders fail to update or correct such statements, the Company and its subsidiaries may not continue to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption.

 

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A corporation’s qualification for the Section 883 Exemption is determined for each taxable year. If the Company and/or its subsidiaries were not to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption in any year, the United States income taxes that become payable would have a negative effect on the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to the Company’s shareholders.

 

United States Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels

 

If the Company’s subsidiaries qualify for the Section 883 Exemption, then gain from the sale of any vessel would be exempt from tax under Section 883. If, however, the gain is not exempt from tax under Section 883, the Company will not be subject to United States federal income taxation with respect to such gain provided that the income from the vessel has never constituted effectively connected income and that the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under United States federal income tax principles. In general, a sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside of the United States. To the extent possible, the Company will attempt to structure any sale of a vessel so that it is considered to occur outside of the United States.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation of United States Holders

 

As used herein, “United States Holder” means a beneficial owner of the Company’s common shares that is an individual citizen or resident of the United States for United States federal income tax purposes, a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof (including the District of Columbia), an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source or a trust where a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons (as defined in the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust (or a trust that has made a valid election under U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations to be treated as a domestic trust). A “Non-United States Holder” generally means any owner (or beneficial owner) of common shares that is not a United States Holder, other than a partnership. If a partnership holds common shares, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships holding common shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of an investment in the common shares (including their status as United States Holders or Non-United States Holders).

 

Distributions

 

Subject to the discussion of PFICs below, any distributions made by the Company with respect to the common shares to a United States Holder will generally constitute dividends, which may be taxable as ordinary income or qualified dividend income as described in more detail below, to the extent of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of the Company’s earnings and profits will be treated as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the United States Holder’s tax basis in its common shares and, thereafter, as capital gain. United States Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from us.

 

Dividends paid on the shares of a non-U.S. corporation to an individual generally will not be treated as qualified dividend income that is taxable at a maximum tax rate of 15% through 2012. The preferential rate of federal tax on qualified dividends will expire unless Congress enacts legislation to extend it beyond December 31, 2012. However, dividends paid in respect of the Company’s common shares paid prior to that date may qualify as qualified dividend income if: (1) the common shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States; (2) the Company is not a PFIC for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or in the immediately preceding taxable year; (3) the United States Holder has owned the common shares for more than 60 days in the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common shares become ex-dividend and (4) the United States Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. The first requirement is met as our common shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market. The second requirement is expected to be met as more fully described below under “—Consequences of Possible PFIC Classification.” Satisfaction of the final two requirements will depend on the particular circumstances of each United States Holder. Consequently, if any of these requirements are not met, the dividends paid to individual United States Holders in respect of the Company’s common shares would not to be treated as qualified dividend income and would be taxed as ordinary income at ordinary rates.

 

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After December 31, 2012, dividend income will be taxed at ordinary interest rates and, therefore, the rate on such dividend income will increase unless Congress enacts legislation to extend the preferential rates. However, legislation has been proposed in the past and may again be proposed in the future that would have the effect of classifying dividends paid by the Company as other than qualified dividends, with the result that no United States Holder would be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income even if the preferential rate is extended.

 

Amounts taxable as dividends generally will be treated as income from sources outside the United States and will, depending on your circumstances, be “passive” or “general” income which, in either case, is treated separately from other types of income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to you. However, if (1) the Company is 50% or more owned, by vote or value, by United States persons and (2) at least 10% of the Company’s earnings and profits are attributable to sources within the United States, then for foreign tax credit purposes, a portion of our dividends would be treated as derived from sources within the United States. Under such circumstances, with respect to any dividend paid for any taxable year, the United States source ratio of the Company’s dividends for foreign tax credit purposes would be equal to the portion of the Company’s earnings and profits from sources within the United States for such taxable year, divided by the total amount of the Company’s earnings and profits for such taxable year.

 

Consequences of Possible PFIC Classification

 

A non-United States entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes will be a PFIC in any taxable year in which, after taking into account the income and assets of the corporation and certain subsidiaries pursuant to a “look through” rule, either: (1) 75% or more of its gross income is “passive” income or (2) 50% or more of the average value of its assets is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income. If a corporation is a PFIC in any taxable year that a person holds shares in the corporation (and was not a qualified electing fund with respect to such year, as discussed below), the shares held by such person will be treated as shares in a PFIC for all future years (absent an election which, if made, may require the electing person to pay taxes in the year of the election). A United States Holder of shares in a PFIC would be required to file an annual information return on IRS Form 8621 containing information regarding the PFIC as required by U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations.

 

While there are legal uncertainties involved in this determination, including as a result of adverse recent case law described herein, based upon the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ expected operations as described herein and based upon the current and expected future activities and operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, the income of the Company and such subsidiaries from time charters should not constitute “passive income” for purposes of applying the PFIC rules, and the assets that the Company owns for the production of this time charter income should not constitute passive assets for purposes of applying the PFIC rules.

 

Although there is no legal authority directly on point, this view is based principally on the position that the gross income that the Company and its subsidiaries derive from time charters constitutes services income rather than passive rental income. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decided in Tidewater Inc. v. United States , 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir., April 13, 2009) that a typical time charter is a lease, and not a contract for the provision of transportation services. In that case, the court was considering a tax issue that turned on whether the taxpayer was a lessor where a vessel was under a time charter, and the court 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 the Tidewater case is applied to the Company’s situation and the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ time charters are treated as leases, the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ time charter income could be classified as rental income and the Company would be a PFIC unless more than 25% of the income of the Company (taking into account the subsidiary look through rule) is from spot charters plus other active income or an active leasing exception applies. The IRS has announced that it will not follow the reasoning of the Tidewater case and would have treated the income from the time charters at issue in that case as services income, including for other purposes of the Code. The Company intends to take the position that all of its time, voyage and spot chartering activities will generate active services income and not passive leasing income, but in the absence of direct legal authority specifically relating to the Code provisions governing PFICs, the IRS or a court could disagree with this position. Although the matter is not free from doubt as described herein, based on the current operations and activities of the Company and its subsidiaries and on the relative values of the vessels in the Company’s fleet and the charter income in respect of the vessels, Globus Maritime Limited should not be treated as a PFIC during the taxable year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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Based on the Company’s intention and expectation that the Company’s subsidiaries’ income from spot, time and voyage chartering activities plus other active operating income will be greater than 25% of the Company’s total gross income at all relevant times and that the gross value of the vessels subject to such time, voyage or spot charters will exceed the gross value of all the passive assets the Company owns at all relevant times, Globus Maritime Limited does not expect that it will constitute a PFIC with respect to a taxable year in the near future.

 

The Company will try to manage its vessels and its business so as to avoid being classified as a PFIC for a future taxable year; however there can be no assurance that the nature of the Company’s assets, income and operations will remain the same in the future (notwithstanding the Company’s current expectations). Additionally, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court of law will accept the Company’s position that the time charters that the Company’s subsidiaries have entered into or any other time charter that the Company or a subsidiary may enter into will give rise to active income rather than passive income for purposes of the PFIC rules, or that future changes of law will not adversely affect this position. The Company has not obtained a ruling from the IRS on its time charters or its PFIC status and does not intend to seek one. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for the common shares and the prices at which they trade. In addition, the costs of any contest on the issue with the IRS will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution and thus will be borne indirectly by the Company’s shareholders.

 

If Globus Maritime Limited were to be classified as a PFIC in any year, each United States Holder of the Company’s shares will be subject (in that year and all subsequent years) to special rules with respect to: (1) any “excess distribution” (generally defined as any distribution received by a shareholder in a taxable year that is greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by the shareholder in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the shareholder’s holding period for the shares), and (2) any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of the common shares. Under these rules:

 

  Ø the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over the United States Holder’s holding period;

 

  Ø the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any year prior to the first year in which the Company was a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income in the current year; and

 

  Ø the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years in the United States Holder’s holding period will be subject to United States federal income tax at the highest rate in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge will be added as though the amount of the taxes computed with respect to these other taxable years were overdue.

 

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In order to avoid the application of the PFIC rules, United States Holders may make a qualified electing fund, or a QEF, election provided in Section 1295 of the Code in respect of their common shares. Even if a United States Holder makes a QEF election for a taxable year of the Company, if the Company was a PFIC for a prior taxable year during which such holder held the common shares and for which such holder did not make a timely QEF election, the United States Holder would also be subject to the more adverse rules described above. Additionally, to the extent any of the Company’s subsidiaries is a PFIC, an election by a United States Holder to treat Globus Maritime Limited as a “Qualifying Electing Fund” would not be effective with respect to such holder’s deemed ownership of the stock of such subsidiary and a separate QEF election with respect to such subsidiary is required. In lieu of the PFIC rules discussed above, a United States Holder that makes a timely, valid QEF election will, in very general terms, be required to include its pro rata share of the Company’s ordinary income and net capital gains, unreduced by any prior year losses, in income for each taxable year (as ordinary income and long-term capital gain, respectively) and to pay tax thereon, even if no actual distributions are received for that year in respect of the common shares and even if the amount of that income is not the same as the amount of actual distributions paid on the common shares during the year. If the Company later distributes the income or gain on which the United States Holder has already paid taxes under the QEF rules, the amounts so distributed will not again be subject to tax in the hands of the United States Holder. A United States Holder’s tax basis in any common shares as to which a QEF election has been validly made will be increased by the amount included in such United States Holder’s income as a result of the QEF election and decreased by the amount of nontaxable distributions received by the United States Holder. On the disposition of a common share, a United States Holder making the QEF election generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the amount realized upon such disposition and its adjusted tax basis in the common share. In general, a QEF election should be made by filing a Form 8621 with the United States Holder’s federal income tax return on or before the due date for filing such Holder’s federal income tax return for the first taxable year for which the Company is a PFIC or, if later, the first taxable year for which the United States Holder held common shares. In this regard, a QEF election is effective only if certain required information is made available by the PFIC. Subsequent to the date that the Company first determines that it is a PFIC, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide any United States Holder of common shares, upon request, with the information necessary for such United States Holder to make the QEF election.

 

In addition to the QEF election, Section 1296 of the Code permits United States Holders to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to marketable shares in a PFIC, generally meaning shares regularly traded on a qualified exchange or market and certain other shares considered marketable under U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations. As the Company’s common shares are listed on an established securities market, such common shares are marketable for purposes of this election. If a United States Holder makes a mark-to-market election in respect of its common shares, such United States Holder generally would, in each taxable year: (1) include as ordinary income the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common shares at the end of the taxable year over such United States Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares, and (2) be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of such United States Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election (with the United States Holder’s basis in the common shares being increased and decreased, respectively, by the amount of such ordinary income or ordinary loss). The consequences of this election are generally less favorable than those of a QEF election for United States Holders that are sensitive to the distinction between ordinary income and capital gain, although this is not necessarily the case.

 

United States Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of making a mark-to-market or QEF election, as well as other United States federal income tax consequences of holding shares in a PFIC.

 

As previously indicated, if the Company were to be classified as a PFIC for a taxable year in which the Company pays a dividend or the immediately preceding taxable year, dividends paid by the Company would not constitute “qualified dividend income” and, hence, would not be eligible for the reduced rate of United States federal income tax that is available through 2011.

 

Consequences of Controlled Foreign Corporation Classification of the Company

 

If more than 50% of either the total combined voting power of the shares of the Company entitled to vote or the total value of all of the Company’s outstanding shares were owned, directly, indirectly or constructively by (i) citizens or residents of the United States, (ii) U.S. partnerships or corporations, or U.S. estates or trusts (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes), each of which owned, directly, indirectly or constructively 10% or more of the total combined voting power of the Company shares entitled to vote (each a “U.S. Shareholder”), the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries generally would be treated as CFCs. U.S. Shareholders of a CFC are treated as receiving current distributions of their shares of Subpart F Income of the CFC even if they do not receive actual distributions. The Company or its subsidiaries may have income that would be treated as Subpart F Income, such as interest income, services income of Globus Shipmanagement or passive leasing income in respect of vessel charters. (Please read “—United States Federal Income Taxation of United States Holders—Consequences of Possible PFIC Classification”). Consequently, any United States Holders who are also U.S. Shareholders may be required to include in their U.S. federal taxable income their pro rata share of the Subpart F income of the Company and its subsidiaries, regardless of the amount of cash distributions received. The Company believes that its time charter income will not be treated as passive rental income, but there can be no assurance that the IRS will accept this position. Please read “—United States Federal Income Taxation of United States Holders—Consequences of Possible PFIC Classification.”

 

98
 

 

In the case where the Company and its subsidiaries are CFCs, to the extent that the Company’s distributions to a United States Holder who is also a U.S. Shareholder are attributable to prior inclusions of Subpart F income of such United States Holder, such distributions are not required to be reported as additional income of such United States Holder.

 

Whether or not the Company or a subsidiary will be a CFC will depend on the identity of the shareholders of the Company during each taxable year of the Company. As of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, the Company should not be a CFC based on the current shareholders in the Company.

 

If the Company or one of its subsidiaries is a CFC, certain burdensome U.S. federal income tax and administrative requirements would apply to United States Holders that are U.S. Shareholders, but such United States Holders generally would not also be subject to all of the requirements generally applicable to owners of a PFIC. For example, a United States Holder that is a U.S. Shareholder will be required to annually file IRS Form 5471 to report certain aspects of its indirect ownership of a CFC. United States Holders should consult with their own tax advisors as to the consequences to them of being a U.S. Shareholder in a CFC.

 

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Shares

 

A United States Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of common shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the United States Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the United States Holder’s tax basis in such common shares. Assuming the Company does not constitute a PFIC for any taxable year, this gain or loss will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the United States Holder’s holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. A United States Holder’s ability to deduct capital losses is subject to severe limitations.

 

A United States Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of common shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the United States Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the United States Holder’s tax basis in such shares.

 

If a United States Holder’s holding period for the common shares is more than one year, the gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss assuming that the Company does not constitute a PFIC for any taxable year.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation of Non-United States Holders

 

A Non-United States Holder will generally not be subject to United States federal income tax on dividends paid in respect of the common shares or on gains recognized in connection with the sale or other disposition of the common shares provided that the Non-United States Holder makes certain tax representations regarding the identity of the beneficial owner of the common shares, that such dividends or gains are not effectively connected with the Non-United States Holder’s conduct of a United States trade or business and that, with respect to gain recognized in connection with the sale or other disposition of the common shares by a non-resident alien individual, such individual is not present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and other conditions are met. If the Non-United States Holder is engaged in a United States trade or business for United States federal income tax purposes, the income from the common shares, including dividends and gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common stock, that is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business will generally be subject to regular United States federal income tax in the same manner as discussed above relating to the taxation of United States Holders.

 

99
 

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

 

Information reporting to the IRS may be required with respect to payments on the common shares and with respect to proceeds from the sale of the common shares. With respect to Non-United States Holders, copies of such information returns may be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the Non-United States Holder resides under the provisions of any applicable income tax treaty or exchange of information agreement. A “backup” withholding tax may also apply to those payments if:

 

  Ø a holder of the common shares fails to provide certain identifying information (such as the holder’s taxpayer identification number or an attestation to the status of the holder as a Non-United States Holder);

 

  Ø such holder is notified by the IRS that he or she has failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on his or her federal income tax returns; or

 

  Ø in certain circumstances, such holder has failed to comply with applicable certification requirements.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax and may be refunded (or credited against the holder’s United States federal income tax liability, if any), provided that certain required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

 

United States Holders of common shares may be required to file forms with the IRS under the applicable reporting provisions of the Code. For example, such United States Holders may be required, under Sections 6038, 6038B and/or 6046 of the Code, to supply the IRS with certain information regarding the United States Holder, other United States Holders and the Company if (1) such person owns at least 10% of the total value or 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares entitled to vote or (2) the acquisition, when aggregated with certain other acquisitions that may be treated as related under applicable regulations, exceeds $100,000. In the event a United States Holder fails to file a form when required to do so, the United States Holder could be subject to substantial tax penalties.

 

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

 

We encourage each United States Holder and Non-United States Holder to consult with his, her or its own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences to him, her or it of holding and disposing of the Company’s common shares, including the applicability of any federal, state, local or foreign tax laws and any proposed changes in applicable law.

 

F.  Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not Applicable.

 

G.  Statement by Experts

 

Not Applicable.

 

100
 

 

H.  Documents on Display

 

We file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual report on Form 20-F and the accompanying exhibits, may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or from the SEC’s website http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling 1 (800) SEC-0330 and you may obtain copies at prescribed rates.

 

I.  Subsidiary Information

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 11.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Interest Rates

 

We are exposed to market risks associated with changes in interest rates relating to our loan arrangements with Credit Suisse, Deutsche Schiffsbank and DVB Bank SE. As of December 31, 2011, we had a $52.0 million outstanding balance under our Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2011, Kelty Marine has a $23.7 million principal balance outstanding under the Kelty Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2011, Artful Shipholding S.A. and Longevity Maritime Limited had a $35.7 million principal balance outstanding under the DVB Loan Agreement. Interest costs incurred under our loan arrangements are included in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

In 2011, the weighted average interest rate for our then-outstanding facilities was 1.69% and the respective interest rates ranged from 0.91% to 3.08%, including margins.

 

We will continue to have debt outstanding, which could impact our results of operations and financial condition. Although we may in the future prefer to generate funds through equity offerings on terms acceptable to us rather than through the use of debt arrangements, we may not be able to do so. We expect to manage any exposure in interest rates through our regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments.

 

We entered into two interest rate swap agreements in order to manage future interest costs and the risk associated with changing interest rates.

 

The total notional principal amount of these swaps as of each of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $25 million, which have specified rates and durations.

 

Through these swap transactions, we effectively hedged the interest rate exposure of 22% of our loans outstanding as of December 31, 2011.

 

The following table sets forth the sensitivity of our existing loans as of December 31, 2011 as to a 1% (100 basis points) increase in LIBOR taking into account our interest rate swap agreements that are currently in place, during the next five years, and reflects the additional interest expense.

 

101
 

 

Year   Amount  
2012   $ 0.9 million  
2013   $ 0.8 million  
2014   $ 0.9 million  
2015   $ 0.7 million  
2016   $ 0.4 million  

 

Currency and Exchange Rates

 

We generate revenues from the trading of our vessels in U.S. dollars but historically incur certain amounts of our operating expenses in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. While we were incorporated in Jersey, the majority of our general and administrative expenses (including stock exchange fees and advisor fees) were payable in U.K. pounds sterling. For cash management, or treasury, purposes, we convert U.S. dollars into foreign currencies which we then hold on deposit until the date of each transaction. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates create foreign exchange gains or losses when we mark-to-market these non-U.S. dollar deposits.

 

For accounting purposes, expenses incurred in Euro and other foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of each transaction. Because a portion of our expenses are incurred in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, our expenses may from time to time increase relative to our revenues as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates, which could affect the amount of net income that we report in future periods. While we historically have not mitigated the risk associated with exchange rate fluctuations through the use of financial derivatives, we may determine to employ such instruments from time to time in the future in order to minimize this risk. Our use of financial derivatives would involve certain risks, including the risk that losses on a hedged position could exceed the nominal amount invested in the instrument and the risk that the counterparty to the derivative transaction may be unable or unwilling to satisfy its contractual obligations, which could have an adverse effect on our results.

 

Commodity Risk Exposure

 

The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates as a result of events outside our control, including geo-political developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns and regulations. Because we do not intend to hedge our fuel costs, an increase in the price of fuel beyond our expectations may adversely affect our profitability, cash flows and ability to pay dividends.

 

Inflation

 

We do not expect inflation to be a significant risk to us in the current and foreseeable economic environment. In the event that inflation becomes a significant factor in the global economy, inflationary pressures would result in increased operating, voyage and finance costs.

 

Item 12.  Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

 

Not Applicable.

 

PART II

 

Item 13.  Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 

None.

 

102
 

 

Item 14.  Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

 

In April 2012, we issued to our two executive officers, an aggregate of 3,347 Series A Preferred Shares. Holders of Series A Preferred Shares may receive dividends prior to the holders of our shares, and also have a liquidation preference. Please read “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Preferred Shares.”

 

Item 15.  Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 20-F. Disclosure controls and procedures are defined under SEC rules as controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

 

Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the evaluation date.

 

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

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

 

Management has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 is effective.

 

(c)  Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

None.

 

103
 

 

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

 

Our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

 

Item 16A.  Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Our board of directors has determined that Amir Eilon is our audit committee financial expert and he is considered to be “independent” according to the SEC rules.

 

Item 16B.  Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. Our code of ethics is posted on our website and is available upon written request by our shareholders at no cost to Globus Shipmanagement Corp., 128 Vouliagmenis Avenue, 3rd Floor, 166 74 Glyfada, Athens, Greece. We intend to satisfy any disclosure requirements regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website.

 

Item 16C.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Our principal accountants, Ernst & Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors Accountants S.A., an independent registered public accounting firm, have billed us for audit, audit-related and non-audit services as follows:

 

    2011     2010  
             
Audit Fees   $ 218,000       188,838  
Audit-Related Fees     -       -  
Tax Fees     3,700       3,500  
All Other Fees     -       -  
                 
Total   $ 221,700       192,338  

 

Audit fees for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were paid in Euro.

 

Audit fees represent compensation for professional services rendered for the audit of the consolidated financial statements and for the review of the quarterly financial information as well as services in connection with the registration statements and related consents and comfort letters and any other audit services required for SEC or other regulatory filings.

 

Tax fees relate to services for assisting the Company in submitting tax declarations for those subsidiaries whose vessels performed voyages to the United States within 2010 and 2009.

 

104
 

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, replacement, compensation, evaluation and oversight of the work of the independent auditors. As part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee pre-approves the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditors in order to assure that they do not impair the auditor’s independence from the Company. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy which sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services proposed to be performed by the independent auditors may be pre-approved.

 

Item 16D.  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

 

Our audit committee is comprised of two independent members of our board of directors. Otherwise, our Audit Committee conforms to each other requirement applicable to audit committees as required by the applicable corporate governance standards of Nasdaq.

 

Item 16E.  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

None.

 

Item 16F.  Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

 

None.

 

Item 16G.  Corporate Governance

 

While a number of the Nasdaq’s corporate governance standards do not apply to us as a foreign private issuer, we intend to comply with a number of those rules. The practices that we will follow in lieu of Nasdaq’s corporate governance rules are as follows:

 

  Ø in lieu of a nomination committee and remuneration committee comprised entirely of independent directors, our nomination and remuneration committees will be comprised of a majority of independent directors. Each of these committees will be comprised of a minimum of two individuals. There is nothing to prohibit shareholders identifying and recommending potential candidates to become board members;

 

  Ø in lieu of holding regularly scheduled meetings of the board of directors at which only independent directors are present, we will not be holding such regularly scheduled meetings;

 

  Ø in lieu of a board of directors that is comprised by a majority of independent directors, our board of directors is not comprised of a majority of independent directors; and

 

  Ø in lieu of an audit committee comprised of three independent directors, our audit committee has two members.

 

Item 16H.  Mining Safety Disclosure

 

Not Applicable.

 

PART III

 

Item 17.  Financial Statements

 

See Item 18.

 

105
 

 

Item 18.  Financial Statements

 

The following financial statements beginning on page F-1 are filed as a part of this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

Item 19.  Exhibits

 

1.1 Articles of Incorporation of Globus Maritime Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 1 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-170755) filed on November 24, 2010)
   
1.2 Bylaws of Globus Maritime Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 1 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-170755) filed on November 24, 2010)
   
1.3* Certificate of Designation for Series A Preferred Stock of Globus Maritime Limited
   
4.1 Credit Facility between Credit Suisse and Global Maritime Limited, as supplemented (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-170755) filed on November 22, 2010)
   
4.2 Loan Agreement between Deutsche Schiffsbank Aktiengesellschaft and Kelty Marine Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-170755) filed on November 22, 2010)
   
4.3 Long Term Incentive Plan of Globus Maritime Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-170755) filed on November 22, 2010)
   
4.4 Business Opportunities Agreement between Globus Maritime Limited and Georgios Feidakis (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-170755) filed on November 22, 2010)
   
4.5 Registration Rights Agreement between Globus Maritime Limited, Firment Trading Limited and Kim Holdings S.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-170755) filed on November 22, 2010)
   
4.6 Memorandum of Agreement, dated March 18, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (Reg. No. 001-34985) filed on March 28, 2011)
   
4.7 Sixth Supplemental Agreement to Facility Agreement, dated May 5, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Current Report on Form 6-K (Reg. No. 001-34985) filed on May 9, 2011)
   
4.8  Memorandum of Agreement, dated May 2, 2011 and Addendum No. 1 to the Memorandum of Agreement, dated May 6, 2011 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-174290) filed on May 17, 2011)
   
4.9

Committed Term Sheet, dated June 1, 2011, between DVB Bank SE and Globus Maritime Limited

(previously filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-174290) filed on June 6, 2011)

 

106
 

 

4.10 Loan Agreement among DVB Bank SE, Artful Shipping S.A. and Longevity Maritime Limited (previously filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Reg. No. 333-174290) filed on June 22, 2011)
   
8.1* Subsidiaries of Globus Maritime Limited
   
11.1 Code of Ethics & Conduct of Globus Maritime Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 to Globus Maritime Limited’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (Reg. No. 001-34985) filed on March 28, 2011)
   
12.1* Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the President and Chief Executive Officer
   
12.2* Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Chief Financial Officer
   
13.1* Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Executive Officer
   
13.2* Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Financial Officer

* Filed herewith.

 

107
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

  GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
     
  By:    /s/ Georgios Karageorgiou
    Name: Georgios Karageorgiou
    Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: April 27, 2012

 

 
 

 

INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Page
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
   
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position F-3
   
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income F-4
   
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity F-5
   
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows F-6
   
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-7 to 39

 

F- 1
 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Globus Maritime Limited

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Globus Maritime Limited (“Globus”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of Globus’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of Globus’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Globus’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Globus Maritime Limited at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

 

/s/ Ernst & Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors Accountants S.A.

 

Athens, Greece

April 27, 2012

 

F- 2
 

 

GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

          December 31,  
     Notes     2011     2010  
ASSETS                        
                         
NON-CURRENT ASSETS                        
Vessels, net     5       242,507       191,506  
Office furniture and equipment             75       40  
Other non-current assets             10       10  
Total non-current assets             242,592       191,556  
CURRENT ASSETS                        
Cash and bank balances and bank deposits     3       9,301       24,618  
Trade receivables, net     2.7       1,386       281  
Inventories     6       554       467  
Prepayments and other assets     7       2,226       1,530  
Total current assets             13,467       26,896  
TOTAL ASSETS             256,059       218,452  
                         
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                        
                         
EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS                        
Share capital     10       40       29  
Share premium     10       109,229       88,817  
Retained earnings             30,750       28,942  
Total equity             140,019       117,788  
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                        
Long-term borrowings, net of current portion     12       105,518       85,332  
Provision for staff retirement indemnities     2.19       66       56  
Total non-current liabilities             105,584       85,388  
CURRENT LIABILITIES                        
Current portion of long-term borrowings     12       5,297       10,906  
Trade accounts payable     8       945       1,346  
Accrued liabilities and other payables     9       1,206       698  
Derivative financial instruments     18       1,431       1,800  
Deferred revenue     2.4       1,577       526  
Total current liabilities             10,456       15,276  
TOTAL LIABILITIES             116,040       100,664  
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES             256,059       218,452  

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 

 

F- 3
 

 

GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share data)

 

          For the year ended December 31,  
     Notes     2011     2010     2009  
REVENUE:                                
Time charter revenue             35,559       28,860       52,812  
                                 
EXPENSES & OTHER OPERATING INCOME:                                
Voyage expenses     14       (3,283 )     (2,152 )     (3,742 )
Vessel operating expenses     14       (7,967 )     (5,887 )     (10,137 )
Depreciation     5       (10,180 )     (7,367 )     (11,204 )
Depreciation of dry docking costs     5       (318 )     (410 )     (1,512 )
Amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels     5       (779 )     -       -  
Administrative expenses     15       (2,078 )     (2,310 )     (2,004 )
Administrative expenses payable to related parties     4       (1,150 )     (1,066 )     (1,272 )
Share based payments     13       (364 )     (311 )     (1,754 )
Impairment loss     5       -       -       (28,429 )
Gain/(loss) on sale of vessels     19       -       7       (802 )
Other expenses, net             (124 )     (35 )     (106 )
                                 
Operating profit/(loss) before financing activities             9,316       9,329       (8,150 )
                                 
Interest income from bank balances and bank deposits             52       247       1,032  
Interest expense and finance costs     16       (2,821 )     (2,133 )     (2,926 )
Gain/(loss) on derivative financial instruments     18       369       (570 )     143  
Foreign exchange gains/(losses), net             9       (870 )     (178 )
Total finance costs, net             (2,391 )     (3,326 )     (1,929 )
                                 
TOTAL PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR             6,925       6,003       (10,079 )
Other Comprehensive Income/(loss)             -       -       -  
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR             6,925       6,003       (10,079 )
                                 
  Earnings/(loss) per share (U.S.$):                                
- Basic earnings/(loss) per share  for the year     11       0.80       0.83       (1,40 )
- Diluted earnings/(loss) per share for the year     11       0.79       0.82       (1.40 )

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F- 4
 

 

GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share and per share data)

 

    Common stock      Issued                    
    Number of     Par     share     Share     Retained     Total  
    Shares     Value     Capital     Premium     Earnings     Equity  
    (note 10)     (note 10)     (note 10)     (note 10)              
Balance at January 1, 2009     7,166,363       0.004       29       87,600       34,154       121,783  
Loss for the year     -       -       -       -       (10,079 )     (10,079 )
Other comprehensive income/(loss)     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total comprehensive loss for the year     -       -       -       -       (10,079 )     (10,079 )
Share based payment (note 13)     72,680       0.004       -       916       838       1,754  
Balance at December 31, 2009     7,239,043       0.004       29       88,516       24,913       113,458  
Profit for the year     -       -       -       -       6,003       6,003  
Other comprehensive income/(loss)     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total comprehensive income for the year     -       -       -       -       6,003       6,003  
Share based payment (note 13)     50,645       0.004       -       301       10       311  
Dividends paid (note 17)     -       -       -       -       (1,984 )     (1,984 )
Balance at December 31, 2010     7,289,688       0.004       29       88,817       28,942       117,788  
Profit for the year     -       -       -       -       6,925       6,925  
Other comprehensive income/(loss)     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total comprehensive income for the year     -       -       -       -       6,925       6,925  
Proceeds from public offering     2,750,000       0.004       11       21,989       -       22,000  
Transaction costs     -       -       -       (1,952 )     -       (1,952 )
Share based payment (note 13)     60,789       0.004       -       375       (11 )     364  
Dividends paid  (note 17)     -       -       -       -       (5,106 )     (5,106 )
Balance at December 31, 2011     10,100,477       0.004       40       109,229       30,750       140,019  

  

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

F- 5
 

 

GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

          For the year ended December 31,  
     Notes     2011     2010     2009  
Cash flows from operating activities:                                
Profit/(loss) for the year             6,925       6,003       (10,079 )
Adjustments for:                                
Depreciation     5       10,180       7,367       11,204  
Depreciation of deferred dry docking costs     5       318       410       1,512  
Amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels     5       779       -       -  
Payment of deferred dry docking costs     5       (485 )     (19 )     (1,135 )
(Gain)/loss on sale of vessels             -       (7 )     802  
Impairment loss     5       -       -       28,429  
Provision for staff retirement indemnities     2.19       10       13       13  
(Gain)/loss on derivative financial instruments     18       (369 )     570       (143 )
Interest expense and finance costs     16       2,821       2,133       2,926  
Interest income             (52 )     (247 )     (1,032 )
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses, net             (10 )     36       178  
Share based payment     13       364       311       1,754  
(Increase)/decrease in:                                
Trade receivables, net             (1,105 )     55       494  
Inventories             (87 )     (112 )     210  
Prepayments and other assets             (689 )     (149 )     (46 )
Increase/(decrease) in:                                
Trade accounts payable             (401 )     188       (1,054 )
Accrued liabilities and other payables             524       (385 )     380  
Deferred revenue             1,051       15       (847 )
Net cash generated from operating activities             19,774       16,182       33,566  
Cash flows from investing activities:                                
Vessel acquisitions             (61,774 )     (106,084 )     -  
Time deposits with maturity of more than three months     3       -       -       10,000  
Net proceeds from sale of vessels             -       33,037       49,031  
Purchases of office furniture and equipment             (53 )     (26 )     (2 )
Interest received             45       354       1,224  
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities             (61,782 )     (72,719 )     60,253  
Cash flows from financing activities:                                
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt     12       37,000       62,170       -  
Repayment of long-term debt             (22,296 )     (36,082 )     (87,038 )
Pledged bank deposits     3       (1,000 )     5,000       15,400  
Proceeds from issuance of share capital net of transaction costs     10       20,048       -       -  
Payment of financing costs             (240 )     (200 )     -  
Dividends paid     17       (5,106 )     (1,984 )     -  
Interest paid             (2,725 )     (1,870 )     (2,858 )
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities             25,681       27,034       (74,496 )
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents             (16,327 )     (29,503 )     19,323  
Foreign exchange gains/(losses) on cash and bank deposits             10       (36 )     (108 )
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year     3       23,618       53,157       33,942  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year     3       7,301       23,618       53,157  

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F- 6
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

1. Basis of presentation and general information

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Globus Maritime Limited (“Globus”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”). Globus was formed on July 26, 2006 under the laws of Jersey. On June 1, 2007, Globus concluded its initial public offering in the United Kingdom and its shares were admitted for trading on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”). On November 24, 2010 Globus was redomiciled to Marshall Islands and its shares were admitted for trading in the United States (NASDAQ Global Market) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. On November 26, 2010 Globus shares were effectively delisted from AIM. On June 30, 2011 Globus completed its first follow-on public offering in the United States under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the net proceeds of which amounted to $20,048 (note 10).

 

The address of the registered office of Globus is: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH96960.

 

The principal business of the Company is the ownership and operation of a fleet of dry bulk motor vessels (“m/v”), providing maritime services for the transportation of dry cargo products on a worldwide basis. The Company conducts its operations through its vessel owning subsidiaries.

 

The consolidated financial statements of Globus and its subsidiaries include the financial statements of the following companies:

 

Company   Country of
Incorporation
  Date of
Incorporation/Redomiciliation
  Activity
             
Globus Maritime Limited   Marshall Islands   November 24, 2010   Holding Co.
             
Globus Shipmanagement Corp.   Marshall Islands   July 26, 2006   Management Co.

 

The operations of the vessels are managed by Globus Shipmanagement Corp. (the “Manager”), a wholly owned Marshall Islands corporation. The Manager has an office in Greece, located at 128 Vouliagmenis Avenue, 166 74 Glyfada, Greece and provides the commercial, technical, cash management and accounting services necessary for the operation of the fleet in exchange for a management fee. The management fee is eliminated on consolidation. The consolidated financial statements also include the financial statements of the following vessel-owning subsidiaries, all wholly owned by the Company as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 

Company   Country of
Incorporation
  Vessel Delivery
Date
  Vessel Owned
             
Chantal Maritime Co. (The company was dissolved on February 19, 2010)   Marshall Islands   September 15, 2006   m/v Ocean Globe (Sold in November 2008)
Sibelle Marine Inc. (The company was dissolved on October 14, 2011)   Marshall Islands   September 26, 2006   m/v Sea Globe (Sold in February 2010)
Supreme Navigation Co.   Marshall Islands   November 14, 2006   m/v Coral Globe (Sold in February 2010)

 

F- 7
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

  

1. Basis of presentation and general information (continued)

 

Company   Country of
Incorporation
  Vessel Delivery
Date
  Vessel Owned
             
Adagio Marine S.A. (The company was dissolved on October 14, 2011)   Marshall Islands   December 6, 2006   m/v Lake Globe (sold in November 2009)
             
Abrosa Shipping Inc. (The company was dissolved on May 16, 2011)   Marshall Islands   January 11, 2007   m/v Gulf Globe (sold in October 2009)
             
Eleanor Maritime Limited (The company was dissolved on January 25, 2011)   Marshall Islands   July 9, 2007   m/v Island Globe (sold in September 2009)
             
Devocean Maritime Ltd.   Marshall Islands   December 18, 2007   m/v River Globe
             
Elysium Maritime Limited   Marshall Islands   December 18, 2007   m/v Tiara Globe
             
Domina Maritime Ltd.   Marshall Islands   May 19, 2010   m/v Sky Globe
             
Dulac Maritime S.A.   Marshall Islands   May 25, 2010   m/v Star Globe
             
Kelty Marine Ltd.   Marshall Islands   June 29, 2010   m/v Jin Star
             
Artful Shipholding S.A.   Marshall Islands   June 22, 2011   m/v Moon Globe
             
Longevity Maritime Limited   Malta   September 15, 2011   m/v Sun Globe
             
Rosario Maritime Inc.   Marshall Islands   -   Dormant

 

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, were approved for issuance by the Board of Directors on April 26, 2012.

 

2. Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies

 

2.1 Basis of Preparation: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments that have been measured at fair value. The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand ($ 000s) except when otherwise indicated.

 

Statement of Compliance: These consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The Company also previously prepared consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2009 and for the year then ended, in accordance with IFRS as endorsed by the European Union (“EU”). There are no significant differences between the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS as endorsed by the EU.

 

Basis of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Globus and its subsidiaries listed in note 1. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company, using consistent accounting policies.

 

F- 8
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

  

2. Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.1 Basis of Consolidation (continued)

 

All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company and cease to be consolidated from the date on which control is transferred out of the Company.

 

2.2 Standards amendments and interpretations:

 

The Company has adopted the following new and amended IFRS and IFRIC interpretations as of January 1, 2011:

 

Ø IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures (amendment)- effective January 1, 2011

Ø IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation (amendment) - effective February 1, 2010

Ø IFRIC 14 Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement (amendment) - effective January 1, 2011

Ø IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments – effective July 1, 2010

Ø Improvements to IFRSs (May 2010)

  

The adoption of the standards or interpretations is described below:

 

· IAS 24 Related Party Transactions (amendment): The IASB issued an amendment to IAS 24 that clarifies the definitions of a related party. The new definitions emphasise a symmetrical view of related party relationships and clarifies the circumstances in which persons and key management personnel affect related party relationships of an entity. In addition, the amendment introduces an exception from the general related party disclosure requirements for transactions with governments and entities that are controlled, jointly controlled or significantly influenced by the same government as the reporting entity. The adoption of the amendment did not have any impact on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

· IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation (amendment): The IASB issued an amendment that alters the definition of a financial liability in IAS 32 to enable entities to classify rights issues and certain options or warrants as equity instruments. The amendment is applicable if the rights are given pro rata to all of the existing owners of the same class of an entity’s non-derivative equity instruments, to acquire a fixed number of the entity’s own equity instruments for a fixed amount in any currency. The amendment has had no effect on the financial position or performance of the Company because the Company does not have these types of instruments.

 

· IFRIC 14 Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement (amendment): The amendment removes an unintended consequence when an entity is subject to minimum funding requirements and makes an early payment of contributions to cover such requirements. The amendment permits a prepayment of future service cost by the entity to be recognised as a pension asset. The amendment is applied retrospectively. The Company is not subject to minimum funding requirements; therefore, the amendment of the interpretation had no effect on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

· IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments: The interpretation clarifies that equity instruments issued to a creditor to extinguish a financial liability qualify as consideration paid. The equity instruments issued are measured at their fair value. In case that this cannot be reliably measured, the instruments are measured at the fair value of the liability extinguished.

 

F- 9
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

  

2. Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.2 Standards amendments and interpretations (continued)

 

Any gain or loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss. The effect of this interpretation has no effect on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

· Amendments resulting from improvements to IFRSs (May 2010) to the following standards which did not have an effect on the accounting policies, financial position or performance of the Company:
Ø IFRS 3 Business combinations

Ø IFRS 7 Financial instruments-Disclosure

Ø IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements

Ø IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements

Ø IAS 34 Interim Financial Statements

Ø IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes

 

Standards issued but not yet effective and not early adopted:

 

· IAS 1 Financial Statement Presentation – Presentation of items of Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) : The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2012. The amendments to IAS 1 change the grouping of items presented in OCI. Items that could be reclassified (or ‘recycled’) to profit or loss at a future point in time (for example, upon derecognition or settlement) would be presented separately from items that will never be reclassified. The amendment affects presentation only and is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial position or performance.

 

· IAS 12 Income Taxes- Recovery of Underlying Assets: The amendment becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2012.The amendment clarified the determination of deferred tax on investment property measured at fair value. The amendment introduces a rebuttable presumption that deferred tax on investment property measured using the fair value model in IAS 40 should be determined on the basis that its carrying amount will be recovered through sale. Furthermore, it introduces the requirement that deferred tax on non-depreciable assets that are measured using the revaluation model in IAS 16 always be measured on a sale basis of the asset. The amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial position or performance.

 

· IAS 19 Employee Benefits (Amendment): The amendment becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The IASB has issued numerous amendments to IAS 19. These range from fundamental changes such as removing the corridor mechanism and the concept of expected returns on plan assets to simple clarifications and rewording. The amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial position or performance.

 

· IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements (as revised in 2011): The amendment becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. As a consequence of the new IFRS 10 and IFRS 12, what remains of IAS 27 is limited to accounting for subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates in separate financial statements. The Company does not present separate financial statements.

 

· IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (as revised in 2011): The amendment becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. As a consequence of the new IFRS 11 and IFRS 12, IAS 28 has been renamed IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures , and describes the application of the equity method to investments in joint ventures in additions to associates. The amendment is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial position or performance.

 

F- 10
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

   

2. Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.2 Standards amendments and interpretations (continued)

 

· IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation (Amended) - Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities: The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014. This amendment clarifies the meaning of “currently has a legally enforceable right to set-off” and also clarifies the application of the IAS 32 offsetting criteria to settlement systems (such as central clearing house systems) which apply gross settlement mechanisms that are not simultaneous. The amendments to IAS 32 are to be retrospectively applied. Earlier application is permitted. However, if an entity chooses to early adopt, it must disclose that fact and also make the disclosures required by the IFRS 7 Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities amendments. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the amendment on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

· IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures- Enhanced Derecognition Disclosure Requirements: The amendment becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2011. The amendment requires additional disclosure about financial assets that have been transferred but not derecognised to enable the user of the Company’s financial statements to understand the relationship with those assets that have not been derecognised and their associated liabilities. In addition, the amendment requires disclosures about continuing involvement in derecognised assets to enable the user to evaluate the nature of, and risks associated with, the entity’s continuing involvement in those derecognised assets. The amendment affects disclosure only and is not expected to have impact on the Company’s financial position or performance.

 

· IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures (Amended) - Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities: The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The amendment introduces common disclosure requirements. These disclosures would provide users with information that is useful in evaluating the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position. The amendments to IFRS 7 are to be retrospectively applied. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the amendment on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

· IFRS 9 Financial Instruments – Classification and Measurement: The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015. IFRS 9 as issued reflects the first phase of the IASBs work on the replacement of IAS 39 and applies to classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities as defined in IAS 39. Phase 1 of IFRS 9 will have a significant impact on (i) the classification and measurement of financial assets and (ii) a change in reporting for those entities that have designated financial liabilities using the fair value option. In subsequent phases, the IASB will address hedge accounting and impairment of financial assets. The completion of this project is expected over the first half of 2012. Early application is permitted. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the new standard on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

· IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements: This standard becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. IFRS 10 replaces the portion of IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements . It also includes the issues raised in SIC-12 Consolidation-Special Purpose Entities. IFRS 10 establishes a single control model that applies to all entities including special purpose entities. The changes introduced by IFRS 10 will require management to exercise significant judgment to determine which entities are controlled, and therefore, are required to be consolidated by a parent, compared with the requirements that were in IAS 27. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the new standard on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

F- 11
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

  

2 Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.2 Standards amendments and interpretations (continued)

 

· IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements: This standard becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 Interest in Joint Ventures and SIC- 13 Jointly-Controlled Entities- Non-monetary Contributions by Venturers. IFRS 11 removes the option to account for jointly controlled entities (‘JCE’s’) using proportionate consolidation. Instead, JCE’s that meet the definition of joint venture must be accounted for using the equity method. The application of this new standard is not expected to have an impact on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

· IFRS 12 Disclosure of Involvement with Other Entities: This standard becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. IFRS 12 includes all of the disclosures that were previously in IAS 27 related to consolidated financial statements, as well as all of the disclosures that were previously included in IAS 31 and IAS 28. These disclosures relate to an entity’s interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and structured entities. A number of new disclosures are also required. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the new standard on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

· IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement: This standard becomes effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. IFRS 13 does not change when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required or permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on the financial position and performance.

 

· IFRIC Interpretation 20 Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine: The interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013.This interpretation only applies to stripping costs incurred in surface mining activity during the production phase of the mine ('production stripping costs'). Costs incurred in undertaking stripping activities are considered to create two possible benefits a) the production of inventory in the current period and/or b) improved access to ore to be mined in a future period (striping activity asset). Where cost cannot be specifically allocated between the inventory produced during the period and the stripping activity asset, IFRIC 20 requires an entity to use an allocation basis that is based on a relevant production measure. Early application is permitted. The application of this interpretation will not have an impact on the financial position or performance of the Company as it is not involved in mining activities.

 

2.3 Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions: The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses recognised during the reporting period. 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 affected in the future.

 

Judgments: In the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies, management has made the following judgments that had a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

 

F- 12
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2 Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.3 Significant accounting Judgments, estimates and assumptions (continued)

 

Ø Non-current assets held for sale: On November 11, 2009, the Company entered into a memorandum of agreement for the sale of two vessels, namely m/v Sea Globe and m/v Coral Globe. The Company considered that the vessels met the criteria to be classified as held for sale at that date for the following reasons:
· The sale was considered highly probable and the vessels were available for immediate sale in their present condition.
· The delivery was expected to take place during February 2010. The actual delivery of the vessels took place on February 17, 2010.

 

Ø Allowance for doubtful trade receivables: Provisions for doubtful trade receivables are recorded based on management’s expectation on future trade receivables recoveries (note 2.7).

 

Estimates and assumptions: The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the financial position date, that have a significant risk of causing a significant adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

 

Ø Carrying amount of vessels, net : Vessels are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation (including depreciation of dry-docking costs and the amortization of the component attributable to favourable or unfavourable lease terms relative to market terms) and accumulated impairment losses. The estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect on the vessels carrying amount are estimations in relation to useful lives of vessels, their salvage value and estimated dry docking dates. The key assumptions used are further explained in notes 2.9 to 2.13.

 

Ø Impairment of Non-Financial Assets : The Company’s impairment test for non-financial assets is based on the assets’ recoverable amount, where the recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The Company engaged independent valuation specialists to determine the fair value of non-financial assets as at December 31, 2011. The value in use calculation is based on a discounted cash flow model. The value in use calculation is most sensitive to the discount rate used for the discounted cash flow model as well as the expected net cash flows and the growth rate used for extrapolation (refer to note 5).

 

2.4 Accounting for revenue and related expenses: The Company generates its revenues from charterers for the charter hire of its vessels. Vessels are chartered using time charters, bareboat charter and spot charters, where a contract is entered into for the use of a vessel for a specific period of time and a specified daily charter hire rate. If a time charter agreement exists and collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured, revenue is recognised on a straight line basis over the period of the time charter. Such revenues are treated in accordance with IAS 17 as lease income as explained in note 2.23 below. Associated voyage expenses, which primarily consist of commissions, are recognised on a pro-rata basis over the duration of the period of the time charter. Deferred revenue relates to cash received prior to the financial position date and is related to revenue earned after such date.

 

Interest income : Revenue is recognised as interest accrues (using the effective interest method).

 

Voyage expenses : Voyage expenses primarily consist of port expenses and owners’ expenses paid by the charterer, canal and bunker expenses that are unique to a particular charter under time charter arrangements or by the Company under voyage charter arrangements.

 

F- 13
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.4 Accounting for revenue and related expenses (continued)

 

Furthermore, voyage expenses include commission on income paid by the Company. The Company defers bunker expenses under voyage charter agreements and amortizes them over the related voyage.

 

Vessel operating expenses: Vessel operating expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis.

 

2.5 Foreign currency translation: The functional currency of Globus and its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, which is also the presentation currency of the Company, because the Company’s vessels operate in international shipping markets, whereby the U.S. dollar is the currency used for transactions. Transactions involving other currencies during the period are converted into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the transactions. At the financial position dates, monetary assets and liabilities, which are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, are translated into the functional currency using the period-end exchange rate. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in foreign currency gain or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

2.6 Cash and cash equivalents: The Company considers highly liquid investments such as time deposits and certificates of deposit with original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.

 

2.7 Trade receivables, net : The amount shown as trade receivables at each financial position date includes estimated recoveries from charterers for hire, freight and demurrage billings, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Trade receivables are measured at amortized cost less impairment losses, which are recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. At each financial position date, all potentially uncollectible accounts are assessed individually for the purpose of determining the appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts. There is no provision for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

2.8 Inventories: Inventories consist of lubricants and gas cylinders and are stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value. The cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method.

 

2.9 Vessels, net: Vessels are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation (including depreciation of dry-docking costs and component attributable to favourable or unfavourable lease terms relative to market terms) and accumulated impairment losses. Vessel cost consists of the contract price for the vessel and any material expenses incurred upon acquisition (initial repairs, improvements and delivery expenses, interest, commissions paid and on-site supervision costs incurred during the construction periods). Any seller’s credit, i.e. amounts received from the seller of the vessels until date of delivery is deducted from the cost of the vessel. Subsequent expenditures for conversions and major improvements are also capitalised when the recognition criteria are met. Otherwise these amounts are charged to expenses as incurred.

 

2.10 Deferred dry-docking costs: Vessels are required to be dry-docked for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating. Dry-dockings occur approximately every 2.5 years. The costs associated with the dry-dockings are capitalised and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the period between dry-dockings, to a maximum of 2.5 years. At the date of acquisition of a vessel, management estimates the component of the cost that corresponds to the economic benefit to be derived until the first scheduled dry-docking of the vessel under the ownership of the Company and this component is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining period through the estimated dry-docking date.
F- 14
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

  

2. Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.11 Depreciation: The cost of each of the Company’s vessels is depreciated on a straight-line basis over each vessel’s remaining useful economic life, after considering the estimated salvage value of each vessel, beginning when the vessel is ready for its intended use. Management estimates that the useful life of new vessels is 25 years, which is consistent with industry practice. The salvage value of a vessel is the product of its lightweight tonnage and estimated scrap value per lightweight ton.

 

2.12 Amortization of lease component: When the Company acquires a vessel subject to an operating lease, it amortizes the amount reflected in the cost that is attributable to favourable or unfavourable lease terms relative to market terms, over the remaining term of the lease. See also note 2.30.

 

2.13 Impairment of long-lived assets: The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that a vessel may be impaired. The vessel’s recoverable amount is estimated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such indication exists and where the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the vessel is written down to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the vessel. Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. If that is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. That increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. After such a reversal, the depreciation charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised carrying amount, less any residual value, on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.

 

2.14 Long-term debt: Long-term debt is initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received net of financing costs directly attributable to the borrowing. After initial recognition, long-term debt is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any financing costs and any discount or premium on settlement. Gains and losses are recognised in net profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognised or impaired, as well as through the amortization process.

 

2.15 Financing costs: Fees incurred for obtaining new loans or refinancing existing loans are deferred and amortized over the life of the related debt, using the effective interest rate method. Any unamortized balance of costs relating to loans repaid or refinanced is expensed in the period the repayment or refinancing is made.

 

2.16 Borrowing costs: Borrowing costs are expensed to the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as incurred except borrowing costs that relate to a qualifying asset. A qualifying asset is an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use. Borrowing costs that relate to qualifying assets are capitalised. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company had no qualifying assets.

 

2.17 Operating segment: The Company reports financial information and evaluates its operations by charter revenues and not by length of ship employment for its customers i.e. spot or time charters. The Company does not use discrete financial information to evaluate the operating results for each such type of charter. Although revenue can be identified for these types of charters, management cannot and does not identify expenses, profitability or other financial information for these charters.
F- 15
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

  

2. Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.17 Operating segment (continued)

 

As a result, management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operating results solely by revenue per day and operating results of the fleet and thus the Company has determined that it operates as one operating segment. Furthermore, when the Company charters a vessel to a charterer, the charterer is free to trade the vessel worldwide and, as a result, the disclosure of geographical information is impracticable.

 

2.18 Provisions and contingencies: Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and, a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made. Provisions are reviewed at each financial position date and adjusted to reflect the present value of the expenditure expected to be required to settle the obligation. Contingent liabilities are not recognized in the financial statements but are disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is remote, in which case there is no disclosure. Contingent assets are not recognized in the financial statements but are disclosed when an inflow of economic benefits is probable.

 

2.19 Pension and retirement benefit obligations: The crew on board the vessels owned by the ship-owning companies owned by Globus is under short-term contracts (usually up to nine months) and, accordingly, no one is liable for any pension or post retirement benefits payable to the crew.

 

Provision for employees’ severance compensation: The Greek employees, except for crews, of the Company are bound by the Greek Labour law. Accordingly, compensation is payable to such employees upon dismissal or retirement. The amount of compensation is based on the number of years of service and the amount of remuneration at the date of dismissal or retirement. If the employees’ remain in the employment of the Company until normal retirement age, they are entitled to retirement compensation which is equal to 40% of the compensation amount that would be payable if they were dismissed at that time. The number of employees that will remain with the Company until retirement age is not known. The Company has provided for the employees’ retirement compensation liability, an amount of US$66 as at December 31, 2011 (2010:US$56), calculated by using the Projected Unit Credit Method and disclosed under non-current liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

2.20 Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities: Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is presented in the consolidated financial position only when the Company has a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and intend either to settle such asset and liability on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

2.21 Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities:

 

(i) Financial assets: A financial asset (or, where applicable a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognised where:

 

· the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired;
     
· the Company retains the right to receive cash flows from the asset, but has assumed an obligation to pay them in full without material delay to a third party under a “pass-through” arrangement; or
     
· the Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset and either (a) has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the assets, or (b) has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.

 

F- 16
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.21 Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities (continued)

 

Where the Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset and have neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset nor transferred control of the asset, the asset is recognised to the extent of the Company continuing involvement in the asset. Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that the Company could be required to repay.

 

(ii) Financial liabilities: A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires.

 

Where an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability and, the difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in profit or loss.

 

2.22 Leases – where the Company is the lessee: Leases where a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

 

2.23 Leases – where an entity is the lessor: Leases of vessels where the entity does not transfer substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the vessel are classified as operating leases. Lease income on operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Contingent rents are recognised as revenue in the period in which they are earned.

 

2.24 Insurance: The Company recognizes insurance claim recoveries for insured losses incurred on damage to vessels. Insurance claim recoveries are recorded, net of any deductible amounts, at the time the Company’s vessels suffer insured damages. They include the recoveries from the insurance companies for the claims, provided there is evidence the amounts are virtually certain to be received.

 

2.25 Share based compensation: Globus operates an equity-settled, share-based compensation plan. The value of the service received in exchange of the grant of shares is recognized as an expense. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the share awards at the grant date. The relevant expense is recognized in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, with a corresponding impact in equity.

 

2.26 Share capital: Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are recognised in equity as a deduction from the proceeds.

 

2.27 Dividends: Dividends to shareholders are recognised in the period in which the dividends are declared and appropriately authorised and are accounted for as dividends payable until paid.

 

2.28 Derivative financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss: Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Historically, the Company’s derivative financial instruments have not qualified for hedge accounting, therefore changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognised immediately in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

F- 17
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Basis of Preparation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

2.29 Non-current assets held for sale: Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value less costs to sell, the Company recognises a loss under impairment loss in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a complete sale within one year from the date of classification. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets once classified as held for sale are not depreciated or amortized.

 

2.30 Change in accounting policy: There was a change in accounting policy during the current year as a result of the IAS 16 amendment due to IFRS 3 Business Combinations (as revised in January 2008).

 

The amendment to IAS 16 has resulted in a new presentation of the component of an item of property, plant and equipment and related depreciation that are attributable to favourable or unfavourable lease terms relative to market terms. If the Company acquires a vessel subject to an operating lease, it amortizes the amount of this component, which is now reflected in the cost of that vessel, over the remaining term of the lease (note 2.14) . The amortization is included in line “amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels” in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Prior to the change in the accounting policy, whenever the Company acquired a vessel with a time charter agreement assumed, the cost of acquisition was allocated between the individual assets and / or liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values at the time of acquisition. The amount ascribed to the favourable or unfavourable lease terms relative to market terms was separately recorded as an asset or liability and was amortized over the remaining term of the time charter and the amortized portion for the period was included in revenue for the period. Therefore, although the presentation of the components of the underlying assets in the consolidated statement of financial position differ, the total carrying amount of the assets recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position as well as the amount of amortization expense recognized in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income would be the same as that prior to the change.

 

The change in the accounting policy is applied retrospectively. No separate assets and/or liabilities had been recognised prior to the change. There was no effect on prior periods due to the change in the accounting policy.

 

3 Cash and bank balances and bank deposits

 

For the purpose of the consolidated statement of financial position, cash and bank balances and bank deposits comprise the following:

 

    December 31,  
    2011     2010  
Cash on hand     3       6  
Bank balances     841       686  
Bank deposits     8,457       23,926  
Total     9,301       24,618  

 

Cash held in banks earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Bank deposits are made for varying periods of between one day and three months, depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Company and earn interest at the respective bank deposit rates.

 

F- 18
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

3 Cash and bank balances and bank deposits (continued)

 

The fair value of cash and bank balances and bank deposits as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, was $9,301 and $24,618, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2011, the Company had available $10,000 (2010:$nil) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities in respect of which all conditions precedent had been met (note 12).

 

As at December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had pledged a part of its bank deposits in order to fulfil collateral requirements. Refer to notes 12 and 18 for further details.

 

For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flow, the following reconciliation with cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is provided as follows:

 

    December 31,  
    2011     2010  
Cash and bank balances and bank deposits     9,301       24,618  
Less: pledged bank deposits     (2,000 )     (1,000 )
Cash and cash equivalents     7,301       23,618  

 

4 Transactions with Related Parties

 

The ultimate controlling party of the Company is Mr. George Feidakis who beneficially owns 4,724,475 common shares through Firment Trading Limited, a Cypriot company controlled by Mr Feidakis, and 480,000 common shares through F.G. Europe S.A. a Greek company listed on the Athens Exchange in which Mr Feidakis acts as the chairman of the Board of Directors and holds the majority of the outstanding shares. As at December 31, 2011 and 2010, Mr Feidakis beneficially owned 51.5% and 61.4%, respectively, of Globus’ shares. The remaining percentage of shares is widely held. The following are the major transactions, which have been entered into with related parties during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 

On August 20, 2006, Globus Shipmanagement Corp. entered into a rental agreement for 350 square metres of office space for its operations within a building owned by Cyberonica S.A. (a company related through common control). Rental expense is Euro 14,578 ($20) per month up to August 20, 2015. The rental agreement provides for an annual increase in rent of 2% above the rate of inflation as set by the Bank of Greece. The rental agreement runs for 9 years and can be terminated by the Company with 6 months notice. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, rent expense was $243, $232 and $239, respectively. The expense is recognised in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under administrative expenses payable to related parties.

 

In November 2009, the Company entered in memoranda of agreements for the sale of m/v Sea Globe and m/v Coral Globe for an aggregate price of $34,000. North South Maritime Ltd, offered brokerage services on the aforementioned agreements. The Managing director of North South Maritime Ltd, was a non-executive director of Globus board of directors. On the completion of the sale that took place in February 2010, the related party company received brokerage commission fees of 2.5% on the total sale price namely, $850. The brokerage commission was recognised in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under gain/(loss) on sale of vessels.

 

F- 19
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

4 Transactions with Related Parties (Continued)

 

In November 2010, Mr. Feidakis entered into a business opportunities arrangement with Globus. Under this agreement, Mr. Feidakis is required to disclose to Globus any business opportunities relating to dry bulk shipping that may arise during his service to Globus as a member of the board of directors that could be reasonably expected to be a business opportunity that Globus may pursue.

 

Mr. Feidakis agreed to disclose all such opportunities and the material facts attendant thereto, to the board of directors for consideration and if the board of directors fails to adopt a resolution regarding an opportunity within seven business days of disclosure, Globus will be deemed to have declined to pursue the opportunity, in which event Mr. Feidakis will be free to pursue it. Mr. Feidakis is also prohibited for six months after the termination of the agreement to solicit any of the Company’s senior employees or officers. Mr. Feidakis’ obligations under the business opportunities agreement will also terminate when he no longer beneficially owns Globus shares representing at least 30% of the combined voting power of all Globus’ outstanding shares, or no longer serves as a director. Mr. Feidakis remains free to conduct his other businesses that are not related to dry bulk shipping.

 

In November 2010, Globus entered into a registration rights agreement with Firment Trading Limited and Kim Holdings S.A., pursuant to which it granted to them and their affiliates (including Mr. George Feidakis and Globus chief executive officer) and certain of their transferees, the right, under certain circumstances and subject to certain restrictions to require Globus to register under the Securities Act, common shares held by them. Under the registration rights agreement, these persons have the right to request Globus to register the sale of shares held by them on their behalf and may require to make available shelf registration statements permitting sales of shares into the market from time to time over an extended period. In addition, these persons have the ability to exercise certain piggyback registration rights in connection with registered offerings requested by shareholders or initiated by Globus.

 

In October 2011 Globus Shipmanagement Corp. hired a close family member of the Company’s ultimate controlling party. That person does not currently hold a managerial position and his annual gross compensation will be approximately Euro38,000 ($53). The company recognised for the year ended December 31, 2011, the amount of $10 in relation to the compensation earned by that person. The expense is recognised in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under administrative expenses payable to related parties.

 

Compensation of Key Management Personnel of the Company:

 

Compensation to Globus non-executive directors is analysed as follows:

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Short-term employee benefits     145       124       143  
Share based payments (note 13)     41       31       38  
Total     186       155       181  

 

Compensation to the Company’s senior management is analysed as follows:

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Short-term employee benefits     752       710       890  
Share based payments (note 13)     205       173       307  
Total     957       883       1,197  

 

F- 20
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

5 Vessels, net

 

The amounts in the consolidated statement of financial position are analysed as follows:

    Vessel
cost
    Vessel
depreciation
    Dry
docking
costs
    Depreciation
of dry
docking
costs
    Fair
value of
time
charter
attached
    Amortization
of fair value
of time
charter
attached
    Net
Book
Value
 
Balance as of January 1, 2009     258,945       (45,744 )     5,297       (2,491 )     -       -       216,007  
Additions     -       -       1,135       -       -       -       1,135  
Disposals     (63,032 )     14,545       (3,104 )     1,758       -       -       (49,833 )
Vessels held for sale     (42,761 )     10,404       (1,947 )     1,274       -       -       (33,030 )
Impairment loss     -       (28,429 )     -       -       -       -       (28,429 )
Depreciation & Amortization     -       (11,172 )     -       (1,512 )     -       -       (12,684 )
Balance at December  31, 2009     153,152       (60,396 )     1,381       (971 )     -       -       93,166  
Additions     106,084       -       19       -       -       -       106,103  
Depreciation & Amortization     -       (7,353 )     -       (410 )     -       -       (7,763 )
Balance at December 31, 2010     259,236       (67,749 )     1,400       (1,381 )     -       -       191,506  
Additions     56,574       -       1,035       -       4,650       -       62,259  
Depreciation & Amortization     -       (10,161 )     -       (318 )     -       (779 )     (11,258 )
Balance at December 31, 2011     315,810       (77,910 )     2,435       (1,699 )     4,650       (779 )     242,507  

 

For the purpose of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, depreciation, as stated in the income statement component, comprises the following: 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Depreciation on vessel cost     10,161       7,353       11,172  
Depreciation on office furniture and equipment     19       14       32  
Total     10,180       7,367       11,204  

 

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company acquired m/v Moon Globe for a purchase price of $31,400 and m/v Sun Globe for a purchase price of $30,300.

 

Both vessels were acquired subject to time charters with favourable terms relative to the market. The Company estimated, as of the date of acquisition, the amount included in the cost of the aforementioned vessels that was attributable to the favourable terms of the time charters, relative to market terms to be $2,150 for m/v Moon Globe and $2,500 for m/v Sun Globe.

 

These amounts are amortized on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the respective time charters which is June 2013, for m/v Moon Globe and January 2015, for m/v Sun Globe. Amortization for the year is included in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under amortization of fair value of time charter attached to vessels.

 

The Company estimated, as of the date of acquisition of the vessels an aggregate amount of $300 for m/v Moon Globe and $250 for m/v Sun Globe, representing the component of the cost of the purchase price of the vessel that relates to regular major inspections. These amounts are included in dry docking costs.

 

F- 21
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

5 Vessels, net (continued)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company acquired m/v Star Globe and m/v Sky Globe for a purchase price of US$32,825 each and m/v Jin Star (with a bareboat time charter attached at market terms) for a purchase price of US$41,112.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company sold and delivered to their new owners the vessels, m/v Island Globe, m/v Gulf Globe and m/v Lake Globe for a selling price of $19,100, $15,500 and $16,500, respectively. These vessels were measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell, since the conditions described in note 2.29 were satisfied. In this respect, the Company recognised an impairment loss of $22,325.

 

During November 2009, the Company entered into a memorandum of agreement for the sale of m/v Sea Globe and m/v Coral Globe for a selling price of $17,500 and $16,500, respectively. Since the conditions described in Note 2.29 were satisfied and the vessels were classified as held for sale and measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. In this respect, the Company recognised an impairment loss of $6,104. Both vessels were delivered to their new owners in February 2010.

 

The Company’s vessels have been pledged as collateral to secure the bank loans discussed in note 12.

 

The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that its vessels may be impaired. The vessels’ recoverable amount is estimated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If such indication exists and where the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the vessel is written down to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the vessel. Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Discounted future cash flows for each vessel were determined and compared to the vessel’s carrying value. The projected net discounted future cash flows were determined by considering an estimate daily time charter equivalent (based on the most recent blended (for modern and older vessels) average historical one-year time charter rates available for each type of vessel) over the remaining estimated life of each vessel, net of brokerage commissions, expected outflows for scheduled vessels maintenance and vessel operating expenses assuming an average annual inflation rate of approximately 4%. Historical ten-year blended average one-year time charter rates used in the impairment test exercise were in line with the overall chartering strategy, especially in periods/years of depressed charter rates; reflecting the full operating history of vessels of the same type and particulars with the Company’s operating fleet (Supramax and Panamax vessels with a deadweight (“dwt”) of over 50,000 and 70,000, respectively) and they covered at least one full business cycle. The average annual inflation rate applied on vessels’ maintenance and operating costs approximated current projections for global inflation rate for the remaining useful life of the Company’s vessels. Effective fleet utilization was assumed at 92%, taking into account the period(s) each vessel is expected to undergo her scheduled maintenance (dry-docking and special surveys), as well as an estimate of the period(s) needed for finding suitable employment and off-hire for reasons other than scheduled maintenance, assumptions in line with the Company’s expectations for future fleet utilization under the current fleet deployment strategy. As of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, none of the aforementioned assumptions have changed significantly, however, although the vessels carrying values exceeded their respective fair value less cost to sell, no impairment losses were recognized as the value in use for all the vessels of the fleet exceeded their respective carrying values.

 

F- 22
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

6 Inventories

 

Inventories in the consolidated statement of financial position are analysed as follows:

    December 31,  
    2011     2010  
Lubricants (at cost)     493       417  
Gas cylinders (at cost)     61       50  
Total     554       467  

 

7 Prepayments and other assets

 

Prepayments and other assets in the consolidated statement of financial position are analysed as follows:

    December 31,  
    2011     2010  
Insurance claims     196       46  
Interest receivable     8       1  
Bunkers     1,620       1,169  
Other prepayments     402       314  
Total     2,226       1,530  

 

8 Trade accounts payable

 

Trade accounts payable in the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, amounted to $945 and $1,346, respectively. Trade accounts payable are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on 60-day terms.

 

9 Accrued liabilities and other payables

 

Accrued liabilities and other payables in the consolidated statement of financial position are analysed as follows:

    December 31,  
    2011     2010  
Accrued interest     134       149  
Accrued audit fees     67       72  
Other accruals     794       289  
Insurance deductibles     130       100  
Other payables     81       88  
Total     1,206       698  

 

· Interest is normally settled quarterly throughout the year.
· Other payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on monthly terms.

 

F- 23
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

10 Share Capital and Share Premium

 

The share capital of Globus Maritime Limited consisted of the following:

 

    December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Authorised share capital:                  
100,000,000 Common Shares of par value $0.001 each     -       -       100  
500,000,000 Common Shares of par value $0.004 each     2,000       2,000       -  
100,000,000 Class B common shares of par value $0.001 each     100       100       -  
100,000,000 Preferred shares of par value $0.001 each     100       100       -  
Total authorised share capital     2,200       2,200       100  

 

Holders of Globus’s common shares and Class B shares have equivalent economic rights, but holders of Globus’s common shares are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Globus’s Class B shares are entitled to twenty votes per share. Each holder of Class B shares (excluding “Globus”) may convert, at its option, any or all of the class B shares held by such holder into an equal number of common shares.

 

Common shares issued and fully paid   Number of
shares
   

 

USD

 
At January 1, 2009     7,166,363       28,665  
Issued during the year (share based compensation note 13)     72,680       291  
At December  31, 2009     7,239,043       28,956  
Issued during the year (share based compensation note 13)     50,645       203  
At December 31, 2010     7,289,688       29,159  
Issued during the year – follow-on public offering     2,750,000       11,000  
Issued during the year (share based compensation note 13)     60,789       243  
At December 31, 2011     10,100,477       40,402  

 

At the annual general shareholders meeting which took place on July 28, 2010, the shareholders of Globus approved a reverse split of four ordinary shares of $0.001 each, in the capital of Globus into one ordinary share of $0.004 each. Such reverse split occurred on July 29, 2010. As a consequence, the authorised common shares after the reverse split amounted to 25,000,000 of $0.004 each

 

At the annual general shareholders meeting which took place on July 28, 2010, the shareholders of Globus approved the transfer of Globus place of domicile to the Marshall Islands and the filing of its new Articles of Incorporation in the Marshall Islands. On November 24, 2010, upon the redomiciliation of Globus to the Marshall Islands, the authorised share capital amounted to 700,000,000 shares analysed as follows: i) 500,000,000 common shares of par value $0.004 each, ii) 100,000,000 class B common shares of par value $0.001 each and iii) 100,000,000 preferred shares of par value $0.001 each.

 

On June 30, 2011 Globus completed its first follow-on public offering in the United States under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and issued 2,750,000 common shares the net proceeds of which amounted to $20,048 (gross proceeds of $22,000 less transaction costs of $1,952).

 

During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, Globus issued 60,789, 50,645 and 72,680 common shares respectively as share based payments (note 13). As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, no Class B shares or preferred shares have been issued.

 

F- 24
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

10 Share Capital and Share Premium (Continued)

 

Share premium includes the contribution of Globus’ shareholders to the acquisition of the Company’s vessels. Additionally, share premium includes the effects of the acquisition of non-controlling interest, the effects of the Globus initial and follow-on public offerings and the effects of the share based payments described in note 13. Accordingly at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, Globus share premium amounted to $109,229, $88,817 and $88,516, respectively.

 

11 Earnings/ (loss) per Share

 

Basic earnings/(loss) per share (‘‘EPS’’/“LPS”) is calculated by dividing the net profit/(loss) for the year attributable to Globus shareholders by the weighted average number of shares issued, paid and outstanding.

 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net profit/(loss) attributable to common equity holders of the parent by the weighted average shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of common shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential common shares into common shares.

 

The following reflects the profit/(loss) and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Net profit/(loss) attributable to common equity holders     6,925       6,003       (10,079 )
Weighted average number of shares for basic EPS     8,688,543       7,243,340       7,192,369  
Effect of dilution:                        
Effect of shares awarded treated as options “LTIP” (note 13)     49,901       96,881       -  
Weighted average number of shares adjusted for the effect of dilution     8,738,444       7,340,221       7,192,369  

 

12 Long-Term Debt, net

 

Long-term debt in the consolidated statement of financial position is analysed as follows:

 

   

 

Borrower

  Loan
Balance
    Unamortized
Debt Discount
    Total
Borrowings
 
(a)   Globus Maritime Limited     52,000       (170 )     51,830  
(b)   Kelty Marine Ltd.     23,650       (148 )     23,502  
(c)   Artful Shipholding S.A. & Longevity Maritime Limited     35,704       (221 )     35,483  
                             
    Total at December 31, 2011     111,354       (539 )     110,815  
    Less: Current Portion     5,425       (128 )     5,297  
    Long-Term Portion     105,929       (411 )     105,518  
                             
    Total at December 31, 2010     96,650       (412 )     96,238  
    Less: Current Portion     11,000       (94 )     10,906  
    Long-Term Portion     85,650       (318 )     85,332  

 

F- 25
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

12 Long-Term Debt, net (Continued)

 

(a) In November 2007, the Company entered into a secured reducing revolving credit facility for $120,000 with a bank in order to: (i) refinance the then existing indebtedness on M/V Island Globe (ii) finance part of the purchase price of m/v Tiara Globe and m/v River Globe and, (iii) to provide general working capital to the Company. The $120,000 facility is in the name of Globus Maritime Limited as borrower and, at the time of execution, was guaranteed by the vessel owning subsidiaries of m/v Island Globe, m/v Tiara Globe and m/v River Globe collateralized by first preferred mortgages over their vessels. This reducing revolving credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.95% per annum if the market values of the mortgaged vessels are less than 200% of the outstanding loan balance and 0.75% per annum if the market values of the mortgaged vessels are more than 200% of the outstanding loan balance. On September 2, 2009, following the sale of m/v Island Globe, an amount of $18,500 was repaid. During May 2010 following the acquisition of m/v Star Globe and m/v Sky Globe an amount of $35,520 was drawn down. On July 7, 2011, Globus repaid an amount of $14,500 of which, as of December 31, 2011, $10,000 was remaining available to be redrawn (note 3). The balance outstanding as of December 31, 2011, was $52,000 payable in 6 semi-annual installments, one of $3,500 and five of $4,500 starting May 2013, as well as a balloon payment of $26,000 due together with the 6th and final installment due in November 2015.Following the sale of m/v Island Globe on September 2009 and the acquisition of m/v Star Globe and m/v Sky Globe on May 2010, the loan is secured as follows:

 

· First preferred mortgage over: m/v Tiara Globe, m/v River Globe, m/v Star Globe and m/v Sky Globe.
· Guarantees from the owning companies of these vessels.
· First preferred assignment of all insurances and earnings of the mortgaged vessels.
· General pledge of earnings account or any other accounts to be held with the lender.

 

The credit facility contains various covenants, including, amongst others, restrictions as to (a) no changes in management and ownership of the mortgaged vessel without prior written consent of the lender, (b) the incurrence of additional indebtedness other than in the normal course of business without the prior written consent of the lender, (c) mortgaging the vessel, (d) that Globus will be permitted to pay dividends in respect of any of our financial quarters so long as Globus is not in default on the credit facility at the time of the declaration or payment of the dividends and nor would a default occur as a result of the declaration or payment of such dividend, (e) the ratio of the consolidated market adjusted net worth to total assets will not be less than 35%, and (f) to maintain at the end of each accounting period and all other times during the security period cash and cash equivalents, including any available committed undrawn amount (note 3), not less than the greater of (1) $ 10,000 and (2) the sum determined by the bank to be the aggregate of the total principal amount of all borrowed money and interest accruing thereon, payable by the Company and which falls due in the six-month period commencing on any relevant day.

 

(b ) In June 2010, Kelty Marine Ltd entered into a loan agreement for $26,650 with a bank for the purpose of part financing the acquisition of m/v Jin Star. The loan facility is in the name of Kelty Marine Ltd as the borrower and is guaranteed by Globus. (“Guarantor”) The loan facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% if the ratio of the outstanding loan to the market value of m/v Jin Star and any additional security provided at the time being, plus any amount of minimum free liquidity maintained with the bank (Loan to Value ratio, “LtV”) is less than 45%, a margin of 2.40% if the LtV is equal to or exceeds 45% but is less than or equal to 60%, a margin of 2.50% if the LtV exceeds 60% but is less than or equal to 70% and a margin of 2.75% if the LtV exceeds 70%. The balance outstanding at December 31, 2011, was $ 23,650 payable in 22 equal quarterly installments of $500 starting March 2012, as well as a balloon payment of $12,650 due together with the 22nd and final installment due in June 2017.

 

F- 26
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

12 Long-Term Debt, net (Continued)

 

The loan is secured as follows:

· First preferred mortgage over m/v Jin Star.
· Guarantees from the vessel owning company and from Globus Maritime Limited.
· First preferred assignment of all insurances and earnings of the mortgaged vessel as well as of the bareboat charter agreement attached to the vessel.

 

The loan agreement contains various covenants requiring Kelty Marine Ltd to, amongst others things, ensure that (a) Kelty Marine Ltd does not undergo a change of control, (b) the ratio of the Company’s shareholders’ equity to total assets is not less than 25%, (c) the Guarantor must have a minimum equity of $50 million, (d) minimum requirements for the vessel’s market value in relation to the loan’s outstanding balance, and (e) the Borrower and/or the Guarantor to maintain at the end of each accounting period and all other times during the security period, cash and bank balances and bank deposits of at least $1,000.

 

(c) In June 2011, Artful Shipholding S.A. and Longevity Maritime Limited entered into a loan agreement for up to $40,000 with a bank for the purpose of part financing the acquisition of m/v Moon Globe and m/v Sun Globe. The loan facility is in the names of Artful Shipholding S.A. and Longevity Maritime Limited as the borrowers and is guaranteed by Globus Maritime Limited. (“Guarantor”) The loan facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.5%.

 

On June 22, 2011, Artful Shipholding S.A drew down $19,000 (“tranche” (A)), for the purpose of part financing the acquisition of m/v Moon Globe. The balance outstanding of tranche (a) at December 31, 2011, was $ 18,120 payable in 28 equal quarterly installments of $440 starting March 2012, as well as a balloon payment of $5,800 due together with the 28th and final installment due in December 2018.

 

On September 14, 2011, Longevity Maritime Limited drew down $18,000 (“tranche” (B)) for the purpose of part financing the acquisition of m/v Sun Globe. The balance outstanding of tranche (b) at December 31, 2011, was $ 17,584 payable in 29 equal quarterly installments of $416 starting March 2012, as well as a balloon payment of $5,513 due together with the 29th and final installment due in March 2019.

 

The loan is secured as follows:

· First preferred mortgage over m/v Moon Globe and m/v Sun Globe.
· Guarantees from the vessel owning companies and from Globus Maritime Limited.
· First preferred assignment of all insurances and earnings of the mortgaged vessels.

 

The loan agreement contains various covenants requiring the vessels owning companies to, amongst others things, ensure that (a) the aggregate fair market value of the m/v Sun Globe and the m/v Moon Globe must equal or exceed 120% of the outstanding balance under the Loan Agreement less any cash up to $1,000 held in the operating accounts pledged to the lender during the first two years and 130% thereafter, (b) the ratio of the Company’s market adjusted net worth to total assets must be greater than 35%, (c) the company maintain a minimum market adjusted net worth of more than $50,000, (d) the vessel owning subsidiaries must each maintain a minimum liquidity of $500 in an account pledged to the Bank and (e) a minimum liquidity of the lesser of $10,000 and $1,000 per vessel owned by the Company.

 

F- 27
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

12 Long-Term Debt, net (Continued)

 

The contractual annual loan principal payments per bank loan to be made subsequent to December 31, 2011, are as follows:

    Bank Loan     Total  
    (a)     (b)     (c)        
December 31               tranche (A)     tranche (B)        
2012     -       2,000       1,760       1,665       5,425  
2013     8,000       2,000       1,760       1,665       13,425  
2014     9,000       2,000       1,760       1,665       14,425  
2015     35,000       2,000       1,760       1,665       40,425  
2016     -       2,000       1,760       1,665       5,425  
2017 and thereafter     -       13,650       9,320       9,259       32,229  
Total     52,000       23,650       18,120       17,584       111,354  

 

The contractual annual loan principal payments per bank loan to be made subsequent to December 31, 2010, were follows:

    Bank Loan        
December 31   (a)     (c)     Total  
2011     9,000       2,000       11,000  
2012     9,000       2,000       11,000  
2013     9,000       2,000       11,000  
2014     9,000       2,000       11,000  
2015     35,000       2,000       37,000  
2016 and thereafter     -       15,650       15,650  
Total     71,000       25,650       96,650  

 

13 Share Based Payment

 

Share based payment comprise the following:

    For the year ended December 31, 2011  
    Common shares     Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
 
Non executive directors payment (note 4)     7,800       51       (10 )
“LTIP” shares issued     52,989       324       (17 )
“LTIP” accrued current year     -       -       16  
Total     60,789       375       (11 )

 

    For the year ended December 31, 2010  
    Common shares     Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
 
Non executive directors payment (note 4)     2,822       22       9  
“LTIP” shares issued     47,823       279       (17 )
“LTIP” accrued current year     -       -       17  
“LTIP” portion forfeited     -       -       1  
Total     50,645       301       10  

 

F- 28
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

13 Share Based Payment (Continued)

 

    For the year ended December 31, 2009  
    Common shares     Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
 
Non executive directors payment (note 4)     8,477       38       -  
Extra payment     42,763       175       -  
“LTIP” shares issued     21,440       703       (581 )
“LTIP” accrued current year     -       -       17  
“LTIP” portion cancelled     -       -       1,402  
Total     72,680       916       838  

 

· For the year ended December 31, 2011:

 

Long Time Incentive Plan (“LTIP”):

On December 10, 2011, the second anniversary of the “LTIP”, 52,989 common shares of Globus were issued and allotted to the relevant award holders. The fair (market) value of the common shares issued and allotted on December 10, 2011, was $324. From December 10, 2011 to December 31, 2011, the Company recognised an accrued expense of $16 (2010:$17) in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income with a corresponding increase in equity under retained earnings.

 

· For the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

Long Time Incentive Plan (“LTIP”):

By a board of directors resolution dated December 10, 2009, it was decided to grand a conditional award totalling 143,800 common shares of Globus to all employees of the Company existing at that date, under the Long Time Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). According to the rules of the LTIP, subject to the employees continuing service, these shares will vest on a daily basis over the next three years, and one third of these shares will be allotted and delivered to them at nil cost on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date subject to i) the employee to be in employment on the date of vesting (vesting-service condition) and ii) Globus be listed on NASDAQ or have raised more than $30,000 from third parties or both (non-vesting conditions) by the year ended December 31, 2010. On November 24, 2010, the shares of Globus were effectively admitted for trading to NASDAQ and thus condition (ii) was satisfied. On December 10, 2010, the first anniversary of the “LTIP”, 47,823 common shares of Globus were issued and allotted to the relevant award holders. The fair (market) value as at December 10, 2009, (grant date) of the common shares issued and allotted on December 10, 2010, was $279. From December 10, 2010 to December 31, 2010, the Company recognised an accrued expense of $17 (2009:$17) in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income with a corresponding increase in equity under retained earnings.

 

· For the year ended December 31, 2009:

 

Extra payment:

By a remuneration committee resolution dated November 12, 2009, it was decided to allot 42,763 common shares of Globus to the chief executive officer as an extra payment for services rendered. The Company recorded an expense of $175 equal to the fair (market) value of the shares as at November 12, 2009 (“the grant date”), which amount is included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, under share based payments, with a corresponding increase in equity under share capital and share premium. All shares were issued and allotted on November 19, 2009.

 

F- 29
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

13 Share Based Payment (Continued)

 

Long Time Incentive Plan (“LTIP”):

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded an expense of $122 relating to the LTIP in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income with a corresponding increase in equity under retained earnings. On March 5, 2009, on the first anniversary of the LTIP, 21,440 common shares of Globus were issued and allotted to the chief executive officer pursuant to the terms of this grant. The fair (market) value as at March 4, 2008 (grant date), of the shares issued and allotted to the director on March 5, 2009, was $703. On April 21, 2009, the board of directors in agreement with the chief executive officer of the Company, decided to release the unvested 42,763 common shares awarded to him under the “LTIP” on March 4, 2008. The Company accounted for the cancellation of the award as an acceleration of vesting conditions and therefore recognised immediately the amount that otherwise would have been recognised for services received over the remaining vesting period to March 4, 2011. The amount recognised due to the cancellation of the unvested award was $1,402 and was included in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income under share based payments with a corresponding increase in equity under retained earnings.

 

14 Voyage Expenses and Vessel Operating Expenses

 

Voyage expenses and vessel operating expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income consist of the following:

 

Voyage expenses consist of:

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Commissions     1,580       1,496       2,717  
Bunkers expenses     1,065       382       521  
Other voyage expenses     638       274       504  
Total     3,283       2,152       3,742  

 

Vessel operating expenses consist of:

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Crew wages and related costs     4,119       3,078       5,268  
Insurance     871       597       1,114  
Spares, repairs and maintenance     1,322       1,005       1,753  
Lubricants     510       429       949  
Stores     951       662       868  
Other     194       116       185  
Total     7,967       5,887       10,137  

 

F- 30
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

15 Administrative Expenses

 

The amount shown in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is analysed as follows:

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Personnel expenses     1,284       1,249       1,556  
Audit fees     134       189       78  
Travelling expenses     47       12       12  
Consulting fees     228       76       89  
Communication     37       50       74  
Stationery     5       7       7  
NASDAQ registration related expenses     -       456       -  
Other     343       271       188  
Total     2,078       2,310       2,004  

 

16 Interest Expense and Finance Costs

 

The amounts in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are analysed as follows:

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Interest payable on long-term borrowings     2,562       1,712       2,669  
Commitment fees payable on long-term borrowings     44       50       71  
Bank charges     36       34       40  
Amortization of debt discount     112       275       130  
Other finance expenses     67       62       16  
Total     2,821       2,133       2,926  

 

17 Dividends paid

 

Dividends declared and paid during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

2011   $ cents per share   $000’s     Date declared     Date Paid  
Quarterly dividend for 2010   16.00     1,166       February 24, 2011     March 17, 2011  
Quarterly dividend for 2011   16.00     1,166       May 5, 2011     May 31, 2011  
Quarterly dividend for 2011   16.00     1,166       June 4, 2011     July 28, 2011  
Quarterly dividend for 2011   16.00     1,608       October 20, 2011     November 9, 2011  
           5,106                

 

2010   $ cents per share   $000’s     Date declared     Date Paid  
Interim dividend for 2010   11.29(GBp 7.3)     818       September 6, 2010     September 24, 2010  
Quarterly dividend for 2010   16.00     1,166       December 2, 2010     December 28, 2010  
           1,984                

 

F- 31
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

18 Derivative financial instruments

 

    December 31,  
    2011     2010  
    Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  
Interest rate swaps     -       1,431       -       1,800  
Total     -       1,431       -       1,800  

 

During November 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement of a notional amount of $10,000 effective from November 28, 2008 to November 29, 2013. For the period from November 28, 2008 to November 23, 2010 the Company exchanged 6 month Libor interest rate with a fixed interest rate of 2.40%. On November 23, 2010, the swap counterparty had the option to select either (a) to exchange 6 month Libor interest rate with a fixed interest rate of 3.60%, or (b) to exchange 6 month Libor interest rate with 6 month Libor interest rate minus 20 basis points for the remaining period to maturity. On November 23, 2010, the swap counterparty selected option (a). As at December 31, 2011 and 2010, the aforementioned interest rate swap had a fair value of $580 and $715, respectively, in favor of the swap counterparty.

 

On June 17, 2010, Globus and the aforementioned swap counterparty entered into a deed of pledge for an amount of $1,000 against all existing, future and contingent claims of the swap counterparty under the interest rate swap agreement.

 

During November 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement of a notional amount of $15,000 effective from November 28, 2008 to November 28, 2013. For the period from November 28, 2008 to November 29, 2010, the Company, exchanged 3 month Libor interest rate with a fixed interest rate of 2.45%. On November 29, 2010 and for the remaining period to maturity the swap counterparty has the option to select either (a) to exchange 3 month Libor interest rate with a fixed interest rate of 3.64%, or (b) to exchange 3 month Libor interest rate with 3 month Libor interest rate minus 20 basis points. On November 29, 2010, the swap counterparty selected option (a). As at December 31, 2011 and 2010, the aforementioned interest rate swap had a fair value of $851 and $1,085, respectively, in favor of the swap counterparty.

 

Gains and losses on interest rate swap contracts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009 amounted to $369 gain, $570 loss and $143 gain respectively. The Company recognizes gains and losses on interest rate swap contracts, in the income statement component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in finance costs.

 

19 Gain/ (loss) on sale of vessels

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company sold m/v Island Globe, m/v Gulf Globe and m/v Lake Globe for a selling price of US$19,100, US$15,500 and US$16,500 respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company sold m/v Sea Globe and m/v Coral Globe for a selling price of US$17,500 and US$16,500 respectively.

 

The gain/(loss) on the sale of the vessels were calculated as follows:

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2011     2010     2009  
Proceeds (note 5)     -       34,000       51,100  
Carrying amount of vessel sold (note 5)     -       (33,030 )     (49,833 )
Other selling expenses     -       (963 )     (2,069 )
Net gain/(loss) on sale     -       7       (802 )

 

F- 32
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

20 Contingencies

 

Various claims, suits and complaints, including those involving government regulations, arise in the ordinary course of the shipping business. In addition, losses may arise from disputes with charterers, environmental claims, agents, and insurers and from claims with suppliers relating to the operations of the Company’s vessels. Currently, management is not aware of any such claims or contingent liabilities, which are material for disclosure.

 

21 Commitments

 

The Company enters into time charter and bareboat charter arrangements on its vessels. These non-cancellable arrangements had remaining terms between thirty days to thirty seven months as of December 31, 2011 and between six days to forty-nine months as of December 31, 2010, assuming redelivery at the earliest possible date.

 

Future gross minimum lease revenues receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, are as follows (vessel off-hires and dry-docking days that could occur but are not currently known are not taken into consideration; in addition early delivery of the vessels by the charterers is not accounted for):

 

    2011     2010  
Within one year     22,589       14,492  
After one year but not more than five years     27,671       16,017  
More than five years     -       -  
Total     50,260       30,509  

 

These amounts include consideration for other elements of the arrangement apart from the right to use the vessel such as maintenance and crewing and its related costs.

 

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company was a party to an operating lease agreement as lessee (note 4). The operating lease relates to the office premises of the Manager (expiring in August 2015).

 

The future minimum lease payments under this agreement as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 assuming a Euro: US dollar exchange rate of 1:1.4, were as follows:

 

    2011     2010  
Within one year     259       253  
After one year but not more than five years     724       983  
More than five years     -       -  
Total     983       1,236  

 

Total rent expense under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, amounted to $243 and $232, respectively.

 

F- 33
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

22 Income Tax

 

Under the laws of the countries of the companies’ incorporation and / or vessels’ registration, the companies are not subject to tax on international shipping income; however, they are subject to registration and tonnage taxes, which are included in vessel operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

U.S. Federal Income Tax

 

Globus is a foreign corporation with wholly owned subsidiaries that are foreign corporations, which derive income from the international operation of a ship or ships from sources within the United States (“U.S”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Globus believes that to the best of its knowledge, under § 883 of the Internal Revenue Code, its income and the income of its ship-owning subsidiaries, to the extent derived from the international operation of a ship or ships, are currently exempt from U.S. federal income tax.

 

The following is a summary, discussing the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to the Company relating to income derived from the international operation of a ship or ships. The discussion and its conclusion is based upon existing U.S. federal income tax law, including the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and final U.S. Treasury Regulations (the “Regs”) as currently in effect, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

 

Application of § 883 of the Code for the year ended December 31, 2011

 

In general, under § 883, certain non-U.S. corporations are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on their U.S. source income derived from the international operation of a ship or ships.

 

Effective for any tax year ending on September 25, 2004 and thereafter, the Regs provide that a foreign corporation will qualify for the benefits of § 883 if, in relevant part, the foreign country in which the foreign corporation is organized grants an equivalent exemption to corporations organized in the U.S. and the foreign corporation meets the qualified shareholder test described below.

 

A foreign corporation having more than 50 percent of the value of its outstanding shares owned, directly or indirectly by application of specific attribution rules, for at least half of the number of days in the foreign corporation's taxable year by one or more qualified shareholders will meet the qualified shareholder test. In part, an individual who is a shareholder will be considered a qualified shareholder if they are a resident of a qualified foreign country and do not own their interest in the foreign corporation through bearer shares, either directly or indirectly by application of the attribution rules.

 

For the period ended December 31, 2011, Globus and its wholly owned subsidiaries deriving income from the operation of international ships are organized in foreign countries that grant equivalent exemptions to corporations organized in the U.S. Globus and its relevant subsidiaries have more than 50% of the value of their stock for at least half of the number days of their taxable year indirectly owned in the form of registered shares by one individual residing in a qualified foreign country. Accordingly, all of Globus’ and ship-owning or operating subsidiaries that rely on § 883 for exempting U.S. source income from the international operation of ships would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax for the period ended December 31, 2011. Globus anticipates it and its’ relevant subsidiaries income will continue to be exempt in the future from U.S. federal income tax. However, in the future, Globus or its subsidiaries may not continue to satisfy certain criteria in the U.S. tax laws and as such, may become subject to the U.S. federal income tax on future U.S. source shipping income.

 

F- 34
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

23 Financial risk management objectives and policies

 

The Company’s financial liabilities are bank loans, trade and other payables. The main purpose of these financial liabilities is to assist in the financing of Company’s operations and the acquisition of vessels. The Company has various financial assets such as trade receivables and cash and short-term deposits, which arise directly from its operations. The main risks arising from the Company’s financial instruments are cash flow interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and foreign currency risk.

 

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s long-term debt obligations with floating interest rates. To manage this, the Company enters into interest rate swaps, in which the Company agrees to exchange, at specific intervals, the difference between fixed and variable interest rate.

 

Interest amounts are calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional principal amount. After taking into account the effect of interest rate swaps, approximately 22% of the Company’s borrowings as at December 31, 2011 and 26% as of December 31, 2010, were at a fixed rate of interest.

 

Interest rate risk table

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, of the Company’s profit. There is no impact on the Company’s equity.

 

    Increase/Decrease in basis
points
    Effect on profit  
             
2011            
$ Libor     +15       (116 )
      -20       155  
2010                
$ Libor     +15       (83 )
      -20       111  

 

Foreign currency risk

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in the Euro exchange rate, with all other variables held constant, to the Company’s profit due to changes in the fair value of monetary assets and liabilities. The Company’s exposure to foreign currency changes for all other currencies as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, was not material.

 

    Change in rate     Effect on profit  
               
2011     +10 %   $ 36  
      -10 %     (36 )
                 
2010     +10 %   $ 60  
      -10 %     (60 )

 

F- 35
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

23 Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

Credit risk

The Company operates only with recognised, creditworthy third parties including major charterers, commodity traders and government owned entities. Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Company’s exposure to impairment on trade receivable is not significant. The maximum exposure is the carrying value of trade receivable as indicated in the consolidated statement of financial position. With respect to the credit risk arising from other financial assets of the Company such as cash and cash equivalents, the Company’s exposure to credit risk arises from default of the counter parties, which are recognised financial institutions.

 

The Company performs annual evaluations of the relative credit standing of these counter parties. The exposure of these financial instruments is equal to their carrying amount as indicated in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

Concentration of credit risk table:

The following table provides information with respect to charterers who individually, accounted for approximately more than 10% of the Company’s revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 

    2011      %     2010         2009      
A     9,338       26 %     11,239       39 %     -       -  
B     5,201       15 %     652       2 %     -       -  
C     5,150       14 %     -       -       -       -  
D     3,430       10 %     -       -       -       -  
E     929       3 %     631       2 %     7,373       14 %
F     -       -       4,195       15 %     -       -  
G     -       -       -       -       23,162       44 %
Other     11,511       32 %     12,143       42 %     22,277       42 %
Total     35,559       100 %     28,860       100 %     52,812       100 %

 

Liquidity risk

The Company mitigates liquidity risk by managing cash generated by its operations, applying cash collection targets appropriately. The vessels are normally chartered under time-charter, bareboat and spot agreements where, as per the industry practice, the charterer pays for the transportation service 15 days in advance, supporting the management of cash generation. Vessel acquisitions are carefully controlled, with authorisation limits operating up to board level and cash payback periods applied as part of the investment appraisal process. In this way, the Company maintains a good credit rating to facilitate fund raising. In its funding strategy, the Company’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of bank loans. Excess cash used in managing liquidity is only invested in financial instruments exposed to insignificant risk of changes in market value or are being placed on interest bearing deposits with maturities fixed usually for no more than 3 months. The Company monitors its risk to shortage of funds by considering the maturity of its financial liabilities and its projected cash flows from operations.

 

F- 36
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

23 Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

Liquidity risk (continued)

 

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Company’s financial liabilities at December 31, 2011 and 2010, based on contractual undiscounted cash flows.

 

Year ended December 31, 2011   On
demand
    Less than 3
months
    3 to 12
months
    1 to 5
years
    More than 5
years
   

 

Total

 
Long-term debt     -       1,818       6,000       80,713       33,448       121,979  
Interest rate swap, net     -       120       650       768       -       1,538  
Accrued liabilities and other payables     -       1,206       -       -       -       1,206  
Trade payables     -       945       -       -       -       945  
Total     -       4,089       6,650       81,481       33,448       125,668  

 

Year ended December 31, 2010   On
demand
    Less than 3
months
    3 to 12
months
    1 to 5
years
    More than 5
years
   

 

Total

 
Long-term debt     -       791       11,563       73,978       16,210       102,542  
Interest rate swap, net     -       127       699       1,659       -       2,485  
Accrued liabilities and other payables     -       698       -       -       -       698  
Trade payables     -       1,346       -       -       -       1,346  
Total     -       2,962       12,262       75,637       16,210       107,071  

 

Capital management

 

The primary objective of the Company’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains a strong credit rating and healthy capital ratios in order to support its business and maximise shareholder value. The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue new shares as well as managing the outstanding level of debt. No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company monitors capital using the ratio of net debt to book capitalisation adjusted for the market value of the Company’s vessels plus net debt. The Company includes within net debt, interest bearing loans gross of unamortized debt discount, less cash and bank balances and bank deposits and restricted cash.

 

Adjusted book capitalization refers to total equity adjusted for the market value of the Company’s vessels plus net debt. The Company’s policy is to keep the ratio described above, below 60%

 

    December 31,  
    2011     2010  
Interest bearing loans     111,354       96,650  
Cash and bank balances and bank deposits     (9,301 )     (24,618 )
Net debt     102,053       72,032  
                 
Equity     140,019       117,788  
Adjustment for the market value of vessels (charter-free)     (71,807 )     (37,926 )
Book capitalization     68,212       79,862  
                 
Adjusted book capitalization plus net debt     170,265       151,894  
Ratio     59.9 %     47.4 %

 

F- 37
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

23 Financial risk management objectives and policies (continued)

 

Capital management (continued)

 

Net debt as calculated above is not consistent with the International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS”) definition of debt. The following reconciliation is provided:

 

    December 31,  
    2011     2010  
Debt in accordance with IFRS (long & short-term borrowings)     110,815       96,238  
Add: Unamortized debt discount     539       412  
      111,354       96,650  
Less: Cash and bank balances and bank deposits     9,301       24,618  
Net debt     102,053       72,032  

 

24 Financial Instruments

 

Fair values

The carrying values of cash and bank balances and trade receivables and trade payables are reasonable estimates of their fair value due to the short term nature of these financial instruments. The fair values of the credit and loan facilities approximate their carrying value mainly due to the variable interest rate. Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value.

 

Fair value hierarchy

As at December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company held the following financial instruments measured at fair value:

 

Liabilities at fair value   December 31, 2011     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Interest rate swaps     1,431       -       1,431       -  
Total     1,431       -       1,431       -  

 

Liabilities at fair value   December 31, 2010     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Interest rate swaps     1,800       -       1,800       -  
Total     1,800       -       1,800       -  

 

The Company uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

 

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

 

F- 38
GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts presented in thousands of U.S. Dollars- except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

25 Events after the reporting date

 

Quarterly dividend declared

 

By a board of directors resolution dated February 22, 2012, a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share relating to the three months period ended December 31, 2011 was declared. The quarterly dividend was paid on March 22, 2012 to shareholders of record on March 14, 2012.

 

Legal proceedings

 

In March 2012, the Company initiated London arbitration proceedings against Allied Maritime, Inc. (the “Charterer”), the former charterer of the m/v Star Globe, a 2010 built 56,867 dwt Supramax bulk carrier, (the “Vessel”), under a time charter for the Vessel dated May 12, 2011 (the “Charter”). The Company is claiming an amount of approximately $1,700 as a debt and/or damages. Such amount includes, among others, outstanding hire, damages arising from the Charterer’s failure to replenish bunkers upon the Vessel’s redelivery and to deliver the Vessel within the agreed redelivery range, as well as further amounts that the Company had to pay to two bunkers suppliers relating to bunkers that the Charterer had ordered and received but for which the Charterer did not pay. The claim is largely undisputed by the Charterer, and the Company is currently taking measures to obtain security.

 

Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock

 

Pursuant to a board of directors resolution dated April 20, 2012, 3,347 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were issued in April 2012 to Globus’s two executive officers. The holders of Globus’s shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, if funds are legally available, dividends payable in cash in an amount per share to be determined by unanimous resolution of Globus’s Remuneration Committee, in its sole discretion. Globus’s board of directors or Remuneration Committee will determine whether funds are legally available under the Business Corporation Act (“BCA”) for such dividend. Any accrued but unpaid dividends will not bear interest. Except as may be provided in the BCA, holders of Globus’s shares of Series A Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights. Upon Globus’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of Globus’s shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to a preference in the amount of the declared and unpaid dividends, if any, as of the date of liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Globus’s Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into any of Globus’s other capital stock.

 

F- 39

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION, PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS OF

SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK OF

GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED

 

(Pursuant to Section 35 of the

Business Corporations Act of the Republic of The Marshall Islands)

 

Section 1.           Designation and Amount . Globus Maritime Limited, a Marshall Islands corporation (the “ Company ”), out of its authorized, unissued and undesignated shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “ Preferred Stock ”), hereby designates Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, referred to herein as “ Series A Preferred Stock .” The number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall initially be 3,347, which number the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board of Directors ”) may from time to time increase or decrease ( but not below the number of shares then outstanding) .

 

Section 2.           Dividends and Distributions .

 

(A)      Subject to the prior and superior rights of the holders of Senior Stock (as defined below), the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, if and only if the Board of Directors or the Remuneration Committee determines that funds are legally available under the Business Corporation Act of the Republic of The Marshall Islands (the “ BCA ”) and other applicable laws and subject to the sole discretion of the Remuneration Committee, as described below, dividends payable in cash on such date or dates, within each year, as shall be determined by a unanimous resolution of the Remuneration Committee (each such date being referred to herein as a “ Dividend Determination Date ”). The Remuneration Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine whether to declare and pay dividends to the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock on such Dividend Determination Date.

 

(B)      Dividends declared but unpaid shall accrue and be cumulative on outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock from the date of issuance of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest. Unless otherwise required by the BCA or other applicable law, the record date for the determination of holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock entitled to receive payment of a dividend or distribution declared thereon shall be the day immediately prior to the applicable Dividend Determination Date.

 

(C)      So long as any Series A Preferred Stock is issued and outstanding:

 

(i)          the Company shall not declare or pay any dividends whatsoever, nor shall any distribution be made, on any Junior Stock (as defined below), other than a dividend or distribution payable in Junior Stock or warrants or other rights to purchase Junior Stock, unless all declared dividends on Series A Preferred Stock for all past Dividend Determination Dates shall have been paid;

 

 
 

 

(ii)         the Company shall not declare or pay dividends on or make any other distributions on any Parity Stock (as defined below), except dividends paid ratably on the Series A Preferred Stock and all such Parity Stock on which dividends are payable or in arrears in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are then entitled; and

 

(iii)        the Company shall not redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration shares of any Parity Stock, provided that the Company may at any time redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of any such Parity Stock in exchange for Junior Stock.

 

(D)     The Company shall not permit any of its subsidiaries to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of stock of the Company unless the Company could, under Paragraph (C) of this Section 2, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.

 

Section 3.           Liquidation Rights .

 

(A)      Series A Preferred Stock shall be preferred as to assets over Junior Stock, Common Stock and Class B Stock so that, in the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled, in conjunction with the holders of Parity Stock, to have set apart for them or to be paid out of assets of the Company, after provision for the holders of Senior Stock (except for the holders of Common Stock and Class B Stock) but before any distribution is made to or set apart for the holders of Junior Stock, Common Stock or Class B Stock, an amount in cash equal to, but in no event more than, a sum in cash equal to the dividends declared but unpaid thereon to and including the date of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Following payment to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock of the full preferential amounts described in this Section 3, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall have no further right to participate in any assets of the Company available for distribution.

 

(B)      If, upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the assets of the Company available for distribution to the holders of its capital stock remaining after provision for the holders of Senior Stock (except for the holders of Common Stock and Class B Stock) shall be insufficient to permit the distribution in full of the amounts receivable by the holders of Parity Stock and Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Paragraph (A) of this Section 3, then all such remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed ratably among the holders of Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of Parity Stock in proportion to the amounts which each would have been entitled to receive if such remaining assets were sufficient to permit distribution in full. Neither the consolidation nor merger of the Company nor the sale, lease or transfer by the Company of all or any part of its assets shall be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company for purposes of this Section 3.

 

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Section 4.           Voting . Except as may be provided in the BCA, a holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall not have any voting rights.

 

Section 5.           Transferability . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate of Designation, holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not Transfer (as defined below) the Series A Preferred Stock to any person. Any purported Transfer of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be null and void and shall have no force or effect.

 

Section 6.           Redemption .

 

(A)      Upon (i) any purported Transfer of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or (ii) the written request of the Remuneration Committee to any holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock at any time (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may include without limitation at the written request of a holder of Series A Preferred Stock or in connection with any Significant Corporate Transaction (as defined below)), the Company shall be entitled to, subject to the BCA and other applicable laws, redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the Redemption Price. “ Redemption Price ” per share of Series A Preferred Stock equals (x) in the event described in subclause (i) in the preceding sentence, the par value of each share of Series A Preferred Stock, and (y) in the event described in subclause (ii) in the preceding sentence, the par value of each share of Series A Preferred Stock plus all declared and unpaid dividends as of the date of redemption plus any additional consideration per share of Series A Preferred Stock determined by the Remuneration Committee, at its sole discretion, pursuant to a unanimous resolution issued to this effect.

 

(B)       Notice of redemption of any Series A Preferred Stock shall be sent by or on behalf of the Company by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the relevant holder at such holder’s address as it appears on the records of the Company or by electronic communication upon which receipt can be verified (i) notifying such holder of the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock and of the applicable Redemption Price and (ii) stating the place at which the certificate, if any, evidencing the Series A Preferred Stock shall be surrendered.

 

(C)       From and after the notice of redemption having been duly given, and the Redemption Price having been paid or irrevocably set aside for payment, the relevant Series A Preferred Stock shall no longer be, or be deemed to be, outstanding for any purpose, and all rights, preference and powers (including rights to receive dividends) of such Series A Preferred Stock shall automatically cease and terminate, except the right of the record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock, upon surrender of the certificate, if any, for the Series A Preferred Stock, to receive the Redemption Price.

 

Section 7.           Certain Definitions . The following terms shall have the following respective meanings herein:

 

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Common Stock ” means shares of common stock, par value $0.004 per share, of the Company, or any other shares of the capital stock of the Company into which such shares of common stock shall be reclassified, changed or exchanged.

 

Class B Stock ” means shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, or any other shares of the capital stock of the Company into which such shares of Class B common stock shall be reclassified, changed or exchanged.

 

Junior Stock ” means all those classes and series of Preferred Stock or special stock, by the terms of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company (the “ Articles ”) or of the instrument by which the Board of Directors, acting pursuant to authority granted in the Articles, shall designate the special rights and limitations of each such class and series of Preferred Stock or special stock, which shall be subordinate to Series A Preferred Stock with respect to the right of the holders thereof to receive dividends or to participate in the assets of the Company distributable to shareholders upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

 

Parity Stock ” means the shares of all those classes and series of Preferred Stock or special stock, by the terms of the Articles or of the instrument by which the Board of Directors, acting pursuant to authority granted in the Articles, shall designate the special rights and limitations of each such class and series of Preferred Stock or special stock, which shall be on a parity with Series A Preferred Stock with respect to the rights of the holders thereof to receive dividends and to participate in the assets of the Company distributable to shareholders upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

 

Remuneration Committee ” means the Remuneration Committee or other committee established by the Board of Directors responsible for compensation matters.

 

Senior Stock ” means (i) shares of Common Stock, (ii) shares of Class B Stock and (iii) all those other classes and series of Preferred Stock or special stock, by the terms of the Articles or of the instruction by which the Board of Directors, acting pursuant to authority granted in the Articles, shall designate the special rights and limitations of each such class and series of Preferred Stock or special stock, which shall be senior to Series A Preferred Stock with respect to the right of the holders thereof to receive dividends and to participate in the assets of the Company distributable to shareholders upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

 

Significant Corporate Transaction ” means any capital reorganization of the shares of Common Stock (other than a subdivision, combination, reclassification, split, reverse split or exchange of shares) or a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity, or any other instance where the BCA requires the holders of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to vote as a class.

 

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Transfer ” shall mean directly or indirectly (i) any sale, assignment, encumbrance, hypothecation, pledge, conveyance in trust, gift or other transfer or disposition of any kind, including, but not limited to, transfers to receivers, levying creditors, trustees or receivers in bankruptcy proceedings or general assignees for the benefit of creditors, whether voluntary or by operation of law, directly or indirectly, of shares of Series A Preferred Stock or (ii) any change in the record or beneficial ownership of the Series A Preferred Stock after the date of their issuance that is not approved in advance by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 8.           Legend . The certificate, if any, representing the Series A Preferred Stock shall have imprinted, typed, stamped or otherwise affixed thereon a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND HAVE LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS. THE SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION OR OTHER TRANSFER OF SUCH SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION, PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS OF SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK OF THE CORPORATION.”

 

Section 9.           Reacquired Shares . Any shares of Series A Preferred Stock redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Company in any manner whatsoever shall be retired and cancelled promptly after the acquisition thereof. All such shares shall upon their cancellation become authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock and may be reissued as part of a new series of Preferred Stock to be created by resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors, subject to the conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein and in the Articles.

 

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In Witness Whereof , Globus Maritime Limited has caused this certificate to be duly executed by the undersigned in its corporate name on this 24 th day of April, 2012.

  

  GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED
     
  By:  /s/ Elias S. Deftereos
    Name: Elias S. Deftereos
    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 8.1

 

SUBSIDIARIES OF GLOBUS MARITIME LIMITED

 

Name   Jurisdiction of Incorporation   Name Under Which the
Subsidiaries do Business
Globus Shipmanagement Corp.   Marshall Islands   Globus Shipmanagement Corp.
Elysium Maritime Limited   Marshall Islands   Elysium Maritime Limited
Devocean Maritime Ltd.   Marshall Islands   Devocean Maritime Ltd.
Domina Maritime Ltd.   Marshall Islands   Domina Maritime Ltd.
Dulac Maritime S.A.   Marshall Islands   Dulac Maritime S.A.
Kelty Marine Ltd.   Marshall Islands   Kelty Marine Ltd.
Supreme Navigation Co.   Marshall Islands   Supreme Navigation Co.
Rosario Maritime Inc.   Marshall Islands   Rosario Maritime Inc.
Artful Shipholding S.A.   Marshall Islands   Artful Shipholding S.A.
Longevity Maritime Limited   Malta   Longevity Maritime Limited

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 12.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Georgios Karageorgiou, certify that:

 

1.      I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Globus Maritime Limited;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 27, 2012

 

By: /s/ Georgios Karageorgiou  
  Name: Georgios Karageorgiou  
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer  

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 12.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Elias Deftereos, certify that:

 

1.      I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Globus Maritime Limited;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 27, 2012

 

By: /s/ Elias Deftereos  
  Name: Elias Deftereos  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 13.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE U.S. SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with this annual report of Globus Maritime Limited (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Georgios Karageorgiou, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: April 27, 2012

 

By: /s/ Georgios Karageorgiou  
  Name: Georgios Karageorgiou  
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer  

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 13.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE U.S. SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with this annual report of Globus Maritime Limited (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Elias Deftereos, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: April 27, 2012

 

By: /s/ Elias Deftereos  
  Name: Elias Deftereos  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer