The following table presents, in each case for the years and as of the dates indicated, our selected consolidated financial and operating data, which includes, for periods prior to the closing of our initial public offering (“IPO”) on August 12, 2014, selected combined carve-out financial and operating data of the Partnership and its subsidiaries that had interests in the PGN FSRU Lampung and the joint ventures that own the Neptune and the Cape Ann . The transfer of these equity interests and related loans and promissory notes by Höegh LNG to the Partnership in connection with the IPO was recorded at Höegh LNG’s consolidated book values, as adjusted to US GAAP.

Pursuant to our partnership agreement, our general partner has irrevocably delegated to our board of directors the power to oversee and direct the operations of, manage and determine the strategies and policies of the Partnership. Four of the seven board members were elected by the common unitholders at our first annual meeting of unitholders. As a result, Höegh LNG, as the owner of our general partner, does not have the power to control our board of directors or the Partnership, and we are not considered to be under the control of Höegh LNG for accounting purposes. As a consequence, we have accounted for acquisitions that are business combinations from Höegh LNG under the purchase method of accounting. Such historical acquisitions are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition and there has been no retroactive restatement of our financial statements to reflect the historical results of the entity acquired.

On October 1, 2015, the Partnership closed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Höegh FSRU III, the entity that indirectly owns the Höegh Gallant (the " Höegh Gallant entities") . The results of operations of the Höegh Gallant are included in our results from the acquisition date. 

On January 3, 2017, the Partnership closed the acquisition of a 51% ownership interest in the Höegh Colombia Holding, the owner of the entities that own and operate the Höegh Grace (the " Höegh Grace entities"). The results of operations of the Höegh Grace are included in our earnings for the full year of 2017. The interest not owned by the Partnership was reflected as non-controlling interest in net income and non-controlling interest in total equity.

On December 1, 2017, the Partnership closed the acquisition of the remaining 49% ownership interest in the Höegh Grace entities.

Two of the vessels in our fleet (the Neptune and the Cape Ann ) are owned by our joint ventures, each of which is owned 50% by us. Under applicable accounting rules, we do not consolidate the financial results of these two joint ventures into our financial results. We account for our 50% equity interests in these two joint ventures as equity method investments in our consolidated financial statements. We derived cash flows from the operations of these two joint ventures from principal and interest payments on our shareholder loans to our joint ventures.

We have two segments, which are the “Majority held FSRUs” and the “Joint venture FSRUs.” As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Majority held FSRUs included the PGN FSRU Lampung , the Höegh Gallant and the Höegh Grace . As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Majority held FSRUs included the PGN FSRU Lampung and the Höegh Gallant. As of December 31, 2014, Majority held FSRUs included the PGN FSRU Lampung and construction contract revenue and expenses of the mooring related to PGN FSRU Lampung (“the Mooring”) under construction. The Mooring project was completed in the fourth quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and, Joint venture FSRUs included two 50%-owned FSRUs, the Neptune and the Cape Ann .

We measure our segment profit based on segment EBITDA. Segment EBITDA is reconciled to net income for each segment in the segment table below. The accounting policies applied to the segments are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements, except that i) Joint venture FSRUs are presented under the proportional consolidation method for the segment note in the consolidated financial statements and under equity accounting for the consolidated financial statements, ii) internal interest income and interest expense between the Partnership's subsidiaries that eliminate in consolidation are not included in the segment columns for the other financial income (expense), net line and iii) non-controlling interest in Segment EBITDA is subtracted in the segment note to reflect the Partnership’s interest in Segment EBITDA as the Partnership’s segment profit measure, Segment EBITDA. Under the proportional consolidation method, 50% of the Joint venture FSRUs’ revenues, expenses and assets are reflected in the segment reporting. Management monitors the results of operations of our joint ventures under the proportional consolidation method and not the equity method. On January 1, 2017, the Partnership began consolidating its acquired 51% interest in the Höegh Grace entities. Since the Partnership obtained control of the Höegh Grace entities, it consolidates 100% of the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of the Höegh Grace entities and the interest not owned by the Partnership was reflected as non-controlling interest in net income and non-controlling interest in total equity. Management monitored the results of operations of the Höegh Grace entities based on the Partnership’s 51% interest in the Segment EBITDA of such entities and, therefore, subtracted the non-controlling interest in Segment EBITDA to present Segment EBITDA. The adjustment to non-controlling interest in Segment EBITDA is reversed to reconcile to operating income and net income in the segment presentation. On December 1, 2017, the Partnership acquired the remaining 49% ownership interest in the Höegh Grace entities and, as of that date, there is no longer a non-controlling interest in the Höegh Grace entities.

You should read the following selected financial and operating data in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our consolidated financial statements and the combined financial statements of the two joint ventures that own the Neptune and the Cape Ann and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could differ from those that would have resulted if we operated autonomously or as an entity independent of Höegh LNG in the period prior to our IPO for which historical financial and operating data are presented below, and such data may not be indicative of our future operating results or financial performance. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Segment EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization and taxes. Segment EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization, taxes and other financial items less non-controlling interest in Segment EBITDA. Other financial items consist of gains and losses on derivative instruments and other items, net (including foreign exchange gains and losses and withholding tax on interest expenses). Segment EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and external users of financial statements, such as the Partnership's lenders, to assess its financial and operating performance. The Partnership believes that Segment EBITDA assists its management and investors by increasing the comparability of its performance from period to period and against the performance of other companies in the industry that provide Segment EBITDA information. This increased comparability is achieved by excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods or companies of interest, other financial items, depreciation and amortization and taxes, which items are affected by various and possibly changing financing methods, capital structure and historical cost basis and which items may significantly affect net income between periods. The Partnership believes that including Segment EBITDA as a financial and operating measure benefits investors in (a) selecting between investing in it and other investment alternatives and (b) monitoring its ongoing financial and operational strength in assessing whether to continue to hold common units. Segment EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered an alternative to net income, operating income or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with US GAAP. Segment EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income, and these measures may vary among other companies. Therefore, Segment EBITDA as presented below may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The following tables reconcile Segment EBITDA for each of the segments and the Partnership as a whole to net income (loss), the comparable US GAAP financial measure, for the periods presented: 

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

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

Risks Inherent in Our Business

Our fleet consists of five vessels as of March 31, 2019. Any limitation on the availability or operation of those vessels could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and could significantly reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Our fleet consists of five vessels. If any of these vessels is unable to generate revenues as a result of off-hire time, early termination of the applicable time charter, purchase of the vessel by the charterer or otherwise, our financial condition and ability to make distributions to unitholders could be materially and adversely affected.

The charters relating to our vessels permit the charterer to terminate the charter in the event that the vessel is off-hire for any extended period. The charters also allow the charterer to terminate the charter upon the occurrence of specified defaults by us or in certain other cases, including termination without cause, due to force majeure or disruptions caused by war. Furthermore, PGN LNG was granted an option to purchase the PGN FSRU Lampung at specified prices commencing in June 2018 and SPEC has the option to purchase the Höegh Grac e in year 10, year 15 and year 20 of its charter. The termination of any of our charters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and could significantly reduce our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. For further details regarding termination of our charters, please read “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Vessel Time Charters— Neptune Time Charter—Termination,” “— PGN FSRU Lampung Time Charter—Termination and —Purchase Option,” “— Höegh Gallant Time Charter—Termination,” “— Höegh Grace Charter—Term and Termination and —Purchase Option”. We may be unable to charter the applicable vessel, or replacement vessel, on terms as favorable to us as those of the terminated charter.

We are dependent on Global LNG Supply, PGN LNG, EgyptCo and SPEC as the sole customers for our vessels. A deterioration of the financial viability of Global LNG Supply, PGN LNG, EgyptCo or SPEC or our relationship with Global LNG Supply, PGN LNG, EgyptCo or SPEC or the loss of Global LNG Supply, PGN LNG, EgyptCo or SPEC as a customer, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, PGN LNG, EgyptCo and SPEC accounted for all of the revenues in our consolidated income statement. For the years ended December 31, 2016, PGN LNG and EgyptCo accounted for all of the revenues in our consolidated income statements. For each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Global LNG Supply accounted for all of the revenues of our joint ventures from which we derived all of our equity in earnings of joint ventures. A deterioration in the financial viability of Global LNG Supply, PGN LNG, EgyptCo or SPEC or the loss of Global LNG Supply, PGN LNG, EgyptCo or SPEC as a customer, or a decline in payments under any of the related charters, would have a greater adverse effect on us than for a company with a more diverse customer base, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

We or our joint ventures could lose a customer or the benefits of a charter as a result of a breach by the customer of a charter or other unanticipated developments, such as:

If any charter is terminated, we or our joint ventures, as applicable, may be unable to re-deploy the related vessel on terms as favorable as the current charters or at all. In addition, any termination fee payable to us may not adequately compensate us for the loss of the charter. Furthermore, if there was a premature termination of our joint venture charters that does not result in termination fees, it would result in mandatory repayments of the outstanding balances under the loan facilities for the Neptune and the Cape Ann .

In September 2017, the charterer of the Neptune and the Cape Ann made a performance claim to the joint ventures that own the vessels. This claim could reduce charter payments to such joint ventures. As a precaution, such joint ventures have suspended payments under the shareholder loans. Our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders depends on the performance of our joint ventures, subsidiaries and other investments. If we do not receive cash distributions or repayments under loan agreements from our joint ventures or if they are not sufficient, we will not be able to make cash distributions to unitholders unless we obtain funds from other sources. We may not be able to obtain the necessary funds from other sources on terms acceptable to us. Please read “—Any settlement of Global LNG Supply's performance claims may materially adversely affect our joint ventures' financial condition and results of operations.”

Any event, whether in our industry or otherwise, that adversely affects a customer’s financial condition, leverage, results of operations, cash flows or demand for our services may adversely affect our ability to sustain or increase cash distributions to our unitholders. Accordingly, we are indirectly subject to the business risks of our customers, including their level of indebtedness and the economic conditions and government policies in their areas of operation. Further, not all of our charters have parent company guarantees. For example, Global LNG Supply's obligations under the Neptune and the Cape Ann charters are not guaranteed by its parent, Total.

The ability of each of our customers to perform its obligations under its applicable charter depends on its future financial condition and economic performance, which, in turn, will depend on prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond its control.

Our growth depends on our ability to expand relationships with existing customers and obtain new customers, for which we will face substantial competition.

One of our principal objectives is to enter into additional long-term charters for FSRUs, LNG carriers and other LNG infrastructure assets. The process of obtaining long-term charters for FSRUs, LNG carriers and other LNG infrastructure assets is competitive and generally involves an intensive screening process and competitive bids, and then often extends for several months. We believe FSRU and LNG carriers time charters are awarded based upon a variety of factors relating to the vessel operator, including:

We face substantial competition for providing floating storage and regasification services and marine transportation services for potential LNG projects from a number of experienced companies, including state-sponsored entities and major energy companies. As the FSRU market continues to grow and mature there are new competitors entering the market. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources and larger fleets than we do or Höegh LNG. In particular, expectations of rapid growth in the FSRU market has given owners the confidence to place orders for FSRUs before securing charters. This has led to more competition for mid- and long-term FSRU charters. We anticipate that an increasing number of marine transportation companies—including many with strong reputations and extensive resources and experience—will enter the FSRU or LNG carrier markets. This increased competition has already and may in the future cause greater price competition for time charters. As a result of these factors, we may be unable to expand our relationships with existing customers or to obtain new customers on a profitable basis, if at all, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

We may not be able to redeploy our FSRUs on terms as favorable as our or our joint venture’s current FSRU time charters or at all.

Due to increased competition and the limitations on demand for FSRUs, in the event that any of the time charters on our vessels are terminated, we may be unable to recharter such vessel as an FSRU. While we may be able to employ such vessel as a traditional LNG carrier, the hire rates and/or other charter terms may not be as favorable to us as those in the existing time charter. If we acquire additional FSRUs and they are not, as a result of time charter termination or otherwise, subject to a long-term, profitable time charter, we may be required to bid for projects at unattractive rates in order to reduce our losses relating to the vessels.

Requirements for some new LNG projects continue to be provided on a long-term basis, though the use of medium term charters of up to five years has increased in recent years. More frequent changes to vessel sizes and propulsion technology together with an increasing desire by charterers to access modern vessels could also reduce the appetite of charterers to commit to long-term charters that match their full requirement period, or to exercise options to extend their current charters. As a result, the duration of long-term charters could also decrease over time. We may also face increased difficulty entering into long-term time charters upon the expiration or early termination of our existing charters or of charters for any vessels that we acquire in the future. If as a result we contract our vessels on shorter term contracts, our earnings from these vessels are likely to become more volatile.

Hire rates for FSRUs may fluctuate substantially. If rates are lower when we are seeking a new charter, our earnings and ability to make distributions to our unitholders may decline.

Hire rates for FSRUs fluctuate over time as a result of changes in the supply-demand balance relating to current and future vessel supply. This supply-demand relationship largely depends on a number of factors outside our control. For example, driven in part by an increase in LNG production capacity, the market supply of FSRUs has been increasing as a result of the construction of new vessels before FSRU projects have matured to the point of entering FSRU contracts. The increase in supply has resulted in increased competition for FSRU contracts resulting in lower FSRU prices for recent contracts awarded. As of December 31, 2018, the FSRU order book totalled 9 vessels and the delivered FSRU fleet stood at 33 vessels. We believe any future expansion of the FSRU fleet may have a negative impact on charter hire rates, vessel utilization and vessel values, which impact could be amplified if the expansion of LNG production capacity or the approval of FSRU projects does not keep pace with the growth of the global fleet. The LNG market is also closely connected to world natural gas prices and energy markets, which we cannot predict. An extended decline in natural gas prices that leads to reduced investment in new liquefaction facilities could adversely affect our ability to re-charter our vessels at acceptable rates or to acquire and profitably operate new FSRUs. Accordingly, this could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

PGN LNG and SPEC have options to purchase the PGN FSRU Lampung and Höegh Grace, respectively. If either charterer exercises its option, it could have a material adverse effect on our operating cash flows and our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

PGN LNG currently has the option to purchase the PGN FSRU Lampung on June 1st of each year, at a price specified in the time charter. SPEC also has the option to purchase the Höegh Grace at a price specified in the Höegh Grace charter in year 10, year 15 and year 20 of such charter. Any compensation we receive for the purchase of the PGN FSRU Lampung or the Höegh Grace may not adequately compensate us for both the loss of the applicable vessel and related time charter. If either charterer exercises its option, it would significantly reduce the size of our fleet, and we may be unable to identify or acquire suitable replacement vessel(s) with the proceeds of the option exercise because, among other things that are beyond our control, there may be no replacement vessel(s) that are readily available for purchase at a price that is equal to or less than the proceeds from the option exercise and on terms acceptable to us. Even if we find suitable replacement vessel(s), the hire rate(s) of such vessel(s) may be significantly lower than the hire rate under the current time charters. Our inability to find suitable replacement vessel(s) or the chartering of replacement vessel(s) at lower hire rate(s) would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Please read “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Vessel Time Charters— PGN FSRU Lampung Time Charter—Purchase Option” and “—Vessel Time Charters— Höegh Grace Charter—Purchase Option.”

We are exposed to tax risks associated with doing business in different countries, including in emerging market countries.

We conduct all of our operations outside of the United States and expect to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Some of the countries in which we are engaged in business or where our vessels are registered, for example, Indonesia, Egypt and Colombia, have historically less developed and less stable tax regimes than the United States. We are affected by tax regulations in those countries with respect to withholding taxes, value added taxes, payroll taxes, taxes on certain financial transactions and corporate income taxes. Tax regulations, guidance and interpretation in these countries may not always be clear and may not contemplate floating infrastructure activities, such as FSRUs. In addition, such regulations may be subject to alternative interpretations or changes in interpretations over time, including as a result of audits by the local tax authorities. In this regard, our Indonesian subsidiary is subject to examination by the Indonesian tax authorities for up to five years following the completion of a fiscal year, and our subsidiaries in Singapore and Colombia are subject to examination by tax authorities for up to four years and three years, following the completion of a fiscal year or from the date of the tax return, respectively. As a result of a tax audit in Indonesia for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, certain additional withholding tax amounts were paid by our Indonesian subsidiary and downward adjustments were made to the amount of our Indonesian subsidiary’s tax loss carryforwards. To the extent that future adjustments result in material additional tax liabilities being imposed on our subsidiaries, this would adversely impact our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

Due to our lack of diversification, adverse developments in our LNG transportation, storage and regasification businesses could reduce our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

We rely exclusively on the cash flows generated from our FSRUs. Due to our lack of diversification, an adverse development in the LNG transportation, storage and regasification industry could have a significantly greater impact on our financial condition and results of operations than if we maintained more diverse assets or lines of business.

We may not have sufficient cash from operations following the establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses to enable us to pay quarterly distribution on our Series A preferred units or the minimum quarterly distribution on our common units.

We may not have sufficient cash from operations to pay the quarterly distributions on our Series A preferred units or the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.3375 per unit on our common units. The amount of cash we can distribute on our units principally depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations. We generate cash from our operations and through distributions from our joint ventures, and as such our cash from operations is dependent on our operations and the cash distributions and operations of our joint ventures, each of which may fluctuate based on the risks described herein, including, among other things:

In addition, the actual amount of cash we will have available for distribution on our units will depend on other factors, including:

In addition, each quarter we are required by our partnership agreement to deduct estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus, which may result in less cash available to unitholders than if actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures were deducted. Our ability to pay distributions will also be limited to the extent that we have sufficient cash after establishment of cash reserves.

The amount of cash we generate from our operations and the cash distributions received from our joint ventures may differ materially from our or their profit or loss for the period, which will be affected by non-cash items. As a result of this and the other factors mentioned above, we may make cash distributions during periods when we record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net income.

At present, we only have two sources of available working capital borrowings that can be used to fund our general partnership purposes, including working capital and distributions: the $63 million revolving credit facility under our $385 million facility and the $85 million revolving credit facility with Höegh LNG. Höegh LNG’s ability to make loans under the revolving credit facility may be affected by events beyond its and our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our and their ability to comply with the terms of the revolving credit facility may be impaired. If we request a borrowing under the revolving credit facility, Höegh LNG may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make loans under the revolving credit facility. In the event that Höegh LNG is unable to make loans to us pursuant to the revolving credit facility, or a default or other circumstance prohibits us from borrowing loans thereunder our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders could be materially adversely affected.

Our ability to grow and to meet our financial needs may be adversely affected by our cash distribution policy.

Our cash distribution policy, which is consistent with our partnership agreement, requires us to pay the distribution on our Series A preferred units, which rank senior to our common units and subordinated units, and then distribute all of our available cash (as defined in our partnership agreement) to our common and subordinated units each quarter. Accordingly, our growth may not be as fast as businesses that reinvest their available cash to expand ongoing operations.

In determining the amount of cash available for distribution, our board of directors approves the amount of cash reserves to set aside, including reserves for future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, working capital and other matters. We may also rely upon external financing sources, including commercial borrowings, to fund our capital expenditures. Accordingly, to the extent we do not have sufficient cash reserves or are unable to obtain financing, our cash distribution policy may significantly impair our ability to meet our financial needs or to grow.

Any settlement of Global LNG Supply's performance claims may materially adversely affect our joint ventures' financial condition and results of operations.

Pursuant to their charters with Global LNG Supply, the joint ventures undertake to ensure that the Neptune and the Cape Ann meet certain performance standards. The performance standards under each charter require that the vessel not exceed a maximum average daily boil-off of LNG, subject to certain contractual exclusions. Pursuant to the charters, the hire rate is subject to reduction by charterer in the event of failure to satisfy the performance standards. The charterer requested that the joint ventures calculate and present the boil-off since the beginning of the time charters, compared with the maximum average daily boil-off allowed under the charters. On September 8, 2017, the charterer notified the joint ventures that it was formally making a claim for compensation in accordance with the provisions of the charters for a stated quantity of LNG exceeding the maximum average daily boil-off since the beginning of the charters. The charters for the Neptune and Cape Ann started in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

As of September 30, 2017, the joint ventures determined the liability associated with the boil-off claim was probable and could be reasonably estimated resulting in a total accrual of $23.7 million, which was recorded as a reduction of time charter revenues. The Partnership's 50% share of the accrual as of September 30, 2017 was approximately $11.9 million. As of December 31, 2017, the accrual was unchanged. The charterer and the joint ventures referred the claim to arbitration. The charterer's claim as submitted in the arbitration request was a gross amount of $52 million, covering the time period for the first performance period as defined in the time charters, and interest and expenses. Subsequently, the charterer and the joint ventures asked the arbitration tribunal for a partial determination on certain key contractual interpretations and the proceedings commenced in November 2018. In March 2019, the tribunal’s determination was received. The determination did not cover all the questions of contractual interpretation on which there is disagreement between the parties. On the questions that the tribunal was asked to determine, certain issues were determined in favor of the charterer and one issue was determined in favor of the joint ventures. With the exception of one issue, the tribunal’s conclusions on the contractual interpretations were unambiguous. For the remaining issue related to the calculation of a deduction from the gross claim, the tribunal did not specify how the deduction should be determined. As a result, there remains significant uncertainty in the evaluation of the potential outcome of the boil-off claim. Depending on interpretations of the tribunal's determination for the deduction to the gross claim and the other disputed contractual provisions, the joint ventures estimate that their aggregate liability associated with the boil-off claim is in the millions of dollars and could range between the mid-to-upper teens to the mid-$30's, of which the Partnership's share would be 50%. The updated estimates cover the period from the start of the time charters to December 31, 2018. Accordingly, the range of estimates is not directly comparable to the gross claim raised by the charterer through the end of the defined performance periods. Based upon the additional information from the tribunal’s determination and updated estimates of the potential range of liability, the joint ventures’ concluded the existing accrual of $23.7 million continues to represent their best estimate of the probable liability as of December 31, 2018. Accordingly, the accrual was unchanged as of December 31, 2018. The Partnership’ s 50% share of the accrual remains approximately $11.9 million as of December 31, 2018.

The joint ventures will continue to monitor this issue and adjust accruals, as might be required, based upon additional information and further developments. Höegh LNG and the other major owner guarantee the performance and payment obligations of the joint ventures under the time charters. The guarantees are joint and several for the performance obligations and several for the payment obligations. Depending on the amount and timing of the potential settlement and whether such settlement is funded by the performance guarantees by Höegh LNG and the other major owner or by the joint ventures, a settlement of the claim for boil-off with Global LNG Supply could have a material adverse effect on the joint ventures’ financial condition and results of operations. As a precaution, the joint ventures have suspended payments on the shareholder loans pending the outcome of the boil-off claim.

Further, although we are indemnified by Höegh LNG for the cash impact of our share of any losses and expenses related to or arising from the failure of either of the Neptune or the Cape Ann to meet the performance standards related to the daily boil-off of LNG under their respective time charters, any settlement with Global LNG Supply could materially adversely affect the joint ventures’ financial condition and results of operations. The ultimate outcome of the boil-off claim, on an isolated basis, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position. However, other concessions by the joint ventures to Global LNG Supply, if any, would not be expected to be indemnified. In addition, the suspension of the payments of the shareholder loans reduces cash flows available to us. In addition, the increase in the accruals for or the resolution of the excess boil-off claim may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for that period. Also, Höegh LNG’s ability to make payments to us with respect to such indemnification obligations may be affected by events beyond our and its control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, Höegh LNG’s ability to meet its indemnification obligations to us may be impaired. If Höegh LNG is unable to meet its indemnification obligations to us or if either of the time charters is terminated by Global LNG Supply, our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders could be materially adversely affected.

We are a holding entity that has historically derived a significant amount of our income from equity interests in our joint ventures. Neither we nor our joint venture partners exercise affirmative control over our joint ventures. Accordingly, we cannot require our joint ventures to act in our best interests. Furthermore, our joint venture partners may prevent our joint ventures from taking action that may otherwise be beneficial to us, including making cash distributions to us. A deadlock between us and our joint venture partners could result in our exchanging equity interests in one of our joint ventures for the equity interests in our other joint venture held by our joint venture counterparties or in us or our joint venture partner selling shares in a joint venture to a third party.

We are a holding entity and conduct our operations and businesses through subsidiaries. We have historically derived a significant amount of our income from our 50% equity interests in our joint ventures that own the Neptune and the Cape Ann . Please read “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Shareholder Agreements” for a description of the shareholders’ agreement governing our joint ventures. Our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders will depend on the performance of our joint ventures, subsidiaries and other investments. If our joint venture partners do not approve cash distributions or if they are not sufficient, we will not be able to make cash distributions unless we obtain funds from other sources. We may not be able to obtain the necessary funds from other sources on terms acceptable to us. The approval of a majority of the members of the board of directors is required to consent to any proposed action by such joint ventures and, as a result, we will be unable to cause our joint venture to act in our best interests over the objection of our joint venture partners or make cash distributions to us. Our inability to require our joint ventures to act in our best interests may cause us to fail to realize expected benefits from our equity interests and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

Our joint venture partners for our joint ventures that own the Neptune and the Cape Ann are Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (“MOL”) and Tokyo LNG Tanker Co., Ltd (“TLT”), whom we refer to in this Annual Report as our joint venture partners. These entities together exercise one half of the voting power on the board of directors of each joint venture. As such, our joint venture partners may prevent our joint ventures from making cash distributions to us or may act in a manner that would otherwise not be in our best interests.

If the directors nominated by us and our joint venture partner are unable to reach agreement on any decision or action, then the issue will be resolved in accordance with the procedures set forth in the shareholders’ agreement. After the board of directors has met a second time to consider the decision or action, if the deadlock persists, one or more of our senior executives will meet with their counterpart(s) from our joint venture partners. Should, after no more than 60 days, these efforts be unsuccessful and we and our joint venture partners, on a combined basis, each own 50% of the shares in each joint venture or, when the shareholdings in each joint venture are aggregated by party, we and our joint venture partners, on a combined basis, each own 50% of the aggregate shares, we and our joint venture partners will attempt to agree within 30 days that our shareholdings be exchanged so that we own 100% of one joint venture and our joint venture partners own 100% of the other joint venture. If, however, the shareholdings are not as described in the previous sentence or we and our joint venture partners cannot agree within the specified time, we or our joint venture partners may sell our shares, including to a third party, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the shareholders’ agreement. If any of these forms of resolution were to occur, the diversity of our fleet would be reduced, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders may be adversely affected.

We must make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and replace the operating capacity of our fleet, which will reduce our cash available for distribution. In addition, each quarter we will be required, pursuant to our partnership agreement, to deduct estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus, which may result in less cash available for distribution to unitholders than if actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures were deducted.

We must make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and replace, over the long-term, the operating capacity of our fleet. Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures include capital expenditures associated with drydocking a vessel, including costs for inspection, maintenance and repair, modifying an existing vessel, acquiring a new vessel or otherwise replacing current vessels at the end of their useful lives to the extent these expenditures are incurred to maintain or replace the operating capacity of our fleet. These expenditures could vary significantly from quarter to quarter and could increase as a result of changes in:

Our partnership agreement requires our board of directors to deduct estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, instead of actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, from operating surplus each quarter in an effort to reduce fluctuations in operating surplus as a result of significant variations in actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures each quarter. The amount of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures deducted from operating surplus is subject to review and change by our board of directors at least once a year (with the approval of the conflicts committee of our board of directors). In years when estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures are higher than actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders will be lower than if actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures were deducted from operating surplus. If our board of directors underestimates the appropriate level of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, we may have less cash available for distribution in periods when actual capital expenditures exceed our previous estimates. Refer to “Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—The Partnership’s Cash Distribution Policy—Estimated Maintenance and Replacement Capital Expenditures” for a description of our estimated annual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures.

The required drydocking or on-water surveys of our vessels could be more expensive and time consuming than we anticipate, which could adversely affect our cash available for distribution.

The drydocking or on-water survey of our vessels could become longer and more costly than we expect, and in the case of the Neptune and the Cape Ann could be drydocked for longer than the allowable period under the time charters. Although the Neptune and Cape Ann time charters, require the charterer to pay the hire rate for up to a specified number of days of scheduled drydocking and reimburse us for anticipated drydocking costs, any significant increase in the number of days of drydocking beyond the specified number of days during which the hire rate remains payable could have a material adverse effect on our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Furthermore, under the PGN FSRU Lampung time charter, the vessel will be deemed to be off-hire if drydocking exceeds designated allowances, and under the Höegh Grace and the Höegh Gallant time charters, the vessels will be deemed to be off-hire during drydocking. There are no pass through provisions for drydocking or on-water expenses for the PGN FSRU Lampung , the Höegh Grace or the Höegh Gallant. A significant increase in the cost of repairs during drydocking could also adversely affect our cash available for distribution. We may underestimate the time required to drydock or perform on-water surveys of any of our vessels or unanticipated problems may arise. If more than one of our vessels is required to be out of service at the same time, if a vessel is drydocked longer than the permitted duration or if the cost of repairs during drydocking is greater than budgeted, our cash available for distribution could be adversely affected.

We may experience operational problems with vessels that could reduce revenue, increase costs or lead to termination of our time charters.

FSRUs are complex and their operations are technically challenging. The operations of our vessels may be subject to mechanical risks. Operational problems may lead to loss of revenue or higher than anticipated operating expenses or require additional capital expenditures. Moreover, pursuant to each time charter, the vessels in our fleet must maintain certain specified performance standards, which may include a guaranteed speed or delivery rate of regasified natural gas, consumption of no more than a specified amount of fuel, not exceed a maximum average daily boil-off or energy balance, loss of earnings and certain liquidated damages payable under the charterer's charter and other performance failures. In addition, we have received the performance claims related to the Neptune and the Cape Ann described above. Please read “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Vessel Time Charters.” If we fail to maintain these standards, we may be liable to our customers for reduced hire, damages, loss of earnings and certain liquidated damages payable. Under the charterer’s charter and, in certain circumstances, our customers may terminate their respective time charters. Any of these results could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

If capital expenditures are financed through cash from operations or by issuing debt or equity securities, our ability to make cash distributions may be diminished, our financial leverage could increase, or our unitholders may be diluted.

Use of cash from operations to expand our fleet will reduce cash available for distribution to unitholders. Our ability to obtain bank financing or to access the capital markets may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such financing or offering as well as by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions, changes in the LNG industry and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. Our failure to obtain the funds for future capital expenditures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Even if we are successful in obtaining necessary funds, the terms of any debt financings could limit our ability to pay cash distributions to unitholders. In addition, incurring additional debt may significantly increase our interest expense and financial leverage, and issuing additional equity securities may result in significant unitholder dilution and would increase the aggregate amount of cash required to pay distributions to our unitholders.

We may be unable to make or realize expected benefits from acquisitions, which could have an adverse effect on our expected plans for growth.

Our growth strategy includes selectively acquiring FSRUs, LNG carriers and other LNG infrastructure assets that are operating under long-term charters with stable cash flows. Any acquisition of a vessel or business may not be profitable to us at or after the time we acquire such vessel or business and may not generate cash flows sufficient to justify our investment. In addition, our acquisition growth strategy exposes us to risks that may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations, including risks that we may:

Fluctuations in overall LNG supply and demand growth could adversely affect our ability to secure future long-term charters.

Demand for LNG depends on a number of factors, including economic growth, the cost effectiveness of LNG compared to alternative fuels, environmental policy and the perceived need to diversify fuel mix for energy security reasons. The cost effectiveness of LNG compared to alternative fuels is also dependent on supply. A change in any of the factors influencing LNG demand, or an imbalance between supply and demand, could adversely affect the need for LNG infrastructure and our ability to secure additional long-term charters.

Our future performance and growth depend on continued growth in demand for the services we provide.

Our growth strategy focuses on expansion in the floating storage and regasification sector and the maritime transportation sector, each within the LNG transportation, storage and regasification industry. The rate of LNG growth has fluctuated due to several reasons, including the global economic crisis, natural gas production from unconventional sources in certain regions, the relative competitiveness of alternative fossil fuels such as oil and coal, improvements in the competitiveness of renewable energy sources and the highly complex and capital intensive nature of new or expanded LNG projects. Accordingly, our growth depends on continued growth in world and regional demand for LNG, FSRUs, LNG carriers and other LNG infrastructure assets, which could be negatively affected by a number of factors, including:

Reduced demand for LNG, FSRUs or LNG carriers would have a material adverse effect on our future growth and could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Growth of the LNG market may be limited by many factors, including infrastructure constraints and community and political group resistance to new LNG infrastructure over concerns about environmental, safety and terrorism.

A complete LNG project includes production, liquefaction, regasification, storage and distribution facilities and FSRUs or LNG carriers. Existing LNG projects and infrastructure are limited, and new or expanded LNG projects are highly complex and capital intensive, with new projects often costing several billion dollars. Many factors could negatively affect continued development of LNG infrastructure and related alternatives, including floating storage and regasification, or disrupt the supply of LNG, including:

We expect that, in the event any of the factors discussed above negatively affect us, some of the proposals to expand existing or develop new LNG liquefaction and regasification facilities may be abandoned or significantly delayed. If the LNG supply chain is disrupted or does not continue to grow, or if a significant explosion, spill or similar incident occurs within the LNG transportation, storage and regasification industry, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

Demand for FSRUs or LNG shipping could be significantly affected by volatile natural gas prices and the overall demand for natural gas.

LNG prices are volatile and affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the following:

Weakness in the LNG market may adversely affect our future business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions, as a result of, among other things:

Weakness in demand for FSRUs or LNG carriers could come about because of excess capacity in the market, newly built vessels entering the market and existing vessels coming off contract.

In general, reduced demand for LNG, FSRUs or LNG carriers would have a material adverse effect on our future growth and could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The debt levels of us and our joint ventures may limit our and their flexibility in obtaining additional financing, refinancing credit facilities upon maturity or pursuing other business opportunities or our paying distributions to you.

As of December 31, 2018, we had outstanding principal on long-term bank debt of $440.2 million, and revolving credit due to owners and affiliates of $39.3 million and our joint ventures had outstanding principal on long-term debt of $430.8 million, of which 50% is our share.

On January 29, 2019, we entered into a loan agreement with a syndicate of banks to refinance the outstanding balances of the credit facility secured by the Höegh Gallant and the Höegh Grace . The new facility is structured as a term loan with commercial and export credit tranches for each vessel to refinance outstanding amounts under the existing credit facility secured by the Höegh Gallant and the Höegh Grace and a revolving credit facility for the Partnership with a drawing capacity of $63 million (the "$385 million facility"). On January 31, 2019, we drew $320 million under the commercial term loans and the export credit tranches on the new facility to settle $303.2 million and $1.6 million of the outstanding balance and accrued interest, respectively, of the credit facility secured by the Höegh Gallant and the Höegh Grace and $5.5 million to pay arrangement fees under the new facility. Refer to “Item 5. B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-term Debt—$385 million facility”

As of March 31, 2019, we had outstanding principal on long-term bank debt of $451.3 million and revolving credit due to owners and affiliates of $39.3 million and our joint ventures had outstanding principal on long-term debt of $424.3 million. In addition, we have the ability to incur additional debt, and as of March 31, 2019 we had the ability to borrow an additional $45.7 million under our revolving credit facility with Höegh LNG and $63.0 million on the bank revolving credit facility, subject to certain limitations. If we acquire additional vessels or businesses, our consolidated debt may significantly increase. We may incur additional debt under these or future credit facilities. Our joint ventures’ credit facilities will mature in 2022 and require an aggregate principal repayment of approximately $330 million, of which 50% is our share. A portion of the credit facility secured by the PGN FSRU Lampung will mature in 2021 and requires that an aggregate principal amount of $16.5 million be refinanced. If such principal repayment is not refinanced, the export credit tranche of the PGN FSRU Lampung financing that will have an outstanding balance of $68.2 million at this time may be accelerated together with the attendant hedges. A portion of the new credit facility secured by the Höegh Gallant and the Höegh Grace will mature in 2026, respectively, and requires that an aggregate principal amount of $136.1 million be refinanced. If the principal repayment is not refinanced, the export credit tranche secured by the Höegh Gallant and the Höegh Grace financing, that will have an outstanding balance of $9.5 million may be accelerated. Please read “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-term Debt—Lampung Facility” and “—$385 million Facility.”

Our level of debt could have important consequences to us, including the following:

Our ability to service or refinance our debt will depend on, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. If our operating results are not sufficient to service or refinance our current or future indebtedness, we will be forced to take actions such as reducing distributions, reducing or delaying our business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring our debt, or seeking additional equity capital or bankruptcy protection. We may not be able to effect any of these remedies on satisfactory terms, or at all.

The financing arrangements of us and our joint ventures are secured by our vessels and contain operating and financial restrictions and other covenants that may restrict our business and financing activities as well as our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in the financing arrangements of us and our joint ventures, including lease agreements and any future financing agreements, could adversely affect our and their ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or pursue our business activities. For example, the financing agreements may restrict the ability of us and our subsidiaries to:

In addition, our financing agreements require us and Höegh LNG to comply with certain financial ratios and tests, including maintaining a minimum liquidity and a minimum book equity ratio and require that our current assets exceed current liabilities, as defined by the financing agreements, and that our subsidiaries maintain minimum EBITDA to debt service ratios. Please read “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-term Debt—Lampung Facility” and “—$385 million Facility.”

Our joint ventures,’ Höegh LNG’s and our ability to comply with covenants and restrictions contained in financing arrangements may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our and their ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in debt instruments are breached, a significant portion of the obligations may become immediately due and payable, and the lenders’ commitment to make further loans may terminate. We and/or our joint ventures or Höegh LNG may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. In addition, obligations under our and our joint ventures’ financing arrangements are secured by our vessels and, in some cases, guaranteed by us or Höegh LNG, and if we or they, as applicable, are unable to repay debt under our financing arrangements, the lenders could seek to foreclose on those assets. Please read “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Restrictions in our debt agreements and local laws may prevent us from paying distributions to our unitholders.

The payment of principal and interest on our debt will reduce our cash available for distribution. Our and our joint ventures’ financing arrangements prohibit the payment of distributions upon the occurrence of certain events, including, but not limited to:

Furthermore, our financing arrangements require that we maintain minimum amounts of free liquid assets and our subsidiaries and joint ventures to hold cash reserves that are, in certain cases, held for specifically designated uses, including working capital, operations and maintenance and debt service reserves, and are generally subject to “waterfall” provisions that allocate project revenues to specified priorities of use (such as operating expenses, scheduled debt service, targeted debt service reserves and any other reserves) and the remaining cash is distributable to us only on certain dates and subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including meeting a 1.20 historical and in some cases, projected, debt service coverage ratio. In addition, the laws governing our joint ventures and subsidiaries may prevent us from making dividend distributions. Our joint ventures are subject to restrictions under the laws of the Cayman Islands and may only pay distributions out of profits or capital reserves if the joint venture entity is solvent after the distribution, Höegh Lampung is subject to Singapore laws and may make dividend distributions only out of profits. Dividends may only be paid by PT Höegh if its retained earnings are positive under Indonesian law and requirements are fulfilled under the Lampung facility. In addition, PT Höegh as an Indonesian incorporated company is required to establish a statutory reserve equal to 20% of its paid up capital. The dividend can only be distributed if PT Höegh’s retained earnings are positive after deducting the statutory reserve. PT Höegh has not established the required statutory reserves as of December 31, 2018 and therefore cannot make dividend payments to us under Indonesia law. However, subject to meeting a debt service ratio of 1.20 to 1.00, PT Höegh can distribute cash from its cash flow from operations to us as payment of intercompany accrued interest and / or intercompany debt, after quarterly payments of the Lampung facility and fulfilment of the “waterfall” provisions to meet operating requirements as defined by the Lampung facility. Under Cayman Islands law, Höegh FSRU III, Höegh FSRU IV and Höegh Colombia Holding may only pay distributions out of profits or capital reserves if the entity is solvent after the distribution. Dividends from Höegh Cyprus may only be distributed out of profits and not from the share capital of the company. Dividends and other distributions from Höegh Cyprus, Höegh Colombia and Höegh FSRU IV may only be distributed if after the dividend payment, the Partnership would remain in compliance with the financial covenants under the $385 million facility. Please read “Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—The Partnership’s Cash Distribution Policy—Limitations on Cash Distributions and Our Ability to Change Our Cash Distribution Policy.”

Höegh LNG’s failure to comply with certain obligations under the Lampung facility, and certain other events occurring at Höegh LNG, could result in defaults under the Lampung credit facility, and the failure by EgyptCo, a wholly owned subsidiary of Höegh LNG, to comply with certain obligations under the $385 million facility could result in default under the $385 million facility, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us.

Höegh LNG guarantees the obligations of PT Höegh, the owner of the PGN FSRU Lampung , under the Lampung facility. (as described in “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-term Debt”). Pursuant to the terms of the Lampung facility, Höegh LNG must, among other things, maintain minimum book equity and comply with certain minimum liquidity financial covenants. Failure by Höegh LNG to satisfy any of the covenants applicable to Höegh LNG would result in a default under the Lampung facility. The lenders of the Lampung facility may foreclose upon any collateral securing that debt, including arrest and seizure of the PGN FSRU Lampung , even if Höegh LNG were to subsequently cure its default in the event of such acceleration and foreclosure, PT Höegh and the Partnership, as the case may be, might not have sufficient funds or other assets to satisfy all of their obligations under the related credit facility, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and would significantly reduce our ability, or make us unable, to make cash distributions to our unitholders for so long as such default is continuing. Please read “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-term Debt—Lampung Facility.” EgyptCo is a guarantor under the $385 million facility. Failure by EgyptCo to comply with its obligations under the $385 million facility or the ancillary security documents would result in a default under the $385 million facility. The lenders of the $385 million facility may accelerate all amounts outstanding and accrued and take other actions under the related security documents.

An increase in the global supply or aggregate capacities of FSRUs or LNG carriers, including conversion of existing tonnage, without a commensurate increase in demand may have an adverse effect on hire rates and the values of our vessels, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

The supply of FSRUs, LNG carriers and other LNG infrastructure assets in the industry is affected by, among other things, assessments of the demand for these vessels by charterers. Any over-estimation of demand for vessels may result in an excess supply of new vessels. This may, in the long term when existing contracts expire, result in lower hire rates and depress the values of our vessels. If hire rates are lower when we are seeking new time charters upon expiration or early termination of our current time charters, or for any new vessels we acquire, our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders may be adversely affected.

During periods of high utilization and high hire rates, industry participants may increase the supply of FSRUs and/or LNG carriers by ordering the construction of new vessels. This may result in an over-supply and may cause a subsequent decline in utilization and hire rates when the vessels enter the market. Lower utilization and hire rates could adversely affect revenues and profitability. Prolonged periods of low utilization and hire rates could also result in the recognition of impairment charges on our vessels if future cash flow estimates, based upon information available at the time, indicate that the carrying value of these vessels may not be recoverable. Such impairment charges may cause lenders to accelerate loan payments under our or our joint ventures’ financing agreements, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

Vessel values may fluctuate substantially, and a decline in vessel values may result in impairment charges, the breach of our financial covenants or, if these values are lower at a time when we are attempting to dispose of vessels, a loss on the sale.

Vessel values for FSRUs and LNG carriers can fluctuate substantially over time due to a number of different factors, including:

As our vessels age, the expenses associated with maintaining and operating them are expected to increase, which could have an adverse effect on our business and operations if we do not maintain sufficient cash reserves for maintenance and replacement capital expenditures. Moreover, the cost of a replacement vessel would be significant.

If a charter terminates, we may be unable to re-deploy the affected vessel at attractive rates and, rather than continue to incur costs to maintain and finance the vessel, we may seek to dispose of the vessel. Our inability to dispose of a vessel at a reasonable value could result in a loss on the sale and adversely affect our ability to purchase a replacement vessel, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. A decline in the value of our vessels may also result in impairment charges or the breach of certain of the ratios and financial covenants we are required to comply with in our credit facilities.

We depend on Höegh LNG and its affiliates for the management of our fleet and to assist us in operating and expanding our business.

Our ability to enter into new charters and expand our customer relationships will depend largely on our ability to leverage our relationship with Höegh LNG and its reputation and relationships in the shipping industry. If Höegh LNG suffers material damage to its reputation or relationships, it may harm our ability to:

In addition, all our vessels are subject to management and services agreements with affiliates of Höegh LNG. Moreover, pursuant to an administrative services agreement among us, our operating company and Höegh UK and an administrative services agreement between our operating company and Leif Höegh UK, Höegh UK and Leif Höegh UK provide us and our operating company with certain administrative, financial and other support services. Höegh UK subcontracts some of these services to Höegh Norway and Leif Höegh UK pursuant to separate administrative services agreements. Our operational success and ability to execute our growth strategy will depend significantly upon the satisfactory performance of these services. Our business will be harmed if our service providers fail to perform these services satisfactorily, if they cancel their agreements with us or if they stop providing these services to us. Please read “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions.”

The operation of FSRUs, LNG carriers and other LNG infrastructure assets is inherently risky, and an incident involving significant loss of life or property or environmental consequences involving any of our vessels could harm our reputation, business and financial condition.

Our vessels and their cargoes are at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as:

An accident involving any of our vessels could result in any of the following:

Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired. The costs of vessel repairs are unpredictable and can be substantial. We may have to pay repair costs that our insurance policies do not cover, for example, due to insufficient coverage amounts or the refusal by our insurance provider to pay a claim. The loss of earnings while these vessels are being repaired, as well as the actual cost of these repairs not otherwise covered by insurance, would decrease our results of operations. If any of our vessels are involved in an accident with the potential risk of environmental consequences, the resulting media coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business, our results of operations and cash flows, weaken our financial condition and negatively affect our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

Our insurance may be insufficient to cover losses that may occur to our property or result from our operations.

The operating of FSRUs, LNG carriers and other LNG infrastructure assets is inherently risky. Although we carry protection and indemnity insurance consistent with industry standards, all of the risks associated with operating FSRUs, LNG carriers and other LNG infrastructure assets may not be adequately insured against, and any particular claim may not be paid. Any claims covered by insurance would be subject to deductibles, and since it is possible that a large number of claims may be brought, the aggregate amount of these deductibles could be material. Certain of our insurance coverage is maintained through mutual protection and indemnity associations, and as a member of such associations we may be required to make additional payments over and above budgeted premiums if member claims exceed association reserves.

We may be unable to procure adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates in the future. For example, more stringent environmental regulations have led in the past to increased costs for, and in the future may result in the lack of availability of, insurance against risks of environmental damage or pollution. A marine disaster could exceed our insurance coverage, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Any uninsured or underinsured loss could harm our business and financial condition. In addition, our insurance may be voidable by the insurers as a result of certain of our actions, such as our ships failing to maintain certification with applicable maritime self-regulatory organizations.

Changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist attacks may also make certain types of insurance more difficult for us to obtain. In addition, upon renewal or expiration of our current policies, the insurance that may be available to us may be significantly more expensive than our existing coverage.

An increase in operating expenses could adversely affect our financial performance.

Our operating expenses, on water survey costs and drydock capital expenditures depend on a variety of factors including crew costs, provisions, deck and engine stores and spares, lubricating oil, insurance, maintenance and repairs and shipyard costs, many of which are beyond our control and affect the entire shipping industry. While many of these costs are borne by the charterers under our time charters, there are some circumstance where this is not the case. For example, we bear the cost of fuel (bunkers) for the Höegh Gallant and Höegh Grace time charters, and fuel is a significant expense in our operations when our vessels are, for example, moving to or from drydock or when off-hire. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil-producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns. These may increase vessel operating costs further. If costs continue to rise, they could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

A shortage of qualified officers and crew could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

FSRUs and LNG carriers require a technically skilled officer staff with specialized training. As the global FSRU fleet and LNG carrier fleet continues to grow, the demand for technically skilled officers and crew has been increasing, which has led to a more competitive recruiting market. Increases in our historical vessel operating expenses have been attributable primarily to the rising costs of recruiting and retaining officers for our fleet. Furthermore, each key officer crewing an FSRU or LNG carrier must receive specialized training related to the operation and maintenance of the regasification equipment. If Höegh LNG Management and Höegh Maritime Management are unable to recruit and employ technically skilled staff and crew, they will not be able to adequately staff our vessels. A material decrease in the supply of technically skilled officers or an inability of Höegh LNG Management or Höegh Maritime Management to attract and retain such qualified officers could impair our ability to operate or increase the cost of crewing our vessels, which would materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and significantly reduce our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

We may be unable to attract and retain key management personnel, which may negatively impact our growth, the effectiveness of our management and our results of operations.

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and the efforts of our senior executives. While we believe that we have an experienced management team, the loss or unavailability of one or more of our senior executives for any extended period of time could have an adverse effect on our growth, business and results of operations.

Exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations could result in fluctuations in our cash flows and operating results.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations and currency devaluations could have an adverse effect on our results of operations from quarter to quarter. Historically, the substantial majority of our revenue has been generated in U.S. Dollars, but we incur a minority of our operating expenses in other currencies. All of our long-term debt is U.S. dollar denominated, but we incur a minority of short term liabilities in other currencies. Please read “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Critical Accounting Estimates—Use of Exchange Rates” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Foreign Currency Risk.”

Acts of piracy on any of our vessels or on oceangoing vessels could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Acts of piracy have historically affected oceangoing vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Guinea. If such piracy attacks result in regions in which our vessels are deployed being named on the Joint War Committee Listed Areas, war-risk insurance premiums payable for such insurance coverage could increase significantly and such insurance coverage might become more difficult to obtain. In addition, crew costs, including costs that may be incurred to the extent we employ onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or an increase in cost or unavailability of insurance for our vessels, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Terrorist attacks, increased hostilities, piracy or war could lead to further economic instability, increased costs and disruption of business.

Terrorist attacks may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, ability to raise capital and future growth. Continuing hostilities in the Middle East may lead to additional armed conflicts or to further acts of terrorism and civil disturbance in the United States or elsewhere, which may contribute further to economic instability and disruption of production and distribution of LNG, which could result in reduced demand for our services.

Terrorist attacks on vessels may in the future adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation. In addition, LNG facilities, shipyards, vessels, pipelines and natural gas fields could be targets of future terrorist attacks. Any such attacks could lead to, among other things, bodily injury or loss of life, vessel or other property damage, increased vessel operational costs, including insurance costs, and the inability to transport LNG to or from certain locations. Terrorist attacks, piracy, war or other events beyond our control that adversely affect the distribution, production or transportation of LNG to be shipped by us could entitle customers to terminate our charters, which would harm our cash flows and business. Terrorist attacks, or the perception that LNG facilities, FSRUs and LNG carriers are potential terrorist targets, could materially and adversely affect expansion of LNG infrastructure and the continued supply of LNG. Concern that LNG facilities may be targeted for attack by terrorists has contributed to a community and environmental resistance to the construction of a number of LNG facilities. In addition, the loss of a vessel as a result of terrorism or piracy would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are exposed to political, regulatory, and economic risks associated with doing business in different countries, including in emerging market countries.

We conduct all of our operations outside of the United States and expect to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Some of the countries in which we are engaged in business or where our vessels are registered, for example, Indonesia, Egypt and Colombia, are historically less developed and stable than the United States. We are affected by economic, political, and governmental conditions in the countries where we are engaged in business or where our vessels are registered. We are also affected by policies related to labor and the crewing of FSRUs. Any disruption caused by these factors could harm our business. Further, we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from shipping and regasifying LNG from politically unstable regions. Future hostilities or other political instability where we operate or may operate could have a material adverse effect on the growth of our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. In addition, tariffs, trade embargoes and other economic sanctions by the United States or other countries against countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America or elsewhere as a result of terrorist attacks, hostilities or otherwise may limit trading activities with those countries, which could harm our business and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

Our vessels operating in international waters, now or in the future, will be subject to various international conventions and flag state laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment.

Our vessels traveling in international waters are subject to various existing regulations published by the International Maritime Organization (the “IMO”), as well as marine pollution and prevention requirements imposed by the IMO International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1975, as from time to time has been or may be amended (the “MARPOL Convention”). In addition, our FSRUs may become subject to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, as amended by the April 2010 Protocol to the HNS Convention (the “2010 HNS Convention”), if it is entered into force. The 2010 HNS Convention is intended to put in place a comprehensive regime to address the risks of fire and explosion and to cover pollution damage from hazardous and noxious substances carried by ships, including loss of life, personal injury, and property loss of damage. If the 2010 HNS Convention were to enter into force, we cannot estimate with any certainty at this time the costs that may be needed to comply with any such requirements that may be adopted. Please read “Item 4.B. Business Overview –– Environmental and Other Regulation” for a more detailed discussion on these topics.

Our operations are subject to substantial environmental and other regulations, which may significantly increase our expenses.

Our operations are materially affected by extensive and changing international, national and local environmental protection laws, regulations, treaties, conventions and standards in force in international waters, the jurisdictional waters of the countries in which our vessels operate, as well as the countries of our vessels' registration, including those relating to equipping and operating FSRUs and LNG carriers, providing security and minimizing the potential for adverse impacts to the environment, natural resources and protected species from their operations. These include regulations of the IMO, including the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as from time to time amended, the MARPOL Convention, the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution of 1973, the IMO International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, as from time to time amended (“SOLAS”), the IMO International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, as from time to time amended, and the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (the “ISM Code”) and national laws such as the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA 90”), the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), the U.S. Clean Water Act (the “CWA”), and the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and any counterpart laws in other jurisdictions with laws governing our operations. We may become subject to additional laws and regulations if we enter new markets or trades.

Many of these requirements are designed to reduce the risk of oil spills and other pollution. In addition, we believe that the heightened environmental, quality and security concerns of insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers will lead to additional regulatory requirements, including enhanced risk assessment and security requirements and greater inspection and safety requirements on vessels. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur substantial expenses in complying with these laws and regulations, including expenses for vessel modifications and changes in operating procedures.

The design, construction and operation of FSRUs and interconnecting pipelines and the transportation of LNG are also subject to governmental approvals and permits. The permitting rules, and the interpretations of those rules, are complex, change frequently and are often subject to discretionary interpretations by regulators, all of which may make compliance more difficult or impractical and may increase the time it takes to secure needed approvals. The length of time it takes to receive regulatory approval for offshore LNG operations is one factor that has affected our industry, including through increased expenses.  

Environmental and other regulatory requirements can affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels, require ship modifications or operational changes or restrictions, lead to decreased availability of insurance coverage for environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports, or detention in, certain ports. Under local and national laws, as well as international treaties and conventions, we could incur material liabilities, including cleanup obligations, in the event that there is a release of hazardous substances from our vessels or otherwise in connection with our operations. We could also become subject to personal injury or property damage claims relating to the release of or exposure to hazardous materials associated with our operations. In addition, failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of our operations, including, in certain instances, seizure or detention of our vessels.

Please read “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Environmental and Other Regulation.”

Further changes to existing environmental laws applicable to international and national maritime trade may have an adverse effect on our business.

We believe that the heightened environmental, quality and security concerns of insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers will generally lead to additional regulatory requirements, including enhanced risk assessment and security requirements and greater inspection and safety requirements on all vessels in the marine LNG transportation markets and offshore LNG terminals. These requirements are likely to add incremental costs to our operations and the failure to comply with these requirements may affect the ability of our vessels to obtain and, possibly, collect on insurance or to obtain the required certificates for entry into the different ports where we operate.

Further legislation, or amendments to existing legislation, applicable to international and national maritime trade are expected over the coming years in areas such as ship recycling, sewage systems, emission control (including emissions of greenhouse gases) and ballast treatment and handling. Such legislation or regulations may require additional capital expenditures or operating expenses (such as increased costs for low-sulfur fuel) for us to maintain our vessels’ compliance with international and/or national regulations.

Climate change and greenhouse gas restrictions may adversely impact our operations and markets.

Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries and the IMO have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emission from vessel 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. 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 (the “Kyoto Protocol”) or the more recently announced Paris Agreement, a new treaty or IMO regulations may be adopted in the future that includes restrictions on shipping emissions. In 2016, the IMO reaffirmed its strong commitment to continue to work to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships engaged in international trade. The IMO adopted an initial GHG reduction strategy in 2018. The EU has indicated it intends to implement regulations to limit emissions of greenhouse gases from vessels if such emissions are not regulated through the IMO. Compliance with changes in laws and regulations relating to climate change could increase our costs of operating and maintaining our vessels and could require us to make significant financial expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.

Adverse effects upon the oil and gas industry relating to climate change, including growing public concern about the environmental and other impacts of climate change, may also have an effect on demand for our services. For example, increased regulation of greenhouse gases or other concerns relating to climate change may reduce the demand for oil and gas in the future or create greater incentives for use of alternative energy sources. Any long-term material adverse effect on the oil and gas industry could have a significant financial and operational adverse impact on our business that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.

Please read “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Environmental and Other Regulation—Regulation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions” below for a more detailed discussion.

Maritime claimants could arrest our vessels, which could interrupt our cash flows.

Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to our vessels, owners of cargo or other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against one or more of our vessels for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lien holder may enforce its lien by arresting a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. In a few jurisdictions, claimants could try to assert “sister ship” liability against one vessel in our fleet for claims relating to another of our vessels. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt our cash flows and require us to pay to have the arrest lifted.

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

The government of a jurisdiction where one or more of our vessels are registered could requisition for title or seize our vessels. Requisition for title or seizure occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes her owner. Also, a government could requisition our vessels for hire. Requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes the charterer at dictated hire rates. Generally, requisitions occur during a period of war or emergency, although governments may elect to requisition vessels in other circumstances. Although we would expect to be entitled to government compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our vessels, the amount and timing of payments, if any, would be uncertain. A government requisition of one or more of our vessels would result in off-hire days under our time charters and may cause us to breach covenants in certain of our credit facilities. Furthermore, a requisition for title of either the Neptune or the Cape Ann constitutes a total loss under the terms of the related facility agreements, in which case we would have to repay all loans. If a government requisition of one or more of our vessels were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Compliance with safety and other vessel requirements imposed by classification societies may be very costly and may adversely affect our business.

The hull and machinery of every large, oceangoing commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by her country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and SOLAS. Each of our vessels is certified by Det Norske Veritas GL, compliant with the ISM Code and “in class.” In order to maintain valid certificates from the classification society, a vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys and renewal surveys. A vessel’s machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Each of the vessels in our fleet has implemented a certified planned maintenance system. The classification society attends onboard once every year to verify that the maintenance of the equipment onboard is done correctly. For each of the Neptune and the Cape Ann , a renewal survey is conducted every five years and an intermediate survey is conducted within 30 months after a renewal survey. During the first 15 years of operation, the vessels have an extended drydock interval which allow them to be drydocked every 7.5 years, while intermediate surveys and certain renewal surveys occur while they are afloat, using an approved diving company in the presence of a surveyor from the classification society. After these vessels are 15 years old, they are expected to be drydocked every five years or, if required by the charterers, every 30 months. We do not anticipate drydocking of the PGN FSRU Lampung for the first 20 years as all the required surveys can be done afloat. In 2019, the PGN FSRU Lampung will have an on-water survey done. In the first 15 years after its delivery from the shipyard, we expect the Höegh Gallant to have a renewal survey every five years and to be drydocked every 7.5 years. The Höegh Gallant is scheduled to be drydocked in 2019. The Höegh Grace is also designed to carry out renewal surveys afloat and is not expected to go into drydocking for the duration of its current charter. If any vessel does not maintain her class or fails any annual survey, renewal survey, intermediate survey or special survey, the vessel will be unable to trade between ports and will be unemployable. We would lose revenue while the vessel was off-hire and incur costs of compliance. This would negatively impact our revenues and reduce our cash available for distribution to unitholders.

Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, the anti-corruption provisions in the Norwegian Criminal Code and other anti-bribery legislation in other jurisdictions could result in fines, criminal penalties, contract termination and an adverse effect on our business.

We may operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which is consistent and in full compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “FCPA”), the Bribery Act 2010 of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the “UK Bribery Act”) and the anti-corruption provisions of the Norwegian Criminal Code of 1902 (the “Norwegian Criminal Code”), respectively. We are subject, however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or our or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA, the UK Bribery Act and the Norwegian Criminal Code. Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties, curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business. Furthermore, detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and can consume significant time and attention of our senior management.

If in the future our business activities involve countries, entities and individuals that are subject to restrictions imposed by the U.S. or other governments, we could be subject to enforcement action and our reputation and the market for our preferred and common units could be adversely affected.

The tightening of U.S. sanctions in recent years has affected non-U.S. companies. In particular, sanctions against Iran have been significantly expanded. In 2012, for example, the U.S. signed into law the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (“TRA”), which placed further restrictions on the ability of non-U.S. companies to do business or trade with Iran and Syria. A major provision in the TRA is that issuers of securities must disclose to the SEC in their annual and quarterly reports filed after February 6, 2013 if the issuer or ‘‘any affiliate’’ has ‘‘knowingly’’ engaged in certain activities involving Iran during the timeframe covered by the report. This disclosure obligation is broad in scope in that it requires the reporting of activity that would not be considered a violation of U.S. sanctions as well as violative conduct, and is not subject to a materiality threshold. The SEC publishes these disclosures on its website and the President of the United States must initiate an investigation in response to all disclosures.

In addition to the sanctions against Iran, the U.S. also has sanctions that target other countries, entities and individuals. These sanctions have certain extraterritorial effects that need to be considered by non-U.S. companies. It should also be noted that other governments have implemented versions of U.S. sanctions. We believe that we are in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations imposed by the U.S., the United Nations or European Union (the "EU") countries and intend to maintain such compliance. However, 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 units. Additionally, some investors may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our units simply because we may do business with companies that do business in sanctioned countries. Investor perception of the value of our units may also be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries.

Although we have remediated the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting identified as of December 31, 2017, there may from time to time exist deficiencies in our control systems that could materially and adversely affect us.

We are required to establish and periodically assess the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. As discussed in “Item 15. Controls and Procedures,” in connection with our assessment of the internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2017, we disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017 a material weakness relating to operating effectiveness of information technology (“IT”) general controls related to controls over user access controls related to financial applications and a material weakness related to controls over the accounting for procurement of goods and services. With respect to the material weakness related to our controls over user access controls related to financial applications, we implemented the following remedial measures in 2018: (i) formalized the operation and documentation of controls performed for discontinuing user access for terminated employees and consultants; (ii) reassessed all user access rights, evaluated appropriate segregation of duties and revised user access rights, as required; (iii) hired additional qualified personnel to monitor and perform controls over user access; and (iv) monitored the performance of our internal controls and procedures related to user access and took remediating actions when controls were not being appropriately performed or documented. With respect to the material weakness related to our controls over the accounting for procurement of goods and services related to vessel operating expenses, we implemented the following remedial measures in 2018: (i) reassessed and improved the design, operation and documentation of controls related to (a) input data to the three-way match of the purchase order, delivery confirmation and invoice to detect errors in supplier invoicing, and (b) accruals for delivered goods and services not yet invoiced, related to vessel operating expenses; (ii) trained those performing the controls on the procedures and documentation required; and (iii) monitored the performance of our internal controls and procedures related to procurement of goods and services related to vessel operating expenses. Although we believe these weaknesses have been remediated as of December 31, 2018, we cannot assure you that there will not be additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future. Any such additional material weaknesses could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and our ability to accurately report our financial condition and results of operations in a reliable and timely manner.

A cyber-attack could materially disrupt our business.

We rely on information technology systems and networks, which are provided by Höegh LNG, in our operations and the administration of our business. Our operations could be targeted by individuals or groups seeking to sabotage or disrupt our information technology systems and networks, or to steal data. A successful cyber-attack could materially disrupt our operations, including the safety of our operations, or lead to unauthorized release of information or alteration of information on our systems. Any such attack or other breach of our information technology systems could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Changing laws and evolving reporting requirements could have an adverse effect on our business .

We are subject to laws, directives, and regulations relating to the collection, use, retention, disclosure, security and transfer of personal data. These laws, directives, and regulations, and their interpretation and enforcement continue to evolve and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which regulates the use of personally identifiable information, went into effect in the EU on May 25, 2018 and applies globally to all of our activities conducted from an establishment in the EU, to related products and services that we offer to EU customers and to non-EU customers which offer services in the EU. GDPR broadens the scope of personal privacy laws to protect the rights of EU citizens and requires organizations to report on data breaches within 72 hours and be bound by more stringent rules for obtaining the consent of individuals on how their data can be used. Complying with GDPR and similar emerging and changing privacy and data protection requirements may cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices. Noncompliance with our legal obligations relating to privacy and data protection could result in penalties, fines, legal proceedings by governmental entities or others, loss of reputation, legal claims by individuals and customers and significant legal and financial exposure and could affect our ability to retain and attract customers, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions.

The results of the United Kingdom’s referendum on withdrawal from the European Union may have a negative effect on global economic conditions, financial markets as well as our business, operating results and financial condition.

The 2016 United Kingdom referendum on its membership in the EU resulted in a majority of United Kingdom voters voting to exit the EU (“Brexit”), and in March 2017, the United Kingdom formally initiated the Brexit process. The referendum was advisory, and any terms of the withdrawal are subject to a negotiation period that lasts at least two years after the March 2017 initiation. Though the United Kingdom withdrawal from the EU was originally scheduled to occur in March 2019, there is currently no agreement in place regarding the withdrawal, creating significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU, including with respect to the laws and regulations that will apply as the United Kingdom determines which EU-derived laws and regulations to replace or replicate in the event of a withdrawal. Additionally, it remains possible that the United Kingdom’s membership in the EU ends without any agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU on the terms of their relationship going forward. The referendum has also given rise to calls for the governments of other EU member states to consider withdrawal. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global market liquidity and restrict the ability of key market participants to operate in certain financial markets. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our access to capital, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. As a result of the uncertainty and the potential consequences that may follow Brexit, we face risks with respect to volatility in exchange rates and interest rates due to potential effects on global economic conditions. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others we cannot anticipate, could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

As a Marshall Islands partnership with principal executive offices in Bermuda, and also having subsidiaries in the Marshall Islands and other offshore jurisdictions, our operations may be subject to economic substance requirements of the European Union, which could harm our business.

On December 5, 2017, following an assessment of the tax policies of various countries by the Code of Conduct Group for Business Taxation of the European Union (the “COCG”), the Council of the European Union (the “Council”) approved and published Council conclusions containing a list of “non-cooperative jurisdictions” for tax purposes (the “2017 Conclusions”). On March 12, 2019, the Council adopted a revised list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (the “2019 Conclusions”). In the 2019 Conclusions, Bermuda and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, among others, were placed by the E.U. on its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes for failing to implement certain commitments previously made to the E.U. by the agreed deadline. Also, although not considered a non-cooperative jurisdiction in the 2017 Conclusions, the Cayman Islands were listed as having a “tax regime that facilitates offshore structures which attract profits without real economic activity.” E.U. member states have agreed upon a set of measures, which they can choose to apply against the listed countries, including increased monitoring and audits, withholding taxes, special documentation requirements and anti-abuse provisions. The European Commission has stated it will continue to support member states' efforts to develop a more coordinated approach to sanctions for the listed countries in 2019. E.U. legislation prohibits E.U. funds from being channeled or transited through entities in non-cooperative jurisdictions.

We are a Marshall Islands partnership with principal executive offices in Bermuda. Our operating company is also a Marshall Islands entity and several of our subsidiaries are organized in the Cayman Islands. At present, the impact of being included on the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is unclear. These jurisdictions have enacted or may enact economic substance laws and regulations with which we may be obligated to comply. For example, on December 17, 2018, the House of Assembly of Bermuda passed the Economic Substance Act 2018 of Bermuda (the “Economic Substance Act”), which became operative on December 31, 2018, along with the Economic Substance Regulations 2018 of Bermuda. The Economic Substance Act requires each registered entity to maintain a substantial economic presence in Bermuda and provides that a registered entity that carries on a relevant activity complies with economic substance requirements if (i) it is directed and managed in Bermuda, (ii) its core income-generating activities (as may be further prescribed) are undertaken in Bermuda with respect to the relevant activity, (iii) it maintains adequate physical presence in Bermuda, (iv) it has adequate full time employees in Bermuda with suitable qualifications and (v) it incurs adequate operating expenditure in Bermuda in relation to the relevant activity. Additionally, new legislation adopted in the Cayman Islands (which came into force on January 1, 2019) requires certain entities that carry out particular activities to comply with an economic substance test whereby the entity must show that it (i) carries out activities that are of central importance to the entity from the Cayman Islands, (ii) has held an adequate number of its board meetings in the Cayman Islands when judged against the level of decision-making required and (iii) has an adequate (a) amount of operating expenditures in the Cayman Islands, (b) physical presence in the Cayman Islands and (c) number of full-time employees in the Cayman Islands. Both the recent Bermuda and Cayman Islands legislation provide for a six-month transition period for entities already in those jurisdictions as of December 31, 2018 to come into compliance. If we fail to comply with our obligations under this legislation or any similar law applicable to us in any other jurisdictions, we could be subject to financial penalties and spontaneous disclosure of information to foreign tax officials, or could be struck from the register of companies, in related jurisdictions.

We do not know; if the E.U. will remove Bermuda or the Marshall Islands from, or add the Cayman Islands to, the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions; what actions the Marshall Islands may take, if any, to remove itself from the list; how quickly the E.U. would react to any changes in legislation of the Marshall Islands or Bermuda; or how E.U. banks or other counterparties will react while we or any of our subsidiaries remain as entities organized and existing under the laws of listed countries. The effect of the E.U. list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, and any noncompliance by us with any legislation adopted by applicable countries to achieve removal from the list, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and operating results.

Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us

Höegh LNG and its affiliates may compete with us.

Pursuant to the omnibus agreement that we and Höegh LNG entered into in connection with the closing of the IPO, Höegh LNG and its controlled affiliates (other than us, our general partner and our subsidiaries) generally have agreed not to acquire, own, operate or charter certain FSRUs and LNG carriers operating under charters of five or more years. The omnibus agreement, however, contains significant exceptions that may allow Höegh LNG or any of its controlled affiliates to compete with us, which could harm our business. Additionally, the omnibus agreement contains no restrictions on Höegh LNG’s ability to own, operate or charter FSRUs and LNG carriers operating under charters of less than five years. Thus, Höegh LNG’s newbuildings may compete with our vessels for rechartering for charters of less than five years. Also, pursuant to the omnibus agreement, we have agreed not to acquire, own, operate or charter FSRUs and LNG carriers operating under charters of less than five years. Please read “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions—Omnibus Agreement—Noncompetition.”

Unitholders have limited voting rights, and our partnership agreement restricts the voting rights of the unitholders owning more than 4.9% of our common units.

Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, holders of common units have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. We will hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Common unitholders are entitled to elect only four of the seven members of our board of directors. The elected directors are elected on a staggered basis and will serve for staggered terms. Our general partner in its sole discretion appoints the remaining three directors and set the terms for which those directors will serve. Our partnership agreement also contains provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other provisions limiting the unitholders’ ability to influence the manner or direction of management. Unitholders will have no right to elect our general partner, and our general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding common and subordinated units, including any units owned by our general partner and its affiliates, voting together as a single class.

Our partnership agreement further restricts unitholders’ voting rights by providing that if any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding, any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes, unless required by law. The voting rights of any such unitholders in excess of 4.9% will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. Holders of the Series A preferred units generally have no voting rights. However, in the event that six quarterly dividends, whether consecutive or not, payable on Series A preferred units or any other class or series of limited partner interests or other equity securities established after the original issue date of the Series A preferred units that is not expressly subordinated or senior to the Series A preferred units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary (“Parity Securities”) are in arrears, the holders of Series A preferred units will have the right, voting together as a class with all other classes or series of Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, to replace one of the members of our board of directors appointed by our general partner with a person nominated by such holders (unless the holders of Series A preferred units and Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred, voting as a class, have previously elected a member of our board of directors, and such director continues then to serve on the board of directors). The right of such holders of Series A preferred units to elect a member of our board of directors will continue until such time as all accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Series A preferred units have been paid in full.

Our general partner and its other affiliates own a significant interest in us and have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary and contractual duties, which may permit them to favor their own interests to your detriment.

As of March 31, 2019, Höegh LNG owns approximately 10.5% of our common units and all of our subordinated units, which represent an aggregate approximate 46.0% limited partner interest in us. Certain of our directors will also serve as directors of Höegh LNG or its affiliates and, as such, they will have fiduciary duties to Höegh LNG that may cause them to pursue business strategies that disproportionately benefit Höegh LNG or its affiliates or which otherwise are not in the best interests of us or our unitholders.

Conflicts of interest may arise between Höegh LNG and its affiliates (including our general partner) on the one hand, and us and our unitholders, on the other hand. As a result of these conflicts, our general partner and its affiliates may favor their own interests over the interests of our unitholders. These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:

Although a majority of our directors will over time be elected by common unitholders, our general partner will likely have substantial influence on decisions made by our board of directors.

Our officers may face conflicts in the allocation of their time to our business.

Our sole existing officer and any future officers may face conflicts in the allocation of their time to our business. The affiliates of our general partner, including Höegh LNG, conduct substantial businesses and activities of their own in which we have no economic interest. As a result, there could be material competition for the time and effort of our officers who also provide services to our general partner’s affiliates, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, while our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer is expected to devote the substantial majority of his time to our business, he may, from time to time, participate in activities for Höegh LNG that are linked to opportunities or challenges for us.

Our partnership agreement limits our general partner’s and our directors’ fiduciary duties to our unitholders and restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partner or our directors.

Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner has irrevocably delegated to our board of directors the authority to oversee and direct our operations, management and policies on an exclusive basis, and such delegation will be binding on any successor general partner of the Partnership. Our partnership agreement also contains provisions that reduce the standards to which our general partner and directors may otherwise be held by Marshall Islands law. For example, our partnership agreement:

By purchasing a common unit, a common unitholder is deemed to have agreed to become bound by the provisions of our partnership agreement, including the provisions discussed above.

Fees and expenses, which Höegh LNG determines for services provided to us and our joint ventures, are substantial, are payable regardless of our profitability and will reduce our cash available for distribution to you.

Pursuant to the ship management agreements and related agreements, we and our joint ventures pay fees for services provided directly or indirectly by Höegh LNG Management, and we and our joint ventures reimburse Höegh LNG Management for all expenses incurred on our behalf. These fees and expenses include all costs and expenses incurred in providing certain crewing and technical management services to the Neptune , the Cape Ann, the Höegh Gallant and the Höegh Grace . In addition, pursuant to a technical information and services agreement for the PGN FSRU Lampung , we reimburse Höegh Norway for expenses Höegh Norway incurs pursuant to the sub-technical support agreement that it is party to with Höegh LNG Management.

Moreover, pursuant to an administrative services agreement among us, our operating company and Höegh UK and an administrative services agreement between our operating company and Leif Höegh UK, Höegh UK and Leif Höegh UK provide us and our operating company with certain administrative, financial and other support services. We reimburse Höegh UK and Leif Höegh UK for their reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of these services. In addition, under our administrative services agreement with Höegh UK, we pay Höegh UK a service fee equal to 5.0% of its costs and expenses incurred in connection with providing services to us.

Pursuant to the above-mentioned administrative services agreement with Höegh UK, Höegh UK subcontracts to Höegh Norway and Leif Höegh UK certain administrative services provided to us pursuant to administrative services agreements with Höegh Norway and Leif Höegh UK. Höegh UK reimburses Höegh Norway and Leif Höegh UK for reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of these services. In addition, Höegh UK (i) pays to Höegh Norway a service fee equal to 3.0% of the costs and expenses incurred in connection with providing services and (ii) pays to Leif Höegh UK a service fee equal to 5.0% of the costs and expenses of certain secretarial services with all other services of Leif Höegh UK reimbursed at cost.

For a description of the ship management agreements, the technical information and services agreement and the administrative services agreements, please read “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions.” The fees and expenses payable pursuant to the ship management agreements, the technical information and services agreement and the administrative services agreements are payable without regard to our financial condition or results of operations. The payment of fees to and the reimbursement of expenses of Höegh LNG Management, Höegh UK, Leif Höegh UK and Höegh Norway could adversely affect our ability to pay cash distributions to you.

Our partnership agreement contains provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a person or group from attempting to remove our current management or our general partner, and even if public unitholders are dissatisfied, they will be unable to remove our general partner without Höegh LNG’s consent, unless Höegh LNG’s ownership interest in us is decreased, all of which could diminish the trading price of our common units.

Our partnership agreement contains provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a person or group from attempting to remove our current management or our general partner.

The effect of these provisions may be to diminish the price at which the common units will trade.

The control of our general partner may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent.