Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

(Mark One)

¨

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

OR

 

x

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

OR

 

¨

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

OR

 

¨

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

Date of event requiring this shell company report                 

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 1- 32479

 

 

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Republic of The Marshall Islands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

4 th Floor, Belvedere Building, 69 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda

Telephone: (441) 298-2530

(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)

Edith Robinson

4 th Floor, Belvedere Building, 69 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda

Telephone: (441) 298-2530

Fax: (441) 292-3931

(Contact information for company contact person)

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Units   New York Stock Exchange

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

None

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

None

 

 

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

79,551,012 Common Units

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

Act.    Yes   x     No   ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes   ¨     No   x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant (1) has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No   ¨

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer    x    Accelerated Filer    ¨    Non-Accelerated Filer    ¨

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

 

U.S. GAAP    x   

International Financial Reporting Standards

as issued by the International Accounting

Standards Board   ¨

   Other    ¨

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

Item 17   ¨         Item 18    ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes   ¨         No   x

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P.

INDEX TO REPORT ON FORM 20-F

 

          Page  
PART I.      

Item 1.

  

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors

     4   

Item 2.

  

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

     4   

Item 3.

  

Key Information

     5   
  

Selected Financial Data

     5   
  

Risk Factors

     9   

Item 4.

  

Information on the Partnership

     26   
  

A. Overview, History and Development

     26   
  

B. Operations

     26   
  

Our Charters

     26   
  

Liquefied Gas Segment

     27   
  

Conventional Tanker Segment

     31   
  

Business Strategies

     31   
  

Safety, Management of Ship Operations and Administration

     32   
  

Risk of Loss, Insurance and Risk Management

     33   
  

Flag, Classification, Audits and Inspections

     33   
  

C. Regulations

     34   
  

D. Properties

     37   
  

E. Organizational Structure

     37   

Item 4A.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

     37   

Item 5.

  

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     38   
  

Overview

     38   
  

Significant Developments in 2015 and Early 2016

     38   
  

Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts

     39   
  

Results of Operations

     40   
  

Year Ended December 31, 2015 versus Year Ended December 31, 2014

     41   
  

Year Ended December 31, 2014 versus Year Ended December 31, 2013

     46   
  

Liquidity and Cash Needs

     50   
  

Credit Facilities

     52   
  

Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

     53   
  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     54   
  

Critical Accounting Estimates

     54   

Item 6.

  

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     57   
  

Management of Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

     57   
  

Directors and Executive Officers

     57   
  

Annual Executive Compensation

     58   
  

Compensation of Directors

     59   
  

2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan

     59   
  

Board Practices

     59   
  

Crewing and Staff

     60   
  

Unit Ownership

     60   

Item 7.

  

Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions

     61   
  

Major Unitholders

     61   

 

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Related Party Transactions

     61   

Item 8.

  

Financial Information

     62   
  

A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information

     62   
  

Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes

     62   
  

Legal Proceedings

     62   
  

Cash Distribution Policy

     62   
  

B. Significant Changes

     63   

Item 9.

  

The Offer and Listing

     64   

Item 10.

  

Additional Information

     64   
  

Memorandum and Articles of Association

     64   
  

Material Contracts

     64   
  

Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Unitholders

     66   
  

Taxation

     66   
  

Marshall Islands Tax Consequences

     66   
  

United States Tax Consequences

     66   
  

Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations

     76   
  

Other Taxation

     76   
  

Documents on Display

     76   

Item 11.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     77   

Item 12.

  

Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

     78   
PART II.      

Item 13.

  

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     78   

Item 14.

  

Material Modifications to the Rights of Unitholders and Use of Proceeds

     78   

Item 15.

  

Controls and Procedures

     78   

Item 16A.

  

Audit Committee Financial Expert

     79   

Item 16B.

  

Code of Ethics

     79   

Item 16C.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     79   

Item 16D.

  

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

     80   

Item 16E.

  

Purchases of Units by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

     80   

Item 16F.

  

Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

     80   

Item 16G.

  

Corporate Governance

     80   

Item 16H.

  

Mine Safety Disclosure

     80   
PART III.      

Item 17.

  

Financial Statements

     81   

Item 18.

  

Financial Statements

     81   

Item 19.

  

Exhibits

     81   

Signature

        84   

 

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PART I

This annual report of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 (or Annual Report ) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this report.

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this prospectus to “Teekay LNG Partners,” “we,” “us” and “our” and similar terms refer to Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries, except that those terms, when used in this Annual Report in connection with the common units described herein, shall mean specifically Teekay LNG Partners L.P. References in this Annual Report to “Teekay Corporation” refer to Teekay Corporation and/or any one or more of its subsidiaries.

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events and our operations, objectives, expectations, performance, financial condition and intentions. When used in this Annual Report, the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report include, in particular, statements regarding:

 

   

our distribution policy and our ability to make cash distributions on our units or any increases in quarterly distributions, the temporary nature of our current reduced distribution level and the impact of cash distribution reductions on our financial position;

 

   

our future financial condition and results of operations and our future revenues, expenses and capital expenditures, and our expected financial flexibility to pursue capital expenditures, acquisitions and other expansion opportunities;

 

   

our liquidity needs, anticipated funds for liquidity needs and the sufficiency of cash flows;

 

   

our expected sources of funds for liquidity and working capital needs and our ability to enter into new bank financings and to refinance existing indebtedness;

 

   

growth prospects and future trends of the markets in which we operate;

 

   

liquefied natural gas (or LNG ), liquefied petroleum gas (or LPG ) and tanker market fundamentals, including the balance of supply and demand in the LNG, LPG and tanker markets and spot LNG, LPG and tanker charter rates;

 

   

our ability to conduct and operate our business and the business of our subsidiaries in a manner than minimizes taxes imposed upon us and our subsidiaries;

 

   

the expected lifespan of our vessels, including our expectations as to any impairment of our vessels;

 

   

our expectations and estimates regarding future charter business, including with respect to minimum charter hire payments, revenues and our vessels’ ability to perform to specifications and maintain their hire rates in the future;

 

   

our ability to maximize the use of our vessels, including the redeployment or disposition of vessels no longer under long-term charter, including our 52% owned vessels, the Magellan Spirit and the Methane Spirit ;

 

   

the adequacy of our insurance coverage, including our expectation that insurance will cover the costs related to the grounding of the Magellan Spirit , less an applicable deductible;

 

   

the future resumption of a LNG plant in Yemen operated by Yemen LNG Company Limited (or YLNG ) and expected repayment of deferred hire amounts on our two 52% owned vessels, the Marib Spirit and Arwa Spirit , on charter to YLNG;

 

   

expected purchases and deliveries of newbuilding vessels, our ability to obtain charter contracts for LNG carrier newbuildings that are not yet subject to fixed-rate contracts, and the newbuildings’ commencement of service under charter contracts;

 

   

expected financing and deliveries of the LPG newbuilding vessels in Exmar LPG BVBA;

 

   

expected financing for our joint venture with China LNG Shipping (Holdings) Limited (or the Yamal LNG Joint Venture );

 

   

expected funding of our proportionate share of the remaining shipyard installment payments for our joint venture with China LNG, CETS Investment Management (HK) Co. Ltd. and BW LNG Investments Pte. Ltd. (or the BG Joint Venture );

 

   

the cost of supervision and crew training in relation to the BG Joint Venture, and our expected recovery of a portion of those costs;

 

   

expected refinancing of our two debt facilities maturing in 2016, including our $50.4 million debt facility that is expected to be refinanced with a new $60.0 million three year term loan in May 2016;

 

   

the expected technical and operational capabilities of newbuildings, including the benefits of the M-type, Electronically Controlled, Gas Injection (or MEGI ) twin engines in certain LNG carrier newbuildings;

 

   

our ability to maintain long-term relationships with major LNG and LPG importers and exporters and major crude oil companies;

 

   

our ability to leverage to our advantage Teekay Corporation’s relationships and reputation in the shipping industry;

 

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our continued ability to enter into long-term, fixed-rate time-charters with our LNG and LPG customers;

 

   

our expectation of not earning revenues from voyage charters in the foreseeable future;

 

   

our expectations regarding timing of redelivery of the Hamilton Spirit and the Bermuda Spirit to Centrofin Management Inc. (or Centrofin ) and losses resulting from such sales to Centrofin;

 

   

obtaining LNG and LPG projects that we or Teekay Corporation bid on;

 

   

the expected timing, amount and method of financing for our newbuilding vessels and the possible purchase of two of our leased Suezmax tankers, the Teide Spirit and the Toledo Spirit ;

 

   

our expectations regarding the financing, schedule and performance of the receiving and regasification terminal in Bahrain, which will be owned and operated by a new joint venture, Bahrain LNG W.L.L., owned by us (30%), National Oil & Gas Authority (or Nogaholding ) (30%), Samsung C&T (or Samsung ) (20%) and Gulf Investment Corporation (or GIC ) (20%) (or the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture ), and our expectations regarding the supply, modification and charter of the FSU vessel for the project;

 

   

our ability to continue to obtain all permits, licenses, and certificates material to our operations;

 

   

the impact of, and our ability to comply with, new and existing governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards applicable to our business, including the expected cost to install ballast water treatment systems on our tankers in compliance with IMO proposals;

 

   

the expected impact of heightened environmental and quality concerns of insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers;

 

   

the future valuation of goodwill;

 

   

our expectations regarding whether the UK taxing authority can successfully challenge the tax benefits available under certain of our former and current leasing arrangements, and the potential financial exposure to us if such a challenge is successful;

 

   

our hedging activities relating to foreign exchange, interest rate and spot market risks, and the effects of fluctuations in foreign exchange, interest rate and spot market rates on our business and results of operations;

 

   

the potential impact of new accounting guidance;

 

   

our and Teekay Corporation’s ability to maintain good relationships with the labor unions who work with us;

 

   

anticipated taxation of our partnership and its subsidiaries; and

 

   

our business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to those factors discussed in “Item 3 – Key Information: Risk Factors,” and other factors detailed from time to time in other reports we file with or furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or the SEC ).

We do not intend to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any change in our expectations or events or circumstances that may subsequently arise. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures included in this Annual Report and in our other filings made with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business prospects and results of operations.

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

 

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Item 3. Key Information

Selected Financial Data

Set forth below is selected consolidated financial and other data of Teekay LNG Partners and its subsidiaries for the fiscal years 2011 through 2015, which have been derived from our consolidated financial statements. The following table should be read together with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, (a) “Item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” included herein, and (b) the historical consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm therein (which are included herein), with respect to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (or GAAP ).

 

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(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per unit and fleet data)    Year Ended
December 31,
2011

$
    Year Ended
December 31,
2012

$
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013

$
    Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$
 

Income Statement Data:

          

Voyage revenues

     380,469       392,900       399,276       402,928       397,991  

Total operating expenses (1)

     (206,966     (245,109     (222,920     (219,105     (216,619
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     173,503       147,791       176,356       183,823       181,372  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity income (2)

     20,584       78,866       123,282       115,478       84,171  

Interest expense

     (49,880     (54,211     (55,703     (60,414     (43,259

Interest income

     6,687       3,502       2,972       3,052       2,501  

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative

          

instruments (3)

     (63,030     (29,620     (14,000     (44,682     (20,022

Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) (4)

     10,310       (8,244     (15,832     28,401       13,943  

Other income (expense)

     (37     1,683       1,396       836       1,526  

Income tax expense

     (781     (625     (5,156     (7,567     (2,722
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     97,356       139,142       213,315       218,927       217,510  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-controlling and other interest in net income

     18,982       36,740       37,438       44,676       42,903  

Limited partners’ interest in net income

     78,374       102,402       175,877       174,251       174,607  

Limited partners’ interest in net income per:

          

Common unit (basic and diluted)

     1.33       1.54       2.48       2.30       2.21  

Cash distributions declared per unit

     2.5200       2.6550       2.7000       2.7672       2.8000  

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):

          

Cash and cash equivalents

     93,627       113,577       139,481       159,639       102,481  

Restricted cash (5)

     495,634       528,589       497,298       45,997       111,519  

Vessels and equipment (7)

     2,021,125       1,949,640       1,922,662       1,989,230       2,108,160  

Investment in and advances to equity accounted

          

joint ventures

     191,448       409,735       671,789       891,478       883,731  

Net investments in direct financing leases (8)

     409,541       403,386       699,695       682,495       666,658  

Total assets (5) (6)

     3,572,138       3,769,649       4,203,143       3,947,275       4,052,980  

Total debt and capital lease obligations (5) (6)

     1,945,682       2,035,130       2,359,385       1,970,531       2,058,336  

Partners’ equity

     1,113,467       1,212,980       1,390,790       1,537,752       1,519,062  

Total equity

     1,139,709       1,254,274       1,443,784       1,547,371       1,543,679  

Common units outstanding

     64,857,900       69,683,763       74,196,294       78,353,354       79,551,012  

Other Financial Data:

          

Net voyage revenues (9)

     379,082       391,128       396,419       399,607       396,845  

EBITDA (10)

     233,743       290,950       369,086       377,983       353,243  

Adjusted EBITDA (10)

     320,929       413,033       461,018       468,954       464,353  

Capital expenditures:

          

Expenditures for vessels and equipment

     64,685       39,894       470,213       194,255       191,969  

Liquefied Gas Fleet Data:

          

Consolidated:

          

Calendar-ship-days (11)

     5,126       5,856       5,981       6,619       6,935  

Average age of our fleet (in years at end of period)

     5.8       6.6       6.7       7.9       8.9  

Vessels at end of period (13)

     16       16       18       19       19  

Equity Accounted: (12)

          

Calendar-ship-days (11)

     2,469       5,481       11,059       11,338       11,720  

Average age of our fleet (in years at end of period)

     3.0       3.4       9.4       8.0       8.5  

Vessels at end of period (13)

     9       16       32       31       32  

Conventional Fleet Data:

          

Calendar-ship-days (11)

     4,015       4,026       3,994       3,202       2,920  

Average age of our fleet (in years at end of period)

     6.9       7.9       8.5       8.5       9.5  

Vessels at end of period

     11       11       10       8       8  

 

(1)

Total operating expenses include voyage expenses and vessel operating expenses. Voyage expenses are all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including any bunker fuel expenses, port fees, cargo loading and unloading expenses, canal tolls, agency fees and commissions. Vessel operating expenses include crewing, ship management services, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses.

(2)

Equity income includes unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, and any ineffectiveness of derivative instruments designated as hedges for accounting purposes of ($5.8) million, $5.5 million, $25.9 million, $1.6 million and $10.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

(3)

We entered into interest rate swap and swaption agreements to mitigate our interest rate risk from our floating-rate debt, leases and restricted cash. We also have entered into an agreement with Teekay Corporation relating to the Toledo Spirit time-charter contract under which Teekay Corporation pays us any amounts payable to the charterer as a result of spot rates being below the fixed rate, and we pay Teekay Corporation any amounts payable to us as a result of spot rates being in excess of the fixed rate. We have not applied hedge accounting treatment to these derivative instruments except for several interest rate swaps in certain of our equity accounted joint ventures, and as a result, changes in the fair value of our derivatives are recognized immediately into income and are presented as realized and unrealized loss on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income. Please see “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 13 – Derivative Instruments.”

 

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(4)

Substantially all of these foreign currency exchange gains and losses were unrealized. Under GAAP, all foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities, such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, unearned revenue, advances from affiliates and long-term debt, are revalued and reported based on the prevailing exchange rate at the end of the period. Starting in May 2012, foreign exchange gains and losses included realized and unrealized gains and losses on our cross-currency swaps. Our primary sources for the foreign currency exchange gains and losses are our Euro-denominated term loans and Norwegian Kroner-denominated (or NOK ) bonds. Euro-denominated term loans totaled 269.2 million Euros ($348.9 million) at December 31, 2011, 258.8 million Euros ($341.4 million) at December 31, 2012, 247.6 million Euros ($340.2 million) at December 31, 2013, 235.6 million Euros ($285.0 million) at December 31, 2014 and 222.7 million Euros ($241.8 million) at December 31, 2015. Our NOK-denominated bonds totaled 700.0 million NOK ($125.8 million) at December 31, 2012, 1.6 billion NOK ($263.5 million) at December 31, 2013, 1.6 billion NOK ($214.7 million) at December 31, 2014 and 2.6 billion NOK ($294.0 million) at December 31, 2015.

(5)

On December 22, 2014, we terminated the leasing of three LNG carriers and acquired them from the lessor. Prior to the acquisition of these three LNG carriers, we operated these LNG carriers under lease arrangements whereby we borrowed under term loans and deposited the proceeds into restricted cash accounts. Concurrently, we entered into capital leases for the vessels, and the vessels were recorded as assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The restricted cash deposits, plus the interest earned on the deposits, would fund the remaining amounts we owed under the capital lease arrangements. Therefore, the payments under these capital leases were fully funded through our restricted cash deposits, and the continuing obligation was the repayment of the term loans. However, under GAAP we recorded both the obligations under the capital leases and the term loans as liabilities, and both the restricted cash deposits and our vessels under capital leases as assets. This accounting treatment had the effect of increasing our assets and liabilities by the amount of restricted cash deposits relating to the corresponding capital lease obligations as at December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

(6)

Prior to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (or ASU 2015-03 ), all debt issuance costs were presented as other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. With the adoption of ASU 2015-03, we present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability in our consolidated balance sheets. As a result of adopting ASU 2015-03, total assets and total debt and capital lease obligations decreased by $16.6 million (December 31, 2011), $15.8 million (December 31, 2012), $16.5 million (December 31, 2013), $17.1 million (December 31, 2014) and $16.3 million (December 31, 2015).

(7)

Vessels and equipment consist of (a) our vessels, at cost less accumulated depreciation, (b) vessels under capital leases, at cost less accumulated depreciation and (c) advances on our newbuildings.

(8)

The external charters that commenced in 2009 with The Tangguh Production Sharing Contractors and in 2013 with Awilco LNG ASA (or Awilco ) have been accounted for as direct financing leases. As a result, the two LNG vessels chartered to The Tangguh Production Sharing Contractors and the two LNG vessels chartered to Awilco are not included as part of vessels and equipment.

(9)

Consistent with general practice in the shipping industry, we use net voyage revenues (defined as voyage revenues less voyage expenses) as a measure of equating revenues generated from voyage charters to revenues generated from time-charters, which assists us in making operating decisions about the deployment of our vessels and their performance. Under time-charters the charterer pays the voyage expenses, whereas under voyage charter contracts the ship owner pays these expenses. Some voyage expenses are fixed, and the remainder can be estimated. If we, as the ship owner, pay the voyage expenses, we typically pass the approximate amount of these expenses on to our customers by charging higher rates under the contract or billing the expenses to them. As a result, although voyage revenues from different types of contracts may vary, the net voyage revenues are comparable across the different types of contracts. We principally use net voyage revenues, a non-GAAP financial measure, because it provides more meaningful information to us than voyage revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Net voyage revenues are also widely used by investors and analysts in the shipping industry for comparing financial performance between companies and to industry averages. The following table reconciles net voyage revenues with voyage revenues.

 

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)    Year Ended
December 31,
2011
    Year Ended
December 31,
2012
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
    Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
 

Voyage revenues

     380,469       392,900       399,276       402,928       397,991  

Voyage expenses

     (1,387     (1,772     (2,857     (3,321     (1,146
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net voyage revenues

     379,082       391,128       396,419       399,607       396,845  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(10)

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are used as a supplemental financial measure by management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, as discussed below:

 

   

Financial and operating performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA assist our management and investors by increasing the comparability of our fundamental performance from period to period and against the fundamental performance of other companies in our industry that provide EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA information. This increased comparability is achieved by excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods or companies of interest expense, taxes, depreciation or amortization, amortization of in-process revenue contracts and realized and unrealized loss on derivative instruments relating to interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, and cross-currency swaps, 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. We believe that including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as financial and operating measures benefits investors in (a) selecting between investing in us and other investment alternatives and (b) monitoring our ongoing financial and operational strength and health in assessing whether to continue to hold our common units.

 

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Liquidity. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA allow us to assess the ability of assets to generate cash sufficient to service debt, pay distributions and undertake capital expenditures. By eliminating the cash flow effect resulting from our existing capitalization and other items such as dry-docking expenditures, working capital changes and foreign currency exchange gains and losses, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provides a consistent measure of our ability to generate cash over the long term. Management uses this information as a significant factor in determining (a) our proper capitalization (including assessing how much debt to incur and whether changes to the capitalization should be made) and (b) whether to undertake material capital expenditures and how to finance them, all in light of our cash distribution policy. Use of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as liquidity measures also permits investors to assess the fundamental ability of our business to generate cash sufficient to meet cash needs, including distributions on our common units.

Neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures, should be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income and income from vessel operations and these measures may vary among other companies. Therefore, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this Annual Report may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table reconciles our historical consolidated EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, and our historical consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to net operating cash flow.

 

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)    Year Ended
December 31,
2011
    Year Ended
December 31,
2012
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
    Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
 

Reconciliation of “EBITDA” and “Adjusted EBITDA” to “Net income”:

          

Net income

     97,356       139,142       213,315       218,927       217,510  

Depreciation and amortization

     92,413       100,474       97,884       94,127       92,253  

Interest expense, net of interest income

     43,193       50,709       52,731       57,362       40,758  

Income tax expense

     781       625       5,156       7,567       2,722  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

     233,743       290,950       369,086       377,983       353,243  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restructuring charge, net of reimbursement

     —         —         1,786       1,989       —    

Write down of vessels

     —         29,367       —         —         —    

Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss

     (10,310     8,244       15,832       (28,401     (13,943

Amortization of in-process contracts included in voyage revenues, net of offsetting vessel operating expenses

     (494     (649     (1,113     (1,113     (1,113

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments

     277       (6,900     (22,568     2,096       (12,375

Realized loss on interest rate swaps

     62,660       37,427       38,089       41,725       28,968  

Adjustments to Equity Accounted EBITDA (14)

     35,053       54,594       59,906       74,675       109,573  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

     320,929       413,033       461,018       468,954       464,353  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation of “Adjusted EBITDA” to “Net operating cash flow”:

          

Net operating cash flow

     122,046       192,013       183,532       191,097       239,729  

Expenditures for dry docking

     19,638       7,493       27,203       13,471       10,357  

Interest expense, net of interest income

     43,193       50,709       52,731       57,362       40,758  

Income tax expense

     781       625       5,156       7,567       2,722  

Change in operating assets and liabilities

     33,458       7,307       (10,078     (18,822     34,187  

Equity income from joint ventures

     20,584       78,866       123,282       115,478       84,171  

Dividends received from equity accounted joint ventures

     (15,340     (14,700     (13,738     (11,005     (97,146

Restructuring charge, net of reimbursement

     —         —         1,786       1,989       —    

Realized loss on interest rate swaps

     62,660       37,427       38,089       41,725       28,968  

Realized (gain) loss on cross-currency swaps recorded in foreign currency exchange (gain) loss

     —         (257     338       2,222       7,640  

Adjustments to Equity Accounted EBITDA (14)

     35,053       54,594       59,906       74,675       109,573  

Other, net

     (1,144     (1,044     (7,189     (6,805     3,394  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

     320,929       413,033       461,018       468,954       464,353  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(11)

Calendar-ship-days are equal to the aggregate number of calendar days in a period that our vessels were in our possession during that period.

(12)

Equity accounted vessels include (i) six LNG carriers (or the MALT LNG Carriers ) relating to our joint venture with Marubeni Corporation from 2012 (or the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture ), (ii) four LNG carriers (or the RasGas 3 LNG Carriers ) relating to our joint venture with QGTC Nakilat (1643-6) Holdings Corporation from 2008, (iii) four LNG carriers relating to the Angola Project (or the Angola LNG Carriers ) in our joint venture with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and NYK Energy Transport (Atlantic) Ltd. from 2011 and (iv) two LNG carriers (or the Exmar LNG Carriers ) relating our LNG joint venture with Exmar NV (or Exmar ) and (v) 16, 15 and 16 LPG carriers (or the Exmar LPG Carriers ) from 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, relating to our LPG joint venture with Exmar. The figures in the selected financial data for our equity accounted vessels are at 100% and not based on our ownership percentage.

 

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(13)

For 2015, the number of vessels indicated do not include 11 LNG newbuilding carriers in our consolidated liquefied gas fleet and 17 LNG and LPG newbuilding carriers in our equity accounted liquefied gas fleet.

(14)

The following table details the adjustments to equity income:

 

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)    Year Ended
December 31,
2011
    Year Ended
December 31,
2012
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
    Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
 

Reconciliation of “Adjusted Equity-Accounted EBITDA” to “Equity Income”:

          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity Income

     20,584       78,866       123,282       115,478       84,171  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

     5,501       25,589       45,664       45,885       48,702  

Interest expense, net of interest income

     14,368       26,622       35,110       36,916       37,376  

Income tax (recovery) expense

     (315     87       163       (155     315  

Amortization of in-process revenue contracts

     (341     (11,083     (14,173     (8,295     (7,153

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)

     133       (18     149       (441     (527

(Gain) loss on sales of vessels

     —         —         —         (16,923     1,228  

Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments

     5,830       (5,549     (26,432     (1,563     10,945  

Realized loss on interest rate swaps

     9,877       18,946       19,425       19,251       18,687  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments to Equity-Accounted EBITDA

     35,053       54,594       59,906       74,675       109,573  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Equity-Accounted EBITDA

     55,637       133,460       183,188       190,153       193,744  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

RISK FACTORS

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 materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and ability to pay distributions on, and the trading price of, our common units.

We may not have sufficient cash from operations to enable us to pay the current level of quarterly distributions on our common units following the establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses.

The amount of cash we can distribute on our common units principally depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which may fluctuate based on, among other things:

 

   

the rates we obtain from our charters;

 

   

the expiration of charter contracts;

 

   

the charterers options to terminate charter contracts or repurchase vessels;

 

   

the level of our operating costs, such as the cost of crews and insurance;

 

   

the continued availability of LNG and LPG production, liquefaction and regasification facilities;

 

   

the number of unscheduled off-hire days for our fleet and the timing of, and number of days required for, scheduled dry docking of our vessels;

 

   

delays in the delivery of newbuildings and the beginning of payments under charters relating to those vessels;

 

   

prevailing global and regional economic and political conditions;

 

   

currency exchange rate fluctuations;

 

   

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

 

   

limitation of obtaining cash distributions from joint venture entities due to similar restrictions within the joint venture entities.

 

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The actual amount of cash we will have available for distribution also will depend on factors such as:

 

   

the level of capital expenditures we make, including for maintaining vessels, building new vessels, acquiring existing vessels and complying with regulations;

 

   

our debt service requirements and restrictions on distributions contained in our debt instruments;

 

   

fluctuations in our working capital needs;

 

   

our ability to make working capital borrowings, including to pay distributions to unitholders; and

 

   

the amount of any cash reserves, including reserves for future capital expenditures, anticipated future credit needs and other matters, established by Teekay GP L.L.C., our general partner (or our General Partner ) in its discretion.

The amount of cash we generate from our operations may differ materially from our 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.

Our ability to grow may be adversely affected by our cash distribution policy.

Our cash distribution policy, which is consistent with our partnership agreement, requires us to distribute all of our Available Cash (as defined in our partnership agreement, which takes into account cash reserves for, among other things, future capital expenditures and credit needs) 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, the board of directors of our General Partner, in making the determination on our behalf, approves the amount of cash reserves to set aside, including reserves for future maintenance capital expenditures, anticipated future credit needs, working capital and other matters. We also rely upon external financing sources, including commercial borrowings and proceeds from debt and equity offerings, 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.

Global crude oil prices have significantly declined since mid-2014. The significant decline in oil prices has also contributed to depressed natural gas prices. Lower oil prices may negatively affect both the competitiveness of natural gas as a fuel for power generation and the market price of natural gas, to the extent that natural gas prices are benchmarked to the price of crude oil. These declines in energy prices, combined with other factors beyond our control, have adversely affected energy and master limited partnership capital markets and available sources of financing for our capital expenditures and debt repayment obligations. As a result, effective for the quarterly distribution for the fourth quarter of 2015, we have temporarily reduced our quarterly cash distributions per common unit to $0.14 from $0.70, and our near-term business strategy is primarily to focus on funding and implementing existing growth projects and repaying or refinancing scheduled debt obligations with cash flows from operations rather than pursuing additional growth projects. It is uncertain when the energy and capital markets will normalize and when, if at all, the board of directors of our General Partner may increase quarterly cash distributions on our common units.

Current market conditions limit our access to capital and our growth.

We have relied primarily upon bank financing and debt and equity offerings to fund our growth. Current depressed market conditions generally in the energy sector and for master limited partnerships have significantly reduced our access to capital, particularly equity capital. Public debt financing or refinancing may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Issuing additional common equity given current market conditions would be highly dilutive and costly. Lack of access to public debt or equity capital at reasonable rates will adversely affect our growth prospects and our ability to refinance debt and make distributions to our unitholders.

Our ability to repay or refinance our debt obligations and to fund our capital expenditures will depend on certain financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. To the extent we are able to finance these obligations and expenditures with cash from operations or by issuing debt or equity securities, our ability to make cash distributions may be diminished or our financial leverage may increase or our unitholders may be diluted. Our business may be adversely affected if we need to access other sources of funding.

To fund our existing and future debt obligations and capital expenditures, we will be required to use cash from operations, incur borrowings, and/or seek to access other financing sources. Our access to potential funding sources and our future financial and operating performance will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to access additional bank financing and generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt, capital expenditure and other business requirements, we may be forced to take actions such as:

 

   

seeking to restructure our debt;

 

   

seeking additional debt or equity capital;

 

   

selling assets;

 

   

further reducing distributions;

 

   

reducing, delaying or cancelling our business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures; or

 

   

seeking bankruptcy protection.

 

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Such measures might not be successful, available on acceptable terms or enable us to meet our debt, capital expenditure and other obligations. Some of such measures may adversely affect our business and reputation. In addition, our financing agreements may restrict our ability to implement some of these measures.

Use of cash from operations will reduce cash available for distribution to unitholders. Our ability to obtain bank financing or to access the capital markets for future offerings may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such financing or offering as well as by adverse market conditions. Even if we are successful in obtaining necessary funds, the terms of such financings could limit our ability to pay cash distributions to unitholders or operate our business as currently conducted. 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 maintain our quarterly distributions to unitholders.

We make substantial capital expenditures to maintain the operating capacity of our fleet, which reduce our cash available for distribution. In addition, each quarter our General Partner is required to deduct estimated maintenance capital expenditures from operating surplus, which may result in less cash available to unitholders than if actual maintenance capital expenditures were deducted.

We must make substantial capital expenditures to maintain, over the long term, the operating capacity of our fleet. These maintenance capital expenditures include capital expenditures associated with dry docking a vessel, modifying an existing vessel or acquiring a new vessel to the extent these expenditures are incurred to maintain the operating capacity of our fleet. These expenditures could increase as a result of changes in:

 

   

the cost of labor and materials;

 

   

customer requirements;

 

   

increases in the size of our fleet;

 

   

governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards relating to safety, security or the environment; and

 

   

competitive standards.

In addition, our actual maintenance capital expenditures vary significantly from quarter to quarter based on, among other things, the number of vessels dry docked during that quarter. Certain repair and maintenance items are more efficient to complete while a vessel is in dry dock. Consequently, maintenance capital expenditures will typically increase in periods when there is an increase in the number of vessels dry docked. Our significant maintenance capital expenditures reduce the amount of cash we have available for distribution to our unitholders.

Our partnership agreement requires our General Partner to deduct estimated, rather than actual, maintenance capital expenditures from operating surplus (as defined in our partnership agreement) each quarter in an effort to reduce fluctuations in operating surplus. The amount of estimated maintenance capital expenditures deducted from operating surplus is subject to review and change by the conflicts committee of our General Partner’s board of directors at least once a year. In years when estimated maintenance capital expenditures are higher than actual maintenance capital expenditures – as we expect will be the case in the years we are not required to make expenditures for mandatory dry dockings – the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders will be lower than if actual maintenance capital expenditures were deducted from operating surplus. If our General Partner underestimates the appropriate level of estimated maintenance capital expenditures, we may have less cash available for distribution in future periods when actual capital expenditures begin to exceed our previous estimates.

We will be required to make substantial capital expenditures to expand the size of our fleet and generally will be required to make significant installment payments for acquisitions of newbuilding vessels prior to their delivery and generation of revenue.

We make substantial capital expenditures to increase the size of our fleet. Please read “Item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” for additional information about these acquisitions. We currently have 20 LNG carrier newbuildings scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2020, and six LPG carrier newbuildings scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2018. We may also be obligated to purchase two of our leased Suezmax tankers, the Teide Spirit and Toledo Spirit , upon the charterer’s option, which may occur at various times from 2016 through to 2018 and which have an aggregate purchase price of approximately $65.9 million at December 31, 2015.

We and Teekay Corporation regularly evaluate and pursue opportunities to provide the marine transportation requirements for new or expanding LNG and LPG projects. The award process relating to LNG transportation opportunities typically involves various stages and takes several months to complete. Neither we nor Teekay Corporation may be awarded charters relating to any of the projects we or it pursues. If any LNG project charters are awarded to Teekay Corporation, it must offer them to us pursuant to the terms of an omnibus agreement entered into in connection with our initial public offering. If we elect pursuant to the omnibus agreement to obtain Teekay Corporation’s interests in any projects Teekay Corporation may be awarded, or if we bid on and are awarded contracts relating to any LNG and LPG project, we will need to incur significant capital expenditures to buy Teekay Corporation’s interest in these LNG and LPG projects or to build the LNG and LPG carriers.

Our substantial capital expenditures may reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Funding of any capital expenditures with debt may significantly increase our interest expense and financial leverage, and funding of capital expenditures through issuing additional equity securities may result in significant unitholder dilution. Our failure to obtain the funds for necessary future capital expenditures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and on our ability to make cash distributions.

A shipowner is typically required to expend substantial sums as progress payments during construction of a newbuilding, but does not derive any income from the vessel until after its delivery. If we were unable to obtain financing required to complete payments on any future newbuilding orders, we could effectively forfeit all or a portion of the progress payments previously made.

 

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Our substantial debt levels may limit our flexibility in obtaining additional financing and in pursuing other business opportunities.

As at December 31, 2015, our consolidated debt, capital lease obligations and advances from affiliates totaled $2.1 billion and we had the capacity to borrow an additional $130.0 million under our revolving credit facilities. These facilities may be used by us for general partnership purposes. If we are awarded contracts for new LNG or LPG projects, our consolidated debt and capital lease obligations will increase, perhaps significantly. We will continue to have the ability to incur additional debt, subject to limitations in our credit facilities. Our level of debt could have important consequences to us, including the following:

 

   

our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes may be impaired or such financing may not be available on favorable terms;

 

   

we will need a substantial portion of our cash flow to make principal and interest payments on our debt, reducing the funds that would otherwise be available for operations, future business opportunities and distributions to unitholders;

 

   

our debt level may make us more vulnerable than our competitors with less debt to competitive pressures or a downturn in our industry or the economy generally; and

 

   

our debt level may limit our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions.

Our ability to service our debt depends upon, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, which is 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 our current or future indebtedness, we will be forced to take actions such as further reducing distributions, reducing, cancelling or delaying our business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures, selling assets, seeking to restructure or refinance our debt, seeking additional debt or equity capital or seeking bankruptcy protection. We may not be able to effect any of these remedies on satisfactory terms, or at all.

Financing agreements containing operating and financial restrictions may restrict our business and financing activities.

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

 

   

incur or guarantee indebtedness;

 

   

change ownership or structure, including mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions;

 

   

make dividends or distributions when in default of the relevant loans;

 

   

make certain negative pledges and grant certain liens;

 

   

sell, transfer, assign or convey assets;

 

   

make certain investments; and

 

   

enter into a new line of business.

Some of our financing arrangements require us to maintain a minimum level of tangible net worth, to maintain certain ratios of vessel values as it relates to the relevant outstanding principal balance, a minimum level of aggregate liquidity, a maximum level of leverage and require certain of our subsidiaries to maintain restricted cash deposits. Our ability to comply with covenants and restrictions contained in debt instruments may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, compliance with these covenants may be impaired. If restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in the financing agreements are breached, a significant portion or all of the obligations may become immediately due and payable, and the lenders’ commitment to make further loans may terminate. This could lead to cross-defaults under other financing agreements and result in obligations becoming due and commitments being terminated under such agreements. We might not have or be able to obtain sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. In addition, our obligations under our existing credit facilities are secured by certain of our vessels, and if we are unable to repay debt under the credit facilities, the lenders could seek to foreclose on those assets.

Restrictions in our debt agreements may prevent us from paying distributions.

The payment of principal and interest on our debt and capital lease obligations reduces cash available for distribution to us and on our units. In addition, our financing agreements prohibit the payment of distributions upon the occurrence of the following events, among others:

 

   

failure to pay any principal, interest, fees, expenses or other amounts when due;

 

   

failure to notify the lenders of any material oil spill or discharge of hazardous material, or of any action or claim related thereto;

 

   

breach or lapse of any insurance with respect to vessels securing the facility;

 

   

breach of certain financial covenants;

 

   

failure to observe any other agreement, security instrument, obligation or covenant beyond specified cure periods in certain cases;

 

   

default under other indebtedness;

 

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bankruptcy or insolvency events;

 

   

failure of any representation or warranty to be materially correct;

 

   

a change of control, as defined in the applicable agreement; and

 

   

a material adverse effect, as defined in the applicable agreement.

We derive a substantial majority of our revenues from a limited number of customers, and the loss of any customer, charter or vessel, or any adjustment to our charter contracts could result in a significant loss of revenues and cash flow.

We have derived, and believe that we will continue to derive, a significant portion of our revenues and cash flow from a limited number of customers. Please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 4 – Segment Reporting.”

We could lose a customer or the benefits of a time-charter if:

 

   

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

 

   

we agree to reduce the charter payments due to us under a charter because of the customer’s inability to continue making the original payments;

 

   

the customer exercises certain rights to terminate the charter, purchase or cause the sale of the vessel or, under some of our charters, convert the time-charter to a bareboat charter (some of which rights are exercisable at any time);

 

   

the customer terminates the charter because we fail to deliver the vessel within a fixed period of time, the vessel is lost or damaged beyond repair, there are serious deficiencies in the vessel or prolonged periods of off-hire, or we default under the charter; or

 

   

under some of our time-charters, the customer terminates the charter because of the termination of the charterer’s sales agreement or a prolonged force majeure event affecting the customer, including damage to or destruction of relevant facilities, war or political unrest preventing us from performing services for that customer.

If we lose a key LNG time-charter, we may be unable to redeploy the related vessel on terms as favorable to us due to the long-term nature of most LNG time-charters and the lack of an established LNG spot market. If we are unable to redeploy a LNG carrier, we will not receive any revenues from that vessel, but we may be required to pay expenses necessary to maintain the vessel in proper operating condition. In addition, if a customer exercises its right to purchase a vessel, we would not receive any further revenue from the vessel and may be unable to obtain a substitute vessel and charter. This may cause us to receive decreased revenue and cash flows from having fewer vessels operating in our fleet. Any compensation under our charters for a purchase of the vessels may not adequately compensate us for the loss of the vessel and related time-charter.

If we lose a key conventional tanker customer, we may be unable to obtain other long-term conventional charters and may become subject to the volatile spot market, which is highly competitive and subject to significant price fluctuations. If a customer exercises its right under some charters to purchase or force a sale of the vessel, we may be unable to acquire an adequate replacement vessel or may be forced to construct a new vessel. Any replacement newbuilding would not generate revenues during its construction and we may be unable to charter any replacement vessel on terms as favorable to us as those of the terminated charter.

The loss of certain of our customers, time-charters or vessels, or a decline in payments under our charters, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

We depend on Teekay Corporation and certain of our joint venture partners to assist us in operating our business and competing in our markets.

Pursuant to certain services agreements between us and certain of our operating subsidiaries, on the one hand, and certain subsidiaries of Teekay Corporation and certain of our joint venture partners, on the other hand, the Teekay Corporation subsidiaries and certain of our joint venture partners provide to us administrative and business development services and to our operating subsidiaries significant operational services (including vessel maintenance, crewing for some of our vessels, purchasing, shipyard supervision, insurance and financial services) and other technical, advisory and administrative services. Our operational success and ability to execute our growth strategy depend significantly upon Teekay Corporation’s and certain of our joint venture partners’ satisfactory performance of these services. Our business will be harmed if Teekay Corporation or certain of our joint venture partners fails to perform these services satisfactorily or if Teekay Corporation or certain of our joint venture partners stops providing these services to us or our operating subsidiaries.

Our ability to compete for the transportation requirements of LNG and oil projects and to enter into new time-charters and expand our customer relationships depends largely on our ability to leverage our relationship with Teekay Corporation and its reputation and relationships in the shipping industry. Our ability to compete for the transportation requirement of LPG projects and to enter into new charters and expand our customer relationships depends largely on our ability to leverage our relationship with one of our joint venture partners and their reputation and relationships in the shipping industry. If Teekay Corporation or certain of our joint venture partners suffer material damage to its reputation or relationships it may harm our ability to:

 

   

renew existing charters upon their expiration;

 

   

obtain new charters;

 

   

successfully interact with shipyards during periods of shipyard construction constraints;

 

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obtain financing on commercially acceptable terms; or

 

   

maintain satisfactory relationships with our employees and suppliers.

If our ability to do any of the things described above is impaired, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

Our operating subsidiaries may also contract with certain subsidiaries of Teekay Corporation and certain of our joint venture partners to have newbuildings constructed on behalf of our operating subsidiaries and to incur the construction-related financing. Our operating subsidiaries would purchase the vessels on or after delivery based on an agreed-upon price. None of our operating subsidiaries currently has this type of arrangement with Teekay Corporation or any of its affiliates or any joint venture partners.

A continuation of the recent significant declines in natural gas and oil prices may adversely affect our growth prospects and results of operations.

Global natural gas and crude oil prices have significantly declined since mid-2014. A continuation of lower natural gas or oil prices or a further decline in natural gas or oil prices may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions, as a result of, among other things:

 

   

a reduction in exploration for or development of new natural gas reserves or projects, or the delay or cancelation of existing projects as energy companies lower their capital expenditures budgets, which may reduce our growth opportunities;

 

   

low oil prices negatively affecting both the competitiveness of natural gas as a fuel for power generation and the market price of natural gas, to the extent that natural gas prices are benchmarked to the price of crude oil;

 

   

lower demand for vessels of the types we own and operate, which may reduce available charter rates and revenue to us upon redeployment of our vessels following expiration or termination of existing contracts or upon the initial chartering of vessels, or which may result in extended periods of our vessels being idle between contracts;

 

   

customers potentially seeking to renegotiate or terminate existing vessel contracts, or failing to extend or renew contracts upon expiration, or seeking to negotiate cancelable contracts;

 

   

the inability or refusal of customers to make charter payments to us due to financial constraints or otherwise; or

 

   

declines in vessel values, which may result in losses to us upon vessel sales or impairment charges against our earnings.

Our growth depends on continued growth in demand for LNG and LPG shipping.

Our growth strategy focuses on expansion in the LNG and LPG shipping sectors. Accordingly, our growth depends on continued growth in world and regional demand for LNG and LPG and marine transportation of LNG and LPG, as well as the supply of LNG and LPG. Demand for LNG and LPG and for the marine transportation of LNG and LPG could be negatively affected by a number of factors, such as:

 

   

increases in the cost of natural gas derived from LNG relative to the cost of natural gas generally;

 

   

increase in the cost of LPG relative to the cost of naphtha and other competing petrochemicals;

 

   

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

 

   

decreases in the consumption of natural gas due to increases in its price relative to other energy sources or other factors making consumption of natural gas less attractive;

 

   

additional sources of natural gas, including shale gas;

 

   

availability of alternative energy sources; and

 

   

negative global or regional economic or political conditions, particularly in LNG and LPG consuming regions, which could reduce energy consumption or its growth.

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

Changes in the oil markets could result in decreased demand for our conventional vessels and services in the future.

Demand for our vessels and services in transporting oil depends upon world and regional oil markets. Any decrease in shipments of crude oil in those markets could have a material adverse effect on our conventional tanker business. Upon completion of the remaining charter terms for our conventional tankers, any adverse changes in the oil markets may affect our ability to enter into long-term fixed-rate contracts for our conventional tankers. Historically, those markets have been volatile as a result of the many conditions and events that affect the price, production and transport of oil, including competition from alternative energy sources. Past slowdowns of the U.S. and world economies have resulted in reduced consumption of oil products and decreased demand for vessels and services, which reduced vessel earnings. Additional slowdowns could have similar effects on our operating results.

 

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Changes in the LPG markets could result in decreased demand for our LPG vessels operating in the spot market.

We have several LPG carriers that operate in the LPG spot market and are either owned or chartered-in by Exmar LPG BVBA (or the Exmar LPG Joint Venture ), a joint venture entity formed pursuant to a joint venture agreement made in February 2013 between us and Belgium-based Exmar to own and charter-in LPG carriers with a primary focus on the mid-size gas carrier segment. The charters in the spot market operate for short durations and are priced on a current, or “spot,” market rate. Consequently, the LPG spot market is highly volatile and fluctuates based upon the many conditions and events that affect the price, production and transport of LPG, including competition from alternative energy sources and negative global or regional economic or political conditions. Any adverse changes in the LPG markets may impact our ability to enter into economically beneficial charters when our LPG carriers complete their existing short-term charters in the LPG spot market, which may reduce vessel earnings and impact our operating results.

Future adverse economic conditions, including disruptions in the global credit markets, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Commencing in 2007 and 2008, the global economy experienced an economic downturn and crisis in the global financial markets that produced illiquidity in the capital markets, market volatility, increased exposure to interest rate and credit risks and reduced access to capital markets. If there is economic instability in the future, we may face restricted access to the capital markets or secured debt lenders, such as our revolving credit facilities. The decreased access to such resources could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Future adverse economic conditions or other developments may affect our customers’ ability to charter our vessels and pay for our services and may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Future adverse economic conditions or other developments relating directly to our customers may lead to a decline in our customers’ operations or ability to pay for our services, which could result in decreased demand for our vessels and services. Our customers’ inability to pay for any reason could also result in their default on our current contracts and charters. The decline in the amount of services requested by our customers or their default on our contracts with them could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

A complete LNG project includes production, liquefaction, regasification, storage and distribution facilities and 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 or disrupt the supply of LNG, including:

 

   

increases in interest rates or other events that may affect the availability of sufficient financing for LNG projects on commercially reasonable terms;

 

   

decreases in the price of LNG, which might decrease the expected returns relating to investments in LNG projects;

 

   

the inability of project owners or operators to obtain governmental approvals to construct or operate LNG facilities;

 

   

local community resistance to proposed or existing LNG facilities based on safety, environmental or security concerns;

 

   

any significant explosion, spill or similar incident involving an LNG facility or LNG carrier; and

 

   

labor or political unrest affecting existing or proposed areas of LNG production.

If the LNG supply chain is disrupted or does not continue to grow, or if a significant LNG explosion, spill or similar incident occurs, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

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, fixed-rate LNG, LPG and oil charters. The process of obtaining new long-term charters is highly competitive and generally involves an intensive screening process and competitive bids, and often extends for several months. Shipping contracts are awarded based upon a variety of factors relating to the vessel operator, including:

 

   

shipping industry relationships and reputation for customer service and safety;

 

   

shipping experience and quality of ship operations (including cost effectiveness);

 

   

quality and experience of seafaring crew;

 

   

the ability to finance carriers at competitive rates and financial stability generally;

 

   

relationships with shipyards and the ability to get suitable berths;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

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competitiveness of the bid in terms of overall price.

We compete for providing marine transportation services for potential energy projects with a number of experienced companies, including state-sponsored entities and major energy companies affiliated with the energy project requiring energy shipping services. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources than we do or Teekay Corporation does. We anticipate that an increasing number of marine transportation companies – including many with strong reputations and extensive resources and experience – will enter the energy transportation sector. This increased competition may 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 business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

Delays in deliveries of newbuildings or in conversions or upgrades of existing vessels could harm our operating results and lead to the termination of related charters.

The delivery of newbuildings or vessel conversions or upgrades we may order or undertake or otherwise acquire, could be delayed, which would delay our receipt of revenues under the charters for the vessels. In addition, under some of our charters if delivery of a vessel to our customer is delayed, we may be required to pay liquidated damages in amounts equal to or, under some charters, almost double, the hire rate during the delay. For prolonged delays, the customer may terminate the time-charter and, in addition to the resulting loss of revenues, we may be responsible for additional, substantial liquidated damages.

Our receipt of newbuildings or of vessel conversions or upgrades could be delayed because of:

 

   

quality or engineering problems;

 

   

changes in governmental regulations or maritime self-regulatory organization standards;

 

   

work stoppages or other labor disturbances at the shipyard;

 

   

bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the shipbuilder;

 

   

a backlog of orders at the shipyard;

 

   

political or economic disturbances where our vessels are being or may be built;

 

   

weather interference or catastrophic event, such as a major earthquake or fire;

 

   

our requests for changes to the original vessel specifications;

 

   

shortages of or delays in the receipt of necessary construction materials, such as steel;

 

   

our inability to finance the purchase or construction of the vessels; or

 

   

our inability to obtain requisite permits or approvals.

If delivery of a vessel is materially delayed, it could adversely affect our results or operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

We may be unable to secure charters for our LNG newbuildings before their scheduled deliveries.

We currently have 10 wholly-owned LNG carrier newbuildings on order, which are scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2019, and we have time-charter contracts for all but two of the 10 ordered newbuildings. The process of obtaining new charters is highly competitive. Consequently, we may be unable to secure charters for these or other newbuildings we may order before their scheduled delivery, if at all, which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

We may be unable to recharter vessels at attractive rates, which may lead to reduced revenues and profitability.

Our ability to recharter our LNG and LPG carriers upon the expiration or termination of their current time charters and the charter rates payable under any renewal or replacement charters will depend upon, among other things, the then current states of the LNG and LPG carrier markets. The time charter for two of the MALT LNG Carriers are scheduled to expire in mid-2016. If charter rates are low when existing time charters expire, we may be required to recharter our vessels at reduced rates or even possibly at a rate whereby we incur a loss, which would harm our results of operations. Alternatively, we may determine to leave such vessels off-charter. The size of the current orderbooks for LNG carriers and LPG carriers is expected to result in the increase in the size of the world LNG and LPG fleets over the next few years. An over-supply of vessel capacity, combined with stability or any decline in the demand for LNG or LPG carriers, may result in a reduction of charter hire rates.

We may have more difficulty entering into long-term, fixed-rate LNG time-charters if an active short-term, medium-term or spot LNG shipping market develops.

LNG shipping historically has been transacted with long-term, fixed-rate time-charters, usually with terms ranging from 20 to 25 years. One of our principal strategies is to enter into additional long-term, fixed-rate LNG time-charters. In recent years, the number of spot, short-term and medium-term LNG charters of under four years has been increasing. In 2014, they accounted for approximately 29% of global LNG trade.

If an active spot, short-term or medium-term market continues to develop, we may have increased difficulty entering into long-term, fixed-rate time-charters for our LNG carriers and, as a result, our cash flow may decrease and be less stable. In addition, an active short-term, medium-term or spot LNG market may require us to enter into charters based on changing market prices, as opposed to contracts based on a fixed rate, which could result in a decrease in our cash flow in periods when the market price for shipping LNG is depressed.

 

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Over time vessel values may fluctuate substantially, which could adversely affect our operating results.

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

 

   

prevailing economic conditions in natural gas, oil and energy markets;

 

   

a substantial or extended decline in demand for natural gas, LNG, LPG or oil;

 

   

competition from more technologically advanced vessels;

 

   

increases in the supply of vessel capacity; and

 

   

the cost of retrofitting or modifying existing vessels, as a result of technological advances in vessel design or equipment, changes in applicable environmental or other regulation or standards, or otherwise.

Vessel values may decline from existing levels. If the operation of a vessel is not profitable, or if we cannot re-deploy a vessel at attractive rates upon termination of its contract, rather than continue to incur costs to maintain and finance the vessel, we may seek to dispose of it. Our inability to dispose of the vessel at a reasonable value could result in a loss on its sale and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Further, if we determine at any time that a vessel’s future useful life and earnings require us to impair its value on our financial statements, we may need to recognize a significant charge against our earnings.

Increased technological innovation in vessel design or equipment could reduce our charter hire rates and the value of our vessels.

The charter hire rates and the value and operational life of a vessel are determined by a number of factors, including the vessel’s efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life. Efficiency includes speed, fuel economy and the ability for LNG or LPG to be loaded and unloaded quickly. More efficient vessel designs, engines or other features may increase efficiency. Flexibility includes the ability to access LNG and LPG storage facilities, utilize related docking facilities and pass through canals and straits. Physical life is related to the original design and construction, maintenance and the impact of the stress of operations. If new LNG or LPG carriers are built that are more efficient or flexible or have longer physical lives than our vessels, competition from these more technologically advanced LNG or LPG carriers could reduce recharter rates available to our vessels and the resale value of the vessels. As a result, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

We may be unable to perform as per specifications on our new engine designs.

We are investing in technology upgrades such as MEGI twin engines for certain LNG carrier newbuildings. These new engine designs may not perform to expectations which may result in performance issues or claims based on charter party agreements.

We or our joint venture partners may be unable to deliver or operate a Floating Storage Unit or a LNG receiving and regasification terminal.

We are converting one of our LNG carrier newbuildings into a floating storage unit (or FSU ) to service a LNG regasification and receiving terminal in which we will have a 30% ownership in, please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 6a – Equity Method Investments.” We may be unable to operate the FSU efficiently, which may result in performance issues or claims based on charter party agreements. In addition, we or our joint venture partners may be unable to operate a LNG receiving and regasification terminal properly, which could reduce the expected output of this terminal. As a result, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

We may be unable to make or realize expected benefits from acquisitions, and implementing our growth strategy through acquisitions may harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

Our growth strategy includes selectively acquiring existing LNG and LPG carriers or LNG and LPG shipping businesses. Historically, there have been very few purchases of existing vessels and businesses in the LNG and LPG shipping industries. Factors that may contribute to a limited number of acquisition opportunities in the LNG and LPG industries in the near term include the relatively small number of independent LNG and LPG fleet owners and the limited number of LNG and LPG carriers not subject to existing long-term charter contracts. In addition, competition from other companies could reduce our acquisition opportunities or cause us to pay higher prices.

Any acquisition of a vessel or business may not be profitable to us at or after the time we acquire it and may not generate cash flow sufficient to justify our investment. In addition, our acquisition growth strategy exposes us to risks that may harm our business, financial condition and operating results, including risks that we may:

 

   

fail to realize anticipated benefits, such as new customer relationships, cost-savings or cash flow enhancements;

 

   

be unable to hire, train or retain qualified shore and seafaring personnel to manage and operate our growing business and fleet;

 

   

decrease our liquidity by using a significant portion of our available cash or borrowing capacity to finance acquisitions;

 

   

significantly increase our interest expense or financial leverage if we incur additional debt to finance acquisitions;

 

   

incur or assume unanticipated liabilities, losses or costs associated with the business or vessels acquired; or

 

   

incur other significant charges, such as impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, asset devaluation or restructuring charges.

 

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Unlike newbuildings, existing vessels typically do not carry warranties as to their condition. While we generally inspect existing vessels prior to purchase, such an inspection would normally not provide us with as much knowledge of a vessel’s condition as we would possess if it had been built for us and operated by us during its life. Repairs and maintenance costs for existing vessels are difficult to predict and may be substantially higher than for vessels we have operated since they were built. These costs could decrease our cash flow and reduce our liquidity.

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

The operation of LNG and LPG carriers and oil tankers is inherently risky. Although we carry hull and machinery (marine and war risks) and protection and indemnity insurance, all risks may not be adequately insured against, and any particular claim may not be paid. In addition, only certain of our LNG carriers carry insurance covering the loss of revenues resulting from vessel off-hire time based on its cost compared to our off-hire experience. Any significant off-hire time of our vessels could harm our business, operating results and financial condition. 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 catastrophic oil spill, marine disaster or natural disasters could result in losses that exceed our insurance coverage, which could harm our business, financial condition and operating results. 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 regulatory organizations.

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

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

Terrorist attacks, piracy, and the current conflicts in the Middle East, other current and future conflicts and political change, may adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition, 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 to economic instability and disruption of LNG, LPG and oil production and distribution, which could result in reduced demand for our services or impact on our operations and or our ability to conduct business.

In addition, LNG, LPG and oil facilities, shipyards, vessels, pipelines and oil and gas fields could be targets of future terrorist attacks and warlike operations and our vessels could be targets of pirates, hijackers, terrorists or warlike operations. 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, LPG and oil to or from certain locations. Terrorist attacks, war, piracy, hijacking or other events beyond our control that adversely affect the distribution, production or transportation of LNG, LPG or oil to be shipped by us could entitle our customers to terminate our charter contracts, which would harm our cash flow and our business.

Terrorist attacks, or the perception that LNG or LPG facilities and carriers are potential terrorist targets, could materially and adversely affect expansion of LNG and LPG infrastructure and the continued supply of LNG and LPG to the United States and other countries. Concern that LNG or LPG facilities may be targeted for attack by terrorists has contributed to significant community and environmental resistance to the construction of a number of LNG or LPG facilities, primarily in North America. If a terrorist incident involving a LNG or LPG facility or LNG or LPG carrier did occur, in addition to the possible effects identified in the previous paragraph, the incident may adversely affect construction of additional LNG or LPG facilities in the United States and other countries or lead to the temporary or permanent closing of various LNG or LPG facilities currently in operation.

Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels continue to be a risk, which could adversely affect our business.

Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia. While there continues to be a significant risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, recently there have been increases in the frequency and severity of piracy incidents off the coast of West Africa and a resurgent piracy risk in the Straits of Malacca and surrounding waters. If these 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 coverage can increase significantly and such insurance coverage may be more difficult to obtain. In addition, crew costs, including costs which may be incurred to the extent we employ on-board 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.

Our and many of our customers’ substantial operations outside the United States expose us and them to political, governmental and economic instability, which could harm our operations.

Because our operations, and the operations of certain of our customers, are primarily conducted outside of the United States, they may be affected by economic, political and governmental conditions in the countries where we and they engage in business. Any disruption caused by these factors could harm our business or the business of these customers, including by reducing the levels of oil and gas exploration, development and production activities in these areas. We derive some of our revenues from shipping oil, LNG and LPG from politically and economically unstable regions, such as Angola and Yemen. Hostilities, strikes, or other political or economic instability in regions where we or these customers operate or where we or they may operate could have a material adverse effect on the growth of our business, results of operations and financial condition and ability to make cash distributions, or on the ability of these customers to make payments or otherwise perform their obligations to us. In addition, tariffs, trade embargoes and other economic sanctions by the United States or other countries against countries in which we operate or to which we trade may harm our business and ability to make cash distributions and a government could requisition one or more of our vessels, which is most likely during war or national emergency. Any such requisition would cause a loss of the vessel and could harm our cash flow and financial results.

 

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Two vessels owned by the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture are chartered to YLNG, an entity that operates in Yemen and has close ties to the Yemeni government. The hostilities in Yemen have adversely affected the LNG facilities in Yemen and could hinder YLNG’s ability to perform its obligations under its time charter contracts with our joint venture, which would adversely affect our operating results and liquidity. As a result, in December 2015, the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture agreed to a temporary deferral of a portion of the charter payments for the two LNG carriers for the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. Upon future resumption of the LNG plant in Yemen, it is presumed that YLNG will repay the deferred amounts in full plus interest thereon over a period of time to be agreed upon. However, there is no assurance if or when the LNG plant will resume operations or if YLNG will repay the deferred amounts.

The LNG carrier newbuildings for the Yamal LNG Project are customized vessels and our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions on our common units could be substantially affected if the Yamal LNG Project is not completed.

The LNG carrier newbuildings ordered by the Yamal LNG Joint Venture will be specifically built for the Arctic requirements of the Yamal LNG Project and will have limited redeployment opportunities to operate as conventional trading LNG carriers if the project is abandoned or cancelled. If the project is abandoned or cancelled for any reason, either before or after commencement of operations, the Yamal LNG Joint Venture may be unable to reach an agreement with the shipyard allowing for the termination of the shipbuilding contracts (since no such optional termination right exists under these contracts), change the vessel specifications to reflect those applicable to more conventional LNG carriers and which do not incorporate ice-breaking capabilities, or find suitable alternative employment for the newbuilding vessels on a long-term basis with other LNG projects or otherwise.

The Yamal LNG Project may be abandoned or not completed for various reasons, including, among others:

 

   

failure of the project to obtain debt financing;

 

   

failure to achieve expected operating results;

 

   

changes in demand for LNG;

 

   

adverse changes in Russian regulations or governmental policy relating to the project or the export of LNG;

 

   

technical challenges of completing and operating the complex project, particularly in extreme Arctic conditions;

 

   

labor disputes; and

 

   

environmental regulations or potential claims.

If the project is not completed or is abandoned, proceeds if any, received from limited Yamal LNG project sponsor guarantees and potential alternative employment, if any, of the vessels and from potential sales of components and scrapping of the vessels likely would fall substantially short of the cost of the vessels to the Yamal LNG Joint Venture. Any such shortfall could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions on our common units.

Sanctions against key participants in the Yamal LNG Project could impede completion or performance of the Yamal LNG Project, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (or OFAC ) placed Russia-based Novatek OAO (or Novatek ), a 50.1% owner of the Yamal LNG Project, on the Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List. OFAC also previously imposed sanctions on an investor in Novatek and these sanctions also remain in effect. The restrictions on Novatek prohibit U.S. persons (and their subsidiaries) from participating in debt financing transactions of greater than 90 days maturity by Novatek and, by virtue of Novatek’s 50.1% ownership interest, the Yamal LNG Project. The European Union also imposed certain sanctions on Russia. These sanctions require a European Union license or authorization before a party can provide certain technologies or technical assistance, financing, financial assistance, or brokering with regard to these technologies. However, the technologies being currently sanctioned by the EU appear to focus on oil exploration projects, not gas projects. In addition, OFAC and other governments or organizations may impose additional sanctions on Novatek, the Yamal LNG Project or other project participants, which may further hinder the ability of the Yamal LNG Project to receive necessary financing. Although we believe that we are in compliance with all applicable sanctions laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, these sanctions have recently been imposed and the scope of these laws may be subject to changing interpretation. Future sanctions may prohibit the Yamal LNG Joint Venture from performing under its contracts with the Yamal LNG Project, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions on our common units.

Failure of the Yamal LNG Project to achieve expected results could lead to a default under the time-charter contracts by the charter party.

The charter party under the Yamal LNG Joint Venture’s time-charter contracts for the Yamal LNG Project is Yamal Trade Pte. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yamal LNG, the project’s sponsor. If the Yamal LNG Project does not achieve expected results, the risk of charter party default may increase. Any such default could adversely affect our results of operations and ability to make distributions on our common units. If the charter party defaults on the time-charter contracts, we may be unable to redeploy the vessels under other time-charter contracts or may be forced to scrap the vessels.

 

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Neither the Yamal LNG Joint Venture nor our joint venture partner may be able to obtain financing for the six LNG carrier newbuildings for the Yamal LNG Project.

The Yamal LNG Joint Venture does not yet have in place financing for the six LNG carrier newbuildings that will service the Yamal LNG Project. The estimated total fully built-up cost for the vessels is approximately $2.1 billion. If the Yamal LNG Joint Venture is unable to obtain debt financing for the vessels on acceptable terms, if at all, or if our joint venture partner fails to fund its portion of the newbuilding financing, we may be unable to purchase the vessels and participate in the Yamal LNG Project.

We assume credit risk by entering into agreements with unrated entities.

Some of our vessels are chartered to unrated entities, such as the four LNG carriers chartered to Angola LNG Supply Services LLC, the two LNG carriers chartered to YLNG and in addition, our 30% ownership interest in a LNG receiving and regasification terminal, that is scheduled to be built in 2018, has a terminal use agreement with a state-owned company in Bahrain. Some of these unrated entities will use revenue generated from the sale of the shipped gas to pay their shipping and other operating expenses, including the charter fees. The price of the gas may be subject to market fluctuations and the LNG supply may be curtailed by start-up delays and stoppages. If the revenue generated by the charterer is insufficient to pay the charter fees, we may be unable to realize the expected economic benefit from these charter agreements.

Marine transportation is inherently risky, and an incident involving significant loss of or environmental contamination by any of our vessels could harm our reputation and business.

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

 

   

marine disasters;

 

   

bad weather or natural disasters;

 

   

mechanical failures;

 

   

grounding, fire, explosions and collisions;

 

   

piracy;

 

   

human error; and

 

   

war and terrorism.

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

 

   

death or injury to persons, loss of property or environmental damage;

 

   

delays in the delivery of cargo;

 

   

loss of revenues from or termination of charter contracts;

 

   

governmental fines, penalties or restrictions on conducting business;

 

   

higher insurance rates; and

 

   

damage to our reputation and customer relationships generally.

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

The marine energy transportation industry is subject to substantial environmental and other regulations, which may significantly limit our operations or increase our expenses.

Our operations are affected by extensive and changing international, national and local environmental protection laws, regulations, treaties and conventions 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 governing oil spills, discharges to air and water, and the handling and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. 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 expect to incur substantial expenses in complying with these laws and regulations, including expenses for vessel modifications and changes in operating procedures.

These requirements can affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels, require a reduction in cargo capacity, ship modifications or operational changes or restrictions, lead to decreased availability of insurance coverage for environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports, or detention in, certain ports. Under local, national and foreign laws, as well as international treaties and conventions, we could incur material liabilities, including cleanup obligations, in the event that there is a release of petroleum or other 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. For further information about regulations affecting our business and related requirements on us, please read “Item 4 – Information on the Partnership: C. Regulations.”

 

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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 have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These regulatory measures include, among others, adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards, and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. Compliance with changes in laws, regulations and obligations relating to climate change could increase our costs related to operating and maintaining our vessels and require us to install new emission controls, acquire allowances or pay taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions, or administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. Revenue generation and strategic growth opportunities may also be adversely affected.

Adverse effects upon the oil and gas industry relating to climate change may also adversely affect demand for our services. Although we do not expect that demand for oil and gas will lessen dramatically over the short term, in the long term climate change may reduce the demand for oil and gas or increased regulation of greenhouse gases may 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.

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

We are paid in Euros under some of our charters, and certain of our vessel operating expenses and general and administrative expenses currently are denominated in Euros, which is primarily a function of the nationality of our crew and administrative staff. We also make payments under two Euro-denominated term loans. If the amount of our Euro-denominated obligations exceeds our Euro-denominated revenues, we must convert other currencies, primarily the U.S. Dollar, into Euros. An increase in the strength of the Euro relative to the U.S. Dollar would require us to convert more U.S. Dollars to Euros to satisfy those obligations, which would cause us to have less cash available for distribution. In addition, if we do not have sufficient U.S. Dollars, we may be required to convert Euros into U.S. Dollars for distributions to unitholders. An increase in the strength of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Euro could cause us to have less cash available for distribution in this circumstance. We have not entered into currency swaps or forward contracts or similar derivatives to mitigate this risk.

Because we report our operating results in U.S. Dollars, changes in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Euro and Norwegian Kroner also result in fluctuations in our reported revenues and earnings. In addition, under U.S. accounting guidelines, all foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, unearned revenue, advances from affiliates and long-term debt, are revalued and reported based on the prevailing exchange rate at the end of the period. This revaluation historically has caused us to report significant non-monetary foreign currency exchange gains or losses each period. The primary source for these gains and losses is our Euro-denominated term loans and our Norwegian Kroner-denominated bonds. We incur interest expense on our Norwegian Kroner-denominated bonds and we have entered into cross-currency swaps to economically hedge the foreign exchange risk on the principal and interest payments of our Norwegian Kroner bonds.

Many of our seafaring employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements and the failure to renew those agreements or any future labor agreements may disrupt our operations and adversely affect our cash flows.

A significant portion of our seafarers, and the seafarers employed by Teekay Corporation and its other affiliates that crew some of our vessels, are employed under collective bargaining agreements. While some of our labor agreements have recently been renewed, crew compensation levels under future collective bargaining agreements may exceed existing compensation levels, which would adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. We may be subject to labor disruptions in the future if our relationships deteriorate with our seafarers or the unions that represent them. Our collective bargaining agreements may not prevent labor disruptions, particularly when the agreements are being renegotiated. Any labor disruptions could harm our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

Teekay Corporation and certain of our joint venture partners may be unable to attract and retain qualified, skilled employees or crew necessary to operate our business, or may have to pay substantially increased costs for its employees and crew.

Our success depends in large part on Teekay Corporation’s and certain of our joint venture partners’ ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel. In crewing our vessels, we require technically skilled employees with specialized training who can perform physically demanding work. The ability to attract and retain qualified crew members under a competitive industry environment continues to put upward pressure on crew manning costs.

If we are not able to increase our charter rates to compensate for any crew cost increases, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. Any inability we experience in the future to hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees could impair our ability to manage, maintain and grow our business.

Due to our lack of diversification, adverse developments in our LNG, LPG or oil marine transportation businesses could reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

We rely exclusively on the cash flow generated from our LNG and LPG carriers and conventional oil tankers that operate in the LNG, LPG and oil marine transportation business. Due to our lack of diversification, an adverse development in the LNG, LPG or oil shipping industry would have a significantly greater impact on our financial condition and results of operations than if we maintained more diverse assets or lines of business.

 

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Teekay Corporation and its affiliates may engage in competition with us.

Teekay Corporation and its affiliates, including Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. (or Teekay Offshore ), may engage in competition with us. Pursuant to an omnibus agreement between Teekay Corporation, Teekay Offshore, us and other related parties, Teekay Corporation, Teekay Offshore and their respective controlled affiliates (other than us and our subsidiaries) generally have agreed not to own, operate or charter LNG carriers without the consent of our General Partner. The omnibus agreement, however, allows Teekay Corporation, Teekay Offshore or any of such controlled affiliates to:

 

   

acquire LNG carriers and related time-charters as part of a business if a majority of the value of the total assets or business acquired is not attributable to the LNG carriers and time-charters, as determined in good faith by the board of directors of Teekay Corporation or the board of directors of Teekay Offshore’s general partner; however, if at any time Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore completes such an acquisition, it must offer to sell the LNG carriers and related time-charters to us for their fair market value plus any additional tax or other similar costs to Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore that would be required to transfer the LNG carriers and time-charters to us separately from the acquired business; or

 

   

own, operate and charter LNG carriers that relate to a bid or award for an LNG project that Teekay Corporation or any of its subsidiaries submits or receives; however, at least 180 days prior to the scheduled delivery date of any such LNG carrier, Teekay Corporation must offer to sell the LNG carrier and related time-charter to us, with the vessel valued at its “fully-built-up cost,” which represents the aggregate expenditures incurred (or to be incurred prior to delivery to us) by Teekay Corporation to acquire or construct and bring such LNG carrier to the condition and location necessary for our intended use, plus a reasonable allocation of overhead costs related to the development of such a project and other projects that would have been subject to the offer rights set forth in the omnibus agreement but were not completed.

If we decline the offer to purchase the LNG carriers and time-charters described above, Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore may own and operate the LNG carriers, but may not expand that portion of its business.

In addition, pursuant to the omnibus agreement, Teekay Corporation, Teekay Offshore or any of their respective controlled affiliates (other than us and our subsidiaries) may:

 

   

acquire, operate or charter LNG carriers if our General Partner has previously advised Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore that the board of directors of our General Partner has elected, with the approval of the conflicts committee of its board of directors, not to cause us or our subsidiaries to acquire or operate the carriers;

 

   

acquire up to a 9.9% equity ownership, voting or profit participation interest in any publicly traded company that owns or operate LNG carriers; and

 

   

provide ship management services relating to LNG carriers.

If there is a change of control of Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore, the non-competition provisions of the omnibus agreement may terminate, which termination could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

Our General Partner and its other affiliates own a controlling interest in us and have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary duties, which may permit them to favor their own interests to those of unitholders.

Teekay Corporation, which owns and controls our General Partner, indirectly owns our 2% General Partner interest and as at December 31, 2015 owned a 31.7% limited partner interest in us. Conflicts of interest may arise between Teekay Corporation 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 may favor its own interests and the interests of its affiliates over the interests of our unitholders. These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:

 

   

neither our partnership agreement nor any other agreement requires our General Partner or Teekay Corporation to pursue a business strategy that favors us or utilizes our assets, and Teekay Corporation’s officers and directors have a fiduciary duty to make decisions in the best interests of the stockholders of Teekay Corporation, which may be contrary to our interests;

 

   

the executive officers and three of the directors of our General Partner also currently serve as executive officers or directors of Teekay Corporation;

 

   

our General Partner is allowed to take into account the interests of parties other than us, such as Teekay Corporation, in resolving conflicts of interest, which has the effect of limiting its fiduciary duty to our unitholders;

 

   

our General Partner has limited its liability and reduced its fiduciary duties under the laws of the Marshall Islands, while also restricting the remedies available to our unitholders, and as a result of purchasing common units, unitholders are treated as having agreed to the modified standard of fiduciary duties and to certain actions that may be taken by our General Partner, all as set forth in our partnership agreement;

 

   

our General Partner determines the amount and timing of our asset purchases and sales, capital expenditures, borrowings, issuances of additional partnership securities and reserves, each of which can affect the amount of cash that is available for distribution to our unitholders;

 

   

in some instances our General Partner may cause us to borrow funds in order to permit the payment of cash distributions, even if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make incentive distributions to affiliates to Teekay Corporation;

 

   

our General Partner determines which costs incurred by it and its affiliates are reimbursable by us;

 

   

our partnership agreement does not restrict our General Partner from causing us to pay it or its affiliates for any services rendered to us on terms that are fair and reasonable or entering into additional contractual arrangements with any of these entities on our behalf;

 

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our General Partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed to us by it and its affiliates; and

 

   

our General Partner decides whether to retain separate counsel, accountants or others to perform services for us.

The fiduciary duties of the officers and directors of our General Partner may conflict with those of the officers and directors of Teekay Corporation.

Our General Partner’s officers and directors have fiduciary duties to manage our business in a manner beneficial to us and our partners. However, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and all of the non-independent directors of our General Partner also serve as officers, management or directors of Teekay Corporation and/or other affiliates of Teekay Corporation. Consequently, these officers and directors may encounter situations in which their fiduciary obligations to Teekay Corporation or its other affiliates, on one hand, and us, on the other hand, are in conflict. The resolution of these conflicts may not always be in the best interest of us or our unitholders.

Certain of our lease arrangements contain provisions whereby we have provided a tax indemnification to third parties, which may result in increased lease payments or termination of favorable lease arrangements.

We and certain of our joint ventures are party and were party to lease arrangements whereby the lessor could claim tax depreciation on the capital expenditures it incurred to acquire these vessels. As is typical in these leasing arrangements, tax and change of law risks are assumed by the lessee. The rentals payable under the lease arrangements are predicated on the basis of certain tax and financial assumptions at the commencement of the leases. If an assumption proves to be incorrect or there is a change in the applicable tax legislation or the interpretation thereof by the United Kingdom (U.K.) taxing authority, the lessor is entitled to increase the rentals so as to maintain its agreed after-tax margin. Under the capital lease arrangements, we do not have the ability to pass these increased rentals onto our charter party. However, the terms of the lease arrangements enable us and our joint venture partner to jointly terminate the lease arrangement on a voluntary basis at any time. In the event of an early termination of the lease arrangements, the joint venture is obliged to pay termination sums to the lessor sufficient to repay its investment in the vessels and to compensate it for the tax effect of the terminations, including recapture of tax depreciation, if any.

We and our joint venture partner were the lessee under three separate 30-year capital lease arrangements (or the RasGas II Leases ) with a third party for three LNG carriers (or the RasGas II LNG Carriers ). On December 22, 2014, we and our joint venture partner voluntarily terminated the leasing of the RasGas II LNG Carriers. However, Teekay Nakilat Corporation (or the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture ), of which we own a 70% interest, remains obligated to the lessor under the RasGas II Leases to maintain the lessor’s agreed after-tax margin from the commencement of the lease to the lease termination date.

The UK taxing authority (or HMRC ) has been challenging the use of similar lease structures. One of those challenges was eventually decided in favor of HMRC (Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing No. 1 or LEL1 ), with the lessor and lessee choosing not to appeal further. Initial indications are that HMRC will attempt to progress matters on other leases including the lease of Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture with the intent of asking the lessees to accept the LEL1 tax case verdict that capital allowances were not due. If the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture were to be challenged by HMRC, it is uncertain whether the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture would eventually prevail in court. If the former lessor of the RasGas II LNG Carriers were to lose on a similar claim from HMRC, our 70% share of the potential exposure in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture is estimated to be approximately $60 million. Such estimate is primarily based on information received from the lessor.

In addition, the subsidiaries of another joint venture formed to service the Tangguh LNG project in Indonesia have lease arrangements with a third party for two LNG carriers. The terms of the lease arrangements provide similar tax and change of law risk assumption by this joint venture as we had with the three RasGas II LNG Carriers.

Our joint venture arrangements impose obligations upon us but limit our control of the joint ventures, which may affect our ability to achieve our joint venture objectives.

For financial or strategic reasons, we conduct a portion of our business through joint ventures. Generally, we are obligated to provide proportionate financial support for the joint ventures although our control of the business entity may be substantially limited. Due to this limited control, we generally have less flexibility to pursue our own objectives through joint ventures than we would with our own subsidiaries. There is no assurance that our joint venture partners will continue their relationships with us in the future or that we will be able to achieve our financial or strategic objectives relating to the joint ventures and the markets in which they operate. In addition, our joint venture partners may have business objectives that are inconsistent with ours, experience financial and other difficulties that may affect the success of the joint venture, or be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the joint ventures, which may affect our financial condition or results of operations.

TAX RISKS

In addition to the following risk factors, you should read “Item 10. Additional Information — Taxation” for a more complete discussion of the expected material U.S. federal and non-U.S. income tax considerations relating to us and the ownership and disposition of our common units.

United States common unitholders will be required to pay U.S. taxes on their share of our income even if they do not receive any cash distributions from us.

U.S. citizens, residents or other U.S. taxpayers will be required to pay U.S. federal income taxes and, in some cases, U.S. state and local income taxes on their share of our taxable income, whether or not they receive cash distributions from us. U.S. common unitholders may not receive cash distributions from us equal to their share of our taxable income or even equal to the actual tax liability that results from their share of our taxable income.

 

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Because distributions may reduce a common unitholder’s tax basis in our common units, common unitholders may realize greater gain on the disposition of their units than they otherwise may expect, and common unitholders may have a tax gain even if the price they receive is less than their original cost.

If common unitholders sell their common units, they will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is equal to the difference between the amount realized and their tax basis in those common units. Prior distributions in excess of the total net taxable income allocated decrease a common unitholder’s tax basis and will, in effect, become taxable income if common units are sold at a price greater than their tax basis, even if the price received is less than the original cost. Assuming we are not treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a substantial portion of the amount realized on a sale of units, whether or not representing gain, may be ordinary income.

The decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Tidewater Inc. v. United States creates some uncertainty as to whether we will be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

In order for us to be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, more than 90 percent of our gross income each year must be “qualifying income” under Section 7704 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). For this purpose, “qualifying income” includes income from providing marine transportation services to customers with respect to crude oil, natural gas and certain products thereof but does not include rental income from leasing vessels to customers.

The decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Tidewater Inc. v. United States, 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009) held that income derived from certain time chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than service income for purposes of a foreign sales corporation provision of the Code. However, the Internal Revenue Service (or IRS ) stated in an Action on Decision (AOD 2010-001) that it disagrees with, and will not acquiesce to, the way that the rental versus services framework was applied to the facts in the Tidewater decision, and in its discussion stated that the time charters at issue in Tidewater would be treated as producing services income for purposes of the passive foreign investment company provisions of the Code. The IRS’s statement with respect to Tidewater cannot be relied upon or otherwise cited as precedent by taxpayers. Consequently, in the absence of any binding legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing “qualifying income” under Section 7704 of the Code, there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court would not follow the Tidewater decision in interpreting the “qualifying income” provisions under Section 7704 of the Code. Nevertheless, we intend to take the position that our time charter income is “qualifying income” within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code. No assurance can be given, however, that the IRS, or a court of law, will accept our position. As such, there is some uncertainty regarding the status of our time charter income as “qualifying income” and therefore some uncertainty as to whether we will be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Please read “Item 10 – Additional Information: Taxation - United States Tax Consequences - Classification as a Partnership.”

The after-tax benefit of an investment in the common units may be reduced if we are not treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The anticipated after-tax benefit of an investment in common units may be reduced if we are not treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we are not treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would be treated as a corporation for such purposes, and common unitholders could suffer material adverse tax or economic consequences, including the following:

 

   

The ratio of taxable income to distributions with respect to common units would be expected to increase because items would not be allocated to account for any differences between the fair market value and the basis of our assets at the time our common units are issued.

 

   

Common unitholders may recognize income or gain on any change in our status from a partnership to a corporation that occurs while they hold units.

 

   

We would not be permitted to adjust the tax basis of a secondary market purchaser in our assets under Section 743(b) of the Code. As a result, a person who purchases common units from a common unitholder in the secondary market may realize materially more taxable income each year with respect to the units. This could reduce the value of common unitholders’ common units.

 

   

Common unitholders would not be entitled to claim any credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability for non-U.S. income tax liabilities incurred by us.

 

   

As to the U.S. source portion of our income attributable to transportation that begins or ends (but not both) in the United States, we will be subject to U.S. tax on such income on a gross basis (that is, without any allowance for deductions) at a rate of 4 percent. The imposition of this tax would have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased cash available for distribution to common unitholders.

 

   

We also may be considered a passive foreign investment company (or PFIC ) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. U.S. shareholders of a PFIC are subject to an adverse U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their interests in the PFIC.

Please read “Item 10 – Additional Information: Taxation – United States Tax Consequences — Possible Classification as a Corporation.”

The tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships or an investment in our units could be subject to potential legislative, judicial or administrative changes or differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis.

The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships, including us, or an investment in our common units may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial interpretation at any time. For example, on May 6, 2015, the IRS published proposed regulations that provide guidance regarding whether income earned from certain mineral or natural resources activities will constitute qualifying income. We do not believe the proposed regulations affect our ability to qualify as a publicly traded partnership. However, finalized regulations could modify the amount of our gross income that we are able to treat as qualifying income for the purposes of the qualifying income requirement.

In addition, from time to time, members of Congress propose and consider substantive changes to the existing U.S. federal income tax laws that affect publicly traded partnerships. Any modification to the U.S. federal income tax laws may be applied retroactively and could make it more difficult or impossible for us to meet the exception for certain publicly traded partnerships to be treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We are unable to predict whether any of these changes or other proposals will ultimately be enacted. Any such changes could negatively impact the amount of cash available for distribution to our common unitholders and the value of an investment in our common units.

 

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If the IRS contests the U.S. federal income tax positions we take, the value of our common units could be adversely affected and the costs of any such contest will reduce cash available for distribution to common unitholders. Recently enacted legislation alters the procedures for assessing and collecting taxes due for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, in a manner that could substantially reduce cash available for distribution to common unitholders.

The IRS may contest the U.S. federal income tax positions we take and there is no assurance that our tax positions would be sustained by a court. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely affect the value of our common units. In addition, the costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne by us reducing the cash available for distribution to our common unitholders.

Recently enacted legislation applicable to us for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 alters the procedures for auditing large partnerships and also alters the procedures for assessing and collecting taxes due (including applicable penalties and interest) as a result of an audit. Unless we are eligible to (and choose to) elect to issue revised Schedules K-1 to our partners with respect to an audited and adjusted return, the IRS may assess and collect taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) directly from us in the year in which the audit is completed under the new rules. If we are required to pay taxes, penalties and interest as the result of audit adjustments, cash available for distribution to our unitholders may be substantially reduced. In addition, because payment would be due for the taxable year in which the audit is completed, unitholders during that taxable year would bear the expense of the adjustment even if they were not unitholders during the audited taxable year.

The IRS may challenge the manner in which we prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction between transferors and transferees of our common units and, if successful, we may be required to change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our common unitholders.

We generally prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction between transferors and transferees of our units each month based upon the ownership of our units on the first business day of each month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is transferred. Recently adopted final Treasury Regulations allow a similar monthly simplifying convention starting with our taxable years beginning January 1, 2016. However, such regulations do not specifically authorize all aspects of the proration method we have adopted. If the IRS were to challenge our proration method, we may be required to change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our common unitholders.

U.S. tax-exempt entities and non-U.S. persons face unique U.S. tax issues from owning common units that may result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to them.

Investments in common units by U.S. tax-exempt entities, including individual retirement accounts (known as IRAs), other retirements plans and non-U.S. persons raise issues unique to them. Assuming we are classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, virtually all of our income allocated to organizations exempt from U.S. federal income tax will be unrelated business taxable income and generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax. In addition, non-U.S. persons may be subject to a 4 percent U.S. federal income tax on the U.S. source portion of our gross income attributable to transportation that begins or ends (but not both) in the United States, or distributions to them may be reduced on account of withholding of U.S. federal income tax by us in the event we are treated as having a fixed place of business in the United States or otherwise earn U.S. effectively connected income, unless an exemption applies and they file U.S. federal income tax returns to claim such exemption.

The sale or exchange of 50 percent or more of our capital or profits interests in any 12-month period will result in the termination of our partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

We will be considered to have been terminated for U.S. federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50 percent or more of the total interests in our capital or profits within any 12-month period. Our termination would, among other things, result in the closing of our taxable year for all unitholders and could result in a deferral of depreciation deductions allowable in computing our taxable income. Please read “Item 10 – Additional Information: Taxation – United States Tax Consequences — Disposition of Common Units — Constructive Termination.”

Teekay Corporation owns less than 50 percent of our outstanding equity interests, which could cause certain of our subsidiaries and us to be subject to additional tax.

Certain of our subsidiaries are and have been classified as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, these subsidiaries would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the U.S. source portion of our income attributable to transportation that begins or ends (but not both) in the United States if they fail to qualify for an exemption from U.S. federal income tax (the Section 883 Exemption ). Teekay Corporation indirectly owns less than 50 percent of certain of our subsidiaries’ and our outstanding equity interests. Consequently, we expect these subsidiaries failed to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption in 2015 and that Teekay LNG Holdco L.L.C., our sole remaining regarded corporate subsidiary as of January 1, 2015, will fail to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption in 2015 and in subsequent tax years. Any resulting imposition of U.S. federal income taxes will result in decreased cash available for distribution to common unitholders. Please read “Item 10 – Additional Information: Taxation – United States Tax Consequences –Taxation of Our Subsidiary Corporations.”

In addition, if we are not treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we expect that we also would fail to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption and that any resulting imposition of U.S. federal income taxes would result in decreased cash available for distribution to common unitholders.

 

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The IRS may challenge the manner in which we value our assets in determining the amount of income, gain, loss and deduction allocable to the common unitholders and to the General Partner and certain other tax positions, which could adversely affect the value of the common units.

A unitholder’s taxable income or loss with respect to a common unit each year will depend upon a number of factors, including the nature and fair market value of our assets at the time the holder acquired the common unit, whether we issue additional units or whether we engage in certain other transactions, and the manner in which our items of income, gain, loss and deduction are allocated among our partners. For this purpose, we determine the value of our assets and the relative amounts of our items of income, gain, loss and deduction allocable to our common unitholders and our General Partner as holder of the incentive distribution rights by reference to the value of our interests, including the incentive distribution rights. The IRS may challenge any valuation determinations that we make, particularly as to the incentive distribution rights, for which there is no public market. In addition, the IRS could challenge certain other aspects of the manner in which we determine the relative allocations made to our common unitholders and to the General Partner as holder of our incentive distribution rights. A successful IRS challenge to our valuation or allocation methods could increase the amount of net taxable income and gain realized by a unitholder with respect to a common unit. The IRS could also challenge certain other tax positions that we have taken, including our position that certain of our subsidiaries that have been classified as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes in past years are not PFICs for federal income tax purposes. Any such IRS challenges, whether or not successful, could adversely affect the value of our common units.

Common unitholders may be subject to income tax in one or more non-U.S. countries, including Canada, as a result of owning our common units if, under the laws of any such country, we are considered to be carrying on business there. Such laws may require common unitholders to file a tax return with, and pay taxes to, those countries. Any foreign taxes imposed on us or any of our subsidiaries will reduce our cash available for distribution to common unitholders.

We intend that our affairs and the business of each of our subsidiaries is conducted and operated in a manner that minimizes foreign income taxes imposed upon us and our subsidiaries or which may be imposed upon common unitholders as a result of owning our common units. However, there is a risk that common unitholders will be subject to tax in one or more countries, including Canada, as a result of owning our common units if, under the laws of any such country, we are considered to be carrying on business there. If common unitholders are subject to tax in any such country, common unitholders may be required to file a tax return with, and pay taxes to, that country based on their allocable share of our income. We may be required to reduce distributions to common unitholders on account of any withholding obligations imposed upon us by that country in respect of such allocation to common unitholders. The United States may not allow a tax credit for any foreign income taxes that common unitholders directly or indirectly incur. Any foreign taxes imposed on us or any of our subsidiaries will reduce our cash available for common unitholders.

 

Item 4. Information on the Partnership

A. Overview, History and Development

Overview and History

Teekay LNG Partners L.P. is an international provider of marine transportation services for LNG, LPG and crude oil. We were formed in 2004 by Teekay Corporation (NYSE: TK), a portfolio manager of marine services to the global oil and natural gas industries, to expand its operations in the LNG shipping sector. Our primary growth strategy focuses on expanding our fleet of LNG and LPG carriers under long-term, fixed-rate charters. In executing our growth strategy, we may engage in vessel or business acquisitions or enter into joint ventures and partnerships with companies that may provide increased access to emerging opportunities from global expansion of the LNG and LPG sectors. We seek to leverage the expertise, relationships and reputation of Teekay Corporation and its affiliates to pursue these opportunities in the LNG and LPG sectors and may consider other opportunities to which our competitive strengths are well suited. Although we may acquire additional crude oil tankers from time to time, we view our conventional tanker fleet primarily as a source of stable cash flow as we seek to continue to expand our LNG and LPG operations.

Please see “Item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Significant Developments in 2015 and Early 2016.”

As of December 31, 2015, our fleet, excluding newbuildings, consisted of 29 LNG carriers (including the six MALT LNG Carriers, four RasGas 3 LNG Carriers, four Angola LNG Carriers, and two Exmar LNG Carriers that are all accounted for under the equity method), 22 LPG carriers (including the 16 Exmar LPG Carriers that are accounted for under the equity method), seven Suezmax-class crude oil tankers, and one Handymax product tanker, all of which are double-hulled. Our fleet is young, with an average age of approximately nine years for our LNG carriers, approximately nine years for our LPG Carriers and approximately 10 years for our conventional tankers (Suezmax and Handymax), compared to world averages of 11, 16 and ten years, respectively, as of December 31, 2015.

Our fleets of LNG and LPG carriers currently have approximately 4.6 million and 0.7 million cubic meters of total capacity, respectively. The aggregate capacity of our conventional tanker fleet is approximately 1.1 million deadweight tonnes (or dwt ).

We were formed under the laws of the Republic of The Marshall Islands as a limited partnership, Teekay LNG Partners L.P., on November 3, 2004, and maintain our principal executive offices at 4 th Floor, Belvedere Building, 69 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda. Our telephone number at such address is (441) 298-2530.

B. Operations

Our Charters

We generate revenues by charging customers for the transportation of their LNG, LPG and crude oil using our vessels. The majority of these services are provided through either a time-charter or bareboat charter contract, where vessels are chartered to customers for a fixed period of time at rates that are generally fixed but may contain a variable component based on inflation, interest rates or current market rates.

Our vessels primarily operate under long-term, fixed-rate charters with major energy and utility companies and Teekay Corporation. As of December 31, 2015, the average remaining term for these charters is approximately 11 years for our LNG carriers, approximately five years for our LPG carriers and approximately two years for our conventional tankers (Suezmax and Handymax), subject, in certain circumstances, to termination or vessel purchase rights.

 

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“Hire” rate refers to the basic payment from the customer for the use of a vessel. Hire is payable monthly, in advance, in U.S. Dollars or Euros, as specified in the charter. The hire rate generally includes two components – a capital cost component and an operating expense component. The capital component typically approximates the amount we are required to pay under vessel financing obligations and, for two of our conventional tankers, adjusts for changes in the floating interest rates relating to the underlying vessel financing. The operating component, which adjusts annually for inflation, is intended to compensate us for vessel operating expenses.

In addition, we may receive additional revenues beyond the fixed hire rate when current market rates exceed specified amounts under our time-charter contracts for two of our Suezmax tankers.

Hire payments may be reduced or, under some charters, we must pay liquidated damages, if the vessel does not perform to certain of its specifications, such as if the average vessel speed falls below a guaranteed speed or the amount of fuel consumed to power the vessel under normal circumstances exceeds a guaranteed amount. Historically, we have had few instances of hire rate reductions, and only one in our joint venture with Exmar, that had a material impact on our operating results in prior years.

When a vessel is “off-hire” – or not available for service – the customer generally is not required to pay the hire rate and we are responsible for all costs. Prolonged off-hire may lead to vessel substitution or termination of the time-charter. A vessel will be deemed to be off-hire if it is in dry dock. We must periodically dry dock each of our vessels for inspection, repairs and maintenance and any modifications to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. In addition, a vessel generally will be deemed off-hire if there is a loss of time due to, among other things: operational deficiencies; equipment breakdowns; delays due to accidents, crewing strikes, certain vessel detentions or similar problems; or our failure to maintain the vessel in compliance with its specifications and contractual standards or to provide the required crew.

Liquefied Gas Segment

LNG Carriers

The LNG carriers in our liquefied gas segment compete in the LNG market. LNG carriers are usually chartered to carry LNG pursuant to time-charter contracts, where a vessel is hired for a fixed period of time and the charter rate is payable to the owner on a monthly basis. LNG shipping historically has been transacted with long-term, fixed-rate time-charter contracts. LNG projects require significant capital expenditures and typically involve an integrated chain of dedicated facilities and cooperative activities. Accordingly, the overall success of an LNG project depends heavily on long-range planning and coordination of project activities, including marine transportation. Most shipping requirements for new LNG projects continue to be provided on a long-term basis, though the levels of spot voyages (typically consisting of a single voyage), short-term time-charters and medium-term time-charters have grown in the past few years.

In the LNG market, we compete principally with other private and state-controlled energy and utilities companies that generally operate captive fleets, and independent ship owners and operators. Many major energy companies compete directly with independent owners by transporting LNG for third parties in addition to their own LNG. Given the complex, long-term nature of LNG projects, major energy companies historically have transported LNG through their captive fleets. However, independent fleet operators have been obtaining an increasing percentage of charters for new or expanded LNG projects as some major energy companies have continued to divest non-core businesses.

LNG carriers transport LNG internationally between liquefaction facilities and import terminals. After natural gas is transported by pipeline from production fields to a liquefaction facility, it is supercooled to a temperature of approximately negative 260 degrees Fahrenheit. This process reduces its volume to approximately 1/600 th of its volume in a gaseous state. The reduced volume facilitates economical storage and transportation by ship over long distances, enabling countries with limited natural gas reserves or limited access to long-distance transmission pipelines to import natural gas. LNG carriers include a sophisticated containment system that holds the LNG and provides insulation to reduce the amount of LNG that boils off naturally. The natural boil off is either used as fuel to power the engines on the ship or it can be reliquefied and put back into the tanks. LNG is transported overseas in specially built tanks on double-hulled ships to a receiving terminal, where it is offloaded and stored in insulated tanks. In regasification facilities at the receiving terminal, the LNG is returned to its gaseous state (or regasified ) and then shipped by pipeline for distribution to natural gas customers.

With the exception of the Arctic Spirit and Polar Spirit, which are the only two ships in the world that utilize the Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries Self Supporting Prismatic Tank IMO Type B (or IHI SPB ) independent tank technology, our fleet makes use of one of the Gaz Transport and Technigaz (or GTT ) membrane containment systems. The GTT membrane systems are used in the majority of LNG tankers now being constructed. New LNG carriers generally have an expected lifespan of approximately 35 to 40 years. Unlike the oil tanker industry, there are currently no regulations that require the phase-out from trading of LNG carriers after they reach a certain age. As at December 31, 2015, our LNG carriers had an average age of approximately nine years, compared to the world LNG carrier fleet average age of approximately 11 years. In addition, as at that date, there were approximately 413 vessels in the world LNG fleet and approximately 157 additional LNG carriers under construction or on order for delivery through 2019.

 

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The following table provides additional information about our LNG carriers as of December 31, 2015, excluding our 21 newbuildings scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2020 in which our ownership interest ranges from 20% to 100% (one LNG carrier newbuilding was delivered in February 2016):

 

                                                                                                                                      

Vessel

   Capacity      Delivery      Our Ownership    

Charterer

  

Expiration of
Charter
(1)

     (cubic meters)                         

Operating LNG carriers:

  

    

Consolidated

             

Hispania Spirit

     137,814        2002        100   Shell Spain LNG S.A.U.    Sep. 2022 (2)

Catalunya Spirit

     135,423        2003        100   Gas Natural SDG    Aug. 2023 (2)

Galicia Spirit

     137,814        2004        100   Uniòn Fenosa Gas    Jun. 2029 (3)

Madrid Spirit

     135,423        2004        100   Shell Spain LNG S.A.U.    Dec. 2024 (2)

Al Marrouna

     149,539        2006        70  

Ras Laffan Liquefied

Natural Gas Company Ltd.

   Oct. 2026 (4)

Al Areesh

     148,786        2007        70  

Ras Laffan Liquefied

Natural Gas Company Ltd.

   Jan. 2027 (4)

Al Daayen

     148,853        2007        70  

Ras Laffan Liquefied

Natural Gas Company Ltd.

   Apr. 2027 (4)

Tangguh Hiri

     151,885        2008        69  

The Tangguh Production

Sharing Contractors

   Jan. 2029

Tangguh Sago

     155,000        2009        69  

The Tangguh Production

Sharing Contractors

   May 2029

Arctic Spirit

     87,305        1993        99   Teekay Corporation    Apr. 2018 (4)

Polar Spirit

     87,305        1993        99   Teekay Corporation    Apr. 2018 (4)

Wilforce

     155,900        2013        99   Awilco LNG ASA    Sep. 2018 (5)

Wilpride

     155,900        2013        99   Awilco LNG ASA    Nov. 2017 (5)

Equity Accounted

  

    

Al Huwaila

     214,176        2008        40 % (7)    

Ras Laffan Liquefied

Natural Gas Company Ltd.

   Apr. 2033 (2)

Al Kharsaah

     214,198        2008        40 % (7)    

Ras Laffan Liquefied

Natural Gas Company Ltd.

   Apr. 2033 (2)

Al Shamal

     213,536        2008        40 % (7)    

Ras Laffan Liquefied

Natural Gas Company Ltd.

   May 2033 (2)

Al Khuwair

     213,101        2008        40 % (7)    

Ras Laffan Liquefied

Natural Gas Company Ltd.

   Jun. 2033 (2)

Excelsior

     138,087        2005        50 % (8)     Excelerate Energy LP    Jan. 2025 (2)

Excalibur

     138,034        2002        49 % (8)     Excelerate Energy LP    Mar. 2022

Soyo

     160,400        2011        33 % (9)     Angola LNG Supply Services LLC    Aug. 2031 (2)

Malanje

     160,400        2011        33 % (9)     Angola LNG Supply Services LLC    Sep. 2031 (2)

Lobito

     160,400        2011        33 % (9)     Angola LNG Supply Services LLC    Oct. 2031 (2)

Cubal

     160,400        2012        33 % (9)     Angola LNG Supply Services LLC    Jan. 2032 (2)

Meridian Spirit

     165,700        2010        52 % (10)     Total E&P Norge AS Mansel Limited    Nov. 2030 (6)

Magellan Spirit

     165,700        2009        52 % (10)    

Australia Pacific LNG Processing

PTY Limited

   Apr. 2016 (11)

Marib Spirit

     165,500        2008        52 % (10)     Yemen LNG Company Limited    Mar. 2029 (6)

Arwa Spirit

     165,500        2008        52 % (10)     Yemen LNG Company Limited    Apr. 2029 (6)

Methane Spirit

     165,500        2008        52 % (10)    

Australia Pacific LNG Processing

PTY Limited

   Apr. 2016 (12)

Woodside Donaldson

     165,500        2009        52 % (10)     Pluto LNG Party Limited    Jun. 2026 (13)
  

 

 

            
     4,553,079             
  

 

 

            

 

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(1)

Each of our time-charters are subject to certain termination and purchase provisions.

(2)

The charterer has two options to extend the term for an additional five years each.

(3)

The charterer has one option to extend the term for an additional five years.

(4)

The charterer has three options to extend the term for an additional five years each.

(5)

The charterer has an option to extend the term for one additional year and at the end of the charter period the charterer has an obligation to repurchase each vessel at a fixed price.

(6)

The charterer has three options to extend the term for one, five and five additional years, respectively.

(7)

The RasGas 3 LNG Carriers are accounted for under the equity method.

(8)

The Exmar LNG Carriers are accounted for under the equity method.

(9)

The Angola LNG Carriers are accounted for under the equity method.

(10)

The MALT LNG Carriers are accounted for under the equity method.

(11)

The charterer has two options to extend the term for an additional 60 days each.

(12)

The charterer has two options to extend the term for 90 days and 60 days, respectively.

(13)

The charterer has four options to extend the term for an additional five years each.

The following table presents the percentage of our consolidated voyage revenues from LNG customers that accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated voyage revenues during 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  

Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Ltd.

     18     17     17

Shell Spain LNG S.A.U. (1)

     12     13     13

The Tangguh Production Sharing Contractors

     11     11     12

 

(1)

Shell Spain LNG S.A.U. acquired the charter contracts from Repsol YPF, S.A in March 2014. The voyage revenues in 2014 consisted of the voyage revenues from both customers relating to the same charter contract; voyage revenues in 2013 were only from Repsol YPF, S.A.

No other LNG customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated voyage revenues during any of these periods. The loss of any significant customer or a substantial decline in the amount of services requested by a significant customer could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

LPG Carriers

LPG shipping involves the transportation of three main categories of cargo: liquid petroleum gases, including propane, butane and ethane; petrochemical gases including ethylene, propylene and butadiene; and ammonia.

As of December 31, 2015, our LPG carriers had an average age of approximately nine years, compared to the world LPG carrier fleet average age of approximately 16 years. As of that date, the worldwide LPG tanker fleet consisted of approximately 1,341 vessels and approximately 207 additional LPG vessels were on order for delivery through 2018. LPG carriers range in size from approximately 100 to approximately 86,000 cubic meters. Approximately 50% of the number of vessels in the worldwide fleet are less than 5,000 cubic meters in size. New LPG carriers generally have an expected lifespan of approximately 30 to 35 years .

LPG carriers are mainly chartered to carry LPG on time-charters, contracts of affreightment or spot voyage charters. The two largest consumers of LPG are residential users and the petrochemical industry. Residential users, particularly in developing regions where electricity and gas pipelines are not developed, do not have fuel switching alternatives and generally are not LPG price sensitive. The petrochemical industry, however, has the ability to switch between LPG and other feedstock fuels depending on price and availability of alternatives.

 

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The following table provides additional information about our LPG carriers as of December 31, 2015, excluding our 50% ownership interest in seven newbuildings scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2018 (one LPG carrier newbuilding was delivered in February 2016):

 

Vessel

   Capacity      Delivery     

Ownership

  

Contract Type

  

Charterer

  

Expiration of
Charter

     (cubic meters)                             

Operating LPG carriers:

                 

Consolidated

                 

Norgas Pan

     10,000        2009      99%    Bareboat    I.M. Skaguen SE    Mar. 2024

Norgas Cathinka

     10,000        2009      99%    Bareboat    I.M. Skaguen SE    Oct. 2024

Norgas Camilla

     10,000        2011      99%    Bareboat    I.M. Skaguen SE    Sep. 2026

Norgas Unikum

     12,000        2011      99%    Bareboat    I.M. Skaguen SE    Jun. 2026

Bahrain Vision

     12,000        2011      99%    Bareboat    I.M. Skaguen SE    Oct. 2026

Norgas Napa

     10,200        2003      99%    Bareboat    I.M. Skaguen SE    Nov. 2019

Equity Accounted

                 

Brugge Venture

     35,418        1997      50%    Time charter    An international fertilizer company    Jan. 2016

Temse

     12,030        1995     

50% –

Capital lease

   Time charter    An international fertilizer company    Feb. 2017

Libramont

     38,455        2006      50%    Time charter    An international fertilizer company    Jun. 2026

Sombeke

     38,447        2006      50%    Time charter    An international fertilizer company    Jul. 2027

Touraine

     39,270        1996      50%    Time charter    An international fertilizer company    Dec. 2016

Bastogne

     35,229        2002      50%    CoA (1)    North Sea charters    Oct. 2016

Courcheville

     28,006        1989      50%    Time charter    An international energy company    Feb. 2016

Eupen

     38,961        1999      50%    Time charter    An international energy company    Jun. 2016

Brussels

     35,454        1997     

50% –

Capital lease

   Time charter    An international fertilizer company    Dec. 2017

Antwerpen

     35,223        2005      50% – In-chartered    CoA (1)    North Sea charters    Sep. 2016

BW Tokyo

     83,270        2009      50% – In-chartered    Time charter    An international energy company    Jun. 2016

Waregem

     38,189        2014      50%    Time charter    An international trading company    Jan. 2020

Warinsart

     38,213        2014      50%    Time charter    An international energy company    Jun. 2016

Waasmunster

     38,245        2014      50%    CoA (1)    North Sea charters    Sep. 2016

Warisoulx

     38,000        2015      50%    Time charter    An international trading company    Jun. 2018

Kaprijke

     38,000        2015      50%    Time charter    An international fertilizer company    Feb. 2026
  

 

 

                
     674,610                 
  

 

 

                

 

(1)

“CoA” refers to contracts of affreightment.

No LPG customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated voyage revenues during any of 2015, 2014 or 2013.

 

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Conventional Tanker Segment

Oil has been the world’s primary energy source for decades. Seaborne crude oil transportation is a mature industry. The two main types of oil tanker operators are major oil companies (including state-owned companies) that generally operate captive fleets, and independent operators that charter out their vessels for voyage or time-charter use. Most conventional oil tankers controlled by independent fleet operators are hired for one or a few voyages at a time at fluctuating market rates based on the existing tanker supply and demand. These charter rates are extremely sensitive to this balance of supply and demand, and small changes in tanker utilization have historically led to relatively large short-term rate changes. Long-term, fixed-rate charters for crude oil transportation, such as those applicable to our conventional tanker fleet, are less typical in the industry. As used in this discussion, “conventional” oil tankers exclude those vessels that can carry dry bulk and ore, tankers that currently are used for storage purposes and shuttle tankers that are designed to transport oil from offshore production platforms to onshore storage and refinery facilities.

Oil tanker demand is a function of several factors, primarily the locations of oil production, refining and consumption and world oil demand and supply, while oil tanker supply is primarily a function of new vessel deliveries, vessel scrapping and the conversion or loss of tonnage.

The majority of crude oil tankers range in size from approximately 80,000 dwt to approximately 320,000 dwt. Suezmax tankers, which typically range from 120,000 dwt to 200,000 dwt, are the mid-size of the various primary oil tanker types. As of December 31, 2015, the world tanker fleet included 454 conventional Suezmax tankers, representing approximately 15% of worldwide oil tanker capacity, excluding tankers under 10,000 dwt.

As of December 31, 2015, our conventional tankers had an average age of approximately ten years, which is consistent with the average age for the world conventional tanker fleet. New conventional tankers generally have an expected lifespan of approximately 25 to 30 years, based on estimated hull fatigue life.

The following table provides additional information about our conventional oil tankers as of December 31, 2015:

 

                                                                     

Tanker (1)

   Capacity      Delivery     

Our Ownership

  

Charterer

  

Expiration of
Charter

     (dwt)                        

Operating Conventional tankers:

              

Teide Spirit

     149,999        2004     

100% – Capital

lease  (2)

   CEPSA    Oct. 2017 (3)

Toledo Spirit

     159,342        2005     

100% – Capital

lease  (2)

   CEPSA    Jul. 2018 (3)

European Spirit

     151,849        2003      100%    ConocoPhillips Shipping LLC    Sep. 2016 (4)

African Spirit

     151,736        2003      100%    ConocoPhillips Shipping LLC    Nov. 2016 (4)

Asian Spirit

     151,693        2004      100%    ConocoPhillips Shipping LLC    Jan. 2017 (4)

Bermuda Spirit

     159,000        2009      100%    Centrofin Management Inc.    Apr 2016 (5)

Hamilton Spirit

     159,000        2009      100%    Centrofin Management Inc.    May 2016 (5)

Alexander Spirit

     40,083        2007      100%    Caltex Australian Petroleum Pty Ltd.    Sep. 2019
  

 

 

             
     1,122,702              
  

 

 

             

 

(1)

The conventional tankers listed in the table are all Suezmax tankers, with the exception of the Alexander Spirit, which is a Handymax tanker.

(2)

We are the lessee under a capital lease arrangement and may be required to purchase the vessel after the end of the lease terms for a fixed price. Please read “Item 18 - Financial Statements: Note 5 – Leases and Restricted Cash.”

(3)

Compania Espanole de Petroleos, S.A. (or CEPSA ) has the right to terminate the time-charter 13 years after the original delivery date without penalty. The expiration date presented in the table assumes the termination at the end of year 13 of the charter contract; however, if the charterer does not exercise its annual termination rights, from the end of year 13 onwards, the charter contract could extend to 20 years after the original delivery date.

(4)

The term of the time-charter is 12 years from the original delivery date, which may be extended at the customer’s option for up to an additional six years. In addition, the customer has the right to terminate the time-charter upon notice and payment of a cancellation fee. Either party also may require the sale of the vessel to a third party at any time, subject to the other party’s right of first refusal to purchase the vessel.

(5)

Centrofin, the charterer for both the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit Suezmax tankers, exercised its option to purchase both the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit in February and March 2016, respectively. We redelivered the Bermuda Spirit to Centrofin in April 2016 and expect to redeliver the Hamilton Spirit to Centrofin in May 2016.

CEPSA accounted for 6%, 7% and 12% of our 2015, 2014 and 2013 consolidated voyage revenues, respectively. No other conventional tanker customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated voyage revenues during any of these periods. The loss of any significant customer or a substantial decline in the amount of services requested by a significant customer could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Business Strategies

Our primary long-term business objective is to increase distributable cash flow per unit. However, we believe there is currently a dislocation in the energy and master limited partnership capital markets relative to the stability of our businesses. Based on upcoming capital requirements for our committed growth projects and scheduled debt repayment obligations, coupled with uncertainty regarding how long it will take for these capital markets to normalize, we believe it is in the best interests of our common unitholders to conserve more of our internally generated cash flows to fund these projects and to reduce debt levels. As a result, we have temporarily reduced our quarterly distributions on our common units and our near-term business strategy is primarily to focus on funding and implementing existing growth projects and repaying or refinancing scheduled debt obligations, rather than pursuing additional growth projects. Despite significant weakness in the global energy and capital markets, our operating cash flows remain largely stable and growing, supported by a large and well-diversified portfolio of fee-based contracts with high-quality counterparties.

 

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We intend to achieve our long-term business objective, as stated above, by executing the following strategies:

 

   

Expand our LNG and LPG business globally . We seek to capitalize on opportunities emerging from the global expansion of the LNG and LPG sectors by selectively targeting:

 

   

projects which involve medium-to long-term, fixed-rate charters;

 

   

cost-effective LNG and LPG newbuilding contracts;

 

   

joint ventures and partnerships with companies that may provide increased access to opportunities in attractive LNG and LPG importing and exporting geographic regions;

 

   

strategic vessel and business acquisitions; and

 

   

specialized projects in adjacent areas of the business, including floating storage and regasification units (or FSRUs ).

 

   

Provide superior customer service by maintaining high reliability, safety, environmental and quality standards. LNG and LPG project operators seek LNG and LPG transportation partners that have a reputation for high reliability, safety, environmental and quality standards. We seek to leverage our own and Teekay Corporation’s operational expertise to create a sustainable competitive advantage with consistent delivery of superior customer service.

 

   

Manage our conventional tanker fleet to provide stable cash flows. The remaining terms for our existing long-term conventional tanker charters are one to six years. We believe the fixed-rate time-charters for our tanker fleet provide us stable cash flows during their terms and a source of funding for expanding our LNG and LPG operations. Depending on prevailing market conditions during and at the end of each existing charter, we may seek to extend the charter, enter into a new charter, operate the vessel on the spot market or sell the vessel, in an effort to maximize returns on our conventional tanker fleet while managing residual risk.

Safety, Management of Ship Operations and Administration

Teekay Corporation, through its subsidiaries, assists us in managing our ship operations, other than the vessels owned or chartered-in by our joint ventures with Exmar, which are commercially and technically managed by Exmar, and two of the Angola LNG Carriers, which are commercially and technically managed by NYK Energy Transport (Atlantic) Ltd. Safety and environmental compliance are our top operational priorities. We operate our vessels in a manner intended to protect the safety and health of the employees, the general public and the environment. We seek to manage the risks inherent in our business and are committed to eliminating incidents that threaten the safety and integrity of our vessels, such as groundings, fires, collisions and petroleum spills. In 2007, Teekay Corporation introduced a behavior-based safety program called “Safety in Action” to further enhance the safety culture in our fleet. We are also committed to reducing our emissions and waste generation. In 2008, Teekay Corporation introduced the Quality Assurance and Training Officers (or QATO ) program to conduct rigorous internal audits of our processes and provide the seafarers with onboard training. In 2010, Teekay Corporation introduced the “Operational Leadership” campaign to reinforce commitment to personal and operational safety.

Teekay Corporation has achieved certification under the standards reflected in International Standards Organization’s (or ISO ) 9001 for Quality Assurance, ISO 14001 for Environment Management Systems, Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Services 18001 for Occupational Health and Safety, and the IMO’s International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention (or ISM Code ) on a fully integrated basis. As part of Teekay Corporation’s compliance with the ISM Code, all of our vessels’ safety management certificates are maintained through ongoing internal audits performed by our certified internal auditors and intermediate external audits performed by the classification society Det Norske Veritas. Subject to satisfactory completion of these internal and external audits, certification is valid for five years.

We have established key performance indicators to facilitate regular monitoring of our operational performance. We set targets on an annual basis to drive continuous improvement, and we review performance indicators quarterly to determine if remedial action is necessary to reach our targets.

In addition to our operational experience, Teekay Corporation’s in-house global shore staff performs, through its subsidiaries, the full range of technical, commercial and business development services for our LNG and LPG operations. This staff also provides administrative support to our operations in finance, accounting and human resources. We believe this arrangement affords a safe, efficient and cost-effective operation.

Critical ship management functions undertaken by subsidiaries of Teekay Corporation are:

 

   

vessel maintenance;

 

   

crewing;

 

   

purchasing;

 

   

shipyard supervision;

 

   

insurance; and

 

   

financial management services.

These functions are supported by onboard and onshore systems for maintenance, inventory, purchasing and budget management.

 

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In addition, Teekay Corporation’s day-to-day focus on cost control is applied to our operations. In 2003, Teekay Corporation and two other shipping companies established a purchasing cooperation agreement called the TBW Alliance, which leverages the purchasing power of the combined fleets, mainly in such commodity areas as marine lubricants, coatings and chemicals and gases. Through our arrangements with Teekay Corporation, we benefit from this purchasing alliance.

We believe that the generally uniform design of some of our existing and newbuilding vessels and the adoption of common equipment standards provide operational efficiencies, including with respect to crew training and vessel management, equipment operation and repair, and spare parts ordering.

Risk of Loss, Insurance and Risk Management

The operation of any ocean-going vessel carries an inherent risk of catastrophic marine disasters, death or injury of persons and property losses caused by adverse weather conditions, mechanical failures, human error, war, terrorism, piracy and other circumstances or events. In addition, the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, LNG and LPG is subject to the risk of spills and to business interruptions due to political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities, labor strikes, sanctions and boycotts. The occurrence of any of these events may result in loss of revenues or increased costs.

We carry hull and machinery (marine and war risks) and protection and indemnity insurance coverage to protect against most of the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business. Hull and machinery insurance covers loss of or damage to a vessel due to marine perils such as collision, grounding and weather. Protection and indemnity insurance indemnifies us against liabilities incurred while operating vessels, including injury to our crew or third parties, cargo loss and pollution. The current maximum amount of our coverage for pollution is $1 billion per vessel per incident. We also carry insurance policies covering war risks (including piracy and terrorism) and, for some of our LNG carriers, loss of revenues resulting from vessel off-hire time due to a marine casualty. We believe that our current insurance coverage is adequate to protect against most of the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business and that we maintain appropriate levels of environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage. However, we cannot guarantee that all covered risks are adequately insured against, that any particular claim will be paid or that we will be able to procure adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates in the future. More stringent environmental regulations have resulted in increased costs for, and may result in the lack of availability of, insurance against risks of environmental damage or pollution.

In our operations, we use Teekay Corporation’s thorough risk management program that includes, among other things, risk analysis tools, maintenance and assessment programs, a seafarers competence training program, seafarers workshops and membership in emergency response organizations. We believe that we benefit from Teekay Corporation’s commitment to safety and environmental protection because certain of its subsidiaries assist us in managing our vessel operations.

Flag, Classification, Audits and Inspections

Our vessels are registered with reputable flag states, and the hull and machinery of all of our vessels have been “Classed” by one of the major classification societies and members of International Association of Classification Societies Ltd. (or IACS ): BV, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, the American Bureau of Shipping or DNV GL.

The applicable classification society certifies that the vessel’s design and build conforms to the applicable Class rules and meets the requirements of the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and the international conventions to which that country is a signatory. The classification society also verifies throughout the vessel’s life that it continues to be maintained in accordance with those rules. In order to validate this, the vessels are surveyed by the classification society, in accordance to the classification society rules, which in the case of our vessels follows a comprehensive five-year special survey cycle, renewed every fifth year. During each five-year period the vessel undergoes annual and intermediate surveys, the scrutiny and intensity of which is primarily dictated by the age of the vessel. As our vessels are modern and we have enhanced the resiliency of the underwater coatings of each vessel hull and marked the hull to facilitate underwater inspections by divers, their underwater areas are inspected in a dry-dock at five-year intervals. In-water inspection is carried out during the second or third annual inspection (i.e. during an Intermediate Survey).

In addition to class surveys, the vessel’s flag state also verifies the condition of the vessel during annual flag state inspections, either independently or by additional authorization to class. Also, port state authorities of a vessel’s port of call are authorized under international conventions to undertake regular and spot checks of vessels visiting their jurisdiction.

Processes followed onboard are audited by either the flag state or classification society acting on behalf of the flag state to ensure that they meet the requirements of the ISM Code. We also follow an internal process of internal audits undertaken annually at each office and vessel.

We follow a comprehensive inspections regime supported by our sea staff, shore-based operational and technical specialists and members of our QATO program. We carry out a minimum of two such inspections annually, which helps ensure us that:

 

   

our vessels and operations adhere to our operating standards;

 

   

the structural integrity of the vessel is being maintained;

 

   

machinery and equipment is being maintained to give reliable service;

 

   

we are optimizing performance in terms of speed and fuel consumption; and

 

   

our vessel’s appearance supports our brand and meets customer expectations.

Our customers also often carry out vetting inspections under the Ship Inspection Report Program, which is a significant safety initiative introduced by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum to specifically address concerns about sub-standard vessels. The inspection results permit charterers to screen a vessel to ensure that it meets their general and specific risk-based shipping requirements.

 

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We believe that the heightened environmental and quality concerns of insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers will generally lead to greater scrutiny, inspection and safety requirements on all vessels in the oil tanker, LNG and LPG carrier markets and will accelerate the scrapping or phasing out of older vessels throughout these markets.

Overall we believe that our relatively new, well-maintained and high-quality vessels provide us with a competitive advantage in the current environment of increasing regulation and customer emphasis on quality of service.

C. Regulations

General

Our business and the operation of our vessels are significantly affected by international conventions and national, state and local laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate, as well as in the country or countries of their registration. Because these conventions, laws and regulations change frequently, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance or their impact on the resale price or useful life of our vessels. Additional conventions, laws, and regulations may be adopted that could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business and that may materially affect our operations. We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our operations. Subject to the discussion below and to the fact that the kinds of permits, licenses and certificates required for the operations of the vessels we own will depend on a number of factors, we believe that we will be able to continue to obtain all permits, licenses and certificates material to the conduct of our operations.

International Maritime Organization (or IMO)

The IMO is the United Nations’ agency for maritime safety and prevention of pollution. IMO regulations relating to pollution prevention for oil tankers have been adopted by many of the jurisdictions in which our tanker fleet operates. Under IMO regulations and subject to limited exceptions, a tanker must be of double-hull construction in accordance with the requirements set out in these regulations, or be of another approved design ensuring the same level of protection against oil pollution. All of our tankers are double hulled.

Many countries, but not the United States, have ratified and follow the liability regime adopted by the IMO and set out in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969, as amended (or CLC ). Under this convention, a vessel’s registered owner is strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil (e.g. crude oil, fuel oil, heavy diesel oil or lubricating oil), subject to certain defenses. The right to limit liability to specified amounts that are periodically revised is forfeited under the CLC when the spill is caused by the owner’s actual fault or when the spill is caused by the owner’s intentional or reckless conduct. Vessels trading to contracting states must provide evidence of insurance covering the limited liability of the owner. In jurisdictions where the CLC has not been adopted, various legislative regimes or common law governs, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or in a manner similar to the CLC.

IMO regulations also include the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (or SOLAS ), including amendments to SOLAS implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (or ISPS ), the ISM Code, the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, and, specifically with respect to LNG and LPG carriers, the International Code for Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (the IGC Code ). SOLAS provides rules for the construction of and the equipment required for commercial vessels and includes regulations for their safe operation. Flag states which have ratified the convention and the treaty generally employ the classification societies, which have incorporated SOLAS requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance.

SOLAS and other IMO regulations concerning safety, including those relating to treaties on training of shipboard personnel, lifesaving appliances, radio equipment and the global maritime distress and safety system, are applicable to our operations. Non-compliance with IMO regulations, including SOLAS, the ISM Code, ISPS and the IGC Code, may subject us to increased liability or penalties, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to or detention in some ports. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports. The ISM Code requires vessel operators to obtain a safety management certification for each vessel they manage, evidencing the ship owner’s development and maintenance of an extensive safety management system. Each of the existing vessels in our fleet is currently ISM Code-certified, and we expect to obtain safety management certificates for each newbuilding vessel upon delivery.

LNG and LPG carriers are also subject to regulation under the IGC Code. Each LNG and LPG carrier must obtain a certificate of compliance evidencing that it meets the requirements of the IGC Code, including requirements relating to its design and construction. Each of our LNG and LPG carriers is currently IGC Code certified. A revised and updated IGC Code, to take account of advances in science and technology, was adopted by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (or MSC ) on May 22, 2014. It entered into force on January 1, 2016 with an implementation/application date of July 1, 2016.

Annex VI of the IMO’s International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (or MARPOL ) (or Annex VI ) sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits emissions of ozone depleting substances, emissions of volatile compounds from cargo tanks and the incineration of specific substances. Annex VI also includes a world-wide cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions.

The IMO has issued guidance regarding protecting against acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia. We comply with these guidelines.

In addition, the IMO has proposed (by the adoption in 2004 of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (or the Ballast Water Convention ) that all tankers of the size we operate that were built starting in 2012 contain ballast water treatment systems, and that all other similarly sized tankers install ballast water treatment systems, to comply with the ballast water performance standard specified in the Ballast Water Convention. This convention has not yet entered into force, but when it becomes effective, we estimate that the installation of ballast water treatment systems on our tankers may cost between $2 million and $3 million per vessel.

 

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The IMO has also developed and adopted an International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters ( or Polar Code ) which deals with matters regarding the design, construction, equipment, operation, search and rescue and environmental protection in relation to ships operating in waters surrounding the two poles. The Polar Code includes both safety and environmental provisions and will be mandatory, with the safety provisions becoming part of SOLAS and the environmental provisions becoming part of MARPOL. In November 2014 the IMO’s MSC adopted the Polar Code and the related amendments to SOLAS in relation to safety, while in May 2015 the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (or MEPC ) adopted the environmental provisions of the Polar Code and associated amendments to MARPOL. The Polar Code is to enter into force on January 1, 2017.

European Union (or EU)

Like the IMO, the EU has adopted regulations for phasing out single-hull tankers. All of our tankers are double-hulled. On May 17, 2011, the European commission carried out a number of unannounced inspections at the offices of some of the world’s largest container line operators starting an antitrust investigation. We are not directly affected by this investigation and believe that we are compliant with antitrust rules. Nevertheless, it is possible that the investigation could be widened and new companies and practices come under scrutiny within the EU.

The EU has also adopted legislation (Directive 2009/16/EC on Port State Control as subsequently amended) that: bans from European waters manifestly sub-standard vessels (defined as vessels that have been detained twice by EU port authorities, in the preceding two years); creates obligations on the part of EU member port states to inspect minimum percentages of vessels using these ports annually; provides for increased surveillance of vessels posing a high risk to maritime safety or the marine environment; and provides the EU with greater authority and control over classification societies, including the ability to seek to suspend or revoke the authority of negligent societies (Directive 2009/15/EC as amended by Directive 2014/111/EU of December 17, 2014). Two new regulations were introduced by the European Commission in September 2010, as part of the implementation of the Port State Control Directive. These came into force on January 1, 2011 and introduce a ranking system (published on a public website and updated daily) displaying shipping companies operating in the EU with the worst safety records. The ranking is judged upon the results of the technical inspections carried out on the vessels owned be a particular shipping company. Those shipping companies that have the most positive safety records are rewarded by subjecting them to fewer inspections, whilst those with the most safety shortcomings or technical failings recorded upon inspection will in turn be subject to a greater frequency of official inspections to their vessels.

The EU has, by way of Directive 2005/35/EC, which has been amended by Directive 2009/123/EC created a legal framework for imposing criminal penalties in the event of discharges of oil and other noxious substances from ships sailing in its waters, irrespective of their flag. This relates to discharges of oil or other noxious substances from vessels. Minor discharges shall not automatically be considered as offences, except where repetition leads to deterioration in the quality of the water. The persons responsible may be subject to criminal penalties if they have acted with intent, recklessly or with serious negligence and the act of inciting, aiding and abetting a person to discharge a polluting substance may also lead to criminal penalties.

The EU has adopted a Directive requiring the use of low sulfur fuel. Since January 1, 2015, vessels have been required to burn fuel with sulfur content not exceeding 0.1% while within EU member states’ territorial seas, exclusive economic zones and pollution control zones that are included in SOX Emission Control Areas. Other jurisdictions have also adopted regulations requiring the use of low sulfur fuel. Since January 1, 2014, the California Air Resources Board has required vessels to burn fuel with 0.1% sulfur content or less within 24 nautical miles of California. China also established emission control areas in the Pearl River Delta, the Yangtze River Delta and the Bohai Bay rim area with restrictions, commencing on January 1, 2016, in the maximum sulfur content of the fuel to be used by vessels within those areas, and which limits become progressively stricter over time.

IMO regulations require that, as of January 1, 2015, all vessels operating within Emissions Control Areas (or ECAs ) worldwide recognized under MARPOL Annex VI must comply with 0.1% sulfur requirements. Currently, the only grade of fuel meeting this low sulfur content requirement is low sulfur marine gas oil (or LSMGO) . Since January 1, 2015, the applicable sulfur content limits in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the English Channel sulfur control areas have been 0.1%. Other established ECAs under Annex VI to MARPOL are the North American ECA and the United States Caribbean Sea ECA. Certain modifications were completed on our Suezmax tankers in order to optimize operation on LSMGO of equipment originally designed to operate on Heavy Fuel Oil (or HFO ), and to ensure our compliance with the EU Directive. In addition, LSMGO is more expensive than HFO and this impacts the costs of operations. However, for vessels employed on fixed-term business, all fuel costs, including any increases, are borne by the charterer.

The EU has recently adopted Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 which imposes rules regarding ship recycling and management of hazardous materials on vessels. The Regulation sets out requirements for the recycling of vessels in an environmentally sound manner at approved recycling facilities, so as to minimize the adverse effects of recycling on human health and the environment. The Regulation also contains rules to control and properly manage hazardous materials on vessels and prohibits or restricts the installation or use of certain hazardous materials on vessels. The Regulation aims at facilitating the ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships adopted by the IMO in 2009 (which has not entered into force). It applies to vessels flying the flag of a Member State. In addition, certain of its provisions also apply to vessels flying the flag of a third country calling at a port or anchorage of a Member State. For example, when calling at a port or anchorage of a Member State, the vessels flying the flag of a third country will be required, amongst other things, to have on board an inventory of hazardous materials which complies with the requirements of the Regulation and to be able to submit to the relevant authorities of that Member State a copy of a statement of compliance issued by the relevant authorities of the country of their flag and verifying the inventory. The Regulation is to apply not earlier than December 31, 2015 and not later than December 31, 2018, although certain of its provisions are applicable from December 31, 2014 and certain others are to apply from December 31, 2020.

United States

The United States has enacted an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills, including discharges of oil cargoes, bunker fuels or lubricants, primarily through the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (or OPA 90 ) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (or CERCLA ). OPA 90 affects all owners, bareboat charterers, and operators whose vessels trade to the United States or its territories or possessions or whose vessels operate in United States waters, which include the U.S. territorial sea and 200-mile exclusive economic zone around the United States. CERCLA applies to the discharge of “hazardous substances” rather than “oil” and imposes strict joint and several liabilities upon the owners, operators or bareboat charterers of vessels for cleanup costs and damages arising from discharges of hazardous substances. We believe that petroleum products, LNG and LPG should not be considered hazardous substances under CERCLA, but additives to oil or lubricants used on LNG or LPG carriers might fall within its scope.

 

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Under OPA 90, vessel owners, operators and bareboat charters are “responsible parties” and are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless the oil spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war and the responsible party reports the incident and reasonably cooperates with the appropriate authorities) for all containment and cleanup costs and other damages arising from discharges or threatened discharges of oil from their vessels. These other damages are defined broadly to include:

 

   

natural resources damages and the related assessment costs;

 

   

real and personal property damages;

 

   

net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees and other lost revenues;

 

   

lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to property or natural resources damage;

 

   

net cost of public services necessitated by a spill response, such as protection from fire, safety or health hazards; and

 

   

loss of subsistence use of natural resources.

OPA 90 limits the liability of responsible parties in an amount it periodically updates. The liability limits do not apply if the incident was proximately caused by violation of applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulations, including IMO conventions to which the United States is a signatory, or by the responsible party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, or if the responsible party fails or refuses to report the incident or to cooperate and assist in connection with the oil removal activities. Liability under CERCLA is also subject to limits unless the incident is caused by gross negligence, willful misconduct or a violation of certain regulations. We currently maintain for each of our vessel’s pollution liability coverage in the maximum coverage amount of $1 billion per incident. A catastrophic spill could exceed the coverage available, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Under OPA 90, with limited exceptions, all newly built or converted tankers delivered after January 1, 1994 and operating in U.S. waters must be double-hulled. All of our tankers are double-hulled.

OPA 90 also requires owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the United States Coast Guard (or Coast Guard ) evidence of financial responsibility in an amount at least equal to the relevant limitation amount for such vessels under the statute. The Coast Guard has implemented regulations requiring that an owner or operator of a fleet of vessels must demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to cover the vessel in the fleet having the greatest maximum limited liability under OPA 90 and CERCLA. Evidence of financial responsibility may be demonstrated by insurance, surety bond, self-insurance, guaranty or an alternate method subject to approval by the Coast Guard. Under the self-insurance provisions, the shipowner or operator must have a net worth and working capital, measured in assets located in the United States against liabilities located anywhere in the world, that exceeds the applicable amount of financial responsibility. We have complied with the Coast Guard regulations by using self-insurance for certain vessels and obtaining financial guaranties from a third party for the remaining vessels. If other vessels in our fleet trade into the United States in the future, we expect to obtain guaranties from third-party insurers.

OPA 90 and CERCLA permit individual U.S. states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil or hazardous substance pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited strict liability for spills. Several coastal states, such as California and Alaska require state-specific evidence of financial responsibility and vessel response plans. We intend to comply with all applicable state regulations in the ports where our vessels call.

Owners or operators of vessels, including tankers operating in U.S. waters are required to file vessel response plans with the Coast Guard, and their tankers are required to operate in compliance with their Coast Guard approved plans. Such response plans must, among other things:

 

   

address a “worst case” scenario and identify and ensure, through contract or other approved means, the availability of necessary private response resources to respond to a “worst case discharge”;

 

   

describe crew training and drills; and

 

   

identify a qualified individual with full authority to implement removal actions.

We have filed vessel response plans with the Coast Guard and have received its approval of such plans. In addition, we conduct regular oil spill response drills in accordance with the guidelines set out in OPA 90. The Coast Guard has announced it intends to propose similar regulations requiring certain vessels to prepare response plans for the release of hazardous substances.

OPA 90 and CERCLA do not preclude claimants from seeking damages resulting from the discharge of oil and hazardous substances under other applicable law, including maritime tort law. Such claims could include attempts to characterize the transportation of LNG or LPG aboard a vessel as an ultra-hazardous activity under a doctrine that would impose strict liability for damages resulting from that activity. The application of this doctrine varies by jurisdiction.

The United States Clean Water Act also prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances in U.S. navigable waters and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for unauthorized discharges. The Clean Water Act imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA 90 and CERCLA discussed above.

Our vessels that discharge certain effluents, including ballast water, in U.S. waters must obtain a Clean Water Act permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA ) titled the “Vessel General Permit” and comply with a range of effluent limitations, best management practices, reporting, inspections and other requirements. The current Vessel General Permit incorporates Coast Guard requirements for ballast water exchange and includes specific technology-based requirements for vessels, and includes an implementation schedule.to require vessels to meet the ballast water effluent limitations by the first drydocking after January 1, 2014 or January 1, 2016, depending on the vessel size. Vessels that are constructed after December 1, 2013 are subject to the ballast water numeric effluent limitations immediately upon the effective date of the 2013 Vessel General Permit. Several U.S. states have added specific requirements to the Vessel General Permit and, in some cases, may require vessels to install ballast water treatment technology to meet biological performance standards.

 

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Greenhouse Gas Regulation

In February 2005, the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (or the Kyoto Protocol ) entered into force. Pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol, adopting countries are required to implement national programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In December 2009, more than 27 nations, including the United States, entered into the Copenhagen Accord. The Copenhagen Accord is non-binding, but is intended to pave the way for a comprehensive, international treaty on climate change. In December 2015 the Paris Agreement (or the Paris Agreement ) was adopted by 195 countries at the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties (commonly known as COP 21, a conference of the countries which are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; the COP is the highest decision-making authority of this organization). The Paris Agreement deals with greenhouse gas emission reduction measures and targets from 2020 in order to limit the global temperature increases above pre-industrial levels to not more than 1.5° Celsius. Although shipping was ultimately not included in the Paris Agreement, it is expected that the adoption of the Paris Agreement may lead to regulatory changes in relation to curbing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. In July 2011, the IMO adopted regulations imposing technical and operational measures for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These new regulations formed a new chapter in Annex VI and became effective on January 1, 2013. The new technical and operational measures include the “Energy Efficiency Design Index,” which is mandatory for newbuilding vessels, and the “Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan,” which is mandatory for all vessels. In addition, the IMO is evaluating various mandatory measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, which may include market-based instruments or a carbon tax. In October 2014, the IMO’s MEPC agreed in principle to develop a system of data collection regarding fuel consumption of ships. Work on the development of such a system continued during 2015. The EU also has indicated that it intends to propose an expansion of an existing EU emissions trading regime to include emissions of greenhouse gases from vessels, and individual countries in the EU may impose additional requirements. The EU recently adopted Regulation (EU) 2015/757 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of CO2 emissions from vessels (or the MRV Regulation ) which entered into force on July 1, 2015. The MRV Regulation is to generally apply to all vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage, irrespective of flag, in respect of CO2 emissions released during intra-EU voyages and EU incoming and outgoing voyages. The first reporting period will commence on January 1, 2018. The monitoring, reporting and verification system adopted by the MRV Regulation may be the precursor to a market-based mechanism to be adopted in the future. In the United States, the EPA issued an “endangerment finding” regarding greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. While this finding in itself does not impose any requirements on our industry, it authorizes the EPA to regulate directly greenhouse gas emissions through a rule-making process. In addition, climate change initiatives are being considered in the United States Congress and by individual states. Any passage of new climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, EU, the United States or other countries or states where we operate that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases could have a significant financial and operational impact on our business that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.

Vessel Security

The ISPS was adopted by the IMO in December 2002 in the wake of heightened concern over worldwide terrorism and became effective on July 1, 2004. The objective of ISPS is to enhance maritime security by detecting security threats to ships and ports and by requiring the development of security plans and other measures designed to prevent such threats. Each of the existing vessels in our fleet currently complies with the requirements of ISPS and MTSA.

D. Properties

Other than our vessels, we do not have any material property.

E. Organizational Structure

Our sole General Partner is Teekay GP L.L.C., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Teekay Corporation (NYSE: TK). Teekay Corporation also controls its public subsidiaries Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. (NYSE: TOO) and Teekay Tankers Ltd. (NYSE: TNK).

Please read Exhibit 8.1 to this Annual Report for a list of our significant subsidiaries as at December 31, 2015.

 

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

 

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Item 5.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

Teekay LNG Partners L.P. is an international provider of marine transportation services for LNG, LPG and crude oil. Our primary growth strategy focuses on expanding our fleet of LNG and LPG carriers under medium to long-term, fixed-rate charters. In executing our growth strategy, we may engage in vessel or business acquisitions or enter into joint ventures and partnerships with companies that may provide increased access to emerging opportunities from global expansion of the LNG and LPG sectors. We seek to leverage the expertise, relationships and reputation of Teekay Corporation and its affiliates to pursue these opportunities in the LNG and LPG sectors and may consider other opportunities to which our competitive strengths are well suited. Although we may acquire additional crude oil tankers from time to time, we view our conventional tanker fleet primarily as a source of stable cash flow as we continue to expand our LNG and LPG operations.

Global natural gas and crude oil prices have significantly declined since mid-2014. A continuation of lower natural gas or oil prices or a further decline in natural gas or oil prices may adversely affect investment in the exploration for or development of new or existing natural gas reserves or projects and limit our growth opportunities, as well as reduce our revenues upon entering into replacement or new charter contracts. In addition, lower oil prices may negatively affect both the competitiveness of natural gas as a fuel for power generation and the market price of natural gas, to the extent that natural gas prices are benchmarked to the price of crude oil. These changes may impact our ability to charter our two LNG carriers under construction that have no charter contracts yet or the daily hire rates we are able to negotiate on any charters we are able to obtain for these two vessels. In addition, these changes may also impact our ability to access public debt and equity markets, which in turn may result in us having to obtain more expensive sources of financing for our committed capital expenditures.

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN 2015 AND EARLY 2016

Charter Contracts for two Suezmax Tankers

During February and March 2016, Centrofin, the charterer for both the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit Suezmax tankers, exercised its option to purchase both the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit as permitted under the charter agreement. As a result of Centrofin’s acquisition of the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit , we expect to record a loss from the sale of these vessels and expected termination of the charter agreements in 2016 of approximately $14 million per vessel. The Bermuda Spirit was sold on April 15, 2016 and the Hamilton Spirit is expected to be sold in May 2016.

Bahrain Project

On December 2, 2015, a consortium composed of Samsung, GIC and us agreed with the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain (or Kingdom ) for the development of an LNG receiving and regasification terminal in Bahrain. The project, to be developed on a BOOT (build, own, operate, transfer) basis, will be located in the Hidd Industrial area of Bahrain and will help the Kingdom meet its increasing demand for gas supplies to satisfy its industrial and urban development. The LNG receiving and regasification terminal will be owned and operated through the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture.

The project will include a floating storage unit (or FSU ), an offshore LNG receiving jetty and breakwater, an adjacent regasification platform, subsea gas pipelines from the platform to shore, an onshore gas receiving facility, and an onshore nitrogen production facility. The project is expected to have a capacity of 800 million standard cubic feet per day and will be owned and operated under a 20-year agreement which is expected to commence in 2018. The terminal project, excluding the FSU but including project management and development, financing and other costs, is expected to cost approximately $872 million, which is expected to be funded by the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture through a combination of equity capital and project-level debt through a consortium of regional and international banks.

We will supply the FSU vessel by using one of our previously unchartered MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings, which will be modified specifically for this project, and we will charter this FSU to the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture for a period of 20 years commencing in 2018.

LNG Newbuildings

In June 2015, we ordered two LNG carrier newbuildings from Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (or HHI ), of which one of the LNG carrier newbuildings will be chartered out to BP Shipping Limited (or BP ) at fixed rates for a period of 13 years. As discussed above, the Bahrain project will include a FSU, which will be modified from one of our existing MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings. In total, we have 11 wholly-owned LNG carrier newbuildings on order as of December 31, 2015, and on February 18, 2016, we took delivery of the first of the 11 MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings on order, which commenced its five-year charter contract with a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy, Inc. on February 29, 2016. The remaining 10 wholly-owned LNC carrier newbuildings on order are scheduled for delivery between mid-2016 and early 2019; we have time-charter contracts for all but two of the remaining 10 ordered newbuildings. In addition to our wholly-owned LNG carrier newbuildings, we have a 20% interest in two LNG carrier newbuildings and a 30% interest in another two LNG carrier newbuildings (or the BG Joint Venture ) scheduled for delivery between 2017 and 2019 and six LNG carrier newbuildings relating to our 50% owned joint venture with China LNG Shipping (Holdings) Limited (or the Yamal LNG Joint Venture ) scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2020.

Equity Offerings

During 2015, we sold a total of 1,173,428 common units of which 160,000 units were from 2014 transactions which settled in 2015 under our continuous offering program for net proceeds of $35.4 million (including our General Partner’s 2% proportionate capital contribution and net of offering costs). We used the proceeds for general partnership purposes, including funding newbuilding installments.

 

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Bond Issuance

In May 2015, we issued, in the Norwegian bond market, NOK 1,000 million in senior unsecured bonds that mature in May 2020. The aggregate principal amount of the bonds was equivalent to $134.0 million and all interest and principal payments have been swapped into U.S. Dollars at a fixed interest rate of 5.92%. We used the net proceeds from the bond offering for general partnership purposes, including the funding of newbuilding installments. The bonds are listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.

Charter Contracts for MALT LNG Carriers

In January 2015, the Magellan Spirit , one of the six MALT LNG Carriers in our joint venture with Marubeni Corporation (or the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture ) in which we have a 52% ownership interest, had a grounding incident. The vessel was subsequently refloated and returned to service. We expect the cost of such refloating and related costs associated with the grounding to be covered by insurance, less an applicable deductible. The charterer has claimed that the vessel was off-hire for more than 30 consecutive days during the first quarter of 2015, which in the view of the charterer, permitted the charterer to terminate the charter contract, which it did in late-March 2015. The Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture has disputed both the charterer’s aggregate off-hire claims as well as the charterer’s ability to terminate the charter contract, which originally would have expired in September 2016. The Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture has obtained legal assistance in seeking to resolve this dispute. The impact in future periods from this incident will depend upon our ability to re-charter the vessel and the resolution of this dispute. The charter contract of another MALT LNG Carrier, the Methane Spirit , expired in March 2015 as scheduled. The Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture secured some short-term employment for the Magellan Spirit and Methane Spirit during the second and third quarters of 2015. In October 2015, both the Magellan Spirit and the Methane Spirit commenced charter contracts for a period of six months plus two extension options ranging from two to three months at significantly lower charter rates than their previous contracts. The Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture continues to seek medium-term to long-term employment for both vessels.

The Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture is a party to a loan facility for four of its LNG carriers, including the Magellan Spirit that had the grounding incident in January 2015. We have guaranteed our 52% share of the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture’s obligations under this facility. The loan facility contains mandatory prepayment provisions upon early termination of a charter and requires the borrower to maintain a specific debt service coverage ratio. In June 2015, the lenders waived the mandatory prepayment provision in relation to the Magellan Spirit and the debt service coverage ratio covenant for the loan facility. Both waivers are for the remaining term of the facility. In return, the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture funded an earnings account, which is collateral for the loan facility, with $7.5 million and prepaid $30.0 million of the loan facility, both in September 2015. These amounts were funded by us and Marubeni Corporation based on our respective ownership percentages.

Two of the MALT LNG Carriers, the Marib Spirit and Arwa Spirit , are currently under long-term contracts expiring in 2029 with YLNG, a consortium led by Total SA. Due to the political situation in Yemen, YLNG decided to temporarily close down its operations of its LNG plant in Yemen in 2015. As a result, in December 2015, the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture agreed to a temporary deferral of a portion of the charter payments for the two LNG carriers for the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. Upon future resumption of the LNG plant in Yemen, it is presumed that YLNG will repay the deferred amounts in full plus interest thereon over a period of time to be agreed upon. Our proportionate share of the estimated impact in 2016 would be a reduction to equity income of approximately $18 million.

Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts

We use a variety of financial and operational terms and concepts when analyzing our performance. These include the following:

Voyage Revenues . Voyage revenues currently include revenues from charters accounted for under operating and direct financing leases. Voyage revenues are affected by hire rates and the number of calendar-ship-days a vessel operates. Voyage revenues are also affected by the mix of business between time and voyage charters. Hire rates for voyage charters are more volatile, as they are typically tied to prevailing market rates at the time of a voyage.

Voyage Expenses . Voyage expenses are all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including any bunker fuel expenses, port fees, cargo loading and unloading expenses, canal tolls, agency fees and commissions. Voyage expenses are typically paid by the customer under charters and by us under voyage charters.

Net Voyage Revenues . Net voyage revenues represent voyage revenues less voyage expenses. Because the amount of voyage expenses we incur for a particular charter depends upon the type of the charter, we use net voyage revenues to improve the comparability between periods of reported revenues that are generated by the different types of charters. We principally use net voyage revenues, a non-GAAP financial measure, because it provides more meaningful information to us about the deployment of our vessels and their performance than voyage revenues, the most directly comparable financial measure under GAAP.

Vessel Operating Expenses . Under all types of charters and contracts for our vessels, except for bareboat charters, we are responsible for vessel operating expenses, which include crewing, ship management services, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses. The two largest components of our vessel operating expenses are crew costs and repairs and maintenance. We expect these expenses to increase as our fleet matures and to the extent that it expands.

Income from Vessel Operations . To assist us in evaluating our operations by segment, we analyze the income we receive from each segment after deducting operating expenses, but prior to the inclusion or deduction of equity income, interest expense, taxes, foreign currency and derivative gains or losses and other income. For more information, please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 4 – Segment Reporting.”

Dry docking . We must periodically dry dock each of our vessels for inspection, repairs and maintenance and any modifications required to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. Generally, we dry dock each of our vessels every two and a half to five years, depending upon the type of vessel and its age. In addition, a shipping society classification intermediate survey is performed on our LNG carriers between the second and third year of a five-year dry-docking period. We capitalize a substantial portion of the costs incurred during dry docking and for the survey, and amortize those costs on a straight-line basis from the completion of a dry docking or intermediate survey over the estimated useful life of the dry dock. We expense as incurred costs for routine repairs and maintenance performed during dry docking or intermediate survey that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the assets. The number of dry dockings undertaken in a given period and the nature of the work performed determine the level of dry-docking expenditures.

 

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Depreciation and Amortization . Our depreciation and amortization expense typically consists of the following three components:

 

   

charges related to the depreciation of the historical cost of our fleet (less an estimated residual value) over the estimated useful lives of our vessels;

 

   

charges related to the amortization of dry-docking expenditures over the useful life of the dry dock; and

 

   

charges related to the amortization of the fair value of the time-charters acquired in a 2004 acquisition of LNG carriers (over the expected remaining terms of the charters).

Revenue Days . Revenue days are the total number of calendar days our vessels were in our possession during a period less the total number of off-hire days during the period associated with major repairs, dry dockings or special or intermediate surveys. Consequently, revenue days represents the total number of days available for the vessel to earn revenue. Idle days, which are days when the vessel is available to earn revenue, yet is not employed, are included in revenue days. We use revenue days to explain changes in our net voyage revenues between periods.

Calendar-Ship-Days . Calendar-ship-days are equal to the total number of calendar days that our vessels were in our possession during a period. As a result, we use calendar-ship-days primarily in explaining changes in vessel operating expenses and depreciation and amortization.

Utilization . Utilization is an indicator of the use of our fleet during a given period, and is determined by dividing our revenue days by our calendar-ship-days for the period.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Items You Should Consider When Evaluating Our Results of Operations

Some factors that have affected our historical financial performance and may affect our future performance are listed below:

 

   

The amount and timing of dry docking of our vessels can significantly affect our revenues between periods.   Our vessels are off-hire at various times due to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we had 69, 140 and 135 of scheduled off-hire days, respectively, relating to the dry docking of our vessels which are consolidated for accounting purposes. In addition, certain of our consolidated vessels had unplanned off-hire of 14 days in 2015, 26 days in 2014 and none in 2013 relating to repairs and work stoppage. The financial impact from these periods of off-hire, if material, is explained in further detail below.

 

   

The size of our fleet changes . Our historical results of operations reflect changes in the size and composition of our fleet due to certain vessel deliveries and sales. Please read “Liquefied Gas Segment” and “Conventional Tanker Segment” below and “Significant Developments in 2015 and Early 2016” above for further details about certain prior and future vessel deliveries and sales.

 

   

Vessel operating and other costs are facing industry-wide cost pressures . The shipping industry continues to experience a global manpower shortage of qualified seafarers in certain sectors due to growth in the world fleet and competition for qualified personnel. Going forward, there may be significant increases in crew compensation as vessel and officer supply dynamics continue to change. In addition, factors such as pressure on commodity and raw material prices, as well as changes in regulatory requirements could also contribute to operating expenditure increases. We continue to take action aimed at improving operational efficiencies, and to temper the effect of inflationary and other price escalations; however increases to operational costs are still likely to occur in the future.

 

   

Our financial results are affected by fluctuations in the fair value of our derivative instruments. The change in fair value of our derivative instruments is included in our net income as the majority of our derivative instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. These changes may fluctuate significantly as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and spot tanker rates fluctuate relating to our interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, cross currency swaps and to the agreement we have with Teekay Corporation relating to the time charter contract for the Toledo Spirit Suezmax tanker. Please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 12c – Related Party Transactions” and “Note 13 – Derivative Instruments.” The unrealized gains or losses relating to changes in fair value of our derivative instruments do not impact our cash flows.

 

   

Our financial results are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Under GAAP, all foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities (including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, unearned revenue, advances from affiliates, and long-term debt) are revalued and reported based on the prevailing exchange rate at the end of the period. These foreign currency translations fluctuate based on the strength of the U.S. Dollar relative mainly to the Euro and NOK and are included in our results of operations. The translation of all foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities at each reporting date results in unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses but do not impact our cash flows.

 

   

Three of our Suezmax tankers and one of our LPG carriers earned revenues based partly on spot market rates. The time-charter contract for one of our Suezmax tankers, the Teide Spirit, and one of our LPG carriers, the Norgas Napa, contain a component providing for additional revenue to us beyond the fixed-hire rate when spot market rates exceed certain threshold amounts. The time-charter contracts for the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit Suezmax tankers were amended in the fourth quarter of 2012 for a period of 24 months, which ended on September 30, 2014, and during this period these charters contained a component providing for additional revenues to us beyond the fixed-hire rate when spot market rates exceed certain threshold amounts. Accordingly, even though declining spot market rates would not result in our receiving less than the fixed-hire rate, our results of operations and cash flow from operations would be influenced by the variable component of the charters in periods where the spot market rates exceed the threshold amounts.

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2015 versus Year Ended December 31, 2014

Liquefied Gas Segment

As at December 31, 2015, our liquefied gas segment fleet, including newbuildings, included 50 LNG carriers and 29 LPG/Multigas carriers, in which our interests ranged from 20% to 100%. However, the table below only includes 13 LNG carriers and six LPG/Multigas carriers. The table excludes 11 LNG carrier newbuildings under construction and the following vessels accounted for under the equity method: (i) the six MALT LNG Carriers, (ii) the four Angola LNG Carriers, (iii) the four RasGas 3 LNG Carriers, (iv) four LNG carrier newbuildings relating to the BG Joint Venture, (v) six LNG carrier newbuildings relating to the Yamal LNG Joint Venture, (vi) the two Exmar LNG Carriers and (vii) the 16 Exmar LPG Carriers and seven LPG carrier newbuildings relating to our joint venture with Exmar. The comparison of the results from vessels accounted for under the equity method are described below under Other Operating Results – Equity Income.

The following table compares our liquefied gas segment’s operating results for 2015 and 2014, and compares its net voyage revenues (which is a non-GAAP financial measure) for 2015 and 2014, to voyage revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The following table also provides a summary of the changes in calendar-ship-days and revenue days for our liquefied gas segment:

 

                                         
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except revenue days,    Year Ended December 31,     % Change  
calendar-ship-days and percentages)    2015     2014    

Voyage revenues

     305,056        307,426        (0.8

Voyage recoveries (expenses)

     203        (1,768     (111.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net voyage revenues

     305,259        305,658        (0.1

Vessel operating expenses

     (63,344     (59,087     7.2   

Depreciation and amortization

     (71,323     (71,711     (0.5

General and administrative expenses (1)

     (19,392     (17,992     7.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     151,200        156,868        (3.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Data:

      

Revenue Days (A)

     6,888        6,534        5.4   

Calendar-Ship-Days (B)

     6,935        6,619        4.8   

Utilization (A)/(B)

     99.3     98.7  

 

(1)

Includes direct general and administrative expenses and indirect general and administrative expenses (allocated to each segment based on estimated use of resources).

Our liquefied gas segment’s total calendar-ship-days increased by 5% to 6,935 days in 2015 from 6,619 days in 2014, as a result of the acquisition and delivery of the Norgas Napa on November 13, 2014.

During 2015, the Polar Spirit was off-hire for 47 days for a scheduled dry docking, compared to the Galicia Spirit, Madrid Spirit and Polar Spirit being off-hire for 28, 24 and 6 days, respectively, for scheduled dry dockings and an in-water survey in 2014.

Net Voyage Revenues . Net voyage revenues decreased during 2015 compared to 2014, primarily as a result of:

 

   

a decrease of $10.6 million due to the effect on our Euro-denominated revenues from the depreciation of the Euro against the U.S. Dollar compared to 2014;

 

   

a decrease of $2.4 million due to the Polar Spirit being off-hire for 47 days in 2015 for a scheduled dry docking, partially offset by the Polar Spirit being off-hire for six days in 2014 for a scheduled in-water survey and a further eight days of unscheduled off-hire in 2014 for repairs;

 

   

a decrease of $1.2 million due to operating expense flow-through adjustments under our charter provisions for the Tangguh Hiri and Tangguh Sago relating to timing of main engine overhauls (however, we had a corresponding decrease in vessel operating expenses);

 

   

a decrease of $0.7 million due to a performance claim on the Madrid Spirit in 2015;

partially offset by:

 

   

an increase of $4.8 million relating to amortization of in-process contracts recognized into revenue with respect to our shipbuilding and site supervision contract associated with the four LNG newbuilding carriers in the BG Joint Venture (however, we had a corresponding increase in vessel operating expenses);

 

   

an increase of $3.2 million as a result of the acquisition and delivery of the Norgas Napa in November 2014;

 

   

an increase of $2.6 million due to the Galicia Spirit being off-hire for 28 days in 2014 for a scheduled dry docking;

 

   

an increase of $2.4 million relating to 18 days of unscheduled off-hire in 2014 due to repairs required for one of our LNG carriers; and

 

   

an increase of $1.9 million due to the Madrid Spirit being off-hire for 24 days in 2014 for a scheduled dry docking.

 

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Vessel Operating Expenses . Vessel operating expenses increased during 2015 compared to 2014, primarily as a result of:

 

   

an increase of $4.8 million in relation to our agreement to provide shipbuilding and site supervision costs associated with the four LNG newbuilding carriers in the BG Joint Venture;

 

   

an increase of $1.6 million in ship management fees for our LNG carriers compared to 2014; and

 

   

an increase of $0.6 million relating to costs to train our crew for two LNG carrier newbuildings that are expected to deliver in the first half of 2016;

partially offset by:

 

   

a decrease of $1.3 million in crew wages due to favorable foreign exchange impacts on crew wages denominated in foreign currencies relating to certain of our LNG carriers; and

 

   

a decrease of $1.2 million as a result of timing of main engine overhauls on the Tangguh Hiri and Tangguh Sago.

Conventional Tanker Segment

As at December 31, 2015, our fleet included seven Suezmax-class double-hulled conventional crude oil tankers and one Handymax product tanker, six of which we own and two of which we lease under capital leases. All of our conventional tankers operate under fixed-rate charters. The Bermuda Spirit’s and Hamilton Spirit’s time-charter contracts were amended in the fourth quarter of 2012 to reduce the daily hire rate on each by $12,000 per day through September 30, 2014. However, during this renegotiated period, Suezmax tanker spot rates exceeded the renegotiated charter rate, and the charterer paid us the excess amount up to a maximum of the original charter rate, as specified in the amended charter contracts. The impact of the change in hire rates is not fully reflected in the table below as the change in the lease payments is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

In addition, CEPSA, the charterer and owner of our conventional vessels under capital lease, sold the Algeciras Spirit in February 2014 and the Huelva Spirit in August 2014, and on redelivery of the vessels to CEPSA, the charter contracts with us were terminated. Upon sale of the vessels, we were not required to pay the balance of the capital lease obligations, as the vessels under capital lease were returned to the owner and the capital lease obligations were concurrently extinguished. When the vessels were sold to a third party, we were subject to seafarer severance related costs.

The following table compares our conventional tanker segment’s operating results for 2015 and 2014, and compares its net voyage revenues (which is a non-GAAP financial measure) for 2015 and 2014 to voyage revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The following table also provides a summary of the changes in calendar-ship-days and revenue days for our conventional tanker segment:

 

                                            
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except revenue days,    Year Ended December 31,     % Change  
calendar-ship-days and percentages)    2015     2014    

Voyage revenues

     92,935        95,502        (2.7

Voyage expenses

     (1,349     (1,553     (13.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net voyage revenues

     91,586        93,949        (2.5

Vessel operating expenses

     (30,757     (36,721     (16.2

Depreciation and amortization

     (20,930     (22,416     (6.6

General and administrative expenses (1)

     (5,726     (5,868     (2.4

Restructuring charges

     (4,001     (1,989     101.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     30,172        26,955        11.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Data:

      

Revenue Days (A)

     2,884        3,121        (7.6

Calendar-Ship-Days (B)

     2,920        3,202        (8.8

Utilization (A)/(B)

     98.8     97.5  

 

(1)

Includes direct general and administrative expenses and indirect general and administrative expenses (allocated to each segment based on estimated use of corporate resources).

Our conventional segment’s total calendar-ship-days decreased by 9% to 2,920 days in 2015 from 3,202 days in 2014, as a result of the sales of the Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit in February 2014 and August 2014, respectively.

During 2015, the Toledo Spirit was off-hire for 22 days for a scheduled dry docking, compared to the Bermuda Spirit , Hamilton Spirit and Teide Spirit being off-hire for 27, 24 and 31 days, respectively, for scheduled dry dockings in 2014.

Net Voyage Revenues . Net voyage revenues decreased during 2015 compared to 2014, primarily as a result of:

 

   

a decrease of $7.9 million due to the sales of the Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit in February 2014 and August 2014, respectively;

 

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a decrease of $3.0 million due to higher revenues recognized in the same periods last year by the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit relating to an agreement between us and the charterer that ended in September 2014, which resulted in us recognizing additional revenues in 2014 when Suezmax tanker spot rates exceeded a certain amount;

 

   

a decrease of $1.0 million in flow-through operating expenses due to the change in crew nationality on board the Alexander Spirit in September 2015 (however, we had a corresponding decrease in vessel operating expenses);

 

   

a decrease of $0.9 million due to the Alexander Spirit being off-hire for 12 days in the third quarter of 2015 due to a crew work stoppage and as a result of the depreciation of the Australian Dollar (AUD) against the U.S. Dollar compared to 2014, affecting our AUD-denominated revenues;

 

   

a decrease of $0.6 million due to the Toledo Spirit being off-hire for 22 days for a scheduled dry docking in 2015; and

 

   

a decrease of $0.6 million due to lower revenues from the European Spirit and Asian Spirit upon the charterer exercising its one-year option in September and November 2015, respectively, with the option rate being lower than the original charter rate;

partially offset by:

 

   

an increase of $4.0 million due to our recovery during 2015 of crew restructuring charges from the charterer of the Alexander Spirit , who had requested we change the crew nationality on board the vessel, which resulted in seafarer severance payments (however, as we had a corresponding increase in our restructuring charges, this increase in revenue did not affect our cash flow or net income);

 

   

an increase of $3.7 million due to higher revenues earned by the Teide Spirit in 2015 relating to the agreement between us and CEPSA;

 

   

an increase of $2.6 million due to higher revenues earned by the Toledo Spirit in 2015 relating to the agreement between us and CEPSA (however, we had a corresponding increase in our realized loss on our associated derivative contract with Teekay Corporation; therefore, this increase and future increases or decreases related to this agreement did not and will not affect our cash flow or net income);

 

   

an increase of $0.9 million due to the Teide Spirit being off-hire for 31 days for a scheduled dry docking in 2014; and

 

   

an increase of $0.7 million due to the Bermuda Spirit being off-hire for 27 days in 2014 and the Hamilton Spirit being off-hire for 24 days in 2014 for scheduled dry dockings.

Vessel Operating Expenses . Vessel operating expenses decreased during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily as a result of:

 

   

a decrease of $3.0 million due to the sales of the Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit in February 2014 and August 2014, respectively;

 

   

a decrease of $1.6 million in crew wages due to favorable foreign exchange impacts on crew wages denominated in foreign currencies; and

 

   

a decrease of $1.0 million in crew wages due to the change in crew nationality on board the Alexander Spirit in September 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization . Depreciation and amortization decreased by $1.5 million during 2015 compared to 2014, as a result of the sales of the Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit in February 2014 and August 2014, respectively.

Restructuring Charges . The restructuring charges of $4.0 million for 2015 related to seafarer severance payments made as a result of the request by the charterer to change the crew nationality on board the Alexander Spirit (however, we had a corresponding increase in our net voyage revenues as the charterer is responsible for all the severance payments; therefore, this increase in restructuring expense did not affect our cash flow or net income). The restructuring charges of $2.0 million for 2014 related to the seafarer severance payments upon CEPSA’s sale of our vessel under capital lease, the Huelva Spirit , on August 12, 2014.

Other Operating Results

General and Administrative Expenses . General and administrative expenses increased to $25.1 million for 2015, from $23.9 million for 2014, primarily due to a greater amount of business development, commercial activities, and legal and tax services provided to us by Teekay Corporation to support our growth, and higher advisory fees incurred to support our business development and commercial activities.

Equity Income. Equity income decreased to $84.2 million for 2015, from $115.5 million for 2014, as set forth in the table below:

 

                                                                                                 
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)    Angola
LNG
Carriers
     Exmar
LNG
Carriers
    Exmar
LPG
Carriers
    MALT
LNG
Carriers
    RasGas 3
LNG
Carriers
     Other     Total
Equity
Income
 

Year ended December 31, 2015

     16,144         9,332        32,733        4,620        21,527         (185     84,171   

Year ended December 31, 2014

     3,472         10,651        44,114        36,805        20,806         (370     115,478   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Difference

     12,672         (1,319     (11,381     (32,185     721         185        (31,307
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The $12.7 million increase for 2015 in our 33% investment in the four Angola LNG Carriers was primarily due to unrealized gains on derivative instruments in 2015 as a result of long-term LIBOR benchmark interest rates increasing for interest rate swaps compared to unrealized losses on derivative instruments last year, and an increase in voyage revenues upon amending the charter contract in the second quarter of 2015 to allow for drydocking and operating costs to pass-through to the charterer, retroactive to the beginning of the charter contract.

The $1.3 million decrease for 2015 in equity income from the two Exmar LNG Carriers, in which we have ownership interests ranging from 49% to 50%, was primarily due to higher interest expense as a result of the completion of the joint venture’s debt refinancing in 2015.

The $11.4 million decrease for 2015 in equity income from our 50% ownership interest in Exmar LPG BVBA were primarily due to the gains on the sales of the Flanders Tenacity , Eeklo and Flanders Harmony , which were sold during the second and third quarters of 2014, a loss on sale of the Temse (formerly Kemira Gas ) in 2015, redelivery of the in-chartered vessel Odin back to its owner in November 2015, and hedge ineffectiveness of interest rate swaps in 2015. These decreases were partially offset by higher contracted charter rates from five LPG carrier newbuildings which delivered from September 2014 to September 2015, net of four disposed of LPG carriers during 2014, and a loss on the sale of the Temse in the first quarter of 2014.

The $32.2 million decrease for 2015 in our 52% investment in the MALT LNG Carriers were primarily due to fewer revenue days compared to 2014 as a result of the disputed termination of the charter contract and unscheduled off-hire days relating to a grounding incident for the Magellan Spirit in the first quarter of 2015, the scheduled expiration of the charter contract for the Methane Spirit in March 2015 and the unscheduled off-hire days relating to the Woodside Donaldson to repair a damaged propulsion motor in January 2015.

The $0.7 million increase for 2015 in our 40% investment in the RasGas 3 LNG Carriers primarily resulted from lower interest expense due to principal repayments made during 2014 and 2015.

Interest Expense . Interest expense decreased to $43.3 million for 2015, from $60.4 million for 2014. Interest expense primarily reflects interest incurred on our long-term debt and capital lease obligations. This decrease was primarily the result of:

 

   

a decrease of $5.1 million due to an increase in capitalized interest as a result of our exercising three newbuildings options with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (or DSME ) in December 2014, and entering into an additional newbuilding agreement with DSME in February 2015 and two additional newbuilding agreements with HHI in June 2015;

 

   

a decrease of $3.6 million due to a lower interest rate on debt facilities and elimination of interest on capital lease obligations relating to our LNG carriers in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture upon debt refinancing and termination of capital lease obligations in December 2014;

 

   

a decrease of $3.1 million relating to accelerated amortization of Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture’s deferred debt issuance cost upon completion of its debt refinancing in December 2014;

 

   

a decrease of $2.6 million due to lower interest on capital lease obligations associated with the sales of the Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit conventional tankers in February 2014 and August 2014, respectively;

 

   

a decrease $2.6 million relating to capitalized interest on the advances we made to the Yamal LNG Joint Venture in July 2014 to fund our proportionate share of the joint venture’s newbuilding installments; and

 

   

a decrease of $1.7 million due to the impact of a decrease in EURIBOR and depreciation of the Euro against the U.S. Dollar on our Euro-denominated debt facilities;

partially offset by:

 

   

an increase of $0.8 million relating to a new debt facility used to fund the delivery of the Wilpride in April 2014.

Realized and Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments . Net realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments decreased to $20.0 million for 2015, from $44.7 million for 2014 as set forth in the table below.

 

                                                                                                                                   
     Year Ended
December 31, 2015
    Year Ended
December 31, 2014
 
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)    Realized
gains
(losses)
    Unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Total     Realized
gains
(losses)
    Unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Total  

Interest rate swap agreements

     (28,968     14,768        (14,200     (39,406     4,204        (35,202

Interest rate swaption agreements

     —          (783     (783     —          —          —     

Interest rate swap agreements termination

     —          —          —          (2,319     —          (2,319

Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative

     (3,429     (1,610     (5,039     (861     (6,300     (7,161
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (32,397     12,375        (20,022     (42,586     (2,096     (44,682
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had interest rate swap and interest rate swaption agreements with aggregate average net outstanding notional amounts of approximately $1.6 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, with average fixed rates of 3.3% and 4.1%, respectively. The decrease in realized losses from 2014 to 2015 relating to our interest rate swaps was primarily due to the termination of interest rate swaps in December 2014 that had been held by the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture and higher short-term variable interest rates in 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

 

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During 2015, we recognized unrealized gains on our interest rate swap and swaption agreements associated with our U.S. Dollar-denominated long-term debt. This resulted from transfers of $21.0 million of previously recognized unrealized losses to realized losses related to actual cash settlements of our interest rate swaps, partially offset by $17.1 million of unrealized losses relating to decreases in long-term forward LIBOR benchmark interest rates, relative to the beginning of 2015.

During 2015, we recognized unrealized gains on our interest rate swap agreements associated with our EURO-denominated long-term debt. This resulted from transfers of $7.9 million of previously recognized unrealized losses to realized losses related to actual cash settlements of our interest rate swaps, and $2.2 million of unrealized gains relating to increases in long-term forward EURIBOR benchmark interest rates, relative to the beginning of 2015.

The projected forward average tanker rates in the tanker market increased at December 31, 2015 compared to the beginning of 2015, which resulted in $1.6 million of unrealized losses on our Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative. The Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative is the agreement with Teekay Corporation under which Teekay Corporation pays us any amounts payable to the charterer of the Toledo Spirit as a result of spot rates being below the fixed rate, and we pay Teekay Corporation any amounts payable to us by the charterer of the Toledo Spirit as a result of spot rates being in excess of the fixed rate.

During 2014, we recognized unrealized losses on our interest rate swaps associated with our U.S. Dollar-denominated restricted cash deposits, which were terminated in December 2014. This resulted from transfers of $172.5 million of previously recognized unrealized gains to realized gains related to actual cash settlements of our interest rate swaps, partially offset by $90.0 million of unrealized gains relating to decreases in long-term forward LIBOR benchmark interest rates relative to the beginning of 2014.

During 2014, we recognized unrealized gains on our interest rate swaps associated with our U.S. Dollar-denominated long-term debt and capital leases. This resulted from transfers of $204.9 million of previously recognized unrealized losses to realized losses related to actual cash settlements of our interest rate swaps, partially offset by $104.0 million of unrealized losses relating to decreases in long-term forward LIBOR benchmark interest rates relative to the beginning of 2014.

During 2014, we recognized unrealized losses on our interest rate swap agreements associated with our EURO-denominated long-term debt. This resulted from $23.5 million of unrealized losses relating to decreases in long-term forward EURIBOR benchmark interest rates, relative to the beginning of 2014, partially offset by transfers of $9.3 million of previously recognized unrealized losses to realized losses related to actual cash settlements of our interest rate swaps.

The projected average tanker rates in the tanker market at December 31, 2014 increased compared to the beginning of 2014, which resulted in $6.3 million of unrealized losses on our Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative in 2014.

Please see “Item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects: Critical Accounting Estimates – Valuation of Derivative Instruments,” which explains how our derivative instruments are valued, including the significant factors and uncertainties in determining the estimated fair value and why changes in these factors result in material variances in realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments.

Foreign Currency Exchange Gains and (Losses) . Foreign currency exchange gains were $13.9 million and $28.4 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively. These foreign currency exchange gains, substantially all of which were unrealized, are due primarily to the relevant period-end revaluation of our NOK-denominated debt and our Euro-denominated term loans for financial reporting purposes into U.S. Dollars, net of the realized and unrealized gains and losses on our cross-currency swaps. Gains on NOK-denominated and Euro-denominated monetary liabilities reflect a stronger U.S. Dollar against the NOK and Euro on the date of revaluation or settlement compared to the rate in effect at the beginning of the period. Losses on NOK-denominated and Euro-denominated monetary liabilities reflect a weaker U.S. Dollar against the NOK and Euro on the date of revaluation or settlement compared to the rate in effect at the beginning of the period.

For 2015, foreign currency exchange gains included the revaluation of our Euro-denominated cash, restricted cash and debt of $25.6 million and the revaluation of our NOK-denominated debt of $54.7 million. These gains were partially offset by realized losses of ($7.6) million and unrealized losses of ($57.8) million on our cross currency swaps.

For 2014, foreign currency exchange gains included the revaluation of our Euro-denominated restricted cash and debt resulting in an unrealized gain of $34.3 million and revaluation of our NOK-denominated debt of $48.8 million. These gains were partially offset by realized losses of ($2.2) million and unrealized losses of ($51.8) million on our cross-currency swaps.

Other Income (Expense). Other income increased by $0.7 million for 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to amortization of additional guarantee liabilities in 2015 relating to our guarantees of Exmar LNG Joint Venture’s and Exmar LPG Joint Venture’s debt upon refinancing in 2015.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense decreased to $2.7 million for 2015, from $7.6 million for 2014, primarily as a result of higher income taxes in 2014 from the termination of capital lease obligations and refinancing in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture.

Other Comprehensive Income/(loss) (OCI). OCI decreased to a loss of ($0.6) million for 2015, from a loss of ($1.5) million for 2014, due to lower unrealized losses on the valuation of interest rate swaps accounted for using hedge accounting within the equity accounted Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture, Exmar LNG Joint Venture, and Exmar LPG Joint Venture.

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2014 versus Year Ended December 31, 2013

Liquefied Gas Segment

As at December 31, 2014, our liquefied gas segment fleet, including newbuildings, included 47 LNG carriers and 30 LPG/Multigas carriers, in which our interests ranged from 20% to 100%. However, the table below only includes 13 LNG carriers and six LPG/Multigas carriers. The table excludes eight LNG carrier newbuildings under construction as at December 31, 2014 and the following vessels accounted for under the equity method: (i) the six MALT LNG Carriers, (ii) the four Angola LNG Carriers, (iii) the four RasGas 3 LNG Carriers, (iv) four LNG carrier newbuildings relating to the BG Joint Venture, (v) six LNG carrier newbuildings relating to the Yamal LNG Joint Venture, (vi) the two Exmar LNG Carriers and (vii) the 15 Exmar LPG Carriers and nine LPG carrier newbuildings relating to our joint venture with Exmar. The comparison of the results from vessels accounted for under the equity method are described below under Other Operating Results – Equity Income.

The following table compares our liquefied gas segment’s operating results for 2014 and 2013, and compares its net voyage revenues (which is a non-GAAP financial measure) for 2014 and 2013, to voyage revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The following table also provides a summary of the changes in calendar-ship-days and revenue days for our liquefied gas segment:

 

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except revenue days,    Year Ended December 31,     % Change  
calendar-ship-days and percentages)    2014     2013    

Voyage revenues

     307,426        285,694        7.6   

Voyage expenses

     (1,768     (407     334.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net voyage revenues

     305,658        285,287        7.1   

Vessel operating expenses

     (59,087     (55,459     6.5   

Depreciation and amortization

     (71,711     (71,485     0.3   

General and administrative expenses (1)

     (17,992     (13,913     29.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     156,868        144,430        8.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Data:

      

Revenue Days (A)

     6,534        5,919        10.4   

Calendar-Ship-Days (B)

     6,619        5,981        10.7   

Utilization (A)/(B)

     98.7     99.0  

 

(1)

Includes direct general and administrative expenses and indirect general and administrative expenses (allocated to each segment based on estimated use of resources).

Our liquefied gas segment’s total calendar-ship-days increased by 11% to 6,619 days in 2014 from 5,981 days in 2013, as a result of the acquisition and delivery of two LNG carriers from Awilco (or the Awilco LNG Carriers ), the Wilforce and Wilpride , on September 16, 2013 and November 28, 2013, respectively, and the acquisition and delivery of the Norgas Napa on November 13, 2014.

During 2014, the Galicia Spirit, Madrid Spirit and Polar Spirit were off-hire for 28, 24 and 6 days, respectively, for scheduled dry dockings and an in-water survey, compared to the Arctic Spirit and Catalunya Spirit being off-hire for 41 and 21 days, respectively, for scheduled dry dockings in 2013.

Net Voyage Revenues . Net voyage revenues increased during 2014 compared to 2013, primarily as a result of:

 

   

an increase of $20.7 million as a result of the acquisition and delivery of the Awilco LNG Carriers in September 2013 and November 2013;

 

   

an increase of $3.2 million due to the Arctic Spirit being off-hire for 41 days in the first quarter of 2013 for a scheduled dry docking;

 

   

an increase of $2.1 million due to the Catalunya Spirit being off-hire for 21 days in the second quarter of 2013 for a scheduled dry docking;

 

   

an increase of $0.9 million due to the effect on our Euro-denominated revenues from the strengthening of the Euro against the U.S. Dollar compared to 2013;

 

   

an increase of $0.8 million relating to amortization of in-process contracts recognized into revenue with respect to our shipbuilding and site supervision contract associated with the four LNG carrier newbuildings in the BG Joint Venture (however, we had a corresponding increase in operating expenses); and

 

   

an increase of $0.5 million as a result of the acquisition and delivery of the Norgas Napa on November 13, 2014;

partially offset by:

 

   

a decrease of $2.6 million due to the Galicia Spirit being off-hire for 28 days in the first quarter of 2014 for a scheduled dry docking;

 

   

a decrease of $2.4 million relating to 18 days of unscheduled off-hire in the first quarter of 2014 due to repairs required for one of our LNG carriers;

 

   

a decrease of $2.1 million due to the Madrid Spirit being off-hire for 24 days in the third quarter of 2014 for a scheduled dry docking;

 

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a decrease of $0.7 million due to the Polar Spirit being off-hire for six days in the fourth quarter of 2014 for a scheduled in-water survey and a further eight days of unscheduled off-hire in the fourth quarter of 2014 for repairs; and

 

   

a decrease of $0.6 million due to operating expense and dry-docking recovery adjustments under our charter provisions for the Tangguh Hiri and Tangguh Sago .

Vessel Operating Expenses . Vessel operating expenses increased during 2014 compared to 2013, primarily as a result of:

 

   

an increase of $1.6 million relating to costs to train our crew for two LNG carrier newbuildings that are expected to deliver in the first half of 2016;

 

   

an increase of $0.9 million as a result of higher manning costs due to wage increases relating to certain of our LNG carriers; and

 

   

an increase of $0.8 million in relation to our agreement to provide shipbuilding and site supervision costs associated with the four LNG carrier newbuildings in the BG Joint Venture.

Conventional Tanker Segment

As at December 31, 2014, our fleet included seven Suezmax-class double-hulled conventional crude oil tankers and one Handymax product tanker, six of which we own and two of which we lease under capital leases. All of our conventional tankers operate under fixed-rate charters. The Bermuda Spirit’s and Hamilton Spirit’s time-charter contracts were amended in the fourth quarter of 2012 to reduce the daily hire rate on each by $12,000 per day through September 30, 2014. However, during this renegotiated period, Suezmax tanker spot rates exceeded the renegotiated charter rate, and the charterer paid us the excess amount up to a maximum of the original charter rate. The impact of the change in hire rates is not fully reflected in the table below as the change in the lease payments is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

In addition, CEPSA, the charterer and owner of our conventional vessels under capital lease, sold the Tenerife Spirit in December 2013, the Algeciras Spirit in February 2014 and the Huelva Spirit in August 2014, and on redelivery of the vessels to CEPSA, the charter contracts with us were terminated. Upon sale of the vessels, we were not required to pay the balance of the capital lease obligations, as the vessels under capital lease were returned to the owner and the capital lease obligations were concurrently extinguished. When the vessels were sold to a third party, we were subject to seafarer severance related costs.

The following table compares our conventional tanker segment’s operating results for 2014 and 2013, and compares its net voyage revenues (which is a non-GAAP financial measure) for 2014 and 2013 to voyage revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. The following table also provides a summary of the changes in calendar-ship-days and revenue days for our conventional tanker segment:

 

                                            
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except revenue days,    Year Ended December 31,     % Change  
calendar-ship-days and percentages)    2014     2013    

Voyage revenues

     95,502        113,582        (15.9

Voyage expenses

     (1,553     (2,450     (36.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net voyage revenues

     93,949        111,132        (15.5

Vessel operating expenses

     (36,721     (44,490     (17.5

Depreciation and amortization

     (22,416     (26,399     (15.1

General and administrative expenses (1)

     (5,868     (6,531     (10.2

Restructuring charges

     (1,989     (1,786     11.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     26,955        31,926        (15.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Data:

      

Revenue Days (A)

     3,121        3,921        (20.4

Calendar-Ship-Days (B)

     3,202        3,994        (19.8

Utilization (A)/(B)

     97.5     98.2  

 

(1)

Includes direct general and administrative expenses and indirect general and administrative expenses (allocated to each segment based on estimated use of corporate resources).

Net Voyage Revenues . Net voyage revenues decreased during 2014 compared to 2013, primarily as a result of:

 

   

a decrease of $23.1 million due to the sales of the Tenerife Spirit , Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit in December 2013, February 2014 and August 2014, respectively;

 

   

a decrease of $1.1 million due to the Teide Spirit being off-hire for 31 days for a scheduled dry docking in 2014; and

 

   

a decrease of $0.7 million due to the Bermuda Spirit being off-hire for 27 days in 2014 and the Hamilton Spirit being off-hire for 24 days in 2014 for scheduled dry dockings;

 

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partially offset by:

 

   

an increase of $2.7 million due to off-hire of the European Spirit , Asian Spirit and African Spirit for 25, 22 and 27 days, respectively, in 2013 for scheduled dry dockings;

 

   

an increase of $2.6 million due to higher revenues earned by the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit relating to the agreement between us and the charterer as Suezmax tanker spot rates exceeded the renegotiated charter rate, therefore the additional revenues received were greater during 2014 as compared to last year; and

 

   

an increase of $2.4 million due to higher revenues earned by the Toledo Spirit in 2014 relating to the agreement between us and CEPSA (however, we had a corresponding increase in our realized loss on our associated derivative contract with Teekay Corporation; therefore, this increase and future increases or decreases related to this agreement did not and will not affect our cash flow or net income).

Vessel Operating Expenses . Vessel operating expenses decreased by $7.8 million during 2014 compared to 2013 primarily as a result of the sales of the Tenerife Spirit , Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit in December 2013, February 2014 and August 2014, respectively.

Depreciation and Amortization . Depreciation and amortization decreased by $4.0 million during 2014 compared to 2013, as a result of the sales of the Tenerife Spirit , Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit in December 2013, February 2014 and August 2014, respectively.

Restructuring Charge . Restructuring charge of $2.0 million and $1.8 million for 2014 and 2013, respectively, were related to the seafarer severance payments upon CEPSA selling our vessels under capital lease, the Tenerife Spirit , Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit, between December 2013 and August 2014.

Other Operating Results

General and Administrative Expenses . General and administrative expenses increased to $23.9 million for 2014, from $20.4 million for 2013, primarily due to a greater amount of business development, legal and tax services provided to us by Teekay Corporation to support our growth, higher advisory fees incurred to support our business development activities, and legal and tax fees associated with the termination of the capital lease obligations in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture.

Equity Income. Equity income decreased to $115.5 million for 2014, from $123.3 million for 2013, as set forth in the table below:

 

                                                                                                                             
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)    Angola
LNG
Carriers
    Exmar
LNG
Carriers
     Exmar
LPG
Carriers
     MALT
LNG
Carriers
    RasGas 3
LNG
Carriers
    Other     Total
Equity
Income
 

Year ended December 31, 2014

     3,472        10,651         44,114         36,805        20,806        (370     115,478   

Year ended December 31, 2013

     29,178        10,650         17,415         43,428        22,611        —          123,282   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Difference

     (25,706     1         26,699         (6,623     (1,805     (370     (7,804
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The $25.7 million decrease for 2014 in our 33% investment in the four Angola LNG Carriers was primarily due to $23.6 million of unrealized losses on derivative instruments in 2014 as a result of long-term LIBOR benchmark interest rates decreasing for interest rate swaps maturing in 2023 and 2024, compared to unrealized gains on derivative instruments in the same period last year, and an increase in vessel operating expenses relating to vessel main engine overhauls in 2014.

The $26.7 million increase for 2014 in our 50% ownership interest in Exmar LPG BVBA was primarily due to our 50% acquisition of this joint venture in February 2013, the $16.9 million gain on the sales of the Flanders Tenacity , Eeklo and Flanders Harmony, which were sold during the second and third quarters of 2014, the delivery of three newbuildings, the Waasmunster , Warinsart and Waregem, during the second and third quarters of 2014, and higher revenues as a result of higher Very Large Gas Carrier spot rates earned in 2014; partially offset by the redelivery of Berlian Ekuator back to its owner in January 2014, a loss on the sale of Temse in the first quarter of 2014, and less income generated as a result of the disposals of the Donau (March 2013), Temse, Eeklo, Flanders Tenacity and Flanders Harmony .

The $6.6 million decrease for 2014 in our 52% investment in the MALT LNG Carriers was primarily due to the off-hire of Woodside Donaldson and Magellan Spirit for 34 days and 23 days, respectively, during 2014 for scheduled dry dockings, the off-hire of Woodside Donaldson for seven days in 2014 for motor repairs, an increase in vessel operating expenses due to higher overall repair expenditures in 2014, an increase in interest expenses due to higher interest margins upon completion of debt refinancing within the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture in June and July 2013, and an increase in depreciation expenses due to dry-dock additions in 2014. These decreases were partially offset by the Methane Spirit being off-hire for 28 days for a scheduled dry docking in 2013.

The $1.8 million decrease for 2014 in our 40% investment in the RasGas 3 LNG Carriers primarily resulted from a performance claim provision recorded in 2014 and higher operating expense due to timing of services and crew wage increases, partially offset by lower interest expense due to principal repayments made during 2013 and 2014.

Interest Expense . Interest expense increased to $60.4 million for 2014, from $55.7 million for 2013. Interest expense primarily reflects interest incurred on our long-term debt and capital lease obligations. This increase was primarily the result of:

 

   

an increase of $7.0 million relating to two new debt facilities used to fund the deliveries of the two Awilco LNG Carriers in late-2013;

 

   

an increase of $4.7 million as a result of our Norwegian Kroner bond issuance in September 2013; and

 

   

an increase of $3.0 million relating to accelerated amortization of Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture’s deferred debt issuance cost upon the termination of the leasing of the RasGas II LNG Carriers and related debt refinancing in 2014;

 

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partially offset by:

 

   

a decrease of $5.8 million due to lower interest on capital lease obligations from the Tenerife Spirit , Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit in December 2013, February 2014 and August 2014, respectively;

 

   

a decrease of $2.4 million due to debt repayments during 2013 and 2014 and a decrease in LIBOR for our floating-rate debt; and

 

   

a decrease of $1.7 million due to an increase in capitalized interest expense as a result of a higher number of newbuildings in 2014 compared to 2013.

Realized and Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments . Net realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments increased to $44.7 million for 2014, from $14.0 million for 2013 as set forth in the table below.

 

                                                                                                                                   
     Year Ended     Year Ended  
     December 31, 2014     December 31, 2013  
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)    Realized     Unrealized           Realized     Unrealized         
     gains     gains           gains     gains         
     (losses)     (losses)     Total     (losses)     (losses)      Total  

Interest rate swap agreements

     (39,406     4,204        (35,202     (38,089     18,868         (19,221

Interest rate swap agreements termination

     (2,319     —          (2,319     —          —           —     

Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative

     (861     (6,300     (7,161     1,521        3,700         5,221   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (42,586     (2,096     (44,682     (36,568     22,568         (14,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate average net outstanding notional amount of approximately $1.0 billion and $870.4 million, respectively, with average fixed rates of 4.1% and 4.6%, respectively. The increase in realized losses from 2013 to 2014 relating to our interest rate swaps was primarily due to the addition of six interest rate swaps in 2014, the termination of interest rate swaps in December 2014 formerly held by the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture, and lower short-term variable interest rates in 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

During 2014, we recognized unrealized losses on our interest rate swaps associated with our U.S. Dollar-denominated restricted cash deposits, which were terminated in December 2014. This resulted from transfers of $172.5 million of previously recognized unrealized gains to realized gains related to actual cash settlements of our interest rate swaps, partially offset by $90.0 million of unrealized gains relating to decreases in long-term forward LIBOR benchmark interest rates relative to the beginning of 2014.

During 2014, we recognized unrealized gains on our interest rate swaps associated with our U.S. Dollar-denominated long-term debt and capital leases. This resulted from transfers of $204.9 million of previously recognized unrealized losses to realized losses related to actual cash settlements of our interest rate swaps, partially offset by $104.0 million of unrealized losses relating to decreases in long-term forward LIBOR benchmark interest rates relative to the beginning of 2014.

During 2013, we recognized unrealized losses on our interest rate swaps associated with our U.S. Dollar-denominated restricted cash deposits. This resulted from $63.0 million of unrealized losses relating to increases in long-term forward LIBOR benchmark interest rates, relative to the beginning of 2013, and transfers of $21.7 million of previously recognized unrealized gains to realized gains related to actual cash settlement of our interest rate swaps.

During 2013, we recognized unrealized gains on our interest rate swaps associated with our U.S. Dollar-denominated long-term debt and capital leases. This resulted from $44.0 million of unrealized gains relating to increases in long-term forward LIBOR benchmark interest rates, relative to the beginning of 2013, and transfers of $49.8 million of previously recognized unrealized losses to realized losses related to actual cash settlements of our interest rate swaps.

Long-term forward EURIBOR benchmark interest decreased during 2014 and increased during 2013, which resulted in an unrealized loss of $14.2 million and an unrealized gain of $9.7 million, respectively, from our interest rate swaps associated with our Euro-denominated long-term debt. The projected average tanker rates in the tanker market in 2014 increased compared to 2013, which resulted in $6.3 million of unrealized losses on our Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative in 2014. The projected average tanker rates in 2013 decreased compared to 2012, which resulted in a $3.7 million unrealized gain on our Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative in 2013. The Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative is the agreement with Teekay Corporation under which Teekay Corporation pays us any amounts payable to the charterer of the Toledo Spirit as a result of spot rates being below the fixed rate, and we pay Teekay Corporation any amounts payable to us by the charterer of the Toledo Spirit as a result of spot rates being in excess of the fixed rate.

Please see “Item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects: Critical Accounting Estimates – Valuation of Derivative Instruments,” which explains how our derivative instruments are valued, including the significant factors and uncertainties in determining the estimated fair value and why changes in these factors result in material variances in realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments.

Foreign Currency Exchange Gains and (Losses) . Foreign currency exchange gains and (losses) were $28.4 million and ($15.8) million for 2014 and 2013, respectively. These foreign currency exchange gains and losses, substantially all of which were unrealized, are due primarily to the relevant period-end revaluation of our NOK-denominated debt and our Euro-denominated term loans for financial reporting purposes into U.S. Dollars, net of the realized and unrealized gains and losses on our cross-currency swaps. Losses on NOK-denominated and Euro-denominated monetary liabilities reflect a weaker U.S. Dollar against the NOK and Euro on the date of revaluation or settlement compared to the rate in effect at the beginning of the period. Gains on NOK-denominated and Euro-denominated monetary liabilities reflect a stronger U.S. Dollar against the NOK and Euro on the date of revaluation or settlement compared to the rate in effect at the beginning of the period.

 

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For 2014, foreign currency exchange gains and (losses) include realized losses of ($2.2) million and unrealized losses of ($51.8) million on our cross-currency swaps and unrealized gains of $48.8 million on the revaluation of our NOK-denominated debt. For 2014, foreign currency exchange gains and (losses) also include the revaluation of our Euro-denominated restricted cash and debt resulting in an unrealized gain of $34.3 million.

For 2013, foreign currency exchange gains and (losses) include realized losses of ($0.3) million and unrealized losses of ($15.4) million on our cross-currency swaps and unrealized gains of $12.3 million on the revaluation of our NOK-denominated debt. For 2013, foreign currency exchange gains and (losses) also include the revaluation of our Euro-denominated restricted cash, debt and capital leases resulting in an unrealized loss of ($12.5) million.

Other Income. Other income decreased by $0.6 million for 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to one of our guarantee liabilities being fully amortized in 2013.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased to $7.6 million for 2014, from $5.2 million for 2013, primarily as a result of higher income in 2014 from the termination of capital lease obligations and refinancing in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture.

Other Comprehensive Income/(loss) (OCI). OCI decreased to a loss of ($1.5) million for 2014, from income of $0.1 million for 2013, due to an unrealized loss on the valuation of an interest rate swap which was entered into during 2013 and accounted for using hedge accounting within the equity accounted Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture.

Liquidity and Cash Needs

Our business model is to employ our vessels on fixed-rate contracts primarily with large energy companies and their transportation subsidiaries. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2015, the operating cash flow generated by our vessels each quarter, excluding a reserve for maintenance capital expenditures and debt repayments, was generally paid out to our unitholders and General Partner as cash distributions within approximately 45 days after the end of each quarter. Global crude oil prices have significantly declined since mid-2014. The significant decline in oil prices has also contributed to depressed natural gas prices. Lower oil prices may negatively affect both the competitiveness of natural gas as a fuel for power generation and the market price of natural gas, to the extent that natural gas prices are benchmarked to the price of crude oil. These declines in energy prices, combined with other factors beyond our control, have adversely affected energy and master limited partnership capital markets and available sources of financing. We believe there is currently a dislocation in these markets relative to the stability of our businesses. Based on upcoming capital requirements for our committed growth projects and scheduled debt repayment obligations, coupled with the uncertainty regarding how long it will take for the energy and master limited partnership capital markets to normalize, we believe that it is in the best interests of our unitholders to conserve more of our internally generated cash flows to fund future growth projects and to reduce debt levels. Consequently, effective for the quarterly distribution for the fourth quarter of 2015, we temporarily reduced our quarterly cash distribution per common unit to $0.14 from $0.70. Despite significant weakness in the global energy and capital markets, our operating cash flows remain largely stable and growing, supported by a large and well-diversified portfolio of fee-based contracts with high quality counterparties. In addition to using more of our internally generated cash flows to fund future growth projects and reduce our debt levels, we may seek alternative sources of financing such as sale and leaseback transactions.

Our primary liquidity needs for 2016 to 2018 include payment of our quarterly distributions, operating expenses, dry-docking expenditures, debt service costs, scheduled repayments of long-term, bank debt maturities, capital expenditures we are committed to and the funding of general working capital requirements. We anticipate that our primary source of funds for our short-term liquidity needs will be cash flows from operations, proceeds from debt financings and dividends from our equity accounted joint ventures. For 2016 to 2018, we expect that our existing liquidity, combined with the cash flow we expect to generate from our operations and receive as dividends from our equity accounted joint ventures will be sufficient to finance our liquidity needs, specifically the equity portion of our committed capital expenditures. This assumes that we are able to secure debt financing for an adequate portion of our committed capital expenditures and we are able to refinance our loan facilities maturing in 2016 to 2018 and our Norwegian Kroner-denominated bonds due in 2018. In terms of debt financing for committed capital expenditures, in February 2016, we secured financing for two of our MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings which delivered or will be delivering in 2016 through a sale-leaseback transaction of approximately $179 million per vessel. In addition, we also have committed debt financing in place for the vessels under construction for the BG Joint Venture. We are actively working on obtaining debt financings for the six LNG carriers under construction for the Yamal LNG Joint Venture, the five LNG carriers under construction that have been chartered to a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell PLC along with one of the other LNG carriers under construction at DSME, and the assets of the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture and associated FSU.

Our liquidity needs beyond 2018 decline significantly compared to 2016 to 2018 as a majority of our commitments for capital expenditures relate to 2016 to 2018. Our ability to continue to expand the size of our fleet over the long-term is dependent upon our ability to generate operating cash flow, obtain long-term bank borrowings and other debt, as well as our ability to raise debt or equity financing through either public or private offerings.

Our revolving credit facilities and term loans are described in “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 10 – Long-Term Debt.” They contain covenants and other restrictions typical of debt financing secured by vessels, that restrict the vessel-owning subsidiaries from: incurring or guaranteeing indebtedness; changing ownership or organizational structure, including mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions; paying dividends or distributions if we are in default; making capital expenditures in excess of specified levels; making certain negative pledges and granting certain liens; selling, transferring, assigning or conveying assets; making certain loans and investments; and entering into new lines of business. Certain of our revolving credit facilities and term loans require us to maintain financial covenants. If we do not meet these financial covenants, the lender may accelerate the repayment of our revolving credit facilities and term loans, which would have a significant impact on our short-term liquidity requirements. As at December 31, 2015, we and our affiliates were in compliance with all covenants relating to our credit facilities and term loans.

We have one credit facility that requires us to maintain a vessel value to outstanding loan principal balance ratio of 115%, which as at December 31, 2015, was 194%. The vessel value was determined using a current market value for comparable second-hand vessels. Since vessel values can be volatile, our estimate of market value may not be indicative of either the current or future price that could be obtained if the related vessel was actually sold.

 

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As at December 31, 2015, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents were $102.5 million, compared to $159.6 million at December 31, 2014. Our total liquidity, which consists of cash, cash equivalents and undrawn credit facilities, was $232.5 million as at December 31, 2015, compared to $295.2 million as at December 31, 2014. The decrease in total consolidated liquidity was primarily due to installment payments relating to our LNG carrier newbuildings.

As at December 31, 2015, we had a working capital deficit of $179.6 million, which includes $70.4 million outstanding on two of our debt facilities which mature in 2016. The $50.4 million debt facility maturing in 2016 is expected to be refinanced with a new $60.0 million three year term loan that is expected to be completed in May 2016 and we expect to refinance our other debt facility maturing in 2016 before it matures. We expect to manage our working capital deficit primarily with net operating cash flow, debt refinancing and, to a lesser extent, existing undrawn revolving credit facilities. As at December 31, 2015, we had undrawn revolving credit facilities of $130.0 million through a new $150.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility. As at December 31, 2014, we had a working capital deficit of $117.7 million, which included a $57.7 million outstanding balance on one of our debt facilities that matured and refinanced in the second quarter of 2015. The increase in working capital deficit in 2015 was primarily due to a performance bond placed on the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture project, which was recorded as long-term restricted cash.

As described under “Item 4 – Information on the Company: C. Regulations,” passage of any climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases could have a significant financial and operational impact on our business, which we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Such regulatory measures could increase our costs related to operating and maintaining our vessels and require us to install new emission controls, acquire allowances or pay taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions, or administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. In addition, increased regulation of greenhouse gases may, in the long term, lead to reduced demand for oil and gas and reduced demand for our services.

Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our cash flow for the periods presented:

 

                                               
(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)    Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  

Net cash flow from operating activities

     239,729         191,097         183,532   

Net cash flow (used for) from financing activities

     (84,357      100,069         351,506   

Net cash flow used for investing activities

     (212,530      (271,008      (509,134

Operating Cash Flows. Net cash flow from operating activities increased to $239.7 million in 2015 from $191.1 million in 2014, primarily due to a greater aggregate amount of dividends received from our equity accounted joint ventures, the acquisition of the Norgas Napa in November 2014, upfront hire payments received relating to our six LPG carriers chartered out to I.M. Skaugen SE (or Skaugen ), higher charter rates received from the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit relating to an agreement between us and the charterer that ended in October 2014, a lower number of off-hire days relating to scheduled dry dockings during 2015 compared to 2014, and 18 days of unscheduled off-hire during the first quarter of 2014 due to repairs required for one of our LNG carriers. These increases were partially offset by the sales of the Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit conventional tankers in February 2014 and August 2014, respectively, and the timing of payments to affiliates. Net cash flow from operating activities increased to $191.1 million in 2014 from $183.5 million in 2013, primarily due to the acquisition and delivery of the two Awilco LNG Carriers in late-2013, an increase in revenue from the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit as a result of the agreement between us and the charterer as Suezmax tanker spot rates exceeded the renegotiated charter rate during 2014 and the charter rates reverting back to their original rates in October 2014, and the acquisition of the Norgas Napa in November 2014; partially offset by the sales of the Tenerife Spirit , Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit conventional tankers in December 2013, February 2014 and August 2014, respectively, and 18 days of unscheduled off-hire during 2014 due to repairs required for one of our LNG carriers. Net cash flow from operating activities depends upon the timing and amount of dry-docking expenditures, repair and maintenance activity, the impact of vessel additions and dispositions on operating cash flows, foreign currency rates, changes in interest rates, timing of dividends received from equity accounted investments, fluctuations in working capital balances and spot market hire rates (to the extent we have vessels operating in the spot tanker market or our hire rates are partially affected by spot market rates). The number of vessel dry dockings tends to vary each period depending on the vessels’ maintenance schedule.

Our equity accounted joint ventures are generally required to distribute all available cash to their shareholders. However, the timing and amount of dividends from each of our equity accounted joint ventures may not necessarily coincide with the operating cash flow generated from each respective equity accounted joint venture. The timing and amount of dividends distributed by our equity accounted joint ventures are affected by the timing and amounts of debt repayments in the joint ventures, capital requirements, as well as any cash reserves maintained in the joint ventures for operations, capital expenditures and/or as required under financing agreements.

Financing Cash Flows. Net cash flow used for financing activities was $84.4 million in 2015, compared to cash flow from financing activities of $100.1 million in 2014, primarily as a result of an increase in restricted cash of $30.3 million in 2015 compared to a $448.9 million decrease in restricted cash in 2014, $146.8 million lower proceeds from equity offerings, $56.2 million lower proceeds from debt financings net of scheduled repayments, prepayments and debt issuance costs, due to the completed debt refinancing in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture in 2014, and $15.0 million increase in cash distributions paid to our unitholders and General Partner. These increases were partially offset by a $474.7 million decrease in prepayments of capital lease obligations due to the acquisition of the RasGas II LNG Carriers under capital lease in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture in 2014, and $41.1 million less dividends paid to non-controlling interest. Net cash flow from financing activities decreased to $100.1 million in 2014 compared to $351.5 million in 2013, primarily as a result of a $468.8 million increase in prepayments of capital lease obligations due to the lease termination in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture in 2014, $130.9 million lower proceeds from debt financings net of scheduled repayments, prepayments and debt issuance costs, due to the issuance of a NOK bond in 2013 and higher prepayment of debt in 2014, partially offset by the completed debt refinancing in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture in 2014, $42.3 million more dividends paid to non-controlling interest, $25.1 million increase in cash distributions paid to our unitholders and General Partner, and $8.4 million lower proceeds from equity offerings. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in restricted cash of $448.9 million in 2014 compared to a $27.8 million decrease in restricted cash in 2013 as a result of the lease termination in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture.

Restricted cash increased in 2015 by $30.3 million compared to a decrease in 2014 restricted cash of $448.9 million. This primarily resulted from a $28.6 million increase in 2015 due to a higher margin call collateral related to our NOK cross-currency swaps, and the $448.9 million decrease in 2014 primarily related to the acquisition of the RasGas II LNG Carriers under capital lease in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture funded by our restricted cash in 2014.

 

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Cash distributions paid during 2015 increased to $255.5 million from $240.5 million for 2014. This increase was the result of:

 

   

an increase in the number of units eligible to receive cash distributions from us as a result of our common unit public offering in July 2014 and common units sold under our COP from December 2014 to December 2015; and

 

   

an increase in our quarterly cash distribution to $0.7000 per unit from $0.6918 per unit paid in the first quarter of 2015.

Cash distributions paid during 2014 increased to $240.5 million from $215.4 million for 2013. This increase was the result of:

 

   

an increase in the number of units eligible to receive cash distributions from us as a result of the equity offerings during 2014 and 2013; and

 

   

an increase in our quarterly cash distribution to $0.6918 per unit from $0.6750 per unit paid in the first quarter of 2014.

After December 31, 2015, a cash distribution totaling $11.4 million was declared with respect to the fourth quarter of 2015, which was paid in February 2016. This cash distribution reflected a decrease in our quarterly distribution to $0.14 per unit from $0.70 per unit. As a result of this reduction in quarterly distributions, we made no distribution under the incentive distribution rights held by our General Partner.

Investing Cash Flows. Net cash flow used for investing activities decreased to $212.5 million in 2015 from $271.0 million in 2014. We used cash of $187.2 million, primarily relating to newbuilding installment payments and shipbuilding supervision costs for our LNG carrier newbuildings. Restricted cash increased in 2015 by $34.3 million relating to a performance bond placed on the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture project. In addition, we used cash of $25.9 million to provide capital to our equity accounted investments primarily to prepay debt within the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture (please read Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 6e – Equity Method Investments), partially offset by a $23.7 million shareholder loan repayment to us by Exmar LPG BVBA in 2015. During 2014, we used cash of $100.2 million primarily to acquire and fund our proportionate interest of newbuilding installments in the BG Joint Venture and the Yamal LNG Joint Venture, $140.4 million relating to newbuilding installments for our eight LNG newbuildings, $23.1 million relating to the early termination fee on the termination of the leasing of the RasGas II LNG Carriers (which was capitalized as part of the vessels’ costs) and $21.6 million, which is net of $5.4 million owing to Skaugen, to fund our acquisition of the Norgas Napa in November 2014, and $3.8 million relating to certain vessel upgrades. During 2013, we used cash of $308.0 million to fund the acquisitions of two LNG carriers from Awilco in September and November 2013, $149.6 million to fund our 50% ownership interest in the acquisition of the Exmar LPG Joint Venture and $58.6 million incurred for our three additional LNG newbuilding carriers ordered in July and November 2013.

Credit Facilities

Our revolving credit facilities and term loans are described in Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 10 – Long-Term Debt. Our term loans and revolving credit facilities contain covenants and other restrictions typical of debt financing secured by vessels, including, among others, one or more of the following that restrict the ship-owning subsidiaries from:

 

   

incurring or guaranteeing indebtedness;

 

   

changing ownership or structure, including mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions;

 

   

making dividends or distributions if we are in default;

 

   

making capital expenditures in excess of specified levels;

 

   

making certain negative pledges and granting certain liens;

 

   

selling, transferring, assigning or conveying assets;

 

   

making certain loans and investments; and

 

   

entering into a new line of business.

Certain loan agreements require (a) that minimum levels of tangible net worth and aggregate liquidity be maintained, (b) that we maintain certain ratios of vessel values as it relates to the relevant outstanding loan principal balance, (c) that we do not exceed a maximum amount of leverage and (d) certain of our subsidiaries to maintain restricted cash deposits. We have one credit facility that requires us to maintain a vessel value to outstanding loan principal balance ratio of 115%, which as at December 31, 2015, was 194%. The vessel value was determined using a current market value for comparable second-hand vessels. Since vessel values can be volatile, our estimate of market value may not be indicative of either the current or future price that could be obtained if the related vessel was actually sold. Our ship-owning subsidiaries may not, among other things, pay dividends or distributions if they are in default under their term loans or revolving credit facilities. One of our term loans is guaranteed by Teekay Corporation and contains covenants that require Teekay Corporation to maintain the greater of a minimum liquidity (cash and cash equivalents) of at least $50.0 million and 5.0% of Teekay Corporation’s total consolidated debt which has recourse to Teekay Corporation. As at December 31, 2015, we and our affiliates were in compliance with all covenants relating to our credit facilities and capital leases.

 

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Contractual Obligations and Contingencies

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as at December 31, 2015:

 

                                                                                          
                                               Beyond  
     Total      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      2020  
     (in millions of U.S. Dollars)  

U.S. Dollar-Denominated Obligations:

                    

Long-term debt: (1)

                    

Scheduled repayments

     628.8         112.9         115.4         99.9         60.9         63.4         176.3   

Repayments at maturity

     850.9         70.4         —           466.0         —           —           314.5   

Commitments under capital leases (2)

     65.9         7.7         30.9         27.3         —           —           —     

Commitments under operating leases (3)

     319.6         24.1         24.1         24.1         24.1         24.1         199.1   

Newbuilding installments/shipbuilding supervision (4)

     3,209.0         555.7         960.6         1,023.4         471.0         198.3         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total U.S. Dollar-denominated obligations

     5,074.2         770.8         1,131.0         1,640.7         556.0         285.8         689.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Euro-Denominated Obligations: (5)

                    

Long-term debt (6)

     241.8         15.0         16.1         128.8         9.2         9.9         62.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Euro-denominated obligations

     241.8         15.0         16.1         128.8         9.2         9.9         62.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Norwegian Kroner-Denominated Obligations: (5)

                    

Long-term debt (7)

     294.0         —           79.2         101.8         —           113.0         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Norwegian Kroner-Denominated obligations 

     294.0         —           79.2         101.8         —           113.0         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     5,610.0         785.8         1,226.3         1,871.3         565.2         408.7         752.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  

Excludes expected interest payments of $26.2 million (2016), $23.9 million (2017), $17.4 million (2018), $11.4 million (2019), $10.7 million (2020), and $34.3 million (beyond 2020). Expected interest payments are based on the existing interest rates (fixed-rate loans) and LIBOR at December 31, 2015, plus margins on debt that has been drawn that ranged up to 2.80% (variable-rate loans). The expected interest payments do not reflect the effect of related interest rate swaps that we have used as an economic hedge of certain of our variable-rate debt.

(2)  

Includes, in addition to lease payments, amounts we may be required to pay to purchase leased vessels at the end of lease terms. The lessor has the option to sell these vessels to us at any time during the remaining lease term; however, in this table we have assumed the lessor will not exercise its right to sell the vessels to us until after the lease term expires, which is during the years 2017 to 2018. The purchase price for any vessel we are required to purchase would be based on the unamortized portion of the vessel construction financing costs for the vessels, which are included in the table above. We expect to satisfy any such purchase price by assuming the existing vessel financing, although we may be required to obtain separate debt or equity financing to complete any purchases if the lenders do not consent to our assuming the financing obligations. Please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 5 – Leases and Restricted Cash.”

(3)  

We have corresponding leases whereby we are the lessor and expect to receive an aggregate of approximately $281.5 million for these leases from 2016 to 2029. Please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 5 – Leases and Restricted Cash.”

(4)

Between December 2012 and June 2015, we entered into agreements for the construction of 11 LNG newbuildings. The remaining cost for these newbuildings totaled $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2015, including estimated interest and construction supervision fees. In February 2016, we secured financing on our two MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings delivering in 2016 through a sale-leaseback transaction of approximately $179 million per vessel.

As part of the acquisition of an ownership interest in the BG Joint Venture, we agreed to assume BG’s obligation to provide shipbuilding supervision and crew training services for the four LNG carrier newbuildings and to fund our proportionate share of the remaining newbuilding installments. The estimated remaining costs for the shipbuilding supervision and crew training services and our proportionate share of newbuilding installments, net of the secured financing within the joint venture for the LNG carrier newbuildings, totaled $79.0 million. However, as part of this agreement with BG, we expect to recover approximately $18.2 million of the shipbuilding supervision and crew training costs from BG between 2016 and 2019.

In July 2014, the Yamal LNG Joint Venture, in which we have a 50% ownership interest entered into agreements for the construction of six LNG newbuildings. As at December 31, 2015, our 50% share of the remaining cost for these six newbuildings totaled $941.3 million. The Yamal LNG Joint Venture intends to secure debt financing for 70% to 80% of the fully built-up cost of the six newbuildings.

In December, 2015, we entered into an agreement with Nogaholding, Samsung and GIC to form a joint venture, Bahrain LNG Joint Venture, in which we have 30% ownership interest for the development of an LNG receiving and regasification terminal in Bahrain and the supply of a FSU vessel. The terminal will have a capacity of 800 million standard cubic feet per day and will be owned and operated under a twenty-year agreement commencing July 2018. The receiving and regasification terminal is expected to have a fully-built up cost of approximately $872 million. As at December 31, 2015, our proportionate share of the costs to be incurred is $261.2 million.

 

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The table above includes our proportionate share of the newbuilding costs, net of secured financing, for the seven LPG carrier newbuildings scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2018 in the joint venture between Exmar and us. As at December 31, 2015, our 50% share of the remaining cost for these seven newbuildings, net of the secured financing within the joint venture, totaled $86.9 million, including estimated interest and construction supervision fees.

 

(5)  

Euro-denominated and NOK-denominated obligations are presented in U.S. Dollars and have been converted using the prevailing exchange rate as of December 31, 2015.

(6)  

Excludes expected interest payments of $3.2 million (2016), $3.0 million (2017), $1.6 million (2018), $0.3 million (2019), $0.3 million (2020), and $0.5 million (beyond 2020). Expected interest payments are based on EURIBOR at December 31, 2015, plus margins that ranged up to 2.25%, as well as the prevailing U.S. Dollar/Euro exchange rate as of December 31, 2015. The expected interest payments do not reflect the effect of related interest rate swaps that we have used as an economic hedge of certain of our variable-rate debt.

(7)  

Excludes expected interest payments of $16.1 million (2016), $12.8 million (2017), $9.2 million (2018), $5.5 million (2019), and $2.7 million (2020). Expected interest payments are based on NIBOR at December 31, 2015, plus margins that range up to 5.25%, as well as the prevailing U.S. Dollar/NOK exchange rate as of December 31, 2015. The expected interest payments do not reflect the effect of the related cross-currency swap that we have used as an economic hedge of our foreign exchange and interest rate exposure associated with our NOK-denominated long-term debt.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements. The details of our equity accounted investments are shown in Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 6 – Equity Method Investments.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, which requires us to make estimates in the application of our accounting policies based on our best assumptions, judgments and opinions. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material. Accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to an understanding of our financial statements, because they inherently involve significant judgments and uncertainties. For a further description of our material accounting policies, please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

Vessel Lives and Impairment

Description. The carrying value of each of our vessels represents its original cost at the time of delivery or purchase less depreciation and impairment charges. We depreciate the original cost, less an estimated residual value, of our vessels on a straight-line basis over each vessel’s estimated useful life. The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their market value at any point in time because the market prices of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of newbuildings. Both charter rates and newbuilding costs tend to be cyclical in nature.

We review vessels and equipment for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset, including the carrying value of the charter contract, if any, under which the vessel is employed, may not be recoverable. This occurs when the asset’s carrying value is greater than the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate over its remaining useful life. For a vessel under charter, the discounted cash flows from that vessel may exceed its market value, as market values may assume the vessel is not employed on an existing charter. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of an asset exceed the asset’s carrying value, no impairment is recognized even though the fair value of the asset may be lower than its carrying value. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of an asset is less than the asset’s carrying value and the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, the asset is written down to its fair value. Fair value is calculated as the net present value of estimated future cash flows, which, in certain circumstances, will approximate the estimated market value of the vessel.

Our business model is to employ our vessels on fixed-rate contracts with large energy companies and their transportation subsidiaries. These contracts generally have original terms between five to 25 years in length. Consequently, while the market value of a vessel may decline below its carrying value, the carrying value of a vessel may still be recoverable based on the future undiscounted cash flows the vessel is expected to obtain from servicing its existing contract and future contracts.

The following table presents by segment the aggregate market values and carrying values of certain of our vessels that we have determined have a market value that is less than their carrying value as of December 31, 2015. Specifically, the following table reflects all such vessels, except those operating on contracts where the remaining term is significant and the estimated future undiscounted cash flows relating to such contracts are sufficiently greater than the carrying value of the vessels such that we consider it unlikely an impairment would be recognized in the following year. Consequently, the vessels included in the following table generally include those vessels near the end of existing charters or other operational contracts. While the market values of these vessels are below their carrying values, no impairment has been recognized on any of these vessels as the estimated future undiscounted cash flows relating to such vessels are greater than their carrying values.

 

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We would consider the vessels reflected in the following table to be at a higher risk of future impairment. The estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the vessels reflected in the following table are significantly greater than their respective carrying values. Consequently, in these cases the following table would not necessarily represent vessels that would likely be impaired in the next 12 months, and the recognition of an impairment in the future for those vessels may primarily depend upon our deciding to dispose of the vessel instead of continuing to operate it. In deciding whether to dispose of a vessel, we determine whether it is economically preferable to sell the vessel or continue to operate it. This assessment includes an estimate of the net proceeds expected to be received if the vessel is sold in its existing condition compared to the present value of the vessel’s estimated future revenue, net of operating costs. Such estimates are based on the terms of the existing charter, charter market outlook and estimated operating costs, given a vessel’s type, condition and age. In addition, we typically do not dispose of a vessel that is servicing an existing customer contract.

 

                                                                                                  

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except number of vessels)

Reportable Segment

   Number of Vessels
     Market Values (1)
$
     Carrying Values
$
 

Liquefied Gas Segment (2)

     2         107,743         164,784   

Conventional Tanker Segment (2) (3)

     5         191,590         234,426   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7         299,333         399,210   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Market values are determined using reference to second-hand market comparable values as at December 31, 2015. Since vessel values can be volatile, our estimates of market value may not be indicative of either the current or future prices we could obtain if we sold any of the vessels.

(2)

Undiscounted cash flows are significantly greater than the carrying values.

(3)

Subsequent to December 31, 2015, for two of our Suezmax tankers included in the table above, the charterer exercised its purchase option to acquire the Bermuda Spirit and the Hamilton Spirit . We expect to incur a loss of approximately $14 million per vessel in 2016.

Judgments and Uncertainties. Depreciation is calculated using an estimated useful life of 25 years for conventional tankers, 30 years for LPG Carriers and 35 years for LNG carriers, commencing at the date the vessel was originally delivered from the shipyard. However, the actual life of a vessel may be different than the estimated useful life, with a shorter actual useful life resulting in an increase in the quarterly depreciation and potentially resulting in an impairment loss. The estimated useful life of our vessels takes into account design life, commercial considerations and regulatory restrictions. Our estimates of future cash flows involve assumptions about future charter rates, vessel utilization, operating expenses, dry-docking expenditures, vessel residual values and the remaining estimated life of our vessels. Our estimated charter rates are based on rates under existing vessel contracts and market rates at which we expect we can re-charter our vessels. Our estimates of vessel utilization, including estimated off-hire time, are based on historical experience. Our estimates of operating expenses and dry-docking expenditures are based on historical operating and dry-docking costs and our expectations of future inflation and operating requirements. Vessel residual values are a product of a vessel’s lightweight tonnage and an estimated scrap rate. The remaining estimated lives of our vessels used in our estimates of future cash flows are consistent with those used in the calculation of depreciation.

Certain assumptions relating to our estimates of future cash flows are more predictable by their nature in our historical experience, including estimated revenue under existing contract terms, on-going operating costs and remaining vessel life. Certain assumptions relating to our estimates of future cash flows require more discretion and are inherently less predictable, such as future charter rates beyond the firm period of existing contracts and vessel residual values, due to factors such as the volatility in vessel charter rates and vessel values. We believe that the assumptions used to estimate future cash flows of our vessels are reasonable at the time they are made. We can make no assurances, however, as to whether our estimates of future cash flows, particularly future vessel charter rates or vessel values, will be accurate.

Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions. If we conclude that a vessel or equipment is impaired, we recognize a loss in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value at the date of impairment. The written-down amount becomes the new lower cost basis and will result in a lower annual depreciation expense than for periods before the vessel impairment.

Dry-docking Life

Description . We capitalize a portion of the costs we incur during dry docking and for an intermediate survey and amortize those costs on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the dry dock. We expense costs related to routine repairs and maintenance incurred during dry docking that do not improve operating efficiency or extend the useful lives of the assets.

Judgments and Uncertainties. Amortization of capitalized dry-dock expenditures requires us to estimate the period of the next dry docking and useful life of dry-dock expenditures. While we typically dry dock each vessel every five years and have a shipping society classification intermediate survey performed on our LNG and LPG carriers between the second and third year of the five-year dry-docking period, we may dry dock the vessels at an earlier date, with a shorter life resulting in an increase in the amortization.

Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions. If we change our estimate of the next dry-dock date for a vessel, we will adjust our annual amortization of dry-docking expenditures. Amortization expense of capitalized dry-dock expenditures for 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $10.1 million, $14.8 million and $13.4 million, respectively. As at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our capitalized dry-dock expenditures were $10.4 million, $13.5 million and $27.2 million, respectively. A one-year reduction in the estimated useful lives of capitalized dry-dock expenditures would result in an increase in our current annual amortization by approximately $2.7 million.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Description . We allocate the cost of acquired companies, including acquisitions of equity accounted investments, to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired, with the remaining amount being classified as goodwill. Certain intangible assets, such as time-charter contracts, are being amortized over time. Our future operating performance will be affected by the amortization of intangible assets and potential impairment charges related to goodwill and intangibles. Accordingly, the allocation of purchase price to intangible assets and goodwill may significantly affect our future operating results.

Goodwill is not amortized, but reviewed for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to below its carrying value. When goodwill is reviewed for impairment, we may elect to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. Alternatively, we may bypass this step and use a fair value approach to identify potential goodwill impairment and, when necessary, measure the amount of impairment. The Partnership uses a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of reporting units, unless there is a readily determinable fair market value. Intangible assets are assessed for impairment when and if impairment indicators exist. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

 

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Judgments and Uncertainties . The allocation of the purchase price of acquired companies to intangible assets and goodwill requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, including estimates of future cash flows expected to be generated by the acquired assets and the appropriate discount rate to value these cash flows. In addition, the process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets is highly subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. The fair value of our reporting units was estimated based on discounted expected future cash flows using a weighted-average cost of capital rate. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected cash flows and the discount rate require considerable judgment and are based upon existing contracts, historical experience, financial forecasts and industry trends and conditions.

At December 31, 2015, we had one reporting unit with goodwill attributable to it. As of the date of this filing, we do not believe that there is a reasonable possibility that the goodwill attributable to this reporting unit might be impaired within the next year. However, certain factors that impact this assessment are inherently difficult to forecast and as such we cannot provide any assurances that an impairment will or will not occur in the future. An assessment for impairment involves a number of assumptions and estimates that are based on factors that are beyond our control. These are discussed in more detail in the following section entitled in Part I – Forward-Looking Statements.

Amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the years 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $8.9 million, $9.2 million and $13.1 million, respectively. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates used to value our intangible assets, we may be exposed to an impairment charge and a decrease in the annual amortization expense of our intangible assets.

Valuation of Derivative Instruments

Description. Our risk management policies permit the use of derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and spot tanker market risk. Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes are recognized in earnings.

Judgments and Uncertainties. A substantial majority of the fair value of our derivative instruments and the change in fair value of our derivative instruments from period to period result from our use of interest rate swap agreements. The fair value of our derivative instruments is the estimated amount that we would receive or pay to terminate the agreements at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates and the current credit worthiness of both us and the swap counterparties. The estimated amount is the present value of estimated future cash flows, being equal to the difference between the benchmark interest rate and the fixed rate in the interest rate swap agreement, multiplied by the notional principal amount of the interest rate swap agreement at each interest reset date.

The fair value of our interest and currency swap agreements at the end of each period are most significantly affected by the interest rate implied by the benchmark interest yield curve, including its relative steepness, and forward foreign exchange rates. Interest rates and foreign exchange rates have experienced significant volatility in recent years in both the short and long term. While the fair value of our interest and currency swap agreements are typically more sensitive to changes in short-term rates, significant changes in the long-term benchmark interest and foreign exchange rates also materially impact our interest and currency swap agreements.

The fair value of our interest and currency swap agreements are also affected by changes in our specific credit risk included in the discount factor. We discount our interest rate swap agreements with reference to the credit default swap spreads of similarly rated global industrial companies and by considering any underlying collateral. The process of determining credit worthiness requires significant judgment in determining which source of credit risk information most closely matches our risk profile.

The benchmark interest rate yield curve and our specific credit risk are expected to vary over the life of the interest rate swap agreements. The larger the notional amount of the interest rate swap agreements outstanding and the longer the remaining duration of the interest rate swap agreements, the larger the impact of any variability in these factors will be on the fair value of our interest rate swaps. We economically hedge the interest rate exposure on a significant amount of our long-term debt and for long durations. As such, we have historically experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, material variations in the period-to-period fair value of our derivative instruments.

The fair value of our derivative instrument relating to the agreement between us and Teekay Corporation for the Toledo Spirit time-charter contract is the estimated amount that we would receive or pay to terminate the agreement at the reporting date. This amount is estimated using the present value of our projected future spot market tanker rates, which has been derived from current spot market rates and long-term historical average rates.

Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions. Although we measure the fair value of our derivative instruments utilizing the inputs and assumptions described above, if we were to terminate the agreements at the reporting date, the amount we would pay or receive to terminate the derivative instruments may differ from our estimate of fair value. If the estimated fair value differs from the actual termination amount, an adjustment to the carrying amount of the applicable derivative asset or liability would be recognized in earnings for the current period. Such adjustments could be material. See “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 13 – Derivative Instruments” for the effects on the change in fair value of our derivative instruments on our consolidated statements of income and statements of comprehensive income.

Taxes

Description . We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

Judgments and Uncertainties . The future realization of deferred tax assets depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in either the carryback or carryforward period. This analysis requires, among other things, the use of estimates and projections in determining future reversals of temporary differences, forecasts of future profitability and evaluating potential tax-planning strategies.

Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions. If we determined that we were able to realize a net deferred tax asset in the future, in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would typically increase our net income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, if we determined that we were not able to realize all or a part of our deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would typically decrease our net income in the period such determination was made. As at December 31, 2015, we had recorded valuation allowances of $53.2 million (2014 – $58.4 million).

 

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Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

Management of Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

Teekay GP L.L.C., our General Partner, manages our operations and activities. Unitholders are not entitled to elect the directors of our General Partner or directly or indirectly participate in our management or operation.

Our General Partner owes a fiduciary duty to our unitholders. Our General Partner is liable, as general partner, for all of our debts (to the extent not paid from our assets), except for indebtedness or other obligations that are expressly nonrecourse to it. Whenever possible, our General Partner intends to cause us to incur indebtedness or other obligations that are nonrecourse to it.

The directors of our General Partner oversee our operations. The day-to-day affairs of our business are managed by the officers of our General Partner and key employees of certain of our operating subsidiaries. Employees of certain subsidiaries of Teekay Corporation provide assistance to us and our operating subsidiaries pursuant to services agreements. Please read “Item 7 – Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions.”

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our General Partner, Peter Evensen, allocates his time between managing our business and affairs and the business and affairs of Teekay Corporation and its subsidiaries Teekay Offshore (NYSE: TOO) and Teekay Tankers Ltd. (NYSE: TNK) (or Teekay Tankers ). Mr. Evensen is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Teekay Corporation. He also holds the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Teekay Offshore’s general partner, Teekay Offshore GP L.L.C. The amount of time Mr. Evensen allocates between our business and the businesses of Teekay Corporation and Teekay Offshore varies from time to time depending on various circumstances and needs of the businesses, such as the relative levels of strategic activities of the businesses. We believe Mr. Evensen devotes sufficient time to our business and affairs as is necessary for their proper conduct.

Officers of our General Partner and those individuals providing services to us or our subsidiaries may face a conflict regarding the allocation of their time between our business and the other business interests of Teekay Corporation or its affiliates. Our General Partner seeks to cause its officers to devote as much time to the management of our business and affairs as is necessary for the proper conduct of our business and affairs.

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table provides information about the directors and executive officers of our General Partner and of our operating subsidiary Teekay Shipping Spain SL. Directors are elected for one-year terms. The business address of each of our directors and executive officers listed below is c/o 4 th Floor, Belvedere Building, 69 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda. The business address of our key employee of Teekay Shipping Spain SL. is Musgo Street 5—28023, Madrid, Spain. Ages of the individuals are as of December 31, 2015.

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Ida Jane Hinkley

  

65

  

Chairperson (1)(2)(3) since June 9, 2015

Peter Evensen

  

57

  

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director

Beverlee F. Park

  

53

  

Director (1)(3)

Vincent Lok

  

47

  

Director since June 9, 2015 (4)

C. Sean Day

  

66

  

Director (3)

Joseph E. McKechnie

  

57

  

Director (1)(2)(3)

George Watson

  

68

  

Director (1)(2)(3)

Andres Luna

  

59

  

Managing Director, Teekay Shipping Spain SL

 

(1)

Member of Audit Committee.

(2)

Member of Conflicts Committee.

(3)

Member of Corporate Governance Committee.

(4)

Mr. Vincent Lok joined the Board of Directors on June 9, 2015, replacing Mr. Kenneth Hvid, who resigned from the Board of Directors on the same day.

Certain biographical information about each of these individuals is set forth below:

Ida Jane Hinkley was appointed Chairperson of Teekay GP L.L.C. on June 9, 2015 and has served as director since 2005. From 1998 to 2001, she served as Managing Director of Navion Shipping AS, a shipping company at that time affiliated with the Norwegian state-owned oil company Statoil ASA (and subsequently acquired by Teekay Corporation’s in 2003). From 1980 to 1997, Ms. Hinkley was employed by the Gotaas-Larsen Shipping Corporation, an international provider of marine transportation services for crude oil and gas (including LNG), serving as its Chief Financial Officer from 1988 to 1992 and its Managing Director from 1993 to 1997. She currently serves as a non-executive director on the Board of Premier Oil plc, a London Stock Exchange listed oil exploration and production company and as a non-executive director of Vesuvius plc, a London Stock Exchange listed engineering company. From 2007 to 2008 she served as a non-executive director on the Board of Revus Energy ASA, a Norwegian listed oil company.

 

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Peter Evensen has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Teekay GP L.L.C. since it was formed in November 2004 and as a Director since January 2005. He has also served as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and a Director of Teekay Offshore GP L.L.C., formed in August 2006. He served as a Director of Teekay Tankers Ltd. from October 2007 until June 2013 and from June 2015 to present. Effective April 2011, he assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Teekay Corporation and also became a Director of Teekay Corporation. Mr. Evensen joined Teekay Corporation in May 2003 as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. He was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Teekay Corporation in 2006. Mr. Evensen has over 30 years’ experience in banking and shipping finance. Prior to joining Teekay Corporation, Mr. Evensen was Managing Director and Head of Global Shipping at J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., and worked in other senior positions for its predecessor firms. His international industry experience includes positions in New York, London and Oslo.

Beverlee F. Park joined the Board of Teekay GP L.L.C. in March 2014. From 2000 to 2013, Ms. Park served as COO, Interim CEO, and EVP/CFO at TimberWest, the largest private forest land owner in Western Canada. During this time, Ms. Park also served as President and COO, Couverdon Real Estate, a division of TimberWest. From 2003 to 2010, Ms. Park served as Board Member, Audit Committee Chair of BC Transmission Corp., the entity responsible for the operation and maintenance of 18,000km of electrical transmission in British Columbia and 300 substations. Previously, Ms. Park was employed by BC Hydro, British Columbia’s electricity, transmission and distribution utility company, in a range of senior financial roles and by KPMG. Ms. Park is currently a Board member of TransAlta Corporation, serving as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and the Human Resources Committee, InTransit BC and of Silver Standard Resources Inc., serving as a member of the company’s Audit Committee and Safety and Sustainability Committee. She was appointed to the University of British Columbia’s Board of Governors in February 2016.

Vincent Lok joined the board of Teekay GP L.L.C. in June 2015. Mr. Lok has served as Teekay Corporation’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2007. He has held a number of finance and accounting positions with Teekay, including Controller from 1997 until his promotions to the positions of Vice President, Finance in 2002, Senior Vice President and Treasurer in 2004, and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2006. Mr. Lok has also served as the Chief Financial Officer of Teekay Tankers Ltd. since 2007. Prior to joining Teekay, Mr. Lok worked as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Lok is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

C. Sean Day has served as Chairman of Teekay GP L.L.C. since it was formed in November 2004 until June 2015 and currently serves as a Director. Mr. Day has also served as Chairman of the Board for Teekay Corporation since September 1999 and for Teekay Offshore GP L.L.C. since it was formed in August 2006. He served as a Chairman of Teekay Tankers Ltd. from October 2007 until June 2013. From 1989 to 1999, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Navios Corporation, a large bulk shipping company based in Stamford, Connecticut. Prior to this, Mr. Day held a number of senior management positions in the shipping and finance industry. He is currently serving as a Director of Kirby Corporation and Chairman of Compass Diversified Holdings. Mr. Day is engaged as a consultant to Kattegat Limited, the parent company of Teekay’s largest shareholder, to oversee its investments, including that in the Teekay group of companies.

Joseph E. McKechnie joined the board of Teekay GP L.L.C. in February 2013. Mr. McKechnie is a retired United States Coast Guard Officer, having served for more than 23 years, many of which focused on marine safety and security with an emphasis on LNG. In 2000 he joined Tractebel LNG North America (formerly Cabot LNG) in Boston, Massachusetts as the Vice President of Shipping, where he oversaw the LNG shipping operations for the Port of Boston. From 2006 to 2011, Mr. McKechnie was transferred to London and then Paris to continue his work with SUEZ, (the parent company of Tractebel) and ultimately GDF-SUEZ, as the Senior Vice President of Shipping, and Deputy Head of the Shipping Department. He is a former member of the board of directors of Society of International Gas Tankers and Terminal Operators, and Gaz-Ocean, the GDF-SUEZ Owned LNG vessel operating company. In 2011, he left GDF-SUEZ following the successful merger of GDF and SUEZ, and ultimately formed J.E. McKechnie L.L.C. in early 2011.

George Watson has served as a Director of Teekay GP L.L.C. since January 2005. He currently serves as Chairman of Critical Control Solutions Inc. (formerly WNS Emergent), a provider of information control applications for the energy sector. He held the position of CEO of Critical Control from 2002 to 2007. From February 2000 to July 2002, he served as Executive Chairman at VerticalBuilder.com Inc. Mr. Watson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. from 1993 to 1999 and as its Chief Financial Officer from 1990 to 1993.

Andres Luna has served as the Managing Director of Teekay Shipping Spain SL since April 2004. Mr. Luna joined Alta Shipping, S.A., a former affiliate company of Naviera F. Tapias S.A., in September 1992 and served as its General Manager until he was appointed Commercial General Manager of Naviera F. Tapias S.A. in December 1999. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of Naviera F. Tapias S.A. from July 2000 until its acquisition by Teekay Corporation in April 2004, when it was renamed Teekay Shipping Spain. Mr. Luna’s responsibilities with Teekay Spain have included business development, newbuilding contracting, project management, development of its LNG business and the renewal of its tanker fleet. He has been in the shipping business since his graduation as a naval architect from Madrid University in 1981.

Annual Executive Compensation

Because the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our General Partner, Peter Evensen, is an employee of Teekay Corporation, his compensation (other than any awards under the long-term incentive plan described below) is set and paid by Teekay Corporation, and we reimburse Teekay Corporation for time he spends on partnership matters. During 2015, the aggregate amount for which we reimbursed Teekay Corporation for compensation expenses of the officers of the General Partner incurred on our behalf and for compensation earned by the executive officer of Teekay Spain listed above was approximately $1.7 million. The amounts were paid primarily in U.S. Dollars or in Euros, but are reported here in U.S. Dollars using an exchange rate 1.09 U.S. Dollar for each Euro, the exchange rate on December 31, 2015. Teekay Corporation’s annual bonus plan, in which each of the Officers participates, considers both company performance, team performance and individual performance (through comparison to established targets).

 

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Compensation of Directors

Officers of our General Partner or Teekay Corporation who also serve as directors of our General Partner do not receive additional compensation for their service as directors. During 2015, each non-management director received compensation for attending meetings of the Board of Directors, as well as committee meetings. Non-management directors received a director fee of $50,000 for the year and common units with a value of approximately $70,000 for the year. The Chairman received an additional annual fee of $37,500 and common units with a value of approximately $87,500. In addition, members of the audit, conflicts and governance committees each received a committee fee of $5,000 for the year, respectively, and the chairs of the audit, conflicts and governance committees each received an additional fee of $12,000, respectively, for serving in that role. Each director is fully indemnified by us for actions associated with being a director to the extent permitted under Marshall Islands law.

During 2015, the five non-management directors received, in the aggregate, $356,750 in cash fees for their services as directors, plus reimbursement of their out-of-pocket expenses. In March 2015, our General Partner’s Board of Directors granted to the five non-management directors an aggregate of 10,447 common units.

2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan

Our General Partner adopted the Teekay LNG Partners L.P. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan for employees and directors of and consultants to our General Partner and employees and directors of and consultants to its affiliates, who perform services for us. The plan provides for the award of restricted units, phantom units, unit options, unit appreciation rights and other unit or cash-based awards. In 2015, the General Partner awarded 32,054 restricted units to the employees who provide services to our business. The restricted units vest evenly over a three-year period from the grant date.

Board Practices

Teekay GP L.L.C., our General Partner, manages our operations and activities. Unitholders are not entitled to elect the directors of our General Partner or directly or indirectly participate in our management or operation.

Our General Partner’s board of directors (or the Board ) currently consists of seven members. Directors are appointed to serve until their successors are appointed or until they resign or are removed.

There are no service contracts between us and any of our directors providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service.

The Board has the following three committees: Audit Committee, Conflicts Committee, and Corporate Governance Committee. The membership of these committees and the function of each of the committees are described below. Each of the committees is currently comprised of independent members and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. The committee charters for the Audit Committee, the Conflicts Committee and the Corporate Governance Committee are available under “Investors – Teekay LNG Partners L.P. - Governance” from the home page of our web site at www.teekay.com. During 2015, the Board held five meetings. Each director attended all Board meetings. The members of the Audit Committee, Conflicts Committee and Corporate Governance Committee attended all meetings.

Audit Committee . The Audit Committee of our General Partner is composed of at least three directors, each of whom must meet the independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange (or NYSE) and the SEC. This committee is comprised of directors Beverlee F. Park (Chair), Ida Jane Hinkley, Joseph E. McKechnie and George Watson. All members of the committee are financially literate and the Board has determined that Ms. Park qualifies as the audit committee financial expert.

The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight of:

 

   

the integrity of our consolidated financial statements;

 

   

our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

 

   

the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence; and

 

   

the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors.

Conflicts Committee.  The Conflicts Committee of our General Partner is comprised of George Watson (Chair), Joseph E. McKechnie and Ida Jane Hinkley. The members of the Conflicts Committee may not be officers or employees of our General Partner or directors, officers or employees of its affiliates, and must meet the heightened NYSE and SEC director independence standards applicable to audit committee membership and certain other requirements.

The Conflicts Committee:

 

   

reviews specific matters that the Board believes may involve conflicts of interest; and

 

   

determines if the resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to us.

Any matters approved by the Conflicts Committee will be conclusively deemed to be fair and reasonable to us, approved by all of our partners, and not a breach by our General Partner of any duties it may owe us or our unit holders. The Board is not obligated to seek approval of the Conflicts Committee on any matter, and may determine the resolution of any conflict of interest itself.

Corporate Governance Committee . The Corporate Governance Committee of our General Partner is composed of at least two directors, a majority of whom must meet the director independence standards established by the NYSE. This committee is currently comprised of directors Joseph E. McKechnie (Chair), C. Sean Day, Ida Jane Hinkley, Beverlee F. Park and George Watson.

The Corporate Governance Committee:

 

   

oversees the operation and effectiveness of the Board and its corporate governance;

 

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develops and recommends to the Board corporate governance principles and policies applicable to us and our General Partner and monitors compliance with these principles and policies and recommends to the Board appropriate changes; and

 

   

oversees director compensation and the long-term incentive plan described above.

Crewing and Staff

As of December 31, 2015, approximately 1,463 seagoing staff served on our vessels and approximately 11 staff served on shore in technical, commercial and administrative roles in various countries, compared to approximately 1,628 seagoing staff and 11 on shore staff as of December 31, 2014 and approximately 1,400 seagoing staff and 15 on shore staff as of December 31, 2013. Certain subsidiaries of Teekay Corporation employ the crews, who serve on the vessels pursuant to agreements with the subsidiaries, and Teekay Corporation subsidiaries also provide on-shore advisory, operational and administrative support to our operating subsidiaries pursuant to service agreements. Please read “Item 7 – Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions.”

We regard attracting and retaining motivated seagoing personnel as a top priority. Like Teekay Corporation, we offer our seafarers competitive employment packages and comprehensive benefits and opportunities for personal and career development, which relates to a philosophy of promoting internally.

Teekay Corporation has entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Philippine Seafarers’ Union, an affiliate of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (or ITF ), and a Special Agreement with ITF London, which cover substantially all of the officers and seamen that operate our Bahamian-flagged vessels. Our Spanish officers and seamen for our Spanish-flagged vessels are covered by two different collective bargaining agreements (one for Suezmax tankers and one for LNG carriers) with Spain’s Union General de Trabajadores and Comisiones Obreras, and the Filipino crewmembers employed on our Spanish-flagged LNG and Suezmax tankers are covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Philippine Seafarer’s Union. We believe Teekay Corporation’s and our relationships with these labor unions are good.

Our commitment to training is fundamental to the development of the highest caliber of seafarers for our marine operations. Teekay Corporation has agreed to allow our personnel to participate in its training programs. Teekay Corporation’s cadet training approach is designed to balance academic learning with hands-on training at sea. Teekay Corporation has relationships with training institutions in Canada, Croatia, India, Latvia, Norway, Philippines, Turkey and the United Kingdom. After receiving formal instruction at one of these institutions, our cadets’ training continues on board on one of our vessels. Teekay Corporation also has a career development plan that we follow, which was designed to ensure a continuous flow of qualified officers who are trained on its vessels and familiarized with its operational standards, systems and policies. We believe that high-quality crewing and training policies will play an increasingly important role in distinguishing larger independent shipping companies that have in-house or affiliate capabilities from smaller companies that must rely on outside ship managers and crewing agents on the basis of customer service and safety. As such, we have a LNG training facility in Glasgow that serves this purpose.

Unit Ownership

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership, as of December 31, 2015, of our units by all directors and officers of our General Partner, and an executive officer of Teekay Spain as a group. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under SEC rules, a person or entity beneficially owns any units that the person has the right to acquire as of February 29, 2016 (60 days after December 31, 2015) through the exercise of any unit option or other right. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and investment power (or shares such powers with his or her spouse) with respect to the units set forth in the following table. Information for all persons listed below is based on information delivered to us.

 

                             

Identity of Person or Group

   Common Units
Owned
     Percentage of
Common Units
Owned (3)
 

All directors and officers as a group (8 persons)  (1) (2)

     154,298         0.19

 

(1)

Excludes units owned by Teekay Corporation, which controls us and on the board of which serve the directors of our General Partner, C. Sean Day, Peter Evensen and Vincent Lok. Mr. Evensen is also the Chief Executive Officer of Teekay Corporation. Mr. Lok is also a director of our General Partner and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Teekay Corporation. Please read “Item 7 – Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions for more detail.”

(2)

Each director, executive officer and key employee beneficially owns less than 1% of the outstanding common units. Under SEC rules, a person beneficially owns any units as to which the person has or shares voting or investment power.

(3)

Excludes the 2% general partner interest held by our General Partner, a wholly owned subsidiary of Teekay Corporation.

 

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Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions

Major Unitholders

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership, as of December 31, 2015, of our common units by each person we know to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding common units. The number of units beneficially owned by each person is determined under SEC rules and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under SEC rules a person beneficially owns any units as to which the person has or shares voting or investment power. In addition, a person beneficially owns any units that the person or entity has the right to acquire as of February 29, 2016 (60 days after December 31, 2015) through the exercise of any unit option or other right. Unless otherwise indicated, each unitholder listed below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the units set forth in the following table.

 

Identity of Person or Group

   Common Units
Owned
     Percentage of
Common Units
Owned (1)
 

Teekay Corporation (1)

     25,208,274         31.7

Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2)

     11,725,318         14.7

OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (3)

     5,540,133         7.0

 

(1)

Excludes the 2% general partner interest held by our General Partner, a wholly owned subsidiary of Teekay Corporation.

(2)

Neuberger Berman Group LLC and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisors LLC each have shared voting power as to 11,397,505 units and shared dispositive power as to 11,725,318 units. Neuberger Berman LLC has shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to 7,293,848 of such units. The units also include holdings belonging to other affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. This information is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed by this group with the SEC on February 9, 2016.

(3)

OppenheimerFunds, Inc., an investment advisor, has shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to 5,540,133 units. Oppenheimer SteelPath MLP Income Fund, an investment company, has shared voting power and shared dispositive power as to 4,277,556 of such units. This information is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed by this group with the SEC on February 5, 2016.

Teekay Corporation has the same voting rights with respect to common units it owns as our other unitholders. We are controlled by Teekay Corporation. We are not aware of any arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of us.

Related Party Transactions

 

  a)

We have entered into an amended and restated omnibus agreement with Teekay Corporation, our General Partner, our operating company, Teekay LNG Operating L.L.C., Teekay Offshore and related parties. The following discussion describes certain provisions of the omnibus agreement.

Noncompetition . Under the omnibus agreement, Teekay Corporation and Teekay Offshore have agreed, and have caused their controlled affiliates (other than us) to agree, not to own, operate or charter LNG carriers. This restriction does not prevent Teekay Corporation, Teekay Offshore or any of their controlled affiliates (other than us) from, among other things:

 

   

acquiring LNG carriers and related time-charters as part of a business and operating or chartering those vessels if a majority of the value of the total assets or business acquired is not attributable to the LNG carriers and related time-charters, as determined in good faith by the board of directors of Teekay Corporation or the conflict committee of the board of directors of Teekay Offshore’s general partner; however, if at any time Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore completes such an acquisition, it must offer to sell the LNG carriers and related time-charters to us for their fair market value plus any additional tax or other similar costs to Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore that would be required to transfer the LNG carriers and time-charters to us separately from the acquired business;

 

   

owning, operating or chartering LNG carriers that relate to a bid or award for a proposed LNG project that Teekay Corporation or any of its subsidiaries has submitted or hereafter submits or receives; however, at least 180 days prior to the scheduled delivery date of any such LNG carrier, Teekay Corporation must offer to sell the LNG carrier and related time-charter to us, with the vessel valued at its “fully-built-up cost,” which represents the aggregate expenditures incurred (or to be incurred prior to delivery to us) by Teekay Corporation to acquire or construct and bring such LNG carrier to the condition and location necessary for our intended use, plus a reasonable allocation of overhead costs related to the development of such project and other projects that would have been subject to the offer rights set forth in the omnibus agreement but were not completed; or

 

   

acquiring, operating or chartering LNG carriers if our General Partner has previously advised Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore that the board of directors of our General Partner has elected, with the approval of its conflicts committee, not to cause us or our subsidiaries to acquire or operate the carriers.

In addition, under the omnibus agreement we have agreed not to own, operate or charter crude oil tankers or the following “offshore vessels” – dynamically positioned shuttle tankers, floating storage and off-take units or floating production, storage and off-loading units, in each case that are subject to contracts with a remaining duration of at least three years, excluding extension options. This restriction does not apply to any of the conventional tankers in our current fleet, and the ownership, operation or chartering of any oil tankers that replace any of those oil tankers in connection with certain events. In addition, the restriction does not prevent us from, among other things:

 

   

acquiring oil tankers or offshore vessels and any related time-charters or contracts of affreightment as part of a business and operating or chartering those vessels, if a majority of the value of the total assets or business acquired is not attributable to the oil tankers and offshore vessels and any related charters or contracts of affreightment, as determined by the conflicts committee of our General Partner’s board of directors; however, if at any time we complete such an acquisition, we are required to promptly offer to sell to Teekay Corporation the oil tankers and time-charters or to Teekay Offshore the offshore vessels and time-charters or contracts of affreightment for fair market value plus any additional tax or other similar costs to us that would be required to transfer the vessels and contracts to Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore separately from the acquired business; or

 

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acquiring, operating or chartering oil tankers or offshore vessels if Teekay Corporation or Teekay Offshore, respectively, has previously advised our General Partner that it has elected not to acquire or operate those vessels.

Rights of First Offer on Suezmax Tankers, LNG Carriers and Offshore Vessels. Under the omnibus agreement, we have granted to Teekay Corporation and Teekay Offshore a 30-day right of first offer on any proposed (a) sale, transfer or other disposition of any of our conventional tankers, in the case of Teekay Corporation, or certain offshore vessels in the case of Teekay Offshore, or (b) re-chartering of any of our conventional tankers or offshore vessels pursuant to a time-charter or contract of affreightment with a term of at least three years if the existing charter expires or is terminated early. Likewise, each of Teekay Corporation and Teekay Offshore has granted a similar right of first offer to us for any LNG carriers it might own. These rights of first offer do not apply to certain transactions.

 

  b)

C. Sean Day is the Chairman of our General Partner, Teekay GP L.L.C. since it was formed in November 2004 until June 2015 and currently serves as director. He also is the Chairman of Teekay Corporation and Teekay Offshore GP L.L.C. (the general partner of Teekay Offshore Partners L.P., a publicly held partnership controlled by Teekay Corporation.

Peter Evensen is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Teekay Corporation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Teekay Offshore GP L.L.C. and Teekay GP L.L.C., and a director of Teekay Corporation, Teekay GP L.L.C., Teekay Offshore GP L.L.C. and Teekay Tankers Ltd.

Kenneth Hvid is a director of Teekay Offshore GP L.L.C. Mr. Hvid was also Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Teekay Corporation until December 2015.

Vincent Lok joined the board of Teekay GP L.L.C. as a director in June 2015. Mr. Lok is also Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Teekay Corporation and the Chief Financial Officer of Teekay Tankers Ltd.

Because Mr. Evensen is an employee of Teekay Corporation or another of its subsidiaries, his compensation (other than any awards under our long-term incentive plan) is set and paid by Teekay Corporation or such other applicable subsidiary. Pursuant to our partnership agreement, we have agreed to reimburse Teekay Corporation or its applicable subsidiary for time spent by Mr. Evensen on our management matters as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Please read “Item 18. – Financial Statements: Note 12 – Related Party Transactions” for a description of our various related-party transactions.

 

Item 8. Financial Information

 

A.

Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information

Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes

Please see “Item 18 – Financial Statements” below for additional information required to be disclosed under this Item.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time we have been, and expect to continue to be, subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. These claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. We are not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on us.

Cash Distribution Policy

Rationale for Our Cash Distribution Policy

This cash distribution policy reflects a basic judgment that our unitholders are better served by our distributing our cash available after expenses and reserves rather than our retaining it. However, commencing with our distribution on units relating to the fourth quarter of 2015, we have temporarily and significantly reduced the amount of our quarterly per common unit cash distributions. Global crude oil prices have significantly declined since mid-2014. The significant decline in oil prices has also contributed to depressed natural gas prices. These declines in energy prices, combined with other factors beyond our control, have adversely affected energy and master limited partnership capital markets and available sources of financing. We believe there is currently a dislocation in these markets relative to the stability of our businesses. Based on upcoming capital requirements for our committed growth projects and scheduled debt repayment obligations, coupled with uncertainty regarding how long it will take for the energy and master limited partnership capital markets to normalize, the board of directors of our General Partner believes it is in the best interests of our unitholders to conserve more of our internally generated cash flows to fund these projects and to reduce debt levels. As a result, we have temporarily reduced our quarterly distributions on our common units. We believe there is currently a dislocation in the capital markets relative to the stability of our businesses. Based on the upcoming capital requirements for our committed growth projects, coupled with the uncertainty regarding how long it will take for the energy and capital markets to normalize, we believe that it is in the best interests of our common unitholders to conserve more of our internally generated cash flows to fund future growth projects and to reduce debt levels. This reduction in the amount of unit distributions to establish cash reserves for these purposes is consistent with our cash distribution policy and is consistent with the terms of our partnership agreement, which requires that we distribute all of our Available Cash within approximately 45 days after the end of each quarter.

 

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Limitations on Cash Distributions and Our Ability to Change Our Cash Distribution Policy

There is no guarantee that unitholders will receive quarterly distributions from us. Our distribution policy is subject to certain restrictions and may be changed at any time, including:

 

   

Our unitholders have no contractual or other legal right to receive distributions other than the obligation under our partnership agreement to distribute Available Cash on a quarterly basis, which is subject to our General Partner’s broad discretion to establish reserves and other limitations.

 

   

While our partnership agreement requires us to distribute all of our Available Cash, our partnership agreement, including provisions requiring us to make cash distributions contained therein, may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding common units.

 

   

Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions we pay under our cash distribution policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by the board of directors of our General Partner, taking into consideration the terms of our partnership agreement.

 

   

Under Section 51 of the Marshall Islands Limited Partnership Act, we may not make a distribution to unitholders if the distribution would cause our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets.

 

   

We may lack sufficient cash to pay distributions to our unitholders due to decreases in net revenues or increases in our operating expenses, principal and interest payments on outstanding debt, tax expenses, working capital requirements, maintenance capital expenditures or anticipated cash needs.

 

   

Our distribution policy may be affected by restrictions on distributions under our credit facility agreements, which contain material financial tests and covenants that must be satisfied and complied with. Should we be unable to satisfy these restrictions included in our credit agreements or if we are otherwise in default under our credit agreements, we would be prohibited from making cash distributions, which would materially hinder our ability to make cash distributions to unitholders, notwithstanding our stated cash distribution policy.

 

   

If we make distributions out of capital surplus, as opposed to operating surplus (as such terms are defined in our partnership agreement), those distributions will constitute a return of capital and will result in a reduction in the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels under our partnership agreement. We do not anticipate that we will make any distributions from capital surplus.

Incentive Distribution Rights

Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of Available Cash from operating surplus (as defined in our partnership agreement) after the minimum quarterly distribution to our unitholders and the target distribution levels have been achieved. Our General Partner currently holds the incentive distribution rights, but may transfer these rights separately from its general partner interest, subject to restrictions in our partnership agreement.

The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of the additional Available Cash from operating surplus among the common unitholders and our General Partner up to the various target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under “Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions’’ are the percentage interests of the common unitholders and our General Partner in any Available Cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the column “Quarterly Distribution Target Amount,’’ until Available Cash from operating surplus we distribute reaches the next target distribution level, if any. The percentage interests shown for the common unitholders and our General Partner for the minimum quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution. The percentage interests shown for our General Partner include its 2.0% general partner interest and assume the General Partner has contributed any capital necessary to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest and has not transferred the incentive distribution rights.

 

     Quarterly Distribution Target Amount (per unit)    Marginal Percentage Interest In Distributions
          Unitholders   General Partner

Minimum Quarterly Distribution

   $0.4125    98%   2%

First Target Distribution

   Up to $0.4625    98%   2%

Second Target Distribution

   Above $0.4625 up to $0.5375    85%   15%

Third Target Distribution

   Above $0.5375 up to $0.6500    75%   25%

Thereafter

   Above $0.6500    50%   50%

During 2015, cash distributions with respect to the first three quarters of 2015 exceeded $0.4625 per common unit, and were below $0.4625 per common unit with respect to the distribution for the fourth quarter of 2015. Consequently, the assumed distribution of net income resulted in the use of the increasing percentages to calculate the General Partner’s interest in net income for the purposes of the net income per common unit calculation up to September 30, 2015 and increasing percentages were not used to calculate the General Partner’s interest in net income for the purposes of the net income per common unit calculation from October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

B. Significant Changes

Please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 19 – Subsequent Events.”

 

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Item 9. The Offer and Listing

Our common units are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “TGP”. The following table sets forth the high and low prices for our common units on the NYSE for each of the periods indicated.

 

Years Ended    Dec. 31,
2015
     Dec. 31,
2014
     Dec. 31,
2013
     Dec. 31,
2012
     Dec. 31,
2011
                             

High

   $ 43.38       $ 47.49       $ 45.42       $ 42.26       $ 41.50               

Low

     8.80         33.02         37.73         33.00         28.61               
Quarters Ended    Mar. 31,
2016
     Dec. 31,
2015
     Sept. 30,
2015
     June 30,
2015
     Mar. 31,
2015
     Dec. 31,
2014
     Sept. 30,
2014
     June 30,
2014
     Mar. 31,
2014
 

High

   $ 14.80       $ 27.04       $ 32.30       $ 40.73       $ 43.38       $ 43.86       $ 47.49       $ 46.69       $ 42.92   

Low

     7.92         8.80         22.03         31.64         34.13         33.02         40.40         41.35         39.03   
Months Ended    Mar. 31,
2016
     Feb. 29,
2016
     Jan. 31,
2016
     Dec. 31,
2015
     Nov. 30,
2015
     Oct. 31,
2015
                      

High

   $ 14.80       $ 12.25       $ 13.89       $ 22.81       $ 26.34       $ 27.04            

Low

     10.03         9.31         7.92         8.80         22.30         23.20            

 

Item 10. Additional Information

Memorandum and Articles of Association

The information required to be disclosed under Item 10B is incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A filed with the SEC on September 29, 2006.

Material Contracts

The following is a summary of each material contract, other than material contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party, for the two years immediately preceding the date of this Annual Report, each of which is included in the list of exhibits in Item 19:

 

  (a)

Amended and Restated Omnibus agreement with Teekay Corporation, Teekay Offshore, our General Partner and related parties Please read “Item 7 – Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions” for a summary of certain contract terms.

 

  (b)

We and certain of our operating subsidiaries have entered into services agreements with certain subsidiaries of Teekay Corporation pursuant to which the Teekay Corporation subsidiaries provide us and our operating subsidiaries with certain non-strategic services such as, crew training, advisory, technical and administrative services that supplement existing capabilities of the employees of our operating subsidiaries. Teekay Corporation subsidiaries also provide business development services and strategic consulting and advisory services. All these services are charged at reasonable fee that includes reimbursement of the reasonable cost of any direct and indirect expenses they incur in providing these services. Please read “Item 7 – Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions” for a summary of certain contract terms.

 

  (c)

Syndicated Loan Agreement between Naviera Teekay Gas III, S.L. (formerly Naviera F. Tapias Gas III, S.A.) and Caixa de Aforros de Vigo Ourense e Pontevedra, as Agent, dated as of October 2, 2000, as amended. This facility was used to make restricted cash deposits that fully fund payments under a capital lease for one of our LNG carriers, the Catalunya Spirit . Interest payments are based on EURIBOR plus a margin. The term loan matures in 2023 with monthly payments that reduce over time.

 

  (d)

Teekay LNG Partners L.P. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Please read “Item 6 – Directors, Senior Management and Employees” for a summary of certain plan terms.

 

  (e)

Agreement dated August 23, 2006, for a U.S. $330,000,000 Secured Revolving Loan Facility between Teekay LNG Partners L.P., ING Bank N.V. and various other banks. This facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.55%. The amount available under the facility reduces semi-annually by amounts ranging from $4.3 million to $8.4 million, with a bullet reduction of $188.7 million on maturity in August 2018. The revolver is collateralized by first-priority mortgages granted on two of our LNG carriers. The credit facility may be used for general partnership purposes and to fund cash distributions.

 

  (f)

Agreement dated June 30, 2008, for a U.S. $172,500,000 Secured Revolving Loan Facility between Arctic Spirit L.L.C., Polar Spirit L.L.C. and DnB Nor Bank A.S.A. and various other banks. This facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.80%. The amount available under the facility reduces by $6.1 million semi-annually, with a balloon reduction of $56.6 million on maturity in June 2018. The revolver is collateralized by first-priority mortgages granted on two of our LNG carriers. The credit facility may be used for general partnership purposes and to fund cash distributions.

 

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  (g)

Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated October 10, 2008, relating to a Loan Agreement for a U.S. $92,400,000 Buyer Credit and a U.S. $117,600,000 Commercial Loan between MiNT LNG I, Ltd., BNP Paribas S.A., and various other banks. The Buyers Credit bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.78% and the Commercial Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.30%. In addition, a commitment fee will be charged at the rate of 0.25% and 0.45% on undrawn and uncancelled amounts of the Buyer Credit and Commercial Loan, respectively. The amount available under the facilities reduces quarterly by amounts ranging from $1.2 million to $2.5 million. The Commercial Loan is due by one installment on maturity in 2023.

 

  (h)

Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated October 10, 2008, relating to a Loan Agreement for a U.S. $92,400,000 Buyer Credit and a U.S. $117,600,000 Commercial Loan between MiNT LNG II, Ltd., BNP Paribas S.A., and various other banks. The Buyers Credit bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.78% and the Commercial Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.30%. In addition, a commitment fee will be charged at the rate of 0.25% and 0.45% on undrawn and uncancelled amounts of the Buyer Credit and Commercial Loan, respectively. The amount available under the facilities reduces quarterly by amounts ranging from $1.2 million to $2.5 million. The Commercial Loan is due by one installment on maturity in 2023.

 

  (i)

Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated October 10, 2008, relating to a Loan Agreement for a U.S. $92,400,000 Buyer Credit and a U.S. $117,600,000 Commercial Loan between MiNT LNG III, Ltd., BNP Paribas S.A., and various other banks. The Buyers Credit bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.78% and the Commercial Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.30%. In addition, a commitment fee will be charged at the rate of 0.25% and 0.45% on undrawn and uncancelled amounts of the Buyer Credit and Commercial Loan, respectively. The amount available under the facilities reduces quarterly by amounts ranging from $1.2 million to $2.5 million. The Commercial Loan is due by one installment on maturity in 2023.

 

  (j)

Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated October 10, 2008, relating to a Loan Agreement for a U.S. $92,400,000 Buyer Credit and a U.S. $117,600,000 Commercial Loan between MiNT LNG IV, Ltd., BNP Paribas S.A., and various other banks. The Buyers Credit bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.78% and the Commercial Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.30%. In addition, a commitment fee will be charged at the rate of 0.25% and 0.45% on undrawn and uncancelled amounts of the Buyer Credit and Commercial Loan, respectively. The amount available under the facilities reduces quarterly by amounts ranging from $1.2 million to $2.5 million. The Commercial Loan is due by one installment on maturity in 2024.

 

  (k)

Agreement dated October 27, 2009, for a U.S. $122,000,000 million Credit Facility that is secured by the LPG carriers and multigas carriers chartered to I.M. Skaugen SE. Interest payments under the facility are based on three months LIBOR plus 2.75% and require quarterly payments. This loan facility is collateralized by first priority mortgages on the five vessels to which the loans relate to, together with certain other related security and is guaranteed by us. The loans have varying maturities through 2018.

 

  (l)

Agreement dated December 15, 2006 supplemented by agreement dated March 17, 2010, for a U.S. $255,528,228 million Senior Loan and U.S. $80,000,000 million Junior Loan Secured Loan Agreement between Bermuda Spirit L.L.C., Hamilton Spirit L.L.C., Summit Spirit L.L.C., Zenith Spirit L.L.C., and Credit Agricole CIB Bank. The facility was used to finance up to 80% of the shipyard contract price for the Bermuda Spirit and the Hamilton Spirit . Interest payments on one tranche under the loan facility are based on six month LIBOR plus 0.30%, while interest payments on the second tranche are based on six-month LIBOR plus 0.70%. One tranche reduces in semi-annual payments while the other tranche correspondingly is drawn up every six months with a final $20 million bullet payment per vessel due 12 years and six months from each vessel delivery date. This loan facility is collateralized by first-priority mortgages on the four vessels to which the loan relates, together with certain other related security and is guaranteed by Teekay Corporation.

 

  (m)

Agreement dated September 30, 2011, for a EURO €149,933,766 Credit Facility between Naviera Teekay Gas IV S.L.U., ING Bank N.V. and various other banks. This facility bears interest at EURIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%. The amount available under the facility reduces monthly by amounts ranging from $0.4 million to $0.7 million, with a bullet reduction of $104.4 million on maturity in 2018. The loan facility is guaranteed by us.

 

  (n)

Agreement dated February 28, 2012; Teekay LNG Operating L.L.C. and Marubeni Corporation entered into an agreement to acquire, through the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture, 100% ownership of six LNG carriers from AP Moller-Maersk A/S.

 

  (o)

Agreement dated April 30, 2012, for NOK 700,000,000, Senior Unsecured Bonds due May 2017, among, Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA.

 

  (p)

Agreement dated February 12, 2013; Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l. entered into a share purchase agreement with Exmar and Exmar Marine NV to purchase 50% of the shares in Exmar LPG BVBA.

 

  (q)

Agreement dated June 27, 2013, for US$195,000,000 Senior Secured Notes between Meridian Spirit ApS and Wells Fargo Bank Northwest N.A. The loan bears interest at fixed rate of 4.11%. The facility requires quarterly repayments through 2030.

 

  (r)

Agreement dated June 28, 2013, for a US$160,000,000 Loan Facility between Malt Singapore Pte. Ltd. and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.60%. The facility requires quarterly repayments, with a bullet payment on maturity in 2021.

 

  (s)

Agreement dated July 30, 2013, for a US$608,000,000 Loan Facility between Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. and DNB Bank ASA, acting as agent and security trustee. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.15% for Tranche A and LIBOR plus a margin of 0.5% for Tranche B. The facility requires quarterly repayments, with a bullet payment on maturity in 2017. The loan facility is guaranteed by us and Marubeni Corporation based on our proportionate ownership percentages in the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture.

 

  (t)

Agreement dated August 30, 2013, for NOK 900,000,000, Senior Unsecured Bonds due September 2018, among, Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA.

 

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  (u)

Agreement dated December 9, 2013, for a US$125,000,000 Secured Credit Facility between Wilforce L.L.C. and Credit Suisse AG and others. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.20% until June 2014 and a margin of 2.80% thereafter. The facility requires quarterly repayments, with a bullet payment in 2018.

 

  (v)

Agreement dated March 28, 2014, for a US$130,000,000 Secured Credit Facility between Wilpride L.L.C., Nordea Bank Finland and various other banks. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75%. The facility requires quarterly repayments, with a bullet payment in 2018.

 

  (w)

Agreement dated July 7, 2014; Teekay LNG Operating L.L.C. entered into a shareholder agreement with China LNG Shipping (Holdings) Limited to form TC LNG Shipping L.L.C. in connection with the Yamal LNG Project.

 

  (x)

Agreement dated November 7, 2014, for a US$175,000,000 Secured Loan Facility between Solaia Shipping L.L.C. and Excelsior BVBA, Nordea Bank Norge ASA and various other banks. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75%. The facility requires quarterly repayments, with a bullet payment in 2019. The loan facility is guaranteed by us and Exmar based on our proportionate ownership percentages in the Exmar LNG Carriers.

 

  (y)

Agreement dated December 17, 2014, for a US$450,000,000 Secured Loan Facility between Nakilat Holdco L.L.C. and Qatar National Bank SAQ. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.85%. The facility requires quarterly repayments, with a bullet payment in 2026.

 

  (z)

Agreement dated April 27, 2015, for a US$55,000,000 Secured Loan Facility between African Spirit L.L.C., European Spirit L.L.C., Asian Spirit L.L.C., and ING Bank N.V. and various other banks. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00%. The amount available under the facility was reduced by $4.6 million in November 2015 with a balloon payment in April 2016.

 

  (aa)

Agreement dated May 18, 2015, for NOK 1,000,000,000, Senior Unsecured Bonds due May 2020, among, Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Nordic Trustee ASA.

 

  (bb)

Amending and Restating Agreement dated June 5, 2015, for a US$460,000,000 Secured Loan Facility between Exmar LPG BVBA, Nordea Bank Norge ASA and various other banks. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.90%. The facility requires quarterly repayments with a balloon payment in 2021. The loan facility is guaranteed by us and Exmar based on our proportionate ownership percentages in Exmar LPG BVBA.

 

  (cc)

Agreement dated November 24, 2015, for US$150,000,000 unsecured Revolving Credit Facility between Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Citigroup Global Markets Limited and various other banks. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.10%. The facility requires a bullet payment in November 2016. The credit facility may be used for General Partnership purposes and to fund cash distributions.

Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Unitholders

We are not aware of any governmental laws, decrees or regulations, including foreign exchange controls, in the Republic of The Marshall Islands that restrict the export or import of capital, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to holders of our securities that are non-resident and not citizens.

We are not aware of any limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote our securities imposed by the laws of the Republic of The Marshall Islands or our partnership agreement.

Taxation

Marshall Islands Tax Consequences . We and our subsidiaries do not, and we do not expect that we and our subsidiaries will, conduct business or operations in the Republic of The Marshall Islands. Consequently, neither we nor our subsidiaries will be subject to income, capital gains, profits or other taxation under current Marshall Islands law. As a result, distributions by our subsidiaries to us will not be subject to Marshall Islands taxation. In addition, because all documentation related to our initial public offering and follow-on offerings were executed outside of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law, no taxes or withholdings are imposed by the Republic of The Marshall Islands on distributions, including upon a return of capital, made to unitholders, so long as such persons are not citizens of and do not reside in, maintain offices in, nor engage in business in the Republic of The Marshall Islands. In addition, no stamp, capital gains or other taxes are imposed by the Republic of The Marshall Islands on the purchase, ownership or disposition by such persons of our common units.

United States Tax Consequences . The following is a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to common unitholders who are individual citizens or residents of the United States. This discussion is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or the Code ), legislative history, applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations (or Treasury Regulations ), judicial authority and administrative interpretations, all as in effect on the date of this Annual Report, and which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or are subject to different interpretations. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to “we,” “our” or “us” are references to Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

This discussion is limited to unitholders who hold their common units as capital assets for tax purposes. This discussion does not address all tax considerations that may be important to a particular unitholder in light of the unitholder’s circumstances, or to certain categories of common unitholders that may be subject to special tax rules, such as:

 

   

dealers in securities or currencies;

 

   

traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities;

 

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persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar;

 

   

persons holding our common units as part of a hedge, straddle, conversion or other “synthetic security” or integrated transaction;

 

   

certain U.S. expatriates;

 

   

financial institutions;

 

   

insurance companies;

 

   

persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

 

   

persons that actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules own 10 percent or more of our units; and

 

   

entities that are tax-exempt for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our common units, the tax treatment of that partnership’s partner generally will depend upon the status of such partner and the activities of such partnership. Partners in partnerships holding our common units should consult their own tax advisors to determine the appropriate tax treatment of the partnership’s ownership of our common units.

This discussion does not address any U.S. estate tax considerations or tax considerations arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction. Each unitholder is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of our common units.

Classification as a Partnership.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a partnership is not a taxable entity, and although it may be subject to withholding taxes on behalf of its partners under certain circumstances, a partnership itself incurs no U.S. federal income tax liability. Instead, each partner of a partnership is required to take into account its share of items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the partnership in computing its U.S. federal income tax liability, regardless of whether cash distributions are made to it by the partnership. Distributions by a partnership to a partner generally are not taxable unless the amount of cash distributed exceeds the partner’s adjusted tax basis in its partnership interest.

Section 7704 of the Code provides that a publicly traded partnership generally will be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, an exception, referred to as the “Qualifying Income Exception,” exists with respect to a publicly traded partnership whose “qualifying income” represents 90 percent or more of its gross income for every taxable year. Qualifying income includes income and gains derived from the transportation and storage of crude oil, natural gas and products thereof, including liquefied natural gas. Other types of qualifying income include interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, gains from the sale of real property and gains from the sale or other disposition of capital assets held for the production of qualifying income, including stock. We have received a ruling from the IRS that we requested in connection with our initial public offering that the income we derive from transporting LNG and crude oil pursuant to time charters existing at the time of our initial public offering is qualifying income within the meaning of Section 7704. A ruling from the IRS, while generally binding on the IRS, may under certain circumstances be revoked or modified by the IRS retroactively.

We estimate that less than 5 percent of our current income is not qualifying income and therefore we believe that we will be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, this estimate could change from time to time for various reasons. Because we have not received an IRS ruling or an opinion of counsel that any (1) income we derive from transporting crude oil, natural gas and products thereof, including LNG, pursuant to bareboat charters or (2) income or gain we recognize from foreign currency transactions, is qualifying income, we currently are treating income from those sources as non-qualifying income. Under some circumstances, such as a significant change in foreign currency rates, the percentage of income or gain from foreign currency transactions in relation to our total gross income could be substantial. We do not expect income or gains from these sources and other income or gains that are not qualifying income to constitute 10 percent or more of our gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, it is possible that the operation of certain of our vessels pursuant to bareboat charters could, in the future, cause our non-qualifying income to constitute 10 percent or more of our future gross income if such vessels were held in a pass-through structure. In order to preserve our status as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have received a ruling from the IRS that effectively allows us to conduct our bareboat charter operations in a subsidiary corporation.

Status as a Partner

The treatment of common unitholders described in this section applies only to unitholders treated as partners in us for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Common unitholders who have been properly admitted as limited partners of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. will be treated as partners in us for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, assignees of common units who have executed and delivered transfer applications, and are awaiting admission as limited partners and unitholders whose common units are held in street name or by a nominee and who have the right to direct the nominee in the exercise of all substantive rights attendant to the ownership of their common units will be treated as partners in us for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The status of assignees of common units who are entitled to execute and deliver transfer applications and thereby become entitled to direct the exercise of attendant rights, but who fail to execute and deliver transfer applications, is unclear. In addition, a purchaser or other transferee of common units who does not execute and deliver a transfer application may not receive some U.S. federal income tax information or reports furnished to record holders of common units, unless the common units are held in a nominee or street name account and the nominee or broker has executed and delivered a transfer application for those common units.

Under certain circumstances, a beneficial owner of common units whose units have been loaned to another may lose its status as a partner with respect to those units for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

In general, a person who is not a partner in a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not required or permitted to report any share of the partnership’s income, gain, deductions or losses for such purposes, and any cash distributions received by such a person from the partnership therefore may be fully taxable as ordinary income. Common unitholders not described here are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to their status as partners in us for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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Consequences of Unit Ownership

Flow-through of Taxable Income. Each unitholder is required to include in computing its taxable income its allocable share of our items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit for our taxable year ending with or within its taxable year, without regard to whether we make corresponding cash distributions to it. Our taxable year ends on December 31. Consequently, we may allocate income to a unitholder as of December 31 of a given year, and the unitholder will be required to report this income on its tax return for its tax year that ends on or includes such date, even if it has not received a cash distribution from us as of that date.

In addition, certain U.S. common unitholders who are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8 percent tax on, among other things, the income allocated to them. Common unitholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this tax on their ownership of our common units.

Treatment of Distributions. Distributions by us to a unitholder generally will not be taxable to the unitholder for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of its tax basis in its common units immediately before the distribution. Our cash distributions in excess of a unitholder’s tax basis generally will be considered to be gain from the sale or exchange of common units, taxable in accordance with the rules described under “—Disposition of Common Units” below. Any reduction in a unitholder’s share of our liabilities for which no partner, including the general partner, bears the economic risk of loss, known as “nonrecourse liabilities,” will be treated as a distribution of cash to that unitholder. A decrease in a unitholder’s percentage interest in us because of our issuance of additional common units will decrease its share of our nonrecourse liabilities, and thus will result in a corresponding deemed distribution of cash. To the extent our distributions cause a unitholder’s “at risk” amount to be less than zero at the end of any taxable year, it must recapture any losses deducted in previous years.

A non-pro rata distribution of money or property may result in ordinary income to a unitholder, regardless of its tax basis in its common units, if the distribution reduces the unitholder’s share of our “unrealized receivables,” including depreciation recapture, and/or substantially appreciated “inventory items,” both as defined in the Code (or, collectively, Section 751 Assets ). To that extent, a unitholder will be treated as having been distributed its proportionate share of the Section 751 Assets and having exchanged those assets with us in return for the non-pro rata portion of the actual distribution made to him. This latter deemed exchange will generally result in the unitholder’s realization of ordinary income, which will equal the excess of (1) the non-pro rata portion of that distribution over (2) the unitholder’s tax basis for the share of Section 751 Assets deemed relinquished in the exchange.

Basis of Common Units. A unitholder’s initial U.S. federal income tax basis for its common units will be the amount it paid for the common units plus its share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That basis will be increased by its share of our income and by any increases in its share of our nonrecourse liabilities and by its share of our tax-exempt income, if any, and decreased, but not below zero, by distributions from us, by the unitholder’s share of our losses, by any decreases in its share of our nonrecourse liabilities and by its share of our expenditures that are not deductible in computing taxable income and are not required to be capitalized. A unitholder will have no share of our debt that is recourse to the general partner, but will have a share, generally based on its share of profits, of our nonrecourse liabilities.

Limitations on Deductibility of Losses. The deduction by a unitholder of its share of our losses will be limited to the tax basis in its units and, in the case of an individual unitholder or a corporate unitholder more than 50 percent of the value of the stock of which is owned directly or indirectly by five or fewer individuals or some tax-exempt organizations, to the amount for which the unitholder is considered to be “at risk” with respect to our activities, if that is less than its tax basis. In general, a unitholder will be at risk to the extent of the tax basis of its units, excluding any portion of that basis attributable to its share of our nonrecourse liabilities, reduced by any amount of money it borrows to acquire or hold its units, if the lender of those borrowed funds owns an interest in us, is related to the unitholder or can look only to the units for repayment. A unitholder must recapture losses deducted in previous years to the extent that distributions cause its at risk amount to be less than zero at the end of any taxable year. Losses disallowed to a unitholder or recaptured as a result of these limitations will carry forward and will be allowable to the extent that its tax basis or at risk amount, whichever is the limiting factor, is subsequently increased. Upon the taxable disposition of a unit, any gain recognized by a unitholder can be offset by losses that were previously suspended by the at risk limitation but may not be offset by losses suspended by the basis limitation. Any excess suspended loss above that gain is no longer utilizable.

The passive loss limitations generally provide that individuals, estates, trusts and some closely-held corporations and personal service corporations can deduct losses from a passive activity only to the extent of the taxpayer’s income from the same passive activity. Passive activities generally are corporate or partnership activities in which the taxpayer does not materially participate. The passive loss limitations are applied separately with respect to each publicly traded partnership. Consequently, any passive losses we generate only will be available to offset our passive income generated in the future and will not be available to offset income from other passive activities or investments, including our investments or investments in other publicly traded partnerships, or salary or active business income. Passive losses that are not deductible because they exceed a unitholder’s share of income we generate may be deducted in full when it disposes of its entire investment in us in a fully taxable transaction with an unrelated party. The passive activity loss rules are applied after other applicable limitations on deductions, including the at risk rules and the basis limitation.

Dual consolidated loss restrictions also may apply to limit the deductibility by a corporate unitholder of losses we incur. Corporate common unitholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the applicability and effect to them of dual consolidated loss restrictions.

Limitations on Interest Deductions. The deductibility of a non-corporate taxpayer’s “investment interest expense” generally is limited to the amount of that taxpayer’s “net investment income.” For this purpose, investment interest expense includes, among other things, a unitholder’s share of our interest expense attributed to portfolio income. The IRS has indicated that net passive income earned by a publicly traded partnership will be treated as investment income to its unitholders. In addition, the unitholder’s share of our portfolio income will be treated as investment income.

Entity-Level   Collections. If we are required or elect under applicable law to pay any U.S. federal, state or local or foreign income or withholding taxes on behalf of any present or former unitholder or the general partner, we are authorized to pay those taxes from our funds. That payment, if made, will be treated as a distribution of cash to the partner on whose behalf the payment was made. If the payment is made on behalf of a person whose identity cannot be determined, we are authorized to treat the payment as a distribution to all current common unitholders. We are authorized to amend the partnership agreement in the manner necessary to maintain uniformity of intrinsic tax characteristics of units and to adjust later distributions, so that after giving effect to these distributions, the priority and characterization of distributions otherwise applicable under the partnership agreement are maintained as nearly as is practicable. Payments by us as described above could give rise to an overpayment of tax on behalf of an individual partner, in which event the partner would be required to file a claim in order to obtain a credit or refund of tax paid.

 

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Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss, Deduction and Credit. In general, if we have a net profit, our items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit will be allocated among the general partner and the common unitholders in accordance with their percentage interests in us. At any time that incentive distributions are made to the general partner, gross income will be allocated to the general partner to the extent of these distributions. If we have a net loss for the entire year, that loss generally will be allocated first to the general partner and the common unitholders in accordance with their percentage interests in us to the extent of their positive capital accounts and, second, to the general partner.

Specified items of our income, gain, loss and deduction will be allocated to account for any difference between the tax basis and fair market value of any property held by the partnership immediately prior to an offering of common units, referred to in this discussion as “Adjusted Property.” The effect of these allocations to a unitholder purchasing common units in an offering essentially will be the same as if the tax basis of our assets were equal to their fair market value at the time of the offering. In addition, items of recapture income will be allocated to the extent possible to the partner who was allocated the deduction giving rise to the treatment of that gain as recapture income in order to minimize the recognition of ordinary income by some common unitholders. Finally, although we do not expect that our operations will result in the creation of negative capital accounts, if negative capital accounts nevertheless result, items of our income and gain will be allocated in an amount and manner to eliminate the negative balance as quickly as possible.

An allocation of items of our income, gain, loss, deduction or credit, other than an allocation required by the Code to eliminate the difference between a partner’s “book” capital account, which is credited with the fair market value of Adjusted Property, and “tax” capital account, which is credited with the tax basis of Adjusted Property, referred to in this discussion as the “Book-Tax Disparity,” generally will be given effect for U.S. federal income tax purposes in determining a partner’s share of an item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit only if the allocation has substantial economic effect. In any other case, a partner’s share of an item will be determined on the basis of its interest in us, which will be determined by taking into account all the facts and circumstances, including:

 

   

its relative contributions to us;

 

   

the interests of all the partners in profits and losses;

 

   

the interest of all the partners in cash flow; and

 

   

the rights of all the partners to distributions of capital upon liquidation.

A unitholder’s taxable income or loss with respect to a common unit each year will depend upon a number of factors, including (1) the nature and fair market value of our assets at the time the holder acquired the common unit, (2) whether we issue additional units or we engage in certain other transactions and (3) the manner in which our items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit are allocated among our partners. For this purpose, we determine the value of our assets and the relative amounts of our items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit allocable to our common unitholders and our General Partner as holder of the incentive distribution rights by reference to the value of our interests, including the incentive distribution rights. The IRS may challenge any valuation determinations that we make, particularly as to the incentive distribution rights, for which there is no public market. Moreover, the IRS could challenge certain other aspects of the manner in which we determine the relative allocations made to our common unitholders and to the General Partner as holder of our incentive distribution rights. A successful IRS challenge to our valuation or allocation methods could increase the amount of net taxable income and gain realized by a unitholder with respect to a common unit.

Section 754 Election . We have made an election under Section 754 of the Code to adjust a common unit purchaser’s U.S. federal income tax basis in our assets (or inside basis ) to reflect the purchaser’s purchase price (or a Section 743(b) adjustment ). The Section 743(b) adjustment belongs to the purchaser and not to other common unitholders and does not apply to common unitholders who acquire their common units directly from us. For purposes of this discussion, a unitholder’s inside basis in our assets will be considered to have two components: (1) its share of our tax basis in our assets (or common basis ) and (2) its Section 743(b) adjustment to that basis.

In general, a purchaser’s common basis is depreciated or amortized according to the existing method utilized by us. A positive Section 743(b) adjustment to that basis generally is depreciated or amortized in the same manner as property of the same type that has been newly placed in service by us. A negative Section 743(b) adjustment to that basis generally is recovered over the remaining useful life of the partnership’s recovery property.

The calculations involved in the Section 743(b) adjustment are complex and will be made on the basis of assumptions as to the value of our assets and in accordance with the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations. We cannot assure you that the determinations we make will not be successfully challenged by the IRS and that the deductions resulting from them will not be reduced or disallowed altogether. Should the IRS require a different basis adjustment to be made, and should, in our judgment, the expense of compliance exceed the benefit of the election, we may seek consent from the IRS to revoke our Section 754 election. If such consent is given, a subsequent purchaser of units may be allocated more income than it would have been allocated had the election not been revoked.

Treatment of Short Sales.  A unitholder whose units are loaned to a “short seller” who sells such units may be considered to have disposed of those units. If so, the unitholder would no longer be a partner with respect to those units until the termination of the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the disposition. As a result, any of our income, gain, loss, deduction or credit with respect to the units may not be reportable by the unitholder who loaned them and any cash distributions received by such unitholder with respect to those units may be fully taxable as ordinary income.

Common unitholders desiring to assure their status as partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a loan to a short seller are urged to ensure that any applicable brokerage account agreements prohibit their brokers from borrowing their units.

 

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Tax Treatment of Operations

Accounting Method and Taxable Year. We use the calendar year as our taxable year and the accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Each unitholder will be required to include in income its share of our income, gain, loss, deduction and credit for our taxable year ending within or with its taxable year. In addition, a unitholder who disposes of all of its units must include its share of our income, gain, loss, deduction and credit through the date of disposition in income for its taxable year that includes the date of disposition, with the result that a unitholder who has a taxable year ending on a date other than December 31 and who disposes of all of its units following the close of our taxable year but before the close of its taxable year must include its share of more than one year of our income, gain, loss, deduction and credit in income for the year of the disposition.

Asset Tax Basis, Depreciation and Amortization. The tax basis of our assets will be used for purposes of computing depreciation and cost recovery deductions and, ultimately, gain or loss on the disposition of these assets. The U.S. federal income tax burden associated with any difference between the fair market value of our assets and their tax basis immediately prior to an offering of common units will be borne by the general partner and the existing limited partners.

To the extent allowable, we may elect to use the depreciation and cost recovery methods that will result in the largest deductions being taken in the earliest years after assets are placed in service. Property we subsequently acquire or construct may be depreciated using any method permitted by the Code.

If we dispose of depreciable property by sale, foreclosure or otherwise, all or a portion of any gain, determined by reference to the amount of depreciation previously deducted and the nature of the property, may be subject to the recapture rules and taxed as ordinary income rather than capital gain. Similarly, a unitholder who has taken cost recovery or depreciation deductions with respect to property we own likely will be required to recapture some or all of those deductions as ordinary income upon a sale of its interest in us.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of units will depend in part on our estimates of the relative fair market values, and the tax bases, of our assets at the time (a) the unitholder acquired its common unit, (b) we issue additional units or (c) we engage in certain other transactions. Although we may from time to time consult with professional appraisers regarding valuation matters, we will make many of the relative fair market value estimates ourselves. These estimates and determinations of basis are subject to challenge and will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. If the estimates of fair market value or basis are later found to be incorrect, the character and amount of items of income, gain, loss, deductions or credits previously reported by common unitholders might change, and common unitholders might be required to adjust their tax liability for prior years and incur interest and penalties with respect to those adjustments.

Disposition of Common Units

Recognition of Gain or Loss. In general, gain or loss will be recognized on a sale of units equal to the difference between the amount realized and the unitholder’s tax basis in the units sold. A unitholder’s amount realized will be measured by the sum of the cash, the fair market value of other property received by it and its share of our nonrecourse liabilities. Because the amount realized includes a unitholder’s share of our nonrecourse liabilities, the gain recognized on the sale of units could result in a tax liability in excess of any cash or property received from the sale.

Prior distributions from us in excess of cumulative net taxable income for a common unit that decreased a unitholder’s tax basis in that common unit will, in effect, become taxable income if the common unit is sold at a price greater than the unitholder’s tax basis in that common unit, even if the price received is less than its original cost. Except as noted below, gain or loss recognized by a unitholder on the sale or exchange of a unit generally will be taxable as capital gain or loss. Capital gain recognized by an individual on the sale of units held more than one year generally will be taxed at preferential tax rates.

A portion of a unitholder’s amount realized may be allocable to “unrealized receivables” or to “inventory items” we own. The term “unrealized receivables” includes potential recapture items, including depreciation and amortization recapture. A unitholder will recognize ordinary income or loss to the extent of the difference between the portion of the unitholder’s amount realized allocable to unrealized receivables or inventory items and the unitholder’s share of our basis in such receivables or inventory items. Ordinary income attributable to unrealized receivables, inventory items and depreciation or amortization recapture may exceed net taxable gain realized upon the sale of a unit and may be recognized even if a net taxable loss is realized on the sale of a unit. Thus, a unitholder may recognize both ordinary income and a capital loss upon a sale of units. Net capital losses generally may only be used to offset capital gains. An exception permits individuals to offset up to $3,000 of net capital losses against ordinary income in any given year.

The IRS has ruled that a partner who acquires interests in a partnership in separate transactions must combine those interests and maintain a single adjusted tax basis for all those interests. Upon a sale or other disposition of less than all of those interests, a portion of that tax basis must be allocated to the interests sold using an “equitable apportionment” method. Treasury Regulations under Section 1223 of the Code allow a selling unitholder who can identify common units transferred with an ascertainable holding period to elect to use the actual holding period of the common units transferred. Thus, according to the ruling, a common unitholder will be unable to select high or low basis common units to sell as would be the case with corporate stock, but, according to the Treasury Regulations, may designate specific common units sold for purposes of determining the holding period of units transferred. A unitholder electing to use the actual holding period of common units transferred must consistently use that identification method for all subsequent sales or exchanges of common units. A unitholder considering the purchase of additional units or a sale of common units purchased in separate transactions is urged to consult its tax advisor as to the possible consequences of this ruling and application of the Treasury Regulations.

In addition, certain U.S. common unitholders who are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8 percent tax on, among other things, capital gain from the sale or other disposition of their units. Common unitholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this tax on their ownership of our common units.

Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees. In general, our taxable income or loss will be determined annually, will be prorated on a monthly basis and will be subsequently apportioned among the common unitholders in proportion to the number of units owned by each of them as of the opening of the applicable exchange on the first business day of the month. However, gain or loss realized on a sale or other disposition of our assets other than in the ordinary course of business will be allocated among the common unitholders on the first business day of the month in which that gain or loss is recognized. As a result of the foregoing, a unitholder transferring units may be allocated income, gain, loss, deduction and credit realized after the date of transfer. A unitholder who owns units at any time during a calendar quarter and who disposes of them prior to the record date set for a cash distribution for that quarter will be allocated items of our income, gain, loss, deductions and credit attributable to months within that quarter in which the units were held but will not be entitled to receive that cash distribution. Recently adopted final Treasury Regulations allow a similar monthly simplifying convention starting with our taxable years beginning January 1, 2016. However, such regulations do not specifically authorize all aspects of the proration method we have adopted. If the IRS were to challenge our proration method, we may be required to change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our common unitholders.

 

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Transfer Notification Requirements. A unitholder who sells any of its units, other than through a broker, generally is required to notify us in writing of that sale within 30 days after the sale (or, if earlier, January 15 of the year following the sale). A unitholder who acquires units generally is required to notify us in writing of that acquisition within 30 days after the purchase, unless a broker or nominee will satisfy such requirement. We are required to notify the IRS of any such transfers of units and to furnish specified information to the transferor and transferee. Failure to notify us of a transfer of units may lead to the imposition of substantial penalties.

Constructive Termination. We will be considered to have been terminated for U.S. federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50 percent or more of the total interests in our capital and profits within a 12-month period. A constructive termination results in the closing of our taxable year for all common unitholders. In the case of a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a calendar year, the closing of our taxable year may result in more than 12 months of our taxable income or loss being includable in its taxable income for the year of termination. We would be required to make new tax elections after a termination, including a new election under Section 754 of the Code, and a termination would result in a deferral of our deductions for depreciation. A termination could also result in penalties if we were unable to determine that the termination had occurred. Moreover, a termination might either accelerate the application of, or subject us to, tax legislation applicable to a newly formed partnership.

Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

Subject to detailed limitations set forth in the Code, a unitholder may elect to claim a credit against its liability for U.S. federal income tax for its share of foreign income taxes (and certain foreign taxes imposed in lieu of a tax based upon income) paid by us. Income allocated to common unitholders likely will constitute foreign source income falling in the passive foreign tax credit category for purposes of the U.S. foreign tax credit limitation. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex and common unitholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors to determine whether or to what extent they would be entitled to such credit. A unitholder who does not elect to claim foreign tax credits may instead claim a deduction for its share of foreign taxes paid by us.

Tax-Exempt Organizations and Non-U.S. Investors

Investments in common units by employee benefit plans, other tax-exempt organizations and non-U.S. persons, including nonresident aliens of the United States, non-U.S. corporations and non-U.S. trusts and estates (collectively, non-U.S. unitholders) raise issues unique to those investors and, as described below, may result in substantially adverse tax consequences to them.

Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans, are subject to U.S. federal income tax on unrelated business taxable income. Virtually all of our income allocated to a unitholder that is such a tax-exempt organization will be unrelated business taxable income to it subject to U.S. federal income tax.

A non-U.S. unitholder may be subject to a 4 percent U.S. federal income tax on its share of the U.S. source portion of our gross income attributable to transportation that begins or ends (but not both) in the United States, unless either (a) an exemption applies and it files a U.S. federal income tax return to claim that exemption or (b) that income is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States (or U.S. effectively connected income ). For this purpose, transportation income includes income from the use, hiring or leasing of a vessel to transport cargo, or the performance of services directly related to the use of any vessel to transport cargo. The U.S. source portion of our transportation income is deemed to be 50 percent of the income attributable to voyages that begin or end in the United States. Generally, no amount of the income from voyages that begin and end outside the United States is treated as U.S. source, and consequently a non-U.S. unitholder would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to our transportation income attributable to such voyages. Although the entire amount of transportation income from voyages that begin and end in the United States would be fully taxable in the United States, we currently do not expect to have any transportation income from voyages that begin and end in the United States; however, there is no assurance that such voyages will not occur.

A non-U.S. unitholder may be entitled to an exemption from the 4 percent U.S. federal income tax or a refund of tax withheld on U.S. effectively connected income that constitutes transportation income if any of the following applies: (1) such non-U.S. unitholder qualifies for an exemption from this tax under an income tax treaty between the United States and the country where such non-U.S. unitholder is resident; (2) in the case of an individual non-U.S. unitholder, it qualifies for the exemption from tax under Section 872(b)(1) of the Code as a resident of a country that grants an equivalent exemption from tax to residents of the United States; or (3) in the case of a corporate non-U.S. unitholder, it qualifies for the exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code (or the Section 883 Exemption ) (for the rules relating to qualification for the Section 883 Exemption, please read below under “— Possible Classification as a Corporation — The Section 883 Exemption”).

We may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax, computed at the highest statutory rate, from cash distributions to non-U.S. unitholders with respect to their shares of our income that is U.S. effectively connected income. Our transportation income generally should not be treated as U.S. effectively connected income unless we have a fixed place of business in the United States and substantially all of such transportation income is attributable to either regularly scheduled transportation or, in the case of income derived from bareboat charters, is attributable to the fixed place of business in the United States. While we do not expect to have any regularly scheduled transportation or a fixed place of business in the United States, there can be no guarantee that this will not change. Under a ruling of the IRS, a portion of any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of a unit by a non-U.S. unitholder may be treated as U.S. effectively connected income to the extent we have a fixed place of business in the United States and a sale of our assets would have given rise to U.S. effectively connected income. If we were to earn any U.S. effectively connected income, a non-U.S. unitholder would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return to report its U.S. effectively connected income (including its share of any such income earned by us) and to pay U.S. federal income tax, or claim a credit or refund for tax withheld on such income. Further, unless an exemption applies, a non-U.S. corporation investing in units may be subject to a branch profits tax, at a 30 percent rate or lower rate prescribed by a treaty, with respect to its U.S. effectively connected income.

 

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Non-U.S. unitholders must apply for and obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number in order to file U.S. federal income tax returns and must provide that identification number to us for purposes of any U.S. federal income tax information returns we may be required to file. Non-U.S. unitholders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences of an investment in units and any filing requirements related thereto.

Functional Currency

We are required to determine the functional currency of any of our operations that constitute a separate qualified business unit (or QBU ) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and report the affairs of any QBU in this functional currency to our common unitholders. Any transactions conducted by us other than in the U.S. Dollar or by a QBU other than in its functional currency may give rise to foreign currency exchange gain or loss. Further, if a QBU is required to maintain a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar, a unitholder may be required to recognize foreign currency translation gain or loss upon a distribution of money or property from a QBU or upon the sale of common units, and items or income, gain, loss, deduction or credit allocated to the unitholder in such functional currency must be translated into the unitholder’s functional currency.

For purposes of the foreign currency rules, a QBU includes a separate trade or business owned by a partnership in the event separate books and records are maintained for that separate trade or business. The functional currency of a QBU is determined based upon the economic environment in which the QBU operates. Thus, a QBU whose revenues and expenses are primarily determined in a currency other than the U.S. Dollar will have a non-U.S. Dollar functional currency. We believe our principal operations constitute a QBU whose functional currency is the U.S. Dollar, but certain of our operations constitute separate QBUs whose functional currencies are other than the U.S. Dollar.

Proposed regulations (or the Section 987 Proposed Regulations ) provide that the amount of foreign currency translation gain or loss recognized upon a distribution of money or property from a QBU or upon the sale of common units will reflect the appreciation or depreciation in the functional currency value of certain assets and liabilities of the QBU between the time the unitholder purchased its common units and the time we receive distributions from such QBU or the unitholder sells its common units. Foreign currency translation gain or loss will be treated as ordinary income or loss. A unitholder must adjust the U.S. federal income tax basis in its common units to reflect such income or loss prior to determining any other U.S. federal income tax consequences of such distribution or sale. A unitholder who owns less than a 5 percent interest in our capital or profits generally may elect not to have these rules apply by attaching a statement to its tax return for the first taxable year the unitholder intends the election to be effective. Further, for purposes of computing its taxable income and U.S. federal income tax basis in its common units, a unitholder will be required to translate into its own functional currency items of income, gain, loss or deduction of such QBU and its share of such QBU’s liabilities. We intend to provide such information based on generally applicable U.S. exchange rates as is necessary for common unitholders to comply with the requirements of the Section 987 Proposed Regulations as part of the U.S. federal income tax information we will furnish common unitholders each year. However, a common unitholder may be entitled to make an election to apply an alternative exchange rate with respect to the foreign currency translation of certain items. Common unitholders who desire to make such an election should consult their own tax advisors.

Based upon our current projections of the capital invested in and profits of the non-U.S. Dollar QBUs, we believe that common unitholders will be required to recognize only a nominal amount of foreign currency translation gain or loss each year and upon their sale of units. Nonetheless, the rules for determining the amount of translation gain or loss are not entirely clear at present as the Section 987 Proposed Regulations currently are not effective. Common unitholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors for specific advice regarding the application of the rules for recognizing foreign currency translation gain or loss under their own circumstances. In addition to a unitholder’s recognition of foreign currency translation gain or loss, the U.S. Dollar QBU will engage in certain transactions denominated in the Euro, which will give rise to a certain amount of foreign currency exchange gain or loss each year. This foreign currency exchange gain or loss will be treated as ordinary income or loss.

Information Returns and Audit Procedures

We intend to furnish to each unitholder, within 90 days after the close of each calendar year, specific U.S. federal income tax information, including a document in the form of IRS Form 1065, Schedule K-1, which sets forth its share of our items of income, gain, loss, deductions and credits as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our preceding taxable year. In preparing this information, which will not be reviewed by counsel, we will take various accounting and reporting positions, some of which have been mentioned earlier, to determine each unitholder’s share of such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit. We cannot assure you that those positions will yield a result that conforms to the requirements of the Code, Treasury Regulations or administrative interpretations of the IRS. We cannot assure common unitholders that the IRS will not successfully contend that those positions are impermissible. Any challenge by the IRS could negatively affect the value of the units.

We will be obligated to file U.S. federal income tax information returns with the IRS for any year in which we earn any U.S. source income or U.S. effectively connected income. In the event we were obligated to file a U.S. federal income tax information return but failed to do so, common unitholders would not be entitled to claim any deductions, losses or credits for U.S. federal income tax purposes relating to us. Consequently, we may file U.S. federal income tax information returns for any given year. The IRS may audit any such information returns that we file. Adjustments resulting from an IRS audit of our return may require each unitholder to adjust a prior year’s tax liability, and may result in an audit of its return. Any audit of a unitholder’s return could result in adjustments not related to our returns as well as those related to our returns. Any IRS audit relating to our items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit for years in which we are not required to file and do not file a U.S. federal income tax information return would be conducted at the partner-level, and each unitholder may be subject to separate audit proceedings relating to such items.

For years in which we file or are required to file U.S. federal income tax information returns, we will be treated as a separate entity for purposes of any U.S. federal income tax audits, as well as for purposes of judicial review of administrative adjustments by the IRS and tax settlement proceedings. For such years, the tax treatment of partnership items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit will be determined in a partnership proceeding rather than in separate proceedings with the partners. The Code requires that one partner be designated as the “Tax Matters Partner” for these purposes. The partnership agreement names Teekay GP L.L.C. as our Tax Matters Partner.

The Tax Matters Partner will make some U.S. federal tax elections on our behalf and on behalf of common unitholders. In addition, the Tax Matters Partner can extend the statute of limitations for assessment of tax deficiencies against common unitholders for items reported in the information returns we file. The Tax Matters Partner may bind a unitholder with less than a 1 percent profits interest in us to a settlement with the IRS with respect to these items unless that unitholder elects, by filing a statement with the IRS, not to give that authority to the Tax Matters Partner. The Tax Matters Partner may seek judicial review, by which all the common unitholders are bound, of a final partnership administrative adjustment and, if the Tax Matters Partner fails to seek judicial review, judicial review may be sought by any common unitholder having at least a 1 percent interest in profits or by any group of common unitholders having in the aggregate at least a 5 percent interest in profits. However, only one action for judicial review will go forward, and each common unitholder with an interest in the outcome may participate.

 

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The recently enacted Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 altered the procedures for auditing large partnerships for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and also altered the procedures for assessing and collecting taxes due (including applicable penalties and interest) as a result of an audit. Unless we are eligible to (and choose to) elect to issue revised schedules K-1 to our partners with respect to an audited and adjusted return, the IRS may assess and collect taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) directly from us in the year in which the audit is completed under the new rules. If we are required to pay taxes, penalties and interest as the result of audit adjustments, cash available for distribution to our common unitholders may be substantially reduced. In addition, because payment would be due for the taxable year in which the audit is completed, common unitholders during that taxable year would bear the expense of the adjustment even if they were not common unitholders during the audited taxable year. Pursuant to this new legislation, we will designate a person (our General Partner) to act as the partnership representative who shall have the sole authority to act on behalf of the partnership with respect to dealings with the IRS under these new audit procedures.

A unitholder must file a statement with the IRS identifying the treatment of any item on its U.S. federal income tax return that is not consistent with the treatment of the item on an information return that we file. Intentional or negligent disregard of this consistency requirement may subject a unitholder to substantial penalties.

Special Reporting Requirements for Owners of Non-U.S. Partnerships.

A U.S. person who either contributes more than $100,000 to us (when added to the value of any other property contributed to us by such person or a related person during the previous 12 months) or following a contribution owns, directly, indirectly or by attribution from certain related persons, at least a 10 percent interest in us, is required to file IRS Form 8865 with its U.S. federal income tax return for the year of the contribution to report the contribution and provide certain details about himself and certain related persons, us and any persons that own a 10 percent or greater direct interest in us. We will provide each unitholder with the necessary information about us and those persons who own a 10 percent or greater direct interest in us along with the Schedule K-1 information described previously.

In addition to the foregoing, a U.S. person who directly owns at least a 10 percent interest in us may be required to make additional disclosures on IRS Form 8865 in the event such person acquires, disposes or has its interest in us substantially increased or reduced. Further, a U.S. person who directly, indirectly or by attribution from certain related persons, owns at least a 10 percent interest in us may be required to make additional disclosures on IRS Form 8865 in the event such person, when considered together with any other U.S. persons who own at least a 10 percent interest in us, owns a greater than 50 percent interest in us. For these purposes, an “interest” in us generally is defined to include an interest in our capital or profits or an interest in our deductions or losses.

Significant penalties may apply for failing to satisfy IRS Form 8865 filing requirements and thus common unitholders are advised to contact their tax advisors to determine the application of these filing requirements under their own circumstances.

In addition, individual citizens or residents of the United States who hold certain specified foreign financial assets, including units in a foreign partnership not held in an account maintained by a financial institution, with an aggregate value in excess of $50,000, on the last day of a taxable year, or $75,000 at any time during that taxable year, may be required to report such assets on IRS Form 8938 with their U.S. federal income tax return for that taxable year. Penalties apply for failure to properly complete and file IRS Form 8938. Investors are encouraged to consult with your tax advisor regarding the potential application of this disclosure requirement.

Accuracy-related Penalties

An additional tax equal to 20 percent of the amount of any portion of an underpayment of U.S. federal income tax attributable to one or more specified causes, including negligence or disregard of rules or regulations and substantial understatements of income tax, is imposed by the Code. No penalty will be imposed, however, for any portion of an underpayment if it is shown that there was a reasonable cause for that portion and that the taxpayer acted in good faith regarding that portion.

A substantial understatement of income tax in any taxable year exists if the amount of the understatement exceeds the greater of 10 percent of the tax required to be shown on the return for the taxable year or $5,000. The amount of any understatement subject to penalty generally is reduced if any portion is attributable to a position adopted on the return:

 

(1)

for which there is, or was, “substantial authority”; or

 

(2)

as to which there is a reasonable basis and the pertinent facts of that position are disclosed on the return.

More stringent rules, including additional penalties and extended statutes of limitations, may apply as a result of our participation in “listed transactions” or “reportable transactions with a significant tax avoidance purpose.” While we do not anticipate participating in such transactions, if any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit included in the distributive shares of common unitholders for a given year might result in an “understatement” of income relating to such a transaction, we will disclose the pertinent facts on a U.S. federal income tax information return for such year. In such event, we also will make a reasonable effort to furnish sufficient information for common unitholders to make adequate disclosure on their returns and to take other actions as may be appropriate to permit common unitholders to avoid liability for penalties.

Possible Classification as a Corporation

If we fail to meet the Qualifying Income Exception described above with respect to our classification as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, other than a failure that is determined by the IRS to be inadvertent and that is cured within a reasonable time after discovery, we will be treated as a non-U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If previously treated as a partnership, our change in status would be deemed to have been effected by our transfer of all of our assets, subject to liabilities, to a newly formed non-U.S. corporation, in return for stock in that corporation, and then our distribution of that stock to our common unitholders and other owners in liquidation of their interests in us. Common unitholders that are U.S. persons would be required to file IRS Form 926 to report these deemed transfers and any other transfers they made to us while we were treated as a corporation and may be required to recognize income or gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of certain prior deductions or losses and other items. Substantial penalties may apply for failure to satisfy these reporting requirements, unless the person otherwise required to report shows such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect.

 

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If we were treated as a corporation in any taxable year, either as a result of a failure to meet the Qualifying Income Exception or otherwise, our items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit would not pass through to unitholders. Instead, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax based on the rules applicable to foreign corporations, not partnerships, and such items would be treated as our own. In addition, Section 743(b) adjustments to the basis of our assets would no longer be available to purchasers in the marketplace. Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies (or PFICs ) below, any distribution made to a unitholder would be treated as taxable dividend income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits would be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the unitholder’s tax basis in its common units, and taxable capital gain thereafter. Dividends paid on our common units to U.S. unitholders who are individuals, estates or trusts generally would be treated as “qualified dividend income” that is subject to tax at preferential capital gain rates, subject to certain holding period and other requirements. In addition, certain U.S. unitholders who are individuals, estates or trusts would be required to pay an additional 3.8 percent tax on the dividends and distributions taxable as capital gain paid to them.

Taxation of Operating Income . We expect that substantially all of our gross income and the gross income of our corporate subsidiaries will be attributable to the transportation of LNG, LPG, ammonia, crude oil and related products. For this purpose, gross income attributable to transportation (or Transportation Income ) includes income derived from, or in connection with, the use or hiring or leasing for use of a vessel to transport cargo, or the performance of services directly related to the use of any vessel to transport cargo, and thus includes both time charter and bareboat charter income.

Fifty percent (50%) of Transportation Income attributable to transportation that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States (or U.S. Source International Transportation Income ) is considered to be derived from sources within the United States. Transportation Income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States (or U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income ) is considered to be 100 percent derived from sources within the United States. Transportation Income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. destinations is considered to be 100 percent derived from sources outside the United States. Transportation Income derived from sources outside the United States generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Based on our current operations and the operations of our subsidiaries, we expect substantially all of our Transportation Income to be from sources outside the United States and not subject to U.S. federal income tax. However, in the event we were treated as a corporation, if we or any of our subsidiaries does earn U.S. Source International Transportation Income or U.S. Source Domestic Transportation, our income or our subsidiaries’ income would be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under either the net basis and branch profits taxes or the 4 percent gross basis tax, each of which is discussed below, unless the exemption from U.S. taxation under Section 883 of the Code (or the Section 883 Exemption ) applies.

The Section   883 Exemption. In general, the Section 883 Exemption provides that if a non-U.S. corporation satisfies the requirements of Section 883 of the Code and the regulations thereunder, it will not be subject to the net basis and branch profits taxes or the 4 percent gross basis tax described below on its U.S. Source International Transportation Income. The Section 883 Exemption does not apply to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income.

In the event we were treated as a corporation, we do not believe that we would be able to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption and therefore our U.S. Source International Transportation Income would not be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation.

Net Basis Tax and Branch Profits Tax.   If we were to be treated as a corporation and if the Section 883 Exemption does not apply, our U.S. Source International Transportation Income may be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States (or Effectively Connected Income ) if we have a fixed place of business in the United States and substantially all of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation or, in the case of income derived from bareboat charters, is attributable to the fixed place of business in the United States. Based on our current operations, none of our potential U.S. Source International Transportation Income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation or is derived from bareboat charters attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States. As a result, if we were classified as a corporation, we do not anticipate that any of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income would be treated as Effectively Connected Income. However, there is no assurance that we would not earn income pursuant to regularly scheduled transportation or bareboat charters attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States in the future, which would result in such income being treated as Effectively Connected Income if we were classified as a corporation.

U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income generally will be treated as Effectively Connected Income if we were classified as a corporation. However, we do not anticipate that any of our income has been or will be U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income.

Any income that we earn that is treated as Effectively Connected Income would be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax (the highest statutory rate currently is 35%) and a 30% branch profits tax imposed under Section 884 of the Code. In addition, a branch interest tax could be imposed on certain interest paid or deemed paid by us if we were classified as a corporation.

On the sale of a vessel that has produced Effectively Connected Income, we generally would be subject to the net basis and branch profits taxes with respect to our gain not in excess of certain prior deductions for depreciation that reduced Effectively Connected Income. Otherwise, we would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain realized on sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under U.S. federal income tax principles.

The 4 Percent Gross Basis Tax.   If we were to be treated as a corporation and if the Section 883 Exemption does not apply and we are not subject to the net basis and branch profits taxes described above, we would be subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. Source International Transportation Income, without benefit of deductions. We estimate that, in this event, we would be subject to less than $500,000 of U.S. federal income tax in 2016 and in each subsequent year (in addition to any U.S. federal income taxes on our subsidiaries, as described below) based on the amount of U.S. Source International Transportation Income we earned for 2015 and our expected U.S. Source International Transportation Income for subsequent years. The amount of such tax for which we would be liable in any year in which we were treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes would depend upon the amount of income we earn from voyages into or out of the United States in such year, however, which is not within our complete control.

 

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Consequences of Possible PFIC Classification.

A non-U.S. entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be a PFIC in any taxable year in which, after taking into account the income and assets of the corporation and certain subsidiaries pursuant to a “look through” rule, either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive” income or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of its assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. For purposes of these tests, “passive income” includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties that are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. By contrast, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute “passive income.”

There are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from our time-chartering activities would constitute rental income or income derived from the performance of services, including legal uncertainties arising from the decision in Tidewater Inc. v. United States. 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009), which held that income derived from certain time-chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than services income for purposes of a foreign sales corporation provision of the Code. However, the IRS stated in an Action on Decision (AOD 2010-01) that it disagrees with, and will not acquiesce to, the way that the rental versus services framework was applied to the facts in the Tidewater decision, and in its discussion stated that the time charters at issue in Tidewater would be treated as producing services income for PFIC purposes. The IRS’s statement with respect to Tidewater cannot be relied upon or otherwise cited as precedent by taxpayers. Consequently, in the absence of any binding legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing PFICs, there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court would not follow the Tidewater decision in interpreting the PFIC provisions under the Code. Nevertheless, based on our current assets and operations, we believe that we would not now be nor would have ever been a PFIC even if we were treated as a corporation. No assurance can be given, however, that the IRS would accept this position or that we would not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if we were treated as a corporation and there were to be changes in our assets, income or operations.

If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a unitholder owns units, a U.S. unitholder generally would be subject to special rules (regardless of whether we continue thereafter to be a PFIC) resulting in increased tax liability with respect to (1) any “excess distribution” (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by a unitholder on our common units in a taxable year in excess of 125 percent of the average annual distributions received by the unitholder in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the unitholder’s holding period for the units) and (2) any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of units. Under these rules:

 

   

the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over the unitholder’s aggregate holding period for the common units;

 

   

the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year prior to the taxable year we were first treated as a PFIC with respect to the unitholder would be taxed as ordinary income in the current taxable year;

 

   

the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest rate in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year; and

 

   

an interest charge for the deemed deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.

In addition, for each year during which a U.S. unitholder holds units, we were treated as a PFIC, and the total value of all PFIC stock that such U.S. unitholder directly or indirectly owns exceeds certain thresholds, such unitholder would be required to file IRS Form 8621 with its annual U.S. federal income tax return to report its ownership of our units.

Certain elections, such as a qualified electing fund (or QEF ) election or mark to market election, may be available to a unitholder if we were classified as a PFIC. If we determine that we are or will be a PFIC, we will provide common unitholders with information concerning the potential availability of such elections.

Consequences of Possible Controlled Foreign Corporation Classification. If we were to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and if CFC Shareholders (generally, U.S. unitholders who each own, directly, indirectly or constructively, 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power of our outstanding shares entitled to vote) own directly, indirectly or constructively more than 50 percent of either the total combined voting power of our outstanding shares entitled to vote or the total value of all of our outstanding shares, we generally would be treated as a controlled foreign corporation (or a CFC ).

CFC Shareholders are treated as receiving current distributions of their respective shares of certain income of the CFC without regard to any actual distributions and are subject to other burdensome U.S. federal income tax and administrative requirements but generally are not also subject to the requirements generally applicable to shareholders of a PFIC. In addition, a person who is or has been a CFC Shareholder may recognize ordinary income on the disposition of shares of the CFC. Although we do not believe we are or will become a CFC even if we were to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. persons purchasing a substantial interest in us should consider the potential implications of being treated as a CFC Shareholder in the event we become a CFC in the future.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders who are not CFC Shareholders would not change in the event we become a CFC in the future.

 

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Taxation of Our Subsidiary Corporation

Our subsidiary Teekay LNG Holdco L.L.C. is wholly-owned by a U.S. partnership and has been classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is subject to U.S. federal income tax based on the rules applicable to foreign corporations described above under “Possible Classification as a Corporation — Taxation of Operating Income,” including, but not limited to, the 4 percent gross basis tax or the net basis tax if the Section 883 Exemption does not apply. We believe that the Section 883 Exemption would apply to our corporate subsidiary only to the extent that it would apply to us if we were to be treated as a corporation. As such, we believe that the Section 883 Exemption did not apply for 2015 and would not apply in subsequent years and therefore, the 4 percent gross basis tax applied to our subsidiary corporation in 2015 and will apply to our subsidiary corporation in subsequent years. In this regard, we estimate that we will be subject to approximately $100,000 or less of U.S. federal income tax in 2015 and in each subsequent year based on the amount of U.S. Source International Transportation Income our corporate subsidiary earned for 2015 and its expected U.S. Source International Transportation Income for 2016 and subsequent years. The amount of such tax for which it would be liable for any year will depend upon the amount of income earned from voyages into or out of the United States in such year, which, however, is not within its complete control.

As a non-U.S. entity classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Teekay LNG Holdco L.L.C. could be considered a PFIC. However, we have received a ruling from the IRS that Teekay LNG Holdco L.L.C. will be classified as a CFC rather than a PFIC as long as it is wholly-owned by a U.S. partnership.

In past years, certain other of our subsidiaries were classified as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We have and will continue to take the position that these subsidiaries, to the extent they were owned by our U.S. partnership, should also have been treated as CFCs rather than PFICs. Moreover, we have and will continue to take the position that these subsidiaries were not PFICs at any time prior to being owned by our U.S. partnership. No assurance can be given, however, that the IRS, or a court of law, will accept this position or would not follow the Tidewater decision in interpreting the PFIC provisions under the Code (as discussed above).

Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations. The following discussion is a summary of the material Canadian federal income tax considerations under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (or the Canada Tax Act ) that we believe are relevant to holders of common units who, for the purposes of the Canada Tax Act and the Canada-United States Tax Convention 1980 (or the Canada-U.S. Treaty ), are at all relevant times resident in the United States and entitled to all of the benefits of the Canada – U.S. Treaty and who deal at arm’s length with us and Teekay Corporation (or U.S. Resident Holders ). This discussion takes into account all proposed amendments to the Canada Tax Act and the regulations thereunder that have been publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof and assumes that such proposed amendments will be enacted substantially as proposed. However, no assurance can be given that such proposed amendments will be enacted in the form proposed or at all. This discussion assumes that we are, and will continue to be, classified as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes.

We are considered to be a partnership under Canadian federal income tax law and therefore not a taxable entity for Canadian income tax purposes. A U.S. Resident Holder will not be liable to tax under the Canada Tax Act on any income or gains allocated by us to the U.S. Resident Holder in respect of such U.S. Resident Holder’s common units, provided that for purposes of the Canada-U.S. Treaty, (a) we do not carry on business through a permanent establishment in Canada and (b) such U.S. Resident Holder does not hold such common units in connection with a business carried on by such U.S. Resident Holder through a permanent establishment in Canada.

A U.S. Resident Holder will not be liable to tax under the Canada Tax Act on any income or gain from the sale, redemption or other disposition of such U.S. Resident Holder’s common units, provided that, for purposes of the Canada-U.S. Treaty, such common units do not, and did not at any time in the twelve-month period preceding the date of disposition, form part of the business property of a permanent establishment in Canada of such U.S. Resident Holder.

We believe that our activities and affairs are conducted in such a manner that we are not carrying on business in Canada and that U.S. Resident Holders should not be considered to be carrying on business in Canada for purposes of the Canada Tax Act or the Canada-U.S. Treaty solely by reason of the acquisition, holding, disposition or redemption of common units. We intend that this is and continues to be the case, notwithstanding that Teekay Shipping Limited (a subsidiary of Teekay Corporation that is resident and based in Bermuda) provides certain services to Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and obtains some or all such services under subcontracts with Canadian service providers. If the arrangements we have entered into result in our being considered to carry on business in Canada for purposes of the Canada Tax Act, U.S. Resident Holders would be considered to be carrying on business in Canada and may be required to file Canadian tax returns and would be subject to taxation in Canada on any income from such business that is considered to be attributable to a permanent establishment in Canada for purposes of the Canada-U.S. Treaty.

Although we do not intend to do so, there can be no assurance that the manner in which we carry on our activities will not change from time to time as circumstances dictate or warrant in a manner that may cause U.S. Resident Holders to be carrying on business in Canada for purposes of the Canada Tax Act. Further, the relevant Canadian federal income tax law may change by legislation or judicial interpretation and the Canadian taxing authorities may take a different view than we have of the current law.

Other Taxation

We and our subsidiaries are subject to taxation in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions because we or our subsidiaries are either organized, or conduct business or operations, in such jurisdictions, but we do not expect any such tax to be material. However, we cannot assure this result as tax laws in these or other jurisdictions may change or we may enter into new business transactions relating to such jurisdictions, which could affect our tax liability. Please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 11 – Income Tax.”

Documents on Display

Documents concerning us that are referred to herein may be inspected at our principal executive offices at 4 th Floor, Belvedere Building, 69 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda. Those documents electronically filed via the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (or EDGAR ) system may also be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov , free of charge, or from the SEC’s Public Reference Section at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Further information on the operation of the SEC public reference rooms may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

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Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our borrowings that require us to make interest payments based on LIBOR, EURIBOR or NIBOR. Significant increases in interest rates could adversely affect our operating margins, results of operations and our ability to service our debt. From time to time, we use interest rate swaps to reduce our exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates. The principal objective of these contracts is to minimize the risks and costs associated with our floating-rate debt.

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements. In order to minimize counterparty risk, we only enter into derivative transactions with counterparties that are rated A- or better by Standard & Poor’s or A3 or better by Moody’s at the time of the transactions. In addition, to the extent practical, interest rate swaps are entered into with different counterparties to reduce concentration risk.

The table below provides information about our financial instruments at December 31, 2015, that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For long-term debt and capital lease obligations, the table presents principal payments and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swaps, the table presents notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates by expected contractual maturity dates.

Expected Maturity Date

 

                          
                                               Fair        
                                   There-           Value        
     2016     2017     2018     2019     2020     after     Total     Liability     Rate (1)  
     (in millions of U.S. Dollars, except percentages)  

Long-Term Debt:

                  

Variable-Rate ($U.S.) (2)

     183.3        115.4        565.9        60.9        63.4        490.8        1,479.7        (1,444.2     1.8

Variable-Rate (Euro) (3) (4)

     15.0        16.1        128.8        9.2        9.9        62.8        241.8        (232.9     1.3

Variable-Rate (NOK) (4) (5)

     —          79.2        101.8        —          113.0        —          294.0        (288.3     3.6

Capital Lease Obligations

                  

Variable-Rate ($U.S.) (6)

     4.5        28.3        26.3        —          —          —          59.1        (59.1     5.5

Average Interest Rate (7)

     5.4     4.6     6.4     —          —          —          5.5    

Interest Rate Swaps: (8)

                  

Contract Amount ($U.S.) (9)

     351.9        161.9        61.9        144.2        23.2        116.9        860.0        (68.5     3.7

Average Fixed-Pay Rate (2)

     3.0     4.9     4.1     2.7     4.1     5.0     3.7    

Contract Amount (Euro) (4) (10)

     15.0        16.1        128.8        9.2        9.9        62.8        241.8        (35.7     3.1

Average Fixed-Pay Rate (3)

     3.1     3.1     2.6     3.7     3.7     3.9     3.1    

 

(1)

Rate refers to the weighted-average effective interest rate for our long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including the margin we pay on our floating-rate debt and the average fixed pay rate for our interest rate swap agreements. The average interest rate for our capital lease obligations is the weighted-average interest rate implicit in our lease obligations at the inception of the leases. The average fixed pay rate for our interest rate swaps excludes the margin we pay on our drawn floating-rate debt, which as of December 31, 2015 ranged from 0.30% to 2.80%. Please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 10 – Long-Term Debt.”

(2)

Interest payments on U.S. Dollar-denominated debt and interest rate swaps are based on LIBOR.

(3)

Interest payments on Euro-denominated debt and interest rate swaps are based on EURIBOR.

(4)

Euro-denominated and NOK-denominated amounts have been converted to U.S. Dollars using the prevailing exchange rate as of December 31, 2015.

(5)

Interest payments on our NOK-denominated debt and on our cross-currency swaps are based on NIBOR. Our NOK 700 million and NOK 900 million, and NOK 1,000 million debt have been economically hedged with cross-currency swaps, to swap all interest and principal payments into U.S. Dollars, with the respective interest payments fixed at a rate of 6.88%, 6.43% and 5.92%, and the transfer of principal locked in at $125.0 million, $150.0 million and $134.0 million upon maturity. Please see below in the foreign currency fluctuation section and read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 13 – Derivative Instruments.”

(6)

The amount of capital lease obligations represents the present value of minimum lease payments together with our purchase obligation, as applicable.

(7)

The average interest rate is the weighted-average interest rate implicit in the capital lease obligations at the inception of the leases. Interest rate adjustments on these leases have corresponding adjustments in charter receipts under the terms of the charter contracts to which these leases relate.

 

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(8)

The table above does not reflect our interest rate swaption agreements, whereby we have a one-time option to enter into an interest rate swap at a fixed rate with a third party, and the third party has a one-time option to require us to enter into an interest rate swap at a fixed rate. If we or the third party exercises its option, there will be cash settlements for the fair value of the interest rate swap in lieu of taking delivery of the actual interest rate swap. The net fair value of the interest rate swaption agreements as at December 31, 2015 was a liability of $0.8 million. Please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 13 – Derivative Instruments”.

(9)

The average variable receive rate for our U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swaps is set at 3-month or 6-month LIBOR.

(10)

The average variable receive rate for our Euro-denominated interest rate swaps is set at 1-month EURIBOR.

Spot Market Rate Risk

One of our Suezmax tankers, the Toledo Spirit , operates pursuant to a time-charter contract that increases or decreases the otherwise fixed-rate established in the charter depending on the spot charter rates that we would have earned had we traded the vessel in the spot tanker market. The remaining term of the time-charter contract is 10 years as of December 31, 2015, although the charterer has the right to terminate the time-charter in July 2018. We have entered into an agreement with Teekay Corporation under which Teekay Corporation pays us any amounts payable to the charterer as a result of spot rates being below the fixed rate, and we pay Teekay Corporation any amounts payable to us from the charterer as a result of spot rates being in excess of the fixed rate. The amounts receivable or payable to from Teekay Corporation are settled at the end of each year. At December 31, 2015, the fair value of this derivative liability was $6.3 million and the change from December 31,2014 to the reporting period has been reported in realized and unrealized loss on derivative instruments.

Foreign Currency Fluctuations

Our functional currency is U.S. Dollars because primarily all of our revenues and most of our operating costs are in U.S. Dollars. Our results of operations are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The volatility in our financial results due to currency exchange rate fluctuations is attributed primarily to foreign currency revenues and expenses, our Euro-denominated loans and restricted cash deposits and our NOK-denominated bonds. A portion of our voyage revenues are denominated in Euros. A portion of our vessel operating expenses and general and administrative expenses are denominated in Euros, which is primarily a function of the nationality of our crew and administrative staff. We have Euro-denominated interest expense and Euro-denominated interest income related to our Euro-denominated loans of 222.7 million Euros ($241.8 million) and Euro-denominated restricted cash deposits of 16.7 million Euros ($18.1 million), respectively, as at December 31, 2015. We also incur NOK-denominated interest expense on our NOK-denominated bonds; however, we entered into cross-currency swaps and pursuant to these swaps we receive the principal amount in NOK on the maturity date of the swap, in exchange for payment of a fixed U.S. Dollar amount. In addition, the cross-currency swaps exchange a receipt of floating interest in NOK based on NIBOR plus a margin for a payment of U.S. Dollar fixed interest. The purpose of the cross-currency swaps is to economically hedge the foreign currency exposure on the payment of interest and principal of our NOK bonds due in 2017 through 2020, and to economically hedge the interest rate exposure. We have not designated, for accounting purposes, these cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges of the NOK-denominated bonds due in 2017 through 2020. Please read “Item 18 – Financial Statements: Note 13 – Derivative Instruments.” At December 31, 2015, the fair value of the derivative liabilities was $128.8 million and the change from December 2014 to the reporting period has been reported in foreign currency exchange gain (loss) in the consolidated statements of income. As a result, fluctuations in the Euro and NOK relative to the U.S. Dollar have caused, and are likely to continue to cause, fluctuations in our reported voyage revenues, vessel operating expenses, general and administrative expenses, interest expense, interest income, realized and unrealized loss on derivative instruments and foreign currency exchange gain (loss).

 

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Not applicable.

PART II

 

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

None.

 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Unitholders and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or the Exchange Act)) that are designed to ensure that (i) information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

We conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2015.

 

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

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining for us adequate internal controls over financial reporting.

Our internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation and presentation of the consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our internal controls over financial reporting include those policies and procedures that: 1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; 2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors; and 3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements even when determined to be effective and can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate. Based on the evaluation, management has determined that the internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

Our independent auditors, KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements and our internal control over financial reporting. Their attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting can be found on page F-2 of this Annual Report.

There were no changes in our internal controls that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a – 15 (f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Board of Directors of our General Partner has determined that director Ms. Beverlee F. Park, qualifies as an audit committee financial expert and is independent under applicable NYSE and SEC standards.

 

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Standards of Business Conduct that applies to all our employees and the employees and directors of our General Partner. This document is available under “Investors – Teekay LNG Partners L.P.- Governance” from the home page of our web site ( www.teekay.com ). We intend to disclose, under “Investors – Teekay LNG Partners L.P. - Governance” in the Investors section of our web site, any waivers to or amendments of our Standards of Business Conduct for the benefit of any directors and executive officers of our General Partner.

 

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Our principal accountant for 2015 and 2014 was KPMG LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants. The following table shows the fees we paid or accrued for audit and audit-related services provided by KPMG LLP for 2015 and 2014.

 

     2015      2014  
Fees (in thousands of U.S. Dollars)    $      $  

Audit Fees (1)

     736         729   

Audit-Related Fees (2)

     —           3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     736         732   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Audit fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements, review of our quarterly consolidated financial statements, audit services provided in connection with other statutory audits and professional services in connection with the review of our regulatory filings for our equity offerings.

(2)

Audit-related fees relate to other accounting consultations.

 

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No fees for tax services were provided to the Partnership by the auditor during the term of their appointments in 2015 and 2014.

The Audit Committee of our General Partner’s Board of Directors has the authority to pre-approve permissible audit, audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by our independent auditors and associated fees. Engagements for proposed services either may be separately pre-approved by the Audit Committee or entered into pursuant to detailed pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee, as long as the Audit Committee is informed on a timely basis of any engagement entered into on that basis. The Audit Committee pre-approved all engagements and fees paid to our principal accountant in 2015 and in 2014.

 

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable.

 

Item 16E. Purchases of Units by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Not applicable.

 

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not applicable.

 

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

There are no significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

 

Item 17. Financial Statements

Not applicable.

 

Item 18. Financial Statements

The following financial statements, together with the related reports of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are filed as part of this Annual Report:

 

     Page  

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-1, F-2   

Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Statements of Income

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements Comprehensive Income

     F-4   

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Total Equity

     F-7   

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-8   

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required, are inapplicable or have been disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and therefore have been omitted.

 

Item 19. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report:

 

    1.1    Certificate of Limited Partnership of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (1)
    1.2    First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Teekay LNG Partners L.P., dated May 10, 2005, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of May 31, 2006 and Amendment No. 2 effective as of January 1, 2007. (2)
    1.3    Certificate of Formation of Teekay GP L.L.C. (1)
    1.4    Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Teekay GP L.L.C., dated March 2005, as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated February 25, 2008, and Amendment No.2, dated February 29, 2008. (3)
    2.1    Agreement, dated April 30, 2012, for NOK 700,000,000, Senior Unsecured Bonds due May 2017, among, Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA. (4)
    2.2    Agreement, dated August 30, 2013, for NOK 900,000,000, Senior Unsecured Bonds due September 2018, among, Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA. (5)
    2.3    Agreement, dated May 18, 2015, for NOK 1,000,000,000, Senior Unsecured Bonds due May 2020, among, Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Nordic Trustee ASA.
    4.2    Teekay LNG Partners L.P. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan. (3)
    4.3    Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement with Teekay Corporation, Teekay Offshore, our General Partner and related parties. (6)
    4.4    Administrative Services Agreement with Teekay Shipping Limited. (3)
    4.5    Advisory, Technical and Administrative Services Agreement between Teekay Shipping Spain S.L. and Teekay Shipping Limited. (3)
    4.6    LNG Strategic Consulting and Advisory Services Agreement between Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Teekay Shipping Limited. (3)
    4.7    Syndicated Loan Agreement between Naviera Teekay Gas III, S.L. (formerly Naviera F. Tapias Gas III, S.A.) and Caixa de Aforros de Vigo Ourense e Pontevedra, as Agent, dated as of October 2, 2000, as amended. (3)
    4.8    Bareboat Charter Agreement between Naviera Teekay Gas III, S.L. (formerly Naviera F. Tapias Gas III, S.A.) and Poseidon Gas AIE dated as of October 2, 2000. (3)
    4.9    Bareboat Charter Agreement between Naviera Teekay Gas IV, S.L. (formerly Naviera F. Tapias Gas IV, S.A.) and Pagumar AIE, dated as of December 30, 2003. (3)
    4.11    Agreement, dated August 23, 2006, for a U.S. $330,000,000 Secured Revolving Loan Facility between Teekay LNG Partners L.P., ING Bank N.V. and other banks. (7)
    4.12    Purchase Agreement, dated November 2005, for the acquisition of Asian Spirit L.L.C., African Spirit L.L.C. and European Spirit L.L.C. (8)
    4.13    Agreement, dated June 30, 2008, for a U.S. $172,500,000 Secured Revolving Loan Facility between Arctic Spirit L.L.C., Polar Spirit L.L.C. and DnB Nor Bank A.S.A. (9)
    4.14    Credit Facility Agreement between Taizhou L.L.C. and DHJS L.L.C. and Calyon, as Agent, dated as of October 27, 2009. (10)
    4.15    Credit Facility Agreement between Bermuda Spirit L.L.C., Hamilton Spirit L.L.C., Zenith Spirit L.L.C., Summit Spirit L.L.C. and Credit Argicole CIB, dated March 17, 2010. (11)
    4.16    Credit Facility Agreement between Great East Hull No. 1717 L.L.C., Great East Hull No. 1718 L.L.C., H.S.H.I. Hull No. S363 L.L.C., H.S.H.I. Hull No. S364 L.L.C. and Calyon, dated December 15, 2006. (11)
    4.17    Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, for a EURO €149,933,766 Credit Facility between Naviera Teekay Gas IV S.L.U., ING Bank N.V. and other banks and financial institutions. (12)
    4.18    Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated October 10, 2008, relating to a Loan Agreement for a U.S. $92,400,000 Buyer Credit and a U.S. $117,600,000 Commercial Loan between MiNT LNG I, Ltd., BNP Paribas S.A., and other banks and financial institutions. (13)

 

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    4.19    Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated October 10, 2008, relating to a Loan Agreement for a U.S. $92,400,000 Buyer Credit and a U.S. $117,600,000 Commercial Loan between MiNT LNG II, Ltd. , BNP Paribas S.A., and other banks and financial institutions. (13)
    4.20    Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated October 10, 2008, relating to a Loan Agreement for a U.S. $92,400,000 Buyer Credit and a U.S. $117,600,000 Commercial Loan between MiNT LNG III, Ltd ., BNP Paribas S.A., and other banks and financial institutions. (13)
    4.21    Deed of Amendment and Restatement dated November 10, 2008, relating to a Loan Agreement for a U.S. $92,400,000 Buyer Credit and a U.S. $117,600,000 Commercial Loan between MiNT LNG IV, Ltd., BNP Paribas S.A., and other banks and financial institutions. (13)
    4.22    Share purchase agreement dated February 28, 2012 to purchase Maersk LNG A/S through the Teekay LNG- Marubeni Joint Venture from Maersk. (13)
    4.23    Agreement dated January 1, 2012, for business development services between Teekay LNG Operating L.L.C. and Teekay Shipping Limited. (14)
    4.24    Agreement dated June 27, 2013, for US$195,000,000 senior secured notes between Meridian Spirit ApS and Wells Fargo Bank Northwest N.A. (15)
    4.25    Agreement dated June 28, 2013, for US$160,000,000 loan facility between Malt Singapore Pte. Ltd. and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. (15)
    4.26    Agreement dated July 30, 2013, for US$608,000,000 loan facility between Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. and DNB Bank ASA, acting as agent and security trustee. (15)
    4.27    Agreement dated December 9, 2013, for US$125,000,000 loan facility between Wilforce L.L.C. and Credit Suisse AG and others. ( 5)
    4.28    Agreement dated February 12, 2013; Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l. entered into a share purchase agreement with Exmar NV and Exmar Marine NV to purchase 50% of the shares in Exmar LPG BVBA. (5)
    4.29    Agreement dated July 7, 2014; Teekay LNG Operating L.L.C. entered into a shareholder agreement with China LNG Shipping (Holdings) Limited to form TC LNG Shipping L.L.C. in connection with the Yamal LNG Project. (16)
    4.30    Agreement dated December 17, 2014, for US$450,000,000 loan facility between Nakilat Holdco L.L.C. and Qatar National Bank SAQ. (16)
    4.31    Agreement dated November 7, 2014, for a US$175,000,000 secured loan facility between Solaia Shipping L.L.C. and Excelsior BVBA, and Nordea Bank Norge ASA. (17)
    4.32    Agreement dated April 27, 2015, for a US$55,000,000 secured loan facility between African Spirit L.L.C., European Spirit L.L.C. and Asian Spirit L.L.C., and ING Bank N.V. (17)
    4.33    Agreement dated March 28, 2014, for US$130,000,000 secured loan facility between Wilpride L.L.C. and Nordea Bank Finland and others.
    4.34    Agreement dated June 5, 2015, for a US$460,000,000 secured loan facility between Exmar LPG BVBA and Nordea Bank Norge ASA and other banks and financial institutions.
    4.35    Agreement dated November 24, 2015, for US$150,000,000 revolving credit facility between Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Citigroup Global Markets Limited and other banks and financial institutions.
    8.1    List of Significant Subsidiaries of Teekay LNG Partners L.P.
  12.1    Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e) Certification of Teekay LNG Partners L.P.’s Chief Executive Officer
  12.2    Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e) Certification of Teekay LNG Partners L.P.’s Chief Financial Officer
  13.1    Teekay LNG Partners L.P. Certification of Peter Evensen, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  15.1    Consent of KPMG LLP, as independent registered public accounting firm, for Teekay LNG Partners L.P.
  15.2    Consolidated Financial Statements of Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V.
  15.3    Consolidated Financial Statements of Exmar LPG BVBA.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCJ    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

 

(1)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-120727), filed with the SEC on November 24, 2004, and hereby incorporated by reference to such Annual Report.

(2)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 20F filed with the SEC on April 4, 2011, and hereby incorporated by reference to such Report.

(3)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-120727), filed with the SEC on April 11, 2005, and hereby incorporated by reference to such Registration Statement.

(4)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 6-K filed with the SEC on September 27, 2012, and hereby incorporated by reference to such Report.

(5)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on April 29, 2014 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(6)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on April 19, 2007 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(7)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on December 21, 2006 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

 

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(8)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-129413), filed with the SEC on November 3, 2005, and hereby incorporated by reference to such Registration Statement.

(9)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on March 20, 2009 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(10)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 20F (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on April 26, 2010 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(11)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on June 1, 2010 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(12)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on December 1, 2011 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(13)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on April 11, 2011 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(14)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on April 16, 2012 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(15)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on November 27, 2013 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(16)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on April 23, 2015 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

(17)

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Partnership’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 1-32479), filed with the SEC on May 26, 2015 and hereby incorporated by reference to such report.

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P.

   

By:

 

Teekay GP L.L.C., its General Partner

Date: April 27, 2016

   

By:

 

/s/ Peter Evensen

     

Peter Evensen

     

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

     

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Unitholders of Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in total equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated April 27, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Partnership has retrospectively changed its method of accounting for debt issuance costs effective December 31, 2015 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs .

 

Vancouver, Canada      

/s/ KPMG LLP

April 27, 2016      

Chartered Professional Accountants

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Unitholders of Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

We have audited Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Partnership’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in the accompanying Form 20-F. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

An entity’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. An entity’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the entity; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the entity are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the entity; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the entity’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Partnership maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Partnership as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in total equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, and our report dated April 27, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

Vancouver, Canada

     

/s/ KPMG LLP

April 27, 2016

     

Chartered Professional Accountants

 

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TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2015     2014     2013  
     $     $     $  

Voyage revenues (note 12)

     397,991        402,928        399,276   

Voyage expenses

     (1,146     (3,321     (2,857

Vessel operating expenses (note 12)

     (94,101     (95,808     (99,949

Depreciation and amortization

     (92,253     (94,127     (97,884

General and administrative expenses (notes 12 and 17)

     (25,118     (23,860     (20,444

Restructuring charge (note 18)

     (4,001     (1,989     (1,786
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     181,372        183,823        176,356   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity income (note 6)

     84,171        115,478        123,282   

Interest expense (notes 5 and 10)

     (43,259     (60,414     (55,703

Interest income

     2,501        3,052        2,972   

Realized and unrealized loss on derivative instruments (note 13)

     (20,022     (44,682     (14,000

Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) (notes 10 and 13)

     13,943        28,401        (15,832

Other income

     1,526        836        1,396   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income before income tax expense

     220,232        226,494        218,471   

Income tax expense (note 11)

     (2,722     (7,567     (5,156
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     217,510        218,927        213,315   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest in net income

     16,627        13,489        12,073   

General Partner’s interest in net income

     26,276        31,187        25,365   

Limited partners’ interest in net income

     174,607        174,251        175,877   

Limited partners’ interest in net income per common unit:

      

• Basic

     2.21        2.30        2.48   

• Diluted

     2.21        2.30        2.48   

Weighted-average number of common units outstanding:

      

• Basic

     78,896,767        75,664,435        70,965,496   

• Diluted

     78,961,102        75,702,886        70,996,869   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash distributions declared per common unit

     2.8000        2.7672        2.7000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Related party transactions (note 12)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     $     $     $  

Net income

     217,510        218,927        213,315   

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

      

Unrealized (loss) gain on qualifying cash flow hedging instrument in equity accounted joint ventures before reclassifications, net of tax (note 6)

     (1,723     (3,085     131   

Realized loss on qualifying cash flow hedging instrument in equity accounted joint ventures reclassified to equity income, net of tax (note 6)

     1,075        1,551        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income

     (648     (1,534     131   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     216,862        217,393        213,446   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest in comprehensive income

     16,627        13,489        12,073   

General and limited partners’ interest in comprehensive income

     200,235        203,904        201,373   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     As at     As at  
     December 31,     December 31,  
     2015     2014  
     $     $  
           (Note 1)  

ASSETS

    

Current

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     102,481        159,639   

Restricted cash - current

     6,600        3,000   

Accounts receivable, including non-trade of $7,058 (2014 – $7,998) (note 6c)

     22,081        11,265   

Prepaid expenses

     4,469        3,975   

Current portion of net investments in direct financing leases (note 5)

     20,606        15,837   

Advances to affiliates (note 12h)

     13,026        11,942   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     169,263        205,658   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restricted cash – long-term (note 5)

     104,919        42,997   

Vessels and equipment

    

At cost, less accumulated depreciation of $666,710 (2014 – $588,735)

     1,595,077        1,659,807   

Vessels under capital leases, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $56,316 (2014 – $50,898) (note 5)

     88,215        91,776   

Advances on newbuilding contracts (notes 12g and 14)

     424,868        237,647   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total vessels and equipment

     2,108,160        1,989,230   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment in and advances to equity accounted joint ventures (notes 6, 7 and 12f)

     883,731        891,478   

Net investments in direct financing leases (note 5)

     646,052        666,658   

Other assets (note 6c)

     20,811        27,536   

Derivative assets (note 13)

     5,623        441   

Intangible assets – net (note 8)

     78,790        87,646   

Goodwill – liquefied gas segment (note 8)

     35,631        35,631   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     4,052,980        3,947,275   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current

    

Accounts payable

     2,770        643   

Accrued liabilities (notes 9, 13 and 18)

     37,456        39,037   

Unearned revenue (note 5)

     19,608        16,565   

Current portion of long-term debt (note 10)

     197,197        157,088   

Current obligations under capital lease (note 5)

     4,546        4,422   

Current portion of in-process contracts (note 6c)

     12,173        4,736   

Current portion of derivative liabilities (note 13)

     52,083        57,678   

Advances from affiliates (notes 12h and 13)

     22,987        43,205   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     348,820        323,374   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt (note 10)

     1,802,012        1,749,893   

Long-term obligations under capital lease (note 5)

     54,581        59,128   

Long-term unearned revenue

     30,333        33,938   

Other long-term liabilities (notes 5, 6d and 6e)

     71,152        74,734   

In-process contracts (note 6c)

     20,065        32,660   

Derivative liabilities (note 13)

     182,338        126,177   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,509,301        2,399,904   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (notes 5, 6, 10, 13 and 14)

    

Equity

    

Limited Partners

     1,472,327        1,482,647   

General Partner

     48,786        56,508   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (2,051     (1,403
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Partners’ equity

     1,519,062        1,537,752   

Non-controlling interest

     24,617        9,619   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     1,543,679        1,547,371   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and total equity

     4,052,980        3,947,275   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2015     2014     2013  
     $     $     $  

Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used for)

      

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net income

     217,510        218,927        213,315   

Non-cash items:

      

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments (note 13)

     (12,375     2,096        (22,568

Depreciation and amortization

     92,253        94,127        97,884   

Unrealized foreign currency exchange (gain) loss (notes 10 and 13)

     (22,876     (34,079     16,019   

Equity income, net of dividends received of $97,146 (2014 – $11,005 and 2013 – $13,738)

     12,975        (104,473     (109,544

Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and other

     (3,214     9,148        5,551   

Change in operating assets and liabilities (note 15a)

     (34,187     18,822        10,078   

Expenditures for dry docking

     (10,357     (13,471     (27,203
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net operating cash flow

     239,729        191,097        183,532   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     391,574        944,123        719,300   

Scheduled repayments of long-term debt

     (126,557     (100,804     (86,609

Prepayments of long-term debt

     (90,000     (608,501     (270,000

Debt issuance costs

     (2,856     (6,431     (3,362

Scheduled repayments and prepayments of capital lease obligations

     (4,423     (479,115     (10,315

Proceeds from equity offerings, net of offering costs (note 16)

     35,374        182,139        190,520   

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash

     (30,321     448,914        27,761   

Cash distributions paid

     (255,519     (240,525     (215,416

Novation of derivative liabilities (note 12e)

     —          2,985        —     

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

     (1,629     (42,716     (373
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net financing cash flow

     (84,357     100,069        351,506   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Purchase of and additional capital contributions in equity accounted investments (note 15h)

     (25,852     (100,200     (135,790

Loan repayments from (advances to) equity accounted joint ventures

     23,744        631        (16,822

Receipts from direct financing leases

     15,837        17,200        11,641   

Expenditures for vessels and equipment (note 15f)

     (191,969     (188,855     (368,163

Increase in restricted cash

     (34,290     —          —     

Other

     —          216        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investing cash flow

     (212,530     (271,008     (509,134
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (57,158     20,158        25,904   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year

     159,639        139,481        113,577   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

     102,481        159,639        139,481   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information (note 15)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN TOTAL EQUITY

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     TOTAL EQUITY  
                                       
     Partners’ Equity              
                        Accumulated              
                        Other     Non-        
     Limited     General     Comprehensive     controlling        
     Partners     Partner     (Loss) Income     Interest     Total  
     Number of                                 
     Common Units      $     $     $     $     $  

Balance as at December 31, 2012

     69,684         1,165,634        47,346        —          41,294        1,254,274   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     —           175,877        25,365        —          12,073        213,315   

Other comprehensive income

     —           —          —          131        —          131   

Cash distributions

     —           (191,280     (24,136     —          (373     (215,789

Equity based compensation (note 17)

     7         1,306        27        —          —          1,333   

Proceeds from equity offerings (note 16)

     4,505         186,596        3,924        —          —          190,520   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2013

     74,196         1,338,133        52,526        131        52,994        1,443,784   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     —           174,251        31,187        —          13,489        218,927   

Other comprehensive loss

     —           —          —          (1,534     —          (1,534

Cash distributions

     —           (209,625     (30,900     —          —          (240,525

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

     —           —          —          —          (57,080     (57,080

Equity based compensation (note 17)

     17         1,415        29        —          —          1,444   

Proceeds from equity offerings (note 16)

     4,140         178,473        3,666        —          —          182,139   

Sale of 1% interest in Norgas Napa to General Partner (note 12d)

     —           —          —          —          216        216   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2014

     78,353         1,482,647        56,508        (1,403     9,619        1,547,371   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     —           174,607        26,276        —          16,627        217,510   

Other comprehensive loss

     —           —          —          (648     —          (648

Cash distributions

     —           (220,772     (34,747     —          —          (255,519

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

     —           —          —          —          (1,629     (1,629

Equity based compensation, net of tax of $0.4 million (note 17)

     25         1,196        24        —          —          1,220   

Proceeds from equity offerings (note 16)

     1,173         34,649        725        —          —          35,374   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2015

     79,551        1,472,327       48,786       (2,051     24,617       1,543,679  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

1.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (or GAAP ). These financial statements include the accounts of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (or the Partnership ), which is a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Republic of The Marshall Islands and its wholly owned or controlled subsidiaries. Significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. In addition, certain of the comparative figures as at December 31, 2014 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current period relating to debt issuance costs. As part of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (or ASU 2015-03 ) (see note 2), the Partnership has presented debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-03, all debt issuance costs were presented as other non-current assets in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets.

Foreign currency

The consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. Dollars and the functional currency of the Partnership and its subsidiaries is the U.S. Dollar. Transactions involving other currencies during the year are converted into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the transactions. At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar are translated to reflect the year-end exchange rates. Resulting gains or losses are reflected separately in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Operating revenues and expenses

The lease element of time-charters and bareboat charters accounted for as operating leases are recognized by the Partnership on a straight-line basis daily over the term of the charter as the applicable vessel operates under the charter. The lease element of the Partnership’s time-charters that are accounted for as direct financing leases are reflected on the balance sheets as net investments in direct financing leases. The lease element is recognized over the lease term using the effective interest rate method and is included in voyage revenues. The Partnership recognizes revenues from the non-lease element of time-charter contracts as services are performed. The Partnership does not recognize revenues during days that the vessel is off-hire.

Voyage expenses are all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including bunker fuel expenses, port fees, cargo loading and unloading expenses, canal tolls, agency fees and commissions. Vessel operating expenses include crewing, ship management services, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses. Voyage expenses and vessel operating expenses are recognized when incurred.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Partnership classifies all highly-liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased as cash and cash equivalents.

Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Partnership’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. The Partnership determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience and customer economic data. The Partnership reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts regularly and past due balances are reviewed for collectability. Account balances are charged against the allowance when the Partnership believes that the receivable will not be recovered.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

Vessels and equipment

All pre-delivery costs incurred during the construction of newbuildings, including interest and supervision and technical costs, are capitalized. The acquisition cost and all costs incurred to restore used vessels purchased by the Partnership to the standards required to properly service the Partnership’s customers are capitalized.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over a vessel’s estimated useful life, less an estimated residual value. Depreciation is calculated using an estimated useful life of 25 years for conventional tankers, 30 years for liquefied petroleum gas (or LPG ) carriers and 35 years for liquefied natural gas (or LNG ) carriers, from the date the vessel is delivered from the shipyard, or a shorter period if regulations prevent the Partnership from operating the vessels for 25 years, 30 years, or 35 years, respectively. Depreciation of vessels and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 aggregated $83.4 million, $70.1 million and $71.4 million, respectively. Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation on all owned vessels and amortization of vessels accounted for as capital leases.

Vessel capital modifications include the addition of new equipment or can encompass various modifications to the vessel which are aimed at improving or increasing the operational efficiency and functionality of the asset. This type of expenditure is amortized over the estimated useful life of the modification. Expenditures covering recurring routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Interest costs capitalized to vessels and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 aggregated $8.2 million, $3.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

Gains on vessels sold and leased back under capital leases are deferred and amortized over the remaining estimated useful life of the vessel. Losses on vessels sold and leased back under capital leases are recognized immediately to the extent that the fair value of the vessel at the time of sale-leaseback is less than its book value.

Generally, the Partnership dry docks each of its vessels every five years. In addition, a shipping society classification intermediate survey is performed on the Partnership’s LNG and LPG carriers between the second and third year of the five-year dry-docking period. The Partnership capitalizes certain costs incurred during dry docking and for the survey and amortizes those costs on a straight-line basis from the completion of a dry docking or intermediate survey over the estimated useful life of the dry dock. The Partnership includes in capitalized dry docking those costs incurred as part of the dry docking to meet regulatory requirements, or expenditures that either add economic life to the vessel, increase the vessel’s earning capacity or improve the vessel’s operating efficiency. The Partnership expenses costs related to routine repairs and maintenance performed during dry docking that do not improve operating efficiency or extend the useful lives of the assets.

The following table summarizes the change in the Partnership’s capitalized dry docking costs, from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     $      $      $  

Balance at January 1,

     33,635         40,328         28,821   

Cost incurred for dry docking

     10,357         13,471         27,203   

Sales of vessels (note 15e)

     —           (5,327      (2,285

Dry-dock amortization

     (10,076      (14,837      (13,411
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31,

     33,916         33,635         40,328   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Vessels and equipment that are “held and used” are assessed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the asset’s net carrying value exceeds the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated over its remaining useful life, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value for the Partnership’s impaired vessels is determined using discounted cash flows or appraised values. In cases where an active second hand sale and purchase market does not exist, the Partnership uses a discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair value of an impaired vessel. In cases where an active second hand sale and purchase market exists, an appraised value is generally the amount the Partnership would expect to receive if it were to sell the vessel. Such appraisal is normally completed by the Partnership.

Investments in and advances to equity accounted joint ventures

The Partnership’s investments in certain joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and the Partnership’s proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions. In addition, the Partnership’s advances to equity accounted joint ventures are recorded at cost. The Partnership evaluates its investment in and advances to equity accounted joint ventures for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value below its carrying value. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value and the resulting impairment is recorded in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

Debt issuance costs

Debt issuance costs, including fees, commissions and legal expenses, are presented as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability and are amortized on an effective interest rate method over the term of the relevant loan. Amortization of debt issuance costs is included in interest expense.

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill is not amortized, but reviewed for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. When goodwill is reviewed for impairment, the Partnership may elect to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. Alternatively, the Partnership may bypass this step and use a fair value approach to identify potential goodwill impairment and, when necessary, measure the amount of impairment. The Partnership uses a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of reporting units, unless there is a readily determinable fair market value. Intangible assets are assessed for impairment when and if impairment indicators exist. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

The Partnership’s finite life intangible assets consist of acquired time-charter contracts and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the time-charters. Finite life intangible assets are assessed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Derivative instruments

All derivative instruments are initially recorded at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and subsequently remeasured to fair value, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the derivative. The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss is dependent on whether the derivative contract is designed to hedge a specific risk and whether the contract qualifies for hedge accounting. At December 31, 2015, the Partnership has not applied hedge accounting to its derivative instruments, except for several interest rate swaps in its equity accounted joint ventures (see note 6).

When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the Partnership formally documents the relationship between the derivative and the hedged item. This documentation includes the strategy and risk management objective for undertaking the hedge and the method that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedge. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings, as are any gains and losses on the derivative that are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The Partnership does not apply hedge accounting if it is determined that the hedge was not effective or will no longer be effective, the derivative was sold or exercised, or the hedged item was sold, repaid or no longer possible of occurring.

For derivative financial instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the effective portion of the derivative financial instruments are initially recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in total equity. In the periods when the hedged items affect earnings, the associated fair value changes on the hedging derivatives are transferred from total equity to the corresponding earnings line item in the consolidated statements of income. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative financial instruments is immediately recognized in earnings in the consolidated statements of income. If a cash flow hedge is terminated and the originally hedged item is still considered possible of occurring, the gains and losses initially recognized in total equity remain there until the hedged item impacts earnings, at which point they are transferred to the corresponding earnings line item (e.g. interest expense) in the consolidated statements of income. If the hedged items are no longer possible of occurring, amounts recognized in total equity are immediately transferred to the earnings item in the consolidated statements of income.

For derivative financial instruments that are not designated or that do not qualify as hedges under Financial Accounting Standards Board (or FASB ) Accounting Standards Codification (or ASC ) 815, Derivatives and Hedging , the changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments are recognized in earnings. Gains and losses from the Partnership’s non-designated interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, and the Partnership’s agreement with Teekay Corporation for the Suezmax tanker the Toledo Spirit (see note 12c) are recorded in realized and unrealized loss on derivative instruments in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses from the Partnership’s cross currency swaps are recorded in foreign exchange gain (loss) in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income.

Unit-based compensation

The Partnership grants restricted unit awards as incentive-based compensation under the Teekay LNG Partners L.P. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan to certain of the Partnership’s employees and to certain employees of Teekay Corporation’s subsidiaries that provide services to the Partnership. The Partnership measures the cost of such awards using the grant date fair value of the award and recognizes that cost, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period. The requisite service period consists of the period from the grant date of the award to the earlier of the date of vesting or the date the recipient becomes eligible for retirement. For unit-based compensation awards subject to graded vesting, the Partnership calculates the value for the award as if it was one single award with one expected life and amortizes the calculated expense for the entire award on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The compensation cost of the Partnership’s unit-based compensation awards are reflected in general and administrative expenses in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income.

Income taxes

The Partnership accounts for income taxes using the liability method. All but two of the Partnership’s Spanish-flagged vessels are subject to the Spanish Tonnage Tax Regime (or TTR ). Under this regime, the applicable tax is based on the weight (measured as net tonnage) of the vessel and the number of days during the taxable period that the vessel is at the Partnership’s disposal, excluding time required for repairs. The income the Partnership receives with respect to the remaining two Spanish-flagged vessels is taxed in Spain at a rate of 28%. However, these two vessels are registered in the Canary Islands Special Ship Registry. Consequently, the Partnership is allowed a credit, equal to 90% of the tax payable on income from the commercial operation of these vessels, against the tax otherwise payable. This effectively results in an income tax rate of approximately 2.8% on income from the operation of these two Spanish-flagged vessels.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

The Partnership recognizes the benefits of uncertain tax positions when it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. If a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Partnership recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income.

Guarantees

Guarantees issued by the Partnership, excluding those that are guaranteeing its own performance, are recognized at fair value at the time the guarantees are issued and are presented in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets as other long-term liabilities. The liability recognized on issuance is amortized to other income (expense) on the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income as the Partnership’s risk from the guarantees declines over the term of the guarantee. If it becomes probable that the Partnership will have to perform under a guarantee, the Partnership will recognize an additional liability if the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

The following table contains the changes in the balance of the Partnership’s only component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the periods presented:

 

     Qualifying Cash  
     Flow Hedging  
     Instruments  
     $  

Balance as at December 31, 2013

     131   

Other comprehensive loss

     (1,534
  

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2014

     (1,403

Other comprehensive loss

     (648
  

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2015

     (2,051
  

 

 

 

 

2.

Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (or ASU 2014-08 ) which raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations. A discontinued operation is now defined as: (i) a component of an entity or group of components that has been disposed of or classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results; or (ii) an acquired business that is classified as held for sale on the acquisition date. ASU 2014-08 also requires additional disclosures regarding discontinued operations, as well as material disposals that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 was adopted on January 1, 2015. The impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2014-08 on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements will depend on the occurrence and nature of disposals that occur.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , (or ASU 2014-09 ). ASU 2014-09 will require an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update creates a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) which include (i) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and shall be applied, at the Partnership’s option, retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Partnership is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance.

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (or ASU 2015-02 ) which eliminates the deferral of certain consolidation standards for entities considered to be investment companies, modifies the consolidation analysis performed on limited partnerships and modifies the impact of fee arrangements and related parties on the determination of the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. ASU 2015-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU 2015-02 may be applied using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity also may apply ASU 2015-02 retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 will not have a material impact on the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03. The Partnership adopted ASU 2015-03 effective December 31, 2015. Prior period information has been retrospectively adjusted. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-03, all debt issuance costs were presented as other non-current assets in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. With the adoption of ASU 2015-03 the Partnership presents those debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. Debt issuance costs related to loan facilities without a recognized debt liability will continue to be presented as non-current assets in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. As a result of adopting ASU 2015-03, non-current assets and total assets have decreased by $16.3 million (December 31, 2015) and $17.1 million (December 31, 2014), current portion of long-term debt and current liabilities has decreased by $1.1 million (December 31, 2015) and $0.1 million (December 31, 2014), long-term debt has decreased by $15.2 million (December 31, 2015) and $17.0 million (December 31, 2014), and total liabilities has decreased by $16.3 million (December 31, 2015) and $17.1 million (December 31, 2014). Such changes have also impacted the Partnership’s reconciliation of segment assets to total assets (see Note 4) and the carrying value of long-term debt (see Note 10). In addition, the Partnership’s equity accounted investments have adopted ASU 2015-03 effective December 31, 2015. As a result, the Partnership’s condensed summary of its equity accounted investments in Note 6 has been impacted. More specifically, other assets—non-current has decreased by $60.8 million (December 31, 2015) and $17.8 million (December 31, 2014), vessels and equipment has decreased by $15.8 million (December 31, 2014), net investments in direct financing leases – non-current has decreased by $23.5 million (December 31, 2014), current portion of long-term debt and obligations under capital lease has decreased by $5.0 million (December 31, 2015) and $5.0 million (December 31, 2014), and long-term debt and obligations under capital lease has decreased by $55.8 million (December 31, 2015) and $52.1 million (December 31, 2014).

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (or ASU 2016-02 ). ASU 2016-02 establishes a right-of-use model that requires a lessee to record a right of use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Partnership is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance.

 

3.

Financial Instruments

 

  a)

Fair Value Measurements

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash – The fair value of the Partnership’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximates its carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets.

Interest rate swap/swaption and cross-currency swap agreements – The fair value of the Partnership’s derivative instruments is the estimated amount that the Partnership would receive or pay to terminate the agreements at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates, foreign exchange rates and the current credit worthiness of both the Partnership and the derivative counterparties. The estimated amount is the present value of future cash flows. The Partnership transacts all of its derivative instruments through investment-grade rated financial institutions at the time of the transaction and requires no collateral from these institutions. Given the current volatility in the credit markets, it is reasonably possible that the amount recorded as a derivative liability could vary by a material amount in the near term.

Other derivative – The Partnership’s other derivative agreement is between Teekay Corporation and the Partnership and relates to hire payments under the time-charter contract for the Suezmax tanker Toledo Spirit (see Note 12c). The fair value of this derivative agreement is the estimated amount that the Partnership would receive or pay to terminate the agreement at the reporting date, based on the present value of the Partnership’s projection of future spot market tanker rates, which have been derived from current spot market tanker rates and long-term historical average rates. As projections of future spot rates are specific to the Partnership, these are considered Level 3 inputs for the purposes of estimating the fair value.

Long-term receivable included accounts receivable and other assets – The fair values of the Partnership’s long-term loan receivable is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities and the current credit worthiness of the counterparty.

Long-term debt – The fair values of the Partnership’s fixed-rate and variable-rate long-term debt is either based on quoted market prices or estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities and the current credit worthiness of the Partnership.

The Partnership categorizes the fair value estimates by a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value as follows:

 

Level 1.

  

Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2.

  

Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3.

  

Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

The following table includes the estimated fair value and carrying value of those assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, as well as the estimated fair value of the Partnership’s financial instruments that are not accounted for at a fair value on a recurring basis.

 

         December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
     Fair Value   Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
     Hierarchy   Amount     Value     Amount     Value  
     Level   Asset     Asset     Asset     Asset  
         (Liability)     (Liability)     (Liability)     (Liability)  
    

 

  $     $     $     $  

Recurring:

          

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

   Level 1     214,000        214,000        205,636        205,636   

Derivative instruments (note 13)

          

Interest rate swap agreements

   Level 2     (104,137     (104,137     (119,558     (119,558

Interest rate swaption agreements – assets

   Level 2     5,623        5,623        —          —     

Interest rate swaption agreements – liabilities

   Level 2     (6,406     (6,406     —          —     

Cross currency swap agreements

   Level 2     (128,782     (128,782     (70,386     (70,386

Other derivative

   Level 3     (6,296     (6,296     (2,137     (2,137

Other:

          

Advances to equity accounted joint ventures (note 7)

   (i)     159,870        (i )       181,514        (i )  

Long-term receivable included in accounts receivable and other assets (ii)

   Level 3     16,453        16,427        17,137        17,164   

Long-term debt – public (note 10)

   Level 1     (291,247     (288,333     (212,536     (220,762

Long-term debt – non-public (note 10)

   Level 2     (1,707,962     (1,677,139     (1,694,445     (1,659,852

 

(i)

The advances to equity accounted joint ventures together with the Partnership’s equity investments in the joint ventures form the net aggregate carrying value of the Partnership’s interests in the joint ventures in these consolidated financial statements. The fair values of the individual components of such aggregate interests are not determinable.

(ii)

As at December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of the non-interest bearing receivable is based on the remaining future fixed payments of $18.2 million to be received from BG International Limited (or BG ), as part of the ship construction support agreement, as well as an estimated discount rate of 8.0%. As there is no market rate for the equivalent of an unsecured non-interest bearing receivable from BG, the discount rate is based on unsecured debt instruments of similar maturity held, adjusted for a liquidity premium. A higher or lower discount rate would result in a lower or higher fair value asset.

Changes in fair value during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 for the Partnership’s other derivative asset, the Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative, which is described below and is measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014  
     $      $  

Fair value at beginning of year

     (2,137      6,344   

Realized and unrealized (losses) gains included in earnings

     (5,039      (7,161

Settlements

     880         (1,320
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value at end of year

     (6,296      (2,137
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Partnership’s Suezmax tanker the Toledo Spirit operates pursuant to a time-charter contract that increases or decreases the otherwise fixed-hire rate established in the charter depending on the spot charter rates that the Partnership would have earned had it traded the vessel in the spot tanker market. In order to reduce the variability of its revenue under the Toledo Spirit time-charter, the Partnership entered into an agreement with Teekay Corporation under which Teekay Corporation pays the Partnership any amounts payable to the charterer of the Toledo Spirit as a result of spot rates being below the fixed rate, and the Partnership pays Teekay Corporation any amounts payable to the Partnership by the charterer of the Toledo Spirit as a result of spot rates being in excess of the fixed rate. The estimated fair value of this other derivative is based in part upon the Partnership’s projection of future spot market tanker rates, which has been derived from current spot market tanker rates and long-term historical average rates as well as an estimated discount rate. The estimated fair value of this other derivative as of December 31, 2015 is based upon an average daily tanker rate of $34,093 (December 31, 2014 – $27,554) over the remaining duration of the charter contract and a discount rate of 7.5% (December 31, 2014 – 7.4%). In developing and evaluating this estimate, the Partnership considers the current tanker market fundamentals as well as the short and long-term outlook. A higher or lower average daily tanker rate would result in a higher or lower fair value liability or a lower or higher fair value asset. A higher or lower discount rate would result in a lower or higher fair value asset or liability.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

  b)

Financing Receivables

The following table contains a summary of the Partnership’s loan receivables and other financing receivables by type of borrower and the method by which the Partnership monitors the credit quality of its financing receivables on a quarterly basis.

 

                 December 31,      December 31,  
     Credit Quality           2015      2014  

Class of Financing Receivable

   Indicator    Grade      $      $  

Direct financing leases

   Payment activity      Performing         666,658         682,495   

Other receivables:

           

Long-term receivable and accrued revenue included in accounts receivable and other assets

   Payment activity      Performing         28,256         30,664   

Advances to equity accounted joint ventures (note 7)

   Other internal metrics      Performing         159,870         181,514   
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
           854,784         894,673   
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

4.

Segment Reporting

The Partnership has two reportable segments, its liquefied gas segment and its conventional tanker segment. The Partnership’s liquefied gas segment consists of LNG carriers, LPG carriers and multigas carriers, which can carry both LNG and LPG, which generally operate under long-term, fixed-rate charters to international energy companies and Teekay Corporation (see Note 12a). As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership’s liquefied gas segment consisted of 50 LNG carriers (including 26 LNG carriers included in joint ventures that are accounted for under the equity method), and 29 LPG/Multigas carriers (including 23 LPG carriers included in a joint venture that is accounted for under the equity method). As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership’s conventional tanker segment consisted of seven Suezmax-class crude oil tankers and one Handymax product tanker which generally operate under long-term, fixed-rate time-charter contracts to international energy and shipping companies. Segment results are evaluated based on income from vessel operations. The accounting policies applied to the reportable segments are the same as those used in the preparation of the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements.

The following table presents voyage revenues and percentage of consolidated voyage revenues for the Partnership’s top customers during any of the periods presented.

 

     Year Ended    Year Ended    Year Ended
(U.S. Dollars in millions)    December 31, 2015    December 31, 2014    December 31, 2013

Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Ltd. (i)

   $70.1 or 18%    $69.8 or 17%    $69.7 or 17%

Shell Spain LNG S.A.U. (i),(ii)

   $48.5 or 12%    $51.8 or 13%    $53.5 or 13%

The Tangguh Production Sharing Contractors (i)

   $44.9 or 11%    $44.3 or 11%    $47.3 or 12%

 

(i)  

Liquefied gas segment.

(ii)  

Shell Spain LNG S.A.U. acquired the charter contracts from Repsol YPF, S.A. in March 2014. The voyage revenues in 2014 consisted of the voyage revenues from both customers relating to the same charter contract; voyage revenues in 2013 were only from Repsol YPF. S.A.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

The following tables include results for these segments for the years presented in these financial statements.

 

                                                  
     Year Ended December 31, 2015  
            Conventional         
     Liquefied Gas      Tanker         
     Segment      Segment      Total  
     $      $      $  

Voyage revenues

     305,056         92,935         397,991   

Voyage recoveries (expenses)

     203         (1,349      (1,146

Vessel operating expenses

     (63,344      (30,757      (94,101

Depreciation and amortization

     (71,323      (20,930      (92,253

General and administrative expenses (i)

     (19,392      (5,726      (25,118

Restructuring charge

     —           (4,001      (4,001
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     151,200         30,172         181,372   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity income

     84,171         —           84,171   

Investment in and advances to equity accounted joint ventures

     883,731         —           883,731   

Total assets at December 31, 2015

     3,550,396         360,527         3,910,923   

Expenditures for vessels and equipment

     (191,642      (327      (191,969

Expenditures for dry docking

     (8,659      (1,698      (10,357
     Year Ended December 31, 2014  
            Conventional         
     Liquefied Gas      Tanker         
     Segment      Segment      Total  
     $      $      $  

Voyage revenues

     307,426         95,502         402,928   

Voyage expenses

     (1,768      (1,553      (3,321

Vessel operating expenses

     (59,087      (36,721      (95,808

Depreciation and amortization

     (71,711      (22,416      (94,127

General and administrative expenses (i)

     (17,992      (5,868      (23,860

Restructuring charge

     —           (1,989      (1,989
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     156,868         26,955         183,823   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity income

     115,478         —           115,478   

Investment in and advances to equity accounted joint ventures

     891,478         —           891,478   

Total assets at December 31, 2014

     3,379,279         381,175         3,760,454   

Expenditures for vessels and equipment

     (193,669      (586      (194,255

Expenditures for dry docking

     (8,127      (5,344      (13,471
     Year Ended December 31, 2013  
            Conventional         
     Liquefied Gas      Tanker         
     Segment      Segment      Total  
     $      $      $  

Voyage revenues

     285,694         113,582         399,276   

Voyage expenses

     (407      (2,450      (2,857

Vessel operating expenses

     (55,459      (44,490      (99,949

Depreciation and amortization

     (71,485      (26,399      (97,884

General and administrative expenses (i)

     (13,913      (6,531      (20,444

Restructuring charge

     —           (1,786      (1,786
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     144,430         31,926         176,356   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity income

     123,282         —           123,282   

Expenditures for vessels and equipment

     (469,463      (750      (470,213

Expenditures for dry docking

     (21,090      (6,113      (27,203

 

(i)  

Includes direct general and administrative expenses and indirect general and administrative expenses (allocated to each segment based on estimated use of corporate resources).

 

F-15


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

A reconciliation of total segment assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

                                 
     December 31,      December 31,  
   2015      2014  
     $      $  

Total assets of the liquefied gas segment

     3,550,396         3,379,279   

Total assets of the conventional tanker segment

     360,527         381,175   

Unallocated:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

     102,481         159,639   

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses

     26,550         15,240   

Advances to affiliates

     13,026         11,942   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated total assets

     4,052,980         3,947,275   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

5.

Leases and Restricted Cash

Capital Lease Obligations

 

                       
     December 31,      December 31,  
     2015      2014  
     $      $  

Suezmax Tankers

     59,127         63,550   

Less current portion

     4,546         4,422   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term obligations under capital lease

     54,581         59,128   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Suezmax Tankers. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership was a party to capital leases on two Suezmax tankers. Under these capital leases, the owner has the option to require the Partnership to purchase the two vessels. The charterer, who is also the owner, also has the option to cancel the charter contracts and the cancellation options are first exercisable in October 2017 and July 2018, respectively.

The amounts in the table below assume the owner will not exercise its options to require the Partnership to purchase either of the two remaining vessels from the owner, but rather it assumes the owner will cancel the charter contracts when the cancellation right is first exercisable (in October 2017 and July 2018, respectively), and sell the vessel to a third party, upon which the remaining lease obligation will be extinguished. At the inception of these leases, the weighted-average interest rate implicit in these leases was 5.5%. These capital leases are variable-rate capital leases. However, any change in the lease payments resulting from changes in interest rates is offset by a corresponding change in the charter hire payments received by the Partnership.

As at December 31, 2015, the remaining commitments under the two capital leases, including the purchase obligations for the two Suezmax tankers, approximated $65.9 million, including imputed interest of $6.8 million, repayable from 2016 through 2018, as indicated below:

 

            

Year

   Commitment  

2016

   $ 7,673   

2017

   $ 30,953   

2018

   $ 27,296   

The Partnership’s capital leases do not contain financial or restrictive covenants other than those relating to operation and maintenance of the vessels.

Restricted Cash

The Partnership maintains restricted cash deposits relating to certain term loans, collateral for cross-currency swaps, project tenders, leasing arrangements (see Note 14c) and amounts received from charterers to be used only for dry-docking expenditures and emergency repairs, which cash totaled $111.5 million and $46.0 million as at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

Operating Lease Obligations

Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture

As at December 31, 2015, the Teekay BLT Corporation (or the Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture ) was a party to operating leases (or Head Leases ) whereby it is leasing its two LNG carriers (or the Tangguh LNG Carriers ) to a third party company. The Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture is then leasing back the LNG carriers from the same third party company (or the Subleases ). Under the terms of these leases, the third party company claims tax depreciation on the capital expenditures it incurred to lease the vessels. As is typical in these leasing arrangements, tax and change of law risks are assumed by the Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture. Lease payments under the Subleases are based on certain tax and financial assumptions at the commencement of the leases. If an assumption proves to be incorrect, the lease payments are increased or decreased under the Sublease to maintain the agreed after-tax margin. The Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture’s carrying amounts of this tax indemnification guarantee as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $8.0 million and $8.4 million, respectively, and are included as part of other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets of the Partnership. The tax indemnification is for the duration of the lease contract with the third party plus the years it would take for the lease payments to be statute barred, and ends in 2033. Although there is no maximum potential amount of future payments, the Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture may terminate the lease arrangements on a voluntary basis at any time. If the lease arrangements terminate, the Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture will be required to make termination payments to the third party company sufficient to repay the third party company’s investment in the vessels and to compensate it for the tax effect of the terminations, including recapture of any tax depreciation. The Head Leases and the Subleases have 20 year terms and are classified as operating leases. The Head Leases and the Subleases for the two Tangguh LNG Carriers commenced in November 2008 and March 2009, respectively.

As at December 31, 2015, the total estimated future minimum rental payments to be received and paid under the lease contracts are as follows:

 

                             
     Head Lease      Sublease  

Year

   Receipts (i)      Payments (i)(ii)  

2016

   $ 21,242       $ 24,113   

2017

   $ 21,242       $ 24,113   

2018

   $ 21,242       $ 24,113   

2019

   $ 21,242       $ 24,113   

2020

   $ 21,242       $ 24,113   

Thereafter

   $ 175,337       $ 199,072   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 281,547       $ 319,637   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(i)  

The Head Leases are fixed-rate operating leases while the Subleases have a small variable-rate component. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership had received $228.8 million of aggregate Head Lease receipts and had paid $163.7 million of aggregate Sublease payments. The portion of the Head Lease receipts that have not been recognized into earnings are deferred and amortized on a straight line basis over the lease terms and, as at December 31, 2015, $3.8 million and $40.4 million of Head Lease receipts had been deferred and included in unearned revenue and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets.

(ii)  

The amount of payments under the Subleases are updated annually to reflect any changes in the lease payments due to changes in tax law.

Net Investments in Direct Financing Leases

The Tangguh LNG Carriers commenced their time-charters with its charterers in January and May 2009, respectively. Both time-charters are accounted for as direct financing leases with 20-year terms. In September and November 2013, the Partnership acquired two 155,900-cubic meter LNG carriers (or Awilco LNG Carriers ) from Norway-based Awilco LNG ASA (or Awilco ) and chartered them back to Awilco on five- and four-year fixed-rate bareboat charter contracts (plus a one year extension option), respectively, with Awilco holding fixed-price purchase obligations at the end of the charter. The bareboat charters with Awilco are accounted for as direct financing leases. The purchase price of each vessel was $205.0 million less a $51.0 million upfront prepayment of charter hire by Awilco (inclusive of a $1.0 million upfront fee), which is in addition to the daily bareboat charter rate. The following table lists the components of the net investments in direct financing leases:

 

                               
     December 31,      December 31,  
     2015      2014  
     $      $  

Total minimum lease payments to be received

     843,079         914,943   

Estimated unguaranteed residual value of leased properties

     194,965         194,965   

Initial direct costs

     425         458   

Unearned revenue

     (371,811      (427,871
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     666,658         682,495   

Less current portion

     20,606         15,837   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investments in direct financing leases - non-current

     646,052         666,658   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2015, estimated minimum lease payments to be received by the Partnership under the Tangguh LNG Carrier leases in each of the next five succeeding fiscal years are approximately $39.1 million per year from 2016 through 2021. Both leases are scheduled to end in 2029. In addition, estimated minimum lease payments in the next three years to be received by the Partnership under the Awilco LNG Carrier leases are approximately $35.9 million (2016), $165.0 million (2017) and $134.6 million (2018).

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

Operating Leases

As at December 31, 2015, the minimum scheduled future revenues in the next five years to be received by the Partnership for the lease and non-lease elements under charters that were accounted for as operating leases are approximately $349.5 million (2016), $351.9 million (2017), $397.2 million (2018), $428.2 million (2019) and $419.1 million (2020). Minimum scheduled future revenues do not include revenue generated from new contracts entered into after December 31, 2015, revenue from vessels in the Partnership’s equity accounted investments, revenue from unexercised option periods of contracts that existed on December 31, 2015, or variable or contingent revenues. Therefore, the minimum scheduled future revenues should not be construed to reflect total charter hire revenues for any of the years.

 

6.

Equity Method Investments

 

  a)

Bahrain LNG Joint Venture

On December 2, 2015, the Partnership entered into an agreement with National Oil & Gas Authority (or Nogaholding ), Samsung C&T (or Samsung ) and Gulf Investment Corporation (or GIC ) to form a joint venture, Bahrain LNG W.L.L. (or the Bahrain LNG joint Venture ), for the development of an LNG receiving and regasification terminal in Bahrain. The Bahrain LNG Joint Venture is a joint venture between Nogaholding (30%), the Partnership (30%), Samsung (20%) and GIC (20%). The project will include an offshore LNG receiving jetty and breakwater, an adjacent regasification platform, subsea gas pipelines from the platform to shore, an onshore gas receiving facility, and an onshore nitrogen production facility with a total LNG terminal capacity of eight hundred million standard cubic feet per day and will be owned and operated under a 20-year agreement commencing in mid-2018 with a fully-built up cost of approximately $872.0 million, which will be funded by the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture through a combination of equity capital and project-level debt through a consortium of regional and international banks. The Partnership will supply a floating storage unit (or FSU ) in connection with this project, which will be modified specifically from one of the Partnership’s nine MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings ordered from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (or DSME ) (see Note 14a), through a twenty year time-charter contract with the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture.

 

  b)

Yamal LNG Joint Venture

On July 9, 2014, the Partnership, through a new 50/50 joint venture with China LNG (or the Yamal LNG Joint Venture ), ordered six internationally-flagged icebreaker LNG carriers for a project located on the Yamal Peninsula in Northern Russia (or the Yamal LNG Project ). The Yamal LNG Project is a joint venture between Russia-based Novatek OAO (60%), France-based Total S.A. (20%) and China-based China National Petroleum Corporation (or CNPC ) (20%), and will consist of three LNG trains with a total expected capacity of 16.5 million metric tons of LNG per annum and is currently scheduled to start-up in early-2018. The six 172,000-cubic meter ARC7 LNG carrier newbuildings will be constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (or DSME ), of South Korea, for a total fully built-up cost of approximately $2.1 billion. The vessels, which will be constructed with maximum 2.1 meter icebreaking capabilities in both the forward and reverse directions, are scheduled to deliver at various times between the first quarter of 2018 and first quarter of 2020. Upon their deliveries, the six LNG carriers will each operate under fixed-rate time-charter contracts with Yamal Trade Pte. Ltd. until December 31, 2045, plus extension options.

As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership has contributed $96.9 million of capital to the Yamal LNG Joint Venture to fund its newbuilding installments (December 31, 2014 – $95.3 million), representing the Partnership’s proportionate share (see Note 7b).

 

  c)

BG Joint Venture

On June 27, 2014, the Partnership acquired from BG its ownership interests in four 174,000-cubic meter Tri-Fuel Diesel Electric LNG carrier newbuildings, which will be constructed by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. in China for an estimated total fully built-up cost to the joint venture of approximately $1.0 billion. Through this transaction, the Partnership has a 30% ownership interest in two LNG carrier newbuildings and a 20% ownership interest in the remaining two LNG carrier newbuildings (collectively, the BG Joint Venture ). The vessels upon delivery, which are scheduled between September 2017 and January 2019, will each operate under 20-year fixed-rate time-charter contracts, plus extension options with Methane Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BG. As compensation for BG’s ownership interest in these four LNG carrier newbuildings, the Partnership assumed BG’s obligation to provide the shipbuilding supervision and crew training services for the four LNG carrier newbuildings up to their delivery date pursuant to a ship construction support agreement. The Partnership estimates it will incur approximately $38.7 million of costs to provide these services, of which BG has agreed to pay a fixed amount of $20.3 million. The Partnership estimated that the fair value of the service obligation was $33.3 million and the fair value of the amount due from BG was $16.5 million. As at December 31, 2015, the carrying value of the service obligation of $29.7 million (December 31, 2014 – $33.7 million) is included in both the current portion of in-process contracts and in-process contracts and the carrying value of the receivable from BG of $16.5 million (December 31, 2014 – $17.1 million) is included in both accounts receivable and other assets in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheet.

The excess of the Partnership’s investment in the BG Joint Venture over the Partnership’s share of the underlying carrying value of net assets acquired was approximately $16.8 million in accordance with the final purchase price allocation. This basis difference has been allocated notionally to the ship construction support agreements and the time-charter contracts. The Partnership accounts for its investment in the BG Joint Venture using the equity method.

As at December 31, 2015, to fund its newbuilding installments, the BG Joint Venture has drawn $89.0 million (December 31, 2014 – $53.7 million) from its $787.0 million long-term debt facility and received $8.6 million of capital contributions from the Partnership (December 31, 2014 – $3.8 million), representing the Partnership’s proportionate share.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

  d)

Exmar LPG Joint Venture

In February 2013, the Partnership entered into a 50/50 joint venture agreement with Belgium-based Exmar NV (or Exmar ) to own and charter-in LPG carriers with a primary focus on the mid-size gas carrier segment. The joint venture entity, called Exmar LPG BVBA (or the Exmar LPG Joint Venture ), took economic effect as of November 1, 2012 and, as of December 31, 2015, included 20 owned LPG carriers (including seven newbuilding carriers scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2018) and two in-chartered LPG carriers. For its 50% ownership interest in the joint venture, including newbuilding payments made prior to the November 1, 2012 economic effective date of the joint venture, the Partnership invested $133.1 million in exchange for equity and a shareholder loan and assumed approximately $108 million of its pro rata share of existing debt and lease obligations as of the economic effective date. These debt and lease obligations are secured by certain vessels in the Exmar LPG Joint Venture fleet. The Partnership also paid a $2.7 million acquisition fee to Teekay Corporation that was recorded as part of the investment in Exmar LPG Joint Venture (see Note 12f). The excess of the book value of net assets acquired over Teekay LNG’s investment in the Exmar LPG Joint Venture, which amounted to approximately $6.0 million, has been accounted for as an adjustment to the value of the vessels, charter agreements and lease obligations of the Exmar LPG Joint Venture and recognition of goodwill, in accordance with the final purchase price allocation. Control of the Exmar LPG Joint Venture is shared equally between Exmar and the Partnership. The Partnership accounts for its investment in the Exmar LPG Joint Venture using the equity method.

In June 2015, the Exmar LPG Joint Venture completed refinancing its existing debt facility by entering into a $460.0 million long-term debt facility bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.90%, maturing in 2021. The Partnership has guaranteed its 50% share of the secured loan facility in the Exmar LPG Joint Venture and, as a result, recorded a guarantee liability of $1.7 million. The carrying value of the guarantee liability as at December 31, 2015 was $1.5 million and is included as part of other long-term liabilities in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. In addition, during 2015, the Exmar LPG Joint Venture entered into three interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $375.7 million, which amortize quarterly over the term of the interest rate swap agreements to $161.2 million at maturity. The interest rate swap agreements exchange the receipts of LIBOR-based interest for the payments of a fixed rate ranging from 1.69% to 1.84% excluding the margin. These interest rate swap agreements have been designated as a qualifying cash flow hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The Exmar LPG Joint Venture uses the same accounting policy for qualifying cash flow hedging instruments as the Partnership.

 

  e)

Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture

The Partnership has a 52% ownership interest in the joint venture between Marubeni Corporation and the Partnership (or the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture ), which owns six LNG carriers. Since control of the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture is shared jointly between Marubeni and the Partnership, the Partnership accounts for its investment in the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture using the equity method. From June to July 2013, the Teekay LNG Marubeni Joint Venture completed the refinancing of its short-term loan facilities by entering into separate long-term debt facilities totaling approximately $963 million. These debt facilities mature between 2017 and 2030. The Partnership has guaranteed its 52% share of the secured loan facilities of the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture and, as a result, recorded a guarantee liability of $0.7 million. The carrying value of the guarantee liability as at December 31, 2015 was $0.2 million (December 31, 2014 was $0.4 million) and is included as part of other long-term liabilities in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets.

In July 2013, the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture entered into an eight-year interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $160.0 million, which amortizes quarterly over the term of the interest rate swap agreement to $70.4 million at maturity. The interest rate swap agreement exchanges the receipt of LIBOR-based interest for the payment of a fixed rate of interest of 2.20% in the first two years and 2.36% in the last six years. This interest rate swap agreement has been designated as a qualifying cash flow hedging instrument for accounting purposes. The Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture uses the same accounting policy for qualifying cash flow hedging instruments as the Partnership uses.

One of Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture’s loan facilities for four of its six LNG carriers contains mandatory prepayment provisions upon early termination of a charter and requires the borrower to maintain a specific debt service coverage ratio. One of the joint venture’s vessels, the Magellan Spirit, had a grounding incident in January 2015 and the charterer subsequently claimed to terminate the charter, claimed that vessel was off-hire for more than 30 consecutive days during the first quarter of 2015, which in the view of the charterer, permitted the charterer to terminate the charter contract, which it did in late-March 2015. In June 2015, the lenders waived the mandatory prepayment provision in relation to the Magellan Spirit and the debt service coverage ratio covenant for the loan facility. Both waivers are for the remaining term of the facility. In return, the Teekay LNG-Marubeni Joint Venture funded an earnings account, which is collateral for the loan facility, with $7.5 million and prepaid $30.0 million of the loan facility. These amounts were funded by the Partnership and Marubeni Corporation based on their respective ownership percentages.

 

  f)

Excalibur and Excelsior Joint Ventures

The Partnership has ownership interests ranging from 49% to 50% in its joint ventures with Exmar (or the Excalibur Joint Venture and the Excelsior Joint Venture ) which own two LNG carriers that are chartered out under long term contracts. In February 2015, the Excalibur and Excelsior Joint Ventures completed refinancing existing debt facilities by entering into a $172.8 million long-term debt facility bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%, maturing in 2019. The Partnership has guaranteed its 50% share of the secured loan facilities of the Excalibur and Excelsior Joint Ventures and, as a result, recorded a guarantee liability of $0.4 million. The carrying value of the guarantee liability as of December 31, 2015 was $0.3 million and is included as part of other long-term liabilities in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the Excalibur and Excelsior Joint Ventures entered into four-year interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $172.8 million, which amortizes quarterly over the term of the interest rate swap agreements to $133.4 million at maturity. These interest rate swap agreements exchange the receipt of LIBOR-based interest for the payment of a fixed rate of interest of 1.46% excluding the margin. These interest rate swap agreements have been designated as qualifying cash flow hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The Excalibur and Excelsior Joint Ventures use the same accounting policy for qualifying cash flow hedging instruments as the Partnership.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

  g)

Angola Joint Venture

The Partnership has a 33% ownership interest in four 160,400-cubic meter LNG carriers (or the Angola LNG Carriers or Angola Joint Venture ). The Angola LNG Carriers are chartered at fixed rates, subject to inflation adjustments, to Angola LNG Supply Services LLC for a period of 20 years from the date of delivery from the shipyard, with two five year options for the charterer to extend the charter contract and are classified as direct financing leases.

 

  h)

RasGas 3 Joint Venture

The Partnership has a 40% ownership interest in the Teekay Nakilat (III) Corporation (or the RasGas 3 Joint Venture ), which owns four LNG carriers that are chartered out under long-term contracts that are classified as direct financing leases.

These joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. The RasGas 3 Joint Venture, the Excelsior Joint Venture, the Angola Joint Venture and the Yamal LNG Joint Venture are considered variable interest entities; however, the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary and consolidation of these entities with the Partnership is not required. The Partnership’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in the RasGas 3 Joint Venture, the Excelsior Joint Venture, the Angola LNG Joint Ventures and the Yamal LNG Joint Venture is the amount it has invested and advanced in these joint ventures, which are $161.4 million, $49.0 million, $58.2 million and $99.9 million respectively, as at December 31, 2015. In addition, the Partnership guarantees its portion of the Excelsior Joint Venture’s debt of $47.5 million and the Angola Joint Ventures’ debt and swaps of $272.0 million and guarantee for charter termination of $1.2 million.

The following table presents aggregated summarized financial information assuming a 100% ownership interest in the Partnership’s equity method investments and excluding the impact from purchase price adjustments arising from the acquisition of Exmar LPG BVBA, the Excalibur and Excelsior Joint Ventures and the BG Joint Venture. The results included the Excalibur and Excelsior Joint Venture, the RasGas 3 Joint Venture, the Angola Joint Ventures, the Exmar LPG Joint Venture from February 2013, the BG Joint Venture from June 2014 and the Yamal LNG Joint Venture from July 2014.

 

                                 
     As at December 31,  
     2015
$
     2014
$
 

Cash and restricted cash

     281,943         287,207   

Other assets – current

     77,861         137,055   

Vessels and equipment

     2,343,397         2,243,381   

Net investments in direct financing leases – non-current

     1,813,991         1,850,279   

Other assets – non-current

     22,120         14,515   

Current portion of long-term debt and obligations under capital lease

     166,522         435,272   

Other liabilities – current

     97,405         125,787   

Long-term debt and obligations under capital lease

     2,583,721         2,321,562   

Other liabilities – non-current

     381,213         390,467   

 

                                         
     Years ended December 31,  
     2015
$
     2014 
$
     2013 
$
 

Voyage revenues

     596,093         640,105         625,414   

Income from vessel operations

     302,731         398,836         335,062   

Realized and unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments

     (25,108      (52,938      16,334   

Net income

     203,280         267,990         277,096   

Certain of the comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year (see Note 2).

 

7.

Advances to Equity Accounted Joint Ventures

 

  a)

As of December 31, 2015, the Partnership had advanced $57.8 million (December 31, 2014 – $81.7 million) to Exmar LPG, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 0.50% and has no fixed repayment terms. As at December 31, 2015, the interest accrued on these advances was $0.4 million (December 31, 2014 – $0.6 million). Both the advances and the accrued interest on these advances are included in investment and advances to equity accounted joint ventures in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

  b)

As of December 31, 2015, the Partnership had advanced of $96.9 million to the Yamal LNG Joint Venture (December 31, 2014 – $95.3 million). The advances bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.00% compounded semi-annually. As of December 31, 2015, the interest accrued on these advances was $4.8 million (December 31, 2014 – $1.0 million). Both the advances and the accrued interest on these advances are included in investments and advances to equity accounted joint ventures in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

8.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

As at December 31, 2015 and 2014, intangible assets consisted of time-charter contracts with a weighted-average amortization period of 17.1 years. The carrying amount of intangible assets for the Partnership’s reportable segments is as follows:

 

                                                                                               
     December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
     Liquefied Gas
Segment

$
    Conventional
Tanker
Segment

$
    Total
$
    Liquefied Gas
Segment

$
    Conventional
Tanker
Segment

$
    Total
$
 

Gross carrying amount

     179,813        6,797        186,610        179,813        6,797        186,610   

Accumulated amortization

     (101,023     (6,797     (107,820     (92,167     (6,797     (98,964
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net carrying amount

     78,790        —          78,790        87,646        —          87,646   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets was $8.9 million, $9.2 million and $13.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortization expense associated with intangible assets is expected to be approximately $8.9 million per year in each of the next five years. In addition, as a result of the sales of the Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit in 2014, the Partnership’s intangible assets relating to these two conventional tankers were fully amortized in 2014.

The carrying amount of goodwill as at each of December 31, 2015 and 2014 for the Partnership’s liquefied gas segment was $35.6 million. In 2015 and 2014, the Partnership conducted its annual goodwill impairment review of its liquefied gas segment and concluded that no impairment had occurred.

 

9.

Accrued Liabilities

 

                       
     December 31,      December 31,  
     2015
$
     2014
$
 

Interest including interest rate swaps

     17,484         17,035   

Voyage and vessel expenses

     9,315         7,829   

Payroll and benefits

     5,431         5,560   

Other general expenses

     2,785         4,224   

Income tax payable and other

     2,441         4,389   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     37,456         39,037   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-21


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

10.

Long-Term Debt

 

                                 
     December 31,
2015

$
     December 31,
2014

$
 

U.S. Dollar-denominated Revolving Credit Facilities due through 2016 to 2018

     329,222         257,661   

U.S. Dollar-denominated Term Loan due through 2016

     50,415         —     

U.S. Dollar-denominated Term Loan due through 2018

     83,393         93,595   

U.S. Dollar-denominated Term Loan due through 2018

     108,333         116,667   

U.S. Dollar-denominated Term Loan due through 2018

     117,000         125,667   

U.S. Dollar-denominated Term Loan due through 2021

     271,991         285,274   

U.S. Dollar-denominated Term Loan due through 2021

     88,339         95,560   

U.S. Dollar-denominated Term Loan due through 2026

     430,965         450,000   

Norwegian Kroner-denominated Bond due in 2017

     79,158         93,934   

Norwegian Kroner-denominated Bond due in 2018

     101,775         120,773   

Norwegian Kroner-denominated Bond due in 2020

     113,083         —     

Euro-denominated Term Loans due through 2023

     241,798         284,993   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total principal

     2,015,472         1,924,124   

Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

     (16,263      (17,143
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

     1,999,209         1,906,981   

Less current portion

     197,197         157,088   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt

     1,802,012         1,749,893   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership had three revolving credit facilities available. The three credit facilities, as at such date, provided for borrowings of up to $459.2 million, of which $130.0 million was undrawn. Interest payments are based on LIBOR plus margins, which ranged from 0.55% to 1.10%. The amount available under the three revolving credit facilities reduces by $177.3 million (2016), $28.2 million (2017) and $253.7 million (2018). The revolving credit facilities may be used by the Partnership to fund general partnership purposes and to fund cash distributions. The Partnership is required to repay all borrowings used to fund cash distributions within 12 months of their being drawn, from a source other than further borrowings. One of the revolving credit facilities is unsecured while the other two revolving credit facilities are collateralized by first-priority mortgages granted on four of the Partnership’s vessels, together with other related security, and include a guarantee from the Partnership or its subsidiaries of all outstanding amounts.

As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership had a U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan outstanding in the amount of $50.4 million. Interest payments on this loan are based on LIBOR plus 1.00% with a bullet repayment of $50.4 million due at maturity in 2016. This loan facility is collateralized by first-priority mortgages on the three vessels to which the loan relates, together with certain other related security, and is guaranteed by the Partnership.

As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership had a U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan outstanding in the amount of $83.4 million. Interest payments on this loan are based on LIBOR plus 2.75% and require quarterly interest and principal payments and a bullet repayment of $50.7 million due at maturity in 2018. This loan facility is collateralized by first-priority mortgages on the five vessels to which the loan relates, together with certain other related security, and is guaranteed by the Partnership.

As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership had a U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan outstanding in the amount of $108.3 million. Interest payments on this loan are based on LIBOR plus 2.80% and require quarterly interest and principal payments and a bullet repayment of $83.3 million due at maturity in 2018. This loan facility is collateralized by a first-priority mortgage on the one vessel to which the loan relates, together with certain other related security, and is guaranteed by the Partnership.

As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership had a U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan outstanding in the amount of $117.0 million. Interest payments on this loan are based on LIBOR plus 2.75% and require quarterly interest and principal payments and a bullet repayment of $95.3 million due at maturity in 2018. This loan facility is collateralized by a first-priority mortgage on the one vessel to which the loan relates, together with certain other related security, and is guaranteed by the Partnership.

The Partnership owns a 69% interest in the Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture, a consolidated entity of the Partnership. The Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture has a U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan outstanding, which, as at December 31, 2015, totaled $272.0 million. Interest payments on the loan are based on LIBOR plus margins. Interest payments on one tranche under the loan facility are based on LIBOR plus 0.30%, while interest payments on the second tranche are based on LIBOR plus 0.63%. One tranche reduces in quarterly payments while the other tranche correspondingly is drawn up with a final $95.0 million bullet payment for each of two vessels due in 2021. This loan facility is collateralized by first-priority mortgages on the two vessels to which the loan relates, together with certain other security and is guaranteed by the Partnership.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership had a U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan outstanding in the amount of $88.3 million. Interest payments on one tranche under the loan facility are based on LIBOR plus 0.30%, while interest payments on the second tranche are based on LIBOR plus 0.70%. One tranche reduces in semi-annual payments while the other tranche correspondingly is drawn up every six months with a final $20.0 million bullet payment for each of two vessels due at maturity in 2021. This loan facility is collateralized by first-priority mortgages on the two vessels to which the loan relates, together with certain other related security, and is guaranteed by Teekay Corporation.

The Partnership owns a 70% interest in Teekay Nakilat Corporation (or the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture ), a consolidated entity of the Partnership. The Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture has a U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan outstanding, which, as at December 31, 2015, totaled $431.0 million. Interest payments on this loan are based on LIBOR plus 1.85% and the loan facility requires quarterly interest and principal payments over the remaining term of the loan and will require bullet repayments of approximately $155.3 million due at maturity in 2026. This loan facility is collateralized by first-priority mortgages on the three vessels to which the loan relates, together with certain other related security and certain guarantees from the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture.

The Partnership has Norwegian Kroner (or NOK ) 700 million of senior unsecured bonds that mature in May 2017 in the Norwegian bond market. As at December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of the bonds was $79.2 million and the bonds are listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The interest payments on the bonds are based on NIBOR plus a margin of 5.25%. The Partnership has a cross-currency swap to swap all interest and principal payments into U.S. Dollars, with the interest payments fixed at a rate of 6.88% (see Note 13) and the transfer of principal fixed at $125.0 million upon maturity in exchange for NOK 700 million.

The Partnership has NOK 900 million of senior unsecured bonds that mature in September 2018 in the Norwegian bond market. As at December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of the bonds was $101.8 million and the bonds are listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The interest payments on the bonds are based on NIBOR plus a margin of 4.35%. The Partnership has a cross-currency swap, to swap all interest and principal payments into U.S. Dollars, with the interest payments fixed at a rate of 6.43% (see Note 13) and the transfer of principal fixed at $150.0 million upon maturity in exchange for NOK 900 million.

The Partnership has NOK 1,000 million of senior unsecured bonds that mature in May 2020 in the Norwegian bond market. As at December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of the bonds was $113.1 million and the bonds are listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The interest payments on the bonds are based on NIBOR plus a margin of 3.70%. The Partnership has a cross currency swap (see Note 13), to swap all interest and principal payments into U.S. Dollars, with the interest payments fixed at a rate of 5.92% and the transfer of principal fixed at $134.0 million upon maturity in exchange for NOK 1,000 million.

The Partnership has two Euro-denominated term loans outstanding, which as at December 31, 2015, totaled 222.7 million Euros ($241.8 million). Interest payments are based on EURIBOR plus margins, which ranged from 0.60% to 2.25% as of December 31, 2015, and the loans require monthly interest and principal payments. The term loans have varying maturities through 2023. The term loans are collateralized by first-priority mortgages on two vessels to which the loans relate, together with certain other related security and are guaranteed by the Partnership and one of its subsidiaries.

The weighted-average effective interest rate for the Partnership’s long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was 2.33% and 2.19%, respectively. This rate does not reflect the effect of related interest rate swaps that the Partnership has used to economically hedge certain of its floating-rate debt (see Note 13). At December 31, 2015, the margins on the Partnership’s outstanding revolving credit facilities and term loans ranged from 0.30% to 2.80%.

All Euro-denominated term loans and NOK-denominated bonds are revalued at the end of each period using the then-prevailing U.S. Dollar exchange rate. Due primarily to the revaluation of the Partnership’s NOK-denominated bonds, the Partnership’s Euro-denominated term loans, capital leases and restricted cash, and the change in the valuation of the Partnership’s cross-currency swaps, the Partnership incurred foreign exchange gains (losses) of $13.9 million, $28.4 million and ($15.8) million, which amounts were primarily unrealized, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The aggregate annual long-term debt principal repayments required after December 31, 2015 are $198.3 million (2016), $210.7 million (2017), $796.5 million (2018), $70.1 million (2019), $186.3 million (2020) and $553.6 million (thereafter).

The Partnership and a subsidiary of Teekay Corporation are borrowers under a loan arrangement and are joint and severally liable for the obligations to the lender. Obligations resulting from long-term debt joint and several liability arrangements are measured at the sum of the amount the Partnership agreed to pay, on the basis of its arrangement among the co-obligor, and any additional amount the Partnership expects to pay on behalf of the co-obligor. This loan arrangement matures in 2021 and as of December 31, 2015 had an outstanding balance of $173.9 million, of which $88.3 million was the Partnership’s share. Teekay Corporation has indemnified the Partnership in respect of any losses and expenses arising from any breach by the co-obligor of the terms and conditions of the loan facility.

Certain loan agreements require that (a) the Partnership maintains minimum levels of tangible net worth and aggregate liquidity, (b) the Partnership maintains certain ratios of vessel values as it relates to the relevant outstanding loan principal balance, (c) the Partnership not exceed a maximum amount of leverage, and (d) certain of the Partnership’s subsidiaries maintains restricted cash deposits. The Partnership has one facility that requires us to maintain a vessel-value-to-outstanding-loan-principal-balance ratio of 115%, which as at December 31, 2015, was 194%. The vessel value was determined using reference to second-hand market comparables or using a depreciated replacement cost approach. Since vessel values can be volatile, the Partnership’s estimates of market value may not be indicative of either the current or future prices that could be obtained if the Partnership sold any of the vessels. The Partnership’s ship-owning subsidiaries may not, among other things, pay dividends or distributions if the Partnership is in default under its term loans or revolving credit facilities. One of the Partnership’s term loans is guaranteed by Teekay Corporation and contains covenants that require Teekay Corporation to maintain the greater of a minimum liquidity (cash and cash equivalents) of at least $50.0 million and 5.0% of Teekay Corporation’s total consolidated debt which has recourse to Teekay Corporation. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership, and Teekay Corporation and their affiliates were in compliance with all covenants relating to the Partnership’s credit facilities and term loans.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

11.

Income Tax

The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:

 

                                   
     Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$
     Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$
     Year Ended
December 31,
2013

$
 

Current

     (2,646      (5,212      (1,482

Deferred

     (76      (2,355      (3,674
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense

     (2,722      (7,567      (5,156
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Partnership operates in countries that have differing tax laws and rates. Consequently, a consolidated weighted average tax rate will vary from year to year according to the source of earnings or losses by country and the change in applicable tax rates. Reconciliations of the tax charge related to the relevant year at the applicable statutory income tax rates and the actual tax charge related to the relevant year are as follows:

 

                                               
     Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$
     Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$
     Year Ended
December 31,
2013

$
 

Net income before income tax expenses

     220,232         226,494         218,471   

Net income not subject to taxes

     (173,298      (81,604      (131,529
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income subject to taxes

     46,934         144,890         86,942   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At applicable statutory tax rates

        

Amount computed using the standard rate of corporate tax

     (12,007      (33,083      (16,476

Adjustments to valuation allowance and uncertain tax position

     5,362         14,851         12,830   

Permanent and currency differences

     4,204         11,507         1,576   

Change in tax rate

     (281      (842      (3,086
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Tax expense charge related to the current year

     (2,722      (7,567      (5,156
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The significant components of the Partnership’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) were as follows:

 

                           
     Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$
     Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$
 

Derivative instruments

     7,021         8,647   

Taxation loss carryforwards and disallowed finance costs

     44,823         48,440   

Vessels and equipment

     3,462         3,602   

Capitalized interest

     (2,184      (2,261
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     53,122         58,428   

Valuation allowance

     (53,198      (58,428
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities included in accrued liabilities

     (76      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Partnership had tax losses in the United Kingdom (or UK ) of $12.7 million as at December 31, 2015 that are available indefinitely for offset against future taxable income in the UK. The Partnership had tax losses and disallowed finance costs in Spain of 110.3 million Euros (approximately $119.8 million) and 34.2 million Euros (approximately $37.2 million), respectively, at December 31, 2015 that are available indefinitely for offset against future taxable income in Spain. During 2015, as a result of an audit performed by the Spanish tax authorities on the Partnership’s Spanish subsidiaries, the Partnership and the Spanish tax authorities reached an agreement to reduce the Partnership’s tax losses in Spain by 29.0 million Euros (approximately $31.5 million). The losses were subject to a full valuation allowance, and therefore no change in income tax expense or assets will occur as a result of this agreement. The Partnership also had tax losses in Luxembourg of 120.9 million Euros (approximately $131.3 million) as at December 31, 2015 that are available indefinitely for offset against taxable future income in Luxembourg.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

The Partnership recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The tax years 2007 through 2015 currently remain open to examination by the major tax jurisdictions to which the Partnership is subject.

 

12.

Related Party Transactions

 

  a)

Two of the Partnership’s LNG carriers, the Arctic Spirit and Polar Spirit , are employed on long-term charter contracts with subsidiaries of Teekay Corporation. In addition, the Partnership and certain of its operating subsidiaries have entered into services agreements with certain subsidiaries of Teekay Corporation pursuant to which the Teekay Corporation subsidiaries provide the Partnership and its subsidiaries with administrative, commercial, crew training, advisory, business development, technical and strategic consulting services. In addition, as part of the Partnership’s acquisition of its ownership interest in the BG Joint Venture (see Notes 6c and 14d), the Partnership entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Teekay Corporation whereby Teekay Corporation’s subsidiary will, on behalf of the Partnership, provide shipbuilding supervision and crew training services for the four LNG carrier newbuildings in the BG Joint Venture up to their delivery date. All costs incurred by Teekay Corporation’s subsidiary will be charged to the Partnership and recorded as part of vessel operating expenses. Finally, the Partnership reimburses the General Partner for expenses incurred by the General Partner that are necessary for the conduct of the Partnership’s business. Such related party transactions were as follows for the periods indicated:

 

     Year Ended  
     December 31,      December 31,      December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     $      $      $  

Voyage revenues (i)

     35,887         37,596         34,573   

Vessel operating expenses

     (19,914      (12,703      (10,847

General and administrative expenses (ii)

     (14,485      (13,708      (11,959

 

(i)

Commencing in 2008, the Arctic Spirit and Polar Spirit were time-chartered to Teekay Corporation at a fixed-rate for a period of ten years (plus options exercisable by Teekay Corporation to extend up to an additional 15 years).

(ii)

Includes commercial, strategic, advisory, business development and administrative management fees charged by Teekay Corporation and reimbursements to Teekay Corporation and our General Partner for costs incurred on the Partnership’s behalf.

 

  b)

In connection with the Partnership’s initial public offering in May 2005, the Partnership entered into an omnibus agreement with Teekay Corporation, the General Partner and other related parties governing, among other things, when the Partnership and Teekay Corporation may compete with each other and certain rights of first offer on LNG carriers and Suezmax tankers. In December 2006, the omnibus agreement was amended in connection with the initial public offering of Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. (or Teekay Offshore ). As amended, the agreement governs, among other things, when the Partnership, Teekay Corporation and Teekay Offshore may compete with each other and certain rights of first offer on LNG carriers, oil tankers, shuttle tankers, floating storage and offtake units and floating production, storage and offloading units.

 

  c)

The Partnership’s Suezmax tanker the Toledo Spirit operates pursuant to a time-charter contract that increases or decreases the otherwise fixed-hire rate established in the charter depending on the spot charter rates that the Partnership would have earned had it traded the vessel in the spot tanker market. The time-charter contract ends in August 2025, although the charterer has the right to terminate the time-charter in July 2018. The Partnership has entered into an agreement with Teekay Corporation under which Teekay Corporation pays the Partnership any amounts payable to the charterer as a result of spot rates being below the fixed rate, and the Partnership pays Teekay Corporation any amounts payable to the Partnership as a result of spot rates being in excess of the fixed rate. The amounts receivable or payable to Teekay Corporation are settled at the end of each year (see Notes 3 and 13).

 

  d)

On November 13, 2014, the Partnership acquired a 2003-built 10,200 cubic meter LPG carrier, the Norgas Napa , from I.M. Skaugen SE (or Skaugen ) for $27.0 million. The Partnership took delivery of the vessel on November 13, 2014 and chartered the vessel back to Skaugen on a bareboat contract for a period of five years at a fixed rate plus a profit share component based on a portion of the vessel’s earnings from the Skaugen’s Norgas pool in excess of the fixed charter rate. In connection with the acquisition of Norgas Napa , the General Partner acquired a 1% ownership interest in the Norgas Napa from the Partnership for approximately $0.2 million.

 

  e)

In March 2014, two interest rate swap agreements were novated from Teekay Corporation to the Partnership. Teekay Corporation concurrently paid the Partnership $3.0 million in cash consideration, which represented the estimated fair value of the interest rate swap liabilities on the novation date.

 

  f)

In March 2013, the Partnership incurred a $2.7 million charge relating to a fee to Teekay Corporation for its support in the Partnership’s successful acquisition of its 50% interest in Exmar LPG BVBA (see Note 6d). This acquisition fee is reflected as part of investments in and advances to equity accounted joint ventures in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

  g)

The Partnership entered into services agreements with certain subsidiaries of Teekay Corporation pursuant to which the Teekay Corporation subsidiaries provide the Partnership with shipbuilding and site supervision services relating to 11 LNG carrier newbuildings the Partnership owns (see Notes 14a and 14b). These costs are capitalized and included as part of advances on newbuilding contracts in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership incurred shipbuilding and site supervision costs of $4.3 million, $3.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. As at December 31, 2015 and 2014 shipbuilding and site supervision costs provided by Teekay Corporation subsidiaries totaled $7.6 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

 

  h)

As at December 31, 2015 and 2014, non-interest bearing advances to affiliates totaled $13.0 million and $11.9 million, respectively, and non-interest bearing advances from affiliates totaled $23.0 million and $43.2 million, respectively. These advances are unsecured and have no fixed repayment terms. Affiliates are entities that are under the same common control.

 

13.

Derivative Instruments

The Partnership uses derivative instruments in accordance with its overall risk management policy. The Partnership has not designated derivative instruments described within this note as hedges for accounting purposes.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Through 2012 to 2015, concurrently with the issuance of NOK 700 million, NOK 900 million and NOK 1,000 million, of senior unsecured bonds (see Note 10) during that time, the Partnership entered into cross-currency swaps, and pursuant to these swaps, the Partnership receives the principal amount in NOK on maturity dates of the swaps in exchange for payments of a fixed U.S. Dollar amount. In addition, the cross-currency swaps exchange a receipt of floating interest in NOK based on NIBOR plus a margin for a payment of U.S. Dollar fixed interest. The purpose of the cross-currency swaps is to economically hedge the foreign currency exposure on the payment of interest and principal of the Partnership’s NOK-denominated bonds due in 2017, 2018 and 2020, and to economically hedge the interest rate exposure. The following table reflects information relating to the cross-currency swaps as at December 31, 2015.

 

                               Fair Value /        
                               Carrying     Weighted-  
Principal      Principal      Floating Rate Receivable           Amount of     Average  
Amount      Amount      Reference          Fixed Rate     (Liability)     Remaining  
NOK      $      Rate    Margin     Payable     $     Term (Years)  
  700,000         125,000       NIBOR      5.25     6.88     (49,703     1.3   
  900,000         150,000       NIBOR      4.35     6.43     (54,027     2.7   
  1,000,000         134,000       NIBOR      3.70     5.92     (25,052     4.4   
            

 

 

   
               (128,782  
            

 

 

   

Interest Rate Risk

The Partnership enters into interest rate swaps which exchange a receipt of floating interest for a payment of fixed interest to reduce the Partnership’s exposure to interest rate variability on certain of its outstanding floating-rate debt. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership was committed to the following interest rate swap agreements:

 

                 Fair Value /               
                 Carrying     Weighted-         
                 Amount of     Average      Fixed  
     Interest    Principal      Assets     Remaining      Interest  
     Rate    Amount      (Liability)     Term      Rate  
     Index    $      $     (years)      (%) (i)  

LIBOR-Based Debt:

             

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swaps

   LIBOR      90,000         (8,965     2.7         4.9   

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swaps

   LIBOR      100,000         (5,817     1.0         5.3   

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swaps (ii)

   LIBOR      168,750         (34,567     13.0         5.2   

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swaps (ii)

   LIBOR      64,268         (2,661     5.6         2.8   

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swaps (iii)

   LIBOR      320,000         (15,112     0.3         2.9   

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swaps (iv)

   LIBOR      117,000         (1,341     3.0         1.7   

EURIBOR-Based Debt:

             

Euro-denominated interest rate swaps (v)

   EURIBOR      241,798         (35,674     5.0         3.1   
        

 

 

      
           (104,137     
        

 

 

      

 

F-26


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

(i)  

Excludes the margins the Partnership pays on its floating-rate term loans, which, at December 31, 2015, ranged from 0.30% to 2.80%.

(ii)  

Principal amount reduces semi-annually.

(iii)  

These interest rate swaps are being used to economically hedge expected interest payments on future debt that is planned to be outstanding from 2016 to 2021. These interest rate swaps are subject to mandatory early termination in 2016 whereby the swaps will be settled based on their fair value at that time.

(iv)

Principal amount reduces quarterly.

(v)  

Principal amount reduces monthly to 70.1 million Euros ($76.1 million) by the maturity dates of the swap agreements.

During 2015, as part of its economic hedging program, the Partnership entered into three interest rate swaption agreements, whereby the Partnership has a one-time option (or Call Option ) to enter into an interest rate swap with a third party, and the third party has a one-time option (or Put Option ) to require the Partnership to enter into interest swap agreements. If the Partnership or the third parties exercises its options, there will be cash settlements for the fair value of the interest rate swap, in lieu of taking delivery of the actual interest rate swaps. At December 31, 2015, the terms of the interest rate swaps underlying the interest rate swaptions were as follows:

 

                     Fair Value /               
                     Carrying               
     Interest    Principal     Option    Amount of     Remaining      Interest  
     Rate    Amount     Exercise    Assets     Term      Rate  
     Index    $     Date    (Liability)     (Years)      (%)  

Interest rate swaption - Call Option

   LIBOR      155,000 (i)     April 28, 2017      686        7.5         3.34

Interest rate swaption - Put Option

   LIBOR      155,000 (i)     April 28, 2017      (2,626     7.5         2.15

Interest rate swaption - Call Option

   LIBOR      160,000 (ii)     January 31, 2018      1,956        8.0         3.10

Interest rate swaption - Put Option

   LIBOR      160,000 (ii)     January 31, 2018      (2,041     8.0         1.97

Interest rate swaption - Call Option

   LIBOR      160,000 (iii)     July 16, 2018      2,981        8.0         2.94

Interest rate swaption - Put Option

   LIBOR      160,000 (iii)     July 16, 2018      (1,739     8.0         1.83

 

(i)  

Amortizing every three months from $155.0 million in April 2017 to $85.4 million in October 2024.

(ii)  

Amortizing every three months from $160.0 million in January 2018 to $82.5 million in January 2026.

(iii)  

Amortizing every three months from $160.0 million in July 2018 to $82.5 million in July 2026.

As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership had multiple interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps with the same counterparty that are subject to the same master agreement. Each of these master agreements provide for the net settlement of all swaps subject to that master agreement through a single payment in the event of default or termination of any one swap. The fair value of these interest rate swaps are presented on a gross basis in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets. As at December 31, 2015, these interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps had an aggregate fair value liability amount of $209.2 million. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership had $44.8 million on deposit as security for swap liabilities under certain master agreements. The deposit is presented in restricted cash on the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets.

Credit Risk

The Partnership is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements. In order to minimize counterparty risk, the Partnership only enters into derivative transactions with counterparties that are rated A- or better by Standard & Poor’s or A3 or better by Moody’s at the time of the transactions. In addition, to the extent practical, interest rate swaps are entered into with different counterparties to reduce concentration risk.

Other Derivatives

In order to reduce the variability of its revenue, the Partnership has entered into an agreement with Teekay Corporation under which Teekay Corporation pays the Partnership any amounts payable to the charterer of the Toledo Spirit as a result of spot rates being below the fixed rate, and the Partnership pays Teekay Corporation any amounts payable to the Partnership by the charterer of the Toledo Spirit as a result of spot rates being in excess of the fixed rate. The fair value of the derivative liability at December 31, 2015 was $6.3 million (December 31, 2014 – a liability of $2.1 million).

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

The following table presents the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments, segregated by type of contract, on the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

            Accrued                
            liabilities/      Current         
            Advances      portion of         
     Derivative      from      derivative      Derivative  
     assets      affiliates      liabilities      liabilities  

As at December 31, 2015

           

Interest rate swap agreements

     —           (6,833      (41,028      (56,276

Interest rate swaption agreements

     5,623         —           —           (6,406

Cross-currency swap agreements

     —           (1,181      (9,755      (117,846

Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative

     —           (3,186      (1,300      (1,810
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     5,623         (11,200      (52,083      (182,338
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2014

           

Interest rate swap agreements

     441         (7,486      (52,356      (60,157

Cross-currency swap agreements

     —           (544      (4,922      (64,920

Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative

     —           (637      (400      (1,100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     441         (8,667      (57,678      (126,177
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) relating to interest rate swap agreements and the Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative are recognized in earnings and reported in realized and unrealized loss on derivative instruments in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income. The effect of the gain (loss) on these derivatives on the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income is as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     Realized     Unrealized           Realized     Unrealized           Realized     Unrealized         
     gains     gains           gains     gains           gains     gains         
     (losses)     (losses)     Total     (losses)     (losses)     Total     (losses)     (losses)      Total  

Interest rate swap agreements

     (28,968     14,768        (14,200     (39,406     4,204        (35,202     (38,089     18,868         (19,221

Interest rate swaption agreements

     —          (783     (783     —          —          —          —          —           —     

Interest rate swap agreements termination

     —          —          —          (2,319     —          (2,319     —          —           —     

Toledo Spirit time-charter derivative

     (3,429     (1,610     (5,039     (861     (6,300     (7,161     1,521        3,700         5,221   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (32,397     12,375        (20,022     (42,586     (2,096     (44,682     (36,568     22,568         (14,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unrealized and realized losses relating to cross-currency swap agreements are recognized in earnings and reported in foreign currency exchange gain (loss) in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, unrealized losses of ($57.8) million, ($51.8) million and ($15.4) million, respectively, and realized losses of ($7.6) million, ($2.2) million and ($0.3) million, respectively, were recognized in earnings.

 

14.

Commitments and Contingencies

 

  a)

Between December 2012 and February 2015, the Partnership signed contracts with DSME for the construction of nine 173,400-cubic meter LNG carriers at a total fully-built up cost of approximately $1.8 billion. These newbuilding vessels will be equipped with the M-type, Electronically Controlled, Gas Injection (or MEGI ) twin engines, which are expected to be significantly more fuel-efficient and have lower emission levels than other engines currently being utilized in LNG shipping.

Two of the vessels ordered are scheduled for delivery in 2016 (one of which delivered in February 2016, see Note 19a) and, upon delivery of the vessels, will be chartered to a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy, Inc. at fixed rates for a period of five years. Five of the vessels ordered are scheduled for delivery between 2017 and 2018 and, upon delivery of the vessels, will be chartered to a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell PLC (or Shell ) at fixed rates for a period of six to eight years, plus extension options. One of the vessels is being modified to a FSU for the Bahrain LNG project and will operate under a 20-year fixed-rate charter contract and is scheduled for delivery in 2018. The Partnership intends to secure a charter contract for the remaining newbuilding vessel prior to its delivery in 2017. As at December 31, 2015, costs incurred under these newbuilding contracts totaled $384.7 million and the estimated remaining costs to be incurred are $338.1 million (2016), $607.1 million (2017) and $515.4 million (2018). The Partnership intends to finance the newbuilding payments through existing liquidity and operating cash flow, and expects to secure long-term debt financing for the vessels prior to their scheduled deliveries (see Note 19a).

 

  b)

In June 2015, the Partnership signed contracts with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. of South Korea for the construction of two 174,000-cubic meter LNG carriers equipped with MEGI engines at a total fully-built up cost of approximately $419.8 million. One of the vessels is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2019 and, upon delivery of the vessel, will be chartered to BP Shipping Limited (or BP ) at fixed rates for a period of 13 years. The Partnership intends to secure a charter contract for the second newbuilding vessel prior to its delivery in 2019. As at December 31, 2015, costs incurred under these newbuilding contracts totaled $40.2 million and the estimated remaining costs to be incurred are $2.6 million (2016), $82.4 million (2017), $44.9 million (2018) and $249.7 million (2019). The Partnership intends to finance the newbuilding payments through existing liquidity and expects to secure long-term debt financing for the vessels prior to their scheduled deliveries.

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

  c)

The Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture was the lessee under three separate 30-year capital lease arrangements with a third party for three LNG carriers (or the RasGas II LNG Carriers ) until December 22, 2014. Under the terms of the leasing arrangements for the RasGas II LNG Carriers, the lessor claimed tax depreciation on the capital expenditures it incurred to acquire these vessels. As is typical in these leasing arrangements, tax and change of law risks were assumed by the lessee, in this case the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture. Lease payments under the lease arrangements were based on certain tax and financial assumptions at the commencement of the leases and subsequently adjusted to maintain the lessor’s agreed after-tax margin. On December 22, 2014, the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture terminated the leasing of the RasGas II LNG Carriers. However, the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture remains obligated to the lessor to maintain the lessor’s agreed after-tax margin from the commencement of the lease to the lease termination date and placed $6.8 million on deposit with the lessor as security against any future claims.

The UK taxing authority (or HMRC ) has been challenging the use of similar lease structures. One of those challenges was eventually decided in favor of HMRC (Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing No. 1 or LEL1 ), with the lessor and lessee choosing not to appeal further. Initial indications are that HMRC will attempt to progress matters on other leases including the lease of the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture with the intent of asking the lessees to accept the LEL1 tax case verdict that capital allowances were not due. If the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture were to be challenged by HMRC, it is uncertain at this time whether the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture would eventually prevail in court. If the former lessor of the RasGAS II LNG Carriers were to lose on a similar claim from HMRC, the Partnership’s 70% share of the potential exposure in the Teekay Nakilat Joint Venture is estimated to be approximately $60 million. Such estimate is primarily based on information received from the lessor.

 

  d)

As described in Note 6c – Equity Method Investments, the Partnership acquired an ownership interest in the BG Joint Venture and, as part of the acquisition, agreed to assume BG’s obligation to provide shipbuilding supervision and crew training services for the four LNG carrier newbuildings up to their delivery dates pursuant to a ship construction support agreement. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership incurred $4.2 million, net of reimbursement from BG, relating to shipbuilding and crew training services. The remaining estimated amounts to be incurred for the shipbuilding and crew training obligation, net of the reimbursement from BG, are $6.0 million (2016), $3.8 million (2017), $4.1 million (2018) and $0.4 million (2019).

In addition, the BG Joint Venture has a $787.0 million debt facility to finance a portion of the estimated fully built-up cost of $1.0 billion for its four LNG carrier newbuildings, with the remaining portion to be financed pro-rata based on ownership interests by the Partnership and the other partners. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership’s proportionate share of the remaining newbuilding installments, net of the financing, totaled $7.9 million (2016), $15.0 million (2017), $17.3 million (2018) and $6.3 million (2019).

 

  e)

As described in Note 6b – Equity Method Investments, the Partnership, through the Yamal LNG Joint Venture, has a 50% ownership interest in six 172,000-cubic meter ARC7 LNG carrier newbuildings that have an estimated total fully built-up cost of $2.1 billion. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership’s proportionate costs incurred under these newbuilding contracts totaled $100.5 million and the Partnership’s proportionate share of the estimated remaining costs to be incurred is $74.4 million (2016), $97.6 million (2017), $356.6 million (2018), $214.4 million (2019) and $198.3 million (2020). The Yamal LNG Joint Venture intends to secure debt financing for 70% to 80% of the fully built-up cost of the six LNG carrier newbuildings.

 

  f)

As described in Note 6a – Equity Method Investments, the Partnership, has a 30% ownership interest in the Bahrain LNG Joint Venture for the development of an LNG receiving and regasification terminal in Bahrain. The project will include a FSU, which will be modified from one of the Partnership’s existing MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings, an offshore gas receiving facility, and an onshore nitrogen production facility. The terminal will have a capacity of 800 million standard cubic feet per day and will be owned and operated under a 20-year agreement commencing July 2018. The receiving and regasification terminal is expected to have a fully-built up cost of approximately $872 million. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership’s proportionate share of the costs to be incurred are $115.2 million (2016), $84.0 million (2017) and $62.4 million (2018). The Bahrain LNG Joint Venture intends to secure debt financing for approximately 75% of the fully built-up cost of the LNG receiving and regasification terminal in Bahrain.

 

  g)

As described in Note 6d – Equity Method Investments, the Partnership, has a 50% ownership interest in the Exmar LPG Joint Venture which has seven LPG newbuilding vessels scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2018 and has obtained financing for three of these newbuilding vessels. As at December 31, 2015, the Partnership’s proportionate share of the remaining costs for these seven newbuilding carriers, net of the financing, totaled $4.9 million (2016), $62.7 million (2017) and $19.3 million (2018).

 

15.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

  a)

The changes in operating assets and liabilities for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

     Year Ended      Year Ended      Year Ended  
   December 31,      December 31,      December 31,  
   2015      2014      2013  
   $      $      $  

Accounts receivable

     (5,140      9,957         (6,436

Prepaid expenses

     (494      1,781         80   

Accounts payable

     2,127         (1,098      (437

Accrued liabilities

     (1,581      (6,759      7,662   

Unearned revenue and long-term unearned revenue

     (562      (536      (6,956

Restricted cash

     (2,785      —           4,258   

Advances to and from affiliates

     (23,714      17,953         14,417   

Other operating assets and liabilities

     (2,038      (2,476      (2,510
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     (34,187      18,822         10,078   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

  b)

Cash interest paid (including realized losses on interest rate swaps) on long-term debt, advances from affiliates and capital lease obligations, net of amounts capitalized, during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $94.5 million, $128.7 million, and $133.7 million, respectively.

 

  c)

During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, cash paid for corporate income taxes was $7.8 million, $2.3 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

 

  d)

During 2013, the Partnership acquired two LNG carriers from Awilco for a purchase price of $205.0 million per vessel. The upfront prepayment of charter hire of $51.0 million (inclusive of a $1.0 million upfront fee) per vessel was used to offset the purchase price and was treated as a non-cash transaction in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

  e)

During 2014 and 2013, the sales of the Tenerife Spirit, Huelva Spirit, and Algeciras Spirit conventional tankers resulted in the vessels under capital lease being returned to the owner and the capital lease obligations concurrently extinguished. Therefore, the sales of the Algeciras Spirit and Huelva Spirit under capital lease of $56.2 million in 2014 and the sale of the Tenerife Spirit under capital lease of $29.7 million in 2013 and the concurrent extinguishment of the corresponding capital lease obligations of $56.2 million in 2014 and $29.7 million in 2013 were treated as non-cash transactions in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

  f)

During 2014, the Partnership acquired an LPG carrier, the Norgas Napa , from Skaugen for $27.0 million, of which $21.6 million was paid in cash upon delivery and the remaining $5.4 million is an interest-bearing loan to Skaugen.

 

  g)

A portion of the dividends declared by the Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture on February 1, 2014 that was used to settle advances made by the Teekay Tangguh Joint Venture to BLT LNG Tangguh Corporation and P.T. Berlian Laju Tanker of $14.4 million, was treated as a non-cash transaction in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

  h)

As described in Notes 6c – Equity Method Investments and 14d – Commitments and Contingencies, during 2014, the Partnership acquired BG’s ownership interest in the BG Joint Venture. As compensation, the Partnership assumed BG’s obligation (net of an agreement by BG to pay the Partnership approximately $20.3 million) to provide shipbuilding supervision and crew training services for the four LNG carrier newbuildings up to their delivery dates pursuant to a ship construction support agreement. The estimated fair value of the assumed obligation of approximately $33.3 million was used to offset the purchase price and the Partnership’s receivable from BG and was treated as a non-cash transaction in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

16.

Total Capital and Net Income Per Unit

The following table summarizes the issuances of common units over the three years ending December 31, 2015:

 

                               Teekay     
                               Corporation’s     
                 Gross      Net      Ownership     
     Units      Offering    Proceeds  (i)      Proceeds      After the     

Date

   Issued     

Price

   $      $     

Offering (ii)

  

Use of Proceeds

Continuous offering program during 2013

     124,071       (iii)      5,383         4,926       (iii)    General partnership purposes

July 2013

     931,098       $42.96      40,816         40,776       36.92%    Funding of LNG carrier newbuilding

October 2013

     3,450,000       $42.62      150,040         144,818       35.30%    Prepayment of revolving credit facilities, funding of an LNG carrier acquisition and for general partnership purposes

July 2014

     3,090,000       $44.65      140,784         140,484       33.96%    Prepayment of revolving credit facilities, funding of the Yamal LNG Project and portion of the MEGI newbuildings

Continuous offering program during 2014

     1,050,463       (iii)      42,556         41,655       (iii)    General partnership purposes including funding newbuilding installments

Continuous offering program during 2015 (iv)

     1,173,428       (iii)      36,274         35,374       (iii)    General partnership purposes, including funding newbuilding installments

 

(i)  

Including the General Partner’s 2% proportionate capital contribution.

(ii)  

Including Teekay Corporation’s indirect 2% general partner interest.

(iii)  

Commencing in May 2013, the Partnership implemented a continuous offering program (or COP ) under which the Partnership may issue new common units, representing limited partner interests, at market prices up to a maximum aggregate amount of $100 million.

(iv)

Includes 160,000 common units for net proceeds of $6.8 million (including General Partner’s 2% proportionate capital contribution) from the COP executed in 2014 that were received in January 2015.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

Limited Partners’ Rights

Significant rights of the Partnership’s limited partners include the following:

 

   

Right to receive distribution of Available Cash (as defined in the partnership agreement and which takes into account cash reserves for, among other things, future capital expenditures and for future credit needs of the Partnership) within approximately 45 days after the end of each quarter.

 

   

No limited partner shall have any management power over the Partnership’s business and affairs; the General Partner conducts, directs and manages the Partnership’s activities.

 

   

The General Partner may be removed if such removal is approved by unitholders holding at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding units voting as a single class, including units held by our General Partner and its affiliates.

Incentive Distribution Rights

The General Partner is entitled to incentive distributions if the amount the Partnership distributes to unitholders with respect to any quarter exceeds specified target levels shown below:

 

Quarterly Distribution Target Amount (per unit)

   Unitholders     General Partner  

Minimum quarterly distribution of $0.4125

     98     2

Up to $0.4625

     98     2

Above $0.4625 up to $0.5375

     85     15

Above $0.5375 up to $0.6500

     75     25

Above $0.6500

     50     50

During 2015, cash distributions with respect to the first three quarters of 2015 exceeded $0.4625 per common unit, and were below $0.4625 per common unit with respect to the distribution for the fourth quarter of 2015. Consequently, the assumed distribution of net income resulted in the use of the increasing percentages to calculate the General Partner’s interest in net income for the purposes of the net income per common unit calculation up to September 30, 2015 and increasing percentages were not used to calculate the General Partner’s interest in net income for the purposes of the net income per common unit calculation from October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

In the event of a liquidation, all property and cash in excess of that required to discharge all liabilities will be distributed to the unitholders and the General Partner in proportion to their capital account balances, as adjusted to reflect any gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of the Partnership’s assets in liquidation in accordance with the partnership agreement.

Net Income Per Unit

Net income per unit is determined by dividing net income, after deducting the amount of net income attributable to the non-controlling interest and the General Partner’s interest, by the weighted-average number of units outstanding during the period.

The General Partner’s and common unitholders’ interests in net income are calculated as if all net income was distributed according to the terms of the Partnership’s partnership agreement, regardless of whether those earnings would or could be distributed. The partnership agreement does not provide for the distribution of net income; rather, it provides for the distribution of available cash, which is a contractually defined term that generally means all cash on hand at the end of each quarter after establishment of cash reserves determined by the Partnership’s board of directors to provide for the proper conduct of the Partnership’s business, including reserves for maintenance and replacement capital expenditure and anticipated credit needs. In addition, the General Partner is entitled to incentive distributions if the amount the Partnership distributes to unitholders with respect to any quarter exceeds specified target levels. Unlike available cash, net income is affected by non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, unrealized gains or losses on non-designated derivative instruments and foreign currency translation gains (losses).

Pursuant to the Partnership agreement, allocations to partners are made on a quarterly basis.

 

17.

Unit-Based Compensation

In March 2015, a total of 10,447 common units, with an aggregate value of $0.4 million, were granted to the non-management directors of the General Partner as part of their annual compensation for 2015. These common units were fully vested upon grant. During 2014 and 2013, the Partnership awarded 9,521 and 7,362 common units, respectively, as compensation to non-management directors. The awards were fully vested in March 2014 and March 2013, respectively. The compensation to the non-management directors is included in general and administrative expenses on the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except unit and per unit data or unless otherwise indicated)

 

During March 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership granted 32,054, 31,961 and 36,878 restricted units, respectively, with grant date fair values of $1.1 million, $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, based on the Partnership’s closing unit price on the grant date, to certain of the Partnership’s employees and to certain employees of Teekay Corporation’s subsidiaries who provide services to the Partnership. Each restricted unit represents one of the Partnership’s common units plus reinvested distributions from the grant date to the vesting date. The restricted units vest equally over three years from the grant date. Any portion of a restricted unit award that is not vested on the date of a recipient’s termination of service is cancelled, unless their termination arises as a result of the recipient’s retirement, and in this case, the restricted unit award will continue to vest in accordance with the vesting schedule. Upon vesting, the value of the restricted unit awards is paid to each recipient in the form of units, net of withholding tax. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership recorded an expense of $1.2 million, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million, respectively, related to the restricted units.

 

18.

Restructuring Charge

 

  a)

Compania Espanole de Petroles, S.A., the charterer and owner of the Partnership’s former conventional vessels under capital lease, sold the Tenerife Spirit, Algeciras Spirit , and Huelva Spirit between December 2013 and August 2014. On redeliveries of the vessels, the charter contract with the Partnership was terminated. As a result of these sales, the Partnership recorded restructuring charges of nil, $2.0 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The balances outstanding of $0.7 million and $1.6 million as at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are included in accrued liabilities in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

  b)

During 2015, pursuant to a request by the charterer of the Alexander Spirit , the Partnership changed the crew on the vessel which resulted in a restructuring charge of $4.0 million relating to seafarer severance payments. The full amount of the restructuring charge was recovered from the charterer and the recovery included in voyage revenues in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income. The balance payable to the affected seafarers of $1.1 million at December 31, 2015 is included in accrued liabilities in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

19.

Subsequent Events

 

  a)

On February 18, 2016, the Partnership took delivery of its first MEGI LNG carrier newbuilding, which commenced its five-year charter contract with a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy, Inc. on February 29, 2016. The Partnership’s second MEGI LNG carrier newbuilding is scheduled to deliver in mid-2016. In February 2016, the Partnership secured financing for these two MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings through a sale-leaseback transaction of approximately $179 million per vessel.

 

  b)

During February and March 2016, Centrofin Management Inc., the charterer for both the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit Suezmax tankers, exercised its option to purchase both the Bermuda Spirit and Hamilton Spirit as permitted under the charter agreement. The Bermuda Spirit was sold on April 15, 2016 and the Hamilton Spirit is expected to be sold in May 2016. Substantially all of the net proceeds to be received from the sales are expected to be used to repay existing term loans for these vessels.

 

F-32

EXHIBIT 2.3

ISIN NO 001 0735731

BOND AGREEMENT

between

Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

(Issuer)

and

Nordic Trustee ASA

(Bond Trustee)

on behalf of

the Bondholders

in the bond issue

FRN Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

Senior Unsecured Bond Issue 2015/2020


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1 Interpretation

     3   

2 The Bonds

     9   

3 Listing

     10   

4 Registration in a Securities Depository

     10   

5 Purchase and transfer of Bonds

     11   

6 Conditions precedent

     11   

7 Representations and Warranties

     13   

8 Status of the Bonds and security

     15   

9 Interest

     16   

10 Maturity of the Bonds and Change of Control

     16   

11 Payments

     17   

12 Issuer’s acquisition of Bonds

     19   

13 Covenants

     19   

14 Fees and expenses

     23   

15 Events of Default

     24   

16 Bondholders’ meeting

     26   

17 The Bond Trustee

     29   

18 Miscellaneous

     32   

 

2


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

This bond agreement has been entered into on 18 May 2015 between

 

 

(1)

Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (a limited partnership organized in the Marshall Islands with Company No. 950008), as issuer (the “Issuer”), and

 

 

(2)

Nordic Trustee ASA (a company incorporated in Norway with Company No. 963 342 624), as bond trustee (the “Bond Trustee”).

 

1

Interpretation

 

1.1

Definitions

In this Bond Agreement the following terms shall have the following meanings (certain terms relevant for Clause 18.2 and other Clauses may be defined in the relevant Clause):

“Account Manager” means a Bondholder’s account manager in the Securities Depository.

“Attachment” means any attachments to this Bond Agreement.

“Bond Agreement” means this bond agreement, including any Attachments to which it refers, and any subsequent amendments and additions agreed between the Parties.

“Bond Issue” means the bond issue constituted by the Bonds.

“Bond Reference Rate” means 3 months NIBOR.

“Bondholder” means a holder of Bond(s), as registered in the Securities Depository, from time to time.

“Bondholders’ Meeting” means a meeting of Bondholders, as set forth in Clause 16.

“Bonds” means the securities issued by the Issuer pursuant to this Bond Agreement, representing the Bondholders’ underlying claim on the Issuer.

“Business Day” means any day on which Norwegian commercial banks are open for general business, and when Norwegian banks can settle foreign currency transactions, being any day on which the Norwegian Central Bank’s Settlement System is open.

“Business Day Convention” means that if the relevant Interest Payment Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, that date will be the first following day that is a Business Day unless that day falls in the next calendar month, in which case that date will be the first preceding day that is a Business Day (Modified Following Business Day Convention ).

 

   3    N T


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

Change of Control Event ” means an event:

 

 

A.

Where all management powers over the business and affairs of the Issuer are vested exclusively in its general partner:

 

 

(i)

The General Partner ceases to be the general partner of the Issuer; or

 

 

(ii)

Teekay Corporation ceases to own, directly or indirectly, a minimum of 50 percent (50%) of the voting rights in the General Partner;

 

 

or

 

 

B.

Where all management powers over the business and affairs of the Issuer become vested exclusively in a board of directors of the Issuer, and Teekay Corporation ceases to own, directly or indirectly, a minimum of 50 percent (50%) of the voting rights to elect the members of that board of directors or the voting rights to elect a minimum of 50 percent (50%) of the board of directors.

“Default” means an Event of Default or any event or circumstance specified in Clause 15.1 (Events of Default) which would (with the giving of notice, lapse of time, determination of materiality or the fulfillment of any other applicable condition or any combination of the foregoing) be an Event of Default under any Finance Document.

“Encumbrance” means any encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, lien, charge (whether fixed or floating), assignment by way of security, finance lease, sale and repurchase or sale and leaseback arrangement, sale of receivables on a recourse basis or security interest or any other agreement or arrangement having the effect of conferring security.

“Equity” means the aggregate of the amount paid up on the issued equity capital of the Issuer and the amount standing to the credit of its capital and revenue reserves (including any share premium account or capital redemption reserve but excluding any revaluation reserve), plus or minus the amount standing to the credit or debit (as the case may be) of its profit and loss account.

“Event of Default” means the occurrence of an event or circumstance specified in Clause 15.1.

“Exchange” means securities exchange or other reputable marketplace for securities, on which the Bonds are listed, or where the Issuer has applied for listing of the Bonds.

“Finance Documents” means (i) this Bond Agreement, (ii) the agreement between the Bond Trustee and the Issuer referred to in Clause 14.2, and (iii) any other document (whether creating a security interest or not) which is executed at any time by the Issuer in relation to any amount payable under this Bond Agreement.

“Financial Indebtedness” means, without double counting, any indebtedness incurred in respect of:

 

 

(a)

moneys borrowed, including acceptance credit;

 

 

(b)

any bond, note, debenture, loan stock or other similar instrument;

 

   4    N T


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

 

(c)

the amount of any liability in respect of any lease, hire purchase contract which would, in accordance with GAAP, be treated as a finance or capital lease (excluding any amounts applicable to leases to the extent that such lease obligations are fully secured by a security deposit which is held on the balance sheet under “restricted cash”);

 

 

(d)

receivables sold or discounted (other than any receivables sold on a non-recourse basis);

 

 

(e)

any sale and lease-back transaction, or similar transaction which is treated as indebtedness under GAAP;

 

 

(f)

the acquisition cost of any asset to the extent payable after its acquisition or possession by the party liable where the deferred payment is arranged primarily as a method of raising finance or financing the acquisition of that asset;

 

 

(g)

any derivative transaction entered into in connection with protection against or benefit from fluctuation in any rate or price, including without limitation currency or interest rate swaps, caps or collar transactions (and, when calculating the value of the transaction, only the mark-to-market value of the applicable derivative shall be taken into account);

 

 

(h)

any amounts raised under any other transactions having the commercial effect of a borrowing or raising of money, whether recorded in the balance sheet or not (including any forward sale of purchase agreement);

 

 

(i)

any counter-indemnity obligation in respect of a guarantee, indemnity, bond, standby or documentary letter of credit or any other instrument issued by a bank or financial institutions; and

 

 

(j)

any guarantee, indemnity or similar assurance against financial loss of any person in respect of any of the items referred to in (a) through (i) above.

“Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated and unconsolidated annual accounts and financial statements of the Issuer for any financial year, prepared in accordance with GAAP, such accounts to include a profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement.

“Free and Available Cash” means, at any time, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (with investment grade rating from S&P and/or Moody’s Investors Service) of maturities less than one (1) year, to which the Group shall have free, immediate and direct access each as reflected in the Issuer’s most recent quarterly or annual consolidated financial statements. For the avoidance of doubt, Free and Available Cash shall not be subject to any Encumbrance.

“Free Liquidity” means the sum of Free and Available Cash plus Undrawn Revolving Credit Lines.

“GAAP” means the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, in force from time to time.

 

   5    N T


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

“General Partner” or “GP” means Teekay GP L.L.C., a Marshall Islands limited liability company with Company No. 960578, which is the general partner of the Issuer, which is a limited partnership formed under the Marshall Islands Limited Partnership Act and governed by a limited partnership agreement. Under such Act and partnership agreement, the General Partner manages the operations and activities of the Issuer. For the avoidance of doubt, the General Partner shall at all times during the tenor of the Bonds maintain its interests as general partner of the Issuer.

“Group” means the Issuer and its Subsidiaries from time to time, and a “Group Company” means the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries.

“Interest Payment Date” means 19 February, 19 May, 19 August and 19 November each year and the Maturity Date. Any adjustment will be made according to the Business Day Convention.

“ISIN” means International Securities Identification Numbering system—the identification number of the Bonds.

“Issue Date” means 19 May 2015.

“Issuer’s Bonds” means Bonds owned by the Issuer, any party or parties who has decisive influence over the Issuer, or any party or parties over whom the Issuer has decisive influence.

“Manager” means the manager for the Bond Issue.

“Margin” means 3.70 percentage points per annum.

“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on: (a) the business, financial condition or operations of the Issuer and/or the Group taken as a whole, (b) the Issuer’s ability to perform and comply with its obligations under the Bond Agreement; or (c) the validity or enforceability of the Bond Agreement.

“Material Subsidiary” means:

 

 

(i)

any Subsidiary whose total consolidated assets represent at least 10 % of the total consolidated assets of the Group, or

 

 

(ii)

any Subsidiary whose total consolidated revenues represent at least 10 % of the total consolidated net sales of the Group.

“Maturity Date” means 19 May 2020 or an earlier maturity date as provided for in this Bond Agreement. Any further adjustment may be made according to the Business Day Convention.

“Net Debt” means Total Debt less Free and Available Cash.

“Net Debt Ratio” means a fraction where the numerator is an amount equal to Net Debt and the denominator is an amount equal to the sum of Net Debt plus Equity.

 

   6    N T


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

NIBOR ” means the interest rate fixed for a defined period on Oslo Børs’ webpage at approximately 12.15 Oslo time or, on days on which Oslo Børs has shorter opening hours (New Year’s Eve and the Wednesday before Maundy Thursday), the data published at approximately 10.15 a.m. shall be used. In the event that such page is not available, has been removed or changed such that the quoted interest rate no longer represents, in the opinion of the Bond Trustee, a correct expression of the relevant interest rate, an alternative page or other electronic source which in the opinion of the Bond Trustee and the Issuer gives the same interest rate shall be used. If this is not possible, the Bond Trustee shall calculate the relevant interest rate based on comparable quotes from major banks in Oslo. If any such rate is below zero, NIBOR will be deemed to be zero.

NOK ” means Norwegian kroner, being the lawful currency of Norway.

Outstanding Bonds ” means the aggregate principal amount of the total number of Bonds not redeemed or otherwise discharged.

Party ” means a party to this Bond Agreement (including its successors and permitted transferees).

Paying Agent ” means any legal entity as appointed by the Issuer and approved by the Bond Trustee who acts as paying agent on behalf of the Issuer with respect to the Bonds.

Payment Date ” means a date for payment of principal or interest on the Bonds.

Quarter Date ” means each 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December.

Quarterly Financial Reports ” means the unaudited consolidated and unconsolidated financial statements of the Issuer as of each Quarter Date, prepared in accordance with GAAP, such accounts to include a profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement.

QIB ” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A under the US Securities Act.

Securities Depository ” means the securities depository in which the Bond Issue is registered, being Verdipapirsentralen ASA (VPS) in Norway.

Subsidiary ” means an entity over which another entity or person has a determining influence due to (i) direct and indirect ownership of shares or other ownership interests, (ii) control of the general partner of any such other entity that is a limited partnership and/or (iii) agreement, understanding or other arrangement. An entity shall always be considered to be the subsidiary of another entity or person if such entity or person has such number of shares or ownership interests so as to represent the majority of the votes in the entity, or has the right to elect or dismiss a majority of the directors in the entity.

 

7


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

Taxes ” means all present and future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions and withholdings, and any restrictions and or conditions resulting in a charge together with interest thereon and penalties in respect thereof and “ Tax ”and “ Taxation ” shall be construed accordingly.

Tangible Net Worth ” means A plus B less C,

where:

“A” means the issued and paid up equity capital of the Issuer (including share premium or items of a similar nature (but excluding shares which are expressed to be redeemable)), loans from shareholders (where subordinated to the satisfaction of the Trustee), and amounts standing to the credit of the capital reserves of the Issuer; and

“B” means any credit balance carried forward on the Issuer’s consolidated profit and loss account; and

“C” means the aggregate of:

 

 

(i)

any debit balance carried forward on the Issuer’s consolidated profit and loss account;

 

 

(ii)

any amount shown for goodwill, including on consolidation, or any other intangible property on the Issuer’s consolidated balance sheet(other than intangible property relating to contracts as shown in the balance sheet of the Issuer); and

 

 

(iii)

any amount attributable to minority interests in Subsidiaries on the Issuer’s consolidated balance sheet.

Total Debt ” means, at any time, on a consolidated basis of the Group, the aggregate of:

 

 

(i)

the amount calculated in accordance with GAAP shown as each of “long term debt”, “short term debt” and “current portion of long term debt” on the latest consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer; and

 

 

(ii)

the amount of any liability in respect of any lease or hire purchase contract entered into by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries which would, in accordance with GAAP, be treated as a finance or capital lease (excluding any amounts applicable to leases to the extent that the lease obligations are secured by a security deposit which is held on the balance sheet under “restricted cash”).

Undrawn Revolving Credit Lines ” means undrawn committed revolving credit lines freely available to the Issuer and/or its Subsidiaries (excluding undrawn committed revolving credit lines with less than 6 months to maturity) as verified by the Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer in connection with delivery of a compliance certificate in accordance with Clause 13.2.3.

US Person ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Regulation S under the US Securities Act.

 

   8    N T


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

US Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

USD ” means US Dollars, being the legal currency of the United States of America.

Voting Bonds ” means the Outstanding Bonds less the Issuer’s Bonds.

 

1.2

Construction

In this Bond Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

 

(a)

headings are for ease of reference only;

 

 

(b)

words denoting the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa;

 

 

(c)

references to Clauses are references to the Clauses of this Bond Agreement;

 

 

(d)

references to a time is a reference to Oslo time unless otherwise stated herein;

 

 

(e)

references to a provision of law is a reference to that provision as it may be amended or re-enacted, and to any regulations made by the appropriate authority pursuant to such law, including any determinations, rulings, judgments and other binding decisions relating to such provision or regulation;

 

 

(f)

references to “ control ” means the power to appoint a majority of the board of directors of the entity or to direct the management and policies of an entity, whether through the ownership of voting capital, by contract or otherwise; and

 

 

(h)

references to a “ person ” shall include any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, company, corporation, trust, fund, body corporate, unincorporated body of persons, or any state or any agency of a state or association (whether or not having separate legal personality).

 

2

The Bonds

 

2.1

Binding nature of the Bond Agreement

 

2.1.1

The Bondholders are, through their subscription, purchase or other transfer of Bonds bound by the terms of the Bond Agreement and other Finance Documents, and grant authority to the Bond Trustee to finalize and execute the Bond Agreement on the Bondholders behalf as set out in the subscription documents, term sheet, sales documents or in any other way, and all Bond transfers are subject to the terms of this Bond Agreement and all Bond transferees are, in taking transfer of Bonds, deemed to have accepted the terms of the Bond Agreement and the other Finance Documents and will automatically become parties to the Bond Agreement upon the completed transfer having been registered, without any further action required to be taken or formalities to be complied with, see also Clause 18.1.

 

2.1.2

The Bond Agreement is available to anyone and may be obtained from the Bond Trustee or the Issuer. The Issuer shall ensure that the Bond Agreement is available to the general public throughout the entire term of the Bonds.

 

   9    N T


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

2.2

The Bonds

 

2.2.1

The Issuer has resolved to issue a series of Bonds in the amount of NOK 1,000,000,000 (Norwegian kroner one billion).

The Bonds will be in denominations of NOK 1,000,000 each and rank pari passu between themselves.

The Bond Issue will be described as “FRN Teekay LNG Partners L.P. Senior Unsecured Bond Issue 2015/2020”.

The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) of the Bond Issue will be NO001 0735731.

The tenor of the Bonds is from and including the Issue Date to the Maturity Date.

 

2.3

Purpose and utilization

 

2.3.1

The net proceeds of the Bonds shall be employed for general partnership purposes including funding of newbuilding installments.

 

3

Listing

 

3.1

The Issuer shall apply for listing of the Bonds on Oslo Børs.

 

3.2

If the Bonds are listed, the Issuer shall ensure that the Bonds remain listed until they have been discharged in full.

 

4

Registration in a Securities Depository

 

4.1

The Bond Issue and the Bonds shall prior to disbursement be registered in the Securities Depository according to the Norwegian Securities Depository Act (Act 2002/64) and the terms and conditions of the Securities Depository.

 

4.2

The Issuer shall promptly arrange for notification to the Securities Depository of any changes in the terms and conditions of this Bond Agreement. The Bond Trustee shall receive a copy of the notification.

 

4.3

The Issuer is responsible for the implementation of correct registration in the Securities Depository. The registration may be executed by an agent for the Issuer provided that the agent is qualified according to relevant regulations.

 

4.4

The Bonds have not been registered under the US Securities Act, and the Issuer is under no obligation to arrange for registration of the Bonds under the US Securities Act.

 

   10    N T


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

5

Purchase and transfer of Bonds

 

5.1

Subject to the restrictions set forth in this Clause 5, the Bonds are freely transferable and may be pledged.

 

5.2

Bondholders may be subject to purchase or transfer restrictions with regard to the Bonds, as applicable from time to time under local laws to which a Bondholder may be subject (due e.g. to its nationality, its residency, its registered address, its place(s) for doing business). Each bondholder must ensure compliance with local laws and regulations applicable at own cost and expense. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

Bondholders that are US Persons or located in the United States will not be permitted to transfer the Bonds except (a) subject to an effective registration statement under the US Securities Act, (b) to a person that the Bondholder reasonably believes is a QIB within the meaning of Rule 144A under the US Securities Act that is purchasing for its own account, or the account of another QIB, to whom notice is given that the resale, pledge or other transfer may be made in reliance on Rule 144A, (c) outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the US Securities Act in a transaction on the Oslo Børs, and (d) pursuant to an exemption from registration under the US Securities Act provided by Rule 144 thereunder (if available). The Bonds may not be purchased by, or for the benefit of, persons resident in Canada.

 

5.3

Notwithstanding the above, a Bondholder which has purchased the Bonds in contradiction to mandatory restrictions applicable may nevertheless utilize its voting rights under this Bond Agreement.

 

6

Conditions Precedent

 

6.1

Disbursement of the net proceeds of the Bonds to the Issuer will be subject to the Bond Trustee having received the following documents, in form and substance satisfactory to it, at least one Business Day prior to the Issue Date:

 

 

(a)

this Bond Agreement duly executed by all parties thereto;

 

 

(b)

certified copies of all necessary corporate resolutions of the Issuer to issue the Bonds and execute the Finance Documents to which it is a party;

 

 

(c)

a power of attorney from the Issuer to relevant individuals for its execution of the relevant Finance Documents, or extracts from the relevant register or similar documentation evidencing the individuals authorized to sign on behalf of the Issuer;

 

 

(d)

certified copies of the Certificate of Limited Partnership for the Issuer, evidencing that it is validly existing, and the partnership agreement for the Issuer;

 

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(e)

the latest Financial Statements for the Issuer, and the Issuer’s latest Quarterly Financial Report;

 

 

(f)

confirmation that the requirements set forth in Chapter 7 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act (implementing the EU prospectus directive (2003/71 EC) concerning prospectuses have been fulfilled or do not apply to the Bond Issue;

 

 

(g)

to the extent necessary, any public authorisations required for the Bond Issue;

 

 

(h)

confirmation from the Paying Agent that the Bonds have been registered in the Securities Depository;

 

 

(i)

written confirmation in accordance with Clause 7.3 (if required);

 

 

(j)

the agreement set forth in Clause 14.2, duly executed;

 

 

(k)

documentation on the granting of authority to the Bond Trustee as set out in Clause 2.1 and copies of any written documentation made public by the Issuer or the Manager in connection with the Bond Issue; and

 

 

(l)

legal opinions in a form and content acceptable to the Bond Trustee from local counsel acceptable to the Bond Trustee, confirming inter alia (i) that the Issuer is legally organised and validly existing under its jurisdiction of organisation, (ii) the valid execution by the Issuer of the Finance Documents and the enforceability of the Finance Documents, (iii) that the Issuer has full partnership power and capacity to enter into and perform the duties under the Finance Documents, and (iv) that there are no other consents, approvals, authorisations or orders required by the Issuer from any governmental or other regulatory agencies in the jurisdictions of organisation of the Issuer in connection with the issue and offering of the Bonds and the performance by Issuer of its obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

6.2

The Bond Trustee may, in its reasonable opinion, waive the deadline or requirements for documentation as set forth in Clause 6.1.

 

6.3

Disbursement of the net proceeds from the Bonds is subject to the Bond Trustee’s written notice to the Issuer, the Manager and the Paying Agent that the documents have been received and that the required conditions precedent are fulfilled or have been waived.

 

6.4

On the Issue Date, subject to receipt of confirmation from the Bond Trustee pursuant to Clause 6.3, the Manager shall make the net proceeds from the Bond Issue available to the Issuer.

 

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7

Representations and Warranties

 

7.1

The Issuer represents and warrants to the Bond Trustee (on behalf of the Bondholders) that:

(a) Status

It is a limited partnership, duly organized and validly existing under the law of the jurisdiction in which it is organized, and has the power to own its assets and carry on its business as it is being conducted.

(b) Power and authority

It has the power to enter into and perform, and has taken all necessary partnership action to authorise its entry into, performance and delivery of this Bond Agreement and any other Finance Document to which it is a party and the transactions contemplated by those Finance Documents.

(c) Valid, binding and enforceable obligations

This Bond Agreement and any other Finance Document to which it is a party constitute (or will constitute, when executed by the respective parties thereto) legal, valid and binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable in accordance with their terms, and (save as provided for therein) no further registration, filing, payment of Tax or fees or other formalities are necessary to render the said documents enforceable against the Issuer.

(d) Non-conflict with other obligations

The entry into and performance by the Issuer of the Bond Agreement and any other Finance Document to which it is a party and the transactions contemplated thereby do not and will not conflict with (i) any applicable laws; (ii) its Certificate of Limited Partnership or partnership agreement; or (iii) any document or agreement which is binding on the Issuer or any of its assets.

(e) No Event of Default

No Default exists, and no other circumstances exist which constitute or (with the giving of notice, lapse of time, determination of materiality or the fulfillment of any other applicable condition, or any combination of the foregoing) would constitute a default under any document which is binding on the Issuer or any of its assets, and which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f) Authorizations and consents

All authorisations, consents, licenses or approvals of any governmental authorities required for the Issuer in connection with the execution, performance, validity or enforceability of this Bond Agreement or any other Finance Document, and the transactions contemplated thereby, have been obtained and are valid and in full force and effect. All material authorisations, consents, licenses or approvals of any governmental authorities required for the Issuer to carry on its business as presently conducted and as contemplated by this Bond Agreement, have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

 

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(g) Litigation

No litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding of or before any court, arbitral body or agency is pending or, to the best of the Issuer’s knowledge, threatened which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(h) Financial Statements

The most recently audited Financial Statements and the most recent unaudited Quarterly Financial Reports for the Issuer fairly and accurately represent in all material respects the assets and liabilities and financial condition as at their respective dates, and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied from one year to another.

(i) No undisclosed liabilities

As of the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the Financial Statements and Quarterly Financial Report, the Issuer had no material liabilities, direct or indirect, actual or contingent, that are required by GAAP to be included in such balance sheet and that are not disclosed by or reserved against in the Financial Statements or in the notes thereto.

(j) No Material Adverse Effect

Since the date of the most recent Financial Statements and Quarterly Financial Report, there has been no change in the business, assets or financial condition of the Issuer that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(k) No misleading information

All documents and information which have been provided by the Issuer or with the agreement of the Issuer to the subscribers or the Bond Trustee in connection with this Bond Issue represent the latest publicly available financial information concerning the Group, and there has been no change in the Group’s financial position since the date of the latest Quarterly Financial Report of the Issuer which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(I) Environmental compliance

The Issuer and each Group Company is in compliance with any relevant applicable environmental law or regulation and no circumstances have occurred which would prevent such compliance in a manner which, in each case, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(m) Intellectual property

The Group has valid and good title to (a) its material patents, trade marks, service marks, designs, business names, copyrights, design rights, inventions, confidential information and other intellectual property rights and interests (whether registered or unregistered), and (b) the benefit of all applications and rights to use such assets.

 

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(n) No withholdings

The Issuer is not required to make any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Taxes levied by the United States, Canada or the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or any political subdivision thereof or Taxing or other authority therein, or any political subdivision or Taxing or other authority in any jurisdiction from or through which the Issuer effects any payments hereunder, from any payment which it may become obliged to make to the Bond Trustee (on behalf of the Bondholders) or the Bondholders under this Bond Agreement; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Issuer shall not be liable under this Agreement or have any obligation to indemnify any Bondholder for or with respect to any Taxes that are imposed due to any of the following:

 

 

(i)

the Bondholder has some connection with the Taxing jurisdiction other than merely holding the Bonds or receiving principal or interest payments on the Bonds (such as citizenship, nationality, residence, domicile, or existence of a business, a permanent establishment, a dependent agent, a place of business or a place of management present or deemed present within the Taxing jurisdiction);

 

 

(ii)

any Tax imposed on, or measured by, net income.

(o) Pari passu ranking

The Issuer’s payment obligations under this Bond Agreement or any other Finance Document to which it is a party rank at least pari passu with the claims of its other unsecured and unsubordinated creditors, except for claims which are preferred by bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or other similar laws of general application and for other obligations that are mandatorily preferred by law applying to companies generally.

 

7.2

The representations and warranties set out in Clause 7.1 shall apply for the Issuer and are made on the execution date of this Bond Agreement, and shall be deemed to be repeated on the Issue Date.

 

7.3

The Bond Trustee may prior to disbursement require a written statement from the Issuer confirming compliance with Clause 7.1.

 

7.4

In the event of misrepresentation, the Issuer shall indemnify the Bond Trustee for any economic losses suffered, both prior to the disbursement of the Bonds, and during the term of the Bonds, as a result of its reliance on the representations and warranties provided by the Issuer herein.

 

8

Status of the Bonds and security

 

8.1

The Bonds shall be senior unsecured debt of the Issuer. The Bonds shall rank at least pari passu with all other senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer (save for such claims which are preferred by bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or other similar laws of general application and for other obligations that are mandatorily preferred by law) and shall rank ahead of subordinated debt.

 

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8.2

The Bonds are unsecured.

 

9

Interest

 

9.1

The Issuer shall pay interest on the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Bonds from, and including, the Issue Date at the Bond Reference Rate plus the Margin (together the “ Floating Rate ”).

 

9.2

Interest payments shall be made in arrears on the Interest Payment Dates each year; the first Interest Payment Date falls in August 2015.

 

9.3

The relevant interest payable amount shall be calculated based on a period from, and including, one Interest Payment Date to, but excluding, the next following applicable Interest Payment Date.

 

9.4

The day count fraction (“ Floating Rate Day Count Fraction ”) in respect of the calculation of the payable interest amount shall be “Actual/360”, which refers to the actual number of days in the calculation period for which interest is payable divided by 360.

 

9.5

The applicable Floating Rate on the Bonds is set/reset on each Interest Payment Date by the Bond Trustee commencing on the Interest Payment Date at the beginning of the relevant calculation period, based on the Bond Reference Rate two Business Days preceding that Interest Payment Date.

When the interest rate is set for the first time and on subsequent interest rate resets, the next Interest Payment Date, the interest rate applicable up to the next Interest Payment Date and the actual number of calendar days up to that date shall be determined by the Bond Trustee and promptly notified to the Bondholders, the Issuer, the Paying Agent, and if the Bonds are listed, the Exchange.

 

9.6

The payable interest amount per Bond for a relevant calculation period shall be calculated as follows:

 

            Interest

   =   

Face

   x   

Floating

   x   

Floating Rate

            Amount

     

Value

     

Rate

     

Day Count Fraction

 

10

Maturity of the Bonds and Change of Control

 

10.1

Maturity

The Bonds shall mature in full on the Maturity Date, and shall be repaid at par (100%) by the Issuer.

 

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10.2

Change of control

 

10.2.1

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Event each Bondholder shall have a right of pre-payment (a “ Put Option ”) of its Bonds at a price of 100 % of par plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

10.2.2

The Put Option must be exercised within two months after the Issuer has given notification to the Bond Trustee and the Bondholders of a Change of Control Event. Such notification shall be given as soon as possible after a Change of Control Event has taken place.

The Put Option may be exercised by the Bondholders by giving written, irrevocable notice of the request to its Account Manager. The Account Manager shall notify the Paying Agent of the pre-payment request. The settlement date of the Put Option shall be the fifth Business Day after the end of the two month exercise period of the Put Option.

 

10.2.3

On the settlement date of the Put Option, the Issuer shall pay to each of the Bondholders holding Bonds to be pre-paid, the principal amount of each such Bond and any unpaid interest accrued up to (but not including) the settlement date.

 

11

Payments

 

11.1

Covenant to pay

 

11.1.1

The Issuer will on any Payment Date (or any other due date pursuant to any Finance Document) unconditionally pay to or to the order of the Bond Trustee all amounts due under this Bond Agreement or any other Finance Document.

 

11.1.2

The covenant contained in Clause 11.1.1 shall be for the benefit of the Bond Trustee and the Bondholders.

 

11.2

Payment mechanics

 

11.2.1

If no specific order is made by the Bond Trustee under Clause 11.1.1, the Issuer shall pay all amounts due to the Bondholders under this Bond Agreement or any other Finance Document by crediting the bank account nominated by each Bondholder in connection with its securities account in the Securities Depository.

 

11.2.2

Payment shall be deemed to have been made once the amount has been credited to the bank which holds the bank account nominated by the Bondholder in question, but if the paying bank and the receiving bank are the same, payment shall be deemed to have been made once the amount has been credited to the bank account nominated by the Bondholder in question, see however Clause 11.3.

 

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11.2.3

In case of irregular payments, the Bond Trustee may instruct the Issuer, the Bondholders or others of other payment mechanisms than described in Clause 11.2.1 or 11.2.2 above. The Bond Trustee may also obtain payment information regarding Bondholders’ accounts from the Securities Depository or Account Managers.

 

11.2.4

Subject to Clause 11.3, payment by the Issuer in accordance with this Clause 11.2 shall constitute good discharge of its obligations under Clause 11.1.1.

 

11.3

Currency

 

11.3.1

If the Bonds are denominated in currencies other than NOK, each Bondholder must provide the Paying Agent (either directly or through its Account Manager) with specific payment instructions, including foreign exchange bank account details. Depending on the currency exchange settlement agreements between the Bondholders’ bank and the Paying Agent, cash settlement may be delayed, in which case no default interest or other penalty shall accrue for the benefit of the Bondholders.

 

11.3.2

Except as otherwise expressly provided, all amounts payable under this Bond Agreement and any other Finance Document shall be payable in the same currency as the Bonds are denominated in. If, however, the Bondholder has not given instruction as set out in Clause 11.3.1, within 5 Business Days prior to a Payment Date, the cash settlement will be exchanged into NOK and credited to the NOK bank account registered with the Bondholders account in the Securities Depository.

 

11.3.3

Amounts payable in respect of costs, expenses, Taxes and other liabilities shall be payable in the currency in which they are incurred.

 

11.4

Set-off and counterclaims

 

11.4.1

The Issuer may apply or perform any counterclaims or set-off against any payment obligations pursuant to this Bond Agreement or any other Finance Document.

 

11.4

Interest in the event of late payment

 

11.5.1

In the event that payment of interest or principal is not made on the relevant Payment Date, the unpaid amount shall bear interest from the Payment Date at an interest rate equivalent to the interest rate according to Clause 9 plus 5.00 percentage points.

 

11.5.2

The interest charged under this Clause 11.5 shall be added to the defaulted amount on each respective Interest Payment Date relating thereto until the defaulted amount has been repaid in full.

 

11.5.3

The unpaid amounts shall bear interest as stated above until payment is made, whether or not the Bonds are declared to be in default pursuant to Clause 15.1 (a), cf. Clauses 15.2 - 15.4.

 

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11.6

Partial payments

 

11.6.1

If the Bond Trustee or the Paying Agent receives a payment that is insufficient to discharge all the amounts then due and payable under the Finance Documents, that payment shall be applied in the following order:

 

 

(a)

first, in or towards payment of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses of the Bond Trustee under the Finance Documents;

 

 

(b)

secondly, in or towards payment of any accrued interest due but unpaid under the Bond Agreement, pro rata and without any preference or priority of any kind; and

 

 

(c)

thirdly, in or towards payment of any principal due but unpaid under the Bond Agreement, pro rata and without any preference or priority of any kind.

 

12

Issuer’s acquisition of Bonds

 

12.1

The Issuer has the right to acquire and own Bonds (Issuer’s Bonds). The Issuer’s Bonds may at the Issuer’s discretion be retained by the Issuer, sold or discharged.

 

13

Covenants

 

13.1

General

 

13.1.1

The Issuer has undertaken the covenants in this Clause 13 to the Bond Trustee (on behalf of the Bondholders), as further stated below.

 

13.1.2

Subject to Section 18.2, the covenants in this Clause 13 shall remain in force from the date of this Bond Agreement and until such time that no amounts are outstanding under this Bond Agreement and any other Finance Document, unless the Bond Trustee (or Bondholders by action at a Bondholders Meeting, as the case may be), has agreed in writing to waive any covenant, and then only to the extent of such waiver, and on the terms and conditions set forth in such waiver.

 

13.2

Information Covenants

 

13.2.1

The Issuer shall

 

 

(a)

without being requested to do so, immediately inform the Bond Trustee of any Default or Event of Default as well as of any circumstances which the Issuer understands would reasonably be expected to lead to an Event of Default;

 

 

(b)

without being requested to do so, inform the Bond Trustee of any other event which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(c)

without being requested to do so, inform the Bond Trustee if the Issuer intends to sell or dispose of all or a substantial part of its assets or operations, or change the nature of its business;

 

 

(d)

without being requested to do so, produce Financial Statements annually and Quarterly Financial Reports quarterly and make them available on its website in the English language as soon as they become available, and not later than 120 days after the end of the financial year and 60 days after the end of the relevant quarter, in each case subject to any exemption, waiver or extension granted by the Exchange or as permitted by any amendment to the Exchange listing rules;

 

 

(e)

at the request of the Bond Trustee, report the balance of the Issuer’s Bonds;

 

 

(f)

without being requested to do so, send a copy to the Bond Trustee of its notices to the Exchange (if listed) which are of relevance for the Issuer’s liabilities pursuant to this Bond Agreement;

 

 

(g)

without being requested to do so, inform the Bond Trustee of changes in the registration of the Bonds in the Securities Depository; and

 

 

(h)

within a reasonable time, provide such information about the Issuer’s financial condition as the Bond Trustee may reasonably request.

 

13.2.2

The Issuer shall at the request of the Bond Trustee provide the documents and information necessary to maintain the listing and quotation of the Bonds on the Exchange (if listed) and to otherwise enable the Bond Trustee to carry out its rights and duties pursuant to this Bond Agreement and the other Finance Documents, as well as applicable laws and regulations.

 

13.2.3

The Issuer shall in connection with the issue of its Financial Statements and Quarterly Reports under Clause 13.2.1(d), confirm to the Bond Trustee in writing the Issuer’s compliance with the covenants in Clause 13. Such confirmation shall be undertaken in a compliance certificate, substantially in the format set out in Attachment 1 hereto, signed by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer. In the event of non-compliance, the compliance certificate shall describe the non-compliance, the reasons therefore as well as the steps which the Issuer has taken and will take in order to rectify the non-compliance.

 

13.3

General Covenants

(a) Pari passu ranking

The Issuer’s obligations under this Bond Agreement and any other Finance Document shall at all times rank at least pari passu with the claims of all its other unsecured and unsubordinated creditors save for those whose claims that are preferred solely by any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or other similar laws of general application and for other obligations that are mandatorily preferred by law applying to companies generally.

 

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(b) Mergers

The Issuer shall not, and shall ensure that no Group Company shall, carry out any merger or other business combination or corporate reorganization involving consolidating the assets and obligations of any of the Group Companies with any other companies or entities not being a member of the Group if such transaction would have a Material Adverse Effect. The Issuer shall notify the Bond Trustee of any such transaction, providing relevant details thereof, as well as, if applicable, its reasons for believing that the proposed transaction would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) De-mergers

The Issuer shall not, and shall ensure that no Group Company shall, carry out any de-merger or other corporate reorganization involving splitting any Group Company into two or more separate companies or entities, if such transaction would have a Material Adverse Effect. The Issuer shall notify the Bond Trustee of any such transaction, providing relevant details thereof, as well as, if applicable, its reasons for believing that the proposed transaction would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) Continuation of business

 

 

(i)

The Issuer shall not, and shall ensure that no Group Companies shall cease to carry out the general nature or scope of its business, if such cessation would have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 

(ii)

The Issuer shall procure that no material change is made to the general nature or scope of the business of the Group from that carried on at the date of this Bond Agreement, or as contemplated by this Bond Agreement.

 

 

(iii)

The General Partner shall at all times during the tenor of the Bonds maintain its interest as a general partner of the Issuer, unless all management powers over the business and affairs of the Issuer become vested in a board of directors of the Issuer.

(e) Disposal of business

The Issuer shall not, and shall ensure that no Group Companies shall, be entitled to sell or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial part of the Group’s aggregate assets or operations if such transaction would have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

13.4

Corporate and operational matters

(a) Related party transactions

The Issuer shall not engage in, or permit any member of the Group to engage in, directly or indirectly, any transaction with any affiliate of Teekay Corporation that is not a Group Company (without limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of assets or the rendering of any service), except (i) pursuant to existing agreements and arrangements with such affiliates or (ii) transactions that are (A) approved by a majority of the members of the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the General Partner, (B) on terms no less favorable to the Issuer or such Group member than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties, (C) fair and reasonable to the Issuer or such Group member, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the Group and the other parties involved (including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to the Group) or (D) immaterial in amount or significance to the Issuer or the Group.

 

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(b) Corporate status

The Issuer shall not, and shall ensure that no Group Company changes its type of organization or jurisdiction of organization unless such change in type or jurisdiction of organization would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no change shall be made to the Issuer’s type of organization or jurisdiction of organization or incorporation without prior delivery to the Bond Trustee of legal opinions in a form and content acceptable to the Bond Trustee from local counsel acceptable to the Bond Trustee, confirming inter alia that (i) the Issuer is legally organized or incorporated (as applicable) and validly existing under their new jurisdictions of organization or incorporation, (ii) the execution by the Issuer of the Finance Documents and the enforceability of the Finance Documents will remain valid and enforceable under the new jurisdiction of organization or incorporation, (iii) the Issuer has full partnership or corporate power and capacity to enter into and perform the duties under the Finance Documents under its new jurisdiction of organization or incorporation, and (iv) there are no other consents, approvals, authorisations or orders that have not been obtained and are required by the Issuer with respect to such change of its type of organization or jurisdiction of organization from any governmental or other regulatory agencies in the jurisdictions of organization or incorporation of the Issuer in connection with the Bonds and the performance by the Issuer of its obligations under the Finance Documents.

(c) Compliance with laws

The Issuer shall (and shall ensure that all Group Companies shall) comply in all material respects with all laws and regulations it or they may be subject to from time to time (including any environmental laws and regulations).

(d) Litigations

The Issuer shall, promptly upon becoming aware of them, send the Bond Trustee such relevant details of any:

 

 

(i)

material litigations, arbitrations or administrative proceedings which have been started by or against any Group Company; and

 

 

(ii)

other events which have occurred which have had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, as the Bond Trustee may reasonably request.

 

13.5

Financial Covenants and listing

(a) Free Liquidity

 

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The Issuer shall, at any time during the term of the Bonds, ensure that the Group on a consolidated basis maintains Free Liquidity of not less than USD 35,000,000.

(b) Net Debt Ratio

The Issuer shall, at any time during the term of the Bonds, ensure that the Group on a consolidated basis maintains a Net Debt Ratio of no more than 80%.

(c) Tangible Net Worth

The Issuer shall, at any time during the term of the Bonds, ensure that the Group on a consolidated basis maintains a Tangible Net Worth of at least USD 400,000,000.

(d) Listing of Issuer’s common units

The Issuer shall ensure that the Issuer’s common units remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange or another recognized stock exchange.

 

14

Fees and expenses

 

14.1

The Issuer shall cover all documented costs and expenses incurred by it or the Bond Trustee in connection with this Bond Agreement and the fulfilment of its obligations under this Bond Agreement or any other Finance Document, including in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and enforcement of this Bond Agreement and the other Finance Documents and any registration or notifications relating thereto (including any stamp duty), the listing of the Bonds on an Exchange (if applicable), and the registration and administration of the Bonds in the Securities Depository. The Bond Trustee may withhold funds received from the Issuer or any other person to set-off and cover any such costs and expenses.

 

14.2

The fees, costs and expenses payable to the Bond Trustee shall be paid by the Issuer and are set out in a separate agreement between the Issuer and the Bond Trustee.

 

14.3

Fees, costs and expenses payable to the Bond Trustee which, due to the Issuer’s insolvency or similar circumstances, are not reimbursed in any other way may be covered by making an equivalent reduction in the proceeds to the Bondholders hereunder of any costs and expenses incurred by the Bond Trustee in connection with the restructuring or default of the Bond Issue and the enforcement of any Finance Document.

 

14.4

Any public fees levied on the trade of Bonds in the secondary market shall be paid by the Bondholders, unless otherwise provided by law or regulation, and the Issuer is not responsible for reimbursing any such fees.

 

14.5

The Issuer is responsible for withholding any withholding tax imposed by applicable law on any payments to the Bondholders.

 

14.6

If the Issuer is required by law to withhold any withholding tax from any payment under any Finance Document:

 

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(a)

the amount of the payment due from the Issuer shall be increased to such amount which is necessary to ensure that the Bondholders receive a net amount which is (after making the required withholding) equal to the payment which would have been due if no withholding had been required; and

 

(b)

the Issuer shall at the request of the Bond Trustee deliver to the Bond Trustee evidence that the required tax reduction or withholding has been made.

 

14.7

If any withholding tax is imposed due to subsequent changes in applicable law after the date of this Bond Agreement, the Issuer shall have the right to call all but not some of the Bonds at par value plus accrued interest. Such call shall be notified by the Issuer in writing to the Bond Trustee and the Bondholders at least thirty - 30 - Business Days prior to the settlement date of the call.

 

15

Events of Default

 

15.1

Subject to Clause 15.2 or 15.3, the Bonds may be declared by the Bond Trustee to be in default upon occurrence of any of the following events (each of which shall be referred to as an “ Event of Default ”) if:

(a) Non-payment

The Issuer fails to fulfill any payment obligation under this Bond Agreement or any Finance Document when due, unless, in the opinion of the Bond Trustee, it is obvious that such failure will be remedied, and payment in full of any such late payment is made, within 5 – five – Business Days following the original due date.

(b) Breach of other obligations

The Issuer or any other Group Company fails to duly perform any other covenant or obligation pursuant to this Bond Agreement or any of the Finance Documents, and such failure is not remedied within 10 – ten – Business Days after notice thereof is given to the Issuer by the Bond Trustee.

(c) Cross default

The aggregate amount of Financial Indebtedness or committed Financial Indebtedness of the Group or any Group Company falling within paragraphs (i) to (iv) below exceeds a total of USD 100 million, or the equivalent thereof in other currencies;

 

 

(i)

any Financial Indebtedness is not paid when due and after giving effect to any applicable grace period,

 

 

(ii)

any Financial Indebtedness is declared to be or otherwise becomes due and payable prior to its specified maturity as a result of an event of default (however described),

 

 

(iii)

any commitment for any Financial Indebtedness is cancelled or suspended by a creditor as a result of an event of default (however described) and such cancellation and suspension would have a Material Adverse Effect, or

 

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(iv)

any creditor becomes entitled to declare any Financial Indebtedness due and payable prior to its specified maturity as a result of an event of default (however described).

(d) Misrepresentations

Any representation, warranty or statement (including statements in compliance certificates) made under this Bond Agreement or in connection therewith, taken as a whole with all other such representations, warranties and statements, is or proves to have been incorrect, inaccurate or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed to have been made.

(e) Insolvency

The following occurs in respect of the Issuer or Material Subsidiary:

 

 

(i)

general suspension of payments, or a moratorium of any indebtedness, winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation (by way of voluntary arrangement, scheme of arrangement or otherwise) under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors,

 

 

(ii)

a composition, compromise, assignment or arrangement with any creditor which has a material adverse effect on the Issuer’s ability to perform its payment obligations under this Bond Agreement, or

 

 

(iii)

the appointment of a liquidator (other than in respect of a solvent liquidation), receiver, administrative receiver, administrator, compulsory manager or other similar officer of any substantial part of its assets.

(f) Creditors’ process

The Issuer or any Material Subsidiary has a substantial portion of its assets impounded, confiscated, attached or subject to distraint, or is subject to enforcement of any security over any substantial portion of its assets.

(g) Dissolution, appointment of liquidator or analogous proceedings

The Issuer or any Material Subsidiary is resolved to be dissolved or a liquidator, administrator or the like is appointed or requested to be appointed under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors.

(h) Impossibility or illegality

It is or becomes impossible or unlawful for any Group Company or the Issuer to fulfill or perform any of the material terms of the Finance Documents to which it is a party.

(i) Litigation

Any claim, litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings against any Group Company or the Issuer is adversely determined against the Group Company or the Issuer and has (or, in the reasonable opinion of the Bond Trustee, after consultations with the Issuer, would reasonably be expected to have) a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

(j) Material adverse effect

Any event or series of events occurs which, in the reasonable opinion of the Bond Trustee, after consultations with the Issuer, has a Material Adverse Effect.

 

15.2

In the event that one or more of the circumstances mentioned in Clause 15.1 occurs and is continuing, the Bond Trustee can, in order to protect the interests of the Bondholders, declare the Outstanding Bonds including accrued interest and expenses to be in default and due for immediate payment.

The Bond Trustee may at its discretion, on behalf of the Bondholders, take every measure necessary to recover the amounts due under the Outstanding Bonds, and all other amounts outstanding under the Bond Agreement and any other Finance Document, including any other contractual and non-contractual claims, that are derived therefrom or in connection therewith.

 

15.3

In the event that one or more of the circumstances mentioned in Clause 15.1 occurs and is continuing, the Bond Trustee shall declare the Outstanding Bonds including accrued interest and expenses to be in default and due for payment if:

 

 

(a)

the Bond Trustee receives a demand in writing with respect to the above from Bondholders representing at least 1/5 of the aggregate principal amount of Voting Bonds, and the Bondholders’ Meeting has not decided on other solutions, or

 

 

(b)

the Bondholders pursuant to action at a Bondholders’ Meeting have decided to declare the Outstanding Bonds in default and due for payment.

In either case the Bond Trustee shall on behalf of the Bondholders take every measure necessary to recover the amounts due under the Outstanding Bonds. The Bond Trustee can request satisfactory security for any possible liability and anticipated expenses, from those Bondholders who requested that the declaration of default be made pursuant to sub clause (a) above and/or those who voted in favour of the decision pursuant to sub clause (b) above.

 

15.4

In the event that the Bond Trustee pursuant to the terms of Clauses 15.2 or 15.3 declares the Outstanding Bonds to be in default and due for payment, the Bond Trustee shall immediately deliver to the Issuer a notice demanding payment of interest and principal due to the Bondholders under the Outstanding Bonds including accrued interest and interest on overdue amounts and expenses.

 

16

Bondholders’ meeting

 

16.1

Authority of the Bondholders’ meeting

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

16.1.1

The Bondholders’ Meeting represents the supreme authority of the Bondholders community in all matters relating to the Bonds, and has the power to make all decisions altering the terms and conditions of the Bonds, including, but not limited to, any reduction of principal or interest and any conversion of the Bonds into other capital classes.

 

16.1.2

The Bondholders’ Meeting cannot resolve that any overdue payment of any instalment shall be reduced unless there is a pro rata reduction of the principal that has not fallen due, but may resolve that accrued interest (whether overdue or not) shall be reduced without a corresponding reduction of principal.

 

16.1.3

If a resolution by or an approval of the Bondholders is required, such resolution shall be passed at a Bondholders’ Meeting, see however Clause 17.1. Resolutions passed at Bondholders’ Meetings shall be binding upon all Bondholders and prevail for all the Bonds.

 

16.2

Procedural rules for Bondholders ’ meetings

 

16.2.1

A Bondholders’ Meeting shall be held at the written request of:

 

 

(a)

the Issuer;

 

 

(b)

Bondholders representing at least 1/10 of the Voting Bonds;

 

 

(c)

the Exchange, if the Bonds are listed; or

 

 

(d)

the Bond Trustee.

 

16.2.2

The Bondholders’ Meeting shall be summoned by the Bond Trustee. A request for a Bondholders’ Meeting shall be made in writing to the Bond Trustee, and shall clearly state the matters to be discussed.

 

16.2.3

If the Bond Trustee has not summoned a Bondholders’ Meeting within ten Business Days after having received a valid request, then the requesting party may summons the Bondholders’ Meeting itself.

 

16.2.4

The summons to a Bondholders’ Meeting shall be dispatched no later than ten Business Days prior to the date of the Bondholders’ Meeting. The summons and a confirmation of each Bondholder’s holdings of Bonds shall be sent to all Bondholders registered in the Securities Depository at the time of distribution. The Exchange shall also be informed if the Bonds are listed.

 

16.2.5

The summons shall specify the agenda of the Bondholders’ Meeting. The Bond Trustee may in the summons also set out other matters on the agenda than those requested. If amendments to this Bond Agreement have been proposed, the main content of the proposal shall be stated in the summons.

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

16.2.6

The Bond Trustee may restrict the Issuer from making any changes in the number of Voting Bonds in the period from distribution of the summons until the Bondholders’ Meeting, by serving notice to it to such effect.

 

16.2.7

Matters that have not been reported to the Bondholders in accordance with the procedural rules for summoning of a Bondholders’ Meeting may only be adopted with the approval of all Voting Bonds.

 

16.2.8

The Bondholders’ Meeting shall be held on premises designated by the Bond Trustee. The Bondholders’ Meeting shall be opened and shall, unless otherwise decided by the Bondholders’ Meeting, be chaired by the Bond Trustee. If the Bond Trustee is not present, the Bondholders’ Meeting shall be opened by a Bondholder, and be chaired by a representative elected by the Bondholders’ Meeting.

 

16.2.9

Minutes of the Bondholders’ Meeting shall be kept. The minutes shall state the number of Bonds represented at the Bondholders’ Meeting, the resolutions passed at the meeting, and the result of the voting. The minutes shall be signed by the chairman and at least one other person elected by the Bondholders’ Meeting. The minutes shall be deposited with the Bond Trustee and shall be available to the Bondholders.

 

16.2.10

The Bondholders, the Bond Trustee and—provided the Bonds are listed—representatives of the Exchange, have the right to attend the Bondholders’ Meeting. The chairman may grant access to the meeting to other parties, unless the Bondholders’ Meeting decides otherwise. Bondholders may attend by a representative holding proxy. Bondholders have the right to be assisted by an advisor. In case of dispute the chairman shall decide who may attend the Bondholders’ Meeting and vote for the Bonds.

 

16.2.11

Representatives of the Issuer have the right to attend the Bondholders’ Meeting. The Bondholders’ Meeting may resolve that the Issuer’s representatives may not participate in particular matters. The Issuer has the right to be present under the voting.

 

16.3

Resolutions passed at Bondholders ’ Meetings

 

16.3.1

At the Bondholders’ Meeting each Bondholder may cast one vote for each Voting Bond owned at close of business on the day prior to the date of the Bondholders’ Meeting in accordance with the records registered in the Securities Depository. The Bond Trustee may, at its sole discretion, accept other evidence of ownership.

Whoever opens the Bondholders’ Meeting shall adjudicate any question concerning which Bonds shall count as the Issuer’s Bonds. The Issuer’s Bonds shall not have any voting rights.

For this purpose, a Bondholder that has a Bond that is nominee registered shall be deemed as the Bondholder of such Bond (instead of the nominee) provided that the Bondholder presents relevant evidence stating that the relevant Bondholder is the Bondholder of the Bond and the amount of Bonds held by such Bondholder.

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

16.3.2

In all matters, the Issuer, the Bond Trustee and any Bondholder have the right to demand vote by ballot. In case of parity of votes, the chairman shall have the deciding vote, regardless of the chairman being a Bondholder or not.

 

16.3.3

In order to form a quorum, at least half (1/2) of the Voting Bonds must be represented at the meeting, see however Clause 16.4. Even if less than half (1/2) of the Voting Bonds are represented, the Bondholders’ Meeting shall be held and voting completed.

 

16.3.4

Resolutions shall be passed by simple majority of the Voting Bonds represented at the Bondholders’ Meeting, unless otherwise set out in Clause 16.3.5.

 

16.3.5

A majority of at least 2/3 of the Voting Bonds represented at the Bondholders’ Meeting is required for any waiver or amendment of any terms of this Bond Agreement.

 

16.3.6

The Bondholders’ Meeting may not adopt resolutions which may give certain Bondholders or others an unreasonable advantage at the expense of other Bondholders.

 

16.3.7

The Bond Trustee shall ensure that resolutions passed at the Bondholders’ Meeting are properly implemented, however, the Bond Trustee may refuse to carry out resolutions being in conflict with this Bond Agreement (or any other Finance Document) or any applicable law.

 

16.3.8

The Issuer, the Bondholders and the Exchange shall be notified of resolutions passed at the Bondholders’ Meeting.

 

16.4

Repeated Bondholders ’ Meeting

 

16.4.1

If the Bondholders’ Meeting does not form a quorum pursuant to Clause 16.3.3, a repeated Bondholders’ Meeting may be summoned to vote on the same matters. The attendance and the voting result of the first Bondholders’ Meeting shall be specified in the summons for the repeated Bondholders’ Meeting.

 

16.4.2

The procedures and resolutions as set out in 16.2 and 16.3 above also apply for a repeated Bondholders’ meeting, however, a valid resolution may be passed at a repeated Bondholders’ Meeting even though less than half (1/2) of the Voting Bonds are represented.

 

17

The Bond Trustee

 

17.1

The role and authority of the Bond Trustee

 

17.1.1

The Bond Trustee shall monitor the compliance by the Issuer of its obligations under this Bond Agreement and applicable laws and regulations which are relevant to the terms of this Bond Agreement, including supervision of timely and correct payment of principal or interest, (however, this shall not restrict the Bond Trustee from discussing matters of confidentiality with the Issuer), arrange Bondholders’ Meetings, and make the decisions and implement the measures resolved pursuant to this Bond Agreement. The Bond Trustee is not obligated to assess the Issuer’s financial situation beyond what is directly set out in this Bond Agreement.

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

17.1.2

The Bond Trustee may take any step it in its sole discretion considers necessary or advisable to ensure the rights of the Bondholders in all matters pursuant to the terms of this Bond Agreement and is entitled to rely on advice from professional advisors. The Bond Trustee may in its sole discretion postpone taking action until such matter has been put forward to the Bondholders’ Meeting. The Bond Trustee is not obliged to take any steps to ascertain whether any Event of Default has occurred and until it has actual knowledge or express notice to the contrary the Bond Trustee is entitled to assume that no Event of Default has occurred.

 

17.1.3

The Bond Trustee may make decisions binding for all Bondholders concerning this Bond Agreement, including amendments to this Bond Agreement and waivers or modifications of certain provisions, which in the opinion of the Bond Trustee, do not materially and adversely affect the rights or interests of the Bondholders pursuant to this Bond Agreement.

 

17.1.4

The Bond Trustee may reach decisions binding for all Bondholders in circumstances other than those mentioned in Clause 17.1.3 provided that prior notification has been made to the Bondholders. Such notice shall contain a proposal of the amendment and the Bond Trustee’s evaluation. Further, such notification shall state that the Bond Trustee may not reach a decision binding for all Bondholders in the event that any Bondholder submits a written protest against the proposal within a deadline set by the Bond Trustee. Such deadline may not be less than five Business Days following the dispatch of such notification.

 

17.1.5

The Bond Trustee may reach other decisions than set out in Clauses 17.1.3 or 17.1.4 to amend or rectify decisions which due to spelling errors, calculation mistakes, misunderstandings or other obvious errors do not have the intended meaning.

 

17.1.6

The Bond Trustee may not adopt resolutions which may give certain Bondholders or others an unreasonable advantage at the expense of other Bondholders.

 

17.1.7

The Issuer, the Bondholders and the Exchange shall be notified of decisions made by the Bond Trustee pursuant to Clause 17.1 unless such notice obviously is unnecessary.

 

17.1.8

The Bondholders’ Meeting can decide to replace the Bond Trustee without the Issuer’s approval, as provided for in Clause 16.3.5.

 

17.1.9

The Bond Trustee may act as bond trustee and/or security agent for several bond issues relating to the Issuer notwithstanding potential conflicts of interest. The Bond Trustee may delegate exercise of its powers to other professional parties.

 

17.1.10

The Bond Trustee may instruct the Paying Agent to split the Bonds to a lower denomination in order to facilitate partial redemptions or restructuring of the Bonds or other situations.

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

17.2

Liability and indemnity

 

17.2.1

The Bond Trustee is liable only for direct losses incurred by Bondholders or the Issuer as a result of gross negligence or wilful misconduct by the Bond Trustee in performing its functions and duties as set out in this Bond Agreement. Such liability is limited to the maximum amount set out in Clause 2.2. The Bond Trustee is not liable for the content of information provided to the Bondholders on behalf of the Issuer.

 

17.2.2

The Issuer is liable for, and shall indemnify the Bond Trustee fully in respect of, all losses, expenses and liabilities incurred by the Bond Trustee as a result of negligence by the Issuer (including its directors, management, officers, employees, agents and representatives) to fulfil its obligations under the terms of this Bond Agreement and any other Finance Document, including losses incurred by the Bond Trustee as a result of the Bond Trustee’s actions based on misrepresentations made by the Issuer in connection with the establishment and performance of this Bond Agreement and any other Finance Document.

 

17.2.3

The Bond Trustee can as a condition for carrying out an instruction from the Bondholders (including, but not limited to, instructions set out in Clause 15.3(a) or 16.2.1 (b), require satisfactory security and indemnities for any possible liability and anticipated costs and expenses, from those Bondholders who requested that instruction and/or those who voted in favour of the decision to instruct the Bond Trustee. Any instructions from the Bondholders may be put forward to the Bondholders’ Meeting by the Bond Trustee before the Bond Trustee takes any action.

 

17.3

Change of Bond Trustee

 

17.3.1

Change of Bond Trustee shall be carried out pursuant to the procedures set out in Clause 16. The Bond Trustee shall continue to carry out its duties as bond trustee until such time that a new Bond Trustee is elected.

 

17.3.2

The fees and expenses of a new bond trustee shall be covered by the Issuer pursuant to the terms set out in Clause 14, but may be recovered wholly or partially from the Bond Trustee if the change is due to a breach by the Bond Trustee of its duties pursuant to the terms of this Bond Agreement or other circumstances for which the Bond Trustee is liable.

 

17.3.3

The Bond Trustee undertakes to co-operate so that the new bond trustee receives without undue delay following the Bondholders’ Meeting the documentation and information necessary to perform the functions as set out under the terms of this Bond Agreement.

 

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18

Miscellaneous

 

18.1

The community of Bondholders

By virtue of holding Bonds, which are governed by this Bond Agreement (which pursuant to Clause 2.1.1 is binding upon all Bondholders), a community exists between the Bondholders, implying, inter alia, that:

 

 

(a)

the Bondholders are bound by the terms of this Bond Agreement;

 

 

(b)

the Bond Trustee has power and authority to act on behalf of, and/or represent; the Bondholders, in all matters, included but not limited to taking any legal or other action, including enforcement of the Bond Issue and/or any security, opening of bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings;

 

 

(d)

the Bond Trustee has, in order to manage the terms of this Bond Agreement, access to the Securities Depository to review ownership of Bonds registered in the Securities Depository; and

 

 

(e)

this Bond Agreement establishes a community between Bondholders meaning that:

 

 

(f)

    

 

 

(i)

the Bonds rank pari passu between each other;

 

 

(ii)

the Bondholders may not, based on this Bond Agreement, act directly towards, and may not themselves institute legal proceedings against, the Issuer or any other third party based on claims derived from the Finance Documents, including but not limited to recover the Bonds, enforcing any security interest or pursuing claims against any party as a substitute for damages to the interests under the Finance Documents, regardless of claims being pursued on a contractual or non-contractual basis, however not restricting the Bondholders to exercise their individual rights derived from this Bond Agreement;

 

 

(iii)

the Issuer may not, based on this Bond Agreement, act directly towards the Bondholders;

 

 

(iv)

the Bondholders may not cancel the Bondholders’ community; and

 

 

(v)

the individual Bondholder may not resign from the Bondholders’ community.

 

18.2

Defeasance

 

18.2.1

The Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have certain obligations discharged (see Clause 18.2.2) upon complying with the following conditions (“ Covenant Defeasance ”);

 

 

(a)

the Issuer shall have irrevocably pledged to the Bond Trustee for the benefit of the Bondholders cash or government obligations acceptable by the Bond Trustee (the “ Defeasance Pledge ”) in such amounts as will be sufficient for the payment of principal and interest on the Outstanding Bonds to Maturity Date;

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

 

(b)

the Issuer shall, if required by the Bond Trustee, provide a legal opinion reasonably acceptable to the Bond Trustee to the effect that the Bondholders will not recognize income, gain or loss for income tax purposes (under US federal or Norwegian tax law, if applicable) as a result of the Defeasance Pledge and Covenant Defeasance, and will be subject to such income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the Defeasance Pledge had not occurred;

 

 

(c)

no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of establishment of the Defeasance Pledge, or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 181 st day after the date of establishment of the Defeasance Pledge;

 

 

(d)

neither the Defeasance Pledge nor the Covenant Defeasance results in a breach or violation of any material agreement or instrument binding upon the Issuer, or the certificate of association or partnership agreement governing the Issuer;

 

 

(e)

the Issuer shall have delivered to the Bond Trustee a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the GP that the Defeasance Pledge was not made by the Issuer with the intent of preferring the Bondholders over any other creditors of the Issuer or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Issuer or others;

 

 

(f)

the Issuer shall have delivered to the Bond Trustee any certificate or legal opinion reasonably required regarding the Covenant Defeasance or Defeasance Pledge (including certificate from the Chief Executive Officer of the GP and a legal opinion from its legal counsel to the effect that all conditions for Covenant Defeasance have been complied with; and that (i) the Defeasance Pledge will not be subject to any rights of creditors of the Issuer, (ii) the Defeasance Pledge will constitute a valid, perfected and enforceable security interest in favour of the Bond Trustee for the benefit of the Bondholders, and (iii) after the 181 st day following the establishment of the Defeasance Pledge, the funds and assets so pledged will not be subject to the effects of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors rights generally under the laws of the jurisdiction where the Defeasance Pledge was established and the corporate domicile of the Issuer).

 

18.2.2

Upon the exercise by the Issuer of its option under Clause 18.2.1;

 

 

(a)

the Issuer shall be released from their obligations under all provisions in Clause 13, except 13.2.1 (a), (g) and (h).

 

 

(b)

the Issuer shall not (and shall ensure that all Group Companies shall not) take any actions that may cause the value of the security interest created by this Covenant Defeasance to be reduced, and shall at the request of the Bond Trustee execute, or cause to be executed, such further documentation and perform such other acts as the Bond Trustee may reasonably require in order for the security interest to remain valid, enforceable and perfected by the Bond Trustee for the account of the Bondholders;

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

 

(c)

any guarantor(s) of the Issuer’s obligations under the Bonds shall be discharged from their obligations under the related guarantee(s), and the guarantee(s) shall cease to have any legal effect;

 

 

(d)

all other provisions of the Bond Agreement (except to the extend indicated in clauses (a)–(c) above) shall remain fully in force without any modifications.

 

18.2.3

All moneys covered by the Defeasance Pledge shall be applied by the Bond Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of this Bond Agreement, to the payment to the Bondholders of all sums due to them under this Bond Agreement on the due date thereof.

Any excess funds not required for the payment of principal, premium and interest to the Bondholders (including any expenses and fees due to the Bond Trustee hereunder) shall be returned to the Issuer.

 

18.3

Limitation of claims

 

18.3.1

All claims under the Bonds and this Bond Agreement for payment, including interest and principal, shall be subject to the time-bar provisions of the Norwegian Limitation Act of May 18, 1979 No. 18.

 

18.4

Access to information

 

18.4.1

The Bond Agreement is available to anyone and copies may be obtained from the Bond Trustee or the Issuer. The Issuer shall ensure that the Bond Agreement is available in copy form to the general public until all the Bonds have been fully discharged.

 

18.4.2

The Bond Trustee shall, in order to carry out its functions and obligations under the Bond Agreement, have access to the Securities Depository for the purposes of reviewing ownership of the Bonds registered in the Securities Depository.

 

18.5

Amendments

 

18.5.1

All amendments of this Bond Agreement shall be made in writing, and shall unless otherwise provided for by this Bond Agreement, only be made with the approval of all parties hereto.

 

18.6

Notices, contact information

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

18.6.1

Written notices, warnings, summons and other communications to the Bondholders made by the Bond Trustee shall be sent via the Securities Depository with a copy to the Issuer and the Exchange. Information to the Bondholders may in lieu of such requirement in the immediately preceding sentence be published at the web site www.stamdata.no.

 

18.6.2

The Issuer’s written notifications to the Bondholders shall be sent via the Bond Trustee, or alternatively through the Securities Depository with a copy to the Bond Trustee and the Exchange.

 

18.6.3

Unless otherwise specifically provided, all notices or other communications under or in connection with this Bond Agreement between the Bond Trustee and the Issuer shall be given or made in writing, by e-mail or facsimile. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to be given or made as follows:

(a) if by facsimile, when received;

(b) if by e-mail, when received.

To the Bond Trustee, E-mail address post@trustee.no and fax number +47 22 87 94 10 respectively shall be used.

To the Issuer, E-mail address treasuryloansvancouver@teekay.com and fax number (604) 681-3011 respectively shall be used.

 

18.6.4

The Issuer and the Bond Trustee shall ensure that the other party is kept informed of changes in e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers and contact persons.

 

18.7

Dispute resolution and legal venue

 

18.7

This Bond Agreement and all disputes arising out of, or in connection with this Bond Agreement between the Bond Trustee, the Bondholders and the Issuer, shall be governed by Norwegian law.

All disputes arising out of, or in connection with this Bond Agreement between the Bond Trustee, the Bondholders and the Issuer, shall be exclusively resolved by the courts of Norway, with the District Court of Oslo as sole legal venue.

 

18.8

Service of process

 

18.8.1

Without prejudice to any other mode of service, the Issuer:

 

 

(a)

irrevocably appoints Teekay Shipping Norway AS (a limited liability company incorporated in Norway with Company No. 964 111 723) as its agent for service of process relating to any proceedings before the Norwegian courts in connection with any Finance Document;

 

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Nordic Trustee ASA

 

 

(b)

agrees that failure by the process agent to notify it of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned; and

 

 

(c)

consents to the service of process relating to any such proceedings before the Norwegian courts by prepaid posting of a copy of the process to its address stated in this Bond Agreement.

*****

This Bond Agreement has been executed in two originals, of which the Issuer and the Bond Trustee retain one each.

 

The Issuer:

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P.

   

The Bond Trustee:

NORDIC TRUSTEE ASA

By: Teekay GP L.L.C., its general partner

   

/s/ Morten S. Bredesen

By: /s/ Peter Evensen

   

By: Morten S. Bredesen

Position:

   

Position:

 

36


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

Attachment 1

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

Nordic Trustee ASA

P.O. Box 1470 Vika

N-0116 Oslo

Norway

Fax: + 47 22 87 94 10

E-mail: mail@trustee.no

[date]

Dear Sirs,

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. BOND AGREEMENT 2015/2020 - ISIN 001 0735731

We refer to the Bond Agreement for the above mentioned Bond Issue made between Norsk Tillitsmann ASA as Bond Trustee on behalf of the Bondholders, and the undersigned as Issuer under which a Compliance Certificate shall be issued. This letter constitutes the Compliance Certificate for the period [PERIOD].

Capitalised words and expressions are used herein as defined in the Bond Agreement.

With reference to Clause 13.2.3 we hereby certify that:

 

1.

All information contained herein is true and accurate and there has been no change which would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Issuer since the date of the last accounts or the last Compliance Certificate submitted to you.

 

2.

The covenants set out in Clause 13 are satisfied in all material respects;

 

3.

The aggregate amount of Undrawn Revolving Credit Lines of the Group Companies as of [ date ] was USD [ ];

 

4.

In accordance with Clause 13.5(a), the Free Liquidity of the Group as of [ date ] was USD [ ];

 

5.

In accordance with Clause 13.5(b), the Net Debt Ratio as of [ date ] was [ ]%; and

 

6.

In accordance with Clause 13.5(c), the Tangible Net Worth as of [ date ] was USD [ ].

Copies of our latest consolidated [annual audited/quarterly unaudited] accounts are enclosed.

 

37


Nordic Trustee ASA

 

Yours faithfully,

Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

By: Teekay GP L.L.C., its general partner

                                             

Name of authorized person

Enclosure: [ copy of any written documentation ]

 

38

EXHIBIT 4.33

 

US$130,000,000 Secured Loan Agreement

Dated                 28 March                 2014

 

(1)

  

Wilpride L.L.C.

  

(as Borrower)

(2)

  

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

  

and others

  

(as Lenders)

(3)

  

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

  

and others

  

(as Mandated Lead Arrangers)

(4)

  

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

  

(as Bookrunner)

(5)

  

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

  

and others

  

(as Swap Providers)

(6)

  

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

  

(as Agent)

 

LOGO


Contents

 

          Page  

1

  

Definitions and Interpretation

     1   

2

  

The Loan and its Purposes

     19   

3

  

Conditions of Utilisation

     19   

4

  

Advance

     20   

5

  

Repayment

     21   

6

  

Prepayment

     21   

7

  

Interest

     23   

8

  

Indemnities

     25   

9

  

Fees

     31   

10

  

Security and Application of Moneys

     31   

11

  

Representations and Warranties

     33   

12

  

Undertakings and Covenants

     38   

13

  

Events of Default

     44   

14

  

Assignment and Sub-Participation

     49   

15

  

The Agent and the Lenders

     51   

16

  

Set-Off

     63   

17

  

Payments

     64   

18

  

Notices

     66   

19

  

Partial Invalidity

     68   

20

  

Remedies and Waivers

     68   

21

  

Miscellaneous

     68   

22

  

Confidentiality

     69   

23

  

Law and Jurisdiction

     72   

Schedule 1

  

Part I The Lenders and the Commitments

     73   
  

Part II The Swap Providers

     75   

Schedule 2

  

Conditions Precedent and Subsequent

     76   

Schedule 3

  

Form of Drawdown Notice

     83   

Schedule 4

  

Form of Transfer Certificate

     84   


Loan Agreement

Dated         28 March         2014

Between:

 

(1)

Wilpride L.L.C. , a limited liability company formed under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at The Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, The Marshall Islands, MH96960 (the Borrower ) ; and

 

(2)

The banks listed in Schedule 1, Part I, each acting through its office at the address indicated against its name in Schedule 1, Part I (together the Lenders ” and each a Lender ”); and

 

(3)

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch , acting through its office at 437 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, United States of America acting as agent and security trustee (in that capacity the “Agent ); and

 

(4)

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch , acting through its office at 437 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, United States of America, Scotiabank Europe plc , acting through its office at 201 Bishopsgate, 6 th Floor, London EC2M 3NS, United Kingdom and Commonwealth Bank of Australia, London Branch , acting through its office at Level 3, Senator House, 85 Victoria Street, London EC4V 4HA, United Kingdom acting as mandated lead arrangers (in that capacity each an “ MLA ” and together the “MLAs ) ; and

 

(5)

The banks listed in Schedule 1, Part II, each acting through its office at the address indicated against its name in Schedule 1, Part II (together the “Swap Providers” and each a “Swap Provider” ).

Whereas:

Each of the Lenders has agreed to advance to the Borrower its Commitment (aggregating, with all the other Commitments, a term loan facility of one hundred and thirty million Dollars (US$130,000,000)) to assist the Borrower to finance in part the purchase price of the Vessel.

It is agreed as follows:

 

1

Definitions and Interpretation

 

1.1

In this Agreement:

Acceptable Bank ” means a bank or financial institution which has a rating for its long-term unsecured and non-credit-enhanced debt originations of A+ or higher by Standard & Poor’s Ranking Services or Fitch Ratings Ltd or A1 or higher by Moody’s Investors Services Limited or a comparable rating from an internationally recognised credit rating agency.

Account Holder ” means Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch acting through its branch at 437 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10022, United States of America or any other bank or financial institution which at any time, with the Lenders’ prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), holds the Earnings Account, in its capacity as account bank.

 

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Account Security Deed ” means the account security deed referred to in Clause 10.1.6.

Affiliate ” means, in relation to any entity, a Subsidiary of that entity, a Holding Company of that entity or any other Subsidiary of that Holding Company.

“Approved Broker means RS Platou ASA, MJLF & Associates, Clarksons plc, Braemar Seascope Limited and Fearnleys AS or such other reputable and independent consultancy or ship broker firm approved by the Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

Approved Manager ” means (i) the Bareboat Charterer, (ii) an Affiliate of the Bareboat Charterer, TGP or Teekay and (iii) any other entity approved by the Majority Lenders, acting reasonably.

Assignment ” means the deed or deeds of assignment from the Borrower and the Bareboat Charterer referred to in Clause 10.1.4.

Authorisation ” means an authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, notarisation or registration.

Balloon Amount ” means (i) the amount of ninety five million three hundred and thirty three thousand three hundred and twenty eight Dollars (US$95,333,328) or (ii) such lower amount as set out in Clause 5.2, to be paid on the Maturity Date or on any other date when the Balloon Amount is repayable pursuant to this Agreement.

Bareboat Charter ” means the bareboat charter dated 1 October 2013 (as amended and/or extended from time to time) on the terms and subject to the conditions of which the Borrower will bareboat charter the Vessel to the Bareboat Charterer.

Bareboat Charter Guarantee ” means the guarantee dated 1 October 2013 under which the Bareboat Charter Guarantor guaranteed all of the obligations of the Bareboat Charterer under the Bareboat Charter.

Bareboat Charter Guarantor ” means Awilco LNG ASA of P.O. Box 1583 Vika, NO-0118 Oslo, Norway, a company incorporated under the laws of Norway with company number 996564894.

Bareboat Charterer ” means Awilco LNG 5 AS of P.O. Box 1583 Vika, NO-0118 Oslo, Norway, a company incorporated under the laws of Norway with company number 996115964.

Break Costs ” means all sums payable by the Borrower from time to time under Clause 8.3.

Business Day ” means a day on which banks are open for business of a nature contemplated by this Agreement (and not authorised by law to close) in New York, London, Sydney and Oslo.

 

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Change of Control ” means:

 

 

(a)

in respect of TGP:

 

 

(i)

(where all management powers over the business and affairs of TGP are vested exclusively in its general partner),

 

 

(A)

Teekay GP LLC ceases to be the general partner of TGP; and

 

 

(B)

Teekay ceases to own, directly or indirectly, a minimum of 50 per cent (50%) of the voting rights in Teekay GP LLC; or

 

 

(ii)

(where all management powers over the business and affairs of TGP become vested exclusively in the board of directors of TGP), Teekay ceases to own, directly or indirectly, a minimum of fifty per cent (50%) of the voting rights to elect the members of that board of directors; and

 

 

(b)

in respect of any other Security Party, there is a change in the legal or beneficial ownership of any such company from that advised to the Agent at the date of this Agreement without the Agent’s prior written consent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders).

Charged Property ” means all of the assets of the Security Parties which from time to time are, or are expressed to be, the subject of the Security Documents.

Code ” means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Commitment ” means, in relation to a Lender, the aggregate amount of the Loan which that Lender agrees to advance to the Borrower as its several liability as indicated against the name of that Lender in Schedule 1, Part I and/or, where the context permits, the amount of the Loan advanced by that Lender and remaining outstanding and “ Commitments ” means more than one of them.

Commitment Commission ” means the commitment commission to be paid by the Borrower to the Agent on behalf of the Lenders pursuant to Clause 9.

Confidential Information ” means all information relating to any Security Party, any other member of the Group, the Finance Documents or the Loan of which a Finance Party becomes aware in its capacity as, or for the purpose of becoming, a Finance Party which is received by a Finance Party in relation to, or for the purpose of becoming a Finance Party under, the Finance Documents or the Loan from either:

 

 

(a)

any Security Party, any other member of the Group or any of its advisers; or

 

 

(b)

another Finance Party, if the information was obtained by that Finance Party directly or indirectly from any Security Party, any other member of the Group or any of its advisers, in whatever form, and includes information given orally and any document, electronic file or any other way of representing or recording information which contains or is derived or copied from such information but excludes information that:

 

Page 3


 

(i)

is or becomes public information other than as a direct or indirect result of any breach by that Finance Party of Clause 22; or

 

 

(ii)

is identified in writing at the time of delivery as non-confidential by any Security Party, any other member of the Group or any of its advisers; or

 

 

(iii)

is known by that Finance Party before the date the information is disclosed to it in accordance with (a) or (b) or is lawfully obtained by that Finance Party after that date, from a source which is, as far as that Finance Party is aware, unconnected with any Security Party or any other member of the Group and which, in either case, as far as that Finance Party is aware, has not been obtained in breach of, and is not otherwise subject to, any obligation of confidentiality.

Confidentiality Undertaking ” means a confidentiality undertaking substantially in a recommended form of the Loan Market Association at the relevant time.

Confirmation ” in relation to any Transaction, has the meaning given in the Master Agreements.

Credit Support Document ” means any document described as such in a Master Agreement and, where the context permits, any other document referred to in any Credit Support Document which has the effect of creating an Encumbrance in favour of any of the Finance Parties.

Credit Support Provider ” means any person (other than the Borrower) described as such in a Master Agreement.

Currency of Account ” means, in relation to any payment to be made to a Finance Party under a Finance Document, the currency in which that payment is required to be made by the terms of that Finance Document.

Deed of Covenants ” means the deed of covenants referred to in Clause 10.1.3.

Default ” means an Event of Default or any event or circumstance specified in Clause 13.1 which would (with the expiry of a grace period, the giving of notice, the making of any determination under the Finance Documents or any combination of any of the foregoing) be an Event of Default.

Defaulting Lender ” means any Lender:

 

 

(a)

which has failed to make its participation in the Loan available (or has notified the Agent or the Borrower (which has notified the Agent) that it will not make its participation in the Loan available) by the Drawdown Date in accordance with Clause 3.3; or

 

 

(b)

which has otherwise rescinded or repudiated a Finance Document; or

 

 

(c)

with respect to which an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing,

 

Page 4


unless, in the case of (a):

 

 

(i)

its failure to pay is caused by:

 

 

(A)

administrative or technical error; or

 

 

(B)

a Disruption Event; and

payment is made within three Business Days of its due date; or

 

 

(ii)

the Lender is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.

Disruption Event ” means either or both of:

 

 

(a)

a material disruption to those payment or communications systems or to those financial markets which are, in each case, required to operate in order for payments to be made in connection with the Loan (or otherwise in order for the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents to be carried out) which disruption is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, any of the Parties; or

 

 

(b)

the occurrence of any other event which results in a disruption (of a technical or systems-related nature) to the treasury or payments operations of a Party preventing that, or any other Party:

 

 

(i)

from performing its payment obligations under the Finance Documents; or

 

 

(ii)

from communicating with other Parties in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents,

and which (in either such case) is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, the Party whose operations are disrupted.

Dollars ”, “ US$ ” and “ $ ” each means available and freely transferable and convertible funds in lawful currency of the United States of America.

Drawdown Date ” means the date on which the Loan is advanced under Clause 4.

Drawdown Notice ” means a notice substantially in the form set out in Schedule 3.

Earnings ” means all hires, freights, pool income and other sums payable to or for the account of the Borrower in respect of the Vessel under or pursuant to the Bareboat Charter, or any Other Charter (if applicable) including (without limitation) all remuneration for salvage and towage services, demurrage and detention moneys, contributions in general average, compensation in respect of any requisition for hire, and damages and other payments (whether awarded by any court or arbitral tribunal or by agreement or otherwise) for breach, termination or variation of any contract for the operation, employment or use of the Vessel.

Earnings Account ” means the bank account to be opened in the name of the Borrower with the Account Holder and designated “Wilpride LLC – Earnings Account”.

 

Page 5


Encumbrance ” means a mortgage, charge, assignment, pledge, lien, or other security interest securing any obligation of any person or any other agreement or arrangement having a similar effect.

Environmental Affiliate ” means an agent or employee of the Borrower (but excluding the Bareboat Charterer, the Bareboat Charter Guarantor and any Approved Manager which is an Affiliate of the Bareboat Charterer) or a person in a contractual relationship with the Borrower (but excluding the Bareboat Charterer, the Bareboat Charter Guarantor and any Approved Manager which is an Affiliate of the Bareboat Charterer) in respect of the Vessel (including without limitation, the operation of or the carriage of cargo of the Vessel).

Environmental Approvals ” means any present or future permit, licence, approval, ruling, variance, exemption or other authorisation required under the applicable Environmental Laws.

Environmental Claim ” means any and all enforcement, clean-up, removal, administrative, governmental, regulatory or judicial actions, orders, demands or investigations instituted or completed pursuant to any Environmental Laws or Environmental Approvals.

Environmental Incident ” means:

 

 

(a)

any release of Environmentally Sensitive Material from the Vessel; or

 

 

(b)

any incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released from a vessel other than the Vessel and which involves a collision between the Vessel and such other vessel or some other incident of navigation or operation, in either case, in connection with which the Vessel is actually or potentially liable to be arrested, attached, detained or injuncted and/or where any guarantor, any manager (or any sub-manager of the Vessel) or any of its officers, employees or other persons retained or instructed by it (or such sub-manager) are at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action; or

 

 

(c)

any other incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released otherwise than from the Vessel and in connection with which the Vessel is actually or potentially liable to be arrested and/or where any guarantor, any manager (or any sub-manager of the Vessel) or any of its officers, employees or other persons retained or instructed by it (or such sub-manager) are at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action.

Environmental Laws ” means all present and future laws, regulations, treaties and conventions of any applicable jurisdiction which:

 

 

(a)

have as a purpose or effect the protection of, and/or prevention of harm or damage to, the environment;

 

 

(b)

relate to the carriage of Environmentally Sensitive Material or to actual or threatened releases of Environmentally Sensitive Material;

 

Page 6


 

(c)

provide remedies or compensation for harm or damage to the environment; or

 

 

(d)

relate to Environmentally Sensitive Materials or health or safety matters.

Environmentally Sensitive Material ” means (i) oil and oil products and (ii) any other waste, pollutant, contaminant or other substance (including any liquid, solid, gas, ion, living organism or noise) that may be harmful to human health or other life or the environment or a nuisance to any person or that may make the enjoyment, ownership or other territorial control of any affected land, property or waters more costly for such person to a material degree.

Event of Default ” means any of the events or circumstances set out in Clause 13.1.

Execution Date ” means the date on which this Agreement is executed by each of the parties hereto.

Facility ” means the secured term loan facility made available by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

Facility Office ” means:

 

 

(a)

in respect of a Lender, the office or offices notified by that Lender to the Agent in writing on or before the date it becomes a Lender (or, following that date, by not less than five (5) Business Days’ written notice) as the office or offices through which it will perform its obligations under this Agreement; or

 

 

(b)

in respect of any other Finance Party, the office in the jurisdiction in which it is resident for tax purposes.

Facility Period ” means the period beginning on the Execution Date and ending on the date when the whole of the Indebtedness has been repaid in full and the Security Parties have ceased to be under any further actual or contingent liability to the Finance Parties under or in connection with the Finance Documents.

FATCA ” means:

 

 

(a)

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

 

 

(b)

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

 

 

(c)

any agreement pursuant to the implementation of paragraphs (a) or (b) above with the US Internal Revenue Service, the US government or any governmental or taxation authority in any other jurisdiction.

 

Page 7


FATCA Application Date ” means:

 

 

(a)

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

 

 

(b)

in relation to a “withholdable payment” described in section 1473(1)(A)(ii) of the Code (which relates to “gross proceeds” from the disposition of property of a type that can produce interest from sources within the US), 1 January 2017; or

 

 

(c)

in relation to a “passthru payment” described in section 1471(d)(7) of the Code not falling within paragraphs (a) or (b) above, 1 January 2017,

or, in each case, such other date from which such payment may become subject to a deduction or withholding required by FATCA as a result of any change in FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

FATCA Deduction ” means a deduction or withholding from a payment under a Finance Document required by FATCA.

FATCA Exempt Party ” means a Party that is entitled to receive payments free from any FATCA Deduction.

FATCA FFI ” means a foreign financial institution as defined in section 1471(d)(4) of the Code which, if any Finance Party is not a FATCA Exempt Party, could be required to make a FATCA Deduction.

Fee Letter ” means any letter or letters dated on or about the date of this Agreement setting out any of the fees referred to in Clause 9.

Final Availability Date ” means 3 April 2014 or such later date as all the Lenders may agree with the Borrower.

Finance Documents ” means this Agreement, the Master Agreements, the Security Documents, the Fee Letter and any other document designated as such by the Agent and the Borrower and “ Finance Document ” means any one of them.

Finance Parties ” means the Agent, the MLAs the Bookrunner, the Swap Providers and the Lenders and “ Finance Party ” means any one of them.

Financial Indebtedness ” means any indebtedness for or in respect of:

 

 

(a)

moneys borrowed;

 

 

(b)

any acceptance credit;

 

 

(c)

any bond, note, debenture, loan stock or other similar instrument;

 

 

(d)

any redeemable preference share to the extent such shares can be redeemed before the Maturity Date;

 

 

(e)

any finance or capital lease;

 

 

(f)

receivables sold or discounted (otherwise than on a non-recourse basis);

 

Page 8


 

(g)

any derivative transaction protecting against or benefiting from fluctuations in any rate or price (and, except for non-payment of an amount, the then mark to market value of the derivative transaction will be used to calculate its amount);

 

 

(h)

any other transaction (including any forward sale or purchase agreement) which has the commercial effect of a borrowing;

 

 

(i)

any counter-indemnity obligation in respect of any guarantee, indemnity, bond, letter of credit or any other instrument issued by a bank or financial institution; or

 

 

(j)

any guarantee, indemnity or similar assurance against financial loss of any person in respect of any item referred to in paragraphs (a) to (i) above.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

Group ” means TGP and each of its Subsidiaries.

“Guarantee means the guarantee and indemnity referred to in Clause 10.1.1.

Guarantor ” means TGP and/or (where the context permits) any other person who shall at any time during the Facility Period give to the Lenders or to the Agent on their behalf a guarantee and/or indemnity of the repayment of all or part of the Indebtedness.

Holding Company ” means, in relation to any entity, any other entity in respect of which it is a Subsidiary.

Impaired Agent ” means the Agent at any time when:

 

 

(a)

it has failed to make (or has notified a Party that it will not make) a payment required to be made by it under the Finance Documents by the due date for payment;

 

 

(b)

the Agent otherwise rescinds or repudiates a Finance Document;

 

 

(c)

(if the Agent is also a Lender) it is a Defaulting Lender under (a) or (b) of the definition of “Defaulting Lender”; or

 

 

(d)

an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Agent;

unless, in the case of (a):

 

 

(i)

its failure to pay is caused by:

 

 

(A)

administrative or technical error; or

 

 

(B)

a Disruption Event; and

payment is made within three (3) Business Days of its due date; or

 

Page 9


 

(ii)

the Agent is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.

Indebtedness ” means the aggregate from time to time of: the amount of the Loan outstanding; all accrued and unpaid interest on the Loan; and all other sums of any nature (together with all accrued and unpaid interest on any of those sums) which from time to time may be payable by the Borrower to any of the Finance Parties under all or any of the Finance Documents.

Insolvency Event ” in relation to an entity means that the entity:

 

 

(a)

is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);

 

 

(b)

becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

 

(c)

makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors;

 

 

(d)

institutes or has instituted against it, by a regulator, supervisor or any similar official with primary insolvency, rehabilitative or regulatory jurisdiction over it in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organisation or the jurisdiction of its head or home office, a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation by it or such regulator, supervisor or similar official;

 

 

(e)

has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation, and, in the case of any such proceeding or petition instituted or presented against it, such proceeding or petition is instituted or presented by a person or entity not described in (d) and:

 

 

(i)

results in a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an order for relief or the making of an order for its winding-up or liquidation; or

 

 

(ii)

is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained in each case within thirty (30) days of the institution or presentation thereof;

 

 

(f)

has exercised in respect of it one or more of the stabilisation powers pursuant to Part 1 of the Banking Act 2009 and/or has instituted against it a bank insolvency proceeding pursuant to Part 2 of the Banking Act 2009 or a bank administration proceeding pursuant to Part 3 of the Banking Act 2009;

 

 

(g)

has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);

 

Page 10


 

(h)

seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or substantially all its assets (other than, for so long as it is required by law or regulation not to be publicly disclosed, any such appointment which is to be made, or is made, by a person or entity described in (d));

 

 

(i)

has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all its assets or has a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal process levied, enforced or sued on or against all or substantially all its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter;

 

 

(j)

causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in (a) to (i); or

 

 

(k)

takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing acts.

Insurances ” means all policies and contracts of insurance (including all entries in protection and indemnity or war risks associations) which are from time to time taken out or entered into in respect of or in connection with the Vessel or her increased value and (where the context permits) all benefits under such contracts and policies, including all claims of any nature and returns of premium.

Interest Payment Date ” means each date for the payment of interest in accordance with Clause 7.7.

Interest Period ” means each period for the payment of interest selected by the Borrower or agreed by the Agent pursuant to Clause 7.

Interpolated Screen Rate ” means, in relation to LIBOR, the rate which results from interpolating on a linear basis between:

 

 

(a)

the applicable Screen Rate for the longest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which is less than the Interest Period; and

 

 

(b)

the applicable Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which exceeds the Interest Period,

each as of 11.00 a.m. London time on the Quotation Day.

ISM Code ” means the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention.

ISM Company ” means, at any given time, the company responsible for the Vessel’s compliance with the ISM Code under paragraph 1.1.2 of the ISM Code.

ISPS Code ” means the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

ISPS Company ” means, at any given time, the company responsible for the Vessel’s compliance with the ISPS Code.

 

Page 11


ISSC ” means a valid international ship security certificate for the Vessel issued under the ISPS Code.

“law or “Law means any law, statute, treaty, convention, regulation, instrument or other subordinate legislation or other legislative or quasi-legislative rule or measure, or any order or decree of any government, judicial or public or other body or authority, or any directive, code of practice, circular, guidance note or other direction issued by any competent authority or agency (whether or not having the force of law).

LIBOR ” means:

 

 

(a)

the applicable Screen Rate; or

 

 

(b)

(if no Screen Rate is available for any Interest Period) the Interpolated Screen Rate; or

 

 

(c)

if:

 

 

(i)

no Screen Rate is available; or

 

 

(ii)

no Screen Rate is available for any Interest Period and it is not possible to calculate an Interpolated Screen Rate;

the Reference Bank Rate,

as of, in case of paragraphs (a) and (b) above, 11.00 a.m. London time on the Quotation Day for the offering of deposits in Dollars and for a period equal in length to the relevant Interest Period, provided that if any such rate is below zero, LIBOR will be deemed to be zero.

Loan ” means the aggregate amount advanced or to be advanced by the Lenders to the Borrower under Clause 4 or, where the context permits, the amount advanced and for the time being outstanding.

Majority Lenders ” means a Lender or Lenders whose Commitments aggregate equal to or greater than sixty six and two thirds per cent (66 2/3%) of the aggregate of all the Commitments.

Management Agreement ” means any agreement(s) for the commercial and/or technical management of the Vessel entered into between (i) the Borrower and/or the Bareboat Charterer and (ii) any Approved Manager.

Manager’s Confirmation ” means a written confirmation (in form and substance acceptable to the Majority Lenders) from an Approved Manager of the Vessel (which is not an Affiliate of Teekay or TGP) that throughout the Facility Period it will not, without the prior written consent of the Agent, sub-contract or delegate the commercial and/or technical management of the Vessel to any third party that is not Teekay or the Bareboat Charterer or an Affiliate of Teekay or the Bareboat Charterer.

Margin ” means two point seven five per cent (2.75%) per annum.

 

Page 12


Master Agreements ” means each ISDA Master Agreement (on the form of the 2002 version, as amended and supplemented from time to time by the schedules thereto) entered into between a Swap Provider and the Borrower to hedge any exposure arising under this Agreement during the Facility Period including each Schedule to such Master Agreement and each Confirmation exchanged pursuant to such Master Agreement.

Master Agreement Benefits ” means all benefits whatsoever of the Borrower under or in connection with the Master Agreements including, without limitation, all moneys payable to the Borrower under such Master Agreements and all claims for damages in respect of any breach by any Swap Provider of such Master Agreements.

Master Agreements Charge ” means the master agreements deed of charge referred to in Clause 10.1.2.

Master Agreement Liabilities ” means at any relevant time all liabilities of the Borrower to the Swap Providers under or pursuant to the Master Agreements or any Transaction, whether actual or contingent, present or future.

Material Adverse Effect ” means a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on:

 

 

(a)

the financial condition, assets, prospects or business of any Security Party or on the consolidated financial condition, assets, prospects or business of the Group;

 

 

(b)

the ability of any Security Party to perform and comply with its obligations under any Relevant Document or to avoid any Event of Default;

 

 

(c)

the validity, legality or enforceability of any Relevant Document; or

 

 

(d)

the validity, legality or enforceability of any security expressed to be created pursuant to any Relevant Document or the priority and ranking of any such security,

provided that, in determining whether any of the forgoing circumstances shall constitute such a material adverse change or material adverse effect for the purposes of this definition, the Finance Parties shall consider such circumstance in the context of (x) the Group taken as a whole and (y) the ability of the Borrower and the Security Parties to perform each of their obligations under the Finance Documents.

Maturity Date ” means (i) the earlier of (a) the date falling four (4) years after the Drawdown Date and (b) 3 April 2018 or (ii) such later date as provided for in Clause 5.2 or Clause 5.3.

Maximum Amount ” means one hundred and thirty million Dollars (US$130,000,000).

Mortgage ” means the statutory mortgage referred to in Clause 10.1.3 together with the Deed of Covenants.

 

Page 13


Necessary Authorisations ” means all Authorisations of any person including any government or other regulatory authority required by applicable Law to enable it to:

 

 

(a)

lawfully enter into and perform its obligations under the Relevant Documents to which it is party;

 

 

(b)

ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence in England and, if different, its jurisdiction of incorporation, of such Relevant Documents to which it is party; and

 

 

(c)

carry on its business from time to time.

Original Financial Statements ” means the audited consolidated financial statements of the Guarantor for the financial year ended December 2012.

Other Charter ” means any charter or other contract of employment relating to the Vessel (but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding the Bareboat Charter) which is for a period in excess of twelve (12) months and entered into between the Borrower and any other charterer (reasonably acceptable to the Lenders) on arm’s length terms and which is in replacement of the Bareboat Charter in the event that the Bareboat Charter is terminated.

Party ” means a party to this Agreement.

Permitted Encumbrance ” means (i) any Encumbrance which has the prior written approval of the Agent acting on the instructions of all the Lenders or (ii) any liens for current crews’ wages and salvage and liens incurred in the ordinary course of trading and/or operating the Vessel and up to an aggregate amount at any time not exceeding ten million Dollars (US$10,000,000).

Permitted Financial Indebtedness ” means any Financial Indebtedness:

 

 

(a)

incurred under this Agreement; or

 

 

(b)

owed to other members of the Group on a subordinated and unsecured basis; or

 

 

(c)

such other Financial Indebtedness which has the prior written approval of the Agent acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders.

Pledgor ” means Teekay LNG Holdco L.L.C., a limited liability company formed under the laws of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, The Marshall Islands MH96960.

Pre-Approved Classification Society ” means any of Det norske Veritas, Lloyds Register, America Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Germanischer Lloyd or Bureau Veritas or such other classification society approved by the Majority Lenders, acting reasonably.

Pre-Approved Flag ” means Marshall Islands, Norwegian International Ship Registry, Panama, Bahamas or Singapore.

Project Agreements ” means the Bareboat Charter, the Bareboat Charter Guarantee and the Management Agreements (if any), each as amended from time to time.

 

Page 14


Proportionate Share ” means, at any time, the proportion which a Lender’s Commitment (whether or not advanced) then bears to the aggregate Commitments of all the Lenders (whether or not advanced) being on the date of this Agreement the percentage indicated against the name of that Lender in Schedule 1, Part I.

Protected Party ” means a Finance Party which is or will be subject to any liability or required to make any payment for or on account of Tax in relation to a sum required or receivable (or any sum deemed for the purpose of Tax to be received or receivable) under a Finance Document.

Quotation Day ” means, in relation to any period for which an interest rate is to be determined two (2) Business Days (in New York) before the first day of that period, unless market practice differs in the Relevant Interbank Market, in which case the Quotation Day will be determined by the Agent in accordance with market practice in the Relevant Interbank Market (and if quotations would normally be given by leading banks in the Relevant Interbank Market on more than one day, the Quotation Day will be the last of those days).

Reference Banks ” means, in relation to LIBOR, the principal London offices of each of the MLAs or such other banks as may be appointed by the Agent in consultation with the Borrower.

Reference Bank Rate ” means the arithmetic mean of the rates (rounded upwards to four decimal places) as supplied to the Agent at its request by the Reference Banks as the rate at which each of the relevant Reference Banks would borrow funds in the London interbank market in the relevant currency and for the relevant period, were it to do so by asking for and then accepting interbank offers for deposits in reasonable market size in that currency and for that period.

Related Fund ” in relation to a fund (the “ first fund ”), means a fund which is managed or advised by the same investment manager or investment adviser as the first fund or, if it is managed by a different investment manager or investment adviser, a fund whose investment manager or investment adviser is an Affiliate of the investment manager or investment adviser of the first fund.

Relevant Documents ” means the Finance Documents and the Project Agreements.

Relevant Interbank Market ” means the London interbank market.

Repayment Date ” means the day for payment of any Repayment Instalment in accordance with Clause 5.1.

Repayment Instalment ” means any instalment of the Loan to be repaid by the Borrower under Clause 5.1 or Clause 5.2.

Representative ” means any delegate, agent, manager, administrator, nominee, attorney, trustee or custodian.

Requisition Compensation ” means all compensation or other money which may from time to time be payable to the Borrower and/or the Bareboat Charterer as a result of the Vessel being requisitioned for title or in any other way compulsorily acquired (other than by way of requisition for hire).

 

Page 15


Restricted Party ” means a person that (i) is listed on any Sanctions List, (ii) is located in or incorporated under the laws of a country or territory that is the target of country-wide or territory-wide Sanctions, (iii) is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, a person referred to in (i) and/or (ii) above or (iv) with whom a subject of a Sanctions Authority would be prohibited or restricted by law from engaging in trade, business or other activities.

Sanctions ” means the economic sanctions laws, regulations, embargoes or restrictive measures administered, enacted or enforced by (i) the Norwegian Government, (ii) the United States Government, (iii) the United Nations, (iv) the European Union and the (v) the United Kingdom, and with regard to (i)—(v) above, the respective governmental institutions and agencies of any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of Treasury (“ OFAC ”), the United States Department of State and Her Majesty’s Treasury (“ HMT ”); (together “ the Sanctions Authorities ”).

Sanctions List ” means the “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” list maintained by OFAC, the “Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets” maintained by HMT or any similar list maintained by, or public announcement of Sanctions designation made by, any of the Sanctions Authorities, including, but not limited to, the Norwegian Government, the European Union or the United Nations.

Screen Rate ” means in relation to LIBOR, the London interbank offered rate administered by the British Bankers Association (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant currency and period displayed on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate) or on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Reuters. If such page or the service ceases to be available, the Agent may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Borrower.

Security Documents ” means the Mortgage, the Deed of Covenants, the Assignment, the Guarantee, the Account Security Deed, the Share Pledge, any Manager’s Confirmation, the Master Agreements Charge or (where the context permits) any one or more of them and any other agreement or document which may at any time be executed by any person as security for the payment of all or any part of the Indebtedness, and “ Security Document ” means any one of them.

Security Parties ” means at any relevant time, the Borrower, the Guarantor, the Pledgor, any other Credit Support Provider and any other person who may at any time during the Facility Period be liable for, or provide security for, all or any part of the Indebtedness but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding the Bareboat Charterer, the Bareboat Charter Guarantor and any Approved Manager that is not an Affiliate of Teekay or TGP, and “ Security Party ” means any one of them.

Share Pledge ” means the pledge of membership interests referred to in Clause 10.1.5.

SMC ” means a valid safety management certificate issued for the Vessel by or on behalf of the Administration under paragraph 13.7 of the ISM Code.

 

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SMS ” means a safety management system for the Vessel developed and implemented in accordance with the ISM Code.

Subsidiary ” means a subsidiary undertaking, as defined in section 1159 Companies Act 2006 or any analogous definition under any other relevant system of law.

Tax ” means any tax, levy, impost, duty or other charge or withholding of a similar nature (including any penalty or interest payable in connection with any failure to pay or any delay in paying any of the same) and “ Taxation ” shall be interpreted accordingly.

Teekay ” means Teekay Corporation, a company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, The Marshall Islands MH96960.

TGP ” means Teekay LNG Partners L.P., a limited partnership formed under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, The Marshall Islands MH96960.

Total Loss ” means:

 

 

(a)

an actual, constructive, arranged, agreed or compromised total loss of the Vessel; or

 

 

(b)

the requisition for title or compulsory acquisition of the Vessel by any government or other competent authority (other than by way of requisition for hire); or

 

 

(c)

the capture, seizure, arrest, detention or confiscation of the Vessel by any government or by persons acting or purporting to act on behalf of any government, unless the Vessel is released and returned to the possession of the Borrower within 90 days after the capture, seizure, arrest, detention or confiscation in question.

Transaction ” means a transaction entered into between a Swap Provider and the Borrower governed by a Master Agreement.

Transfer Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form set out in Schedule 4 or any other form agreed between the Agent and the Borrower.

Transfer Date ” means, in relation to any Transfer Certificate, the date for the making of the Transfer specified in the schedule to such Transfer Certificate.

“Trust Property means:

 

 

(a)

all benefits derived by the Agent from Clause 10.1; and

 

 

(b)

all benefits arising under (including, without limitation, all proceeds of the enforcement of) each of the Security Documents,

with the exception of any benefits arising solely for the benefit of the Agent.

 

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US Tax Obligor ” means:

 

 

(a)

the Borrower, if it is a resident for tax purposes in the United States of America;

 

 

(b)

a Security Party some or all of whose payments under the Finance Documents are from sources within the United States for US federal income tax purposes.

Valuation ” means the written valuation of the Vessel expressed in Dollars prepared by one of the Approved Brokers. Such valuation shall be prepared without a physical inspection, on the basis of a sale for prompt delivery for cash at arm’s length on normal commercial terms as between a willing buyer and a willing seller without the benefit of any charterparty or other agreement.

VAT ” means value added tax as provided for in the Value Added Tax Act 1994 and any other tax of a similar nature.

Vessel ” means the LNG tanker “WILPRIDE” registered under the flag of the Norwegian International Ship Register in the ownership of the Borrower, and everything now or in the future belonging to her on board and ashore.

 

1.2

In this Agreement:

 

 

1.2.1

words denoting the plural number include the singular and vice versa;

 

 

1.2.2

words denoting persons include corporations, partnerships, associations of persons (whether incorporated or not) or governmental or quasi-governmental bodies or authorities and vice versa;

 

 

1.2.3

references to Recitals, Clauses and Schedules are references to recitals, clauses and schedules to or of this Agreement;

 

 

1.2.4

references to this Agreement include the Recitals and the Schedules;

 

 

1.2.5

the headings and contents page(s) are for the purpose of reference only, have no legal or other significance, and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Agreement;

 

 

1.2.6

references to any document (including, without limitation, to all or any of the Relevant Documents) are, unless the context otherwise requires, references to that document as amended, supplemented, novated or replaced from time to time;

 

 

1.2.7

references to statutes or provisions of statutes are references to those statutes, or those provisions, as from time to time amended, replaced or re-enacted;

 

 

1.2.8

references to any Finance Party include its successors, transferees and assignees;

 

 

1.2.9

a time of day (unless otherwise specified) is a reference to New York time;

 

 

1.2.10

words and expressions defined in the Master Agreements unless the context otherwise requires, have the same meaning;

 

Page 18


 

1.2.11

a “ person ” includes any individual firm, company, corporation, government, state or agency of a state or any association, trust, joint venture, consortium, partnership or other entity (whether or not having separate legal personality); and

 

 

1.2.12

a “ regulation ” includes any regulation, rule, official directive, request or guideline (whether or not having the force of law) of any governmental, intergovernmental or supranational body, agency, department or of any regulatory, self-regulatory or other authority or organisation.

 

1.3

Offer letter

This Agreement supersedes the terms and conditions contained in any correspondence relating to the subject matter of this Agreement exchanged between any Finance Party and the Borrower or their respective representatives prior to the date of this Agreement.

 

2

The Loan and its Purposes

 

2.1

Amount Subject to the terms of this Agreement, each of the Lenders agrees to make available to the Borrower its Commitment of a term loan in an aggregate amount not exceeding the Maximum Amount.

 

2.2

Finance Parties’ obligations The obligations of each Finance Party under the Finance Documents are several. Failure by a Finance Party to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents does not affect the obligations of any other party to the Finance Documents. No Finance Party is responsible for the obligations of any other Finance Party under the Finance Documents.

 

2.3

Purposes The Borrower shall apply the Loan for the purposes referred to in the Recital.

 

2.4

Monitoring No Finance Party is bound to monitor or verify the application of any amount borrowed under this Agreement.

 

3

Conditions of Utilisation

 

3.1

Conditions precedent to Execution Date The Borrower undertakes to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Agent on or before the Execution Date all of the documents and other evidence listed in Part I of Schedule 2 in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent.

 

3.2

Further conditions precedent to signing The Finance Parties shall only sign this Agreement if on the date of the proposed Execution Date:

 

 

3.2.1

since 31 December 2012, no Material Adverse Effect has occurred; and

 

 

3.2.2

the representations made by the Borrower under Clause 11 (other than those in Clauses 11.2, 11.7 and 11.19) are true in all material respects.

 

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3.3

Conditions precedent to Drawdown Date The Borrower is not entitled to have the Loan advanced unless the Agent has received all of the documents and other evidence listed in Part II of Schedule 2 on or before the Final Availability Date.

 

3.4

Further conditions precedent to Drawdown Date The Lenders will only be obliged to advance the Loan if on the date of the Drawdown Notice and on the proposed Drawdown Date:

 

 

3.4.1

since 31 December 2012, no Material Adverse Effect has occurred;

 

 

3.4.2

no Default is continuing unremedied and unwaived or would result from the advance of the Loan; and

 

 

3.4.3

the representations made by the Borrower under Clause 11 are true in all material respects.

 

3.5

Termination Date No Lender shall be under any obligation to advance all or any part of its Commitment after the Final Availability Date.

 

3.6

Conditions subsequent The Borrower undertakes to deliver or to cause to be delivered to the Agent within thirty (30) days of the Drawdown Date or such later date as may be agreed by the Lenders the additional documents and other evidence listed in Part III of Schedule 2.

 

3.7

No Waiver If the Lenders in their sole discretion agree to advance the Loan or any part thereof to the Borrower before all of the documents and evidence required by Clause 3.3 have been delivered to or to the order of the Agent, the Borrower undertakes to deliver all outstanding documents and evidence to or to the order of the Agent no later than the date specified by the Agent, except to the extent expressly waived by the Agent in writing.

The advance of the Loan under this Clause 3.7 shall not be taken as a waiver of the Lenders’ right to require production of all the documents and evidence required by Clause 3.1 and Clause 3.3.

 

3.8

Form and content All documents and evidence delivered to the Agent under this Clause 3 shall:

3.8.1 be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Agent; and

3.8.2 if reasonably required by the Agent, be certified, notarised, legalised or attested in a manner acceptable to the Agent.

 

4

Advance

 

4.1

Drawdown Request The Borrower may request the Loan to be advanced in one amount on any Business Day prior to the Final Availability Date, by delivering to the Agent a duly completed Drawdown Notice not more than ten (10) and not fewer than three (3) Business Days before the proposed Drawdown Date. Any such Drawdown Notice shall be signed by an authorised signatory (including any Attorney-in-Fact) of the Borrower and, once delivered, is irrevocable.

 

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4.2

Lenders’ participation Subject to Clauses 2 and 3, the Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the receipt of the Drawdown Notice, following which each Lender shall advance its Commitment to the Borrower through the Agent on the Drawdown Date.

 

5

Repaymen t

 

5.1

Repayment of Loan Subject to Clauses 5.2 and 5.3, the Borrower agrees to repay the Loan to the Agent for the account of the Lenders by sixteen (16) consecutive quarterly instalments each in the sum of two million one hundred and sixty six thousand six hundred and sixty seven Dollars ($2,166,667) together with the Balloon Amount. The first such instalment shall fall due on the date which is three calendar months after the Drawdown Date and subsequent instalments shall fall due at consecutive intervals of three calendar months thereafter with the Final Repayment Instalment falling due no later than the Maturity Date. The Balloon Amount, and any other amounts then outstanding, shall be payable simultaneously with the final Repayment Instalment.

 

5.2

Subject to Clause 5.3, in the event that the initial period of the Bareboat Charter is extended by twelve (12) months (in accordance with clause 3 of the Additional Clauses to the Bareboat Charter and provided that such extension is agreed between the Borrower and the Bareboat Charterer and notified to the Agent no less than six (6) months prior to the initial period of the Bareboat Charterer expiring), the Borrower shall have the option to extend the Maturity Date to the earlier of (a) the final day of the period of the Bareboat Charter (as extended) and (b) 3 June 2019. Should the Borrower exercise such option, the repayment provisions contained in Clause 5.1 shall be amended as follows: (i) the number of Repayment Instalments shall be increased from sixteen (16) to twenty (20) (each in the sum of two million one hundred and sixty six thousand six hundred and sixty seven Dollars ($2,166,667) and (ii) the Balloon Amount shall be decreased from ninety five million three hundred and thirty three thousand, three hundred and twenty eight Dollars ($95,333,328) to eighty six million, six hundred and sixty six thousand six hundred and sixty Dollars ($86,666,660). In all other respects, the repayment provisions contained in Clause 5.1 shall remain unamended.

 

5.3

Notwithstanding Clauses 5.1 and 5.2, the Borrower shall have the option to defer the Repayment Date of the final Repayment Instalment and the relevant Balloon Amount by an additional period of up to sixty (60) days provided that the Bareboat Charter remains valid and in full force and effect during such additional period.

 

5.4

Reduction of Repayment Instalments If the aggregate amount advanced to the Borrower is less than the Maximum Amount, the amount of each Repayment Instalment and the relevant Balloon Amount shall be reduced pro rata to the amount actually advanced.

 

5.5

Reborrowing The Borrower may not reborrow any part of the Loan which is repaid or prepaid.

 

6

Prepayment

 

6.1

Illegality If it becomes unlawful in any applicable jurisdiction (other than by reason of Sanctions) for a Lender to fund or maintain its Commitment as contemplated by this Agreement or to fund or maintain the Loan:

 

Page 21


 

6.1.1

that Lender shall promptly notify the Agent of that event;

 

 

6.1.2

upon the Agent notifying the Borrower, the Commitment of that Lender (to the extent not already advanced) will be immediately cancelled; and

 

 

6.1.3

the Borrower shall repay that Lender’s Commitment (to the extent already advanced) on the last day of its current Interest Period or, if earlier, the date specified by that Lender in the notice delivered to the Agent and notified by the Agent to the Borrower (being no earlier than the last day of any applicable grace period permitted by law) and the remaining Repayment Instalments and the relevant Balloon Amount shall be reduced pro rata. Prior to the date on which repayment is required to be made under this Clause 6.1.3 the affected Lender shall negotiate in good faith with the Borrower to find an alternative method or lending base in order to maintain its Commitment in the Facility.

 

6.2

Voluntary prepayment of Loan The Borrower may prepay the whole or any part of the Loan (but, if in part, being an amount that reduces the Loan by an amount which is an integral multiple of one million Dollars ($1,000,000)) subject as follows:

 

 

6.2.1

it gives the Agent not less than three (3) Business Days’ (or such shorter period as the Majority Lenders may agree) prior notice; and

 

 

6.2.2

any prepayment under this Clause 6.2 shall be applied in inverse order of maturity against the outstanding Repayment Instalments and the Balloon Amount.

 

6.3

Restrictions Any notice of prepayment given under this Clause 6 shall be irrevocable and, unless a contrary indication appears in this Agreement, shall specify the date or dates upon which the relevant prepayment is to be made and the amount of that prepayment.

Any prepayment under this Agreement shall be made together with accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, subject to any Break Costs, without premium or penalty.

If the Agent receives a notice under this Clause 6 it shall promptly forward a copy of that notice to the Borrower or the Lenders, as appropriate.

 

6.4

Sale of Vessel In the event of a sale or disposal of the Vessel, the Borrower shall, on the date of the sale or disposal, prepay the Loan in full. Any such prepayment shall oblige the Borrower to make payment of all interest and Commitment Commission accrued on the amount so prepaid up to and including the date of prepayment together with any Break Costs in respect of such prepaid amount if the date of such prepayment is not the final day of an Interest Period, and to unwind any Transaction if and to the extent that it relates to the prepaid amount.

 

6.5

Total Loss In the event that the Vessel becomes a Total Loss:

 

 

6.5.1

the Borrower shall, on the earlier to occur of (x) the date on which the Borrower receives the proceeds of such Total Loss and (y) the one hundred and eightieth day after the date of such Total Loss occurring, prepay the Loan in full together with accrued interest and, subject to any Break Costs, without premium or penalty provided always that if such date is not the final day of an Interest Period, the Borrower may instead place the relevant sum in an account with the Security Agent, charged to the Security Agent in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Lenders, with an irrevocable instruction to the Security Agent to apply such sum in prepayment of the Loan on the final day of such Interest Period; and

 

Page 22


 

6.5.2

the Loan (if not yet drawn) will not be advanced after the occurrence of a Total Loss; and

 

 

6.5.3

the Borrower shall, at the same time that any prepayment is made under 6.5.1 above, unwind any Transaction if and to the extent it relates to the prepaid amount.

 

7

Interest

 

7.1

Interest Periods The period during which the Loan shall be outstanding under this Agreement shall be divided into consecutive Interest Periods of three or six months’ duration, as selected by the Borrower by written notice to the Agent not later than 11.00 a.m. on the third Business Day before the beginning of the Interest Period in question, or such other duration as may be agreed by the Agent (acting on the instructions of all the Lenders).

 

7.2

Beginning and end of Interest Periods The first Interest Period shall begin on the Drawdown Date and shall end on the last day of the Interest Period selected in accordance with Clause 7.1. Any subsequent Interest Period shall commence on the day following the last day of its previous Interest Period and shall end on the last day of its current Interest Period selected in accordance with Clause 7.1.

 

7.3

I nterest Periods to meet Repayment Date If an Interest Period will expire after the next Repayment Date, there shall be a separate Interest Period for that part of the Loan equal to the Repayment Instalment due on that next Repayment Date and that separate Interest Period shall expire on that next Repayment Date.

 

7.4

Non-Business Days If an Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, that Interest Period will instead end on the next Business Day in that calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not).

 

7.5

Interest rate During each Interest Period interest shall accrue on the Loan at the rate determined by the Agent to be the aggregate of (a) the Margin and (b) LIBOR.

 

7.6

Failure to select Interest Period If the Borrower at any time fails to select or agree an Interest Period in accordance with Clause 7.1, the interest rate applicable shall be based on an Interest Period of three (3) months.

 

7.7

Accrual and payment of interest Interest shall accrue from day to day, shall be calculated on the basis of a 360 day year and the actual number of days elapsed (or, in any circumstance where market practice differs, in accordance with the prevailing market practice) and shall be paid by the Borrower to the Agent for the account of the Lenders on the last day of each Interest Period and, if the Interest Period is longer than three months, on the dates falling at three monthly intervals after the first day of that Interest Period.

 

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7.8

Default interest If the Borrower fails to pay any amount payable by it under a Finance Document on its due date, interest shall accrue on the overdue amount from the due date, subject to any applicable grace period, up to the date of actual payment (both before and after judgment) at a rate which is one point five per cent (1.5%) higher than the rate which would have been payable if the overdue amount had, during the period of non-payment, constituted the Loan for successive Interest Periods, each selected by the Agent (acting reasonably). Any interest accruing under this Clause 7.8 shall be immediately payable by the Borrower on demand by the Agent. If unpaid, any such interest will be compounded with the overdue amount at the end of each Interest Period applicable to that overdue amount but will remain immediately due and payable.

 

7.9

Absence of quotations Subject to Clause 7.10, if LIBOR is to be determined by reference to the Reference Banks but a Reference Bank does not supply a quotation by 11.00 am on the Quotation Day, the applicable LIBOR shall be determined on the basis of the quotations of the remaining Reference Banks.

 

7.10

Market disruption If a Market Disruption Event occurs for any Interest Period, then the rate of interest on each Lender’s share of the Loan for that Interest Period shall be the percentage rate per annum which is the sum of:

 

 

7.10.1

the Margin; and

 

 

7.10.2

the rate notified to the Agent by that Lender as soon as practicable, and in any event by close of business on the date falling 10 Business Days after the Quotation Day (or, if earlier, on the date falling 10 Business Days prior to the date on which interest is due to be paid in respect of that Interest Period), to be that which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to that Lender of funding its participation in the Loan from whatever source it may reasonably select.

In this Agreement “ Market Disruption Event ” means:

 

 

(a)

at or about noon on the Quotation Day for the relevant Interest Period LIBOR is to be determined by reference to the Reference Banks and none or only one of the Reference Banks supplies a rate to the Agent to determine LIBOR for dollars and the relevant Interest Period; or

 

 

(b)

before close of business in London on the Quotation Day for the relevant Interest Period, the Agent receives notifications from a Lender or Lenders (whose participations in the Loan exceed 50 per cent of the Loan) that the cost to it of funding its participation in the Loan from whatever source it may reasonably select would be in excess of LIBOR.

 

7.11

Alternative basis of interest or funding

 

 

7.11.1

If a Market Disruption Event occurs and the Agent or the Borrower so requires, the Agent and the Borrower shall enter into negotiations (for a period of not more than thirty days) with a view to agreeing a substitute basis for determining the rate of interest.

 

Page 24


 

7.11.2

Any alternative basis agreed pursuant to Clause 7.11.1 shall, with the prior consent of all the Lenders and the Borrower, be binding on all Parties.

 

 

7.11.3

If an alternative basis is not agreed pursuant to Clause 7.11.1, the relevant Lender shall cease to be obliged to advance its Commitment, but, if it has already been advanced, the Borrower will immediately prepay the relevant Commitment, together with accrued interest (calculated in accordance with Clause 7.10) and Break Costs, and the remaining Repayment Instalments shall be reduced pro rata.

 

7.12

Determinations conclusive The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower of the determination of a rate of interest under this Clause 7 and each such determination shall (save in the case of manifest error) be final and conclusive.

 

7.13

Master Agreements The Borrower shall execute the Master Agreements with the Swap Providers on or about the date of this Agreement. Execution of the Master Agreements does not commit the Swap Providers to conclude any Transactions, or even to offer terms of doing so, but does provide a contractual framework within which Transactions may be concluded and secured, assuming that the Swap Providers are willing to conclude a Transaction at the relevant time and that, if that is the case, mutually acceptable terms can be agreed at the relevant time. The Borrower shall promptly notify the Agent of any Transactions that are concluded and secured under the Security Documents and provide the Agent with a copy of the terms governing the same.

 

8

Indemnities

 

8.1

Transaction expenses The Borrower will, within fourteen (14) days of the Agent’s written demand, pay the Agent (for the account of the Finance Parties) the amount of all reasonable out of pocket costs and expenses (including legal fees and VAT or any similar or replacement tax if applicable) reasonably incurred by the Finance Parties or any of them in connection with:

 

 

8.1.1

the negotiation, preparation, printing, execution and registration of the Finance Documents (whether or not any Finance Document is actually executed or registered and whether or not all or any part of the Loan is advanced);

 

 

8.1.2

any amendment, addendum or supplement to any Finance Document (whether or not completed); and

 

 

8.1.3

any other document which may at any time be required by a Finance Party to give effect to any Finance Document or which a Finance Party is entitled to call for or obtain under any Finance Document.

 

8.2

Funding costs The Borrower shall indemnify each Finance Party, by payment to the Agent (for the account of that Finance Party) on the Agent’s written demand, against all losses and costs incurred or sustained by that Finance Party if, for any reason due to a default or other action by the Borrower, the Loan is not advanced to the Borrower after the Drawdown Notice has been given to the Agent, or is advanced on a date other than that requested in the Drawdown Notice.

 

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8.3

Break Costs The Borrower shall indemnify each Finance Party, by payment to the Agent (for the account of that Finance Party) on the Agent’s written demand, against all documented costs, losses, premiums or penalties incurred by that Finance Party as a result of its receiving any prepayment of all or any part of the Loan (whether pursuant to Clause 6 or otherwise) on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period for the Loan, or any other payment under or in relation to the Finance Documents on a day other than the due date for payment of the sum in question, including (without limitation) any losses or costs incurred in liquidating or re-employing deposits from third parties acquired to effect or maintain all or any part of the Loan, and any liabilities, expenses or losses incurred by that Finance Party in terminating or reversing, or otherwise in connection with, any interest rate and/or currency swap, transaction or arrangement entered into by that Finance Party with any member of the Group to hedge any exposure arising under this Agreement, or in terminating or reversing, or otherwise in connection with, any open position arising under this Agreement.

 

8.4

Currency indemnity In the event of a Finance Party receiving or recovering any amount payable under a Finance Document in a currency other than the Currency of Account, and if the amount received or recovered is insufficient when converted into the Currency of Account at the date of receipt to satisfy in full the amount due, the Borrower shall, on the Agent’s written demand, pay to the Agent for the account of the relevant Finance Party such further amount in the Currency of Account as is sufficient to satisfy in full the amount due and that further amount shall be due to the Agent on behalf of the relevant Finance Party as a separate debt under this Agreement.

 

8.5

Other Indemnities

 

 

8.5.1

The Borrower shall (or shall procure that a Security Party will), within three Business Days of demand, indemnify each Finance Party against any cost, loss or liability reasonably incurred by it as a result of:

 

 

(a)

a failure by a Security Party to pay any amount due under a Finance Document on its due date, including without limitation, any cost, loss or liability arising as a result of Clause 15.22;

 

 

(b)

the Loan (or part of the Loan) not being prepaid in accordance with a notice of prepayment given by the Borrower.

 

8.6

Increased costs

 

 

8.6.1

Subject to Clause 8.8, the Borrower shall, within three Business Days of a demand by the Agent, pay for the account of a Finance Party the amount of any Increased Costs incurred by that Finance Party or any of its Affiliates as a result of (i) the introduction of or any change in (or in the interpretation, administration or application of) any law or regulation or (ii) compliance with any law or regulation made after the date of this Agreement (including the implementation or application of or compliance with Basel III (whether such implementation, application or compliance is by any central or any fiscal, monetary or other authority, a Finance Party or the holding company of a Finance Party)).

 

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8.6.2

In this Agreement “ Increased Costs ” means:

 

 

(i)

a reduction in the rate of return from the Loan or on a Finance Party’s (or its Affiliate’s) overall capital;

 

 

(ii)

an additional or increased cost; or

 

 

(iii)

a reduction of any amount due and payable under any Finance Document,

which is incurred or suffered by a Finance Party or any of its Affiliates to the extent that it is attributable to that Finance Party having entered into any Finance Document or funding or performing its obligations under any Finance Document.

 

8.7

Increased cost claims

 

 

8.7.1

A Finance Party intending to make a claim pursuant to Clause 8.6 shall notify the Agent of the event giving rise to the claim, following which the Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower.

 

 

8.7.2

Each Finance Party shall, as soon as practicable after a demand by the Agent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its Increased Costs.

For the purposes of Clause 8.6:

Basel III ” means (a) the agreements on capital requirements, a leverage ratio and liquidity standards contained in “Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems”, “Basel III: International framework for liquidity risk measurement, standards and monitoring” and “Guidance for national authorities operating the countercyclical capital buffer” published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010, each as amended, supplemented or restated and (b) any further guidance or standards published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision relating to “Basel III”; and

holding company ” means, in respect of a Finance Party, the company or entity (if any) within the consolidated supervision of which that Finance Party is included.

 

8.8

Exceptions to increased costs Clause 8.6 does not apply to the extent any Increased Costs is:

 

 

8.8.1

compensated for by a payment made under Clause 8.11; or

 

 

8.8.2

compensated for by a payment made under Clause 17.3; or

 

 

8.8.3

attributable to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party; or

 

 

8.8.4

attributable to the wilful breach by the relevant Finance Party (or the holding company of that Finance Party) of any law or regulation; or

 

 

8.8.5

attributable to the implementation or application of, or compliance with, the “International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards, a Revised Framework” published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in June 2004 in the form existing on the date of this Agreement (but excluding any amendment arising out of Basel III) ( “Basel II ) or any other law or regulation which implements Basel II (whether such implementation, application or compliance is by a government, regulator, the relevant Finance Party or any holding company of the relevant Finance Party).

 

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8.9

Events of Default The Borrower shall indemnify each Finance Party from time to time, by payment to the Agent (for the account of that Finance Party) on the Agent’s written demand, against all losses and costs incurred or sustained by that Finance Party as a consequence of any Event of Default.

 

8.10

Enforcement cost s The Borrower shall pay to the Agent (for the account of each Finance Party) on the Agent’s written demand the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Finance Party in connection with the enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights under, any Finance Document including (without limitation) any losses, costs and expenses which that Finance Party may from time to time sustain, incur or become liable for by reason of that Finance Party being a lender to the Borrower. No such indemnity will be given where any such loss or cost has occurred due to gross negligence or wilful misconduct on the part of that Finance Party; however, this shall not affect the right of any other Finance Party to receive such indemnity.

 

8.11

Taxes

 

 

8.11.1

The Borrower shall (within three (3) Business Days of demand by the Agent) pay to a Protected Party an amount equal to the loss, liability or cost which that Protected Party determines will be or has been (directly or indirectly) suffered for or on account of Tax by that Protected Party in respect of a Finance Document.

 

 

8.11.2

Clause 8.11.1 above shall not apply:

 

 

(a)

with respect to any Tax assessed on a Finance Party:

 

 

(i)

under the law of the jurisdiction in which that Finance Party is incorporated or, if different, the jurisdiction (or jurisdictions) in which that Finance Party is treated as resident for tax purposes; or

 

 

(ii)

under the law of the jurisdiction in which that Finance Party’s Facility Office is located in respect of amounts received or receivable in that jurisdiction,

if that Tax is imposed on or calculated by reference to the net income received or receivable (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) by that Finance Party;

 

 

(b)

to the extent a loss, liability or cost is compensated for by an increased payment under Clause 17.3; or

 

 

(c)

to the extent a loss, liability or cost relates to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party.

 

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8.11.3

A Protected Party making, or intending to make a claim under paragraph 8.11.1 above shall promptly notify the Agent of the event which will give, or has given, rise to the claim, following which the Agent shall notify the Borrower.

 

 

8.11.4

A Protected Party shall, on receiving a payment from a Security Party under this Clause 8.11, notify the Agent.

 

8.12

VAT

 

 

8.12.1

All amounts set out or expressed in a Finance Document to be payable by any Party to a Finance Party which (in whole or in part) constitute the consideration for a supply or supplies for VAT purposes shall be deemed to be exclusive of any VAT which is chargeable on such supply or supplies, and accordingly, subject to paragraph (b) below, if VAT is or becomes chargeable on any supply made by any Finance Party to any Party under a Finance Document, that Party shall pay to the Finance Party (in addition to and at the same time as paying any other consideration for such supply) an amount equal to the amount of such VAT (and such Finance Party shall promptly provide an appropriate VAT invoice to such Party).

 

 

8.12.2

If VAT is or becomes chargeable on any supply made by any Finance Party (the “ Supplier ”) to any other Finance Party (the “ Recipient ”) under a Finance Document, and any Party other than the Recipient (the “ Subject Party ”) is required by the terms of any Finance Document to pay an amount equal to the consideration for such supply to the Supplier (rather than being required to reimburse the Recipient in respect of that consideration), such Party shall also pay to the Supplier (in addition to and at the same time as paying such amount) an amount equal to the amount of such VAT. The Recipient will promptly pay to the Subject Party an amount equal to any credit or repayment obtained by the Recipient from the relevant tax authority which the Recipient reasonably determines is in respect of such VAT.

 

 

8.12.3

Where a Finance Document requires any Party to reimburse or indemnify a Finance Party for any cost or expense, that Party shall reimburse or indemnify (as the case may be) such Finance Party for the full amount of such cost or expense, including such part thereof as represents VAT, save to the extent that such Finance Party reasonably determines that it is entitled to credit or repayment in respect of such VAT from the relevant tax authority.

 

 

8.12.4

Any reference in this Clause 8.12 to any Party shall, at any time when such Party is treated as a member of a group for VAT purposes, include (where appropriate and unless the context otherwise requires) a reference to the representative member of such group at such time (the term “representative member” to have the same meaning as in the Value Added Tax Act 1994).

 

8.13

FATCA Information

The provisions in this Clause 8.13 shall apply after the FATCA Application Date.

 

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8.13.1

Subject to clause 8.13.3 below, each Party shall, within ten (10) Business Days of a reasonable request by another Party:

 

 

(a)

confirm to that other Party whether it is:

 

 

(i)

a FATCA Exempt Party; or

 

 

(ii)

not a FATCA Exempt Party; and

 

 

(b)

supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status under FATCA (including its applicable “passthru payment percentage” or other information required under the US Treasury Regulations or other official guidance including intergovernmental agreements) as that other Party reasonably requests for the purposes of that other Party’s compliance with FATCA.

 

 

8.13.2

If a Party confirms to another Party pursuant to clause 8.13.1(a) above that it is a FATCA Exempt Party and it subsequently becomes aware that it is not, or has ceased to be a FATCA Exempt Party, that Party shall notify that other Party reasonably promptly.

 

 

8.13.3

Clause 8.13.1 above shall not oblige any Party to do anything which would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of:

 

 

(a)

any law or regulation;

 

 

(b)

any fiduciary duty; or

 

 

(c)

any duty of confidentiality.

 

 

8.13.4

If a Party fails to confirm its status or to supply forms, documentation or other information requested in accordance with clause 8.13.1 above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where clause 8.13.3 above applies), then:

 

 

(a)

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

 

 

(b)

if that Party failed to confirm its applicable “passthru payment percentage” then such Party shall be treated for the purposes of the Finance Documents (and payments made thereunder) as if its applicable “passthru payment percentage” is 100%,

until (in each case) such time as the Party in question provides the requested confirmation, forms, documentation or other information.

 

8.14

FATCA Deduction

 

 

8.14.1

Each Party may make any FATCA Deduction it is required by FATCA to make, and any payment required in connection with that FATCA Deduction, and no Party shall be required to increase any payment in respect of which it makes such a FATCA Deduction or otherwise compensate the recipient of the payment for that FATCA Deduction.

 

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8.14.2

Each Party shall promptly, upon becoming aware that it must make a FATCA Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such FATCA Deduction) notify the Party to whom it is making the payment and, in addition, shall notify the Borrower, the Agent and the other Finance Parties.

 

9

Fees

 

9.1

Commitment fee The Borrower shall pay to the Agent (for the account of the Lenders in proportion to their Commitments) a fee computed at a per annum rate of forty per cent (40%) of the Margin on the daily undrawn and uncancelled amount of the Maximum Amount for the Facility from time to time for the period beginning on the Execution Date until the earlier of the Drawdown Date and the Final Availability Date. The accrued Commitment Fee is payable quarterly in arrears and on the Final Availability Date or the Drawdown Date, whichever is the earlier.

 

9.2

Arrangement fee The Borrower shall pay to the Agent an arrangement fee in the amount and at the times agreed in the Fee Letter.

 

10

Security and Application of Moneys

 

10.1

Security Documents As security for the payment of the Indebtedness, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Agent or cause to be executed and delivered to the Agent at the relevant time, the following documents in such forms and containing such terms and conditions as the Agent shall require:

 

 

10.1.1

an unconditional and irrevocable on demand guarantee and indemnity from the Guarantor;

 

 

10.1.2

a first priority deed of charge over the Master Agreement Benefits;

 

 

10.1.3

a first priority statutory mortgage over the Vessel together with a collateral deed of covenants;

 

 

10.1.4

a first priority deed or deeds of assignment from the Borrower and the Bareboat Charterer of the Insurances and the Requisition Compensation of the Vessel and, in the case of the Borrower only, the Earnings, the Bareboat Charter, any Other Charter and the Bareboat Charter Guarantee and including (in the case of the Bareboat Charterer) an agreement whereby its interests under the Bareboat Charter are subordinated to the interests of the Finance Parties under the Mortgage subject to certain rights of quiet enjoyment as between the Agent and the Bareboat Charterer;

 

 

10.1.5

a first priority charge over all the membership interests in the Borrower;

 

 

10.1.6

a first priority deed of charge over the Earnings Account and all amounts from time to time standing to the credit of the Earnings Account; and

 

 

10.1.7

at any time when any Approved Manager is not an Affiliate of Teekay or TGP, a Manager’s Confirmation.

 

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10.2

Earnings Account The Borrower shall maintain the Earnings Account with the Account Holder for the duration of the Facility Period free of Encumbrances and rights of set off other than those created by or under the Finance Documents.

 

10.3

Earnings The Borrower shall procure that all Earnings and any Requisition Compensation are credited without delay or deductions to the Earnings Account.

 

10.4

Withdrawals from Earnings Account During the Facility Period the Borrower may freely withdraw any sum standing to the credit of the Earnings Account except as restricted by this Clause 10.

 

10.5

Relocation of Accounts At any time following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default which is unremedied or unwaived, the Agent may without the consent of the Borrower block or relocate the Earnings Account to any other branch of the Agent, without prejudice to the continued application of this Clause 10 and the rights of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents.

 

10.6

Application after acceleration From and after the giving of notice to the Borrower by the Agent under Clause 13.2, the Borrower shall procure that all sums from time to time standing to the credit of the Earnings Account are immediately transferred to the Agent for application in accordance with Clause 10.7 and the Borrower irrevocably authorises the Agent to make those transfers.

 

10.7

General application of moneys Whilst an Event of Default is continuing unremedied and unwaived the Borrower irrevocably authorises the Agent to apply all sums which it may receive under or in connection with any Security Documents, in or towards satisfaction, or by way of retention on account, of the Indebtedness, as follows:

 

 

(a)

first in payment of all outstanding fees and expenses of the Agent;

 

 

(b)

secondly in or towards payment of all outstanding interest hereunder;

 

 

(c)

thirdly in or towards payment of all outstanding principal hereunder;

 

 

(d)

fourthly in or towards payment of all other Indebtedness that has fallen due in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

 

(e)

fifthly in or towards payment of all sums that have fallen due in accordance with the terms of the Master Agreements on a pro rata basis; and

 

 

(f)

sixthly the balance, if any, shall be remitted to the Borrower or whoever may be entitled thereto.

 

10.8

Additional security If at any time following (i) the termination of the Bareboat Charter during its initial charter period (prior to its extension in accordance with clause 3 of the Additional Clauses to the Bareboat Charter) and (ii) the Borrower’s failure within twelve (12) months of such termination to enter into any Other Charter with the Bareboat Charterer or any other charterer (reasonably acceptable to the Lenders), the aggregate of the market value of the Vessel (such market value to be conclusively determined by taking the average of two (2) Valuations of the Vessel obtained from two (2) Approved Brokers (one appointed by the Agent and one appointed by the Borrower)) and the value of any additional security determined by the Agent acting reasonably for the time being provided to the Agent under this Clause 10.8 is less than one hundred and twenty five per cent (125%) of the amount of the Loan then outstanding, the Borrower shall, within thirty (30) days of the Agent’s request, at the Borrower’s option:

 

Page 32


 

10.8.1

pay to the Agent or to its nominee a cash deposit in Dollars in the amount of the shortfall to be secured in favour of the Agent as additional security for the payment of the Indebtedness; or

 

 

10.8.2

give to the Agent other additional security in amount and form acceptable to the Agent in its discretion; or

 

 

10.8.3

prepay the Loan in the amount of the shortfall.

Clauses 5.5, 6.2 and 6.3 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to any prepayment made under this Clause 10.8 and the value of any additional security provided shall be determined as stated above.

The assessment as to any requirement of the Borrower to provide additional security under this Clause 10.8 shall be determined at the Lenders’ option no earlier than twelve (12) months after the termination of the Bareboat Charter during its initial charter period and thereafter no more than once during each three (3) month period. The Borrower shall bear the cost of (i) two sets of Valuations obtained by the Agent pursuant to this Clause 10.8 during each twelve (12) month period throughout the Facility Period and (ii) following the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing unremedied and unwaived, any other Valuations obtained by the Agent, on such other occasions as the Agent may request (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders).

 

11

Representations and Warranties

The Borrower represents and warrants to each of the Finance Parties at the Execution Date and (by reference to the facts and circumstances then pertaining) at the date of the Drawdown Notice, at the Drawdown Date and at each Interest Payment Date as follows (except that the representation and warranty contained at Clause 11.7 shall only be made on the Execution Date and the Drawdown Date and the representations and warranties at Clause 11.2 and Clause 11.19 shall only be made on the Execution Date):

 

11.1

Status and Due Authorisation Each of the Security Parties is a corporation or limited partnership or limited liability company duly incorporated or formed under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, organisation or formation (as the case may be) with power to enter into the Finance Documents and to exercise its rights and perform its obligations under the Finance Documents and all corporate and other action required to authorise its execution of the Finance Documents and its performance of its obligations thereunder has been duly taken.

 

11.2

No Deductions or Withholding Under the laws of the Security Parties’ respective jurisdictions of incorporation or formation in force at the date hereof, none of the Security Parties will be required to make any deduction or withholding from any payment it may make under any of the Finance Documents.

 

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11.3

Claims Pari Passu Under the laws of the Security Parties’ respective jurisdictions of incorporation or formation in force at the date hereof, the Indebtedness will, to the extent that it exceeds the realised value of any security granted in respect of the Indebtedness, rank at least pari passu with all the Security Parties’ other unsecured indebtedness save that which is preferred solely by any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws of general application.

 

11.4

No Immunity In any proceedings taken in any of the Security Parties’ respective jurisdictions of incorporation or formation in relation to any of the Finance Documents, none of the Security Parties will be entitled to claim for itself or any of its assets immunity from suit, execution, attachment or other legal process.

 

11.5

Governing Law and Judgments In any proceedings taken in any of the Security Parties’ jurisdiction of incorporation or formation in relation to any of the Finance Documents in which there is an express choice of the law of a particular country as the governing law thereof, that choice of law and any judgment or (if applicable) arbitral award obtained in that country will be recognised and enforced.

 

11.6

Validity and Admissibility in Evidence As at the date hereof, all acts, conditions and things required to be done, fulfilled and performed in order (a) to enable each of the Security Parties lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights under and perform and comply with the obligations expressed to be assumed by it in the Finance Documents, (b) to ensure that the obligations expressed to be assumed by each of the Security Parties in the Finance Documents are legal, valid and binding and (c) to make the Finance Documents admissible in evidence in the jurisdictions of incorporation or formation of each of the Security Parties, have been done, fulfilled and performed.

 

11.7

No Filing or Stamp Taxes Under the laws of the Security Parties’ respective jurisdictions of incorporation or formation in force at the date hereof, it is not necessary that any of the Finance Documents be filed, recorded or enrolled with any court or other authority in its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation (other than the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales or the relevant maritime registry, to the extent applicable) or that any stamp, registration or similar tax be paid on or in relation to any of the Finance Documents.

 

11.8

Binding Obligations The obligations expressed to be assumed by each of the Security Parties in the Finance Documents are legal and valid obligations, binding on each of them in accordance with the terms of the Security Documents and no limit on any of their powers will be exceeded as a result of the borrowings, granting of security or giving of guarantees contemplated by the Finance Documents or the performance by any of them of any of their obligations thereunder.

 

11.9

No misleading information To the best of its knowledge, any factual information provided by any Security Party to any Finance Party in connection with the Loan was true and accurate in all material respects as at the date it was provided and is not misleading in any respect.

 

11.10

No Winding-up None of the Security Parties has taken any corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership action nor have any other steps been taken or legal proceedings been started or (to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge and belief) threatened against any Security Party for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, trustee or similar officer of it or of any or all of its assets or revenues which might have a Material Adverse Effect on the business or financial condition of the Group taken as a whole.

 

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11.11

Solvency

 

 

11.11.1

None of the Security Parties nor the Group taken as a whole is unable, or admits or has admitted its inability, to pay its debts or has suspended making payments in respect of any of its debts.

 

 

11.11.2

None of the Security Parties by reason of actual or anticipated financial difficulties, has commenced, or intends to commence, negotiations with one or more of its creditors with a view to rescheduling any of its indebtedness.

 

 

11.11.3

The value of the assets of each Security Party and the Group taken as a whole is not less than the liabilities of such entity or the Group taken as a whole (as the case may be) (taking into account contingent and prospective liabilities).

 

 

11.11.4

No moratorium has been, or may, in the reasonably foreseeable future be, declared in respect of any indebtedness of any Security Party.

 

11.12

No Material Defaults

 

 

11.12.1

Without prejudice to Clause 11.12.2, none of the Security Parties are in breach of or in default under any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or any of its assets to an extent or in a manner which might have a Material Adverse Effect on the business or financial condition of the Group taken as a whole.

 

 

11.12.2

No Event of Default is continuing or might reasonably be expected to result from the advance of the Loan or any part thereof.

 

11.13

No Material Proceedings No action or administrative proceeding of or before any court, arbitral body or agency which is not covered by adequate insurance or which might have a Material Adverse Effect on the business or financial condition of the Group taken as a whole has been started or is reasonably likely to be started.

 

11.14

No Obligation to Create Security The execution of the Finance Documents by the Security Parties and their exercise of their rights and performance of their obligations thereunder will not result in the existence of nor oblige any Security Party to create any Encumbrance over all or any of their present or future revenues or assets, other than pursuant to the Security Documents.

 

11.15

No Breach The execution of the Finance Documents by each of the Security Parties and their exercise of their rights and performance of their obligations under any of the Finance Documents do not constitute and will not result in any breach of any agreement or treaty to which any of them is a party.

 

11.16

Security Each of the Security Parties is the legal and beneficial owner of all assets and other property which it purports to charge, mortgage, pledge, assign or otherwise secure pursuant to each Security Document and those Security Documents to which it is a party create and give rise to valid and effective security having the ranking expressed in those Security Documents.

 

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11.17

Necessary Authorisations The Necessary Authorisations required by each Security Party are in full force and effect, and each Security Party is in compliance with the material provisions of each such Necessary Authorisation relating to it and, to the best of its knowledge, none of the Necessary Authorisations relating to it are the subject of any pending or threatened proceedings or revocation.

 

11.18

No Money Laundering Any amount borrowed hereunder, and the performance of the obligations of the Security Parties under the Finance Documents, will be for the account of members of the Group and will not involve any breach by any of them of any law or regulatory measure relating to “money laundering” as defined in Article 1 of the Directive (2005/60/EEC) of the Council of the European Communities.

 

11.19

Disclosure of material facts The Borrower is not aware of any material facts or circumstances which have not been disclosed to the Agent and which might, if disclosed, have reasonably been expected to adversely affect the decision of a person considering whether or not to make loan facilities of the nature contemplated by this Agreement available to the Borrower.

 

11.20

No breach of laws

 

 

11.20.1

None of the Security Parties has breached any law or regulation which breach has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 

11.20.2

No labour disputes are current or (to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge and belief) threatened against any member of the Group which have or are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

11.21

Environmental laws

 

 

11.21.1

Each member of the Group is in compliance with Clause 12.1.6 and (to the best of its knowledge and belief) no circumstances have occurred which would prevent such compliance in a manner or to an extent which has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 

11.21.2

No Environmental Claim has been commenced or (to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge and belief) is threatened against any member of the Group where that claim has or is reasonably likely, if determined against that member of the Group, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

11.22

Use of Facility The Facility will be used for the purposes specified in the Recital.

 

11.23

Taxation

 

 

11.23.1

The Borrower is not materially overdue in the filing of any Tax returns and it is not overdue in the payment of any amount in respect of Tax of $1,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency) or more, save in the case of Taxes which are being contested on bona fide grounds.

 

 

11.23.2

No claims or investigations are being made or conducted against the Borrower with respect to Taxes such that a liability of, or claim against, the Borrower of $1,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency) or more is reasonably likely to arise.

 

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11.23.3

As far as the Borrower is aware, each of the Security Parties (other than the Guarantor and the Pledgor) is resident for Tax purposes only in the jurisdiction of its incorporation.

 

11.24

Shares

The shares of the Borrower are fully paid and not subject to any option to purchase or similar rights. The constitutional documents of the Borrower do not and could not restrict or inhibit any transfer of those shares on creation or enforcement of the Security Documents. There are no agreements in force which provide for the issue or allotment of, or grant any person the right to call for the issue or allotment of, any share or loan capital of the Borrower (including any option or right of pre-emption or conversion).

 

11.25

Structure Chart

 

 

11.25.1

the Structure Chart delivered or to be delivered to the Agent pursuant to Part II of Schedule 2 is, so far as the Borrower is aware, true, complete and accurate in all material respects and shows the following information:

 

 

(a)

each relevant member of the Group, including current name and company registration number, its jurisdiction of incorporation and/or establishment and (other than in the case of the Guarantor) a list of shareholders; and

 

 

(b)

all minority interests in any member of the Borrower and any person in which the Borrower holds shares in its issued share capital or equivalent ownership interest of such person.

 

 

11.25.2

All necessary loans, transfers, share exchanges and other material steps resulting in the final structure as set out in the Structure Chart have been or will be taken in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations and all requirements of relevant regulatory authorities.

 

11.26

FATCA None of the Security Parties is a FATCA FFI or US Tax Obligor.

 

11.27

Sanctions

No Security Party, nor any Affiliate of any Security Party, nor any of their joint ventures, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives or any other persons acting on any of their behalf:

 

 

11.27.1

is a Restricted Party; or

 

 

11.27.2

has received notice of or is aware of any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation against it with respect to Sanctions by an Sanctions Authority.

 

11.28

Representations Limited The representation and warranties of the Borrower in this Clause 11 are subject to:

 

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11.28.1

the principle that equitable remedies are remedies which may be granted or refused at the discretion of the court;

 

 

11.28.2

the limitation of enforcement by laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganisation, court schemes, moratoria, administration and other laws generally affecting or limiting the rights of creditors;

 

 

11.28.3

the time barring of claims under any applicable limitation acts;

 

 

11.28.4

the possibility that a court may strike out provisions for a contract as being invalid for reasons of oppression, undue influence or similar; and

 

 

11.28.5

any other reservations or qualifications of law expressed in any legal opinions obtained by the Agent in connection with the Facility.

 

12

Undertakings and Covenants

The undertakings and covenants in this Clause 12 remain in force for the duration of the Facility Period.

 

12.1

General Undertakings

 

 

12.1.1

Maintenance of Legal Validity The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of the other Security Parties shall, comply with the terms of and do all that is necessary to maintain in full force and effect all authorisations, approvals, licences and consents required in or by the laws and regulations of its jurisdiction of formation or incorporation and all other applicable jurisdictions, to enable it lawfully to enter into and perform its obligations under the Security Documents and to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of the Security Documents in its jurisdiction of incorporation, formation or organisation and all other applicable jurisdictions.

 

 

12.1.2

Notification of Default The Borrower shall promptly, upon becoming aware of the same, inform the Agent in writing of the occurrence of any Event of Default and, upon receipt of a written request to that effect from the Agent, confirm to the Agent that, save as previously notified to the Agent or as notified in such confirmation, no Event of Default has occurred.

 

 

12.1.3

Claims Pari Passu The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of the other Security Parties shall, ensure that at all times the claims of the Finance Parties against it under the Security Documents rank at least pari passu with the claims of all its other unsecured creditors save those whose claims are preferred by any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up or other similar laws of general application.

 

 

12.1.4

Information: miscellaneous The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of the other Security Parties shall, supply to the Agent:

 

 

(a)

promptly upon becoming aware of them, details of any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings which are current, pending or, provided they are material, threatened against any Security Party, and which, if adversely determined, are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(b)

promptly, details of any capture, seizure, arrest, confiscation or detention of, or act of piracy relating to, the Vessel which remains in existence, or has not been resolved, five (5) Business Days after the initial capture, seizure, arrest, confiscation or detention or act of piracy; and

 

 

(c)

promptly, such information regarding the financial condition, business and operations of any Security Party and the operation of the Vessel as the Agent may reasonably request.

 

 

12.1.5

Necessary Authorisations Without prejudice to Clause 12.1.6 or any other specific provision of the Security Documents relating to an Authorisation, the Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of the other Security Parties shall, (i) obtain, comply with and do all that is necessary to maintain in full force and effect all Necessary Authorisations if a failure to do the same has, or is reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect; and (ii) promptly upon request, supply certified copies to the Agent of all Necessary Authorisations.

 

 

12.1.6

Compliance with Applicable Laws The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of the other Security Parties shall, comply with all applicable laws, including Environmental Laws, to which it may be subject (except as regards Sanctions to which Clause 12.1.7 applies, and anti-corruption laws to which Clause 12.1.8 applies) if a failure to do the same may have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 

12.1.7

Sanctions

 

 

(a)

The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of the other Security Parties shall, ensure that no part of the proceeds of the Loan or other transaction(s) contemplated by any Finance Document shall, directly or indirectly, be used or otherwise make available:

 

 

(i)

to fund any trade, business or other activity involving any Restricted Party;

 

 

(ii)

for the direct or indirect benefit of any Restricted Party; or

 

 

(iii)

in any other manner that would reasonably be expected to result in (i) the occurrence of an Event of Default under Clause 13.1.32, or (ii) any Party (other than the Security Parties) or any Affiliate of such party or any other person being party to or which benefits from any Finance Document being in breach of any Sanction (if and to the extent applicable to either of them) or becoming a Restricted Party.

 

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(b)

Each Security Party shall ensure that its assets, the assets subject to Security Documents or the Vessel shall not be used directly or indirectly:

 

 

(i)

by or for the direct or indirect benefit of any Restricted Party; or

 

 

(ii)

in any trade which is prohibited under applicable Sanctions or which could expose any Security Party, its assets, any asset subject to the Security Documents, the Vessel, any Finance Party or any other person being party to or which benefits from any Finance Document, the Bareboat Charterer, any Approved Manager or insurers to enforcement proceedings or any other consequences whatsoever arising from Sanctions.

 

 

(c)

Each Security Party shall ensure that the Vessel shall not be trading to Iranian ports or carrying or storing/warehousing crude oil, petroleum products or petrochemical products or other products subject to Sanctions if they originate in Iran, or are being exported from Iran to any other country.

 

 

12.1.8

Anti-corruption laws The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of the Security Parties shall, conduct its business in compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws and maintain policies and procedures designed to prove and achieve compliance with such laws.

 

 

12.1.9

Environmental compliance

The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each of the Security Parties (save for the Guarantor and the Pledgor) will:

 

 

(a)

comply with all Environmental Laws;

 

 

(b)

obtain, maintain and ensure compliance with all requisite Environmental Approvals;

 

 

(c)

implement procedures to monitor compliance with and to prevent liability under any Environmental Law;

 

 

(d)

ensure that the Vessel, if applicable, is recycled at a recycling yard which conducts its recycling business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

where failure to do so has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 

12.1.10

Environmental claims

The Borrower shall, promptly upon becoming aware of the same, inform the Agent in writing of:

 

 

(a)

any Environmental Claim against any member of the Group which is current, pending or threatened; and

 

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(b)

any facts or circumstances which are reasonably likely to result in any Environmental Claim being commenced or threatened against any member of the Group,

where the claim, if determined against that member of that Group, has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 

12.1.11

Taxation

 

 

(a)

The Borrower shall pay and discharge all Taxes imposed upon it or its assets within the time period allowed without incurring penalties unless and only to the extent that:

 

 

(i)

such payment is being contested in good faith;

 

 

(ii)

adequate reserves are being maintained for those Taxes and the costs required to contest them; and

 

 

(iii)

such payment can be lawfully withheld and failure to pay those Taxes does not have or is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 

(b)

No member of the Group may change its residence for Tax purposes.

 

 

12.1.12

Loans and Guarantees The Borrower shall not make any loan nor enter into any guarantee and indemnity or otherwise voluntarily assume any actual or contingent liability in respect of any obligation of any other party except for the Loan, investments relating to any maintenance or repair under or pursuant to the Bareboat Charter, unsecured Financial Indebtedness subordinated to the Loan, loans or guarantees made in the ordinary course of business and, provided that no Event of Default has occurred which is continuing unremedied or unwaived, loans or guarantees to any other member of the Group.

 

 

12.1.13

Further Assurance The Borrower shall, at its own expense, promptly take all such action as the Agent may reasonably require for the purpose of perfecting or protecting any Finance Party’s rights with respect to the security created or evidenced (or intended to be created or evidenced) by the Security Documents.

 

 

12.1.14

Inspection of records The Borrower will permit the inspection of its financial records and accounts on reasonable notice from time to time during business hours by the Agent or its nominee.

 

 

12.1.15

Insurance The Borrower shall procure that all of the assets, operation and liability of the members of the Group are insured against such risks, liabilities and for amounts as normally adopted by the industry for similar assets and liabilities and, in the case of the Vessel, in accordance with the terms of the Security Documents.

 

 

12.1.16

Merger and Demerger The Borrower shall not enter into any amalgamations, merger, demerger or corporate restructuring without the prior written consent of all Lenders (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld).

 

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12.1.17

Change of Control The Borrower shall procure that throughout the Facility Period there is no Change of Control with respect to any Security Party.

 

 

12.1.18

Transfer of Assets The Borrower shall not sell or transfer any of its material assets other than:

 

 

(a)

on arm’s length terms to third parties where the net proceeds of sale are used as a prepayment hereunder; or

 

 

(b)

on arm’s length terms to its Affiliates, which are and remain members of the Group.

 

 

12.1.19

Change of Business Except as expressly permitted under the Security Documents, the Borrower shall not carry on any business, other than that of owning, chartering and operating the Vessel.

 

 

12.1.20

Acquisitions The Borrower shall not make any acquisitions or investments without the prior written consent of the Majority Lenders.

 

 

12.1.21

“Know your customer” checks If:

 

 

(a)

the introduction of or any change in (or in the interpretation, administration or application of) any law or regulation made after the date of this Agreement;

 

 

(b)

any change in the status of the Borrower after the date of this Agreement; or

 

 

(c)

a proposed assignment or transfer by a Lender of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a party that is not a Lender prior to such assignment or transfer,

obliges the Agent or any Lender (or, in the case of (c) above, any prospective new Lender) to comply with “know your customer” or similar identification procedures in circumstances where the necessary information is not already available to it, the Borrower shall promptly upon the request of the Agent or any Lender supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Agent (for itself or on behalf of any Lender) or any Lender for itself (or, in the case of (c) above, on behalf of any prospective new Lender) in order for the Agent or that Lender (or, in the case of (c) above, any prospective new Lender) to carry out and be satisfied it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations pursuant to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents.

 

 

12.1.22

New borrowings The Borrower shall not incur or create any new Financial Indebtedness, other than Permitted Financial Indebtedness and normal trade credits in the ordinary course of business, without the prior written consent of the Majority Lenders.

 

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12.1.23

Dividends The Borrower shall not pay any dividends or make other distributions to its shareholders at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default which remains unremedied or unwaived or if the payment of such dividends or distributions would result in an Event of Default.

 

 

12.1.24

Negative Pledge The Borrower shall not create, or permit to subsist, any Encumbrance (other than pursuant to the Security Documents) over all or any part of its assets (including but not limited to the Vessel and the Insurances) other than a Permitted Encumbrances.

 

 

12.1.25

Application of FATCA The Borrower shall promptly notify the Agent if any Security Party becomes or ceases to be a FATCA FFI or a US Tax Obligor.

 

 

12.1.26

Management of Vessel The Borrower shall ensure that (a) the Vessel is at all times technically and commercially managed by an Approved Manager and (b) at any time that the Approved Manager of the Vessel is not an Affiliate of Teekay or TGP, such Approved Manager provides a written confirmation confirming that, among other things, following the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing unremedied and unwaived, all claims of the Approved Manager against the Borrower shall be subordinated to the claims of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents.

 

 

12.1.27

Certificate of Financial Responsibility The Borrower shall, if required, obtain and maintain a certificate of financial responsibility in relation to the Vessel which is to call at the United States of America.

 

 

12.1.28

Registration The Borrower shall not change or permit a change to the flag of the Vessel during the Facility Period other than to a Pre-Approved Flag or under such other flag as may be approved by the Agent acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

 

12.1.29

Performance of Obligations The Borrower shall comply with the material provisions of all material agreements in relation to the Vessel to which the Borrower is a party (including, but not limited to, the Bareboat Charter).

 

 

12.1.30

Enforcement of Obligations The Borrower shall take all reasonable steps to enforce its rights under the Bareboat Charter and any other agreements relating to the Vessel to which it is a party.

 

 

12.1.31

No Material Amendment to Project Agreements The Borrower shall not agree to any material amendment to the terms of or termination of any of the Project Agreements (including, but not limited to, any amendment to the purchase obligation of the Bareboat Charterer contained in Clause 7 of the Additional Clauses to the Bareboat Charter) to which it is a party without the prior written consent of the Majority Lenders (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

 

12.1.32

Restricted Persons The Borrower understands that the Finance Parties are prohibited to conclude transactions or finance transactions with any persons, entities or any other parties (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ Restricted Persons ”) (i) subject to any economic and trade sanctions administrated by the United Nations (“UN”), the European Union (“EU”), the state Secretariat for Economic Affairs (“SECO”) of Switzerland and the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), (ii) owned or controlled by entities or any other parties as defined in (i) hereinbefore.

 

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The Borrower confirms that based on appropriate due diligence it shall not transfer or provide the benefits of any money, proceeds or services provided by or received from the Lenders to such Restricted Persons or conduct any business activity prohibited by one of the sanctions programs mentioned hereinbefore such as entering into any ship acquisition agreement, any ship refinancing agreement and/or any charter agreement related to the Vessel, project, asset or otherwise for which money, proceeds or services have been received from the Lenders.

 

 

12.1.33

TGP Listing The Borrower shall procure that throughout the Facility Period TGP maintains its listing as a publicly-traded master limited partnership on the New York Stock Exchange or such other recognised stock exchange reasonably acceptable to the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Lenders).

 

 

12.1.34

No dealings with Master Agreements Except as otherwise permitted under the Finance Documents, the Borrower shall not assign, novate or encumber or in any other way transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Master Agreements, nor enter into any interest rate exchange or hedging agreement with anyone other than a Swap Provider.

 

13

Events of Default

 

13.1

Events of Default Each of the events or circumstances set out in this Clause 13.1 is an Event of Default.

 

 

13.1.1

Borrower’s Failure to Pay under this Agreement The Borrower fails to pay any amount due from it under this Agreement at the time, in the currency and otherwise in the manner specified herein provided that, if the Borrower can demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Agent that all necessary instructions were given to effect such payment and the non-receipt thereof is attributable solely to an administrative or technical error by the Agent or an error in the banking system or a Disruption Event, such payment shall instead be deemed to be due, solely for the purposes of this paragraph, within three (3) Business Days of the date on which it actually fell due under this Agreement; or

 

 

13.1.2

Misrepresentation Any representation or statement made by any Security Party in any Finance Document to which it is a party or in any notice or other document, certificate or statement delivered by it pursuant thereto or in connection therewith is or proves to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect where the circumstances causing the same give rise to a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

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13.1.3

Specific Covenants A Security Party fails duly to perform or comply with any of the obligations expressed to be assumed by or procured by the Borrower under Clauses 12.1.2, 12.1.7, 12.1.25, 12.1.27 or 12.1.29; or

 

 

13.1.4

Financial Covenants the Guarantor is in breach of the financial covenants set out in Clause 3.2 of the Guarantee at any time; or

 

 

13.1.5

De-listing The Guarantor is de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange for any reason whatsoever; or

 

 

13.1.6

Other Obligations A Security Party fails duly to perform or comply with any of the obligations expressed to be assumed by it in any Finance Document (other than those referred to in Clause 13.1.3, or Clause 13.1.4) and such failure is not remedied within 30 days after the Agent has given notice thereof to the Borrower; or

 

 

13.1.7

Cross Default Any indebtedness of any Security Party is not paid when due (or within any applicable grace period) or any indebtedness of any Security Party is declared, or is capable of being declared, to be or otherwise becomes due and payable prior to its specified maturity where (in either case) the aggregate of all such unpaid or accelerated indebtedness (i) of the Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Borrower) is equal to or greater than one hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency; or (ii) of the Borrower is equal to or greater than five million Dollars ($5,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency or (iii) of any other Security Party is equal to or greater than fifty million Dollars ($50,000,000) or its equivalent in any other Currency; or

 

 

13.1.8

Insolvency and Rescheduling A Security Party is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, commences negotiations with any one or more of its creditors with a view to the general readjustment or rescheduling of its indebtedness or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors or a composition with its creditors; or

 

 

13.1.9

Winding-up A Security Party files for initiation of formal restructuring proceedings, is wound up or declared bankrupt or takes any corporate action or other steps are taken or legal proceedings are started for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or re-organisation or for the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, conservator, custodian, trustee or similar officer of it or of any or all of its revenues or assets or any moratorium is declared or sought in respect of any of its indebtedness; or

 

 

13.1.10

Execution or Distress

 

 

(a)

Any Security Party fails to comply with or pay any sum due from it (within 30 days of such amount falling due) under any final judgment or any final order made or given by any court or other official body of a competent jurisdiction in an aggregate (i) in respect of the Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Borrower) equal to or greater than one hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency; or (ii) in respect of the Borrower equal to or greater than five million Dollars ($5,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency; or in respect of any other Security Party equal to or greater than fifty million Dollars ($50,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency, being a judgment or order against which there is no right of appeal or if a right of appeal exists, where the time limit for making such appeal has expired.

 

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(b)

Any execution or distress is levied against, or an encumbrancer takes possession of, the whole or any part of, the property, undertaking or assets of a Security Party in an aggregate amount (i) in respect of the Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Borrower) equal to or greater than one hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency; or (ii) in respect of the Borrower equal to or greater than five million Dollars ($5,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency; or in respect of any other Security Party equal to or greater than fifty million Dollars ($50,000,000]) or its equivalent in any other currency, other than any execution or distress which is being contested in good faith and which is either discharged within 30 days or in respect of which adequate security has been provided within 30 days to the relevant court or other authority to enable the relevant execution or distress to be lifted or released; or

 

 

13.1.11

Similar Event Any event occurs which, under the laws of any jurisdiction, has a similar or analogous effect to any of those events mentioned in Clauses 13.1.8, 13.1.9 or 13.1.10; or

 

 

13.1.12

Insurances Insurance is not maintained in respect of the Vessel in accordance with the terms of the Security Documents; or

 

 

13.1.13

Class The Vessel has its classification withdrawn by the relevant classification society and if such withdrawal is (in the opinion of the Majority Lenders, acting reasonably) capable of remedy is not reinstated within 21 days; or

 

 

13.1.14

Repudiation Any Security Party repudiates any Finance Document or Project Agreement to which it is a party or does or causes to be done any act or thing evidencing an intention to repudiate any such Finance Document or Project Agreement; or

 

 

13.1.15

Validity and Admissibility At any time any act, condition or thing required to be done, fulfilled or performed in order:

 

 

(a)

to enable any Security Party lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights under and perform the respective obligations expressed to be assumed by it in the Finance Documents;

 

 

(b)

to ensure that the obligations expressed to be assumed by each of the Security Parties in the Finance Documents are legal, valid and binding; or

 

Page 46


 

(c)

to make the Finance Documents admissible in evidence in any applicable jurisdiction

is not done, fulfilled or performed within 30 days after notification from the Agent to the relevant Security Party requiring the same to be done, fulfilled or performed; or

 

 

13.1.16

Illegality At any time it is or becomes unlawful for any Security Party to perform or comply with any or all of its obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is a party or any of the obligations of the Borrower hereunder are not or cease to be legal, valid and binding and such illegality is not remedied or mitigated to the satisfaction of the Agent within thirty (30) days after it has given notice thereof to the relevant Security Party; or

 

 

13.1.17

Material Adverse Change At any time there shall occur a change in the business or operations of a Security Party or a change in the financial condition of any Security Party which, in the reasonable opinion of the Majority Lenders, materially impairs such Security Party’s ability to discharge its obligations under the Finance Documents in the manner provided therein and such change, if capable of remedy, is not so remedied within 30 days of the delivery of a notice confirming such change by the Agent to the relevant Security Party; or

 

 

13.1.18

Qualifications of Financial Statements The auditors of the Group, qualify their report on any audited consolidated financial statements of the Group in any regard which, in the reasonable opinion of the Agent, has a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

 

13.1.19

Master Agreement termination A notice is validly given by a Swap Provider under section 6(a) of the relevant Master Agreement, or by any person under section 6(b)(iv) of that Master Agreement, in either case designating an Early Termination Date for the purpose of that Master Agreement; or

 

 

13.1.20

Conditions Precedent and Subsequent If (a) any of the conditions set out in Clause 3.1. and Clause 3.3 is not satisfied by the relevant time or such other time period specified by the Agent in its discretion, or (b) any of the conditions set out in Clause 3.6 is not satisfied within thirty (30) days or such other time period specified by the Agent in its discretion; or

 

 

13.1.21

Revocation or Modification of consents etc. If any Necessary Authorisation which is now or which at any time during the Facility Period becomes necessary to enable any of the Security Parties to comply with any of their obligations in or pursuant to any of the Finance Documents is revoked, withdrawn or withheld, or modified in a manner which the Agent reasonably considers is, or may be, prejudicial to the interests of a Finance Party in a material manner, or if such Necessary Authorisation ceases to remain in full force and effect; or

 

 

13.1.22

Cessation of Business and Change of Control

 

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(a)

Any of the Security Parties ceases, or threatens to cease, to carry on all or a substantial part of its business; or

 

 

(b)

a Change of Control occurs with respect to any of the Security Parties; or

 

 

13.1.23

Curtailment of Business if the business of any of the Security Parties is wholly or materially curtailed by any intervention by or under authority of any government, or if all or a substantial part of the undertaking, property or assets of any of the Security Parties is seized, nationalised, expropriated or compulsorily acquired by or under authority of any government or any Security Party disposes or threatens to dispose of a substantial part of its business or assets; or

 

 

13.1.24

Reduction of Capital if the Borrower reduces its committed or subscribed capital; or

 

 

13.1.25

Challenge to Registration if the registration of the Vessel or the Mortgage becomes void or voidable or liable to cancellation or termination;

 

 

13.1.26

War if the country of registration of the Vessel becomes involved in war (whether or not declared) or civil war or is occupied by any other power and the Agent reasonably considers that, as a result, the security conferred by the Security Documents is materially prejudiced; or

 

 

13.1.27

Notice of Termination if the Guarantor gives notice to the Agent to determine its obligations under the Guarantee; or

 

 

13.1.28

Environmental Matters

 

 

(a)

any Environmental Claim is pending or made against the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Environmental Affiliates or in connection with the Vessel, where such Environmental Claim has a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 

(b)

any actual Environmental Incident occurs in connection with the Vessel, where such Environmental Incident has a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

 

13.1.29

Arrest of Vessel any capture, arrest, seizure, confiscation, detention or similar proceeding is commenced against the Vessel in any jurisdiction and not released within thirty (30) Business Days from such capture, arrest, seizure, confiscation, detention or similar proceeding; or

 

 

13.1.30

Loss of Property all or a substantial part of the business or assets of any Security Party is destroyed, abandoned, seized, appropriated or forfeited for any reason, and such occurrence in the reasonable opinion of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) has or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

 

13.1.31

Termination or material breach If:

 

Page 48


 

(a)

any of the Management Agreements is terminated unless any such Management Agreement is replaced by a new Management Agreement with an Approved Manager within thirty (30) days of such termination; or

 

 

(b)

any of the Project Agreements is breached by a Security Party in a manner that gives rise to a right to terminate such Project Agreement or treat it as repudiated by the relevant counterparty or any of its Affiliates.

 

 

13.1.32

Sanctions Any Security Party, any Affiliate of any Security Party, any of their joint ventures or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives or any other persons acting on any of their behalf, becomes a Restricted Party.

 

13.2

Acceleration If an Event of Default is continuing unremedied or unwaived the Agent may (with the consent of the Majority Lenders) and shall (at the request of the Majority Lenders) by notice to the Borrower cancel any part of the Maximum Amount not then advanced and:

 

 

13.2.1

declare that the Loan, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued or outstanding under the Finance Documents are immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall become immediately due and payable; and/or

 

 

13.2.2

declare that the Loan is payable on demand, whereupon it shall immediately become payable on demand by the Agent; and/or

 

 

13.2.3

declare the Commitments terminated and the Maximum Amount reduced to zero.

 

14

Assignment and Sub-Participation

 

14.1

Lenders’ rights A Lender may assign any of its rights under this Agreement or transfer by novation any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any other branch or Affiliate of that Lender or to any other Lender (or an Affiliate of another Lender) or (subject to the prior written consent of the Guarantor, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld but not to be required at any time after an Event of Default which is continuing unremedied or unwaived) to any other bank or financial institution, or any trust, fund or other entity which is regularly engaged in, or established for the purpose of, making, purchasing or investing in loans, securities or other financial assets, and may grant sub-participations in all or any part of its Commitment in the Loan. Where the consent of the Guarantor is required, the Guarantor shall be deemed to have given their consent if no express refusal is given within five (5) Business Days.

 

14.2

Borrower’s co-operation The Borrower will co-operate fully with a Lender in connection with any assignment, transfer or sub-participation by that Lender; will execute and procure the execution of such documents as that Lender may require in that connection including, but not limited to, re-executing any Security Documents (if required); and irrevocably authorises any Finance Party to disclose to any proposed assignee, transferee or sub-participant (whether before or after any assignment, transfer or sub-participation and whether or not any assignment, transfer or sub-participation shall take place) all information relating to the Security Parties, the Loan and the Relevant Documents which any Finance Party may in its discretion consider necessary or desirable (subject to any duties of confidentiality applicable to the Lenders generally).

 

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14.3

Rights of assignee Any assignee of a Lender shall (unless limited by the express terms of the assignment) take the full benefit of every provision of the Finance Documents benefiting that Lender provided that an assignment will only be effective on notification by the Agent to that Lender and the assignee that the Agent is satisfied it has complied with all necessary “Know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the assignment to the assignee.

 

14.4

Transfer Certificates If a Lender wishes to transfer any of its rights and obligations under or pursuant to this Agreement, it may do so by delivering to the Agent a duly completed Transfer Certificate, in which event on the Transfer Date:

 

 

14.4.1

to the extent that that Lender seeks to transfer its rights and obligations, the Borrower (on the one hand) and that Lender (on the other) shall be released from all further obligations towards the other;

 

 

14.4.2

the Borrower (on the one hand) and the transferee (on the other) shall assume obligations towards the other identical to those released pursuant to Clause 14.4.1; and

 

 

14.4.3

the Agent, each of the Lenders and the transferee shall have the same rights and obligations between themselves as they would have had if the transferee had been an original party to this Agreement as a Lender

provided that the Agent shall only be obliged to execute a Transfer Certificate once:

 

 

(a)

it is satisfied it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the transfer to the transferee; and

 

 

(b)

the transferee has paid to the Agent for its own account a transfer fee of five thousand Dollars.

The Agent shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after it has executed a Transfer Certificate, send to the Borrower and the Lenders a copy of that Transfer Certificate.

 

14.5

Finance Documents Unless otherwise expressly provided in any Finance Document or otherwise expressly agreed between a Lender and any proposed transferee and notified by that Lender to the Agent on or before the relevant Transfer Date, there shall automatically be assigned to the transferee with any transfer of a Lender’s rights and obligations under or pursuant to this Agreement the rights of that Lender under or pursuant to the Finance Documents (other than this Agreement) which relate to the portion of that Lender’s rights and obligations transferred by the relevant Transfer Certificate.

 

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14.6

No assignment or transfer by the Borrower The Borrower may not assign any of its rights or transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

14.7

Security over Lenders’ rights In addition to the other rights provided to Lenders under this Clause 14, each Lender may without consulting with or obtaining consent from any Security Party, at any time charge, assign or otherwise create an Encumbrance in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document to secure obligations of that Lender including, without limitation:

 

 

14.7.1

any charge, assignment or other Encumbrance to secure obligations to a federal reserve or central bank; and

 

 

14.7.2

in the case of any Lender which is a fund, any charge, assignment or other Security granted to any holders (or trustee or representatives of holders) of obligations owed, or securities issued, by that Lender as security for those obligations or securities,

except that no such charge, assignment or Security shall:

 

 

(a)

release a Lender from any of its obligations under the Finance Documents or substitute the beneficiary of the relevant charge, assignment or other Encumbrance for the Lender as a party to any of the Finance Documents; or

 

 

(b)

require any payments to be made by any Security Party or grant to any person any more extensive rights than those required to be made or granted to the relevant Lender under the Finance Documents.

 

15

The Agent and the Lenders

 

15.1

Appointment

 

 

15.1.1

Each Lender appoints the Agent to act as its agent and/or security trustee under and in connection with the Finance Documents.

 

 

15.1.2

Each Lender authorises the Agent to exercise the rights, powers, authorities and discretions specifically given to the Agent under or in connection with the Finance Documents together with any other incidental rights, powers, authorities and discretions.

 

 

15.1.3

Each Swap Provider appoints the Agent to act as its security trustee for the purposes of the Security Documents and authorises the Agent to exercise the right, powers, authorities and discretions specifically given to the Agent under or in connection with the Finance Documents together with any other incidental rights, powers, authorities and discretions.

 

15.2

Authority Each Lender and each Swap Provider irrevocably authorises the Agent and the Agent hereby agrees (subject to Clauses 15.5.1, 15.24 and this Clause 15.2):

 

 

15.2.1

to execute any Finance Document (other than this Agreement) on its behalf;

 

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15.2.2

to collect, receive, release or pay any money on its behalf;

 

 

15.2.3

acting on the instructions from time to time of the Majority Lenders (save where the terms of any Finance Document expressly provide otherwise) to give or withhold any waivers, consents or approvals under or pursuant to any Finance Document;

 

 

15.2.4

acting on the instructions from time to time of the Majority Lenders (save where the terms of any Finance Document expressly provide otherwise) to exercise, or refrain from exercising, any rights, powers, authorities or discretions under or pursuant to any Finance Document; and

The Agent shall have no duties or responsibilities as agent or as security trustee other than those expressly conferred on it by the Finance Documents and shall not be obliged to act on any instructions from the Lenders or the Majority Lenders if to do so would, in the reasonable opinion of the Agent, be contrary to any provision of the Finance Documents or to any law, or would expose the Agent to any actual or potential liability to any third party.

 

15.3

Trust The Agent agrees and declares, and each of the other Finance Parties acknowledges, that, subject to the terms and conditions of this Clause 15.3, the Agent holds the Trust Property on trust for the Finance Parties absolutely. Each of the other Finance Parties agrees that the obligations, rights and benefits vested in the Agent shall be performed and exercised in accordance with this Clause 15.3. The Agent shall have the benefit of all of the provisions of this Agreement benefiting it in its capacity as Agent for the Finance Parties, and all the powers and discretions conferred on trustees by the Trustee Act 1925 (to the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement). In addition:

 

 

15.3.1

the Agent and any attorney, agent or delegate of the Agent may indemnify itself or himself out of the Trust Property against all liabilities, costs, fees, damages, charges, losses and expenses sustained or incurred by it or him in relation to the taking or holding of any of the Trust Property or in connection with the exercise or purported exercise of the rights, trusts, powers and discretions vested in the Agent or any other such person by or pursuant to the Security Documents or in respect of anything else done or omitted to be done in any way relating to the Security Documents other than as a result of its gross negligence or wilful misconduct;

 

 

15.3.2

the other Finance Parties acknowledge that the Agent shall be under no obligation to insure any property nor to require any other person to insure any property and shall not be responsible for any loss which may be suffered by any person as a result of the lack or insufficiency of any insurance; and

 

 

15.3.3

the Finance Parties agree that the perpetuity period applicable to the trusts declared by this Agreement shall be the period of 125 years from the date of this Agreement.

 

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15.4

Required consents

 

 

15.4.1

Subject to Clause 15.5 any term of the Finance Documents may be amended or waived only with the consent of the Majority Lenders and the Borrower and any such amendment or waiver will be binding on all Parties.

 

 

15.4.2

The Agent may effect, on behalf of any Finance Party, any amendment or waiver permitted by this Clause 15.

 

 

15.4.3

Without prejudice to the generality of Clause 15.14.4, the Agent may engage, pay for and rely on the services of lawyers in determining the consent level required for and effecting any amendment, waiver or consent under this Agreement.

 

15.5

Exceptions

 

 

15.5.1

An amendment, waiver or (in the case of a Finance Document) a consent of, or in relation to, any term of any Finance Document that has the effect of changing or which relates to:

 

 

(a)

the definitions of “ Majority Lenders ” and “ Proportionate Share ” in Clause 1.1;

 

 

(b)

an extension to the date of payment of any amount under the Finance Documents;

 

 

(c)

a reduction in the Margin or a reduction in the amount of any payment of principal, interest, fees or commission payable;

 

 

(d)

a change in currency of payment of any amount under the Finance Documents;

 

 

(e)

an increase in any Commitment under the Loan, an extension of the Final Availability Date or any requirement that a cancellation of Commitments under the Loan reduces the Commitments of the Lenders under the Loan rateably;

 

 

(f)

any provision which expressly requires the consent of all the Lenders;

 

 

(g)

Clause 2.2, Clause 14, this Clause 15 or Clause 23;

 

 

(h)

(other than as expressly permitted by the provisions of any Finance Document) the nature or scope of:

 

 

(i)

the Guarantee;

 

 

(ii)

the Charged Property; or

 

 

(iii)

the manner in which the proceeds of enforcement of the Security Documents are distributed in accordance with Clause 10.7; or

 

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(i)

the release of the Guarantee or of any Encumbrance created or expressed to be created or evidenced by the Security Documents unless permitted under this Agreement or any other Finance Document or relating to a sale or disposal of an asset which is the subject of any Encumbrance created or expressed to be created or evidenced by the Security Documents where such sale or disposal is expressly permitted under this Agreement or any other Finance Document;

shall not be made, or given, without the prior consent of all the Lenders.

 

 

15.5.2

An amendment or waiver which relates to the rights or obligations of the Agent or the MLAs or the Bookrunner or the Swap Providers (each in their capacity as such) may not be effected without the consent of the Agent or, as the case may be, the MLAs or the Bookrunner or the Swap Providers.

 

15.6

Excluded Commitments

If:

 

 

15.6.1

any Defaulting Lender fails to respond to a request for a consent, waiver, amendment of or in relation to any term of any Finance Document or any other vote of Lenders under the terms of this Agreement within twenty (20) Business Days of that request being made; or

 

 

15.6.2

any Lender which is not a Defaulting Lender fails to respond to such a request (other than an amendment, waiver or consent referred to in Clauses 15.5.1(b), 15.5.1(c) and 15.5.1(e) or other or such a vote within twenty (20) Business Days of that request being made,

(unless, in either case, the Borrower and the Agent agree to a longer time period in relation to any request):

 

 

(a)

its Commitment(s) under the Loan shall not be included for the purpose of calculating the aggregate of the Commitments when ascertaining whether any relevant percentage (including, for the avoidance of doubt, unanimity) of aggregate of the Commitments has been obtained to approve that request; and

 

 

(b)

its status as a Lender shall be disregarded for the purpose of ascertaining whether the agreement of any specified group of Lenders has been obtained to approve that request.

 

15.7

Replacement of Lender

 

 

15.7.1

If:

 

 

(a)

any Lender becomes a Non-Consenting Lender (as defined in Clause 15.7.4);

 

 

(b)

the Borrower or any other Security Party becomes obliged to repay any amount in accordance with Clause 6.1 or to pay additional amounts pursuant to Clause 17.3, Clause 8.11.1 or Clause 8.6 to any Lender,

 

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then the Borrower may, on ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent and such Lender, replace such Lender by requiring such Lender to (and, to the extent permitted by law, such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to Clause 14 all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a Lender or other bank, financial institution, trust, fund or other entity (a “ Replacement Lender ”) selected by the Borrower, which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations of the transferring Lender in accordance with Clause 14 for a purchase price in cash payable at the time of transfer in an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s participation in the outstanding Loan and all accrued interest, Break Costs and other amounts payable in relation thereto under the Finance Documents.

 

 

15.7.2

The replacement of a Lender pursuant to this Clause 15.7 shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

 

(a)

the Borrower shall have no right to replace the Agent;

 

 

(b)

neither the Agent nor the Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a Replacement Lender;

 

 

(c)

in the event of a replacement of a Non-Consenting Lender such replacement must take place no later than thirty (30) Business Days after the date on which that Lender is deemed a Non-Consenting Lender;

 

 

(d)

in no event shall the Lender replaced under this Clause 15.7 be required to pay or surrender to such Replacement Lender any of the fees received by such Lender pursuant to the Finance Documents; and

 

 

(e)

the Lender shall only be obliged to transfer its rights and obligations pursuant to Clause 15.7.1 once it and the Agent are satisfied that they have complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to that transfer.

 

 

15.7.3

A Lender shall perform the checks described in Clause 15.7.2(e) as soon as reasonably practicable following delivery of a notice referred to in Clause 15.7.1 and shall notify the Agent and the Borrower when it is satisfied that it has complied with those checks.

 

 

15.7.4

In the event that:

 

 

(a)

the Borrower or the Agent (at the request of the Borrower) has requested the Lenders to give a consent in relation to, or to agree to a waiver or amendment of, any provisions of the Finance Documents;

 

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(b)

the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the approval of all the Lenders; and

 

 

(c)

Lenders whose Commitments aggregate more than ninety per cent. (90%) of the aggregate of the Commitments (or, if the aggregate of the Commitments have been reduced to zero, aggregated more than ninety per cent. (90%) of the aggregate of the Commitments prior to that reduction) have consented or agreed to such waiver or amendment,

then any Lender who does not and continues not to consent or agree to such waiver or amendment shall be deemed a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”.

 

15.8

FATCA Mitigation

Notwithstanding any other provision to this Agreement, if a FATCA Deduction is or will be required to be made by any Party under Clause 8.14 in respect of a payment to any Lender which is a FATCA FFI (a “ FATCA Non-Exempt Lender ”), the FATCA Non-Exempt Lender may either:

 

 

(a)

transfer its entire interest in the Loan to a U.S. branch or affiliate; or

 

 

(b)

(subject to the prior written consent of the Borrower in the case of a transferee which is not already a Lender, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) nominate one or more transferee lenders who upon becoming a Lender would be a FATCA Exempt Party, by notice in writing to the Agent and the Borrower specifying the terms of the proposed transfer, and cause such transferee lender(s) to purchase all of the FATCA Non-Exempt Lender’s interest in the Loan.

 

15.9

Disenfranchisement of Defaulting Lenders

 

 

15.9.1

For so long as a Defaulting Lender has any Commitment, in ascertaining:

 

 

(a)

the Majority Lenders; or

 

 

(b)

whether:

 

 

(i)

any given percentage (including, for the avoidance of doubt, unanimity) of the aggregate of the Commitments; or

 

 

(ii)

the agreement of any specified group of Lenders,

has been obtained to approve any request for a consent, waiver, amendment or other vote of Lenders under the Finance Documents, that Defaulting Lender’s Commitment will be reduced by the amount of its participation in the Loan it has failed to make available and, to the extent that that reduction results in that Defaulting Lender’s Commitment being zero, that Defaulting Lender shall be deemed not to be a Lender for the purposes of (i) and (ii).

 

 

15.9.2

For the purposes of this Clause 15.9, the Agent may assume that the following Lenders are Defaulting Lenders:

 

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(a)

any Lender which has notified the Agent that it has become a Defaulting Lender;

 

 

(b)

any Lender in relation to which it is aware that any of the events or circumstances referred to in (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Lender” has occurred,

unless it has received notice to the contrary from the Lender concerned (together with any supporting evidence reasonably requested by the Agent) or the Agent is otherwise aware that the Lender has ceased to be a Defaulting Lender.

 

15.10

Replacement of a Defaulting Lender

 

 

15.10.1

The Borrower may, at any time a Lender has become and continues to be a Defaulting Lender, by giving ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent and such Lender, replace such Lender by requiring such Lender to (and, to the extent permitted by law, such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to Clause 14 all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a Lender or other bank, financial institution, trust, fund or other entity (a “ Replacement Lender ”) selected by the Borrower which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations, or all the relevant obligations, of the transferring Lender in accordance with Clause 14 for a purchase price in cash payable at the time of transfer which is either:

 

 

(a)

in an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s participation in the outstanding Loan and all accrued interest, Break Costs and other amounts payable in relation thereto under the Finance Documents; or

 

 

(b)

in an amount agreed between that Defaulting Lender, the Replacement Lender and the Borrower and which does not exceed the amount described in (a).

 

 

15.10.2

Any transfer of rights and obligations of a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this Clause 15.10 shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

 

(a)

the Borrower shall have no right to replace the Agent;

 

 

(b)

neither the Agent nor the Defaulting Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a Replacement Lender;

 

 

(c)

the transfer must take place no later than thirty (30) Business Days after the notice referred to in Clause 15.10.1;

 

 

(d)

in no event shall the Defaulting Lender be required to pay or surrender to the Replacement Lender any of the fees received by the Defaulting Lender pursuant to the Finance Documents; and

 

 

(e)

the Defaulting Lender shall only be obliged to transfer its rights and obligations pursuant to 15.10.1 once it is satisfied that it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to that transfer to the Replacement Lender.

 

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15.10.3

The Defaulting Lender shall perform the checks described in Clause 15.10.2 as soon as reasonably practicable following delivery of a notice referred to in Clause 15.10.1 and shall notify the Agent and the Borrower when it is satisfied that it has complied with those checks.

 

15.11

Liability Neither the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, employees or agents shall be liable to the Lenders for anything done or omitted to be done by the Agent under or in connection with any of the Relevant Documents unless as a result of the Agent’s gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

 

15.12

Acknowledgement Each Lender acknowledges that:

 

 

15.12.1

it has not relied on any representation made by the Agent or any of the Agent’s directors, officers, employees or agents or by any other person acting or purporting to act on behalf of the Agent to induce it to enter into any Finance Document;

 

 

15.12.2

it has made and will continue to make without reliance on the Agent, and based on such documents and other evidence as it considers appropriate, its own independent investigation of the financial condition and affairs of the Security Parties in connection with the making and continuation of the Loan;

 

 

15.12.3

it has made its own appraisal of the creditworthiness of the Security Parties; and

 

 

15.12.4

the Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility at any time to provide it with any credit or other information relating to any Security Party unless that information is received by the Agent pursuant to the express terms of a Finance Document.

Each Lender agrees that it will not assert nor seek to assert against any director, officer, employee or agent of the Agent or against any other person acting or purporting to act on behalf of the Agent any claim which it might have against them in respect of any of the matters referred to in this Clause 15.12.

 

15.13

Limitations on responsibility The Agent shall have no responsibility to any Security Party or to any Lender on account of:

 

 

15.13.1

the failure of a Lender or of any Security Party to perform any of its obligations under a Finance Document; nor

 

 

15.13.2

the financial condition of any Security Party; nor

 

 

15.13.3

the completeness or accuracy of any statements, representations or warranties made in or pursuant to any Finance Document, or in or pursuant to any document delivered pursuant to or in connection with any Finance Document; nor

 

 

15.13.4

the negotiation, execution, effectiveness, genuineness, validity, enforceability, admissibility in evidence or sufficiency of any Finance Document or of any document executed or delivered pursuant to or in connection with any Finance Document.

 

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15.14

The Agent’s rights The Agent may:

 

 

15.14.1

assume that all representations or warranties made or deemed repeated by any Security Party in or pursuant to any Finance Document are true and complete, unless, in its capacity as the Agent, it has acquired actual knowledge to the contrary;

 

 

15.14.2

assume that no Default has occurred unless, in its capacity as the Agent, it has acquired actual knowledge to the contrary;

 

 

15.14.3

rely on any document or notice believed by it to be genuine;

 

 

15.14.4

rely as to legal or other professional matters on opinions and statements of any legal or other professional advisers selected or approved by it;

 

 

15.14.5

rely as to any factual matters which might reasonably be expected to be within the knowledge of any Security Party on a certificate signed by or on behalf of that Security Party; and

 

 

15.14.6

refrain from exercising any right, power, discretion or remedy unless and until instructed to exercise that right, power, discretion or remedy and as to the manner of its exercise by the Lenders (or, where applicable, by the Majority Lenders) and unless and until the Agent has received from the Lenders any payment which the Agent may require on account of, or any security which the Agent may require for, any costs, claims, expenses (including legal and other professional fees) and liabilities which it considers it may incur or sustain in complying with those instructions.

 

15.15

The Agent’s duties The Agent shall:

 

 

15.15.1

if requested in writing to do so by a Lender, make enquiry and advise the Lenders as to the performance or observance of any of the provisions of any Finance Document by any Security Party or as to the existence of an Event of Default; and

 

 

15.15.2

inform the Lenders promptly of any Event of Default of which the Agent has actual knowledge.

 

15.16

No deemed knowledge The Agent shall not be deemed to have actual knowledge of the falsehood or incompleteness of any representation or warranty made or deemed repeated by any Security Party or actual knowledge of the occurrence of any Default unless a Lender or a Security Party shall have given written notice thereof to the Agent in its capacity as the Agent. Any information acquired by the Agent other than specifically in its capacity as the Agent shall not be deemed to be information acquired by the Agent in its capacity as the Agent.

 

15.17

Other business The Agent may, without any liability to account to the Lenders, generally engage in any kind of banking or trust business with a Security Party or with a Security Party’s subsidiaries or associated companies or with a Lender as if it were not the Agent.

 

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15.18

Indemnity The Lenders shall, promptly on the Agent’s request, reimburse the Agent in their respective Proportionate Share of the Loan, for, and keep the Agent fully indemnified in respect of all liabilities, damages, costs and claims sustained or incurred by the Agent in connection with the Finance Documents, or the performance of its duties and obligations, or the exercise of its rights, powers, discretions or remedies under or pursuant to any Finance Document, to the extent not paid by the Security Parties and not arising from the Agent’s gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

 

15.19

Employment of agents In performing its duties and exercising its rights, powers, discretions and remedies under or pursuant to the Finance Documents, the Agent shall be entitled to employ and pay agents to do anything which the Agent is empowered to do under or pursuant to the Finance Documents (including the receipt of money and documents and the payment of money) and to act or refrain from taking action in reliance on the opinion of, or advice or information obtained from, any lawyer, banker, broker, accountant, valuer or any other person believed by the Agent in good faith to be competent to give such opinion, advice or information.

 

15.20

Distribution of payments The Agent shall pay promptly to the order of each Lender that Lender’s Proportionate Share of every sum of money received by the Agent pursuant to the Finance Documents (with the exception of any amounts payable pursuant to Clause 9 and/or any Fee Letter and any amounts which, by the terms of the Finance Documents, are paid to the Agent for the account of the Agent alone or specifically for the account of one or more Lenders) and until so paid such amount shall be held by the Agent on trust absolutely for that Lender.

 

15.21

Reimbursement The Agent shall have no liability to pay any sum to a Lender until it has itself received payment of that sum. If, however, the Agent does pay any sum to a Lender on account of any amount prospectively due to that Lender pursuant to Clause 15.20 before it has itself received payment of that amount, and the Agent does not in fact receive payment within five (5) Business Days after the date on which that payment was required to be made by the terms of the Finance Documents, that Lender will, on demand by the Agent, refund to the Agent an amount equal to the amount received by it, together with an amount sufficient to reimburse the Agent for any amount which the Agent may certify that it has been required to pay by way of interest on money borrowed to fund the amount in question during the period beginning on the date on which that amount was required to be paid by the terms of the Finance Documents and ending on the date on which the Agent receives reimbursement.

 

15.22

Redistribution of payments Unless otherwise agreed between the Lenders and the Agent, if at any time a Lender receives or recovers by way of set-off, the exercise of any lien or otherwise from any Security Party, an amount greater than that Lender’s Proportionate Share of any sum due from that Security Party to the Lenders under the Finance Documents (the amount of the excess being referred to in this Clause 15.22 and in Clause 15.23 as the “ Excess Amount ”) then:

 

 

15.22.1

that Lender shall promptly notify the Agent (which shall promptly notify each other Lender);

 

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15.22.2

that Lender shall pay to the Agent an amount equal to the Excess Amount within ten (10) days of its receipt or recovery of the Excess Amount; and

 

 

15.22.3

the Agent shall treat that payment as if it were a payment by the Security Party in question on account of the sum due from that Security Party to the Lenders and shall account to the Lenders in respect of the Excess Amount in accordance with the provisions of this Clause 15.22.

However, if a Lender has commenced any legal proceedings to recover sums owing to it under the Finance Documents and, as a result of, or in connection with, those proceedings has received an Excess Amount, the Agent shall not distribute any of that Excess Amount to any other Lender which had been notified of the proceedings and had the legal right to, but did not, join those proceedings or commence and diligently prosecute separate proceedings to enforce its rights in the same or another court.

 

15.23

Rescission of Excess Amount If all or any part of any Excess Amount is rescinded or must otherwise be restored to any Security Party or to any other third party, the Lenders which have received any part of that Excess Amount by way of distribution from the Agent pursuant to Clause 15.22 shall repay to the Agent for the account of the Lender which originally received or recovered the Excess Amount, the amount which shall be necessary to ensure that the Lenders share rateably in accordance with their Proportionate Shares in the amount of the receipt or payment retained, together with interest on that amount at a rate equivalent to that (if any) paid by the Lender receiving or recovering the Excess Amount to the person to whom that Lender is liable to make payment in respect of such amount, and Clause 15.22.3 shall apply only to the retained amount.

 

15.24

Instructions Where the Agent is authorised or directed to act or refrain from acting in accordance with the instructions of the Lenders or of the Majority Lenders each of the Lenders shall provide the Agent with instructions within five (5) Business Days of the Agent’s request (which request must be in writing). If a Lender does not provide the Agent with instructions within that period, that Lender shall be bound by the decision of the Agent. Nothing in this Clause 15.24 shall limit the right of the Agent to take, or refrain from taking, any action without obtaining the instructions of the Lenders or the Majority Lenders if the Agent in its discretion considers it necessary or appropriate to take, or refrain from taking, such action in order to preserve the rights of the Lenders under or in connection with the Finance Documents. In that event, the Agent will notify the Lenders of the action taken by it as soon as reasonably practicable, and the Lenders agree to ratify any action taken by the Agent pursuant to this Clause 15.24.

 

15.25

Payments All amounts payable to a Lender under this Clause 15 shall be paid to such account at such bank as that Lender may from time to time direct in writing to the Agent.

 

15.26

“Know your customer” checks Each Lender shall promptly upon the request of the Agent supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Agent (for itself) in order for the Agent to carry out and be satisfied it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations pursuant to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents.

 

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15.27

Resignation

 

 

15.27.1

Subject to a successor being appointed in accordance with this Clause 15.27, the Agent may resign as agent and/or security trustee at any time without assigning any reason by giving to the Borrower and the Lenders notice of its intention to do so, in which event the following shall apply:

 

 

(a)

with the consent of the Borrower not to be unreasonably withheld (but such consent not to be required at any time after an Event of Default which is continuing unremedied or unwaived) the Lenders may within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice from the Agent appoint a successor to act as agent and/or security trustee or, if they fail to do so with the consent of the Borrower, not to be unreasonably withheld (but such consent not to be required at any time after an Event of Default which is continuing unremedied or unwaived), the Agent may appoint any other bank or financial institution as its successor;

 

 

(b)

the resignation of the Agent shall take effect simultaneously with the appointment of its successor on written notice of that appointment being given to the Borrower and the Lenders;

 

 

(c)

the Agent shall thereupon be discharged from all further obligations as agent and/or security trustee but shall remain entitled to the benefit of the provisions of this Clause 15; and

 

 

(d)

the successor of the Agent and each of the other parties to this Agreement shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if that successor had been a party to this Agreement.

 

 

15.27.2

The Agent shall resign and the Majority Lenders (after consultation with the Borrower) shall appoint a successor Agent in accordance with Clause 15.27 if on or after the date which is three months before the earliest FATCA Application Date relating to any payment to the Agent under the Finance Documents, either:

 

 

(a)

the Agent fails to respond to a request under Clause 8.13 and a Lender reasonably believes that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date;

 

 

(b)

the information supplied by the Agent pursuant to Clause 8.13 indicates that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date; or

 

 

(c)

the Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date, and (in each case) a Lender reasonably believes that a Party will be required to make a FATCA Deduction that would not be required if the Agent were a FATCA Exempt Party, and that Lender, by notice to the Agent, requires it to resign.

 

Page 62


15.28

Replacement of the Agent

 

 

15.28.1

After consultation with the Borrower, the Majority Lenders may, by giving thirty (30) days’ notice to the Agent (or, at any time the Agent is an Impaired Agent, by giving any shorter notice determined by the Majority Lenders) replace the Agent by appointing a successor Agent.

 

 

15.28.2

The retiring Agent shall (at its own cost if it is an Impaired Agent and otherwise at the expense of the Lenders) make available to the successor Agent such documents and records and provide such assistance as the successor Agent may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its function as Agent under the Finance Documents.

 

 

15.28.3

The appointment of the successor Agent shall take effect on the date specified in the notice from the Majority Lenders to the retiring Agent. As from this date, the retiring Agent shall be discharged from any further obligation in respect of the Finance Documents (other than its obligations under Clause 15.28.2 but shall remain entitled to the benefit of this Clause 15 (and any agency fees for the account of the retiring Agent shall cease to accrue from (and shall be payable on) that date).

 

 

15.28.4

Any successor Agent and each of the other Parties shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor had been an original Party.

 

15.29

No fiduciary relationship Except as provided in Clauses 15.3 and 15.20, the Agent shall not have any fiduciary relationship with or be deemed to be a trustee of or for any other person and nothing contained in any Finance Document shall constitute a partnership between any two or more Lenders or between the Agent and any other person.

 

15.30

No other Duties Notwithstanding anything to the contrary hereunder, neither the Bookrunner nor the MLAs shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under any of the Finance Documents, except in their respective capacities, as applicable, as the Agent or a Lender.

 

16

Set-Off

 

16.1

A Finance Party may set off any matured obligation due from the Borrower under any Finance Document (to the extent beneficially owned by that Finance Party) against any matured obligation owed by that Finance Party to the Borrower, regardless of the place of payment, booking branch or currency of either obligation. If the obligations are in different currencies, that Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off.

 

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16.2

The rights conferred on a Swap Provider by this Clause 16 shall be, without double counting, in addition to, and without prejudice to or limitation of, the rights of netting and set-off conferred on that Swap Provider by the relevant Master Agreement.

 

17

Payments

 

17.1

Payments Each amount payable by the Borrower under a Finance Document (other than the Master Agreements) shall be paid to such account at such bank as the Agent may from time to time direct to the Borrower in the Currency of Account and in such funds as are customary at the time for settlement of transactions in the relevant currency in the place of payment. Payment shall be deemed to have been received by the Agent on the date on which the Agent receives authenticated advice of receipt, unless that advice is received by the Agent on a day other than a Business Day or at a time of day (whether on a Business Day or not) when the Agent in its reasonable discretion considers that it is impossible or impracticable for the Agent to utilise the amount received for value that same day, in which event the payment in question shall be deemed to have been received by the Agent on the Business Day next following the date of receipt of advice by the Agent.

 

17.2

No deductions or withholdings Each payment (whether of principal or interest or otherwise) to be made by the Borrower under a Finance Document (other than the Master Agreements) shall, subject only to Clause 17.3, be made free and clear of and without deduction for or on account of any Taxes or other deductions, withholdings, restrictions, conditions or counterclaims of any nature, other than FATCA Deductions.

 

17.3

Grossing-up If at any time any law requires (or is interpreted to require) the Borrower to make any deduction or withholding from any payment, other than a FATCA Deduction, or to change the rate or manner in which any required deduction or withholding is made under a Finance Document (other than the Master Agreements), the Borrower will promptly notify the Agent and, simultaneously with making that payment, will pay to the Agent whatever additional amount (after taking into account any additional Taxes on, or deductions or withholdings from, or restrictions or conditions on, that additional amount) is necessary to ensure that, after making the deduction or withholding, the relevant Finance Parties receive a net sum equal to the sum which they would have received had no deduction or withholding been made.

 

17.4

Evidence of deductions If at any time the Borrower is required by law to make any deduction or withholding from any payment to be made by it under a Finance Document (other than the Master Agreements), the Borrower will pay the amount required to be deducted or withheld to the relevant authority within the time allowed under the applicable law and will, no later than thirty (30) days after making that payment, deliver to the Agent an original receipt issued by the relevant authority, or other evidence reasonably acceptable to the Agent, evidencing the payment to that authority of all amounts required to be deducted or withheld.

 

17.5

Rebate If the Borrower pays any additional amount under Clause 8.11 or Clause 17.3, and a Finance Party subsequently receives a refund or allowance from any tax authority which that Finance Party identifies as being referable to that increased amount so paid by the Borrower, that Finance Party shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, pay to the Borrower an amount equal to the amount of the refund or allowance received, if and to the extent that it may do so without prejudicing its right to retain that refund or allowance and without putting itself in any worse financial position than that in which it would have been had the relevant deduction or withholding not been required to have been made. Nothing in this Clause 17.5 shall be interpreted as imposing any obligation on any Finance Party to apply for any refund or allowance nor as restricting in any way the manner in which any Finance Party organises its tax affairs, nor as imposing on any Finance Party any obligation to disclose to the Borrower any information regarding its tax affairs or tax computations.

 

Page 64


17.6

Adjustment of due dates If any payment or transfer of funds to be made under a Finance Document, other than a payment of interest on the Loan or a payment under the Master Agreements, shall be due on a day which is not a Business Day, that payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day (unless the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next calendar month in which event the payment shall be made on the next preceding Business Day). Any such variation of time shall be taken into account in computing any interest in respect of that payment.

 

17.7

Control Account The Agent shall open and maintain on its books a control account in the name of the Borrower showing the advance of the Loan and the computation and payment of interest and all other sums due under this Agreement. The Borrower’s obligations to repay the Loan and to pay interest and all other sums due under this Agreement shall be evidenced by the entries from time to time made in the control account opened and maintained under this Clause 17.7 and those entries will, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding.

 

17.8

Impaired Agent

 

 

17.8.1

If, at any time, the Agent becomes an Impaired Agent, a Security Party or a Lender which is required to make a payment under the Finance Documents to the Agent in accordance with Clause 17.1 may instead either:

 

 

(a)

pay that amount direct to the required recipient(s); or

 

 

(b)

if in its absolute discretion it considers that it is not reasonably practicable to pay that amount direct to the required recipient(s), pay that amount or the relevant part of that amount to an interest-bearing account held with an Acceptable Bank in relation to which no Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing, in the name of the Security Party or the Lender making the payment (the “Paying Party”) and designated as a trust account for the benefit of the Party or Parties beneficially entitled to that payment under the Finance Documents (the “Recipient Party” or “Recipient Parties”).

In each case such payments must be made on the due date for payment under the Finance Documents.

 

 

17.8.2

All interest accrued on the amount standing to the credit of the trust account shall be for the benefit of the Recipient Party or the Recipient Parties pro rata to their respective entitlements.

 

Page 65


 

17.8.3

A Party which has made a payment in accordance with this Clause 17.8 shall be discharged of the relevant payment obligation under the Finance Documents and shall not take any credit risk with respect to the amounts standing to the credit of the trust account.

 

 

17.8.4

Promptly upon the appointment of a successor Agent in accordance with Clause 15.28, each Paying Party shall (other than to the extent that that Party has given an instruction pursuant to Clause 17.8.5) give all requisite instructions to the bank with whom the trust account is held to transfer the amount (together with any accrued interest) to the successor Agent for distribution to the relevant Recipient Party or Recipient Parties in accordance with Clause 15.20.

 

 

17.8.5

A Paying Party shall, promptly upon request by a Recipient Party and to the extent:

 

 

(a)

it has not given an instruction pursuant to Clause 17.8.4; and

 

 

(b)

that it has been provided with the necessary information by that Recipient Party,

give all requisite instructions to the bank with whom the trust account is held to transfer the relevant amount (together with any accrued interest) to that Recipient Party.

 

18

Notices

 

18.1

Communications in writing Any communication to be made under or in connection with this Agreement shall be made in writing and, unless otherwise stated, may be made by fax or letter or (subject to Clause 18.6) electronic mail.

 

18.2

Addresses The address and fax number (and the department or officer, if any, for whose attention the communication is to be made) of each party to this Agreement for any communication or document to be made or delivered under or in connection with this Agreement are:

 

 

18.2.1

in the case of the Borrower, c/o Teekay Shipping (Canada) Ltd Suite 2000, Bentall 5, 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 2K2 (fax no: +1 604 681 3011) marked for the attention of Treasury Manager;

 

 

18.2.2

in the case of each Lender, those appearing opposite its name in Schedule 1;

 

 

18.2.3

in the case of each Swap Providers, those appearing opposite its name in Schedule 1; and

 

 

18.2.4

in the case of the Agent, 437 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, United States of America (fax no: +1 212 421 4420) marked for the attention of Head of Shipping, Offshore and Oil Services;

or any substitute address, fax number, department or officer as any party may notify to the Agent (or the Agent may notify to the other parties, if a change is made by the Agent) by not less than five (5) Business Days’ notice.

 

Page 66


18.3

Delivery Any communication or document made or delivered by one party to this Agreement to another under or in connection this Agreement will only be effective:

 

 

18.3.1

if by way of fax, when received in legible form; or

 

 

18.3.2

if by way of letter, when it has been left at the relevant address or five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the post postage prepaid in an envelope addressed to it at that address; or

 

 

18.3.3

if by way of electronic communication, in accordance with Clause 18.6;

and, if a particular department or officer is specified as part of its address details provided under Clause 18.2, if addressed to that department or officer.

Any communication or document to be made or delivered to the Agent will be effective only when actually received by the Agent.

All notices from or to the Borrower shall be sent through the Agent.

 

18.4

Notification of address and fax number Promptly upon receipt of notification of an address, fax number or change of address, pursuant to Clause 18.2 or changing its own address or fax number, the Agent shall notify the other parties to this Agreement.

 

18.5

English language Any notice given under or in connection with this Agreement must be in English. All other documents provided under or in connection with this Agreement must be:

 

 

18.5.1

in English; or

 

 

18.5.2

if not in English, and if so required by the Agent, accompanied by a certified English translation and, in this case, the English translation will prevail unless the document is a constitutional, statutory or other official document.

 

18.6

Electronic communication

 

 

(a)

Any communication to be made in connection with this Agreement may be made by electronic mail or other electronic means (including by way of the Agent’s Intralinks or Debtdomain system), if the Borrower and the relevant Finance Party:

 

 

(i)

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

 

 

(ii)

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

 

 

(iii)

notify each other of any change to their address or any other such information supplied by them.

 

 

(b)

Any electronic communication made between the Borrower and the relevant Finance Party will be effective only when actually received in readable form and acknowledged by the recipient (it being understood that any system generated responses do not constitute an acknowledgement) and in the case of any electronic communication made by the Borrower to a Finance Party only if it is addressed in such a manner as the Finance Party shall specify for this purpose.

 

Page 67


 

(c)

The Borrower and each of the Finance Parties confirms that it has consented to the use of the Agent’s Intralinks or Debtdomain systems as an accepted method of communication under or in connection with the Finance Documents and agrees that the Intralinks or Debtdomain system will be the primary method of communication between the Agent, the Borrower and the Finance Parties. The Borrower and each of the Finance Parties acknowledges that a communication via Intralinks or Debtdomain will be effective once the communication is posted to Intralinks or Debtdomain by the Agent.

 

19

Partial Invalidity

If, at any time, any provision of a Finance Document is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under any law of any jurisdiction, neither the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions nor the legality, validity or enforceability of such provision under the law of any other jurisdiction will in any way be affected or impaired.

 

20

Remedies and Waivers

No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of any Finance Party, any right or remedy under a Finance Document shall operate as a waiver, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy prevent any further or other exercise or the exercise of any other right or remedy. The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

 

21

Miscellaneous

 

21.1

No oral variations No variation or amendment of a Finance Document shall be valid unless in writing and signed on behalf of all the Finance Parties.

 

21.2

Further Assurance If any provision of a Finance Document shall be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part by reason of any present or future law or any decision of any court, or if the documents at any time held by or on behalf of the Finance Parties or any of them are considered by the Lenders for any reason insufficient to carry out the terms of this Agreement, then from time to time the Borrower will promptly, on demand by the Agent, execute or procure the execution of such further documents as in the opinion of the Lenders are necessary to provide adequate security for the repayment of the Indebtedness.

 

21.3

Rescission of payments etc. Any discharge, release or reassignment by a Finance Party of any of the security constituted by, or any of the obligations of a Security Party contained in, a Finance Document shall be (and be deemed always to have been) void if any act (including, without limitation, any payment) as a result of which such discharge, release or reassignment was given or made is subsequently wholly or partially rescinded or avoided by operation of any law.

 

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21.4

Certificates Any certificate or statement signed by an authorised signatory of the Agent purporting to show the amount of the Indebtedness (or any part of the Indebtedness) or any other amount referred to in any Finance Document shall, save for manifest error or on any question of law, be conclusive evidence as against the Borrower of that amount.

 

21.5

Counterparts This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be original but which shall together constitute the same instrument.

 

21.6

Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 A person who is not a party to this Agreement has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce or to enjoy the benefit of any term of this Agreement.

 

22

Confidentiality

 

22.1

Confidential Information Each Finance Party agrees to keep all Confidential Information confidential and not to disclose it to anyone, save to the extent permitted by Clause 22.2 and Clause 22.3, and to ensure that all Confidential Information is protected with security measures and a degree of care that would apply to its own confidential information.

 

22.2

Disclosure of Confidential Information Any Finance Party may disclose:

 

 

22.2.1

to any of its Affiliates and Related Funds and any of its or their officers, directors, employees, professional advisers, auditors, partners and Representatives such Confidential Information as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if any person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given pursuant to this Clause 22.2.1 is informed in writing of its confidential nature and that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no such requirement to so inform if the recipient is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of the information or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to the Confidential Information;

 

 

22.2.2

to any person:

 

 

(a)

to (or through) whom it assigns or transfers (or may potentially assign or transfer) all or any of its rights and/or obligations under one or more Finance Documents or which succeeds (or which may potentially succeed) it as agent or security trustee and, in each case, to any of that person’s Affiliates, Related Funds, Representatives and professional advisers;

 

 

(b)

with (or through) whom it enters into (or may potentially enter into), whether directly or indirectly, any sub-participation in relation to, or any other transaction under which payments are to be made or may be made by reference to, one or more Finance Documents and/or one or more Security Parties and to any of that person’s Affiliates, Related Funds, Representatives and professional advisers;

 

Page 69


 

(c)

appointed by any Finance Party or by a person to whom Clause 22.2.2(a) or 22.2.2(b) applies to receive communications, notices, information or documents delivered pursuant to the Finance Documents on its behalf;

 

 

(d)

who invests in or otherwise finances (or may potentially invest in or otherwise finance), directly or indirectly, any transaction referred to in Clause 22.2.2(a) or 22.2.2(b);

 

 

(e)

to whom information is required or requested to be disclosed by any court of competent jurisdiction or any governmental, banking, taxation or other regulatory authority or similar body, the rules of any relevant stock exchange or pursuant to any applicable law or regulation;

 

 

(f)

to whom information is required to be disclosed in connection with, and for the purposes of, any litigation, arbitration, administrative or other investigations, proceedings or disputes;

 

 

(g)

to whom or for whose benefit that Finance Party charges, assigns or otherwise creates Security (or may do so) pursuant to Clause 14.7;

 

 

(h)

who is a Party; or

 

 

(i)

with the consent of the Borrower;

in each case, such Confidential Information as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if:

 

 

(i)

in relation to Clauses 22.2.2(a), 22.2.2(b) and 22.2.2(c), the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking except that there shall be no requirement for a Confidentiality Undertaking if the recipient is a professional adviser and is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information;

 

 

(ii)

in relation to Clause 22.2.2(d), the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to the Confidential Information they receive and is informed that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information;

 

 

(iii)

in relation to Clauses 22.2.2(e), 22.2.2(f) and 22.2.2(g), the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given is informed of its confidential nature and that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no requirement to so inform if, in the opinion of that Finance Party, it is not practicable so to do in the circumstances; and

 

Page 70


 

22.2.3

to any person appointed by that Finance Party or by a person to whom Clause 22.2.2(a) or 22.2.2(b) applies to provide administration or settlement services in respect of one or more of the Finance Documents including without limitation, in relation to the trading of participations in respect of the Finance Documents, such Confidential Information as may be required to be disclosed to enable such service provider to provide any of the services referred to in this Clause 22.2.3 if the service provider to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking.

 

22.3

Disclosure to numbering service providers

 

 

22.3.1

Any Finance Party may disclose to any national or international numbering service provider appointed by that Finance Party to provide identification numbering services in respect of this Agreement, the Loan and/or one or more Security Parties the following information:

 

 

(a)

names of Security Parties;

 

 

(b)

country of domicile of Security Parties;

 

 

(c)

place of incorporation of Security Parties;

 

 

(d)

date of this Agreement;

 

 

(e)

Clause 23;

 

 

(f)

the names of the Agent, the Bookrunner and the MLAs;

 

 

(g)

date of each amendment and restatement of this Agreement;

 

 

(h)

amount of the Loan;

 

 

(i)

currencies of the Loan;

 

 

(j)

type of Loan;

 

 

(k)

ranking of the Loan;

 

 

(l)

Final Availability Date for the Loan;

 

 

(m)

changes to any of the information previously supplied pursuant to (a) to (l); and

 

 

(n)

such other information agreed between such Finance Party and that Security Party,

to enable such numbering service provider to provide its usual syndicated loan numbering identification services.

 

 

22.3.2

The Parties acknowledge and agree that each identification number assigned to this Agreement, the Loan and/or one or more Security Parties by a numbering service provider and the information associated with each such number may be disclosed to users of its services in accordance with the standard terms and conditions of that numbering service provider.

 

Page 71


 

22.3.3

The Borrower represents that none of the information set out in Clauses 22.3.1(a) to 22.3.1(n) is, nor will at any time be, unpublished price-sensitive information.

 

 

22.3.4

The Agent shall notify the Borrower and the other Finance Parties of:

 

 

(a)

the name of any numbering service provider appointed by the Agent in respect of this Agreement, the Loan and/or one or more Security Parties; and

 

 

(b)

the number or, as the case may be, numbers assigned to this Agreement, the Loan and/or one or more Security Parties by such numbering service provider.

 

23

Law and Jurisdiction

 

23.1

Governing law This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising from or in connection with it shall in all respects be governed by and interpreted in accordance with English law.

 

23.2

Jurisdiction For the exclusive benefit of the Finance Parties, the parties to this Agreement irrevocably agree that the courts of England are to have jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a) arising from or in connection with this Agreement or (b) relating to any non-contractual obligations arising from or in connection with this Agreement and that any proceedings may be brought in those courts.

 

23.3

Alternative jurisdictions Nothing contained in this Clause 23 shall limit the right of the Finance Parties to commence any proceedings against the Borrower in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the commencement of any proceedings against the Borrower in one or more jurisdictions preclude the commencement of any proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not.

 

23.4

Waiver of objections The Borrower irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or in the future have to the laying of the venue of any proceedings in any court referred to in this Clause 23, and any claim that those proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient or inappropriate forum, and irrevocably agrees that a judgment in any proceedings commenced in any such court shall be conclusive and binding on it and may be enforced in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

 

23.5

Service of process Without prejudice to any other mode of service allowed under any relevant law, the Borrower:

 

 

23.5.1

irrevocably appoints Teekay Shipping (UK) Ltd of 2 nd Floor, 86 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6JD, England as its agent for service of process in relation to any proceedings before the English courts in connection with this Agreement; and

 

 

23.5.2

agrees that failure by a process agent to notify the Borrower of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned.

 

Page 72


Schedule 1

Part I

The Lenders and the Commitments

 

The Lenders

  

Commitments

(US$)

     The Proportionate
Share (%)
 

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

437 Madison Avenue

21st Floor

New York

NY 10022

United States of America

Fax no: +1 212 421 4420

Attn: Henning Christiansen

 

     43,333,333         33.33   

Scotiabank Europe plc

201 Bishopsgate, 6 th Floor

London EC2M 3NS

United Kingdom

 

Credit Matters:

Alex Papavassiliou / Graeme Stark

Tel no:+44 207 826 5687 / +44 207 826 5793

Fax no: +44 207 826 5707

Email: alexios.papavassiliou@scotiabank.com /

graeme.stark@scotiabank.com

 

Operations/Administrations:

Tony Sposato / Savi Rampat

Tel no: +44 207 826 5660

Fax no: +44 207 826 5666

Email: tony.sposato@scotiabank.com /

savi.rampat@scotiabank.com

 

     43,333,333         33.33   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, London

Branch

Level 3, Senator House

85 Queen Victoria Street

London EC4V 4HA

United Kingdom

     43,333,333         33.33   

 

Page 73


C redit Matters:

 

Simon Baker / David Giacalone

Tel no:+44 207 710 3607 / +1 212 848 9210

Fax no: +44 207 329 6611

Email: simon.baker2@cba.com.au /

giacad@cba.com.au

 

Operations/Administrations:

Roy Nasse

Tel no: +44 207 710 3930

Fax no: +44 207 710 3939

Email: nasserp@cba.com.au

     

 

Page 74


Part II

The Swap Providers

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

437 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10022, US

Attention: Colin Williams-Hawkes

Facsimile: +1 (212) 421 4420

Operations/Administrations:

Nordea Bank Finland plc

Customer Operations Markets

Postbox 850

DK-0900 Copenhagen C

DENMARK

Telephone: +45 33 33 67 45

Facsimile: +45 33 33 67 09

E-mail: dkfx.reconfirm@nordea.com

Scotiabank Europe plc

201 Bishopsgate, 6th Floor

London EC2M 3NS

United Kingdom

Credit Matters:

Alex Papavassiliou / Graeme Stark

Tel no:+44 207 826 5687 / +44 207 826 5793

Fax no: +44 207 826 5707

Email: alexios.papavassiliou@scotiabank.com / graeme.stark@scotiabank.com

Operations/Administrations:

Tony Sposato / Savi Rampat

Tel no: +44 207 826 5660

Fax no: +44 207 826 5666

Email: tony.sposato@scotiabank.com / savi.rampat@scotiabank.com

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, London Branch

Level 3, Senator House

85 Queen Victoria Street

London EC4V 4HA

United Kingdom

Attention: Mark Baillie / Alexandra Theobold

E-mail: CRSLondon@cba.com.au

 

Page 75


Schedule 2

Conditions Precedent and Subsequent

Part I

Conditions precedent to Execution Date

 

1

Security Parties

 

 

(a)

Constitutional Documents Copies of the constitutional documents of each Security Party together with such other evidence as the Agent may reasonably require that each Security Party is duly formed or incorporated in its country of formation or incorporation and remains in existence with power to enter into, and perform its obligations under, the Finance Documents to which it is or is to become a party.

 

 

(b)

Certificates of good standing A certificate of good standing in respect of each Security Party (if such a certificate can be obtained).

 

 

(c)

Board resolutions A copy of a resolution (or of an extract of a resolution) of the board of directors of each Security Party (or its sole member or general partner):

 

 

(iv)

approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents to which it is a party and resolving that it execute those Finance Documents; and

 

 

(v)

authorising a specified person or persons to execute those Finance Documents (and all documents and notices to be signed and/or despatched under those documents) on its behalf.

 

 

(d)

Shareholder resolutions If required by any legal advisor to the Agent, a copy of a resolution signed by all the holders of the issued shares in each Security Party, approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Relevant Documents to which it is a party.

 

 

(e)

Officer’s certificates A certificate of a duly authorised officer or representative of each Security Party certifying that each copy document relating to it specified in this Part I of Schedule 2 is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at a date no earlier than the date of this Agreement and setting out the names of the directors and officers of each Security Party (or its sole member or general partner) and, save in the case of the Guarantor, the proportion of shares held by each shareholder (or sole member or general partner).

 

 

(f)

Powers of attorney The notarially attested and legalised (where necessary for registration purposes) power of attorney of each Security Party under which any documents are to be executed or transactions undertaken by that Security Party.

 

Page 76


2

Other documents and evidence

 

 

(a)

Other authorisations A copy of any other Authorisation or other document, opinion or assurance which the Agent considers to be necessary or desirable (if it has notified the Borrower accordingly) in connection with the entry into and performance of the transactions contemplated by any Relevant Document or for the validity and enforceability of any Relevant Document.

 

 

(b)

Fees Evidence that the fees, costs and expenses then due from the Borrower under Clause 8 and Clause 9 have been paid or will be paid by the Drawdown Date.

 

 

(c)

“Know your customer” documents Such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Agent in order for the Lenders to comply with all necessary “know your customer” or similar identification procedures in relation to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents.

 

Page 77


Part II

Conditions precedent to Drawdown Date

 

1

Bareboat Charterer

 

 

(a)

Constitutional Documents Copies of the constitutional documents of the Bareboat Charterer together with such other evidence as the Agent may reasonably require that the Bareboat Charterer is duly formed or incorporated in its country of formation or incorporation and remains in existence with power to enter into, and perform its obligations under, the Finance Documents to which it is or is to become a party.

 

 

(b)

Certificate of good standing A certificate of good standing in respect of the Bareboat Charterer (if such a certificate can be obtained).

 

 

(c)

Board resolutions A copy of a resolution (or of an extract of a resolution) of the board of directors of the Bareboat Charterer (or its sole member or general partner):

 

 

(vi)

approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents to which it is a party and resolving that it execute those Finance Documents; and

 

 

(vii)

authorising a specified person or persons to execute those Finance Documents (and all documents and notices to be signed and/or despatched under those documents) on its behalf.

 

 

(d)

Shareholder resolutions If required by any legal advisor to the Agent, a copy of a resolution signed by all the holders of the issued shares in the Bareboat Charterer, approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Relevant Documents to which it is a party.

 

 

(e)

Power of attorney The notarially attested and legalised (where necessary for registration purposes) power of attorney of the Bareboat Charterer under which any documents are to be executed or transactions undertaken by that Bareboat Charterer.

 

2

Security and related documents

 

 

(a)

Vessel documents Photocopies, certified as true, accurate and complete by a duly authorised representative of the Borrower (where possible), of:

 

 

(i)

the bill of sale transferring title in the Vessel to the Borrower free of all encumbrances, maritime liens or other debts;

 

 

(ii)

the protocol of delivery and acceptance evidencing the unconditional physical delivery of the Vessel by the Borrower to the Bareboat Charterer under the Bareboat Charter;

 

 

(iii)

the Management Agreement (if any);

 

 

(iv)

the Vessel’s current SMC;

 

Page 78


 

(v)

the ISM Company’s current DOC;

 

 

(vi)

the Vessel’s current ISSC;

 

 

(vii)

the Vessel’s current IAPPC;

 

 

(viii)

the Vessel’s current Tonnage Certificate,

in each case together with all addenda, amendments or supplements.

 

 

(b)

Evidence of Borrower’s title Certificate of ownership and encumbrance (or equivalent) issued by the Registrar of Ships (or equivalent official) of the flag stated in Recital (A) confirming that (a) the Vessel is permanently registered under that flag in the ownership of the Borrower, (b) the Mortgage has been registered with first priority against the Vessel and (c) there are no further Encumbrances registered against the Vessel.

 

 

(c)

Evidence of insurance Evidence that the Vessel is insured in the manner required by the Security Documents and that letters of undertaking will be issued in the manner required by the Security Documents, together with the written approval of the Insurances by BankAssure Insurances Services Inc.

 

 

(d)

Confirmation of class A Certificate of Confirmation of Class for hull and machinery confirming that the Vessel is classed with the highest class applicable to vessels of her type with Det Norske Veritas or such other classification society as may be acceptable to the Agent free of overdue recommendations affecting class.

 

 

(e)

Security Documents The Security Documents, together with all other documents required by any of them, including, without limitation, all notices of assignment and/or charge and evidence that those notices will be duly acknowledged by the recipients.

 

 

(f)

Mandates Such duly signed forms of mandate, duly completed account agreement, resolutions, signature card, passport copies and/or other evidence of the opening of the Earnings Account, as the Agent may require (acting reasonably).

 

 

(g)

Manager’s confirmation The written confirmation of any Approved Manager (which is not an Affiliate of Teekay or TGP) that it will not, without the prior written consent of the Agent, sub-contract or delegate the commercial or technical management of the Vessel to any third party that is not Teekay or the Bareboat Charterer or an Affiliate of either Teekay or the Bareboat Charterer and confirming that, following the occurrence of an Event of Default, all claims of such Approved Manager against the Borrower shall be subordinated to the claims of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents.

 

 

(h)

No disputes The written confirmation of the Borrower that there is no dispute under any of the Relevant Documents as between the parties to any such document.

 

Page 79


 

(i)

Project Agreements A photocopy, certified as true, accurate and complete by a duly authorised representative of the Borrower, of each of the Project Agreements (other than the Management Agreements in respect of which a copy shall be deemed satisfactory) in each case together with all addenda, amendments or supplements.

 

 

(j)

Other Relevant Documents Copies of each of the Relevant Documents not otherwise comprised in the documents listed in Part I of Schedule 2.

 

3

Legal opinions

Legal opinions of the legal advisers addressed to the Agent (but permitting reliance by the Lenders) in each relevant jurisdiction, substantially in the form provided to the Agent prior to the Drawdown Date, or confirmation satisfactory to the Agent that such an opinion will be given, namely:

 

 

(a)

an opinion on matters of English law from Stephenson Harwood LLP; and

 

 

(b)

an opinion on matters of Marshall Islands from Watson, Farley & Williams LLP;

 

 

(c)

an opinion on matters of Norwegian law from Wikborg Rein; and

 

 

(d)

an opinion on matters of New York law from Seward & Kissel LLP.

 

4

Other documents and evidence

 

 

(a)

Drawdown Notice The duly completed Drawdown Notice.

 

 

(b)

Process agent Evidence that any process agent referred to in Clause 23.5 and any process agent appointed under any other Finance Document has accepted its appointment.

 

 

(c)

Other authorisations A copy of any other consent, licence, approval, authorisation or other document, opinion or assurance which the Agent considers to be necessary (if it has notified the Borrower accordingly) in connection with the entry into and performance of the transactions contemplated by any of the Relevant Documents or for the validity and enforceability of any of the Relevant Documents.

 

 

(d)

Financial statements Copies of the Original Financial Statements.

 

 

(e)

Fees Evidence that the fees, costs and expenses then due from the Borrower under Clause 9 have been paid or will be paid by the Drawdown Date.

 

 

(f)

Structure Chart A certified copy of the Structure Chart.

 

 

(g)

“Know your customer” documents Such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Agent in order for the Lenders to comply with all necessary “know your customer” or similar identification procedures in relation to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents and has not already been provided to the Agent under Part I of this Schedule 2.

 

Page 80


 

(h)

Valuation One (1) Valuation in acceptable form.

 

5

Certificate of ownership

 

 

(a)

A certificate from Teekay that (either directly or indirectly) it owns and controls a minimum of fifty one per cent (51%) of the voting rights in Teekay GP L.L.C., the general partner of TGP.

 

 

(b)

A certificate from Teekay GP L.L.C. that it owns a minimum of fifty one per cent (51%) of the general partnership interests in TGP.

 

 

(c)

A statement from each of TGP and Teekay confirming that (either directly or indirectly) it owns and controls (i) ninety nine per cent (99%) and (ii) one per cent (1%) respectively of the membership interests and voting rights in the Borrower.

 

Page 81


Part III

Conditions subsequent

 

1

Letters of undertaking Letters of undertaking in respect of the Insurances as required by the Security Documents together with copies of the relevant policies or cover notes or entry certificates duly endorsed with the interest of the Finance Parties.

 

2

Acknowledgements of notices Acknowledgements of all notices of assignment and/or charge given pursuant to the Security Documents.

 

3

Legal opinions Such of the legal opinions specified in Part I of this Schedule 2 as have not already been provided to the Agent.

 

4

Companies Act registrations Evidence that the prescribed particulars of the Security Documents have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies of [            ] within the statutory time limit.

 

Page 82


Schedule 3

Form of Drawdown Notice

To:         Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

From:     Wilpride L.L.C.

[Date]

Dear Sirs,

Drawdown Notice

We refer to the Loan Agreement dated                     2014 made between, amongst others, ourselves and yourselves (the “ Agreement ”).

Words and phrases defined in the Agreement have the same meaning when used in this Drawdown Notice.

Pursuant to Clause 4.1 of the Agreement, we irrevocably request that you advance the sum of [            ] to us on            2014, which is a Business Day, by paying the amount of the advance to [            ].

We warrant that the representations and warranties contained in Clause 11.1 of the Agreement save those contained in Clauses 11.2, 11.7 and 11.19 are true and correct at the date of this Drawdown Notice and will be true and correct on 2014, that no Default has occurred and is continuing unremedied or unwaived, and that no Default will result from the advance of the sum requested in this Drawdown Notice.

We select the period of [            ] months as the first Interest Period.

Yours faithfully

 

................................

For and on behalf of

 

Wilpride L.L.C.

 

Page 83


Schedule 4

Form of Transfer Certificate

 

To:

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

Transfer Certificate

This transfer certificate relates to a secured loan facility agreement (as from time to time amended, varied, supplemented or novated the “ Loan Agreement ”) dated [            ] 2013, on the terms and subject to the conditions of which a secured term loan facility was made available to Wilpride L.L.C., by a syndicate of banks on whose behalf you act as agent and security trustee.

 

1

Terms defined in the Loan Agreement shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, have the same meaning when used in this certificate. The terms “ Transferor ” and “ Transferee ” are defined in the schedule to this certificate.

 

2

The Transferor:

 

 

2.1

confirms that the details in the Schedule under the heading “ Transferor’s Commitment ” accurately summarise its Commitment; and

 

 

2.2

requests the Transferee to accept by way of novation the transfer to the Transferee of the amount of the Transferor’s Commitment specified in the Schedule by counter-signing and delivering this certificate to the Agent at its address for communications specified in the Loan Agreement.

 

3

The Transferee requests the Agent to accept this certificate as being delivered to the Agent pursuant to and for the purposes of clause 14 of the Loan Agreement so as to take effect in accordance with the terms of that clause on the Transfer Date specified in the Schedule.

 

4

The Agent confirms its acceptance of this certificate for the purposes of clause 14 of the Loan Agreement.

 

5

The Transferee confirms that:

 

 

5.1

it has received a copy of the Loan Agreement together with all other information which it has required in connection with this transaction;

 

 

5.2

it has not relied and will not in the future rely on the Transferor or any other party to the Loan Agreement to check or enquire on its behalf into the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any such information;

 

 

5.3

it has not relied and will not in the future rely on the Transferor or any other party to the Loan Agreement to keep under review on its behalf the financial condition, creditworthiness, condition, affairs, status or nature of any Security Party; and

 

 

5.4

it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the transfer.

 

Page 84


6

Execution of this certificate by the Transferee constitutes its representation and warranty to the Transferor and to all other parties to the Loan Agreement that it has the power to become a party to the Loan Agreement as a Lender on the terms of the Loan Agreement and has taken all steps to authorise execution and delivery of this certificate.

 

7

The Transferee undertakes with the Transferor and each of the other parties to the Loan Agreement that it will perform in accordance with their terms all those obligations which by the terms of the Loan Agreement will be assumed by it after delivery of this certificate to the Agent and the satisfaction of any conditions subject to which this certificate is expressed to take effect.

 

8

The Transferor makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Finance Document or any document relating to any Finance Document, and assumes no responsibility for the financial condition of any Finance Party or for the performance and observance by any Security Party of any of its obligations under any Finance Document or any document relating to any Finance Document and any conditions and warranties implied by law are expressly excluded.

 

9

The Transferee acknowledges that nothing in this certificate or in the Loan Agreement shall oblige the Transferor to:

 

 

9.1

accept a re-transfer from the Transferee of the whole or any part of the rights, benefits and/or obligations transferred pursuant to this certificate; or

 

 

9.2

support any losses directly or indirectly sustained or incurred by the Transferee for any reason including, without limitation, the non-performance by any party to any Finance Document of any obligations under any Finance Document.

 

10

The address and fax number of the Transferee for the purposes of clause 18 of the Loan Agreement are set out in the Schedule.

 

11

This certificate may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be original but which shall together constitute the same instrument.

 

12

This certificate shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with English law.

The Schedule

 

1

Transferor :

 

2

Transferee :

 

3

Transfer Date (not earlier that the fifth Business Day after the date of delivery of the Transfer Certificate to the Agent):

 

4

Transferor’s Commitment :

 

5

Amount transferred :

 

6

Transferee’s address and fax number for the purposes of clause 18 of the Loan Agreement :

 

Page 85


[name of Transferor]

     

[name of Transferee]

  

By:

     

By:

  

Date:

     

Date:

  

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch as Agent

By:

Date:

 

Page 86


In witness of which the parties to this Agreement have executed this Agreement the day and year first before written.

 

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Wilpride L.L.C.

in the presence of:

  

)Nigel Thomas , Attorney-in-fact

)Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

  

 

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

(as Agent)

in the presence of:

  

)Mark Russell, Attorney-in-fact

)Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

  

 

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

(as a Lender)

in the presence of:

  

) Mark Russell, Attorney-in-fact

) Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

  

 

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Scotiabank Europe plc

(as a Lender)

in the presence of:

  

) Mark Russell, Attorney-in-fact

) Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

  

 

Page 87


Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, London

Branch

(as a Lender)

in the presence of:

  

)William Barrand, Attorney-in-fact

) Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

)

  

 

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

(as an MLA)

in the presence of:

  

) Mark Russell, Attorney-in-fact

) Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

  

 

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Scotiabank Europe plc

(as an MLA)

in the presence of:

  

) Mark Russell, Attorney-in-fact

) Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

  

 

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, London

Branch

(as an MLA)

in the presence of:

  

) William Barrand, Attorney-in-fact

) Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

)

  

 

Page 88


Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

(as Swap Provider)

in the presence of:

  

) Mark Russell, Attorney-in-fact

) Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

  

 

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Scotiabank Europe plc

(as Swap Provider)

in the presence of:

  

) Mark Russell, Attorney-in-fact

) Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

  

 

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

Commonwealth Bank of Australia,

London Branch

(as Swap Provider)

in the presence of:

  

) William Barrand, Attorney-in-fact

) Roxane Lorraine Chambers

)

)

)

)

)

  

 

Page 89

EXHIBIT 4.34

Execution Version

Dated             5 June            2015

EXMAR LPG BVBA

as Borrower

and

EXMAR GAS SHIPPING LIMITED

EXMAR SHIPPING BVBA

as Guarantor Owners

and

EXMAR NV

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P.

as Shareholder Guarantors

and

THE BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

listed in Schedule 1

as Lenders

and

DANISH SHIP FINANCE (DANMARKS SKIBSKREDIT A/S)

ITF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT FINANCE SUISSE AG

DNB BANK ASA

as Outgoing Lenders

and

THE BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

listed in Schedule 2

as Swap Banks

and

ABN AMRO BANK N.V.

BNP PARIBAS SA

DNB BANK ASA

NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA

SKANDINAVISKA ENSKILDA BANKEN AB (PUBL)

as Lead Arrangers

and

DANISH SHIP FINANCE (DANMARKS SKIBSKREDIT A/S)

ITF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT FINANCE SUISSE AG

KBC BANK NV

as Co-Arrangers

and

NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA

as Global Co-Ordinator

and

NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA

DNB BANK ASA

as Bookrunners

and

NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA

as Agent and as Security Trustee

AMENDING AND RESTATING AGREEMENT

relating to

a facility of (originally) US$355,000,000 comprising:

(i) a revolving credit facility of US$215,000,000 and

(ii) a newbuilding facility of US$140,000,000


Index

 

Clause

   Page  

1

 

Interpretation

     2   

2

 

Agreement of the Creditor Parties

     2   

3

 

Conditions Precedent

     5   

4

 

Representations and Warranties

     5   

5

 

Amendment and Restatement of Loan Agreement and other Finance Documents

     6   

6

 

Further Assurances

     8   

7

 

Fees and Expenses

     9   

8

 

Communications

     9   

9

 

Supplemental

     9   

10

 

Law and Jurisdiction

     9   

Schedules

  

Schedule 1 Lenders

     11   

Schedule 2 Swap Banks

     13   

Execution

  

Execution Pages

     14   

Appendices

  

Appendix 1 Form of Amended and Restated Loan Agreement

Appendix 2 Form of Mortgage Addendum

Appendix 3 Form of Transfer Certificate

  

 


THIS AGREEMENT is made on             5 June            2015

PARTIES

 

(1)

EXMAR LPG BVBA , (the “ Borrower ”)

 

(2)

EXMAR GAS SHIPPING LIMITED and EXMAR SHIPPING BVBA , (the “ Guarantor Owners ”)

 

(3)

EXMAR NV and TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P. , (the Shareholder Guarantors ”)

 

(4)

THE BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Schedule 1 ( Lenders ) as lenders (the “ Lenders ”)

 

(5)

DANISH SHIP FINANCE (DANMARKS SKIBSKREDIT A/S), ITF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT FINANCE SUISSE AG and DNB BANK ASA as outgoing lenders (the “ Outgoing Lenders ”).

 

(6)

THE BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Schedule 2 ( Swap Banks ) as swap banks (the “ Swap Banks ”)

 

(7)

ABN AMRO BANK N.V. , BNP PARIBAS SA , DNB BANK ASA , NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA and SKANDINAVISKA ENSKILDA BANKEN AB (PUBL) , (the “ Lead Arrangers ”)

 

(8)

DANISH SHIP FINANCE (DANMARKS SKIBSKREDIT A/S), ITF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT FINANCE SUISSE AG and KBC BANK NV , (the “ Co-Arrangers ”)

 

(9)

NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA , (the “ Global Co-Ordinator ”)

 

(10)

DNB BANK ASA and NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA , (the “ Bookrunners ”)

 

(11)

NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA , (the “ Agent ”)

 

(12)

NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA , (the “ Security Trustee ”)

BACKGROUND

 

(A)

By a loan agreement dated 28 March 2013, as amended from time to time, (the “ Loan Agreement ”) and made between (i) the Borrower, (ii) the Lenders, (iii) the Swap Banks, (iv) the Lead Arrangers, (v) the Co-Arranger, (vi) the Global Co-Ordinator, (vii) the Bookrunners, (viii) the Agent and (ix) the Security Trustee, the Lenders have made available to the Borrowers a facility of (originally) US$355,000,000.

 

(B)

By guarantees dated 22 April 2015, as amended from time to time, (the “ Guarantees ”) and made by each of the Guarantor Owners and each of the Shareholder Guarantors (together, the “ Guarantors ”), the Guarantors have guaranteed the obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Agreement, the Master Agreements and the other Finance Documents.

 

(C)

This Agreement sets out the terms and conditions on which the Creditor Parties agree, with effect on and from the Effective Date, at the request of the Security Parties to certain amendments to the Loan Agreement including but not limited to:

 

 

(i)

an upsize of the Revolving Credit Facility from $215,000,000 to $310,000,000 and the Newbuilding Facility from $140,000,000 to $150,000,000;

 

 

(ii)

to finance further ships, being the “BRUSSELS” and 4 newbuilding vessels under construction at HHIC-Phil Inc. with hull no.s P100, P101, P102 and P103 (the “ Newbuildings ”);

 

 

(iii)

to extend the Maturity Date; and


 

(iv)

to the consequential amendment of the Loan Agreement, the Guarantees and the other Finance Documents in connection with those matters.

 

(D)

Immediately prior to the effectiveness of the amendments set out in Recitcal (C) the Outgoing Lenders will transfer their Contribution to the Remaining Lenders as further set out in this Agreement.

OPERATIVE PROVISIONS

 

1

INTERPRETATION

 

1.1

Defined expressions

Words and expressions defined in the Loan Agreement and the other Finance Documents shall have the same meanings when used in this Agreement (including its Recitals) unless the context otherwise requires.

 

1.2

Definitions

In this Agreement, unless the contrary intention appears:

Amended and Restated Loan Agreement ” means the Loan Agreement as amended and restated by this Agreement in the form set out in Appendix 1;

Effective Date ” means the date falling 3 Business Days after the date on which the conditions precedent in Clause 3 ( Conditions Precedent ) are satisfied; and

Loan Agreement ” means the loan agreement dated 28 March 2013, as amended from time to time, referred to in Recital (A);

Mortgage Addendum ” means, in relation to the Belgian Ships, an addendum to the Mortgages in respect of the Belgian Ships in the form set out in Appendix 2;

Outgoing Lenders ” means each of Danish Ship Finance (Danmarks Skibskredit A/S), ITF International Transport Finance Suisse AG and DNB Bank ASA;

Remaining Lenders ” means the Lenders other than the Outgoing Lenders; and

Transfer Certificate ” means the completed certificate in the form set out in Appendix 3.

 

1.3

Application of construction and interpretation provisions of Loan Agreement

Clauses 1.2 and 1.5 of the Loan Agreement apply, with any necessary modifications, to this Agreement.

 

2

AGREEMENT OF THE CREDITOR PARTIES

 

2.1

Agreement of the Lenders

The Lenders agree, subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to the amendment of the Loan Agreement to be made pursuant to Clause 5 ( Amendment and Restatement of Loan Agreement and other Finance Documents ).

 

2.2

Agreement of the Creditor Parties

The Creditor Parties agree, subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to the consequential amendment of the Loan Agreement and the other Finance Documents in connection with the matters referred to in Clause 2.1 ( Agreement of the Lenders ).

 

2


2.3

Effective Date

The agreement of the Lenders and the other Creditor Parties contained in Clauses 2.1 ( Agreement of the Lenders ) and 2.2 ( Agreement of the Creditor Parties ) shall have effect on and from the Effective Date. Upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent in Clause 3.2 ( Conditions precedent ) the following shall take place on the Effective Date:

 

(a)

each Outgoing Lender shall transfer its Contribution to the Remaining Lenders by way of execution of a Transfer Certificate in the amounts set out below with effect from the Effective Date:

 

Outgoing Lender

   Revolving
Contribution

($)
   Newbuilding
Contribution ($)
  

Amount of Revolving

Contribution ($) to be

transferred and to which

Lender

  

Amount of Newbuilding

Contribution ($) to be

transferred to and to which

Lender

ITF International Transport Finance Suisse AG

  

7,732,771.02

  

10,348,004.73

  

Nordea Bank Norge ASA : 2,303,443.74

 

BNP Paribas SA : 960,321.17

 

ABN Amro Bank N.V. : 931,210.04

 

Belfius Bank NV/SA : 1,004,161.03

 

Scotiabank Europe plc : 1,004,161.03

 

KBC Bank NV : 550,760.11

 

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) : 407,209.59

 

Santander Bank, N.A. : 421,938.31

 

Credit Industriel et Commercial : 149,565.99

  

Nordea Bank Norge ASA : 3,082,471.55

 

BNP Paribas SA : 1,285,103.10

 

ABN Amro Bank N.V.: 1,246,146.54

 

Belfius Bank NV/SA : 1,343,769.66

 

Scotiabank Europe plc : 1,343,769.66

 

KBC Bank NV : 737,027.93

 

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) : 544,928.43

 

Santander Bank, N.A .: 564,638.43

 

Credit Industriel et Commercial : 200,149.42

 

3


Danish Ship Finance

  

7,732,771.02

  

10,348,004.73

  

Nordea Bank Norge ASA : 2,303,443.74

 

BNP Paribas SA : 960,321.17

 

ABN Amro Bank N.V. : 931,210.04

 

Belfius Bank NV/SA : 1,004,161.03

 

Scotiabank Europe plc : 1,004,161.03

 

KBC Bank NV : 550,760.11

 

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) : 407,209.59

 

Santander Bank, N.A. : 421,938.31

 

Credit Industriel et Commercial : 149,565.99

  

Nordea Bank Norge ASA : 3,082,471.55

 

BNP Paribas SA : 1,285,103.10

 

ABN Amro Bank N.V. : 1,246,146.54

 

Belfius Bank NV/SA : 1,343,769.66

 

Scotiabank Europe plc : 1,343,769.66

 

KBC Bank NV : 737,027.93

 

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) : 544,928.43

 

Santander Bank, N.A. : 564,638.43

 

Credit Industriel et Commercial : 200,149.42

DNB Bank ASA

  

1,229,208.77

  

1,644,928.85

  

Nordea Bank Norge ASA : 366,157.65

 

BNP Paribas SA : 152,653.58

 

ABN Amro Bank N.V. : 148,026.05

 

Belfius Bank NV/SA : 159,622.41

 

Scotiabank Europe plc : 159,622.41

 

KBC Bank NV : 87,549.36

 

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) : 64,730.43

 

Santander Bank, N.A. : 67,071.72

 

Credit Industriel et Commercial : 23,775.16

  

Nordea Bank Norge ASA : 489,992.66

 

BNP Paribas SA : 204,281.23

 

ABN Amro Bank N.V. : 198,088.66

 

Belfius Bank NV/SA : 213,606.93

 

Scotiabank Europe plc : 213,606.93

 

KBC Bank NV : 117,158.67

 

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) : 86,622.35

 

Santander Bank, N.A. : 89,755.47

 

Credit Industriel et Commercial : 31,815.94

 

 

(b)

DNB Bank ASA will transfer $30,000,000 of its Contribution to DNB (UK) Ltd;

 

 

(c)

the amendment and restatement of the Loan Agreement and the other Finance Documents referred to in Clause 5 ( Amendment and Restatement of Loan Agreement and other Finance Documents ) shall become effective so that:

 

 

(i)

the Revolving Credit Facility shall be increased to $310,000,000;

 

 

(ii)

the Newbuilding Facility shall be increased to $150,000,000;

 

4


(d)

a Revolving Advance shall be drawdown and the funds from such drawdown shall be applied in prepayment of the Newbuilding Facility in full, it being understood that clauses 8.5 (c onditions for voluntary repayments ) and 8.13(a) (r eborrowing ) of the Loan Agreement shall not apply to such prepayment;

 

(e)

a Revolving Advance shall be drawdown in respect of m.v. “BRUSSELS”.

 

3

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

3.1

General

The agreement of the Lenders and the other Creditor Parties contained in Clauses 2.1 ( Agreement of the Lenders ) and 2.2 ( Agreement of the Creditor Parties ) is subject to the fulfilment of the conditions precedent in Clause 3.2 ( Conditions precedent ).

 

3.2

Conditions precedent

The conditions referred to in Clause 3.1 ( General ) are that the Agent shall have received the following documents and evidence in all respects in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and its lawyers on:

 

(a)

for each of the Borrower, the Guarantor Owners and the Shareholder Owners, documents of the kind specified in Schedule 4, Part A, paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of the Loan Agreement as amended and supplemented by this Agreement and updated with appropriate modifications to refer to this Agreement and each Mortgage Addendum;

 

(b)

a duly executed original of this Agreement duly executed by the parties to it;

 

(c)

a duly executed original of each Transfer Certificate in respect of each Outgoing Lender’s Contribution duly executed by the parties to it;

 

(d)

a duly executed original of each Mortgage Addendum;

 

(e)

a copy of the shipbuilding contracts for each of the Newbuildings;

 

(f)

documentary evidence that each Mortgage Addendum has been duly recorded against the relevant Ship as a valid addendum to the Mortgage according to the laws of Belgium;

 

(g)

evidence that all fees to be paid in connection with this Agreement and the Loan Agreement, as amended and restated by this Agreement, have been or will be paid on or before the Effective Date;

 

(h)

evidence that the provisions of clause 9.1(g) of the Loan Agreement, as amended and restated by this Agreement and updated with appropriate modifications to refer to this Agreement, are complied with both as at the date of this Agreement and the Effective Date;

 

(i)

favourable legal opinions from lawyers appointed by the Agent on such matters concerning the laws of Belgium, Hong Kong, Marshall Islands and England; and

 

(j)

any further opinions, consents, agreements and documents in connection with this Agreement and the Finance Documents which the Agent may reasonably request.

 

4

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

4.1

Repetition of Loan Agreement representations and warranties

Each Borrower represents and warrants to the Creditor Parties that the representations and warranties in clause 10 of the Loan Agreement, as amended and restated by this Agreement and updated with appropriate modifications to refer to this Agreement and, where appropriate, each Mortgage Addendum, remain true and not misleading if repeated on the date of this Agreement with reference to the circumstances now existing.

 

5


4.2

Repetition of Finance Document representations and warranties

Each Borrower and each of the other Security Parties represents and warrants to the Creditor Parties that the representations and warranties in the Finance Documents (other than the Loan Agreement) to which it is a party, as amended and restated by this Agreement and updated with appropriate modifications to refer to this Agreement and, where appropriate, each Mortgage Addendum, remain true and not misleading if repeated on the date of this Agreement with reference to the circumstances now existing.

 

5

AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF LOAN AGREEMENT AND OTHER FINANCE DOCUMENTS

 

5.1

Specific amendments to Loan Agreement

With effect on and from the Effective Date the Loan Agreement shall be, and shall be deemed by this Agreement to be, amended and restated in the form of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement; and, as so amended and restated, the Loan Agreement shall continue to be binding on each of the parties to it in accordance with its terms as so amended and restated.

 

5.2

Specific amendments to Agency and Trust Deed

With effect on and from the Effective Date, the Agency and Trust Deed shall be, and shall be deemed by this Agreement to be amended by inserting the following as a new clause 5.4(f):

“(f) The Agent shall resign in accordance with this Clause 5.4 (and, to the extent applicable, shall use reasonable endeavours to appoint a successor Agent) if on or after the date which is three months before the earliest FATCA Application Date relating to any payment to the Agent under the Finance Documents, either:

 

 

(i)

the Agent fails to respond to a request under Clause 22.8 (FATCA Information) of the Loan Agreement and a Lender reasonably believes that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date;

 

 

(ii)

the information supplied by the Agent pursuant to Clause 22.8 (FATCA Information) of the Loan Agreement indicates that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date; or

 

 

(iii)

the Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date;

and (in each case) a Lender reasonably believes that a party will be required to make a FATCA Deduction that would not be required if the Agent were a FATCA Exempt Party, and that Lender, by notice to the Agent, requires it to resign.”

 

5.3

Specific amendments to Guarantees

With effect on and from the Effective Date, the Guarantees shall be, and shall be deemed by this Agreement to be amended as follows:

 

(a)

by inserting the following as a new clause 10.21 in the Guarantees provided by the Guarantor Owners, as a new clause 10.16 in the Guarantee provided by Teekay and as a new clause 10.17 in the Guarantee provided by Exmar NV:

 

6


Sanctions

 

 

(a)

The Guarantor, and its respective directors, officers, employees, or (when acting in its capacity as agent for the Guarantor) agents, has been and is in compliance with Sanctions Laws;

 

 

(b)

Neither the Guarantor, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or (when acting in its capacity as agent for the Guarantor) agents:

 

 

(i)

is a Restricted Party, or is involved in any transaction through which it is likely to become a Restricted Party; or

 

 

(ii)

is subject to or involved in any inquiry, claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation against it with respect to Sanctions Laws.”

 

(b)

by deleting clause 11.21 in the Guarantees provided by the Guarantor Owners and clause 11.19 in the Guarantees provided by the Shareholder Owners and replacing them with the following:

Sanctions

 

 

(a)

No proceeds of a Loan shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of a Restricted Party nor to fund any activities or business in the country or territory that at the time of such funding is a Sanctioned Country, nor shall they otherwise be applied in a manner or for a purpose prohibited by Sanctions Laws.

 

 

(b)

The Guarantor shall supply to the Agent:

 

 

(i)

promptly upon becoming aware of them, the details of any inquiry, claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation pursuant to Sanctions Laws against any Obligor, any of their direct or indirect owners, any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or (when acting in its capacity as agent for any Obligor) agents, as well as information on what steps are being taken with regards to answer or oppose such; and

 

 

(ii)

promptly upon becoming aware that an Obligor or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or (when acting in its capacity as agent for any Obligor) agents has become or is likely to become a Restricted Party.

 

 

(c)

The Guarantor shall ensure that no Obligor, nor any of their Affiliates, respective directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives or any other persons acting on any of their behalf, is or will become a Restricted Party.

 

5.4

Amendments to Finance Documents

With effect on and from the Effective Date each of the Finance Documents other than the Loan Agreement and the Mortgages which are amended and supplemented by the relevant Mortgage Addendum, shall be, and shall be deemed by this Agreement to be, amended as follows:

 

(a)

the definition of, and references throughout each of the Finance Documents to, the Loan Agreement and any of the other Finance Documents shall be construed as if the same referred to the Loan Agreement and those Finance Documents as amended and restated or supplemented by this Agreement;

 

(b)

the definition of, and references throughout each of the Finance Documents to, the Mortgages shall be construed as if the same referred to the Mortgages as amended and supplemented by the relevant Mortgage Addendum; and

 

7


(c)

by construing references throughout each of the Finance Documents to “this Agreement”, “this Deed”, “hereunder” and other like expressions as if the same referred to such Finance Documents as amended and supplemented by this Agreement.

 

5.5

Finance Documents to remain in full force and effect

The Finance Documents other than the Loan Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as amended by:

 

(a)

the amendments contained or referred to in Clause 5.3 ( Specific amendments to Guarantees ) and each Mortgage Addendum; and

 

(b)

such further or consequential modifications as may be necessary to give full effect to the terms of this Agreement.

 

5.6

Guarantee confirmation

For the avoidance of doubt, each Guarantor hereby confirms that the Guarantee issued by it remains in full force and effect in respect of the obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Agreement and the other Finance Documents and Master Agreements, as such Loan Agreement and Finance Documents are amended, restated and upsized in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

6

FURTHER ASSURANCES

 

6.1

Borrower’s and each Security Party’s obligation to execute further documents etc.

The Borrower and each Security Party shall:

 

(a)

execute and deliver to the Security Trustee (or as it may direct) any assignment, mortgage, power of attorney, proxy or other document, governed by the law of England or such other country as the Security Trustee may, in any particular case, specify;

 

(b)

effect any registration or notarisation, give any notice or take any other step;

which the Security Trustee may, by notice to the Borrower or that Security Party, specify for any of the purposes described in Clause 6 ( Further Assurances ) or for any similar or related purpose.

 

6.2

Purposes of further assurances

Those purposes are:

 

(a)

validly and effectively to create any Security Interest or right of any kind which the Lender intended should be created by or pursuant to the Loan Agreement or any other Finance Document, each as amended and restated or supplemented by this Agreement, or by the relevant Mortgage Addendum; and

 

(b)

implementing the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

6.3

Terms of further assurances

The Security Trustee may specify the terms of any document to be executed by the Borrower or any Security Party under Clause 6.1 ( Borrower’s and each Security Party’s obligation to execute further documents etc. ), and those terms may include any covenants, powers and provisions which the Security Trustee considers appropriate to protect its interests.

 

8


6.4

Obligation to comply with notice

The Borrower or any Security Party shall comply with a notice under Clause 6.1 ( Borrower’s and each Security Party’s obligation to execute further documents etc. ) by the date specified in the notice.

 

6.5

Additional corporate action

At the same time as the Borrower or any Security Party delivers to the Security Trustee any document executed under Clause 6.1(a), the Borrower or any Security Party shall also deliver to the Security Trustee a certificate signed by an officer of the Borrower or that Security Party which shall:

 

(a)

set out the text of a resolution of the Borrower or that Security Party’s directors or members, as the case may be, specifically authorising the execution of the document specified by the Security Trustee; and

 

(b)

state that either the resolution was duly passed at a meeting of the directors or member, as the case may be, validly convened and held throughout which a quorum of directors entitled to vote on the resolution was present or that the resolution has been signed by all the directors and is valid under the Borrower’s or that Security Party’s articles of association or other constitutional documents.

 

7

FEES AND EXPENSES

 

7.1

Fees and expenses

The provisions of clause 20 ( fees and expenses ) of the Loan Agreement, as amended and restated by this Agreement, shall apply to this Agreement as if they were expressly incorporated in this Agreement with any necessary modifications provided that nothing confirmed herein or therein shall be construed to obligate the Security Parties to pay any fees which have already been paid.

 

8

COMMUNICATIONS

 

8.1

General

The provisions of clause 28 ( notices ) of the Loan Agreement, as amended and restated by this Agreement, shall apply to this Agreement as if they were expressly incorporated in this Agreement with any necessary modifications.

 

9

SUPPLEMENTAL

 

9.1

Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts.

 

9.2

Third party rights

A person who is not a party to this Agreement has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce or to enjoy the benefit of any term of this Agreement.

 

10

LAW AND JURISDICTION

 

10.1

Governing law

This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.

 

9


10.2

Incorporation of the Loan Agreement provisions

The provisions of clause 30 ( law and jurisdiction ) of the Loan Agreement, as amended and restated by this Agreement, shall apply to this Agreement as if they were expressly incorporated in this Agreement with any necessary modifications.

This Agreement has been duly executed as a deed on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.

 

10


SCHEDULE 1

LENDERS

 

Lender

  

Lending Office

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

  

Coolsingel 93

3012 AE Rotterdam

The Netherlands

Belfius Bank NV/SA

  

Pachecolaan 44

1000 Brussels

Belgium

BNP Paribas SA

  

16 Boulevard des Italiens

75009 Paris

France

Crédit Industriel et Commercial

  

4 rue Gaillon

75002 Paris

France

Danish Ship Finance (Danmarks Skibskredit A/S)

  

Sankt Annae Plads 3

1250 Copenhagen K

Denmark

DNB Bank ASA

  

8th Floor

The Walbrook Building

London EC4N 8AF

ITF International Transport Finance Suisse AG

  

Wasserwerkstrasse 12 CH-8006 Zurich

Switzerland

KBC Bank NV

  

Eiermarkt 20

2000 Antwerpen

Belgium

Nordea Bank Norge ASA

  

Middelthunsgate 17

P.O. Box 1166, Sentrum

0107 Oslo

Norway

Scotiabank Europe plc.

  

201 Bishopsgate

6 th Floor, London

EC2M 3NS

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ)

  

SE-106 40 Stockholm

Sweden

 

11


Lender

  

Lending Office

Santander Bank, N.A. (previously Sovereign Bank, N.A.)

  

75 State Street Boston

MA 02109, USA

 

12


SCHEDULE 2

SWAP BANKS

 

SWAP BANK

  

BOOKING OFFICE

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

  

Gustav Mahlerlaan 10

1082PP Amsterdam

The Netherlands

Belfius Bank NV/SA

  

Pachecolaan 44

1000 Brussels

Belgium

DNB Bank ASA, London Branch

  

8th Floor

The Walbrook Building

London EC4N 8AF

Nordea Bank Finland Plc

  

Aleksanterinkatu 36

FIN-00020 NORDEA

00100 Helsinki

Finland

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ)

  

SE-106 40 Stockholm

Sweden

 

13


EXECUTION PAGES

 

BORROWER

EXECUTED as a DEED

by EXMAR LPG BVBA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

GUARANTOR OWNERS

SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED

as a DEED

by EXMAR GAS SHIPPING LIMITED

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by EXMAR SHIPPING BVBA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

SHAREHOLDER GUARANTORS

EXECUTED as a DEED

by EXMAR NV

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P.

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

 

 

) Patrick De Brabandere

)

)

)

) Ewa Kurlanda, Legal Counsel

 

 

) Patrick De Brabandere

)

)

)

)

) Ewa Kurlanda, Legal Counsel

) Miguel De Potter

)

)

)

) Ewa Kurlanda, Legal Counsel

 

 

) Patrick De Brabandere

)

)

)

) Ewa Kurlanda, Legal Counsel

)

)

)

)

) Stacy Grant

 

 

14


LENDERS

EXECUTED as a DEED

by

ABN AMRO BANK N.V.

acting by

its duly authorised signatories

in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by BELFIUS BANK NV/SA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by BNP PARIBAS SA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by CREDIT INDUSTRIEL ET

COMMERCIAL

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by DANISH SHIP FINANCE

(DANSMARK SKIBSKREDIT A/S)

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

 

 

 

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

 

15


EXECUTED as a DEED

by DNB BANK ASA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by ITF FINANCIAL TRANSPORT

FINANCE SUISSE

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by SCOTIABANK EUROPE PLC

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by SKANDINAVISKA ENSKILDA

BANKEN AB (publ)

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

 

16


EXECUTED as a DEED

by SANTANDER BANK, N.A.

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

OUTGOING LENDERS

EXECUTED as a DEED

by DANISH SHIP FINANCE

(DANMARKS SKIBSKREDIT A/S)

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by ITF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT

FINANCE SUISSE AG

BANKEN AB (publ)

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by DNB BANK ASA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

SWAP BANKS

EXECUTED as a DEED

by ABN AMRO BANK N.V

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

) Deanne Horn, Senior Vice President

)

)

)

) Angela Rabanal, Assistant Vice President

 

 

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

 

17


EXECUTED as a DEED

  

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

by BELFIUS BANK NV/SA

  

)

acting by

  

)

its duly authorised

  

)

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

  

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

EXECUTED as a DEED

  

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

by DNB BANK ASA, LONDON BRANCH

  

)

acting by

  

)

its duly authorised

  

)

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

  

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

EXECUTED as a DEED

  

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

by NORDEA BANK FINLAND PLC

  

)

acting by

  

)

its duly authorised

  

)

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

  

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

EXECUTED as a DEED

  

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

by SKANDINAVISKA ENSKILDA

  

)

BANKEN AB (publ)

  

)

acting by

  

)

its duly authorised signatories

  

)

in the presence of:

  

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

LEAD ARRANGERS

  

EXECUTED as a DEED

  

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

by ABN AMRO BANK N.V.

  

)

acting by

  

)

its duly authorised

  

)

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

  

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

18


EXECUTED as a DEED

by BNP PARIBAS SA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by DNB BANK ASA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by SKANDINAVISKA ENSKILDA

BANKEN AB (publ)

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

CO- ARRANGERS

EXECUTED as a DEED

by DANISH SHIP FINANCE

(DANMARKS SKIBSKREDIT A/S)

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by ITF INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT

FINANCE SUISSE AG

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

 

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

 

19


EXECUTED as a DEED

by KBC BANK NV

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

GLOBAL CO-ORDINATOR

EXECUTED as a DEED

by NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

BOOKRUNNERS

EXECUTED as a DEED

by NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

EXECUTED as a DEED

by DNB BANK ASA

acting by

its duly authorised

attorney-in-fact in the presence of:

AGENT

EXECUTED as a DEED

by NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA

acting by

its duly authorised signatories

in the presence of:

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

 

 

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

 

 

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

 

) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact

)

)

)

) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

 

20


SECURITY TRUSTEE

 

EXECUTED as a DEED    ) Emily Kind, Attorney-in-fact
by NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA    )
acting by    )
its duly authorised signatories    )
in the presence of:    ) Joanna Holden, Trainee Solicitor

 

21


APPENDIX 1

FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT

 

22


APPENDIX 2

FORM OF MORTGAGE ADDENDUM

 

23


APPENDIX 3

FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE

 

24

EXHIBIT 4.35

EXECUTION VERSION

Dated 24 November 2015

 

 

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P.

(as Borrower)

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED

(as Bookrunner)

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED

CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK

MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.

and

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

(as Mandated Lead Arrangers)

ABN AMRO CAPITAL USA LLC

BNP PARIBAS

CREDIT SUISSE AG

DNB MARKETS, INC.

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

NORDEA BANK FINLAND PLC, NEW YORK BRANCH

SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE

and

UBS SECURITIES LLC

(as Lead Arrangers)

CITIBANK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

(as Agent)

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED

(as Coordinator)

 

 

US$150,000,000

REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

 

 

LOGO


Contents

 

Clause         Page  
1    Definitions and Interpretation        1   
2    Loans and Purposes      13   
3    Conditions of Utilisation      15   
4    Advance      16   
5    Repayment      17   
6    Prepayment      18   
7    Interest      20   
8    Changes to the calculation of interest      22   
9    Indemnities      23   
10    Fees      29   
11    Borrower Representations and Warranties      29   
12    Undertakings and Covenants      34   
13    Events of Default      41   
14    Assignment, Transfer and Sub-Participation      44   
15    Role of the Agent and the Arrangers      46   
16    Amendments and Waivers      52   
17    Sharing among the Finance Parties      56   
18    Payment mechanics      57   
19    Set-Off      59   
20    Payments and Taxes      59   
21    Notices      61   
22    Partial Invalidity      62   
23    Remedies and Waivers      63   
24    Miscellaneous      63   
25    Confidentiality      63   
26    Confidentiality of Funding Rates and Reference Bank Rates      66   
27    Law and Jurisdiction      67   


Schedule 1 Original Lenders and the Commitments

     69   

Schedule 2 Initial Conditions Precedent

     71   

Schedule 3 Form of Drawdown Notice

     73   

Schedule 4 Form of Transfer Certificate

     74   

Schedule 5 Form of Compliance Certificate

     76   

Schedule 6 Form of Increase Confirmation

     77   


THIS AGREEMENT is dated 24 November 2015 and made BETWEEN :

 

(1)

Teekay LNG Partners L.P. , a limited partnership formed and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at The Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, PO Box 1405 Majuro, The Marshall Islands, MH96960 (the   Borrower );

 

(2)

Citigroup Global Markets Limited ; Cr é dit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. as mandated lead arrangers (in this capacity, the Mandated Lead Arrangers );

 

(3)

ABN AMRO Capital USA LLC; BNP Paribas; Credit Suisse AG; DNB Markets, Inc.; Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated; Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch; Société Générale and UBS Securities LLC as lead arrangers (in this capacity, the Lead Arrangers and together with the Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Arrangers );

 

(4)

Citibank International Limited as agent (the Agent );

 

(5)

Citigroup Global Markets Limited as coordinator (the Coordinator );

 

(6)

Citigroup Global Markets Limited as bookrunner (in this capacity, the Bookrunner ); and

 

(7)

the banks listed in Schedule 1 as original lenders, each acting through its office at the address indicated against its name in Schedule 1 (together the Original Lenders and each an Original Lender );

IT IS AGREED as follows:

 

1

Definitions and Interpretation

 

1.1

In this Agreement:

Acceptable Bank means a bank or financial institution which has a rating for its long-term unsecured and non credit-enhanced debt obligations of BBB+ or higher by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services or Fitch Ratings Ltd or Baa1 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service Limited or a comparable rating from an internationally recognised credit rating agency.

Affiliate means, in relation to any entity, a Subsidiary of that entity, a Holding Company of that entity or any other Subsidiary of that Holding Company.

Authorisation means an authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, notarisation or registration.

Break Costs means all sums payable by the Borrower from time to time under clause 9.3.

Building Contract means the relevant shipbuilding contract entered into in respect of a Vessel Under Construction and Building Contracts means any or all of them.

Business Day means a day on which banks are open for business of a nature contemplated by this Agreement (and not authorised by law to close) in Basel, London, New York, Paris, Vancouver and any other financial centre which the Agent may reasonably consider appropriate for the operation of the provisions of this Agreement.

Change of Control means

 

  (a)

where all management powers over the business and affairs of the Borrower are vested exclusively in its general partner:

 

  (i)

the General Partner ceases to be the general partner of the Borrower; or

 

1


  (ii)

Teekay Corporation ceases to be the owner, directly or indirectly, of a minimum of 50 per cent (50%) of the voting rights in the General Partner; or

 

  (b)

where all management powers over the business and affairs of the Borrower become vested exclusively in the board of directors of the Borrower, Teekay Corporation ceases to remain the owner, directly or indirectly, of a minimum of fifty per cent (50%) of the voting rights to elect the members of that board of directors or of the voting rights to elect a minimum of fifty per cent (50%) of that board of directors.

Code means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Commitment means:

 

  (a)

for an Original Lender, the aggregate amount set opposite its name in Schedule 1 under the headings Commitments and the amount of any other commitment to advance funds under this Agreement transferred to it under this Agreement or assumed by it in accordance with clause 2.5 ; and

 

  (b)

for any other Lender, the amount of any commitment to advance funds under this Agreement transferred to it under this Agreement or assumed by it in accordance with clause 2.5.

Compliance Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form set out in Schedule 5.

Confidential Information means all information relating to the Group, any member of the Group, the Finance Documents or the Loans of which a Finance Party becomes aware in its capacity as, or for the purpose of becoming, a Finance Party or which is received by a Finance Party in relation to, or for the purpose of becoming a Finance Party under, the Finance Documents or the Loans from either:

 

  (a)

any member of the Group or any of its advisers; or

 

  (b)

another Finance Party, if the information was obtained by that Finance Party directly or indirectly from any member of the Group or any of its advisers,

in whatever form, and includes information given orally and any document, electronic file or any other way of representing or recording information which contains or is derived or copied from such information but excludes information that:

 

  (i)

is or becomes public information other than as a direct or indirect result of any breach by that Finance Party of clause 25; or

 

  (ii)

is identified in writing at the time of delivery as non-confidential by any member of the Group or any of its advisers; or

 

  (iii)

is known by that Finance Party before the date the information is disclosed to it in accordance with (i) or (ii) or is lawfully obtained by that Finance Party after that date, from a source which is, as far as that Finance Party is aware, unconnected with any member of the Group and which, in either case, as far as that Finance Party is aware, has not been obtained in breach of, and is not otherwise subject to, any obligation of confidentiality,

and also excludes any information in relation to the Funding Rate or Reference Bank Rate (or the rates themselves) on the basis that the confidentiality relating to the Funding Rate and the Reference Bank Rate is regulated by clause 26.

Confidentiality Undertaking means a confidentiality undertaking substantially in a recommended form of the Loan Market Association at the relevant time or in such other form as may be agreed between the Borrower and the Agent.

 

2


Currency of Account means, in relation to any payment to be made to a Finance Party under a Finance Document, the currency in which that payment is required to be made by the terms of that Finance Document.

Default means an Event of Default or any event or circumstance specified in clause 13.1 which would (with the expiry of a grace period, the giving of notice, the making of any determination under the Finance Documents or any combination of any of the foregoing) be an Event of Default.

Defaulting Lender means any Lender:

 

  (a)

which has failed to make its participation in a Loan available (or has notified the Agent or the Borrower (which has notified the Agent) that it will not make its participation in a Loan available) by the Drawdown Date in accordance with clause 4.1; or

 

  (b)

which has otherwise rescinded or repudiated a Finance Document; or

 

  (c)

with respect to which an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing,

unless, in the case of (a):

 

  (i)

its failure to pay is caused by:

 

  (A)

administrative or technical error; or

 

  (B)

a Disruption Event; and

payment is made within three Business Days of its due date; or

 

  (ii)

the Lender is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.

Disruption Event means either or both of:

 

  (a)

a material disruption to those payment or communications systems or to those financial markets which are, in each case, required to operate in order for payments to be made in connection with the Loans (or otherwise in order for the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents to be carried out) which disruption is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, any of the Parties; or

 

  (b)

the occurrence of any other event which results in a disruption (of a technical or systems-related nature) to the treasury or payments operations of a Party preventing that, or any other Party:

 

  (i)

from performing its payment obligations under the Finance Documents; or

 

  (ii)

from communicating with other Parties in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents,

and which (in either such case) is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, the Party whose operations are disrupted.

Dollars , US$ and $ each means available and freely transferable and convertible funds in lawful currency of the United States of America.

Drawdown Date means the date on which a Loan is advanced under clause 4.

Drawdown Notice means a notice substantially in the form set out in Schedule 3.

 

3


Encumbrance means a mortgage, charge, assignment, pledge, lien, or other security interest securing any obligation of any person or any other agreement or arrangement having a similar effect.

Environmental Approvals means any present or future permit, licence, approval, ruling, variance, exemption or other authorisation required under the applicable Environmental Laws.

Environmental Claim means any and all enforcement, clean-up, removal, administrative, governmental, regulatory or judicial actions, orders, demands or investigations instituted or completed pursuant to any Environmental Laws or Environmental Approvals together with any claims made by any third person relating to damage, contribution, loss or injury resulting from any Environmental Incident.

Environmental Incident means:

 

  (a)

any release of Environmentally Sensitive Material from any Vessel; or

 

  (b)

any incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released from a vessel other than a Vessel and which involves a collision between a Vessel and such other vessel or some other incident of navigation or operation, in either case, in connection with which a Vessel is actually or potentially liable to be arrested, attached, detained or injuncted and/or where any guarantor, any manager (or any sub-manager of a Vessel) or any of its officers, employees or other persons retained or instructed by it (or such sub-manager) are at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action; or

 

  (c)

any other incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released otherwise than from a Vessel and in connection with which a Vessel is actually or potentially liable to be arrested and/or where any guarantor, any manager (or any sub-manager of a Vessel) or any of its officers, employees or other persons retained or instructed by it (or such sub-manager) are at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or administrative action.

Environmental Laws means all present and future laws, regulations, treaties and conventions of any applicable jurisdiction which:

 

  (a)

have as a purpose or effect the protection of, and/or prevention of harm or damage to, the environment;

 

  (b)

relate to the carriage of Environmentally Sensitive Material or to actual or threatened releases of Environmentally Sensitive Material;

 

  (c)

provide remedies or compensation for harm or damage to the environment; or

 

  (d)

relate to Environmentally Sensitive Materials or health or safety matters.

Environmentally Sensitive Material means (a) oil and oil products and (b) any other waste, pollutant, contaminant or other substance (including any liquid, solid, gas, ion, living organism or noise) that may be harmful to human health or other life or the environment or a nuisance to any person or that may make the enjoyment, ownership or other territorial control of any affected land, property or waters more costly for such person to a material degree.

Event of Default means any of the events or circumstances set out in clause 13.1.

Execution Date means the date of this Agreement.

Facility means the revolving credit facility made available by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

 

4


Facility Office means:

 

  (a)

in respect of a Lender, the office or offices notified by that Lender to the Agent in writing on or before the date it becomes a Lender (or, following that date, by not less than five (5) Business Days’ written notice) as the office or offices through which it will perform its obligations under this Agreement; or

 

  (b)

in respect of any other Finance Party, the office in the jurisdiction in which it is resident for tax purposes.

Facility Period means the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on the date when the whole of the Indebtedness has been repaid in full and the Borrower ceases to be under any further actual or contingent liability to the Finance Parties under or in connection with the Finance Documents.

FATCA means:

 

  (a)

sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code or any associated regulations;

 

  (b)

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

 

  (c)

any agreement pursuant to the implementation of any treaty, law or regulation referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above with the US Internal Revenue Service, the US government or any governmental or taxation authority in any other jurisdiction.

FATCA Application Date means:

 

  (a)

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

 

  (b)

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

 

  (c)

in relation to a “passthru payment” described in section 1471(d)(7) of the Code not falling within paragraphs (a) or (b) above, 1 January 2019,

or, in each case, such other date from which such payment may become subject to a deduction or withholding required by FATCA as a result of any change in FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

FATCA Deduction means a deduction or withholding from a payment under a Finance Document required by FATCA.

FATCA Exempt Party means a Party that is entitled to receive payments free from any FATCA Deduction.

Fee Letters means any letter entered into in respect of this Agreement between one or more Finance Parties and the Borrower setting out the amount of certain fees referred to in, or otherwise related to, this Agreement and Fee Letters means all of such letters.

Final Availability Date means the date falling one month prior to the Maturity Date.

Finance Documents means this Agreement, any Transfer Certificate, any Fee Letter and any other document designated as such by the Agent and the Borrower and “ Finance Document ” means any one of them.

 

5


Finance Parties means the Agent, the Arrangers, the Bookrunner, the Coordinator and the Lenders and “ Finance Party ” means any one of them.

Financial Indebtedness means any indebtedness for or in respect of:

 

  (a)

moneys borrowed;

 

  (b)

any amount raised by acceptance under any acceptance credit facility or dematerialised equivalent;

 

  (c)

any amount raised pursuant to any note purchase facility or the issue of bonds, notes, indentures, loan stock or any similar instrument;

 

  (d)

the amount of any liability in respect of any lease or hire purchase contract which would, in accordance with GAAP, be treated as a finance or capital lease;

 

  (e)

receivables sold or discounted (other than any receivables to the extent they are sold on a non-recourse basis);

 

  (f)

any amount raised under any other transaction (including any forward sale or purchase agreement) having the commercial effect of a borrowing;

 

  (g)

any derivative transaction entered into in connection with protection against or benefit from fluctuation in any rate or price (and, when calculating the value of any derivative transaction, only the marked to market value shall be taken into account);

 

  (h)

any counter-indemnity obligation in respect of a guarantee, indemnity, bond, standby or documentary letter of credit or any other instrument issued by a bank or financial institution;

 

  (i)

any amount raised by the issue of shares which are redeemable (other than at the option of the Borrower) prior to the Maturity Date;

 

  (j)

any amount of any liability under an advance or deferred purchase agreement if one of the primary reasons behind the entry into the agreement is to raise finance; and

 

  (k)

(without double counting) the amount of any liability in respect of any guarantee or indemnity for any of the items referred to in paragraphs (a) to (j) above.

Funding Rate means any individual rate notified by a Lender to the Agent pursuant to clause 8.4(a)(ii).

GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

General Partner means Teekay GP L.L.C., a limited liability company incorporated according to the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at The Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, PO Box 1405 Majuro, The Marshall Islands, MH96960.

Group means the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries.

Holding Company means, in relation to any entity, any other entity in respect of which it is a Subsidiary.

ICBC Leases means the two capital leases to be entered into in respect of the two newbuilding MEGI LNG Carrier Vessels under construction, to be named Creole Spirit and Oak Spirit., pursuant to which Subsidiaries of the Borrower will sell those Vessels at or prior to delivery to ICBC Financing Leasing Co., Ltd for an amount of no more than $180 million per Vessel and lease those Vessels back from ICBC Financing Leasing Co., Ltd.

 

6


Impaired Agent means the Agent at any time when:

 

  (a)

it has failed to make (or has notified a Party that it will not make) a payment required to be made by it under the Finance Documents by the due date for payment;

 

  (b)

the Agent otherwise rescinds or repudiates a Finance Document;

 

  (c)

(if the Agent is also a Lender) it is a Defaulting Lender under (a) or (b) of the definition of “Defaulting Lender”; or

 

  (d)

an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Agent;

unless, in the case of (a):

 

  (i)

its failure to pay is caused by:

 

  (A)

administrative or technical error; or

 

  (B)

a Disruption Event; and

payment is made within three (3) Business Days of its due date; or

 

  (ii)

the Agent is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.

Increase Confirmation means a confirmation substantially in the form set out in Schedule 6.

Increase Lender has the meaning given to that term in clause 2.5.

Indebtedness means the aggregate from time to time of: the amount of the Loans outstanding; all accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans; and all other sums of any nature (together with all accrued and unpaid interest on any of those sums) which from time to time may be payable by the Borrower to any of the Finance Parties under all or any of the Finance Documents.

Insolvency Event in relation to a Finance Party means that the Finance Party:

 

  (a)

is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);

 

  (b)

becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

  (c)

makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors;

 

  (d)

institutes or has instituted against it, by a regulator, supervisor or any similar official with primary insolvency, rehabilitative or regulatory jurisdiction over it in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organisation or the jurisdiction of its head or home office, a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation by it or such regulator, supervisor or similar official;

 

  (e)

has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation, and, in the case of any such proceeding or petition instituted or presented against it, such proceeding or petition is instituted or presented by a person or entity not described in paragraph (d) above and:

 

7


  (i)

results in a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an order for relief or the making of an order for its winding up or liquidation; or

 

  (ii)

is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained in each case within 30 days of the institution or presentation thereof;

 

  (f)

has exercised in respect of it one or more of the stabilisation powers pursuant to Part 1 of the Banking Act 2009 and/or has instituted against it a bank insolvency proceeding pursuant to Part 2 of the Banking Act 2009 or a bank administration proceeding pursuant to Part 3 of the Banking Act 2009;

 

  (g)

has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);

 

  (h)

seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or substantially all its assets (other than, for so long as it is required by law or regulation not to be publicly disclosed, any such appointment which is to be made, or is made, by a person or entity described in paragraph (d) above);

 

  (i)

has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all its assets or has an execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal process levied, enforced or sued on or against all or substantially all its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter;

 

  (j)

causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in paragraphs (a) to (h) above; or

 

  (k)

takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing acts.

Interest Period means each period selected by the Borrower or agreed by the Agent under clause 7 relating to the duration of each Loan and the period for which interest payable on any Loan or an overdue amount is calculated.

Interpolated Screen Rate means, in relation to LIBOR, the rate which results from interpolating on a linear basis between:

 

  (a)

the applicable Screen Rate for the longest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which is less than the Interest Period of that Loan; and

 

  (b)

the applicable Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which exceeds the Interest Period of that Loan,

each as of 11.00 a.m. London time on the Quotation Day.

ISM Code means the International Safety Management Code (including the guidelines on its implementation), adopted by the International Maritime Organization Assembly as Resolutions A.741(18) and A.788(19), as the same may have been or may be amended or supplemented from time to time. The terms “safety management system”, “Safety Management Certificate”, “Document of Compliance” and “major non-conformity” shall have the same meanings as are given to them in the ISM Code.

ISPS Code means the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization Assembly as the same may have been or may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

8


law or Law means any law, statute, treaty, convention, regulation, instrument or other subordinate legislation or other legislative or quasi-legislative rule or measure, or any order or decree of any government, judicial or public or other body or authority, or any directive, code of practice, circular, guidance note or other direction issued by any competent authority or agency (whether or not having the force of law).

Lender means:

 

  (a)

an Original Lender; or

 

  (b)

any person which becomes a party to this Agreement after the Execution Date pursuant to clause 2.5 or pursuant to clause 14,

which in each case has not ceased to be a Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

LIBOR means for an Interest Period of any Loan or overdue amount:

 

  (a)

the applicable Screen Rate as of 11:00 a.m. on the Quotation Day; or

 

  (b)

as otherwise determined pursuant to clause 8.1,

and if, in either case, that rate is less than zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero.

Loan means a loan made or to be made under the Facility or the principal amount outstanding for the time being of that loan.

Majority Lenders means a Lender or Lenders whose Commitments aggregate equal to or greater than sixty six and two thirds per cent (66 2/3%) of the aggregate of all the Commitments.

Margin means one point one zero per cent (1.10%) per annum.

Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on:

 

  (a)

the financial condition, assets or business of the Borrower or on the consolidated financial condition, assets or business of the Group;

 

  (b)

the ability of the Borrower to perform and comply with its obligations under any Finance Document or to avoid any Event of Default; or

 

  (c)

the validity, legality or enforceability of any Finance Document,

provided that, in determining whether any of the forgoing circumstances shall constitute such a material adverse change or material adverse effect for the purposes of this definition, the Finance Parties shall consider such circumstance in the context of the Group taken as a whole.

Maturity Date means the date falling 364 days after the Execution Date and if such date is not a Business Day, then the preceding Business Day.

Maximum Amount shall mean one hundred and fifty million Dollars ($150,000,000).

Necessary Authorisations means all Authorisations of any person including any government or other regulatory authority required by applicable Law to enable it to carry on its business from time to time.

Original Financial Statements means the financial statements of the Borrower as at 31 December 2014.

 

9


Party means a party to this Agreement.

Permitted Encumbrances means:

 

  (a)

Encumbrances created to secure Financial Indebtedness of the type referred to in clause 12.3(m)(i);

 

  (b)

Permitted Liens; and

 

  (c)

Permitted Non-Vessel LNG Encumbrances.

Permitted Liens means, in respect of a Vessel:

 

  (a)

liens for unpaid crew’s wages including wages of the master and stevedores employed by the Vessel, outstanding in the ordinary course of trading for not more than one calendar month after the due date for payment;

 

  (b)

liens for salvage;

 

  (c)

liens for classification or dry docking or for necessary repairs to that Vessel;

 

  (d)

liens for collision;

 

  (e)

liens for master’s disbursements incurred in the ordinary course of trading; and

 

  (f)

statutory and common law liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers, materials men, repairers or other similar liens, including maritime liens in each case arising in the ordinary course of business, outstanding for not more than one month (or any longer period in accordance with standard market practice) whose aggregate value does not exceed $75,000,000,

provided that the amounts which give rise to such liens are paid when due and payable (or, in the case of paragraph (a), (c) or (f) above, within one month of such amount being outstanding) or, if not paid when due, are being disputed in good faith by appropriate steps or proceedings.

Permitted Non-Vessel LNG Encumbrances means Encumbrances for the financing of material non-vessel liquefied natural gas infrastructure assets which are held or operated by the Group (whether solely or in conjunction with third parties) in relation to the business of liquefaction, transportation and regasification of liquefied natural gas.

Proportionate Share means, in relation to a Loan, at any time, the proportion which a Lender’s Commitment for that Loan then bears to the aggregate Commitments of all the Lenders for that Loan being on the Execution Date the percentage indicated against the name of that Lender in Schedule 1.

Protected Party means a Finance Party which is or will be subject to any liability or required to make any payment for or on account of Tax in relation to a sum required or receivable (or any sum deemed for the purpose of Tax to be received or receivable) under a Finance Document.

Quotation Day means, in relation to any period for which an interest rate is to be determined two (2) Business Days before the first day of that period, unless market practice differs in the relevant interbank market, in which case the Quotation Day will be determined by the Agent in accordance with market practice in that interbank market.

Reference Bank Rate means the arithmetic mean of the rates (rounded upwards to four decimal places) as supplied to the Agent at its request by the Reference Banks as the rate at which each of the relevant Reference Banks would borrow funds in the London interbank market in the relevant currency and for the relevant period, were it to do so by asking for and then accepting interbank offers for deposits in reasonable market size in that currency and for that period.

 

10


Reference Banks means each of ABN AMRO Capital USA LLC, Credit Suisse AG, and Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch and any other bank or financial institution appointed as such by the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders), in consultation with the Borrower, under this Agreement and where any such bank to be appointed is a Lender, the prior consent of that Lender shall be required.

Representative means any delegate, agent, manager, administrator, nominee, attorney, trustee or custodian.

Restricted Party means a person (i) that is listed on any Sanctions List, (ii) that is located in or incorporated under the laws of a Sanctioned Country, (iii) that is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, a person or persons referred to in (i) and/or (ii) above or (iv) with whom any Finance Party would be prohibited or restricted by applicable Sanctions from engaging in trade, business or other activities.

Rollover Loan means one or more Loans:

 

  (a)

made or to be made on the same day that a maturing Loan is due to be repaid;

 

  (b)

the aggregate amount of which is equal to or less than the amount of the maturing Loan; and

 

  (c)

made or to be made to the Borrower for the purpose of refinancing all or part of a maturing Loan.

Sanctioned Country means a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions (including, without limitation, as at the date of this Agreement Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Sudan, Syria and the Crimea region).

Sanctions means the economic sanctions laws, regulations, embargoes or restrictive measures administered, enacted or enforced by any Sanctions Authority.

Sanctions Authorities means (i) the Norwegian Government, (ii) the Swiss Government, (iii) the United States Government, (iv) the United Nations, (v) the European Union and the (vi) the United Kingdom, and with regard to (i) - (vi) above, the respective governmental institutions and agencies of any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of Treasury (OFAC), the United States Department of State, Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT), the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) and the Swiss Directorate of International Law (DIL) (and Sanctions Authority means any of them).

Sanctions List means the “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” list, the “Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List” and the “List of Foreign Sanctions Evaders” each maintained by OFAC and the “Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets” list and the “Investment Ban List” each maintained by HMT or any similar list maintained by, or public announcement of Sanctions designation made by, any of the Sanctions Authorities (in each case as amended supplemented or replaced from time to time), including, but not limited to, the Norwegian Government, the European Union or the United Nations.

Screen Rate means the London interbank offered rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant currency and period displayed on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Thomson Reuters screen (or any replacement Thomson Reuters page which displays that rate) or on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Thomson Reuters. If such page or the service ceases to be available, the Agent may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Borrower.

 

11


Subsidiary means a subsidiary undertaking, as defined in section 1159 Companies Act 2006 or any analogous definition under any other relevant system of law.

Suezmax Leases means the two capital leases in respect of the two Suezmax tanker Vessels named Teide Spirit and the Toledo Spirit, pursuant to which Subsidiaries of the Borrower lease those Vessels from Compania Espanole de Petroles.

Tax means any tax, levy, impost, duty or other charge or withholding of a similar nature (including any penalty or interest payable in connection with any failure to pay or any delay in paying any of the same) and Taxation shall be interpreted accordingly.

Teekay means Teekay Corporation, a corporation incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands whose registered office is at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, The Marshall Islands MH9 6960.

Teekay Group means Teekay and each of its Subsidiaries.

Transfer Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form set out in Schedule 4 or any other form agreed between the Agent and the Borrower.

Transfer Date means, in relation to any Transfer Certificate, the date for the making of the transfer specified in the schedule to such Transfer Certificate.

US means the United States of America.

VAT means value added tax as provided for in the Value Added Tax Act 1994 and any other tax of a similar nature.

Vessels means all of the vessels owned or operated by the Group and including, where the context so requires, all the Vessels Under Construction, and Vessel means any or all of them as the context may require.

Vessels Under Construction means all the vessels which are, at any relevant time from the Execution Date up to the Maturity Date, under construction and which are to be purchased by the Borrower or any other member of the Group pursuant to the agreements relating to such construction and purchase and Vessel Under Construction means any or all of them as the context may require.

 

1.2

Construction

In this Agreement:

 

  (a)

words denoting the plural number include the singular and vice versa;

 

  (b)

words denoting persons include corporations, partnerships, associations of persons (whether incorporated or not) or governmental or quasi-governmental bodies or authorities and vice versa;

 

  (c)

references to Recitals, clauses and Schedules are references to recitals, clauses and schedules to or of this Agreement;

 

  (d)

references to this Agreement include the Recitals and the Schedules;

 

  (e)

the headings and contents page(s) are for the purpose of reference only, have no legal or other significance, and shall be ignored in the interpretation of this Agreement;

 

12


  (f)

references to any document (including, without limitation, to all or any of the Finance Documents) are, unless the context otherwise requires, references to that document as amended, supplemented, novated or replaced from time to time;

 

  (g)

references to statutes or provisions of statutes are references to those statutes, or those provisions, as from time to time amended, replaced or re-enacted;

 

  (h)

references to any Finance Party include its successors, transferees and assignees;

 

  (i)

a time of day (unless otherwise specified) is a reference to New York time;

 

  (j)

indebtedness includes any obligation (whether incurred as principal or as surety) for the payment or repayment of money, whether present or future, actual or contingent;

 

  (k)

a person includes any individual firm, company, corporation, government, state or agency of a state or any association, trust, joint venture, consortium, partnership or other entity (whether or not having separate legal personality); and

 

  (l)

a regulation includes any regulation, rule, official directive, request or guideline (whether or not having the force of law) of any governmental, intergovernmental or supranational body, agency, department or of any regulatory, self-regulatory or other authority or organisation.

 

1.3

Third Party Rights

The consent of any person who is not a Party is not required to rescind or vary this Agreement at any time.

 

2

Loans and Purposes

 

2.1

Amount

Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Lenders agree to make available to the Borrower a revolving loan facility in an aggregate amount not exceeding the Maximum Amount.

 

2.2

Finance Parties’ obligations

 

  (a)

The obligations of each Finance Party under the Finance Documents are several. Failure by a Finance Party to perform its obligations under the Finance Documents does not affect the obligations of any other Party under the Finance Documents. No Finance Party is responsible for the obligations of any other Finance Party under the Finance Documents.

 

  (b)

The rights of each Finance Party under or in connection with the Finance Documents are separate and independent rights and any debt arising under the Finance Documents to a Finance Party from the Borrower shall be a separate and independent debt in respect of which a Finance Party shall be entitled to enforce its rights in accordance with paragraph (c) below. The rights of each Finance Party include any debt owing to that Finance Party under the Finance Documents and, for the avoidance of doubt, any part of a Loan or any other amount owed by the Borrower which relates to a Finance Party’s participation in the Facility or its role under a Finance Document (including any such amount payable to the Agent on its behalf) is a debt owing to that Finance Party by the Borrower.

 

  (c)

A Finance Party may, except as otherwise stated in the Finance Documents, separately enforce its rights under the Finance Documents.

 

13


2.3

Purpose

Any Loan may only be used in or towards:

 

  (a)

assisting the Borrower towards financing the cost of any instalments under a Building Contract in respect of any Vessel under Construction;

 

  (b)

assisting the Borrower to meet and manage any timing gaps in targeting optimal capital markets access; and

 

  (c)

the general corporate purposes of the Borrower.

 

2.4

Monitoring

No Finance Party is bound to monitor or verify the application of any amount borrowed under this Agreement.

 

2.5

Increase (Defaulting Lender)

 

  (a)

The Borrower may by giving prior notice to the Agent by no later than the date falling 60 days after the effective date of a cancellation of:

 

  (i)

the Commitments of a Defaulting Lender in accordance with clause 6.5(f); or

 

  (ii)

the Commitments of a Lender in accordance with:

 

  (A)

clause 6.1; or

 

  (B)

clause 6.5(a),

request that the Commitments be increased (and the Commitments shall be so increased) in an aggregate amount of up to the amount of the relevant Commitments so cancelled as follows:

 

  (iii)

the increased Commitments will be assumed by one or more Lenders or other banks, financial institutions, trusts, funds or other entities (each an Increase Lender ) selected by the Borrower (each of which shall not be a member of the Group) and each of which confirms in writing (whether in the relevant Increase Confirmation or otherwise) its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations of a Lender corresponding to that part of the increased Commitments which it is to assume, as if it had been an Original Lender;

 

  (iv)

the Borrower and any Increase Lender shall assume obligations towards one another and/or acquire rights against one another as the Borrower and the Increase Lender would have assumed and/or acquired had the Increase Lender been an Original Lender;

 

  (v)

each Increase Lender shall become a Party as a “Lender” and any Increase Lender and each of the other Finance Parties shall assume obligations towards one another and acquire rights against one another as that Increase Lender and those Finance Parties would have assumed and/or acquired had the Increase Lender been an Original Lender;

 

  (vi)

the Commitments of the other Lenders shall continue in full force and effect; and

 

  (vii)

any increase in the Commitments shall take effect on the date specified by the Borrower in the notice referred to above or any later date on which the conditions set out in clause 2.5(b) are satisfied.

 

  (b)

An increase in the Commitments will only be effective on:

 

  (i)

the execution by the Agent of an Increase Confirmation from the relevant Increase Lender; and

 

14


  (ii)

in relation to an Increase Lender which is not a Lender immediately prior to the relevant increase, the Agent being satisfied that it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the assumption of the increased Commitments by that Increase Lender. The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Increase Lender upon being so satisfied.

 

  (c)

Each of the other Finance Parties and the Borrower hereby appoints the Agent as its agent to execute on its behalf any Increase Confirmation delivered to the Agent in accordance with clauses 2.5(a) and 2.5(b).

 

  (d)

Each Increase Lender, by executing the Increase Confirmation, confirms (for the avoidance of doubt) that the Agent has authority to execute on its behalf any amendment or waiver that has been approved by or on behalf of the requisite Lender or Lenders in accordance with this Agreement on or prior to the date on which the increase becomes effective.

 

  (e)

The Borrower shall, promptly on demand, pay the Agent the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) reasonably incurred by it in connection with any increase in Commitments under this clause 2.5.

 

  (f)

The Increase Lender shall, on the date upon which the increase takes effect, pay to the Agent (for its own account) a fee in an amount equal to the fee which would be payable under clause 14.4 if the increase was a transfer or an assignment pursuant to clause 14 and if the Increase Lender was a new Lender.

 

  (g)

The Borrower may pay to the Increase Lender a fee in the amount and at the times agreed between the Borrower and the Increase Lender in a letter between the Borrower and the Increase Lender setting out that fee. A reference in this Agreement to a Fee Letter shall include any letter referred to in this clause 2.5(g).

 

  (h)

Nothing in this clause 2.5 shall impose any obligation on any Lender to find an Increase Lender.

 

  (i)

Clause 14.6 shall apply mutatis mutandis to this clause 2.5 in relation to an Increase Lender as if references in that clause to:

 

  (i)

a Lender transferring any of its rights and obligations under or pursuant to this Agreement were references to all the Lenders immediately prior to the relevant increase;

 

  (ii)

the transferee were references to that Increase Lender ; and

 

  (iii)

a re-transfer and re-assignment were references to respectively a transfer and an assignment .

 

3

Conditions of Utilisation

 

3.1

Conditions precedent to service of Drawdown Notice

Before any Lender shall have any obligation to accept any Drawdown Notice under the Facility the Borrower shall deliver or cause to be delivered to or to the order of the Agent all of the documents and other evidence listed in Schedule 2.

 

15


3.2

Notice to Lenders

The Agent shall notify the Lenders and the Borrower promptly after receipt by it of the documents and evidence referred to in this clause 3 which are in form and substance satisfactory to it. Other than to the extent that the Majority Lenders notify the Agent in writing to the contrary before the Agent gives any such notification, the Lenders authorise (but do not require) the Agent to give that notification. The Agent shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses whatsoever as a result of giving any such notification.

 

3.3

Further conditions precedent

Without prejudice to clause 3.1, the Lenders will only be obliged to accept any Drawdown Notice if on both the date of the Drawdown Notice and the Drawdown Date for a Loan:

 

  (a)

the representations made by the Borrower under clause 11 (other than those at clause 11.3 and 11.21) are true in all material respects.

 

  (b)

the financial covenants under clause 12.2 are complied with; and

 

  (c)

in the case of a Rollover Loan, no Event of Default is continuing unremedied or unwaived or would result from the proposed Loan and, in the case of any other Loan, no Default is continuing unremedied or unwaived or would result from that Loan being made.

 

3.4

Form and content

All documents and evidence delivered to the Agent under this clause 3 shall:

 

  (a)

be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Lenders); and

 

  (b)

if reasonably required by the Agent, be certified, notarised, legalised or attested in a manner acceptable to the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Lenders).

 

4

Advance

 

4.1

Drawdown Notice

 

  (a)

The Borrower may only request that a Loan be advanced in one amount on any Business Day prior to the Final Availability Date by delivering to the Agent a duly completed Drawdown Notice not less than three (3) Business Days before the proposed Drawdown Date.

 

  (b)

The maximum number of Loans which may be outstanding at any time shall not exceed ten (10).

 

4.2

Completion of Drawdown Notice

A Drawdown Notice is irrevocable and will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:

 

  (a)

it is signed by an authorised signatory of the Borrower;

 

  (b)

the amount requested is a minimum of US$5,000,000;

 

  (c)

the amount requested does not exceed, when aggregated with the amounts drawn down and outstanding or to be drawn down under any other Drawdown Notices, the Maximum Amount;

 

  (d)

the proposed Drawdown Date is a Business Day falling on or before the Final Availability Date; and

 

  (e)

the proposed Interest Period for such Loan complies with this Agreement.

 

16


4.3

Lenders’ participation

 

  (a)

Subject to clauses 2 and 3, the Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the receipt of a Drawdown Notice, following which each Lender shall advance its Proportionate Share in the Loan to the Borrower through the Agent by the Drawdown Date.

 

  (b)

No Lender is obliged to participate in any Loan if, as a result, its Proportionate Share in the outstanding Loans would exceed its Commitment.

 

5

Repayment

 

5.1

Repayment of Loan

 

  (a)

Each Loan shall be repaid on the last day of its Interest Period.

 

  (b)

Without prejudice to the Borrower’s obligation under clause 5.1(a) above, if:

 

  (i)

one or more Loans ( new Loans ) are to be made available to the Borrower:

 

  (A)

on the same day that a maturing Loan is due to be repaid by the Borrower; and

 

  (B)

in whole or in part for the purpose of refinancing the maturing Loan; and

 

  (ii)

the proportion borne by each Lender’s participation in the maturing Loan to the amount of that maturing Loan is the same as the proportion borne by that Lender’s participation in the new Loans to the aggregate amount of those new Loans,

the aggregate amount of the new Loans shall, unless the Borrower notifies the Agent to the contrary in the relevant Drawdown Notice, be treated as if applied in or towards repayment of the maturing Loan so that:

 

  (A)

if the amount of the maturing Loan exceeds the aggregate amount of the new Loans:

 

  (1)

the Borrower will only be required to make a payment under clause 20 in an amount in the relevant currency equal to that excess; and

 

  (2)

each Lender’s participation in the new Loans shall be treated as having been made available and applied by the Borrower in or towards repayment of that Lender’s participation in the maturing Loan and that Lender will not be required to make a payment under clause 20 in respect of its participation in the new Loans; and

 

  (B)

if the amount of the maturing Loan is equal to or less than the aggregate amount of the new Loans:

 

  (1)

the Borrower will not be required to make a payment under clause 20; and

 

  (2)

each Lender will be required to make a payment under clause 20 in respect of its participation in the new Loans only to the extent that its participation in the new Loans exceeds that Lender’s participation in the maturing Loan and the remainder of that Lender’s participation in the new Loans shall be treated as having been made available and applied by the Borrower in or towards repayment of that Lender’s participation in the maturing Loan.

 

17


  (c)

Where (b) above applies and any new Loans are treated as being made available at the same time under that paragraph and those new Loans have the same Interest Period they shall be consolidated into, and treated as, a single Loan.

 

  (d)

Each Loan shall in any event be repaid in full on the Maturity Date.

 

6

Prepayment

 

6.1

Illegality

If, in any applicable jurisdiction, it becomes unlawful for any Lender to perform any of its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement or to fund or maintain its participation in any Loan or if it becomes illegal for an Affiliate of a Lender for that Lender to do so:

 

  (a)

that Lender shall promptly notify the Agent of that event;

 

  (b)

the Commitment of that Lender will be immediately cancelled (but to the extent already advanced, having regard to the last sentence of sub-clause (c) below); and

 

  (c)

upon the Agent notifying the Borrower, the Borrower shall repay that Lender’s Proportionate Share in any outstanding Loans on the last day of its current Interest Period or, if earlier, the date specified by that Lender in the notice delivered to the Agent and notified by the Agent to the Borrower (being no earlier than the last day of any applicable grace period permitted by law). Prior to the date on which repayment is required to be made under this clause 6.1(c), the affected Lender shall negotiate in good faith with the Borrower to find an alternative method or lending base in order to maintain its Commitment.

 

6.2

Change of Control

 

  (a)

The Borrower must promptly notify the Agent if it becomes aware of a Change of Control.

 

  (b)

After notification under paragraph (a) above or if the Lenders otherwise becomes aware of the same, the Lenders shall not be obliged to advance any Loan other than a Rollover Loan.

 

  (c)

After notification under paragraph (a) above or if the Agent otherwise becomes aware of the same, the Agent shall (acting on the instructions of any Lender), by notice to the Borrower delivered to the Borrower at any time within thirty (30) days of such notification or awareness:

 

  (i)

cancel such Lender’s Commitment; and

 

  (ii)

declare that Lender’s Proportionate Share of all outstanding Loans, together with accrued interest, and that Lender’s Proportionate Share of all other amounts accrued under the Finance Documents in each case at such time to be immediately due and payable or otherwise due and payable upon such notice as that Lender may specify.

Any such notice will take effect in accordance with its terms.

 

6.3

Unsecured Financial Indebtedness

If at any time any Financial Indebtedness referred to in Clause 12.3(m)(iii) exceeds US$660,000,000 in aggregate, the Agent shall cancel the Facility by an amount equal to the relevant excess and to the extent that the outstanding Loans exceed the reduced amount of the Facility declare that outstanding Loans or part thereof equal to such excess to be immediately due and payable. Any cancellation under this clause 6.3 shall reduce the Commitments of the Lenders rateably.

 

18


6.4

Voluntary prepayment or cancellation

 

  (a)

The Borrower may, if it gives the Agent not less than five (5) Business Days’ (or such shorter period as the Majority Lenders may agree) prior notice, cancel the whole or any part (being a minimum amount of US$5,000,000) of the undrawn Facility. Any cancellation under this clause 6.4(a) shall reduce the Commitments of the Lenders rateably.

 

  (b)

The Borrower may, if it gives the Agent not less than five (5) Business Days’ (or such shorter period as the Majority Lenders may agree) prior notice, prepay the whole or any part of a Loan (but if in part in a minimum amount of US$5,000,000).

 

6.5

Right of replacement or repayment and cancellation in relation to a single Lender

 

  (a)

If:

 

  (i)

any sum payable to any Lender by the Borrower is required to be increased under clause 20.3; or

 

  (ii)

any Lender claims indemnification from the Borrower under clause 9.12 or clause 9.6;

the Borrower may, whilst the circumstance giving rise to the requirement for that increase or indemnification continues, give the Agent notice of cancellation of the Commitments of that Lender and its intention to procure the repayment of that Lender’s participation in each Loan or give the Agent notice of its intention to replace that Lender in accordance with paragraph (d) below.

 

  (b)

On receipt of a notice of cancellation referred to in paragraph 6.5 above, the Commitment of that Lender shall immediately be reduced to zero.

 

  (c)

On the last day of the Interest Period for each Loan which ends after the Borrower has given notice of cancellation under paragraph 6.5 above in relation to a Lender (or, if earlier, the date specified by the Borrower in that notice), the Borrower shall repay that Lender’s participation in each Loan together with all interest and other amounts accrued under the Finance Documents.

 

  (d)

The Borrower may, in the circumstances set out in paragraph (a) above, on ten (10) Business Days’ prior notice to the Agent and to that Lender, replace that Lender by requiring that Lender to (and, to the extent permitted by law, that Lender shall) transfer pursuant to clause 14 all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a Lender or other bank, financial institution, trust, fund or other entity selected by the Borrower which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations of the transferring Lender in accordance with clause 14 for a purchase price in cash or other cash payment payable at the time of the transfer equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s participation in each Loan and all accrued interest, Break Costs and other amounts payable in relation thereto under the Finance Documents.

 

  (e)

The replacement of a Lender pursuant to paragraph (d) above shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

  (i)

the Borrower shall have no right to replace the Agent;

 

  (ii)

neither the Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to find a replacement Lender;

 

19


  (iii)

in no event shall the Lender replaced under paragraph (d) above be required to pay or surrender any of the fees received by such Lender pursuant to the Finance Documents; and

 

  (iv)

the Lender shall only be obliged to transfer its rights and obligations pursuant to paragraph (d) above once it is satisfied that it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to that transfer.

A Lender shall perform the checks described in paragraph (e)(iv) above as soon as reasonably practicable following delivery of a notice referred to in paragraph (d) above and shall notify the Agent and the Borrower when it is satisfied that it has complied with those checks.

 

  (f)

If any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may, at any time whilst the Lender continues to be a Defaulting Lender, give the Agent thirty (30) Business Days’ notice of cancellation of the Commitment of that Lender. On that notice becoming effective, the available Commitment of the Defaulting Lender shall immediately be reduced to zero. The Agent shall as soon as practicable after receipt of that notice notify all the Lenders.

 

6.6

Restrictions

 

  (a)

Any notice of cancellation or prepayment given by any Party under this clause 6 shall be irrevocable and, unless a contrary indication appears in this Agreement, shall specify the date or dates upon which the relevant cancellation or prepayment is to be made and the amount of that cancellation or prepayment.

 

  (b)

Any prepayment under this Agreement shall be made together with accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, subject to any Break Costs, without premium or penalty.

 

  (c)

The Borrower shall not repay or prepay all or any part of the Loans or cancel all or any part of the Commitments except at the times and in the manner expressly provided for in this Agreement.

 

  (d)

No amount of the Commitments cancelled under this Agreement may be subsequently reinstated.

 

  (e)

If the Agent receives a notice under this clause 6 it shall promptly forward a copy of that notice to either the Borrower or the affected Lender, as appropriate.

 

  (f)

If all or part of any Lender’s participation in a Loan is repaid or prepaid and is not available for redrawing (other than by operation of clause 3.3), an amount of that Lender’s Commitment (equal to the amount of the participation which is repaid or prepaid) will be deemed to be cancelled on the date of repayment or prepayment.

 

  (g)

Any prepayment of a Loan (other than pursuant to clauses 6.1 and 6.5) shall be applied pro rata to each Lender’s participation in that Loan.

 

7

Interest

 

7.1

Interest Periods

The period during which any Loan shall be outstanding under this Agreement shall be divided into consecutive Interest Periods of one, two, three or six months’ duration, as selected by the Borrower by written notice to the Agent not later than 11:00 am on the third Business Day before the beginning of the Interest Period in question, or any other period which will coincide with the end of any other Interest Period then current or the Maturity Date, or such other duration as may be agreed by the Agent (acting on the instructions of all the Lenders).

 

20


7.2

Beginning and end of Interest Periods

The Interest Period in respect of a Loan shall begin on the relevant Drawdown Date and shall end on the last day of the Interest Period selected in accordance with clause 7.1.

 

7.3

No overrunning the Maturity Date

If an Interest Period would otherwise overrun the Maturity Date, it will be shortened so that it ends on the Maturity Date and no Interest Period may be selected which would expire after the Maturity Date.

 

7.4

Non-Business Days

If an Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, that Interest Period will instead end on the next Business Day in that calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not).

 

7.5

Interest rate

During each Interest Period interest shall accrue on each Loan at the percentage rate determined by the Agent to be the aggregate of (a) the Margin and (b) LIBOR.

 

7.6

Notification of rates of interest

The Agent shall promptly notify each Party of the determination of a rate of interest under this Agreement.

 

7.7

Failure to select Interest Period

If the Borrower at any time fails to select or agree an Interest Period in accordance with clause 7.1, the interest period applicable shall be three (3) months or such other duration as the Agent may select (acting on the instructions of all the Lenders).

 

7.8

Accrual and payment of interest

Interest shall accrue from day to day, shall be calculated on the basis of a 360 day year and the actual number of days elapsed (or, in any circumstance where market practice differs, in accordance with the prevailing market practice) and shall be paid by the Borrower to the Agent for the account of the Lenders on the last day of each Interest Period and, if the Interest Period is longer than six months, on the dates falling at six monthly intervals after the first day of that Interest Period.

 

7.9

Default interest

If the Borrower fails to pay any amount payable by it under a Finance Document on its due date, interest shall accrue on the overdue amount from the due date, subject to any applicable grace period, up to the date of actual payment (both before and after judgment) at a rate which is one point five per cent (1.5%) higher than the rate which would have been payable. Any interest accruing under this clause 7.9 shall be immediately payable by the Borrower on demand by the Agent. If unpaid, any such interest will be compounded with the overdue amount at the end of each Interest Period applicable to that overdue amount but will remain immediately due and payable.

 

21


8

Changes to the calculation of interest

 

8.1

Unavailability of Screen Rate

 

  (a)

If no Screen Rate is available for LIBOR for the Interest Period of a Loan, the applicable LIBOR shall be the Interpolated Screen Rate for a period equal in length to the Interest Period of that Loan.

 

  (b)

If no Screen Rate is available for LIBOR for:

 

  (i)

the currency of a Loan; or

 

  (ii)

the Interest Period of a Loan and it is not possible to calculate the Interpolated Screen Rate,

the applicable LIBOR shall be the Reference Bank Rate as of 11:00am on the Quotation Day for the currency of that Loan and for a period equal in length to the Interest Period of that Loan.

 

  (c)

If paragraph (b) above applies but no Reference Bank Rate is available for the relevant currency or Interest Period there shall be no LIBOR for that Loan and clause 8.4 shall apply to that Loan for that Interest Period.

 

8.2

Calculation of Reference Bank Rate

 

  (a)

Subject to paragraph (b) below, if LIBOR is to be determined on the basis of a Reference Bank Rate but a Reference Bank does not supply a quotation by 11:00 a.m. on the Quotation Day, the Reference Bank Rate shall be calculated on the basis of the quotations of the remaining Reference Banks.

 

  (b)

If at or about noon on the Quotation Day applicable to any Loan none or only one of the Reference Banks supplies a quotation, there shall be no Reference Bank Rate for the relevant Interest Period and clause 8.4 shall apply to that Loan for that Interest Period.

 

8.3

Market disruption

If before close of business in London on the Quotation Day for the relevant Interest Period the Agent receives notifications from a Lender or Lenders (whose participations in a Loan exceed fifty per cent (50%) of that Loan) that the cost to it of funding its participation in that Loan from whatever source it may reasonably select would be in excess of LIBOR then clause 8.4 shall apply to that Loan for the relevant Interest Period.

 

8.4

Cost of funds

 

  (a)

If this clause 8.4 applies, the rate of interest on each Lender’s share of the relevant Loan for the relevant Interest Period shall be the percentage rate per annum which is the sum of:

 

  (i)

the Margin; and

 

  (ii)

the rate notified to the Agent by that Lender as soon as practicable and in any event before the date on which interest is due to be paid in respect of that Interest Period, to be that which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to the relevant Lender of funding its participation in that Loan from whatever source it may reasonably select;

 

  (b)

If this clause 8.4 applies and the Agent or the Borrower so requires, the Agent and the Borrower shall enter into negotiations (for a period of not more than thirty (30) days) with a view to agreeing a substitute basis for determining the rate of interest.

 

22


  (c)

Any alternative basis agreed pursuant to paragraph (b) above shall, with the prior consent of all the Lenders and the Borrower, be binding on all the Parties.

 

  (d)

If this clause 8.4 applies pursuant to clause 8.3: and

 

  (i)

a Lender’s Funding Rate is less than LIBOR; or

 

  (ii)

a Lender does not supply a quotation by the time specified in paragraph (a)(ii) above,

the cost to that Lender of funding its participation in that Loan for that Interest Period shall be deemed, for the purposes of paragraph (a) above, to be LIBOR.

 

8.5

Notification to Borrower

If clause 8.4 applies the Agent shall, as soon as is practicable, notify the Borrower.

 

9

Indemnities

 

9.1

Transaction expenses

The Borrower will, within fourteen (14) days of the Agent’s written demand, pay the Agent (for the account of the Finance Parties) the amount of all reasonable out of pocket costs and expenses (including legal fees and Value Added Tax or any similar or replacement tax if applicable) reasonably incurred by the Finance Parties or any of them in connection with:

 

  (a)

the negotiation, preparation, printing, execution, syndication and registration of the Finance Documents (whether or not any Finance Document is actually executed or registered and whether or not any Loan is advanced);

 

  (b)

any amendment, addendum or supplement to any Finance Document (whether or not completed);

 

  (c)

any waiver or consent requested by or on behalf of the Borrower or specifically contemplated by this Agreement; and

 

  (d)

any other document which may at any time be reasonably required by a Finance Party to give effect to any Finance Document or which a Finance Party is entitled to call for or obtain under any Finance Document.

 

9.2

Funding costs

The Borrower shall indemnify each Finance Party within three (3) Business Days, by payment to the Agent (for the account of that Finance Party) on the Agent’s written demand, against all losses and costs incurred or sustained by that Finance Party if, for any reason due to a default or other action by the Borrower, a Loan is not advanced to the Borrower after the relevant Drawdown Notice has been given to the Agent, or is advanced on a date other than that requested in the Drawdown Notice.

 

9.3

Break Costs

The Borrower shall indemnify each Finance Party within three (3) Business Days, by payment to the Agent (for the account of that Finance Party) on the Agent’s written demand, against all documented costs, losses, premiums or penalties incurred by that Finance Party as a result of its receiving any prepayment of all or any part of any Loan (whether pursuant to clause 6 or otherwise) on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period in respect of the same, or any other payment under or in relation to the Finance Documents on a day other than the due date for payment of the sum in question, including (without limitation) any losses or costs incurred in liquidating or re-employing deposits from third parties acquired to effect or maintain all or any part of any Loan.

 

23


9.4

Currency indemnity

In the event of a Finance Party receiving or recovering any amount payable under a Finance Document in a currency other than the Currency of Account, and if the amount received or recovered is insufficient when converted into the Currency of Account at the date of receipt to satisfy in full the amount due, the Borrower shall, on the Agent’s written demand, pay to the Agent for the account of the relevant Finance Party such further amount in the Currency of Account as is sufficient to satisfy in full the amount due and that further amount shall be due to the Agent on behalf of the relevant Finance Party as a separate debt under this Agreement.

 

9.5

Other Indemnities

The Borrower shall within three Business Days of demand, indemnify each Finance Party against any cost, loss or liability incurred by it as a result of:

 

  (a)

any failure by the Borrower to pay any amount due under a Finance Document on its due date, including without limitation, any cost, loss or liability arising as a result of clause 17.2;

 

  (b)

funding, or making arrangements to fund, its participation in a Loan requested by the Borrower in a Drawdown Notice but not made by reason of the operation of one or more of the provisions of this Agreement (other than solely by reason of default or negligence by that Finance Party); or

 

  (c)

any Loan (or part of any Loan) not being prepaid in accordance with a notice of prepayment given by the Borrower.

 

9.6

General indemnity

 

  (a)

The Borrower hereby agrees at all times to pay promptly or, as the case may be, indemnify and hold the Finance Parties and their respective officers, directors, representatives, agents and employees (together the “ Indemnified Parties ”) harmless on a full indemnity basis from and against each and every loss suffered or incurred by or imposed on any Indemnified Party related to or arising out of:

 

  (i)

the use of proceeds of any Loan;

 

  (ii)

the execution and delivery of any commitment letter, engagement letter, fee letter, the Finance Documents or any other document connected therewith or the performance of the respective obligations thereunder, including without limitation environmental liabilities; or

 

  (iii)

any claim, action, suit, investigation or proceeding relating to the foregoing whether or not any Indemnified Party is a party thereto or target thereof, or the Indemnified Parties’ roles in connection therewith, and will reimburse the Indemnified Parties, on demand, for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) as they are incurred by the Indemnified Parties in connection with investigating, preparing for or defending any such claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether or not in connection with pending or threatened litigation in respect of which any of the Finance Parties are a party.

 

  (b)

The Borrower will not, however, be responsible for any claims, liabilities, losses, damages or expenses of an Indemnified Party that are finally judicially determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted principally from the wilful misconduct or gross negligence of such Indemnified Party.

 

24


  (c)

The foregoing shall be in addition to any rights that the Indemnified Parties may have at common law or otherwise and shall extend upon the same terms to and inure to the benefit of any affiliate, director, officer, employee, agent or controlling person of an Indemnified Party.

 

9.7

Increased costs

 

  (a)

Subject to clause 9.9, the Borrower shall, within three Business Days of a demand by the Agent, pay to the Agent for the account of a Finance Party the amount of any Increased Costs incurred by that Finance Party or any of its Affiliates as a result of (i) the introduction of or any change in (or in the interpretation, administration or application of) any law or regulation or (ii) compliance with any law or regulation or (iii) the implementation or application of or compliance with Basel III, CRR or CRD IV or any other law or regulation which implements Basel III, CRR or CRD IV (whether such implementation, application or compliance is by a government, regulator, that Finance Party or any of that Finance Party’s Affiliates) in each case made after the date of this Agreement.

 

  (b)

In this Agreement:

 

  (i)

Basel III means:

 

  (A)

the agreements on capital requirements, a leverage ratio and liquidity standards contained in “Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems”, “Basel III: International framework for liquidity risk measurement, standards and monitoring” and “Guidance for national authorities operating the countercyclical capital buffer” published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010, each as amended, supplemented or restated;

 

  (B)

the rules for global systemically important banks contained in “Global systemically important banks: assessment methodology and the additional loss absorbency requirement – Rules text” published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in November 2011, as amended, supplemented or restated; and

 

  (C)

any further guidance or standards published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision relating to “Basel III”.

 

  (ii)

CRD IV means Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC, as amended, supplemented or restated.

 

  (iii)

CRR means Regulation EU No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation EU No 648/2012, as amended, supplemented or restated.

 

  (iv)

Increased Costs means:

 

  (A)

a reduction in the rate of return from a Loan or on a Finance Party’s (or its Affiliate’s) overall capital;

 

  (B)

an additional or increased cost; or

 

  (C)

a reduction of any amount due and payable under any Finance Document, which is incurred or suffered by a Finance Party or any of its Affiliates to the extent that it is attributable to that Finance Party having entered into any Finance Document or funding or performing its obligations under any Finance Document.

 

25


9.8

Increased cost claims

 

  (a)

A Finance Party intending to make a claim pursuant to clause 9.6 shall notify the Agent of the event giving rise to the claim, following which the Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower.

 

  (b)

Each Finance Party shall, as soon as practicable after a demand by the Agent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its Increased Costs.

 

9.9

Exceptions to increased costs

Clause 9.6 does not apply to the extent any Increased Costs is:

 

  (a)

compensated for by a payment made under clause 9.12 ; or

 

  (b)

compensated for by a payment made under clause 20.3; or

 

  (c)

attributable to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party; or

 

  (d)

attributable to the wilful breach by the relevant Finance Party (or an Affiliate of that Finance Party) of any law or regulation; or

 

  (e)

attributable to the implementation or application of, or compliance with, the “International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards, a Revised Framework” published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in June 2004 in the form existing on the date of this Agreement (but excluding any amendment arising out of Basel III) ( Basel II ) or any other law or regulation which implements Basel II (whether such implementation, application or compliance is by a government, regulator, Finance Party or of its Affiliates).

 

9.10

Events of Default

The Borrower shall indemnify each Finance Party from time to time, by payment to the Agent (for the account of that Finance Party) on the Agent’s written demand, against all losses and costs incurred or sustained by that Finance Party as a consequence of any Event of Default.

 

9.11

Enforcement costs

The Borrower shall pay to the Agent (for the account of each Finance Party) on the Agent’s written demand the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Finance Party in connection with the enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights under, any Finance Document including (without limitation) any losses, costs and expenses which that Finance Party may from time to time sustain, incur or become liable for by reason of that Finance Party being a lender to the Borrower. No such indemnity will be given where any such loss or cost has occurred due to gross negligence or wilful misconduct on the part of that Finance Party; however, this shall not affect the right of any other Finance Party to receive such indemnity.

 

9.12

Taxes

 

  (a)

The Borrower shall (within three (3) Business Days of demand by the Agent) pay to a Protected Party an amount equal to the loss, liability or cost which that Protected Party determines will be or has been (directly or indirectly) suffered for or on account of Tax by that Protected Party in respect of a Finance Document.

 

26


  (b)

clause 9.12(a) above shall not apply:

 

  (i)

with respect to any Tax assessed on a Finance Party:

 

  (A)

under the law of the jurisdiction in which that Finance Party is incorporated or, if different, the jurisdiction (or jurisdictions) in which that Finance Party is treated as resident for tax purposes; or

 

  (B)

under the law of the jurisdiction in which that Finance Party’s Facility Office is located in respect of amounts received or receivable in that jurisdiction,

if that Tax is imposed on or calculated by reference to the net income received or receivable (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) by that Finance Party;

 

  (ii)

to the extent a loss, liability or cost is compensated for by an increased payment under clause 20.3; or

 

  (iii)

to the extent a loss, liability or cost relates to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party.

 

  (c)

A Protected Party making, or intending to make a claim under clause 9.12(a) above shall promptly notify the Agent of the event which will give, or has given, rise to the claim, following which the Agent shall notify the Borrower.

 

  (d)

A Protected Party shall, on receiving a payment from the Borrower under this clause 9.12, notify the Agent.

 

9.13

VAT

 

  (a)

All amounts set out or expressed in a Finance Document to be payable by any Party to a Finance Party which (in whole or in part) constitute the consideration for a supply or supplies for VAT purposes shall be deemed to be exclusive of any VAT which is chargeable on such supply or supplies, and accordingly, subject to paragraph (b) below, if VAT is or becomes chargeable on any supply made by any Finance Party to any Party under a Finance Document and such Finance Party is required to account to the relevant tax authority for the VAT , that Party shall pay to the Finance Party (in addition to and at the same time as paying any other consideration for such supply) an amount equal to the amount of such VAT (and such Finance Party shall promptly provide an appropriate VAT invoice to such Party).

 

  (b)

If VAT is or becomes chargeable on any supply made by any Finance Party (the “ Supplier ”) to any other Finance Party (the “ Recipient ”) under a Finance Document, and any Party other than the Recipient (the “ Subject Party ”) is required by the terms of any Finance Document to pay an amount equal to the consideration for such supply to the Supplier (rather than being required to reimburse the Recipient in respect of that consideration), such Party shall also pay to the Supplier (in addition to and at the same time as paying such amount) an amount equal to the amount of such VAT. The Recipient will promptly pay to the Subject Party an amount equal to any credit or repayment obtained by the Recipient from the relevant tax authority which the Recipient reasonably determines is in respect of such VAT.

 

  (c)

Where a Finance Document requires any Party to reimburse or indemnify a Finance Party for any cost or expense, that Party shall reimburse or indemnify (as the case may be) such Finance Party for the full amount of such cost or expense, including such part thereof as represents VAT, save to the extent that such Finance Party reasonably determines that it is entitled to credit or repayment in respect of such VAT from the relevant tax authority.

 

27


  (d)

Any reference in this clause 9.13 to any Party shall, at any time when such Party is treated as a member of a group for VAT purposes, include (where appropriate and unless the context otherwise requires) a reference to the representative member of such group at such time (the term “representative member” to have the same meaning as in the Value Added Tax Act 1994).

 

9.14

FATCA Information

 

  (a)

Subject to paragraph (c) below, each Party shall, within ten (10) Business Days of a reasonable request by another Party:

 

  (i)

confirm to that other Party whether it is:

 

  (A)

a FATCA Exempt Party; or

 

  (B)

not a FATCA Exempt Party;

 

  (ii)

supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status under FATCA as that other Party reasonably requests for the purposes of that other Party’s compliance with FATCA;

 

  (iii)

supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status as that other Party reasonably requests for the purposes of that other Party’s compliance with any other law, regulation, or exchange of information regime.

 

  (b)

If a Party confirms to another Party pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) above that it is a FATCA Exempt Party and it subsequently becomes aware that it is not or has ceased to be a FATCA Exempt Party, that Party shall notify that other Party reasonably promptly.

 

  (c)

Paragraph (a) above shall not oblige any Finance Party to do anything, and paragraph (a)(iii) above shall not oblige any other Party to do anything, which would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of:

 

  (i)

any law or regulation;

 

  (ii)

any fiduciary duty; or

 

  (iii)

any duty of confidentiality.

 

  (d)

If a Party fails to confirm whether or not it is a FATCA Exempt Party or to supply forms, documentation or other information requested in accordance with paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where paragraph (c) above applies), then such Party shall be treated for the purposes of the Finance Documents (and payments under them) as if it is not a FATCA Exempt Party until such time as the Party in question provides the requested confirmation, forms, documentation or other information.

 

9.15

FATCA Deduction

 

  (a)

Each Party may make any FATCA Deduction it is required to make by FATCA, and any payment required in connection with that FATCA Deduction, and no Party shall be required to increase any payment in respect of which it makes such a FATCA Deduction or otherwise compensate the recipient of the payment for that FATCA Deduction.

 

  (b)

Each Party shall promptly, upon becoming aware that it must make a FATCA Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such FATCA Deduction), notify the Party to whom it is making the payment and, in addition, shall notify the Company and the Agent and the Agent shall notify the other Finance Parties.

 

28


10

Fees

 

10.1

Commitment fee

 

  (a)

The Borrower shall pay to the Agent, for the pro rata benefit of the Lenders, a commitment fee calculated at the rate of 35% per annum of the Margin on the undrawn, uncancelled amount of the Maximum Amount.

 

  (b)

The commitment fee shall be calculated from the Execution Date and shall be payable quarterly in arrears.

 

  (c)

No commitment fee is payable to the Agent (for the account of a Lender) on any available Commitment of that Lender for any day on which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender.

 

10.2

Upfront fee

The Borrower will pay to the Agent, for the benefit of the Mandated Lead Arrangers and the Lead Arrangers respectively, an upfront fee in the amount and manner agreed in one or more Fee Letters between the Agent and the Borrower, such upfront fees to be payable on the Execution Date.

 

10.3

Utilisation fee

The Borrower will pay to the Agent, for the benefit pro rata of the Lenders, a utilisation fee, such fee to be calculated on the daily utilised amount of the Facility in an amount equal to:

 

  (a)

0.10% per annum of the applicable utilised amount where the utilised amount of the Facility is equal to or less than thirty three and one third per cent (33 1/3%) of the Maximum Amount;

 

  (b)

0.20% per annum of the applicable utilised amount where the utilised amount of the Facility is greater than thirty three and one third per cent (33 1/3%) but less than or equal to sixty six and two thirds per cent (66 2/3%) of the Maximum Amount; and

 

  (c)

0.40% per annum of the applicable utilised amount where the utilised amount of the Facility is in excess of sixty six and two thirds per cent (66 2/3%) of the Maximum Amount.

Such utilisation fee shall be calculated from the Execution Date and shall be paid quarterly in arrears.

 

11

Borrower Representations and Warranties

The Borrower represents and warrants to each of the Finance Parties at the Execution Date and (by reference to the facts and circumstances then pertaining) at the date of any Drawdown Notice and on each Drawdown Date as follows (except that the representation and warranty contained at clause 11.9 shall only be made on the Execution Date and the first Drawdown Date and that the representations and warranties contained at clause 11.3 and 11.21 shall only be made on the Execution Date):

 

11.1

Status and Due Authorisation

It is a partnership duly formed under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation with power to enter into the Finance Documents and to exercise its rights and perform its obligations under the Finance Documents and all corporate and other action required to authorise its execution of the Finance Documents and its performance of its obligations thereunder has been duly taken.

 

29


11.2

Non-conflict

The entry into and performance by it of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents do not conflict in any material respect with:

 

  (a)

any law or regulation applicable to it;

 

  (b)

its constitutional documents; or

 

  (c)

any document which is binding upon it or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or its Subsidiaries’ assets.

 

11.3

No Deductions or Withholding

Under the laws of the Borrower’s jurisdiction of formation in force at the date hereof, the Borrower will not be required to make any deduction or withholding from any payment it may make under any of the Finance Documents.

 

11.4

Claims Pari Passu

Under the laws of the Borrower’s jurisdiction of formation in force at the date hereof, the Indebtedness will rank at least pari passu with all the Borrower’s other unsecured indebtedness save that which is preferred solely by any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws of general application.

 

11.5

No Immunity

In any proceedings taken in the Borrower’s jurisdiction of formation in relation to any of the Finance Documents, the Borrower will not be entitled to claim for itself or any of its assets immunity from suit, execution, attachment or other legal process.

 

11.6

Governing Law and Judgments

In any proceedings taken in the Borrower’s jurisdiction of formation in relation to any of the Finance Documents in which there is an express choice of the law of a particular country as the governing law thereof, that choice of law and any judgment or (if applicable) arbitral award obtained in that country will be recognised and enforced.

 

11.7

Power and Authority

It has the power to enter into, perform and deliver, and has taken all necessary action to authorise its entry into, performance and delivery of, the Finance Documents and the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents.

 

11.8

Validity and Admissibility in Evidence

All acts, conditions and things required to be done, fulfilled and performed in order (a) to enable the Borrower lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights under and perform and comply with the obligations expressed to be assumed by it in the Finance Documents, (b) to ensure that the obligations expressed to be assumed the Borrower in the Finance Documents are legal, valid and binding and (c) to make the Finance Documents admissible in evidence in the jurisdiction of formation of the Borrower, have been done, fulfilled and performed.

 

11.9

No Filing or Stamp Taxes

Under the laws of the Borrower’s jurisdiction of formation, it is not necessary that any of the Finance Documents be filed, recorded or enrolled with any court or other authority in its jurisdiction of formation or that any stamp, registration or similar tax be paid on or in relation to any of the Finance Documents.

 

30


11.10

Binding Obligations

The obligations expressed to be assumed by the Borrower in the Finance Documents are legal and valid obligations, binding on and enforceable against it in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents and no limit on any of its powers will be exceeded as a result of the borrowings contemplated by the Finance Documents or the performance by it of its obligations thereunder.

 

11.11

No misleading information

To the best of its knowledge, any factual information provided by the Borrower to any Finance Party in connection with any Loan was true and accurate in all material respects as at the date it was provided and is not misleading in any respect.

 

11.12

No Winding-up

The Borrower has not taken any limited partnership action nor have any other steps been taken or legal proceedings been started or (to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge and belief) threatened against it or any of its Subsidiaries for its or any of its Subsidiaries winding-up, dissolution, administration, formal restructuring or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, trustee or similar officer of it or any of its Subsidiaries, or of any or all of its or any of its Subsidiaries’ assets or revenues which might have a Material Adverse Effect on the business or financial condition of the Group taken as a whole.

 

11.13

Solvency

 

  (a)

Neither the Borrower nor the Group taken as a whole is unable, or admits or has admitted its inability, to pay its debts or has suspended making payments in respect of any of its debts.

 

  (b)

Neither the Borrower nor any member of the Group has by reason of actual or anticipated financial difficulties, commenced, or intends to commence, negotiations with one or more of its creditors with a view to rescheduling any of its indebtedness.

 

  (c)

The value of the assets of the Borrower and the Group taken as a whole is not less than the liabilities of the Borrower or the Group taken as a whole (as the case may be) (taking into account contingent and prospective liabilities).

 

  (d)

No moratorium has been, or may, in the reasonably foreseeable future be, declared in respect of any indebtedness of the Borrower or of any member of the Group.

 

11.14

No Material Defaults

 

  (a)

Without prejudice to clause 11.14(b), each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is not in breach of or in default under any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or any of its assets to an extent or in a manner which might have a Material Adverse Effect on the business or financial condition of the Group taken as a whole.

 

  (b)

No Event of Default is continuing unremedied or unwaived or might reasonably be expected to result from the advance of any Loan.

 

11.15

No Material Proceedings

No action or administrative proceeding of or before any court, arbitral body or agency which is not covered by adequate insurance or which might have a Material Adverse Effect on the business or financial condition of the Group taken as a whole has been started or is reasonably likely to be started.

 

31


11.16

No material adverse change

There has been no Material Adverse Effect since the date of the Original Financial Statements.

 

11.17

Borrower’s Accounts

All financial statements relating to the Borrower required to be delivered under clause 12.1, were each prepared in accordance with GAAP, give (in conjunction with the notes thereto) a true and fair view of (in the case of annual financial statements) or fairly represent (in the case of semi-annual and quarterly accounts) the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at the date as of which they were prepared and the results of their operations during the financial period then ended.

 

11.18

No Breach

The execution of the Finance Documents by the Borrower and the exercise of its rights and performance of their obligations under any of the Finance Documents do not constitute and will not result in any breach of any agreement or treaty to which any of them is a party.

 

11.19

Necessary Authorisations

The Necessary Authorisations required by the Borrower are in full force and effect, and the Borrower is in compliance with the material provisions of each such Necessary Authorisation relating to it and, to the best of its knowledge, none of the Necessary Authorisations relating to it are the subject of any pending or threatened proceedings or revocation.

 

11.20

Money Laundering

Any amount borrowed hereunder will be for the account of members of the Group and will not involve any breach by any of them of any law or regulatory measure relating to “money laundering” as defined in Article 1 of the Directive (2005/60/EEC) of the Council of the European Communities.

 

11.21

Disclosure of material facts

The Borrower is not aware of any material facts or circumstances which have not been disclosed to the Agent and which might, if disclosed, have reasonably been expected to adversely affect the decision of a person considering whether or not to make loan facilities of the nature contemplated by this Agreement available to the Borrower.

 

11.22

No breach of laws

 

  (a)

Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has breached any law or regulation which breach has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (b)

No labour disputes are current or (to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge and belief) threatened against any member of the Group which have or are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

11.23

Environmental laws

 

  (a)

Each member of the Group is in compliance with clause 12.3(e) and (to the best of its knowledge and belief) no circumstances have occurred which would prevent such compliance in a manner or to an extent which has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (b)

No Environmental Claim has been commenced or (to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge and belief) is threatened against any member of the Group where that claim has or is reasonably likely, if determined against that member of the Group, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

32


11.24

Taxation

 

  (a)

Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is materially overdue in the filing of any Tax returns and neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries is overdue in the payment of any amount in respect of Tax of $10,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency) or more, save in the case of Taxes which are being contested on bona fide grounds.

 

  (b)

No claims or investigations are being made or conducted against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to Taxes such that a liability of, or claim against, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of $10,000,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency) or more is reasonably likely to arise.

 

  (c)

The Borrower is resident for Tax purposes only in the jurisdiction of its formation.

 

11.25

Sanctions

Neither the Borrower, nor any of Affiliate of the Borrower nor any of their respective directors, officers or employees:

 

  (a)

is a Restricted Party; or

 

  (b)

has received notice of or is aware of any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation against it with respect to Sanctions by any Sanctions Authority; or

 

  (c)

is located, organised or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions and/or a Sanctioned Country (it being understood and agreed that this clause 11.25 shall not apply to a director, officer or employee who is temporarily located or residing in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions and/or a Sanctioned Country).

 

11.26

Anti-bribery and corruption

The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has conducted its business in compliance with applicable laws relating to anti-corruption including without limit the UK Bribery Act, the US Patriot Act and the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Borrower and the Group as a whole have instituted and will maintain policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws. Should the Borrower know of a potential breach of any of the foregoing it will promptly notify the Agent of such breach.

 

11.27

Representations Limited

The representation and warranties of the Borrower in respect of matters of law in this clause 11 are subject to:

 

  (a)

the principle that equitable remedies are remedies which may be granted or refused at the discretion of the court;

 

  (b)

the limitation of enforcement by laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganisation, formal restructuring, court schemes, moratoria, administration and other laws generally affecting or limiting the rights of creditors;

 

  (c)

the time barring of claims under any applicable limitation acts;

 

33


  (d)

the possibility that a court may strike out provisions for a contract as being invalid for reasons of oppression, undue influence or similar; and

 

  (e)

any other reservations or qualifications of law expressed in any legal opinions obtained by the Agent in connection with the Facility.

 

12

Undertakings and Covenants

The undertakings and covenants in this clause 12 remain in force for the duration of the Facility Period.

 

12.1

Information Undertakings

 

  (a)

Financial statements

The Borrower shall supply to the Agent as soon as the same become available, but in any event within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the end of each of its financial years, its audited consolidated financial statements for that financial year.

 

  (b)

Requirements as to financial statements

Each set of financial statements delivered by the Borrower under clause 12.1(a):

 

  (i)

shall be certified by an authorised signatory of the Borrower as fairly representing its financial condition as at the date as at which those financial statements were drawn up; and

 

  (ii)

shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

  (c)

Semi-annual financial statements

The Borrower shall supply to the Agent as soon as the same become available, but in any event within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of the first semi-annual period of each of its financial years, its unaudited consolidated financial statements for that period.

 

  (d)

Quarterly financial statements

The Borrower shall supply to the Agent as soon as the same become available, but in any event within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of the first and third quarter periods of each of its financial years, its unaudited consolidated financial statements for that period.

 

  (e)

Compliance Certificates

 

  (i)

The Borrower shall supply to the Agent a Compliance Certificate, signed by a duly authorised representative of the Borrower in the form set out in Schedule 5. with each set of its annual financial statements delivered pursuant to clause 12.1(a) and with each set of its interim financial statements delivered pursuant to clauses 12.1(c) and 12.1(d).

 

  (ii)

Each Compliance Certificate supplied by the Borrower shall, amongst other things, set out (in reasonable detail) computations as to compliance with clause 12.2 as at the date the relevant financial statements were drawn up.

 

  (f)

Information: miscellaneous  The Borrower shall supply to the Agent:

 

  (i)

promptly upon becoming aware of them, details of any material litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings which are current, threatened or pending against any member of the Group, and which, if adversely determined, are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

34


  (ii)

copies of all material and relevant documents despatched by it to its creditors generally (or any class of them) at the same time as they are despatched;

 

  (iii)

promptly, in relation to any member of the Group, details of any material Environmental Claim or any other material incident, event or circumstance which may give rise to any such material Environmental Claim which is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

  (iv)

promptly, such further information regarding the financial condition, business and operations of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries as any Finance Party acting through the Agent may reasonably request; and

 

  (v)

promptly upon becoming aware of them, details of (i) any accident, casualty or other event which has caused or resulted in or may cause or result in a Vessel being or becoming a total loss or (ii) any claim for breach of any applicable laws being made in connection with any Vessel or its operation (including, without limitation, any material breach of the ISM Code or ISPS Code).

 

  (g)

Notification of Default

The Borrower shall promptly, upon becoming aware of the same, inform the Agent in writing of the occurrence of any Event of Default and, upon receipt of a written request to that effect from the Agent, confirm to the Agent that save as previously notified to the Agent or as notified in such confirmation, no Event of Default has occurred.

 

  (h)

“Know your customer” checks If:

 

  (i)

the introduction of or any change in (or in the interpretation, administration or application of) any law or regulation made after the date of this Agreement;

 

  (ii)

any change in the status of the Borrower after the date of this Agreement; or

 

  (iii)

a proposed assignment or transfer by a Lender of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a party that is not a Lender prior to such assignment or transfer,

obliges the Agent or any Lender (or, in the case of (iii) above, any prospective new Lender) to comply with “know your customer” or similar identification procedures in circumstances where the necessary information is not already available to it, the Borrower shall promptly upon the request of the Agent or any Lender supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Agent (for itself or on behalf of any Lender) or any Lender for itself (or, in the case of (iii) above, on behalf of any prospective new Lender) in order for the Agent or that Lender (or, in the case of (iii) above, any prospective new Lender) to carry out and be satisfied it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations pursuant to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents.

 

  (i)

Use of Websites

The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that any information under this Agreement may be delivered to a Lender (through the Agent) on to an electronic website if:

 

  (i)

the Agent and the Lender agree;

 

35


  (ii)

the Agent appoints a website provider and designates an electronic website for this purpose;

 

  (iii)

the designated website is used for communication between the Agent and the Lenders;

 

  (iv)

the Agent notifies the Lenders of the address and password for the website;

 

  (v)

the information can only be posted on the website by the Agent; and

 

  (vi)

the information posted is in a format agreed between the Borrower and the Agent.

The cost of the website shall be borne by the Borrower, subject to such cost being agreed by the Borrower beforehand.

Any website Lender may request, through the Agent, one paper copy of any information required to be provided under this Agreement which is posted onto the designated website. The Borrower shall at its own cost comply with any such request within ten (10) Business Days.

 

12.2

Financial covenants

 

  (a)

Definitions

In this clause 12.2:

Available Credit Lines means any undrawn committed revolving credit lines, other than undrawn committed revolving credit lines with less than six (6) months to maturity, available to be drawn by any member of the Group, as reflected in the Borrower’s most recent quarterly management accounts forming part of the Borrower’s accounts

Equity means the aggregate of the amount paid up on the issued share capital of any relevant entity and the amount standing to the credit of its capital and revenue reserves (including any share premium account or capital redemption reserve but excluding any revaluation reserve), plus or minus the amount standing to the credit or debit (as the case may be) of its profit and loss account.

Free Liquidity means cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of maturities less than one (1) year to which the members of the Group shall have free, immediate and direct access each as reflected in the Borrower’s most recent quarterly management accounts forming part of the Borrower’s accounts.

Net Debt means the Total Debt less its Free Liquidity;

Net Debt to Net Debt plus Equity Ratio means the ratio of Net Debt to Net Debt plus Equity.

Tangible Net Worth means the issued and paid up share capital (including share premium or items of a similar nature (but excluding shares which are expressed to be redeemable)), loans from shareholders (where subordinated to the satisfaction of the Agent), and amounts standing to the credit of the capital reserves of the relevant party,

 

  (i)

plus any credit balance carried forward on that party’s consolidated profit and loss account,

 

  (ii)

less:

 

  (A)

any debit balance carried forward on that party’s consolidated profit and loss account;

 

36


  (B)

any amount shown for goodwill, including on consolidation, or any other intangible property (other than intangible property relating to contracts as shown in the balance sheet of such party); and

 

  (C)

any amount attributable to minority interests in Subsidiaries.

Total Debt means the aggregate of:

 

  (iii)

the amount calculated in accordance with GAAP shown as each of “long term debt”, “short term debt” and “current portion of long term debt” on the latest consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower when applicable; and

 

  (iv)

the amount of any liability in respect of any lease or hire purchase contract entered into by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which would, in accordance with GAAP, be treated as a finance or capital lease (excluding any amounts applicable to leases whereby the lease obligations are secured by a security deposit which is held on the balance sheet under “Restricted Cash”).

 

  (b)

Free Liquidity and Available Credit Lines

The Borrower shall maintain Free Liquidity and Available Credit Lines of (in aggregate) not less than thirty five million Dollars ($35,000,000).

 

  (c)

Net Debt to Net Debt plus Equity Ratio

The Borrower shall maintain a Net Debt to Net Debt plus Equity Ratio of no more than eighty per cent (80%).

 

  (d)

Tangible Net Worth

The Borrower shall maintain a Tangible Net Worth of at least four hundred million Dollars ($400,000,000).

 

  (e)

Testing of Financial Covenants

Each of the financial covenants set out in clauses 12.2(b) to 12.2(d) shall be tested as at the date the relevant financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to clause 12.1 were drawn up.

 

12.3

General undertakings

 

  (a)

Maintenance of Legal Validity The Borrower shall obtain, comply with the terms of and do all that is necessary to maintain in full force and effect all authorisations, approvals, licenses and consents required in or by the laws and regulations of its jurisdiction of formation and all other applicable jurisdictions, to enable it lawfully to enter into and perform its obligations under the Finance Documents and to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence of the Finance Documents in its jurisdiction of formation and all other applicable jurisdictions.

 

  (b)

Claims Pari Passu  The Borrower shall ensure that at all times the claims of the Finance Parties against it under the Finance Documents rank at least pari passu with the claims of all its other unsecured creditors save those whose claims are preferred by any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, winding-up or other similar laws of general application.

 

  (c)

Negative Pledge  Neither the Borrower nor any member of the Group shall create or permit to subsist, any Encumbrance (other than Permitted Encumbrances) over all or any part of its present or future assets or undertaking nor dispose of any of those assets or of all or part of that undertaking.

 

37


  (d)

Necessary Authorisations  The Borrower shall (i) obtain, comply with and do all that is necessary to maintain in full force and effect all Necessary Authorisations if a failure to do the same may cause a Material Adverse Effect; and (ii) promptly upon request, supply certified copies to the Agent of all Necessary Authorisations.

 

  (e)

Compliance with Applicable Laws  The Borrower shall comply with all applicable laws to which it may be subject (except as regards Sanctions, to which clause 12.3(g) applies, and anti-corruption laws to which clause 12.3(h) applies) if a failure to do the same may have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (f)

Vessel operation The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each member of the Group shall operate any Vessel respectively owned by it in accordance with all applicable laws relating to such Vessel and that such Vessels are operated and insured in accordance with good practice (for vessels of the type of that Vessel) from time to time of leading shipowners.

 

  (g)

Sanctions

 

  (i)

The Borrower shall ensure that no part of the proceeds of any Loan or other transaction(s) contemplated by any Finance Document shall, directly or (to the best of its knowledge and belief) indirectly, be used or otherwise made available:

 

  (A)

to fund any trade, business or other activity involving any Restricted Party or any country or territory that at the time of such funding, is a Sanctioned Country and in each case, which such trade, business or other activity is prohibited or restricted by Sanctions applicable to the Borrower or any Finance Party;

 

  (B)

for the direct or indirect benefit of any Restricted Party; or

 

  (C)

in any other manner that would reasonably be expected to result in any Party or any Affiliate of such party or any other person being party to or which benefits from any Finance Document being in breach of any Sanction (if and to the extent applicable to either of them) or becoming a Restricted Party.

 

  (ii)

The Borrower shall ensure that its assets and the assets of any of its Subsidiaries shall not be used directly or (to the best of its knowledge and belief) indirectly:

 

  (A)

by or for the direct or indirect benefit of any Restricted Party; or

 

  (B)

in any trade which is prohibited under applicable Sanctions or which could expose any member of the Group, its assets, any Finance Party or any other person being party to or which benefits from any Finance Document to enforcement proceedings or any other consequences whatsoever arising from Sanctions.

 

  (iii)

The Borrower shall promptly, upon becoming aware of the same, inform the Agent in writing if it or any member of the Group is in breach of any Sanctions.

 

  (h)

Anti-bribery and Corruption and Anti-Money Laundering

The Borrower shall (and the Borrower shall ensure that each other member of the Group will) conduct its businesses in compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws and money laundering laws.

 

38


  (i)

Environmental compliance The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each member of the Group will:

 

  (i)

comply with all Environmental Laws;

 

  (ii)

obtain, maintain and ensure compliance with all requisite Environmental Approvals;

 

  (iii)

implement procedures to monitor compliance with and to prevent liability under any Environmental Law;

 

  (iv)

ensure that any Vessel controlled by it with the intention of being scrapped by its owner, is recycled at a recycling yard which conducts its recycling business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner;

where failure to do so has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (j)

Environmental claims The Borrower shall promptly upon becoming aware of the same, inform the Agent in writing of:

 

  (i)

any Environmental Claim against any member of a Group which is current, pending or threatened; and

 

  (ii)

any facts or circumstances which are reasonably likely to result in any Environmental Claim being commenced or threatened against any member of a Group,

where the claim, if determined against that member of the Group, has or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (k)

Insurance

 

  (i)

The Borrower shall (and shall ensure that each other member of the Group will) maintain insurances on and in relation to its business and assets (including the Vessels) against those risks and to the extent as is usual for companies and, in the case of the Vessels, responsible shipowners carrying on the same or substantially similar business for vessels of the same type as the relevant Vessels.

 

  (ii)

All insurances must be with reputable independent insurance companies or underwriters.

 

  (iii)

The Borrower shall (and shall ensure that each other member of the Group will) maintain insurances in respect of each Vessel for not less than such Vessel’s market value and otherwise in accordance with the minimum amounts and coverage required pursuant to the terms of any financing to which that Vessel is subject.

 

  (l)

Taxation

 

  (i)

The Borrower shall, and shall procure that each member of the Group will, pay and discharge all Taxes imposed upon it or its assets within the time period allowed without incurring penalties unless and only to the extent that:

 

  (A)

such payment is being contested in good faith;

 

  (B)

adequate reserves are being maintained for those Taxes and the costs required to contest them which have been disclosed in its latest financial statements delivered to the Agent under clause 12.1(a) and 12.1(c); and

 

  (C)

such payment can be lawfully withheld and failure to pay those Taxes does not have or is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (ii)

The Borrower may not change its residence for Tax purposes.

 

39


  (m)

No Financial Indebtedness Neither the Borrower nor any other member of the Group shall incur any Financial Indebtedness other than:

 

  (i)

Financial Indebtedness from a person who is not a member of the Group for the purpose of financing the acquisition, ownership or leasing of one or more Vessels, including Financial Indebtedness which arises under a swap or derivative transaction in connection with such financing, where such financing may be up to 80 per cent (80%) of the Vessel value and where an Encumbrance in respect of those Vessels is provided to secure that Financial Indebtedness which shall include without limitation the existing Suezmax Leases and the planned ICBC Leases;

 

  (ii)

Financial Indebtedness from a person who is not a member of the Group for the purpose of financing the acquisition of assets secured by Permitted Non-Vessel LNG Liens;

 

  (iii)

in the case of the Borrower only, any unsecured third party Financial Indebtedness arising which is in an amount not exceeding US$660,000,000 in aggregate (which Financial Indebtedness shall include for this purpose (i) each Loan and (ii) the Dollar equivalent, at the time of entering into any swap, of any unsecured bond issuance denominated in Norwegian Krone and swapped at or around the time of such issuance into Dollars);

 

  (iv)

in the case of the Borrower only, any Financial Indebtedness which is subordinate to the Facility on terms satisfactory to the Lenders (acting reasonably); or

 

  (v)

intragroup borrowings within the Group on a subordinated and unsecured basis and within the Teekay Group on a subordinated and unsecured basis and at arm’s length on normal commercial terms.

If in relation to any unsecured Financial Indebtedness which the Borrower or any other member of the Group is permitted to incur under this sub-clause (m), it is proposed that such Financial Indebtedness be guaranteed by an Affiliate, any such guarantee shall not be permitted unless the Borrower procures that a guarantee is also granted on the same basis and at the same time in favour of the Finance Parties from that Affiliate in respect of the Borrower’s obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

  (n)

Other information  The Borrower will promptly supply to the Agent such information and explanations as any of the Lenders may from time to time reasonably require in connection with the Group.

 

  (o)

Inspection of records  The Borrower will following an Event of Default which is continuing, unremedied or unwaived, permit the inspection of its financial records and accounts during business hours by the Agent or its nominee.

 

  (p)

Change of business   The Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of all Lenders, make any substantial change to the general nature of its business from that carried on at the date of this Agreement.

 

  (q)

No loans or other financial commitments  The Borrower shall not make any loan nor enter into any guarantee and indemnity or otherwise voluntarily assume any actual or contingent liability in respect of any obligation of any other person except for any unsecured Financial Indebtedness (i) which is subordinated to the Facility on terms acceptable to the Agent or (ii) as long as no Event of Default has occurred and which remains unremedied and unwaived, to a member of the Group.

 

  (r)

Dividends  The Borrower shall not pay any dividends or make other distributions to its shareholders at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default which remains unremedied or unwaived.

 

40


  (s)

Disposals The Borrower shall not sell or transfer any of its material assets other than on arm’s length terms to third parties where the net proceeds of sale or transfer, either individually or in aggregate with any other disposals of Vessels arising after the Execution Date, would not exceed 35% of the aggregate value of all the Vessels and equipment as determined by reference to the financial statements as at 30 June 2015.

 

  (t)

Mergers  The Borrower shall not enter into any amalgamation, demerger, merger or corporate restructuring unless as a result of the amalgamation, demerger, merger or corporate restructuring, the Borrower shall be the surviving entity and such amalgamation, demerger, merger or corporate restructuring is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  (u)

Listings The Borrower shall maintain its listing as a publically-traded master limited partnership on the New York Stock Exchange or any such other recognised stock exchange reasonably acceptable to the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders).

 

  (v)

Clean down

The Borrower shall ensure that the aggregate of:

 

  (i)

all amounts drawn under the Facility;

LESS

 

  (ii)

any amount of cash or cash equivalents held by the Borrower or by any wholly-owned member of the Group (other than cash held in a retention account to which the relevant member does not have unrestricted access),

shall be reduced to zero for a period of not less than five (5) successive Business Days during the six-month period falling after three (3) months from the Execution Date (the Clean Down Period ).

The Borrower shall supply to the Agent a certificate signed by an authorised representative of the Borrower within five (5) Business Days after the end of the Clean Down Period confirming compliance with this clause.

 

13

Events of Default

 

13.1

Events of Default

Each of the events or circumstances set out in this clause 13.1 is an Event of Default.

 

  (a)

Borrower’s Failure to Pay under this Agreement   The Borrower fails to pay any amount due from it under any Finance Document at the time, in the currency and otherwise in the manner specified herein provided that, if the Borrower can demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Agent that all necessary instructions were given to effect such payment and the non-receipt thereof is attributable solely to an administrative or technical error by the Agent or an error in the banking system or a Disruption Event, such payment shall instead be deemed to be due, solely for the purposes of this paragraph, within three (3) Business Days of the date on which it actually fell due; or

 

  (b)

Misrepresentation   any representation or statement made by the Borrower in any Finance Document or in any notice or other document, certificate or statement delivered by it pursuant thereto or in connection therewith is or proves to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect, where the circumstances causing the same would be reasonably likely to give rise to a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

41


  (c)

Specific Covenants   the Borrower fails duly to perform or comply with any of the obligations expressed to be assumed by it under clauses 12.3(a), 12.3(c), 12.3(d) or 12.3(g); or

 

  (d)

Financial Covenants   the Borrower is in breach of the Borrower’s financial covenants set out in clause 12.2 of this Agreement at any time; or

 

  (e)

Other Obligations   the Borrower fails duly to perform or comply with any of the obligations expressed to be assumed by it in any Finance Document (other than those referred to in clause 13.1(a), clause 13.1(c) or clause 13.1(d)) and such failure (if capable of remedy) is not remedied within 30 days after the Agent has given notice thereof to the Borrower; or

 

  (f)

Cross Default

 

  (i)

Any Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other member or Group is not paid when due (or within any applicable grace period); or

 

  (ii)

any Financial Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other member of the Group is declared to be or otherwise becomes due and payable prior to its specified maturity;

where the aggregate of all such Financial Indebtedness of the Group or of any member of the Group falling within paragraphs (i) to (ii) above is equal to or greater than one hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency.

 

  (g)

Insolvency and Rescheduling   the Borrower is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, commences negotiations with any one or more of its creditors with a view to the general readjustment or rescheduling of its indebtedness or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors or a composition with its creditors; or

 

  (h)

Winding-up   the Borrower files for initiation of formal restructuring proceedings, is wound up or declared bankrupt or takes any corporate action or other steps are taken or legal proceedings are started for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or re-organisation or for the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, conservator, custodian, trustee or similar officer of it or of any or all of its revenues or assets or any moratorium is declared or sought in respect of any of its indebtedness; or

 

  (i)

Execution or Distress

 

  (i)

the Borrower fails to comply with or pay any sum due from it (within 30 days of such amount falling due) under any final judgment or any final order made or given by any court or other official body of a competent jurisdiction in aggregate amount equal to or greater than one hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency, being a judgment or order against which there is no right of appeal or if a right of appeal exists, where the time limit for making such appeal has expired.

 

  (ii)

any execution, distress, expropriation, attachment or sequestration affects, or an encumbrancer takes possession of, the whole or any part of, the property, undertaking or assets of the Borrower in an aggregate amount equal to or greater than one hundred million Dollars ($100,000,000) or its equivalent in any other currency other than any execution, distress, expropriation, attachment or sequestration which is being contested in good faith and which is either discharged within 30 days or in respect of which adequate security has been provided within 30 days to the relevant court or other authority to enable the relevant execution, distress, expropriation, attachment or sequestration to be lifted or released; or

 

42


  (j)

Similar Event   any event occurs which, under the laws of any jurisdiction, has a similar or analogous effect to any of those events mentioned in clauses 13.1(g), 13.1(h) and 13.1(i), or

 

  (k)

Repudiation and Rescission   the Borrower rescinds or repudiates any Finance Document to which it is a party or does or causes to be done any act or thing evidencing an intention to rescind or repudiate any such Finance Document; or

 

  (l)

Validity and Admissibility   at any time any act, condition or thing required to be done, fulfilled or performed in order:

 

  (i)

to enable the Borrower to lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights under and perform the respective obligations expressed to be assumed by it in the Finance Documents;

 

  (ii)

to ensure that the obligations expressed to be assumed by the Borrower in the Finance Documents are legal, valid and binding; or

 

  (iii)

to make the Finance Documents admissible in evidence in any applicable jurisdiction,

is not done, fulfilled or performed within 30 days after notification from the Agent to the Borrower requiring the same to be done, fulfilled or performed; or

 

  (m)

Illegality   at any time any of the obligations of the Borrower hereunder are not or cease to be legal, valid and binding and such illegality is not remedied or mitigated to the satisfaction of the Agent within thirty (30) days after it has given notice thereof to the Borrower; or

 

  (n)

Qualifications of Financial Statements   the auditors of the Borrower qualify their report on any audited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower in any regard which, in the reasonable opinion of the Agent, has a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

  (o)

Revocation or Modification of consents etc.   if any Necessary Authorisation which is now or which at any time during the Facility Period becomes necessary to enable the Borrower to comply with any of its obligations in or pursuant to any of the Finance Documents is revoked, withdrawn or withheld, or modified in a manner which the Agent reasonably considers is, or may be, prejudicial to the interests of a Finance Party in a material manner, or if such Necessary Authorisation ceases to remain in full force and effect; or

 

  (p)

Curtailment of Business   if the business of the Borrower is wholly or materially changed or curtailed by any intervention by or under authority of any government, or if all or a substantial part of the undertaking, property or assets of the Borrower is seized, nationalised, expropriated or compulsorily acquired by or under authority of any government or the Borrower suspends or ceases to carry on or disposes (or threatens to suspend or cease to carry on or dispose) of all or a substantial part of its business or assets; or

 

  (q)

Reduction of Capital   if the Borrower reduces its committed or subscribed capital; or

 

  (r)

Material Adverse Change   any event or circumstance occurs that has a Material Adverse Effect and such event or circumstance, if capable of remedy, is not so remedied within 30 days of the delivery of a notice confirming such event or change by the Agent to the Lenders; or

 

  (s)

Loss of Property  all or a substantial part of the business or assets of the Borrower or the Group take as a whole is destroyed, abandoned, seized, appropriated or forfeited for any reason, and such occurrence in the reasonable opinion of the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders) has or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

43


13.2

Acceleration

If an Event of Default is continuing unremedied or unwaived the Agent may (with the consent of the Majority Lenders) and shall (at the request of the Majority Lenders) by notice to the Borrower cancel any part of any Loan not then advanced and:

 

  (a)

declare that all outstanding Loans, together with accrued interest thereon, and all other amounts accrued or outstanding under the Finance Documents are immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall become immediately due and payable; and/or

 

  (b)

declare that all outstanding Loans are payable on demand, whereupon they shall immediately become payable on demand by the Agent; and/or

 

  (c)

declare the Commitments cancelled and the Maximum Amount reduced to zero.

 

14

Assignment, Transfer and Sub-Participation

 

14.1

Lenders’ rights

A Lender may assign any of its rights under this Agreement or transfer by novation any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any other branch or Affiliate of that Lender or to any other Lender (or an Affiliate of another Lender) or (subject to the prior written consent of the Borrower, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld but not to be required at any time after an Event of Default which is continuing unremedied or unwaived) to any other bank or financial institution, or any trust, fund, securitization vehicle or other entity which is regularly engaged in, or established for the purpose of, making, purchasing or investing in loans, securities or other financial assets, and may grant sub-participations in all or any part of its Commitment. Where the consent of the Borrower is required, the Borrower shall be deemed to have given their consent if no express refusal is given within five (5) Business Days.

 

14.2

Borrower’s co-operation

The Borrower will co-operate fully with a Lender in connection with any assignment, transfer or sub-participation by that Lender; will execute and procure the execution of such documents as that Lender may require in that connection including, but not limited to, re-executing any Finance Documents (if required); and irrevocably authorises any Finance Party to disclose to any proposed assignee, transferee or sub-participant (whether before or after any assignment, transfer or sub-participation and whether or not any assignment, transfer or sub-participation shall take place) all information relating to the Borrower, any Loan and the Finance Documents which any Finance Party may in its discretion consider necessary or desirable (subject to any duties of confidentiality applicable to the Lenders generally).

 

14.3

Rights of assignee

Any assignee of a Lender shall (unless limited by the express terms of the assignment) take the full benefit of every provision of the Finance Documents benefiting that Lender provided that an assignment will only be effective on notification by the Agent to that Lender and the assignee that the Agent is satisfied it has complied with all necessary “Know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the assignment to the assignee.

 

14.4

Transfer Certificates

If a Lender wishes to transfer any of its rights and obligations under or pursuant to this Agreement, it may do so by delivering to the Agent a duly completed Transfer Certificate, in which event on the Transfer Date:

 

  (a)

to the extent that that Lender seeks to transfer its rights and obligations, the Borrower (on the one hand) and that Lender (on the other) shall be released from all further obligations towards the other;

 

44


  (b)

the Borrower (on the one hand) and the transferee (on the other) shall assume obligations towards the other identical to those released pursuant to clause 14.4(a); and

 

  (c)

the Agent, each of the Lenders and the transferee shall have the same rights and obligations between themselves as they would have had if the transferee was an Original Lender provided that the Agent shall only be obliged to execute a Transfer Certificate once:

 

  (i)

it is satisfied it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the transfer to the transferee; and

 

  (ii)

the transferee has paid to the Agent for its own account a transfer fee of US$2,500.

 

14.5

Copy of Transfer Certificate or Increase Confirmation to the Borrower

The Agent shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after it has executed a Transfer Certificate or an Increase Confirmation, send to the Borrower a copy of that Transfer Certificate or Increase Confirmation.

 

14.6

Limitation of responsibility of Lenders

 

  (a)

Unless expressly agreed to the contrary, a Lender transferring any of its rights and obligations under or pursuant to this Agreement makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility to the transferee for:

 

  (i)

the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of the Finance Documents or any other documents;

 

  (ii)

the financial condition of the Borrower;

 

  (iii)

the performance and observance by the Borrower of its obligations under the Finance Documents or any other documents; or

 

  (iv)

the accuracy of any statements (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with any Finance Document or any other document,

and any representations or warranties implied by law are excluded.

 

  (b)

Each transferee confirms to the Lender transferring any of its rights and obligations under or pursuant to this Agreement and the other Finance Parties that it:

 

  (i)

has made (and shall continue to make) its own independent investigation and assessment of the financial condition and affairs of the Borrower and its related entities in connection with its participation in this Agreement and has not relied exclusively on any information provided to it by the Lender in connection with any Finance Document; and

 

  (ii)

will continue to make its own independent appraisal of the creditworthiness of the Borrower and its related entities whilst any amount is or may be outstanding under the Finance Documents or any Commitment is in force.

 

  (c)

Nothing in any Finance Document obliges the Lender to:

 

  (i)

accept a re-transfer or re-assignment from the transferee of any of the rights and obligations assigned or transferred under this clause 14; or

 

45


  (ii)

support any losses directly or indirectly incurred by the transferee by reason of the non-performance by the Borrower of its obligations under the Finance Documents or otherwise.

 

14.7

Finance Documents

Unless otherwise expressly provided in any Finance Document or otherwise expressly agreed between a Lender and any proposed transferee and notified by that Lender to the Agent on or before the relevant Transfer Date, there shall automatically be assigned to the transferee with any transfer of a Lender’s rights and obligations under or pursuant to this Agreement the rights of that Lender under or pursuant to the Finance Documents (other than this Agreement) which relate to the portion of that Lender’s rights and obligations transferred by the relevant Transfer Certificate.

 

14.8

No assignment or transfer by the Borrower

The Borrower may not assign any of its rights or transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

14.9

Security over Lenders’ rights

In addition to the other rights provided to Lenders under this clause 14, each Lender may without consulting with or obtaining consent from the Borrower, at any time charge, assign or otherwise create an Encumbrance in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document to secure obligations of that Lender including, without limitation:

 

  (a)

any charge, assignment or other Encumbrance to secure obligations to a federal reserve or central bank; and

 

  (b)

in the case of any Lender which is a fund, any charge, assignment or other Security granted to any holders (or trustee or representatives of holders) of obligations owed, or securities issued, by that Lender as security for those obligations or securities except that no such charge, assignment or Security shall:

 

  (i)

release a Lender from any of its obligations under the Finance Documents or substitute the beneficiary of the relevant charge, assignment or other Encumbrance for the Lender as a party to any of the Finance Documents; or

 

  (ii)

require any payments to be made by the Borrower or grant to any person any more extensive rights than those required to be made or granted to the relevant Lender under the Finance Documents.

 

15

Role of the Agent and the Arrangers

 

15.1

Appointment of the Agent

 

  (a)

Each other Finance Party appoints the Agent to act as its agent under and in connection with the Finance Documents.

 

  (b)

Each other Finance Party authorises the Agent to exercise the rights, powers, authorities and discretions specifically given to the Agent under or in connection with the Finance Documents together with any other incidental rights, powers, authorities and discretions.

 

46


15.2

Duties of the Agent

 

  (a)

The Agent’s duties under the Finance Documents are solely mechanical and administrative in nature.

 

  (b)

The Agent shall promptly notify the Finance Parties of any change to the definition of Business day in clause 1.1.

 

  (c)

Subject to paragraph (d) below, the Agent shall promptly forward to a Party the original or a copy of any document which is delivered to the Agent for that Party by any other Party.

 

  (d)

Without prejudice to clause 14.5, paragraph (a) above shall not apply to any Transfer Certificate or any Increase Confirmation.

 

  (e)

Except where a Finance Document specifically provides otherwise, the Agent is not obliged to review or check the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any document it forwards to another Party.

 

  (f)

If the Agent receives notice from a Party referring to this Agreement, describing a Default and stating that the circumstance described is a Default, it shall promptly notify the Finance Parties.

 

  (g)

If the Agent is aware of the non-payment of any principal, interest, commitment fee or other fee payable to a Finance Party (other than the Agent, the Coordinator or the Arrangers) under this Agreement it shall promptly notify the other Finance Parties.

 

  (h)

The Agent shall have only those duties, obligations and responsibilities expressly specified in the Finance Documents to which it is expressed to be a party (and no others shall be implied).

 

  (i)

The Agent shall provide to the Borrower, within ten (10) Business Days of a request by the Borrower (but no more frequently than once per calendar month) a list (which may be in electronic form) setting out the names of the Lenders as at the date of that request and their respective Commitments.

 

15.3

Role of the Arrangers

Except as specifically provided in the Finance Documents, the Arrangers have no obligations of any kind to any other Party under or in connection with any Finance Document.

 

15.4

No fiduciary duties

 

  (a)

Nothing in any Finance Document constitutes the Agent or the Arrangers as a trustee or fiduciary of any other person.

 

  (b)

Neither the Agent nor the Arrangers shall be bound to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by it for its own account.

 

15.5

Business with the Group

The Agent and the Arrangers may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with any member of the Group.

 

15.6

Rights and discretions of the Agent

 

  (a)

The Agent may rely on:

 

  (i)

any representation, notice or document believed by it to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised; and

 

47


  (ii)

any statement made by a director, authorised signatory or employee of any person regarding any matters which may reasonably be assumed to be within his knowledge or within his power to verify.

 

  (b)

The Agent may assume (unless it has received notice to the contrary in its capacity as agent for the Lenders) that:

 

  (i)

no Default has occurred (unless it has actual knowledge of a Default arising under clause13.1(a)); and

 

  (ii)

any right, power, authority or discretion vested in any Party or the Majority Lenders has not been exercised.

 

  (c)

The Agent may engage, pay for and rely on the advice or services of any lawyers, accountants, surveyors or other experts.

 

  (d)

The Agent may act in relation to the Finance Documents through its personnel and agents.

 

  (e)

The Agent may disclose to any other Party any information it reasonably believes it has received as agent under this Agreement.

 

  (f)

Without prejudice to the generality of clause 15.6(e), the Agent:

 

  (i)

may disclose; and

 

  (ii)

on written request of the Borrower or the Majority Lenders shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, disclose,

the identity of a Defaulting Lender to the Borrower and to the other Finance Parties.

 

  (g)

Notwithstanding any other provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, neither the Agent nor the Arrangers are obliged to do or omit to do anything if it would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of any law or regulation or a breach of a fiduciary duty or duty of confidentiality.

 

  (h)

The Agent may refrain, without liability, from doing anything that would or might in its opinion be contrary to any law of any state or jurisdiction (including, but not limited to, the United States of America or any jurisdiction forming a part of it and England & Wales) or any directive or regulation of any agency of any such state or jurisdiction and may, without liability, do anything which is, in its opinion, necessary to comply with any such law, directive or regulation.

 

15.7

Majority Lenders’ instructions

 

  (a)

Unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, the Agent shall (i) exercise any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it as Agent in accordance with any instructions given to it by the Majority Lenders (or, if so instructed by the Majority Lenders, refrain from exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it as Agent) and (ii) not be liable for any act (or omission) if it acts (or refrains from taking any action) in accordance with an instruction of the Majority Lenders.

 

  (b)

Unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, any instructions given by the Majority Lenders will be binding on all the Finance Parties.

 

  (c)

The Agent may refrain from acting in accordance with the instructions of the Majority Lenders (or, if appropriate, the Lenders) until it has received such security as it may require for any cost, loss or liability (together with any associated VAT) which it may incur in complying with the instructions.

 

48


  (d)

In the absence of instructions from the Majority Lenders, (or, if appropriate, the Lenders) the Agent may act (or refrain from taking action) as it considers to be in the best interest of the Lenders.

 

  (e)

The Agent is not authorised to act on behalf of a Lender (without first obtaining that Lender’s consent) in any legal or arbitration proceedings relating to any Finance Document.

 

15.8

Responsibility for documentation

Neither the Agent nor the Arrangers:

 

  (a)

are responsible or liable for the adequacy, accuracy and/or completeness of any information (whether oral or written) supplied by the Agent, the Arrangers, the Borrower or any other person given in or in connection with any Finance Document;

 

  (b)

are responsible or liable for the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Finance Document or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of or in connection with any Finance Document;

 

  (c)

are responsible or liable for any determination as to whether any information provided or to be provided to any Finance Party is non-public information the use of which may be regulated or prohibited by applicable law or regulation relating to insider dealing or otherwise.

 

15.9

Exclusion of liability

 

  (a)

Without limiting clause 15.9(b) below, the Agent will not be liable for any action taken by it under or in connection with any Finance Document, unless directly caused by its gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

 

  (b)

No Party (other than the Agent) may take any proceedings against any officer, employee or agent of the Agent in respect of any claim it might have against the Agent or in respect of any act or omission of any kind by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any Finance Document and any officer, employee or agent of the Agent may rely on this clause subject to clause 24.5 and the provisions of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

 

  (c)

The Agent will not be liable for any delay (or any related consequences) in crediting an account with an amount required under the Finance Documents to be paid by the Agent if the Agent has taken all necessary steps as soon as reasonably practicable to comply with the regulations or operating procedures of any recognised clearing or settlement system used by the Agent for that purpose.

 

  (d)

Nothing in this Agreement shall oblige the Agent or the Arrangers to carry out any “know your customer” or other checks in relation to any person on behalf of any Lender and each Lender confirms to the Agent and the Arrangers that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by the Agent or the Arrangers.

 

15.10

Lenders’ indemnity to the Agent

Each Lender shall (in proportion to its share of the Commitments or, if the Commitments are then zero, to its share of the Commitments immediately prior to their reduction to zero) indemnify the Agent, within three (3) Business Days of demand, against any cost, loss or liability incurred by the Agent (otherwise than by reason of the Agent’s gross negligence or wilful misconduct) in acting as Agent under the Finance Documents (unless the Agent has been reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant to a Finance Document).

 

49


15.11

Resignation of the Agent

 

  (a)

The Agent may resign and appoint one of its Affiliates acting through an office as successor by giving notice to the other Finance Parties and the Borrower.

 

  (b)

Alternatively the Agent may resign by giving 30 days’ notice to the other Finance Parties and the Borrower, in which case the Majority Lenders (after consultation with the Borrower) may appoint a successor Agent.

 

  (c)

If the Majority Lenders have not appointed a successor Agent in accordance with clause 15.11(b) above within 20 days after notice of resignation was given, the retiring Agent (after consultation with the Borrower) may appoint a successor Agent.

 

  (d)

The retiring Agent shall, at its own cost, make available to the successor Agent such documents and records and provide such assistance as the successor Agent may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as Agent under the Finance Documents.

 

  (e)

The Agent’s resignation notice shall only take effect upon the appointment of a successor.

 

  (f)

Upon the appointment of a successor, the retiring Agent shall be discharged from any further obligation in respect of the Finance Documents but shall remain entitled to the benefit of this clause 15. Any successor and each of the other Parties shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor had been an original Party.

 

  (g)

The Agent shall resign in accordance with paragraph (b) above (and, to the extent applicable, shall use reasonable endeavours to appoint a successor Agent pursuant to paragraph (c) above) if on or after the date which is three (3) months before the earliest FATCA Application Date relating to any payment to the Agent under the Finance Documents, either:

 

  (i)

the Agent fails to respond to a request under clause 9.14 and a Lender reasonably believes that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date;

 

  (ii)

the information supplied by the Agent pursuant to clause 9.14 indicates that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date; or

 

  (iii)

the Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the Agent will not be (or will have ceased to be) a FATCA Exempt Party on or after that FATCA Application Date;

and (in each case) a Lender reasonably believes that a Party will be required to make a FATCA Deduction that would not be required if the Agent were a FATCA Exempt Party, and that Lender, by notice to the Agent, requires it to resign.

 

15.12

Replacement of the Agent

 

  (a)

After consultation with the Borrower, the Majority Lenders may, by giving 30 days’ notice to the Agent (or, at any time the Agent is an Impaired Agent, by giving any shorter notice determined by the Majority Lenders) replace the Agent by appointing a successor Agent.

 

  (b)

The retiring Agent shall (at its own cost if it is an Impaired Agent and otherwise at the expense of the Lenders) make available to the successor Agent such documents and records and provide such assistance as the successor Agent may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as Agent under the Finance Documents.

 

50


  (c)

The appointment of the successor Agent shall take effect on the date specified in the notice from the Majority Lenders to the retiring Agent. As from this date, the retiring Agent shall be discharged from any further obligation in respect of the Finance Documents (other than its obligations under paragraph (b) above) but shall remain entitled to the benefit of clause 15.10, (and any agency fees for the account of the retiring Agent shall cease to accrue from (and shall be payable on) that date).

 

  (d)

Any successor Agent and each of the other Parties shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor had been an original Party.

 

15.13

Confidentiality

 

  (a)

In acting as agent for the Finance Parties, the Agent shall be regarded as acting through its agency division which shall be treated as a separate entity from any other of its divisions or departments.

 

  (b)

If information is received by another division or department of the Agent, it may be treated as confidential to that division or department and the Agent shall not be deemed to have notice of it.

 

15.14

Relationship with the Lenders

 

  (a)

The Agent may treat the person shown in its records as Lender at the opening of business (in the place of the Agent’s principal office as notified to the Finance Parties from time to time) as the Lender acting through its Facility Office:

 

  (i)

entitled to or liable for any payment due under any Finance Document on that day; and

 

  (ii)

entitled to receive and act upon any notice, request, document or communication or make any decision or determination under any Finance Document made or delivered on that day,

unless it has received not less than five (5) Business Days prior notice from that Lender to the contrary in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

  (b)

Any Lender may by notice to the Agent appoint a person to receive on its behalf all notices, communications, information and documents to be made or despatched to that Lender under the Finance Documents. Such notice shall contain the address, fax number and (where communication by electronic mail or other electronic means is permitted under clause 21.7) electronic mail address and/or any other information required to enable the transmission of information by that means (and, in each case, the department or officer, if any, for whose attention communication is to be made) and be treated as a notification of a substitute address, fax number, electronic mail address (or such other information), department and officer by that Lender for the purposes of clause 21.2 and clause 21.7 and the Agent shall be entitled to treat such person as the person entitled to receive all such notices, communications, information and documents as though that person were that Lender.

 

15.15

Credit appraisal by the Lenders

Without affecting the responsibility of the Borrower for information supplied by it or on its behalf in connection with any Finance Document, each Lender confirms to the Agent and the Arrangers that it has been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with any Finance Document including but not limited to:

 

  (a)

the financial condition, status and nature of each member of the Group;

 

51


  (b)

the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Finance Document and any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document;

 

  (c)

whether that Lender has recourse, and the nature and extent of that recourse, against any Party or any of its respective assets under or in connection with any Finance Document, the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document; and

 

  (d)

the adequacy, accuracy and/or completeness of any other information provided by the Agent, any Party or by any other person under or in connection with any Finance Document, the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document.

 

15.16

Reference Banks

If a Reference Bank (or, if a Reference Bank is not a Lender, the Lender of which it is an Affiliate) ceases to be a Lender, the Agent shall (in consultation with the Borrower) appoint another Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender to replace that Reference Bank.

 

15.17

Agent’s Management Time

Any amount payable to the Agent under clause 15.10, clause 9.5, clause 9.6 and 9.11 shall include the cost of utilising the Agent’s management time or other resources and will be calculated on the basis of such reasonable daily or hourly rates as the Agent may notify to the Borrower and the Lenders, and is in addition to any fee paid or payable to the Agent under clause 10.

 

15.18

Deduction from amounts payable by the Agent

If any Party owes an amount to the Agent under the Finance Documents the Agent may, after giving notice to that Party, deduct an amount not exceeding that amount from any payment to that Party which the Agent would otherwise be obliged to make under the Finance Documents and apply the amount deducted in or towards satisfaction of the amount owed. For the purposes of the Finance Documents that Party shall be regarded as having received any amount so deducted.

 

16

Amendments and Waivers

 

16.1

Required consents

 

  (a)

Subject to clause 16.2 any term of the Finance Documents may be amended or waived only with the consent of the Majority Lenders and the Borrower and any such amendment or waiver will be binding on all Parties.

 

  (b)

The Agent may effect, on behalf of any Finance Party, any amendment or waiver permitted by this clause 16.

 

16.2

Exceptions

 

  (a)

An amendment or waiver of or in relation to, any term of any Finance Document that has the effect of changing or which relates to:

 

  (i)

the definitions of “ Majority Lenders ” and “ Proportionate Share ” in clause 1.1;

 

52


  (ii)

an extension to the date of payment of any amount under the Finance Documents;

 

  (iii)

a reduction in the Margin or a reduction in the amount of any payment of principal, interest, fees or commission payable;

 

  (iv)

a change in currency of payment of any amount under the Finance Documents;

 

  (v)

an increase in any Commitment, an extension of the Final Availability Date or any requirement that a cancellation of Commitments reduces the Commitments of the Lenders rateably;

 

  (vi)

any provision which expressly requires the consent of all the Lenders;

 

  (vii)

clause 2.2, clause 14, this clause 16, clause 17 or clause 27,

 

  shall

not be made, or given, without the prior consent of all the Lenders.

 

  (b)

An amendment or waiver which relates to the rights or obligations of the Agent or the Arrangers (each in their capacity as such) may not be effected without the consent of the Agent or, as the case may be, the Arrangers.

 

16.3

Excluded Commitments

If:

 

  (a)

any Defaulting Lender fails to respond to a request for a consent, waiver, amendment of or in relation to any term of any Finance Document or any other vote of Lenders under the terms of this Agreement within twenty (20) Business Days of that request being made; or

 

  (b)

any Lender which is not a Defaulting Lender fails to respond to such a request (other than an amendment, waiver or consent referred to in clauses 16.2(a)(ii), 16.2(a)(iii) and 16.2(a)(v)) or other such vote within twenty (20) Business Days of that request being made,

(unless, in either case, the Borrower and the Agent agree to a longer time period in relation to any request):

 

  (i)

its Commitment shall not be included for the purpose of calculating the aggregate of the Commitments when ascertaining whether any relevant percentage (including, for the avoidance of doubt, unanimity) of aggregate of the Commitments has been obtained to approve that request; and

 

  (ii)

its status as a Lender shall be disregarded for the purpose of ascertaining whether the agreement of any specified group of Lenders has been obtained to approve that request.

 

16.4

Replacement of Lender

 

  (a)

If:

 

  (i)

any Lender becomes a Non-Consenting Lender (as defined in clause 16.4(d)); or

 

  (ii)

the Borrower becomes obliged to repay any amount in accordance with clause 6.1 or to pay additional amounts pursuant to clause 20.3, clause 9.12(a) or clause 9.7 to any Lender,

 

53


then the Borrower may, on ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent and such Lender, replace such Lender by requiring such Lender to (and, to the extent permitted by law, such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to clause 14 all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a Lender or other bank, financial institution, trust, fund or other entity (a Replacement Lender ) selected by the Borrower, which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations of the transferring Lender in accordance with clause 14 for a purchase price in cash payable at the time of transfer in an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s participation in a Loan and all accrued interest, Break Costs and other amounts payable in relation thereto under the Finance Documents.

 

  (b)

The replacement of a Lender pursuant to this clause 16.4 shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

  (i)

the Borrower shall have no right to replace the Agent;

 

  (ii)

neither the Agent nor the Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a Replacement Lender;

 

  (iii)

in the event of a replacement of a Non-Consenting Lender such replacement must take place no later than thirty (30) Business Days after the date on which that Lender is deemed a Non-Consenting Lender;

 

  (iv)

in no event shall the Lender replaced under this clause 16.4 be required to pay or surrender to such Replacement Lender any of the fees received by such Lender pursuant to the Finance Documents; and

 

  (v)

the Lender shall only be obliged to transfer its rights and obligations pursuant to clause 16.4(a) once it is satisfied that it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to that transfer.

 

  (c)

A Lender shall perform the checks described in clause 16.4(b)(v) as soon as reasonably practicable following delivery of a notice referred to in clause 16.4(a) and shall notify the Agent and the Borrower when it is satisfied that it has complied with those checks.

 

  (d)

In the event that:

 

  (i)

the Borrower or the Agent (at the request of the Borrower) has requested the Lenders to give a consent in relation to, or to agree to a waiver or amendment of, any provisions of the Finance Documents;

 

  (ii)

the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the approval of all the Lenders; and

 

  (iii)

Lenders whose Commitments aggregate more than ninety per cent. (90%) of the aggregate of the Commitments (or, if the aggregate of the Commitments have been reduced to zero, aggregated more than ninety per cent. (90%) of the aggregate of the Commitments prior to that reduction) have consented or agreed to such waiver or amendment,

 

  (iv)

then any Lender who does not and continues not to consent or agree to such waiver or amendment shall be deemed a Non-Consenting Lender .

 

16.5

Disenfranchisement of Defaulting Lenders

 

  (a)

For so long as a Defaulting Lender has any Commitment, in ascertaining:

 

  (i)

the Majority Lenders; or

 

54


  (ii)

whether:

 

  (A)

any given percentage (including, for the avoidance of doubt, unanimity) of the aggregate of the Commitments; or

 

  (B)

the agreement of any specified group of Lenders,

has been obtained to approve any request for a consent, waiver, amendment or other vote of Lenders under the Finance Documents, that Defaulting Lender’s Commitment will be reduced by the amount of its participation in any Loans it has failed to make available and, to the extent that that reduction results in that Defaulting Lender’s Commitment being zero, that Defaulting Lender shall be deemed not to be a Lender for the purposes of (i) and (ii).

 

  (b)

For the purposes of this clause 16.5, the Agent may assume that the following Lenders are Defaulting Lenders:

 

  (i)

any Lender which has notified the Agent that it has become a Defaulting Lender;

 

  (ii)

any Lender in relation to which it is aware that any of the events or circumstances referred to in (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Lender” has occurred,

 

  (iii)

unless it has received notice to the contrary from the Lender concerned (together with any supporting evidence reasonably requested by the Agent) or the Agent is otherwise aware that the Lender has ceased to be a Defaulting Lender.

 

16.6

Replacement of a Defaulting Lender

 

  (a)

The Borrower may, at any time a Lender has become and continues to be a Defaulting Lender, by giving five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent and such Lender:

 

  (i)

replace such Lender by requiring such Lender to (and, to the extent permitted by law, such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to clause 14 all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement;

 

  (ii)

require such Lender to (and, to the extent permitted by law, such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to clause 14 all (and not part only) of the undrawn Commitment of the Lender; or

 

  (iii)

require such Lender to (and, to the extent permitted by law, such Lender shall) transfer pursuant to clause 14 all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations in respect of the Facility,

to a Lender or other bank, financial institution, trust, fund or other entity (a Replacement Lender ) selected by the Borrower and which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations, or all the relevant obligations, of the transferring Lender in accordance with clause 14 for a purchase price in cash payable at the time of transfer which is either:

 

  (A)

in an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s participation in the outstanding Loans and all accrued interest, Break Costs and other amounts payable in relation thereto under the Finance Documents; or

 

  (B)

in an amount agreed between that Defaulting Lender, the Replacement Lender and the Borrower and which does not exceed the amount described in paragraph (A) above.

 

55


  (b)

Any transfer of rights and obligations of a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause 16.6 shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

  (i)

the Borrower shall have no right to replace the Agent;

 

  (ii)

neither the Agent nor the Defaulting Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a Replacement Lender;

 

  (iii)

the transfer must take place no later than five (5) days after the notice referred to in clause 16.6(a);

 

  (iv)

in no event shall the Defaulting Lender be required to pay or surrender to the Replacement Lender any of the fees received by the Defaulting Lender pursuant to the Finance Documents; and

 

  (v)

the Defaulting Lender shall only be obliged to transfer its rights and obligations pursuant to clause 16.6(a) once it is satisfied that it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to that transfer to the Replacement Lender.

 

  (c)

The Defaulting Lender shall perform the checks described in clause 16.6(b)(v) as soon as reasonably practicable following delivery of a notice referred to in clause 16.6(a) and shall notify the Agent and the Borrower when it is satisfied that it has complied with those checks.

 

17

Sharing among the Finance Parties

 

17.1

Payments to Finance Parties

If a Finance Party (a Recovering Finance Party ) receives or recovers any amount from the Borrower other than in accordance with clause 18 (a Recovered Amount ) and applies that amount to a payment due under the Finance Documents then:

 

  (a)

the Recovering Finance Party shall, within three Business Days, notify details of the receipt or recovery to the Agent;

 

  (b)

the Agent shall determine whether the receipt or recovery is in excess of the amount the Recovering Finance Party would have been paid had the receipt or recovery been received or made by the Agent and distributed in accordance with clause 18, without taking account of any Tax which would be imposed on the Agent in relation to the receipt, recovery or distribution; and

 

  (c)

the Recovering Finance Party shall, within three Business Days of demand by the Agent, pay to the Agent an amount (the Sharing Payment ) equal to such receipt or recovery less any amount which the Agent determines may be retained by the Recovering Finance Party as its share of any payment to be made, in accordance with 18.5).

 

17.2

Redistribution of payments

The Agent shall treat the Sharing Payment as if it had been paid by the Borrower and distribute it between the Finance Parties (other than the Recovering Finance Party) (the Sharing Finance Parties ) in accordance with clause 18.5 towards the obligations of Borrower to the Sharing Finance Parties.

 

17.3

Recovering Finance Party’s rights

On a distribution by the Agent under clause 17.2 of a payment received by a Recovering Finance Party from the Borrower, as between the Borrower and the Recovering Finance Party, an amount of the Recovered Amount equal to the Sharing Payment will be treated as not having been paid by the Borrower.

 

56


17.4

Reversal of redistribution

If any part of the Sharing Payment received or recovered by a Recovering Finance Party becomes repayable and is repaid by that Recovering Finance Party, then:

 

  (a)

each Sharing Finance Party shall, upon request of the Agent, pay to the Agent for the account of that Recovering Finance Party an amount equal to the appropriate part of its share of the Sharing Payment (together with an amount as is necessary to reimburse that Recovering Finance Party for its proportion of any interest on the Sharing Payment which that Recovering Finance Party is required to pay) (the Redistributed Amount ); and

 

  (b)

as between the Borrower and each relevant Sharing Finance Party, an amount equal to the relevant Redistributed Amount will be treated as not having been paid by the Borrower.

 

17.5

Exceptions

 

  (a)

This clause 17 shall not apply to the extent that the Recovering Finance Party would not, after making any payment pursuant to this clause, have a valid and enforceable claim against the Borrower.

 

  (b)

A Recovering Finance Party is not obliged to share with any other Finance Party any amount which the Recovering Finance Party has received or recovered as a result of taking legal or arbitration proceedings, if:

 

  (i)

it notified that other Finance Party of the legal or arbitration proceedings; and

 

  (ii)

that other Finance Party had an opportunity to participate in those legal or arbitration proceedings but did not do so as soon as reasonably practicable having received notice and did not take separate legal or arbitration proceedings.

 

18

Payment mechanics

 

18.1

Payments to the Agent

 

  (a)

On each date on which the Borrower or a Lender is required to make a payment under a Finance Document, the Borrower or Lender shall make the same available to the Agent (unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document) for value on the due date at the time and in such funds specified by the Agent as being customary at the time for settlement of transactions in the relevant currency in the place of payment.

 

  (b)

Payment shall be made to such account in the principal financial centre of the country of that currency and with such bank as the Agent, in each case, specifies.

 

18.2

Distributions by the Agent

Each payment received by the Agent under the Finance Documents for another Party shall, subject to clause 18.3 and clause 18.4 be made available by the Agent as soon as practicable after receipt to the Party entitled to receive payment in accordance with this Agreement (in the case of a Lender, for the account of its Facility Office), to such account as that Party may notify to the Agent by not less than five Business Days’ notice with a bank specified by that Party in the principal financial centre of the country of that currency.

 

57


18.3

Distributions to the Borrower

The Agent may (with the consent of the Borrower or in accordance with clause 19) apply any amount received by it for the Borrower in or towards payment (on the date and in the currency and funds of receipt) of any amount due from the Borrower under the Finance Documents or in or towards purchase of any amount of any currency to be so applied.

 

18.4

Clawback and pre-funding

 

  (a)

Where a sum is to be paid to the Agent under the Finance Documents for another Party, the Agent is not obliged to pay that sum to that other Party (or to enter into or perform any related exchange contract) until it has been able to establish to its satisfaction that it has actually received that sum.

 

  (b)

Unless paragraph (c) below applies, if the Agent pays an amount to another Party and it proves to be the case that the Agent had not actually received that amount, then the Party to whom that amount (or the proceeds of any related exchange contract) was paid by the Agent shall on demand refund the same to the Agent together with interest on that amount from the date of payment to the date of receipt by the Agent, calculated by the Agent to reflect its cost of funds.

 

  (c)

If the Agent has notified the Lenders that it is willing to make available amounts for the account of the Borrower before receiving funds from the Lenders then if and to the extent that the Agent does so but it proves to be the case that it does not then receive funds from a Lender in respect of a sum which it paid to a Borrower:

 

  (i)

the Agent shall notify the Borrower of that Lender’s identity and the Borrower to whom that sum was made available shall on demand refund it to the Agent; and

 

  (ii)

the Lender by whom those funds should have been made available or, if that Lender fails to do so, the Borrower to whom that sum was made available, shall on demand pay to the Agent the amount (as certified by the Agent) which will indemnify the Agent against any funding cost incurred by it as a result of paying out that sum before receiving those funds from that Lender.

 

18.5

Partial payments

 

  (a)

If the Agent receives a payment that is insufficient to discharge all the amounts then due and payable by the Borrower under the Finance Documents, the Agent shall apply that payment towards the obligations of the Borrower under the Finance Documents in the following order:

 

  (i)

first, in or towards payment pro rata of any unpaid amount owing to the Agent under the Finance Documents;

 

  (ii)

secondly, in or towards payment pro rata of any accrued interest, fee or commission due but unpaid under this Agreement;

 

  (iii)

thirdly, in or towards payment pro rata of any principal due but unpaid under this Agreement; and

 

  (iv)

fourthly, in or towards payment pro rata of any other sum due but unpaid under the Finance Documents.

 

  (b)

The Agent shall, if so directed by the Majority Lenders, vary the order set out in sub-clauses 18.5(a)(ii) to 18.5(a)(iv) above.

 

  (c)

Clauses 18.5(a) and 18.5(b) above will override any appropriation made by the Borrower.

 

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18.6

No set-off by Borrower

All payments to be made by the Borrower under the Finance Documents shall be calculated and be made without (and free and clear of any deduction for) set-off or counterclaim.

 

19

Set-Off

A Finance Party may set off any matured obligation due from the Borrower under any Finance Document (to the extent beneficially owned by that Finance Party) against any matured obligation owed by that Finance Party to the Borrower, regardless of the place of payment, booking branch or currency of either obligation. If the obligations are in different currencies, that Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off.

 

20

Payments and Taxes

 

20.1

Payments

Each amount payable by the Borrower under a Finance Document shall be paid to such account at such bank as the Agent may from time to time direct to the Borrower in the Currency of Account and in such funds as are customary at the time for settlement of transactions in the relevant currency in the place of payment. Payment shall be deemed to have been received by the Agent on the date on which the Agent receives authenticated advice of receipt, unless that advice is received by the Agent on a day other than a Business Day or at a time of day (whether on a Business Day or not) when the Agent in its reasonable discretion considers that it is impossible or impracticable for the Agent to utilise the amount received for value that same day, in which event the payment in question shall be deemed to have been received by the Agent on the Business Day next following the date of receipt of advice by the Agent.

 

20.2

No deductions or withholdings

Each payment (whether of principal or interest or otherwise) to be made by the Borrower under a Finance Document shall, subject only to clause 20.3, be made free and clear of and without deduction for or on account of any Taxes or other deductions, withholdings, restrictions, conditions or counterclaims of any nature.

 

20.3

Grossing-up

If at any time any law requires (or is interpreted to require) the Borrower to make any deduction or withholding from any payment, other than a FATCA Deduction, or to change the rate or manner in which any required deduction or withholding is made under a Finance Documents, the Borrower will promptly notify the Agent and, simultaneously with making that payment, will pay to the Agent whatever additional amount (after taking into account any additional Taxes on, or deductions or withholdings from, or restrictions or conditions on, that additional amount) is necessary to ensure that, after making the deduction or withholding, the relevant Finance Parties receive a net sum equal to the sum which they would have received had no deduction or withholding been made.

 

20.4

Evidence of deductions

If at any time the Borrower is required by law to make any deduction or withholding from any payment to be made by it under a Finance Document, the Borrower will pay the amount required to be deducted or withheld to the relevant authority within the time allowed under the applicable law and will, no later than thirty (30) days after making that payment, deliver to the Agent an original receipt issued by the relevant authority, or other evidence reasonably acceptable to the Agent, evidencing the payment to that authority of all amounts required to be deducted or withheld.

 

59


20.5

Rebate

If the Borrower pays any additional amount under clause 9.12 or clause 20.3, and a Finance Party subsequently receives a refund or allowance from any tax authority which that Finance Party identifies as being referable to that increased amount so paid by the Borrower, that Finance Party shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, pay to the Borrower an amount equal to the amount of the refund or allowance received, if and to the extent that it may do so without prejudicing its right to retain that refund or allowance and without putting itself in any worse financial position than that in which it would have been had the relevant deduction or withholding not been required to have been made. Nothing in this clause 20.5 shall be interpreted as imposing any obligation on any Finance Party to apply for any refund or allowance nor as restricting in any way the manner in which any Finance Party organises its tax affairs, nor as imposing on any Finance Party any obligation to disclose to the Borrower any information regarding its tax affairs or tax computations.

 

20.6

Adjustment of due dates

If any payment or transfer of funds to be made under a Finance Document, other than a payment of interest on any Loan, shall be due on a day which is not a Business Day, that payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day (unless the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next calendar month in which event the payment shall be made on the next preceding Business Day). Any such variation of time shall be taken into account in computing any interest in respect of that payment.

 

20.7

Impaired Agent

 

  (a)

If, at any time, the Agent becomes an Impaired Agent, the Borrower or a Lender which is required to make a payment under the Finance Documents to the Agent in accordance with clause 20.1 may instead either:

 

  (i)

pay that amount direct to the required recipient(s); or

 

  (ii)

if in its absolute discretion it considers that it is not reasonably practicable to pay that amount direct to the required recipient(s), pay that amount or the relevant part of that amount to an interest-bearing account held with an Acceptable Bank in relation to which no Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing, in the name of the Borrower or the Lender making the payment (the Paying Party ) and designated as a trust account for the benefit of the Party or Parties beneficially entitled to that payment under the Finance Documents (the Recipient Party or Recipient Parties ).

In each case such payments must be made on the due date for payment under the Finance Documents.

 

  (b)

All interest accrued on the amount standing to the credit of the trust account shall be for the benefit of the Recipient Party or the Recipient Parties pro rata to their respective entitlements.

 

  (c)

A Party which has made a payment in accordance with this clause 20.7 shall be discharged of the relevant payment obligation under the Finance Documents and shall not take any credit risk with respect to the amounts standing to the credit of the trust account.

 

  (d)

Promptly upon the appointment of a successor Agent in accordance with clause 15.12, each Paying Party shall (other than to the extent that that Party has given an instruction pursuant to clause 20.7(e)) give all requisite instructions to the bank with whom the trust account is held to transfer the amount (together with any accrued interest) to the successor Agent for distribution to the relevant Recipient Party or Recipient Parties in accordance with clause 17.

 

60


  (e)

A Paying Party shall, promptly upon request by a Recipient Party and to the extent:

 

  (i)

it has not given an instruction pursuant to clause 20.7(d); and

 

  (ii)

that it has been provided with the necessary information by that Recipient Party,

give all requisite instructions to the bank with whom the trust account is held to transfer the relevant amount (together with any accrued interest) to that Recipient Party.

 

21

Notices

 

21.1

Communications in writing

Any communication to be made under or in connection with this Agreement shall be made in writing and, unless otherwise stated, may be made by fax or letter or (subject to clause21.7) electronic mail.

 

21.2

Addresses

The address and fax number (and the department or officer, if any, for whose attention the communication is to be made) of each party to this Agreement for any communication or document to be made or delivered under or in connection with this Agreement are:

 

  (a)

in the case of the Borrower, c/o Teekay Shipping (Canada) Ltd Suite 2000, Bentall 5, 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 2K2 (fax no: +1 604 681 3011) marked for the attention of Renee Eng, Manager Treasury;

 

  (b)

in the case of each Lender, those appearing opposite its name in Schedule 1; and

 

  (c)

in the case of the Agent at 5th Floor, Citigroup Centre, 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5LB, United Kingdom (+44 (0)20 7492 3980) marked for the attention of Loans Agency;

or any substitute address, fax number, department or officer as any party may notify to the Agent (or the Agent may notify to the other parties, if a change is made by the Agent) by not less than five (5) Business Days’ notice.

 

21.3

Delivery

Any communication or document made or delivered by one party to this Agreement to another under or in connection this Agreement will only be effective:

 

  (a)

if by way of fax, when received in legible form; or

 

  (b)

if by way of letter, when it has been left at the relevant address or five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the post postage prepaid in an envelope addressed to it at that address; or

 

  (c)

if by way of electronic mail, in accordance with clause 21.7;

and, if a particular department or officer is specified as part of its address details provided under clause 21.2, if addressed to that department or officer.

Any communication or document to be made or delivered to the Agent will be effective only when actually received by the Agent.

All notices from or to the Borrower shall be sent through the Agent.

 

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21.4

Notification of address and fax number

Promptly upon receipt of notification of an address, fax number or change of address, pursuant to clause 21.2 or changing its own address or fax number, the Agent shall notify the other parties to this Agreement.

 

21.5

English language

Any notice given under or in connection with this Agreement must be in English. All other documents provided under or in connection with this Agreement must be:

 

  (a)

in English; or

 

  (b)

if not in English, and if so required by the Agent, accompanied by a certified English translation and, in this case, the English translation will prevail unless the document is a constitutional, statutory or other official document.

 

21.6

Communication when Agent is Impaired Agent

If the Agent is an Impaired Agent the Parties may, instead of communicating with each other through the Agent, communicate with each other directly and (while the Agent is an Impaired Agent) all the provisions of the Finance Documents which require communications to be made or notices to be given to or by the Agent shall be varied so that communications may be made and notices given to or by the relevant Parties directly. This provision shall not operate after a replacement Facility has been appointed.

 

21.7

Electronic communication

 

  (a)

Any communication to be made in connection with this Agreement may be made by electronic mail or other electronic means, if the Borrower and the relevant Finance Party:

 

  (i)

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

 

  (ii)

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

 

  (iii)

notify each other of any change to their address or any other such information supplied by them.

 

  (b)

Any electronic communication made between the Borrower and the relevant Finance Party will be effective only when actually received in readable form and acknowledged by the recipient (it being understood that any system generated responses do not constitute an acknowledgement) and in the case of any electronic communication made by the Borrower to a Finance Party only if it is addressed in such a manner as the Finance Party shall specify for this purpose.

 

22

Partial Invalidity

If, at any time, any provision of a Finance Document is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under any law of any jurisdiction, neither the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions nor the legality, validity or enforceability of such provision under the law of any other jurisdiction will in any way be affected or impaired.

 

62


23

Remedies and Waivers

No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of any Finance Party, any right or remedy under a Finance Document shall operate as a waiver of any such right or remedy or constitute an election to affirm any of the Finance Documents. No election to affirm any Finance Document on the part of any Finance Party shall be effective unless it is in writing. No single or partial exercise of any right or remedy prevent any further or other exercise or the exercise of any other right or remedy. The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

 

24

Miscellaneous

 

24.1

Further Assurance

If any provision of a Finance Document shall be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part by reason of any present or future law or any decision of any court, or if the documents at any time held by or on behalf of the Finance Parties or any of them are considered by the Lenders for any reason insufficient to carry out the terms of this Agreement, then from time to time the Borrower will promptly, on demand by the Agent, execute or procure the execution of such further documents as in the opinion of the Lenders are necessary to provide adequate security for the repayment of the Indebtedness.

 

24.2

Rescission of payments etc.

Any discharge, release or reassignment by a Finance Party of any of the security constituted by, or any of the obligations of the Borrower contained in, a Finance Document shall be (and be deemed always to have been) void if any act (including, without limitation, any payment) as a result of which such discharge, release or reassignment was given or made is subsequently wholly or partially rescinded or avoided by operation of any law.

 

24.3

Certificates

Any certificate or statement signed by an authorised signatory of the Agent purporting to show the amount of the Indebtedness (or any part of the Indebtedness) or any other amount referred to in any Finance Document shall, save for manifest error or on any question of law, be conclusive evidence as against the Borrower of that amount.

 

24.4

Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be original but which shall together constitute the same instrument.

 

24.5

Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999

A person who is not a party to this Agreement (other than those parties benefitting from the indemnities in clause 9.6) has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce or to enjoy the benefit of any term of this Agreement.

 

25

Confidentiality

 

25.1

Confidential Information

Each Finance Party agrees to keep all Confidential Information confidential and not to disclose it to anyone, save to the extent permitted by clause 25.2 and clause 25.3, and to ensure that all Confidential Information is protected with security measures and a degree of care that would apply to its own confidential information.

 

25.2

Disclosure of Confidential Information

Any Finance Party may disclose:

 

  (a)

to any of its Affiliates and any of its or their officers, directors, employees, professional advisers, auditors, partners and Representatives such Confidential Information as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if any person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given pursuant to this clause 25.2(a) is informed in writing of its confidential nature and that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no such requirement to so inform if the recipient is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of the information or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to the Confidential Information;

 

63


  (b)

to any person:

 

  (i)

to (or through) whom it assigns or transfers (or may potentially assign or transfer) all or any of its rights and/or obligations under one or more Finance Documents or which succeeds (or which may potentially succeed) it as agent and, in each case, to any of that person’s Affiliates, Representatives and professional advisers;

 

  (ii)

with (or through) whom it enters into (or may potentially enter into), whether directly or indirectly, any sub-participation in relation to, or any other transaction under which payments are to be made or may be made by reference to, one or more Finance Documents and/or the Borrower and to any of that person’s Affiliates, Representatives and professional advisers;

 

  (iii)

appointed by any Finance Party or by a person to whom clause 25.2(b)(i) or 25.2(b)(ii) applies to receive communications, notices, information or documents delivered pursuant to the Finance Documents on its behalf;

 

  (iv)

who invests in or otherwise finances (or may potentially invest in or otherwise finance), directly or indirectly, any transaction referred to in clause 25.2(b)(i) or 25.2(b)(ii);

 

  (v)

to whom information is required or requested to be disclosed by any court of competent jurisdiction or any governmental, banking, taxation or other regulatory authority or similar body, the rules of any relevant stock exchange or pursuant to any applicable law or regulation;

 

  (vi)

to whom information is required to be disclosed in connection with, and for the purposes of, any litigation, arbitration, administrative or other investigations, proceedings or disputes;

 

  (vii)

to whom or for whose benefit that Finance Party charges, assigns or otherwise creates Security (or may do so) pursuant to clause 14.9;

 

  (viii)

who is a Party; or

 

  (ix)

with the consent of the Borrower;

in each case, such Confidential Information as that Finance Party shall consider appropriate if:

 

  (A)

in relation to clauses 25.2(b)(i), 25.2(b)(ii) and 25.2(b)(iii), the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking except that there shall be no requirement for a Confidentiality Undertaking if the recipient is a professional adviser and is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information;

 

  (B)

in relation to clause 25.2(b)(iv), the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to the Confidential Information they receive and is informed that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information;

 

64


  (C)

in relation to clauses 25.2(b)(v), 25.2(b)(vi) and 25.2(b)(vii), the person to whom the Confidential Information is to be given is informed of its confidential nature and that some or all of such Confidential Information may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no requirement to so inform if, in the opinion of that Finance Party, it is not practicable so to do in the circumstances; and

 

  (c)

to any person appointed by that Finance Party or by a person to whom clause 25.2(b)(i) or 25.2(b)(ii) applies to provide administration or settlement services in respect of one or more of the Finance Documents including without limitation, in relation to the trading of participations in respect of the Finance Documents, such Confidential Information as may be required to be disclosed to enable such service provider to provide any of the services referred to in this clause 25.2(c) if the service provider to whom the Confidential Information is to be given has entered into a Confidentiality Undertaking; and

 

  (d)

subject to the Agent providing the Borrower with prior notification, to any rating agency (including its professional advisers) such Confidential Information as may be required to be disclosed to enable such rating agency to carry out its normal rating activities in relation to the Finance Documents and/or the Borrower.

 

25.3

Disclosure to numbering service providers

 

  (a)

Any Finance Party may disclose to any national or international numbering service provider appointed by that Finance Party to provide identification numbering services in respect of this Agreement, any Loan and/or the Borrower the following information:

 

  (i)

name of the Borrower;

 

  (ii)

country of domicile of the Borrower;

 

  (iii)

place of formation of the Borrower;

 

  (iv)

date of this Agreement;

 

  (v)

clause 27;

 

  (vi)

the names of the Agent and the Arrangers;

 

  (vii)

date of each amendment and restatement of this Agreement;

 

  (viii)

amount of any Loan;

 

  (ix)

currencies of any Loan;

 

  (x)

type of Loans;

 

  (xi)

ranking of any Loan;

 

  (xii)

Final Availability Date for the Loans;

 

  (xiii)

changes to any of the information previously supplied pursuant to (a) to (l); and

 

  (xiv)

such other information agreed between such Finance Party and the Borrower,

to enable such numbering service provider to provide its usual syndicated loan numbering identification services.

 

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  (b)

The Parties acknowledge and agree that each identification number assigned to this Agreement, any Loan and/or the Borrower by a numbering service provider and the information associated with each such number may be disclosed to users of its services in accordance with the standard terms and conditions of that numbering service provider.

 

  (c)

The Borrower represents that none of the information set out in clauses 25.3(a)(i) to 25.3(a)(xiv) is, nor will at any time be, unpublished price-sensitive information.

 

  (d)

The Agent shall notify the Borrower and the other Finance Parties of:

 

  (i)

the name of any numbering service provider appointed by the Agent in respect of this Agreement, the Loans and/or the Borrower; and

 

  (ii)

the number or, as the case may be, numbers assigned to this Agreement, the Loans and/or the Borrower by such numbering service provider.

 

25.4

Entire Agreement

This clause 25 constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties in relation to the obligations of the Finance Parties under the Finance Documents regarding Confidential Information and supersedes any previous agreement, whether express or implied, regarding Confidential Information.

 

25.5

Confidentiality Release

The Borrower hereby releases each Finance Party and each of its Affiliates and each of its or their officers, directors, employees, professional advisers, auditors and representatives (each a Disclosing Party ) from any confidentiality obligations or confidentiality restrictions arising from Swiss law or other applicable banking secrecy and data protection legislation which would prevent a Disclosing Party, but for this release, from disclosing any Confidential Information in accordance with this Clause 25.

 

26

Confidentiality of Funding Rates and Reference Bank Rates

 

26.1

Confidentiality and disclosure

 

  (a)

The Agent and the Borrower agree to keep each Funding Rate (and, in the case of the Agent, each Reference Bank Rate) confidential and not to disclose it to anyone, save to the extent permitted by paragraphs (b) and (c) below.

 

  (b)

The Agent may disclose:

 

  (i)

any Funding Rate (but not any Reference Bank Rate) to the Borrower pursuant to clause 7.6; and

 

  (ii)

any Funding Rate or any Reference Bank Rate to any person appointed by it to provide administration services in respect of one or more of the Finance Documents to the extent necessary to enable such service provider to provide those services if the service provider to whom that information is to be given has entered into a confidentiality agreement substantially in the form of the LMA Master Confidentiality Undertaking for Use With Administration/Settlement Service Providers or such other form of confidentiality undertaking agreed between the Agent and the relevant Lender.

 

66


  (c)

The Agent may disclose any Funding Rate or any Reference Bank Rate, and the Borrower may disclose any Funding Rate, to:

 

  (i)

any of its Affiliates and any of its or their officers, directors, employees, professional advisers, auditors, partners and Representatives if any person to whom that Funding Rate or Reference Bank Rate is to be given pursuant to this paragraph (i) is informed in writing of its confidential nature and that it may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no such requirement to so inform if the recipient is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of that Funding Rate or Reference Bank Rate or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to it;

 

  (ii)

any person to whom information is required or requested to be disclosed by any court of competent jurisdiction or any governmental, banking, taxation or other regulatory authority or similar body, the rules of any relevant stock exchange or pursuant to any applicable law or regulation if the person to whom that Funding Rate or Reference Bank Rate is to be given is informed in writing of its confidential nature and that it may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no requirement to so inform if, in the opinion of the Agent or the Borrower, as the case may be, it is not practicable to do so in the circumstances;

 

  (iii)

any person to whom information is required to be disclosed in connection with, and for the purposes of, any litigation, arbitration, administrative or other investigations, proceedings or disputes if the person to whom that Funding Rate or Reference Bank Rate is to be given is informed in writing of its confidential nature and that it may be price-sensitive information except that there shall be no requirement to so inform if, in the opinion of the Agent or the Borrower, as the case may be, it is not practicable to do so in the circumstances; and

 

  (iv)

any person with the consent of the relevant Lender.

 

  (d)

The Agent’s obligations in this clause 26 relating to Reference Bank Rates are without prejudice to its obligations to make notifications under clause 7.6 provided that (other than pursuant to paragraph (b)(i) above) the Agent shall not include the details of any individual Reference Bank Rate as part of any such notification.

 

26.2

Related obligations

 

  (a)

The Agent and the Borrower acknowledge that each Funding Rate is or may be price-sensitive information and that its use may be regulated or prohibited by applicable legislation (including, without limitation, securities law relating to insider dealing and market abuse) and the Agent and the Borrower undertake not to use any Funding Rate for any unlawful purpose.

 

  (b)

The Agent and the Borrower agree (to the extent permitted by law and regulation) to inform the relevant Lender:

 

  (i)

of the circumstances of any disclosure made pursuant to paragraph (c)(ii) of clause 26.1 except where such disclosure is made to any of the persons referred to in that paragraph during the ordinary course of its supervisory or regulatory function; and

 

  (ii)

upon becoming aware that any information has been disclosed in breach of this clause 26.

 

26.3

No Event of Default

No Event of Default will occur under clause 13.1(e) by reason only of the Borrower’s failure to comply with this clause 26.

 

27

Law and Jurisdiction

 

27.1

Governing law

This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising from or in connection with it shall in all respects be governed by and interpreted in accordance with English law.

 

67


27.2

Jurisdiction

For the exclusive benefit of the Finance Parties, the parties to this Agreement irrevocably agree that the courts of England are to have jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a) arising from or in connection with this Agreement or (b) relating to any non-contractual obligations arising from or in connection with this Agreement and that any proceedings may be brought in those courts.

 

27.3

Alternative jurisdictions

Nothing contained in this clause 27 shall limit the right of the Finance Parties to commence any proceedings against the Borrower in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the commencement of any proceedings against the Borrower in one or more jurisdictions preclude the commencement of any proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not.

 

27.4

Waiver of objections

The Borrower irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or in the future have to the laying of the venue of any proceedings in any court referred to in this clause 27, and any claim that those proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient or inappropriate forum, and irrevocably agrees that a judgment in any proceedings commenced in any such court shall be conclusive and binding on it and may be enforced in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

 

27.5

Waiver of punitive damages

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Finance Party, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of or in connection with, or as contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof.

 

27.6

Service of process

Without prejudice to any other mode of service allowed under any relevant law, the Borrower:

 

  (a)

irrevocably appoints Teekay Shipping (UK) Ltd of 2nd Floor, 86 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6JD England as its agent for service of process in relation to any proceedings before the English courts in connection with this Agreement; and

 

  (b)

agrees that failure by a process agent to notify the Borrower of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned.

 

68


Schedule 1

Original Lenders and the Commitments

 

The Original Lenders   

The

Commitments

(US$)

     The Proportionate Share  

ABN AMRO Capital USA LLC

100 Park Avenue, 17 th floor

New York, New York 10017

 

Attn: Rajbir Talwar

Fax: +1 917 284 6697

     10,000,000.00         6.67

Bank of America, N.A.

Mailstop IL4-540-22-23

540 West Madison St.

Chicago, IL 60661

 

Fax: +1 312 453 3142

Attn: Irene Bertozzi Bartenstein

     10,000,000.00         6.67

BNP Paribas

16 Boulevard des Italiens

75009 Paris

France

 

Attn: TGMO Shipping

Fax: +33 (0)1 42 98 43 55

     10,000,000.00         6.67

Citibank N.A., London Branch

Citigroup Centre

Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London E14 5LB

United Kingdom

 

Attn: Paul Gibbs

Fax: +44 207 986 8295

     20,000,000.00         13.33

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank

9 Quai Paul Doumer

92920 Paris La Défense Cedex

France

 

Attn: Harimisa RAJAONA / Clémentine COSTIL

Fax: + 33 1 41 89 19 34

     16,666,666.67         11.11

Credit Suisse AG

Ship Finance, SGTS 31

St. Alban-Graben 1-3

4002 Basel

Switzerland

 

Attn: Nadja Gautschi

Fax: +41 79 266 79 39

     10,000,000.00         6.67

 

69


DNB Capital LLC

200 Park Avenue, 31st Floor

New York, NY10166

Attn: Magdalena Brzostowska

Fax: +1 212 681 3900

     10,000,000.00         6.67

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

383 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10179

 

Attn: Matthew Massie

Fax: +1 212-270-5100

     16,666,666.67         11.11

Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc.

1300 Thames Street Wharf, 4th floor

Baltimore, MD 21231

 

Attn: Morgan Stanley Loan Servicing

Fax: +1 718 233 2140

     16,666,666.66         11.11

Nordea Bank Finland plc, New York Branch

1211 Avenue of the Americas 23rd floor,

New York, New York 10036

 

Attn: Jacqueline Ng

Fax: +1 212 750 9188

     10,000,000.00         6.67

Société Générale

Société Générale

245 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10167

 

Attn: Rodney Hyman

Fax: +1 201 839 8439

     10,000,000.00         6.67

UBS AG, Stamford Branch

677 Washington Boulevard

Stamford, Connecticut 06901

 

Attn: Loan Administration Team

Fax: +1 203 719 3888

     10,000,000.00         6.67
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     150,000,000.00         100

 

70


Initial Conditions Precedent

 

1

Borrower

 

  (a)

Constitutional Documents Copies of the constitutional documents of the Borrower together with such other evidence as the Agent may reasonably require that the Borrower is duly formed or incorporated in its country of formation or incorporation and remains in existence with power to enter into, and perform its obligations under, the Finance Documents.

 

  (b)

Certificate of good standing A certificate of good standing.

 

  (c)

Board resolutions A copy (or extract) of a resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower:

 

  (i)

approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents; and

 

  (ii)

if required authorising a specified person or persons to execute those Finance Documents (and all documents and notices to be signed and/or despatched under those documents) on its behalf.

 

  (d)

Specimen signatures A specimen of the signature of each person authorised by the resolution referred to in paragraph (c) above.

 

  (e)

Officer’s certificates A certificate of a duly authorised officer or representative of Borrower certifying;

 

  (i)

that each copy document relating to it specified in this Schedule 2 is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at a date no earlier than the date of this Agreement;

 

  (ii)

confirming that Teekay Corporation owns a minimum of 51% of the voting rights in the General Partner;

 

  (iii)

setting out the names of the directors and officers of its General Partner; and

 

  (iv)

confirming that its borrowing and guaranteeing limits will not be exceeded.

 

  (f)

Powers of attorney The power of attorney of the Borrower under which any documents are to be executed or transactions undertaken by the Borrower.

 

2

Finance documents

 

  (a)

A duly executed original of this Agreement (to be provided at the time of the initial Drawdown Notice only).

 

  (b)

A duly executed original of the Fee Letters (to be provided at the time of the initial Drawdown Notice only).

 

3

Legal opinions

Legal opinions of the legal advisers to the Lenders in each relevant jurisdiction in relation to this Agreement, namely

 

  (a)

an opinion on matters of English law from Norton Rose Fulbright LLP; and

 

  (b)

an opinion on matters of Marshall Island law from Watson Farley Williams New York LLP.

 

71


4

Other documents and evidence

 

  (a)

Drawdown Notice A duly completed Drawdown Notice.

 

  (b)

Process agent Evidence that any process agent referred to in clause 27.6 and the process agent appointed under this Agreement has accepted its appointment.

 

  (c)

Other authorisations A copy of any other consent, licence, approval, authorisation or other document, opinion or assurance which the Agent considers to be necessary or desirable (if it has notified the Borrower accordingly) in connection with the entry into and performance of the transactions contemplated by any of the Finance Documents or for the validity and enforceability of any of the Finance Documents.

 

  (d)

Fees Evidence that the fees, costs and expenses then due from the Borrower under clause 9.1 and 10 have been paid or will be paid by the Drawdown Date.

 

  (e)

“Know your customer” documents Such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Agent in order for the Lenders to comply with all necessary “know your customer” or similar identification procedures in relation to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents.

 

  (f)

Other  Such other documents, authorisations, opinions and assurances as the Agent may specify.

 

  (g)

Financial Statements Certified true copies of the most recent audited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower.

 

72


Form of Drawdown Notice

To:     Citibank International Limited (as Agent)

From: Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

[Date]

Dear Sirs,

Drawdown Notice

We refer to the revolving credit agreement dated [●] November 2015 made between, amongst others, ourselves and yourselves (the Agreement ).

Words and phrases defined in the Agreement have the same meaning when used in this Drawdown Notice.

Pursuant to clause 4.1 of the Agreement, we irrevocably request that you advance a Loan in the sum of [●] on [●] 201[●], which is a Business Day, by paying the amount of the advance to [specify account details].

We request that Interest Period for the Loan advanced under this Drawdown Notice be for a duration of [one][two][three][six] months.

We warrant that the representations and warranties contained in clause 11 of the Agreement are true and correct at the date of this Drawdown Notice and (save those contained in clauses 11.3 and 11.21) will be true and correct on [●] 201[●], that no [ Rollover Loan : Event of] Default has occurred and is continuing unremedied or unwaived, and that no Default will result from the advance of the sum requested in this Drawdown Notice.

Yours faithfully

 

For and on behalf of

Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

 

73


Form of Transfer Certificate

To:     Citibank International Limited (as Agent)

[date]

Transfer Certificate

This transfer certificate relates to a revolving credit agreement dated [●] November 2015 (as from time to time amended, varied, supplemented or novated the Credit Agreement ), on the terms and subject to the conditions of which a revolving credit facility was made available to Teekay LNG Partners L.P., by a syndicate of banks on whose behalf you act as agent.

 

1

Terms defined in the Credit Agreement shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, have the same meaning when used in this certificate. The terms Transferor and Transferee are defined in the schedule to this certificate.

 

2

The Transferor:

 

  (a)

confirms that the details in the Schedule under the heading “Transferor’s Commitment” accurately summarise its Commitment; and

 

  (b)

requests the Transferee to accept by way of novation the transfer to the Transferee of the amount of the Transferor’s Commitment specified in the Schedule by counter-signing and delivering this certificate to the Agent at its address for communications specified in the Credit Agreement.

 

3

The Transferee requests the Agent to accept this certificate as being delivered to the Agent pursuant to and for the purposes of clause 14.4 of the Credit Agreement so as to take effect in accordance with the terms of that clause on the Transfer Date specified in the Schedule.

 

4

The Agent confirms its acceptance of this certificate for the purposes of clause 14.4 of the Credit Agreement.

 

5

Execution of this certificate by the Transferee constitutes its representation and warranty to the Transferor and to all other parties to the Credit Agreement that it has the power to become a party to the Credit Agreement as a Lender on the terms of the Credit Agreement and has taken all steps to authorise execution and delivery of this certificate.

 

6

The Transferee undertakes with the Transferor and each of the other parties to the Credit Agreement that it will perform in accordance with their terms all those obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement will be assumed by it after delivery of this certificate to the Agent and the satisfaction of any conditions subject to which this certificate is expressed to take effect.

 

7

The Transferee expressly acknowledges the limitations on the Transferor’s obligations set out in clause 14.6(c).

 

8

The address and fax number of the Transferee for the purposes of clause 21 of the Credit Agreement are set out in the Schedule.

 

9

This certificate may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be original but which shall together constitute the same instrument.

 

10

This certificate shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with English law.

 

74


The Schedule

 

1

Transferor:

 

2

Transferee:

 

3

Transfer Date (not earlier that the fifth Business Day after the date of delivery of the Transfer Certificate to the Agent):

 

4

Transferor’s Commitment :

 

5

Amount transferred :

 

6

Transferee’s address and fax number for the purposes of clause 21 of the Credit Agreement:

 

[ name of Transferor ]

 

[ name of Transferee ]

By:

 

By:

Date:

 

Date:

Citibank International Limited as Agent

 

By:

 

Date:

 

 

75


Form of Compliance Certificate

 

To:

 

Citibank International Limited (as Agent)

From:

 

Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

Date:

 

[●]

Dear Sirs,

We refer to a revolving credit agreement dated [●] November 2015 (the Credit Agreement ) and made between (inter alia) (1) ourselves as borrower, (2) the banks listed at schedule 1 thereto as lenders and (3) yourselves as agent (as from time to time amended, varied, novated or supplemented).

Terms defined or construed in the Credit Agreement have the same meanings and constructions in this Certificate.

We attach the relevant calculation details applicable on the last day of our financial quarter ending [●] (the Relevant Period ) which confirm that:

 

1

Free Liquidity and Available Credit Lines were in aggregate at all times [equal to or greater than/fell below] $35,000,000. Therefore the condition contained in clause 12.2(b) of the Credit Agreement [has/has not] been complied with in respect of the Relevant Period.

 

2

The Net Debt to Net Debt plus Equity Ratio was at all times less than 80%. Therefore the condition contained in clause 12.2(c) of the Credit Agreement [has/has not] been complied with.

 

3

Tangible Net Worth was at all times equal to or greater than four hundred million Dollars ($400,000,000). Therefore the condition contained in clause 12.2(d) of the Credit Agreement [has/has not] been complied with.

 

Signed:

 

 

 

Duly authorised representative of

 

Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

 

76


Form of Increase Confirmation

To:             Citibank International Limited as Agent

                   and

                   Teekay LNG Partners L.P.

From:          [ the Increase Lender ] (the Increase Lender )

Dated:         [●]

US$150,000,000 Revolving Credit Agreement dated [ ] 2015 (the Agreement)

 

1

We refer to the Agreement. This is an Increase Confirmation. Terms defined in the Agreement have the same meaning in this Increase Confirmation unless given a different meaning in this Increase Confirmation.

 

2

We refer to clause 2.5.

 

3

The Increase Lender agrees to assume and will assume all of the obligations corresponding to the Commitment specified in the Schedule (the Relevant Commitment ) as if it was an Original Lender under the Agreement.

 

4

The proposed date on which the increase in relation to the Increase Lender and the Relevant Commitment is to take effect is [●] (the Increase Date ).

 

5

On the Increase Date, the Increase Lender becomes party to the Finance Documents as a Lender.

 

6

The Facility Office and address, fax number and attention details for notices to the Increase Lender for the purposes of clause 21 are set out in the Schedule.

 

7

The Increase Lender expressly acknowledges the limitations on the Lenders’ obligations referred to in clause 2.5(i).

 

8

This Increase Confirmation may be executed in any number of counterparts and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Increase Confirmation.

 

9

This Increase Confirmation and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law.

 

10

This Increase Confirmation has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Increase Confirmation.

 

77


The Schedule

Relevant Commitment/rights and obligations to be assumed by the Increase Lender

[insert relevant details]

[Facility office address, fax number and attention details for notices and account details for payments]

[Increase Lender]

By:

This Increase Confirmation is accepted as an Increase Confirmation for the purposes of the Agreement by the Agent and the Increase Date is confirmed as [●].

Agent (on behalf of itself, the Borrower and the other Finance Parties)

 

78


In witness of which the parties to this Agreement have executed this Agreement the day and year first before written.

 

BORROWER

     

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

TEEKAY LNG PARTNERS L.P.

in the presence of:

  

)

)

)

)

)

  

Natasha Seel, Trainee Solicitor

Georgios Macheras, Attorney-in-fact

 

MANDATED LEAD ARRANGERS

     

Signed by

as duly authorized

for and on behalf of

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED

in the presence of:

  

)

)

)

)

)

  

Ivan Starcevic, Vice President

 

Signed by

  

)

  

Michelle Wing Yee Tsui, Attorney-in-Fact

as duly authorized

  

)

  

Catherine Phillips

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND

  

)

  

INVESTMENT BANK

   )   

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

Signed by

  

)

  

Mike King, Vice President

as duly authorized

  

)

  

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

79


Signed by

  

)

  

James L. Hamilton, Managing Director

as duly authorized

  

)

  

Donna Wisnieski

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

LEAD ARRANGERS

     

Signed by

  

)

  

Francis Birkeland, Managing Direct

as duly authorized

  

)

  

Eric E. Altmann, Managing Director

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

ABN AMRO CAPITAL USA LLC

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

Signed by

  

)

  

Eric Eugéne, Global Head of Transportation

as duly authorized

  

)

  

Sandrine BERGEROO-CAMPAGNE

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

BNP PARIBAS

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

Signed by

  

)

  

Stephen Schuerch

as duly authorized

  

)

  

Nadja Gautschi

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

Sandra Eichin

CREDIT SUISSE AG

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

Signed by

  

)

  

Christian Astrup, Associate Director

as duly authorized

  

)

  

Tor Ivar Hansen, Managing Director

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

DNB MARKETS, INC.

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

80


Signed by

  

)

  

Jamie Whiteman, Director

as duly authorized

  

)

  

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH

  

)

  

INCORPORATED

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

Ryan Riggins, Analyst

 

Signed by

  

)

  

Martin Lunder, Senior Vice President

as duly authorized

  

)

  

Henning Lyohe Christiansen, First Vice President

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

NORDEA BANK FINLAND PLC, NEW YORK

  

)

  

BRANCH

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

Signed by

  

)

  

Diego Medina, Director

as duly authorized

  

)

  

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

Therese Desormeaux

 

Signed by

  

)

  

Darlene Arias, Director

as duly authorized

  

)

  

Craig Pearson, Associate Director

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

UBS SECURITIES LLC

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

AGENT

     

Signed by

  

)

  

Jeremy Hayes, Assistant Vice President

as duly authorized

  

)

  

for and on behalf of

  

)

  

CITIBANK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

81


COORDINATOR

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Ivan Starcevic, Vice President

as duly authorized

  

)

 

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

BOOKRUNNER

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Ivan Starcevic, Vice President

as duly authorized

  

)

 

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

LENDERS

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Francis Birkeland, Managing Direct

as duly authorized

  

)

 

Eric E. Altmann, Managing Director

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

ABN AMRO CAPITAL USA LLC

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Irene Bertozzi Bartenstein, Director

as duly authorized

  

)

 

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

Jonathan Hill, Assistant Vice President

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Eric Eugéne, Global Head of Transportation

as duly authorized

  

)

 

Sandrine BERGEROO-CAMPAGNE

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

BNP PARIBAS

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

 

82


Signed by

  

)

 

Ivan Starcevic, Vice President

as duly authorized

  

)

 

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

CITIBANK N.A., LONDON BRANCH

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Michelle Wing Yee Tsui, Attorney-in-Fact

as duly authorized

  

)

 

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

CRÉDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND

  

)

 

INVESTMENT BANK

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

Catherine Phillips

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Stephen Schuerch

as duly authorized

  

)

 

Nadja Gautschi

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

CREDIT SUISSE AG

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

Sandra Eichin

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Sanjiv Nayar, Senior Vice President

as duly authorized

  

)

 

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

DNB CAPITAL LLC

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

Collen Durkin, Senior Vice President

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Matthew H. Massie, Managing Director

as duly authorized

  

)

 

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

Donna Wisnieski

 

83


Signed by

  

)

 

Mike King, Vice President

as duly authorized

  

)

 

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

Tran Trang

 

Signed by

  

)

  

Martin Lunder, Senior Vice President

as duly authorized

  

)

  

Henning Lyohe Christiansen, First Vice President

NORDEA BANK FINLAND PLC, NEW YORK BRANCH

  

)

  

in the presence of:

  

)

  

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Diego Medina, Director

as duly authorized

  

)

 

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

Therese Desormeaux

 

Signed by

  

)

 

Darlene Arias, Director

as duly authorized

  

)

 

Craig Pearson, Associate Director

for and on behalf of

  

)

 

UBS AG, STAMFORD BRANCH

  

)

 

in the presence of:

  

)

 

 

84

EXHIBIT 8.1

LIST OF SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES

The following is a list of Teekay LNG Partners L.P.’s significant subsidiaries as at December 31, 2015:

 

Name of Significant Subsidiary

   Ownership  

State or Jurisdiction of Incorporation

Teekay LNG Operating L.L.C.

   100%   Marshall Islands

Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l.

   100%   Luxembourg

Naviera Teekay Gas III, S.L.

   100%   Spain

Naviera Teekay Gas IV, S.L.

   100%   Spain

Teekay Shipping Spain S.L.

   100%   Spain

Teekay Spain, S.L.

   100%   Spain

Teekay Nakilat Holdings Corporation

   100%   Marshall Islands

Teekay LNG Holdings L.P.

   99%   United States

Teekay LNG Holdco L.L.C.

   99%   Marshall Islands

Teekay Nakilat Corporation

   70%   Marshall Islands

Single ship-owning subsidiaries

   99% - 100%   (1)

 

(1)

We also have 34 single ship-owning subsidiaries of which two of the subsidiaries are incorporated in Spain and the remaining 32 subsidiaries are incorporated in the Marshall Islands.

EXHIBIT 12.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Peter Evensen, certify that:

 

  1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (the “ Registrant ”);

 

  2.

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

 

  3.

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

 

  4.

I and the Registrant’s other certifying officer (which is also myself) are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

 

  a)

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

 

  b)

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

 

  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5.

I and the Registrant’s other certifying officer (which is also myself) have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors of the Registrant’s General Partner (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

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

 

  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: April 27, 2016

   

By:

 

/s/ Peter Evensen

     

Peter Evensen

     

President and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 12.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Peter Evensen, certify that:

 

  1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. ( the Registrant ”);

 

  2.

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

 

  3.

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

 

  4.

I and the Registrant’s other certifying officer (which is also myself) are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

 

  a)

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

 

  b)

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

 

  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5.

I and the Registrant’s other certifying officer (which is also myself) have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors of the Registrant’s General Partner (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

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

 

  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: April 27, 2016

   

By:

 

/s/ Peter Evensen

     

Peter Evensen

     

President and Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT 13.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (the Partnership ) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Form 20-F ), I, Peter Evensen, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Partnership, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1)

The Form 20-F fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

 

(2)

The information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.

Dated: April 27, 2016

 

By:

 

/s/ Peter Evensen

 

Peter Evensen

 

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT 15.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”):

 

  (1)

No. 333-124647 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Teekay LNG Partners L.P. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan;

 

  (2)

No. 333-188387 on Form F-3 and related prospectus for the registration of up to $100,000,000 of common units representing limited partnership units;

 

  (3)

No. 333-190783 on Form F-3 and related prospectus for the registration of 931,098 common units representing limited partnership units;

 

  (4)

No. 333-197479 on Form F-3 and related prospectus for the registration of common units, preferred units, convertible preferred units, debt securities and convertible debt securities; and

 

  (5)

No. 333-197651 on Form F-3 and related prospectus for the registration of up to $500,000,000 of common units representing limited partnership units,

of our reports dated April 27, 2016, with respect to the consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, of the Partnership, which reports appear in the December 31, 2015 Annual Report on Form 20-F of the Partnership. Our report refers to the retrospective change in the Partnership’s method of accounting for debt issuance costs effective December 31, 2015 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs .

In addition, we consent to the incorporation by reference in the above mentioned Registration Statements of our report dated March 15, 2016, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. (the “Company”), which report appears in the December 31, 2015 Annual Report on Form 20-F of the Partnership. Our report refers to the retrospective change in the Company’s method of accounting for debt issuance costs effective December 31, 2015 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs .

/s/ KPMG LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

Vancouver, Canada

April 27, 2016

EXHIBIT 15.2

Consolidated Financial Statements

Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V.

December 31, 2015


Independent Auditors’ Report

The Board of Directors of

Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. (and its subsidiaries), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. (and its subsidiaries) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Emphasis of Matter

As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, during 2013, the assets and liabilities of the consolidated group were sold from MALT LNG Holdings ApS to a new inactive entity, Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. These consolidated financial statements reflect the results of the consolidated group on a continuity of interest basis. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this.

As discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. (and its subsidiaries) has retrospectively changed its method of accounting for debt issuance costs effective December 31, 2015 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

March 15, 2016

Vancouver, Canada

 

2


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V. (Note 1)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

    

Year Ended
December 31,

2015

   

Year Ended
December 31,

2014

   

Year Ended
December 31,

2013

 
     $     $     $  

Voyage revenues (note 10)

     137,946       197,969       205,569  

Voyage expenses

     (6,481     (867     (1,995

Vessel operating expenses (note 12b)

     (34,033     (34,481     (34,025

Depreciation and amortization (notes 6 and 7)

     (47,080     (48,434     (46,164

Ship management fees (note 12b)

     (3,460     (3,483     (3,386

General and administrative expenses (note 12b)

     (2,977     (2,773     (4,123
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     43,915       107,931       115,876  

Interest income

     216       268       211  

Interest expense (notes 12e and 13)

     (34,539     (38,071     (32,037

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     524       249        (161

Other loss

     —         (25     (17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income before income tax (expense) recovery

     10,116       70,352       83,872  

Income tax (expense) recovery

     (201     131       (200
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     9,915       70,483       83,672  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

      

Unrealized net (loss) gain on qualifying cash flow hedging instruments before reclassifications, net of tax (note 13)

     (899     (5,932     251  

Realized loss on qualifying cash flow hedging instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to interest expense, net of tax (note 13)

     641       2,983       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income

     (258     (2,949     251  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     9,657       67,534       83,923  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Refer to note 12 for related party transactions.

Refer to note 16 for subsequent events.

 

3


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V. (Note 1)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     As at
December 31,
2015
$
    As at
December 31,
2014
$
 
ASSETS     

Current assets

    

Cash

     49,110       72,142  

Accounts receivable and accrued revenue

     1,695       325  

Due from related parties (note 12d)

     3,839       —    

Restricted cash (note 5)

     140       4,153  

Prepaid expenses

     905       929  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     55,689       77,549  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term assets

    

Vessels and equipment (note 6)

     1,311,912       1,357,804  

Restricted cash (note 5)

     11,784       11,877  

Other assets

     8,509       5,210  

Intangible asset (note 7)

     —         841  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,387,894       1,453,281  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable

     1,792       215  

Accrued liabilities (notes 8 and 13)

     8,996       5,480  

Due to related parties (note 12d)

     —         10,980  

Deferred revenues

     1,703       4,049  

Current portion of long-term debt (note 9)

     54,194       76,034  

Current portion of derivative liability (note 13 )

     1,665       2,148  

Current portion of in-process revenue contracts (note 10)

     6,668       6,668  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     75,018       105,574  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities

    

Long-term deferred revenues

     2,648       2,863  

Long-term debt (note 9)

     680,596       756,791  

Derivative liability (note 13)

     2,182       1,552  

In-process revenue contracts and other liabilities (note 10)

     77,853       84,061  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     838,297       950,841  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity

    

Share capital (note 11)

     1       1  

Additional paid-in capital (note 11)

     314,413       276,913  

Retained earnings

     238,139       228,224  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 13)

     (2,956     (2,698
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     549,597       502,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

     1,387,894       1,453,281  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

4


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V. (Note 1)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,

2015
$
    Year Ended
December 31,

2014
$
    Year Ended
December 31,

2013
$
 

Cash provided by (used for)

      

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net income

     9,915       70,483       83,672  

Non-cash items:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     47,080       48,434       46,164  

Amortization of in-process revenue contracts included in voyage revenues

     (6,668     (6,670     (17,965

Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs included in interest expense

     3,413       3,821       3,999  

Ineffective portion of hedge accounted interest rate swap included in interest expense

     (111     14       989  

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

     3,974       (5,257     (6,307

Change in operating assets and liabilities (note 14)

     (16,472     4,979       (3,777

Dry docking cost recoveries (expenditures)

     364       (12,501     (9,545
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net operating cash flow

     41,495       103,303       97,230  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

     132       236       (4,701

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     —         —         963,000  

Scheduled repayments of long-term debt

     (71,448     (82,090     (1,036,239

Prepayments of long-term debt

     (30,000     —         —    

Equity contribution from shareholders ( note 11 )

     37,500       —         1  

Debt issuance costs

     —         —         (15,472
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net financing cash flow

     (63,816     (81,854     (93,411
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Expenditures for vessels and equipment

     (711     (922     (91
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investing cash flow

     (711     (922     (91
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash

     (23,032     20,527       3,728  

Cash, beginning of the year

     72,142       51,615       47,887  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, end of the year

     49,110       72,142       51,615  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental cash flow information (note 14).

 

5


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V. (Note 1)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars except for number of shares)

 

           Shareholders’ Equity        
     Acquired
Predecessor
Equity

$
    Number of
Common
Shares
     Common
Shares
$
     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
$
     Retained
Earnings
$
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
$
    Total
Equity

$
 

Balance as at December 31, 2012

     350,982       —          —          —          —          —         350,982  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Issuance of common shares (note 11)

     —         100        1        —          —          —         1  

Net income

     50,425       —          —          —          33,247        —         83,672  

Other comprehensive income

     (1,385     —          —          —          —          1,636       251  

Acquisition of MALT LNG Holdings ApS

     (400,022     —          —          276,913        124,494        (1,385     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2013

     —         100        1        276,913        157,741        251       434,906  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     —         —          —          —          70,483        —         70,483  

Other comprehensive loss

     —         —          —          —          —          (2,949     (2,949
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2014

     —         100        1        276,913        228,224        (2,698     502,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity contribution by shareholders

(note 11)

     —         —          —          37,500        —          —         37,500  

Net income

     —         —          —          —          9,915        —         9,915  

Other comprehensive loss

     —         —          —          —          —          (258     (258
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2015

     —         100        1        314,413        238,139        (2,956     549,597  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

6


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (or US GAAP ). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V., which is incorporated under the laws of Netherlands, its wholly owned subsidiaries and the Acquired Predecessor, as described below (collectively, the Company ). The following is a list of Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. subsidiaries:

 

    

Jurisdiction of

Incorporation

   Proportion of
Ownership
Interest
       

Name of Significant Subsidiaries

     

MALT LNG Holdings ApS

   Denmark    100%

MALT LNG Transport ApS

   Denmark    100%

Meridian Spirit ApS

   Denmark    100%

Magellan Spirit ApS

   Denmark    100%

Methane Spirit LLC

   Republic of The Marshall Islands    100%

Membrane Shipping Ltd.

   Republic of The Marshall Islands    100%

Malt Singapore Pte. Ltd.

   Singapore    100%

Significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In addition, certain of the comparative figures as at December 31, 2014 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current period relating to debt issuance costs. As part of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (or ASU 2015-03 ) (see note 2), the Company has presented debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-03, all debt issuance costs were presented as prepaid expenses and deferred debt issuance costs in current assets and as deferred debt issuance costs in long-term assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. has accounted for the acquisition of its interest in MALT LNG Holdings ApS on August 6, 2013 from its shareholders Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l. and Scarlet LNG Transport Co., Ltd. (collectively the Joint Venture Partners ) as a transfer of a business between entities under common control. The method of accounting for such transfers is similar to the pooling of interests method of accounting. Under this method, the carrying amount of net assets recognized in the balance sheets of each combining entity are carried forward to the balance sheet of the combined entity, and no other assets or liabilities are recognized as a result of the combination. As a result, the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in total equity for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflect the results of operations of MALT LNG Holdings ApS, referred to herein as the Acquired Predecessor, as if Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. had acquired it when the Acquired Predecessor began operations under the ownership of the Joint Venture Partners. The consolidated statement of equity has been presented to reflect the capital structure of the new entity and retained earnings on a continuity of interest basis. Any difference between the face value of the shares and the value of the previous equity has been presented as additional paid-in capital.

The Company evaluated events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date and through to the day the financial statements were available to be issued which was March 15, 2016.

Foreign currency

The consolidated financial statements are stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars and the functional currency of the Company is U.S. Dollars. Transactions involving other currencies during the year are converted into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the transactions. At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar are translated to reflect the year end exchange rates. Resulting gains and losses are reflected separately in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Operating revenues and expenses

The principal activity of Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. and its subsidiaries is the transportation of liquefied natural gas (or LNG ) through the operation of the Company’s six LNG carriers.

The lease element of time-charters accounted for as operating leases is recognized by the Company daily over the term of the charter as the applicable vessel operates under the charter. The Company recognizes revenues from the non-lease element of time-charter contracts daily as services are performed. The Company does not recognize revenues during days that the vessel is off-hire.

Voyage expenses are all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including bunker fuel expenses, port fees, cargo loading and unloading expenses, canal tolls, agency fees and commissions. Vessel operating expenses include crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses. Voyage expenses and vessel operating expenses are recognized when incurred.

 

7


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

 

Business combinations

Except as described above in relation to the transfer of business between entities under common control, the Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations and recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values on the date acquired. The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired are determined based on the Company’s valuation. The valuation involves making significant estimates and assumptions which are based on detailed financial models including the projection of future cash flows, the weighted average cost of capital and any cost saving that are expected to be derived in the future.

Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience and customer economic data. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts regularly and past due balances are reviewed for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes that the receivable will not be recovered.

Vessels and equipment

The acquisition cost and all costs incurred to restore used vessels purchased by the Company to the standards required to properly service the Company’s customers are capitalized.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over a vessel’s estimated useful life, less an estimated residual value. Depreciation is calculated using an estimated useful life of 35 years for LNG carriers, from the date the vessel is delivered from the shipyard or a shorter period if regulations prevent the Company from operating the vessel for 35 years.

Vessel capital modifications include the addition of new equipment or can encompass various modifications to the vessel, which are aimed at improving or increasing the operational efficiency and functionality of the asset. This type of expenditure is amortized over the estimated useful life of the modification. Expenditures covering recurring routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Generally, the Company dry docks each of its vessels every five years. In addition, a shipping society classification intermediate survey is performed on the Company’s LNG carriers between the second and third year of the five-year dry-docking period. The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred during dry docking and for the survey and amortizes those costs on a straight-line basis from the completion of a dry docking or intermediate survey over the estimated useful life of the dry dock. The Company includes in capitalized dry docking those costs incurred as part of the dry docking to meet regulatory requirements, or expenditures that either add economic life to the vessel, increase the vessel’s earning capacity or improve the vessel’s operating efficiency. The Company expenses costs related to routine repairs and maintenance performed during dry docking that do not improve operating efficiency or extend the useful lives of the assets.

Vessels and equipment that are “held and used” are assessed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the asset’s net carrying value exceeds the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated over its remaining useful life, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value is determined using discounted cash flows or appraised values. In cases where an active second hand sale and purchase market does not exist, the Company uses a discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair value of an impaired vessel. In cases where an active second hand sale and purchase market exists, an appraised value is generally the amount the Company would expect to receive if it were to sell the vessel. Such appraisal is normally completed by the Company.

Debt issuance costs

Debt issuance costs, including fees, commissions and legal expenses, relating to bank loan facilities are presented as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability and are amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the relevant loan. Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs is included in interest expense.

Derivative instruments

All derivative instruments are initially recorded at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and subsequently remeasured to fair value, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the derivative. The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss is dependent on whether the derivative contract is designed to hedge a specific risk and also qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company applies hedge accounting to its derivative instrument (see note 13).

When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the derivative and the hedged item. This documentation includes the strategy and risk management objective for undertaking the hedge and the method that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedge. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings, as are any gains and losses on the derivative that are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The Company does not apply hedge accounting if it is determined that the hedge was not effective or will no longer be effective, the derivative was sold or exercised, or the hedged item was sold, repaid or no longer possible of occurring.

 

8


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

 

For derivative financial instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the effective portion of the derivative financial instruments are initially recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in equity. In the periods when the hedged items affect earnings, the associated fair value changes on the hedging derivatives are transferred from equity to the corresponding earnings line item in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative financial instruments is immediately recognized in the consolidated statement of income as interest expense. If a cash flow hedge is terminated and the originally hedged items is still considered possible of occurring, the gains and losses initially recognized in equity remain there until the hedged item impacts earnings, at which point they are transferred to the corresponding earnings line item in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. If the hedged items are no longer possible of occurring, amounts recognized in equity are immediately transferred to the earnings line item in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Intangible assets

The Company’s finite life intangible assets consist of acquired time-charter contracts and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the time-charters. Finite life intangible assets are assessed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Income taxes

The legal jurisdictions in which the Company’s Marshall Island and Singapore subsidiaries are incorporated do not impose income taxes upon shipping-related activities. The Company’s Danish subsidiaries are subject to the Danish Tonnage Tax Regime. Under this regime, the applicable tax is based on the weight (measured as net tonnage) of the vessel and the number of days in the taxable period that the vessel is at the Company’s disposal, excluding time required for repairs.

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method which requires companies to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. If a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements based on guidance in the interpretation. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not have any material accrued interest and penalties relating to income taxes.

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

The following table contains the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the periods presented:

 

     Qualifying Cash
Flow Hedging
Instruments

$
 

Balance as at December 31, 2013

     251  

Other comprehensive loss

     (2,949
  

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2014

     (2,698
  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

     (258
  

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2015

     (2,956
  

 

 

 

2. Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (or ASU 2014-08 ) which raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations. A discontinued operation is now defined as: (i) a component of an entity or group of components that has been disposed of or classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results; or (ii) an acquired business that is classified as held for sale on the acquisition date. ASU 2014-08 also requires additional disclosures regarding discontinued operations, as well as material disposals that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 was adopted on January 1, 2015. The impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2014-08 on the Company’s financial statements will depend on the occurrence and nature of disposals that occur in future periods.

 

9


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , (or ASU 2014-09 ). ASU 2014-09 will require an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update creates a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) which include (i) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and shall be applied, at the Company’s option, retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance.

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (or ASU 2015-02 ) which eliminates the deferral of certain consolidation standards for entities considered to be investment companies, modifies the consolidation analysis performed on limited partnerships and modifies the impact of fee arrangements and related parties on the determination of the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. ASU 2015-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU 2015-02 may be applied using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity also may apply ASU 2015-02 retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03. The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 effective December 31, 2015. Prior period information has been retrospectively adjusted. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-03, all debt issuance costs were presented as prepaid expenses and deferred debt issuance costs in current assets and as deferred debt issuance costs in long-term assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. With the adoption of ASU 2015-03 the Company presents those debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As a result of adopting ASU 2015-03, current assets, long-term assets and total assets have decreased by $3.0 million, $3.5 million and $6.5 million, respectively, (December 31, 2015) and $3.4 million, $6.5 million and $9.9 million, respectively, (December 31, 2014), current portion of long-term debt has decreased by $3.0 million (December 31, 2015) and $3.4 million (December 31, 2014), long-term debt has decreased by $3.5 million (December 31, 2015) and $6.5 million (December 31, 2014) and total liabilities have decreased by $6.5 million (December 31, 2015) and $9.9 million (December 31, 2014). Such changes have also impacted the Company’s reconciliation of the carrying value of long-term debt (see notes 4 and 9).

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (or ASU 2016-02 ). ASU 2016-02 establishes a right-of-use model that requires a lessee to record a right of use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance.

3. Operating Leases

As at December 31, 2015, the minimum scheduled future revenues in the next five years to be received by the Company for the lease and non-lease elements under charters are approximately $83.8 million (2016), $149.4 million (2017), $114.0 million (2018), $112.4 million (2019) and $114.3 million (2020).

Minimum scheduled future revenues do not include amortization of in-process revenue contracts, revenue generated from new contracts entered into after December 31, 2015, revenue from unexercised option periods on contracts that existed on December 31, 2015 or variable or contingent revenues. Therefore, the minimum scheduled future revenues should not be construed to reflect total charter hire revenues for any of the years.

4. Fair Value Measurements

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and restricted cash – The fair value of the Company’s cash and restricted cash approximates its carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative instruments – The fair value of the Company’s derivative instrument is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the agreement at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates and the current credit worthiness of both the Company and the derivative counterparty. The estimated amount is the present value of future cash flows. The Company transacts its derivative instrument through investment-grade rated financial institutions at the time of the transaction and requires no collateral from these institutions. Given the current volatility in the credit markets, it is reasonably possible that the derivative fair value recorded could vary by a material amount in the near term.

Long-term debt – The fair values of the Company’s fixed-rate and variable-rate long-term debt is either based on quoted market prices or estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

 

10


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

 

The Company categorizes the fair value estimates by a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value as follows:

 

Level 1.

  

Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2.

  

Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3.

  

Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The following table includes the estimated fair value and carrying value of those assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, as well as the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are not accounted for at a fair value on a recurring basis.

 

            December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
     Fair
Value
Hierarchy
Level
     Carrying
Amount
Asset
(Liability)
$
    Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
$
    Carrying
Amount Asset
(Liability)
$
    Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
$
 

Cash and restricted cash

     Level 1         61,034       61,034       88,172       88,172  

Long-term debt (note 9)

     Level 2         (734,790     (727,844     (832,825     (827,421

Derivative instrument (note 13)

     Level 2         (4,403     (4,403     (4,273     (4,273

5. Restricted Cash

The Company maintains restricted cash deposits relating to certain term loans and secured notes to be used only for operating, dry-docking and debt-service related expenditures. As at December 31, 2015 and 2014 the short-term amount of restricted cash on deposit was $0.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively, and long-term amount of restricted cash on deposit was $11.8 million and $11.9 million, respectively.

6. Vessels and Equipment

 

     Cost
$
     Accumulated
depreciation

$
     Net book value
$
 

Balance, December 31, 2013

     1,467,711        (78,313      1,389,398  

Net additions

     13,424        —          13,424  

Depreciation and amortization

     —          (45,018      (45,018
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

     1,481,135        (123,331      1,357,804  

Net additions

     347        —          347  

Depreciation and amortization

     —          (46,239      (46,239
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December, 31 2015

     1,481,482        (169,570      1,311,912  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

7. Intangible Asset

As at December 31, 2015 and 2014 intangible asset consisted of a time-charter contract. The carrying amount of the intangible asset is as follows:

 

     December 31,
2015

$
     December 31,
2014

$
 

Gross carrying amount

     10,350        10,350  

Accumulated amortization

     (10,350      (9,509
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net carrying amount

     —          841  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization expense of the intangible asset was $0.8 million, $3.4 million, and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The intangible asset was fully amortized in 2015.

 

11


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

 

8. Accrued Liabilities

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     $      $  

Voyage and vessel expenses

     7,080        3,511  

Interest expense

     1,419        1,445  

Other general expenses

     497        261  

Income taxes payable and other

     —          263  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     8,996        5,480  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

9. Long-Term Debt

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     $      $  

U.S. Dollar denominated debt due through 2017

     433,000        512,000  

U.S. Dollar denominated debt due through 2021

     133,984        145,547  

U.S. Dollar denominated debt due through 2030

     174,334        185,219  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total principal

     741,318        842,766  

Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

     6,528        9,941  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

     734,790        832,825  

Less current portion

     54,194        76,034  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt

     680,596        756,791  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2015, the Company had a U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan outstanding, which is separated into two tranches in the amount of $225.2 million and $207.8 million. These tranches have quarterly interest payments based on LIBOR plus 3.15% and 0.50%, respectively, and bullet repayments of $206.1 million and $190.2 million, respectively, at maturity on March 31, 2017. The term loan is collateralized by first-priority statutory mortgages over the Marib Spirit , Arwa Spirit , Methane Spirit and Magellan Spirit , first priority pledges or charges of all the issued shares of the respective vessel owning subsidiaries, and a guarantee from Teekay LNG Partners L.P. and Marubeni Corporation (or Guarantors ). This term loan contains mandatory prepayment provisions upon early termination of a charter and requires the borrower to maintain a specific debt service coverage ratio. This provision applied to the Magellan Spirit due to the grounding incident in January 2015 and subsequent charter termination which the Company is disputing. In June 2015, the lenders waived the mandatory prepayment provision in relation to the Magellan Spirit and the debt service coverage ratio covenant for the term loan. Both waivers are for the remaining term of the facility. In return, the Company funded an earnings account, which is collateral for the term loan, with $7.5 million and prepaid $30.0 million of the term loan. These amounts were funded by the Joint Venture Partners based on their respective ownership percentages.

As at December 31, 2015, the Company had a U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan outstanding in the amount of $134.0 million. This loan has equal quarterly principal repayments of $2.9 million, quarterly interest payments based on LIBOR plus 2.70% and a bullet repayment of $67.5 million at maturity on July 18, 2021. The term loan is collateralized by a first-priority mortgage on the Woodside Donaldson .

As at December 31, 2015, the Company had U.S. Dollar-denominated senior secured notes in the amount of $174.3 million. These notes have quarterly principal repayments and quarterly interest payments based on a fixed rate of 4.11%. The notes have a maturity date of August 1, 2030 and are collateralized by a first-priority mortgage on the Meridian Spirit .

The weighted-average effective interest rate for the Company’s long-term debt outstanding as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was 2.96% and 2.69%, respectively. The aggregate annual long-term debt principle repayments required subsequent to December 31, 2015 are $57.2 million (2016), $417.1 million (2017), $19.7 million (2018), $19.9 million (2019), $25.4 million (2020) and $202.0 million (thereafter).

Certain loan agreements require that (a) Guarantors maintain minimum levels of tangible net worth and aggregate liquidity, (b) Guarantors not exceed a maximum amount of leverage, (c) the Company maintains certain ratios of vessel values as it relates to the relevant outstanding loan principal balance, (d) the Company to maintain certain level of debt service coverage ratio and (e) two of the ship-owning subsidiaries to maintain restricted cash reserve deposits. The Company has one facility that requires it to maintain a vessel-value-to-outstanding-loan-principal-balance ratio of 125%, which as at December 31, 2015, was 146%. The vessel value was determined using reference to second-hand market comparables or using a depreciated replacement cost approach. Since vessel values can be volatile, the Company’s estimates of market value may not be indicative of either the current or future prices that could be obtained if the Company sold any of the vessels.

 

12


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

 

The Company’s ship-owning subsidiaries may not, among other things, pay dividends or distributions if the Company is in default under its loans. As at December 31, 2015, the Company and Guarantors were in compliance with all covenants relating to the Company’s loans.

10. In-process Revenue Contracts

As part of the Company’s acquisition of MALT LNG Transport ApS the Company assumed certain LNG charter contracts with terms that were less favorable than the then prevailing market terms. The Company has recognized a liability based on the estimated fair value of these contracts. The Company is amortizing this liability over the estimated remaining terms of the contracts based on the projected revenue to be earned under the contracts and are recorded as part of voyage revenues in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

As at December 31, 2015 and 2014 in-process revenue contracts consisted of four time-charter contracts with a weighted-average amortization period of 16.7 years (2014 – 16.7 years). The carrying amount of in-process revenue contracts for the Company is as follows:

 

     December 31,
2015

$
     December 31,
2014

$
 
       

Gross carrying amount

     135,880        135,880  

Accumulated amortization

     (51,819      (45,151
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net carrying amount

     84,061        90,729  

Less current portion

     (6,668      (6,668
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     77,393        84,061  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization of in-process revenue contracts in each of the five years following 2015 is approximately $6.7 million per year (2016 – 2020) and $50.6 million (thereafter).

11. Share Capital and Additional Paid-in Capital

On July 12, 2013, Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. issued 100 shares of common stock for 100 Euro (approximately $121) to the Joint Venture Partners. The Company has unlimited authorized capital.

On August 6, 2013 the Joint Venture Partners contributed its shares in MALT LNG Holdings ApS to Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V. in exchange for additional paid-in capital of Malt LNG Netherlands Holdings B.V.

On September 30, 2015, the Joint Venture Partners made a non-stipulated share premium contribution on the shares they hold in the capital of the Company, without any obligation for the Company to issue any shares in its capital in return, in the amount of $37.5 million based on their ownership percentages.

 

     December 31,
2015

$
     December 31,
2014

$
 
       

Issued and outstanding

     

100 Common shares

     1         1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

12. Related Party Transactions

 

a.

Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l. and Scarlet LNG Transport Co., Ltd. are joint venture partners holding ownership interest in the Company of 52% and 48%, respectively. Marubeni Corporation is the ultimate parent company of Scarlet LNG Transport Co., Ltd. and Teekay Corporation is the ultimate parent company of Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l.

 

b.

The Company and certain of its operating subsidiaries have entered into service agreements with Teekay Shipping Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Teekay Corporation to which Teekay Shipping Ltd. provides the Company and its subsidiaries with corporate and technical ship management services. In addition, crew training services were provided to the Company by Teekay Shipping Ltd. These services are measured at the exchange amount between the parties. For the periods indicated, these related party transactions were as follows:

 

13


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$
     Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$
     Year Ended
December 31,
2013

$
 

Crew training expenses included in vessel operating expenses

     1,531        1,235        1,016  

Ship management services

     2,975        2,958        2,901  

Corporate services included in general and administrative expenses

     1,896        1,886        1,849  

 

c.

From time to time, other payments are made by affiliates on behalf of the Company that are not specific to any agreements described above. During the year ended December 31, 2015, nil (2014 – nil and 2013 – $0.2 million) payments of this nature were made.

 

d.

The amounts due to related parties are non-interest bearing, unsecured and have no fixed repayment terms. The Company did not incur interest income or expense from related party balances during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Balances with related parties are as follows:

 

     December 31,
2015

$
     December 31,
2014

$
 
       

Teekay Shipping Limited

     3,839        (10,850

Other related parties

     —          (130
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,839        (10,980
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

e.

As a result of a refinancing completed during 2013, the tranches of the facility were guaranteed by the Joint Venture Partners relative to their proportionate interest. As a result of difference in the credit ratings of the guarantors, the tranche guaranteed by Marubeni Corporation received a lower interest rate than the portion guaranteed by Teekay LNG Partners L.P. by 2.567%. As a result, the Company has agreed to pay the interest rate differential to Marubeni Corporation until the facility matures in 2017 as a payment for their guarantee. The payment, which totaled $6.0 million, $6.9 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is included in interest expense.

13. Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage certain risks in accordance with its overall risk management policies.

Interest Rate Risk:

The Company entered into an interest rate swap, which exchanges a receipt of floating interest for a payment of fixed interest to reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate variability on its outstanding floating-rate debt. The Company has designated, for accounting purposes, its interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge.

As at December 31, 2015, the Company was committed to the following interest rate swap agreement:

 

     Interest
Rate Index
     Notional
Amount
$
     Fair Value /
Carrying
Amount of
Liability
$
     Average
Remaining
Term
(years)
     Fixed
Interest
Rate (1)
(%)
 

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swap (2)

     LIBOR         133,984         4,403         5.6         2.36   

 

(1)  

Excludes the margin the Company pays on its variable-rate debt, which as at December 31, 2015 was 2.70%.

(2)  

Notional amount reduces quarterly.

The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparty to the interest rate swap agreement. In order to minimize counterparty risk, the Company only enters into derivative transactions with counterparties that are rated A- or better by Standard & Poor’s or A3 or better by Moody’s at the time of the transactions.

The following table presents the location, type of contract and fair value amount of the derivative instrument on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

14


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

 

     Accrued
Liabilities
$
     Current Portion
of Derivative
Liability
$
     Derivative
Liability
$
 

As at December 31, 2015

        

Interest rate swap agreement

     (556      (1,665      (2,182

As at December 31, 2014

        

Interest rate swap agreement

     (573      (2,148      (1,552

For the periods indicated, the following table presents the effective portion of (losses) gains on interest rate contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges that were (1) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income, (2) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (or AOCI ) during the term of the hedging relationship and reclassified to earnings, and (3) recognized in the ineffective portion of gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

 

As at December 31,
2015
     Year Ended December 31, 2015

Balance Sheet
(AOCI)

     Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income

Effective Portion
$

     Effective Portion
$
     Ineffective Portion
$
      
  —              —          111      Interest expense
  (2,956)             (258      —        Other comprehensive loss

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
  (2,956)             (258      111     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

As at December 31,
2014
     Year Ended December 31, 2014

Balance Sheet
(AOCI)

     Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income

Effective Portion
$

     Effective Portion
$
     Ineffective Portion
$
      
  —              —           (14    Interest expense
  (2,698)             (2,949 )      —         Other comprehensive loss

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
  (2,698)             (2,949      (14   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

As at December 31,
2013
     Year Ended December 31, 2013

Balance Sheet
(AOCI)

     Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income

Effective Portion
$

     Effective Portion
$
     Ineffective Portion
$
      
  —              —          (989    Interest expense
  251             251         —        Other comprehensive income

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
  251             251         (989   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

As at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income included ($0.3) million, ($2.9) million and $0.3 million net of unrealized (losses) gains on its interest rate swap contract designated as a cash flow hedge. As at December 31, 2015, the Company estimated based on then current interest rates, that it would reclassify approximately $1.7 million of losses on its interest rate swap contract from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings during the next 12 months.

 

15


MALT LNG NETHERLANDS HOLDINGS B.V.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless indicated otherwise)

 

14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

a.

The changes in operating assets and liabilities for year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2015

$
     Year Ended
December 31,
2014

$
     Year Ended
December 31,
2013

$
 

Accounts receivable and accrued revenue

     (1,370      8,836        (2,276

Due from/to related parties

     (14,819      583        5,275  

Prepaid expenses

     24        47        (397

Accrued revenue – long-term

     (3,299      (5,210      —    

Accounts payable

     1,577        (604      19  

Accrued liabilities

     3,516        382        8  

Deferred revenues

     (2,561      945        (6,406

Other liabilities – long-term

     460        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (16,472      4,979        (3,777
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

b.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 cash paid for interest on long-term debt was $31.0 million, $34.0 million and $26.4 million, respectively.

15. Contingent Asset

In January 2015 the Magellan Spirit had a grounding incident. The vessel was subsequently refloated and returned to service. The charterer during that time claimed that the vessel was off-hire for more than 30 consecutive days during the first quarter of 2015, which in the view of the charterer, permitted the charterer to terminate the charter contract. The charterer terminated the contract in late-March 2015. The Company has disputed both the charterer’s aggregate off-hire claims as well as the charterer’s ability to terminate the charter contract, which originally would have expired in September 2016. The Company has made a claim of $51.8 million against the charterer. No amounts have been accrued for this claim in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

16. Subsequent Events

Two of the Company’s vessels, the Marib Spirit and Arwa Spirit , are currently under long-term contracts expiring in 2029 with Yemen LNG Ltd. (or YLNG ), a consortium led by Total SA. Due to the political situation in Yemen, YLNG decided to temporarily close down operations of its LNG plant in Yemen in 2015. As a result, in December 2015, the Company agreed to a temporary deferral of a portion of the charter payments for the two LNG carriers for the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. Upon future resumption of the LNG plant in Yemen, it is expected that YLNG will repay the deferred amounts in full plus interest thereon over a period of time to be agreed upon.

 

16

EXHIBIT 15.3

Consolidated Financial Statements

EXMAR LPG BVBA

December 31, 2015


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

To the Board of Directors of Exmar LPG BVBA

Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Exmar LPG BVBA, which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2014 and 2013, the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from February 12, 2013 to December 31, 2013, and notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Exmar LPG BVBA as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the period from February 12, 2013 to December 31, 2013 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants

April 21, 2015

Vancouver, Canada

 

2


EXMAR LPG BVBA

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     (Unaudited)
As of December 31,
2015
    As of December 31,
2014
 
Assets     

Current:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     74,014        55,392   

Accounts receivable, including non-trade of $11,083 (2014 - $10,304) (note 10(c))

     12,954        15,155   

Other current assets (notes 5 and 10(d))

     3,021        66,663   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     89,989        137,210   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets:

    

Vessels, net of accumulated depreciation (note 4)

     488,125        425,834   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     578,114        563,044   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Liabilities and Equity     

Current:

    

Current portion of long-term debt (note 6(a))

     35,867        36,109   

Current portion of finance lease obligations (note 6(b))

     2,333        21,547   

Shareholders’ loans (note 7)

     116,385        165,350   

Accounts payable (note 10(b))

     6,570        6,889   

Other current liabilities (note 8)

     2,031        2,140   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     163,186        232,035   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities:

    

Long-term debt (note 6(a))

     286,721        168,813   

Finance lease obligations (note 6(b))

     11,278        —     

Derivative financial instruments (note 14)

     2,764        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     463,949        400,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity:

    

Common stock (note 9)

     132,832        132,832   

Reserve for equity adjustment on acquisition

     (106,349     (106,349

Retained earnings

     88,873        135,713   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 14)

     (1,191     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     114,165        162,196   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

     578,114        563,044   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments (Note 12 and Note 13)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

3


EXMAR LPG BVBA

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     (Unaudited)
Year Ended December 31,
2015
    Year
Ended December 31,
2014
    Period from February 12,
2013 to December 31,
2013
 

STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS

      

Operations

      

Revenues

     203,765        198,843        170,525   

Gain on sales of vessels (note 4)

     406        65,563        1,824   

Other operating income

     —          650        31   

Vessel operating expenses (note 10(a))

     (94,014     (115,121     (106,426

Administrative expenses

     (1,964     (1,442     (1,682

Depreciation (note 4)

     (30,716     (28,244     (29,425

Other operating expenses

     (856     (268     (305
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from vessel operations

     76,621        119,981        34,542   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance costs

     (11,983     (9,777     (8,805

Finance income

     —          —          29   

Other financial items, net

     (1,347     (905     (501
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income before taxes

     63,291        109,299        25,265   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes (note 3)

     (131     (81     (97
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income for the period

     63,160        109,218        25,168   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

      

Net income for the period

     63,160        109,218        25,168   

Other comprehensive loss:

Items that are or may be reclassified to profit or loss

      

Net change in fair value of qualifying cash flow hedging instruments

     (1,191     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss for the period

     (1,191     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the period

     61,969        109,218        25,168   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

4


EXMAR LPG BVBA

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     (Unaudited)
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
    Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Period from
February 12,
2013 to
December 31,
2013
 

Cash provided by (used for)

      

Operating Activities

      

Net income

     63,160        109,218        25,168   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation

     30,716        28,244        29,425   

Gain on sale of vessels

     (406     (65,563     (1,824

Finance costs

     11,983        9,777        8,805   

Finance income

     —          —          (29

Other financial expenses

     1,001        —          —     

Income taxes

     131        81        97   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

     2,201        1,339        (8,928

Decrease in other current assets

     3,642        2,892        3,732   

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable

     (319     122        129   

Decrease in other current liabilities

     (109     (1,270     (2,218

Taxes paid

     —          (85     (105

Finance costs paid

     (9,524     (9,926     (9,654

Finance income received

     —          —          29   

Dry dock expenditures

     (12,626     (11,397     (6,199

Other

     18        78        490   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

     89,868        63,510        38,918   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities

      

Capital expenditures

     (79,694     (129,113     (61,091

Proceeds from sales of vessels

     13,720        149,986        5,490   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (65,974     20,873        (55,601
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities

      

Proceeds from long-term debt

     378,216        105,000        215,000   

Repayments of long-term debt

     (261,552     (80,884     (190,560

Repayments of finance lease obligations

     (21,936     (25,555     (5,115

Proceeds from shareholders’ loans

     —          —          27,570   

Repayment of shareholders’ loans

     (50,000     —          —     

Dividends paid

     (110,000     —          —     

Advance to affiliated company (note 10(c))

     60,000        (60,000     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (5,272     (61,439     46,895   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     18,622        22,944        30,212   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     55,392        32,448        2,236   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

     74,014        55,392        32,448   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

5


EXMAR LPG BVBA

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     Common Stock      Reserve for
Equity
Adjustment
on
Acquisition
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Total Equity  

Balance, February 12, 2013

     132,832         (106,349     1,327        —          27,810   

Net income and comprehensive income

     —           —          25,168        —          25,168   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

     132,832         (106,349     26,495        —          52,978   

Net income and comprehensive income

     —           —          109,218        —          109,218   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

     132,832         (106,349     135,713        —          162,196   

(unaudited)

           

Net income

     —           —          63,160        —          63,160   

Other comprehensive loss

     —           —          —          (1,191     (1,191

Dividends paid

     —           —          (110,000     —          (110,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2015

     132,832         (106,349     88,873        (1,191     114,165   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

6


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

  (a)

Basis of preparation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (or IFRS ). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Exmar LPG BVBA, which is incorporated under the laws of Belgium and its wholly owned subsidiaries, as described below (collectively, the Company ). The Company is owned jointly by Exmar NV and Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l. The comparative figures on the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income are for the year ended December 31, 2014 and from February 12, 2013 to December 31, 2013. February 12, 2013 is the day Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l. acquired Exmar’s 50% interest in the Company. The address of the Company’s registered office is at De Gerlachekaai 20, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium. The following is a list of Exmar LPG BVBA’s subsidiaries:

 

Name of Significant Subsidiaries

  

Jurisdiction of

Incorporation

  

Proportion of

Ownership

Interest

Exmar Shipping BVBA

   Belgium    100%

Exmar Gas Shipping Ltd

   Hong Kong    100%

Good Investment Ltd

   Hong Kong    100%

All intercompany balances and transactions between Exmar LPG BVBA and its subsidiaries have been eliminated within these consolidated financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Exmar LPG BVBA was incorporated on July 10, 2012.

The Company evaluated events and transactions occurring after the consolidated statements of financial position date and based on information available to April 26, 2016.

 

  (b)

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities (including structured entities) controlled by the Company and its subsidiaries. Control is achieved when the Company:

 

   

has power over the investee;

 

   

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

 

   

has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

  (c)

Reporting Currency

The consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. Dollars. The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. Dollar because the Company operates in the international shipping market, which typically utilizes the U.S. Dollar as the functional currency. Transactions involving other currencies during the year are converted into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the transactions. At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar are translated to reflect the year-end exchange rates.

 

  (d)

Use of Judgments and Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected.

Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the useful lives of vessels; the residual value of the vessels; the classification of new lease commitments and the review of the carrying amount of the fleet for potential impairment.

Information about judgments made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements is included in the following: the classification of a lease as part of a time charter arrangement and the arm’s length nature of related party transactions.

 

  (e)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents unless there is a restriction imposed by a third party on the availability of the funds.

 

  (f)

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, do not bear interest and are based on the provisions of the respective time charter. Management reviews the need for an allowance for doubtful accounts on a monthly basis. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the Company believes that the receivable will not be recovered.

As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the collection of no accounts receivable was considered doubtful and, accordingly, there was no provision for doubtful accounts recorded.

 

  (g)

Operating Revenues and Expenses

The principal activities of the Company are the owning and chartering of vessels.

The lease element of time-charters and bareboat charters accounted for as operating leases are recognized by the Company daily over the term of the charter as the applicable vessel operates under the charter. The Company recognizes revenues from the non-lease element of time-charter contracts daily as services are performed. The Company does not recognize revenues during days that the vessel is off-hire.

All revenues from voyage charters are recognized on a percentage of completion method.


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

Vessel operating expenses include crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses. Vessel operating expenses are paid by the Company for vessels on time-charters, and during off hire and are recognized when incurred.

As further discussed in Note 10 — Related Party Transactions, related parties have provided the management services for the vessels and employ the crews that work on the vessels.

 

  (h)

Vessels and vessels under finance lease

All pre-delivery costs incurred during the construction of new-buildings, including interest, supervision and technical costs, are capitalized. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over each vessel’s estimated useful life, less an estimated residual value. The vessel’s estimated useful lives are estimated at being 30 years.

Vessel capital modifications include the addition of new equipment or can encompass various modifications to the vessel that are aimed at improving or increasing the operational efficiency and functionality of the asset. This type of expenditure is amortized over the estimated useful life of the modification. Expenditures covering recurring routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

The Company dry docks its vessels and vessels under finance lease on a regular basis (on average every three to five years). The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred during dry docking and amortizes those costs on a straight-line basis from the completion of a dry docking over the estimated useful life of the dry dock. The Company includes in capitalized dry docking those costs incurred as part of the dry docking to meet regulatory requirements, or expenditures that either add economic life to the vessel, increase the vessel’s earning capacity or improve the vessel’s operating efficiency. The Company expenses costs related to routine repair and maintenance incurred during dry dock that does not improve or extend the useful life of the vessels.

Vessels and equipment that are “held and used” are assessed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The recoverable amount is the highest of the fair value less cost to sell and the value in use. The fair value less cost to sell is determined based upon independent broker reports. The value in use is based upon future cash flows discounted to their present value. In developing estimates of future cash flows, we must make assumptions about future charter rates, ship operating expenses, the estimated remaining useful lives of the fleet and the WACC. These assumptions are based on historical trends as well as future expectations. Although management believes that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate, such assumptions are highly subjective. If the asset‘s net carrying value exceeds the net discounted cash flows expected to be generated over its remaining useful life, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value.

 

  (i)

Financial instruments

Non-derivative financial assets mainly relate to loans and receivables. The Company initially recognizes loans and receivables on the date when they are originated. All other financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognized on the trade date.

The Company de-recognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred, or it neither transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and does not retain control over the transferred asset. Any interest in such de-recognized financial assets that is created or retained by the Company is recognized as a separate asset or liability. The Company de-recognizes a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled, or expire.


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the Company has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle them on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

A financial asset is classified as at fair value through profit or loss if it is classified as held for trading or is designated as such on initial recognition. Directly attributable transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Loans and receivables are initially recognized at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Derivative financial instruments

All derivative financial instruments are initially recorded at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position and subsequently re-measured to fair value, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the derivative. The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss is dependent on whether the derivative contract is designed to hedge a specific risk and also qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company applies hedge accounting to its derivative financial instruments (note 11).

When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the derivative and the hedged item. This documentation includes the strategy and risk management objective for undertaking the hedge and the method that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedge. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings.

The Company does not apply hedge accounting if it is determined that the hedge was not effective or will no longer be effective, the derivative was sold or exercised, or the hedged item was sold, repaid or no longer possible of occurring.

For derivative financial instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the effective portion of the derivative financial instruments are initially recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in equity. In the periods when the hedged items affect earnings, the associated fair value changes on the hedging derivatives are transferred from equity to the corresponding earnings line item in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive loss. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative financial instruments is immediately recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive loss. If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or the designation is revoked, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, then the amount accumulated in equity is reclassified to profit or loss.

Non-derivative financial instruments

Non-derivative financial instruments not classified as at fair value through profit or loss are assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence of impairment.

Objective evidence that non-derivative financial instruments are impaired includes:

 

   

default or delinquency by a debtor;

 

   

restructuring of an amount due to the Company on terms that the Company would not consider otherwise;


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

   

indications that a debtor or issuer will enter bankruptcy;

 

   

adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers or issuers;

 

   

the disappearance of an active market for a security; and

 

   

observable data indicating that there is measurable decrease in expected cash flows from a group of financial assets.

 

  (j)

Other Current Assets

Other current assets consist of prepaid expenses, accrued revenue and advances to an affiliated company.

 

  (k)

Debt issuance costs

Debt issuance costs, including fees, commissions and legal expenses, relating to bank loan facilities are deferred and amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the relevant loan. Amortization of deferred debt issuance is included in finance costs. Debt issuance costs are presented net of long-term debt.

 

  (l)

Commitments and Contingencies

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Each time charter includes a requirement for the Company to guarantee certain performance criteria of the vessel primarily speed, upload/discharge speed and fuel consumption over the term of the charter. Costs associated with these performance claims are recognized when it is probable that the Company has incurred a liability. Management’s best estimate with regards to the probable payment in respect of performance claims issued by the charter party is recognized as a liability. Receivables under insurance policies are recorded when it is probable that the insurer will pay the amount.

 

  (m)

Income taxes

The income tax expense is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case is the related income taxes are recognised in equity.

Any deferred tax will be recognised using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred taxes are measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which temporary difference can be utilised. Any deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised. No deferred tax asset has been recognized for the current year.

 

  (n)

Leases

Payments made under operating leases are recognized in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. One of the Company’s leases has a provision whereby the amount of the lease payment fluctuates based on a percentage of the amount earned by a group of the Company’s vessels, including the leased vessel.


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

These lease payments are considered contingent rent and are recorded in profit or loss in the period in which the revenue is earned.

Minimum lease payments under finance leases are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

 

  (o)

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments published in July 2014 replaces the existing guidance in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments, including a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment on financial assets, and the new general hedge accounting requirements, which align hedge accounting more closely with risk management. It also carries forward the guidance on recognition and derecognition of financial instruments from IAS 39. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not plan to adopt this standard early and the extent of the impact has not yet been determined.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue is recognized. It replaces existing revenue recognition guidance, including IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programs. IFRS 15 is effective for the annual reports beginning on or after 1 January 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements resulting from the application of IFRS 15.

IFRS 16 Leases sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract and replaces the previous leases standard, IAS 17 - Leases. IFRS 16, which is not applicable to service contracts, but only applicable to leases or lease components of a contract, defines a lease as a contract that conveys to the customer (lessee) the right to use an asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases for the lessee as either operating leases or finance leases as required by IAS 17 and instead, introduces a single lessee accounting model whereby a lessee is required to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with a term that is greater than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value, and to recognize depreciation of leases assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in the income statement. As IFRS 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in IAS 17, a lessor will continue to classify its leases as operating leases or finance leases and to account for those two types of leases differently. IFRS 16 is effective from January 1, 2019, with early adoption allowed only if IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers is also adopted. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance.

 

(2)

Segment Information

The Company has not presented segment information as it considers it operates in one reportable segment, the floating liquefied petroleum gas carrier market. Furthermore, the Company’s vessels operate under time-charters or voyage charters. The charterer controls the choice of which routes the vessel will serve. Accordingly, the Company’s management does not evaluate the Company’s performance according to geographic region.


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

(3)

Taxation

Exmar LPG BVBA

Exmar LPG BVBA is subject to Belgian corporate income taxes. Exmar LPG BVBA has estimated tax assets of $5.9 million available for carry forward against future taxable profits. These tax assets consist of $4.3 million accumulated losses and $1.6 million other tax credits. Given management’s assessment that it is not more likely than not that Exmar LPG BVBA will be able to generate sufficient taxable income in the future, the deferred tax assets has not been recognized.

Exmar Shipping BVBA

Exmar Shipping BVBA is subject to the Belgian Tonnage Tax Regime. Under this regime, the applicable tax is based on the weight (measured as net tonnage) of the vessels. The tonnage tax related to the vessels amounted to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, for the year ended December 31, 2014, and for the period from February 12, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

Exmar Gas Shipping Ltd

No provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax has been made in the financial statements as Exmar Gas Shipping Ltd did not earn any income subject to Hong Kong Profit Tax for the year.

Good Investment Ltd

No provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax has been made in the financial statements as Good Investment Ltd did not earn any income subject to Hong Kong Profit Tax for the year.

 

(4)

Vessels

 

     Vessels     Vessels under
finance lease
    Dry dock
components
    Vessels under
Construction
    Total  

Cost at December 31, 2013

     386,339        94,400        28,948        72,242        581,929   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

     —          —          11,397        130,480        141,877   

Vessel acquisitions

     49,600        (49,600     —          —          —     

Vessel sales

     (140,340     —          (8,742     —          (149,082

Vessel deliveries

     146,174        —          —          (146,174     —     

Component disposal

     —          —          (5,346     —          (5,346
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost at December 31, 2014

     441,773        44,800        26,257        56,548        569,378   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

     —          —          12,626        79,694        92,320   

Vessel acquisitions

     44,800        (30,800     —          —          14,000   

Vessel sales

     (39,460     —          —          —          (39,460

Vessel deliveries

     94,148        —          —          (94,148     —     

Component disposal

     —          —          (12,716     —          (12,716
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost at December 31, 2015

     541,261        14,000        26,167        42,094        623,522   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2013

     131,398        38,162        15,664        —          185,224   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation

     17,639        3,007        7,598        —          28,244   

Vessel acquisitions

     21,891        (21,891     —          —          —     

Vessel sales

     (59,219     —          (5,359     —          (64,578

Component disposal

     —          —          (5,346     —          (5,346
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2014

     111,709        19,278        12,557        —          143,544   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation

     21,431        219        9,066        —          30,716   

Vessel acquisitions

     19,278        (19,278     —          —          —     

Vessel sales

     (26,147     —          —          —          (26,147

Component disposal

     —          —          (12,716     —          (12,716
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2015

     126,271        219        8,907        —          135,397   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Book Value at December 31, 2014

     330,064        25,522        13,700        56,548        425,834   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Book Value at December 31, 2015

     414,990        13,781        17,260        42,094        488,125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company entered into a sale and lease back transaction for the vessel Kemira Gas that was renamed to Temse . This transaction resulted in a gain of $0.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the company sold four vessels, the Eeklo , Flanders Harmony , Temse and Flanders Tenacity (which was a vessel under finance lease and purchased by the Company in 2014 immediately prior to the sale), resulting in a gain of $65.6 million. During the period from February 12, 2013 to December 31, 2013, the Company sold one vessel, the Donau , resulting in a gain of $1.8 million.

Interest costs capitalized to vessels for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the year ended December 31, 2014 aggregated $0.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

 

(5)

Other Current Assets

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

Accrued revenues

     80         2,834   

Prepaid expenses

     2,941         3,829   

Advances to affiliated company (note 10(d))

     —           60,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,021         66,663   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(6)

Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

 

  (a)

Long-term debt

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

U.S. Dollar denominated debt due through 2021

     329,549         208,600   

Less debt issuance costs

     (6,961      (3,678
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt

     322,588         204,922   

Less current portion

     (35,867      (36,109
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     286,721         168,813   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

The annual maturities of the long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 during the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

 

     Long-term debt  

2016

     37,006   

2017

     37,006   

2018

     37,006   

2019

     37,006   

2020

     37,006   

Thereafter

     144,519   
  

 

 

 

Total

     329,549   
  

 

 

 

The long-term debt of the Company relates to the 6-year senior secured loan facility (the “LPG Facility” amending and restating agreement of June 16, 2015) of up to $460.0 million, consisting of: a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) of $310.0 million and a newbuilding facility (the “Newbuilding Facility”) of up to $150.0 million. As per December 31, 2015 the available balance on the Newbuilding Facility amounts to $112.5 million which will be drawn upon delivery of the newbuild vessels Knokke, Kontich and Kortrijk.

The LPG Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.90%, the maturity date of the LPG Facility is June 16, 2021. The weighted-average effective interest rate for the Company’s long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was 2.38% and 3.45%, respectively.

The commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility are reduced by 24 consecutive quarterly reductions commencing on September 2015, the first 23 in an amount of $8.7 million and the last reduction in an amount of $109.9 million. The Newbuilding Facility is repayable in consecutive quarterly installments, each in an amount equal to one sixty-eighth of the amount of that newbuilding advance. The first installment of each Newbuilding Advance shall be repaid on the date falling 3 months after the Drawdown Date of that Newbuilding Advance and the last installment shall be repaid on the Maturity Date together with a balloon payment equal to the amount outstanding under that Newbuilding Advance.

All amounts due under the LPG Facility are secured by shareholder guarantees, a first priority mortgage, a first priority share pledge, the assignment of all earnings, insurances and existing or future time-charter contracts, and a first priority pledge of the earnings account.

The LPG Facility contains covenants that require, among other things, compliance with the following:

 

   

minimum aggregate cash and cash equivalents of the higher of (i) $20.0 million and (ii) 5% of financial indebtedness;

 

   

minimum consolidated working capital of $0;

 

   

ratio of net financial indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization of less than 0.70;

 

   

minimum ratio of EBITDA to interest expense 2.0 to 1.00;

 

   

minimum security coverage ratio of 125%.

Consolidated working capital excludes shareholders’ loans. Dividends may be declared and paid providing that Exmar LPG BVBA and its subsidiaries are in compliance with the financial and other covenants; there is no event of default; and the minimum liquidity is respected.


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

  (b)

Finance lease obligations

The outstanding finance lease obligations as at December 31, 2015 relate to the lease arrangement for the LPG carrier Temse and as at December 31, 2014, the LPG carrier Brussels. During 2015, the lease relating to the Brussels ended and in addition, the Company entered into a sale and lease back arrangement for the LPG carrier Temse (formerly known as Kemira Gas ). The lease period commenced November 2015 for a period of six years. Lease rentals are payable on a monthly basis.

At December 31, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate implicit in the lease relating to the Temse was 5.84%. At December 31, 2014, the weighted-average interest rate implicit in the lease relating to the Brussels was 5.75%.

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

Brussels

     —           21,547   

Temse

     13,611         —     

Less current portion

     (2,333      (21,547
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term finance lease obligations

     11,278         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at December 31, 2015, the commitments under finance lease obligations approximated $15.3 million, including imputed interest of $1.7 million, repayable from 2016 through 2021, as indicated below:

 

     Commitment  

2016

     2,830   

2017

     2,745   

2018

     2,652   

2019

     2,565   

2020

     2,476   

Thereafter

     2,003   
  

 

 

 

Total

     15,271   
  

 

 

 

 

(7)

Shareholders’ Loans

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has loans outstanding to its shareholders of $116.4 million (December 31, 2014 - $165.4 million). These loans bear interest at LIBOR plus margin of 0.50% (2014 - LIBOR plus margin of 0.50%) and have no fixed repayment terms. As at December 31, 2015, the interest accrued on these advances was $3.4 million (December 31, 2014 - $2.3 million). Both the principal and the accrued interest on these loans are included as shareholders’ loans in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position. The weighted-average effective interest rate for the Company’s shareholders’ loans outstanding at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was 0.77% and 0.73%, respectively.


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

(8)

Other Current Liabilities

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

Deferred revenues

     1,455         1,898   

Accrued interest expense

     576         242   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,031         2,140   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(9)

Common Stock

Exmar LPG BVBA has authorized share capital of $132,832,000 divided into 1,328,320 registered shares of no par value, all of which shares have been fully paid, and the legal title and beneficial ownership of 50% of those shares is held by each of Exmar NV and Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l..

In 2012, prior to the investment by Teekay Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Exmar NV transferred certain wholly owned subsidiaries to the newly-formed entity, Exmar LPG BVBA in exchange for the registered shares. As this transaction occurred between entities under common control at the time of the transfer, the assets of the underlying entities were recorded at the book value of Exmar NV at the date of the transfer. The difference between the value of the share capital issued and the book value of the assets is recorded as a reserve and adjusted through equity.

 

(10)

Related Party Transactions

 

  (a)

Exmar NV provides general and corporate management services for the Company. Exmar Shipmanagement NV, a subsidiary of Exmar NV provides all services in relation to crew and technical management of the vessels. Exmar Marine NV, a subsidiary of Exmar NV, provides commercial management services. All amounts charged by Exmar NV, Exmar Shipmanagement NV and Exmar Marine NV to the Company are reflected in vessel operating expenses except for the management fee charged if and when a vessel is sold, these are netted in the gain on sale. Detail as follows:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2015
     Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Period from
February 12,
2013 to
December 31,
2013
 

Exmar NV

     632         588         520   

Exmar Hong Kong

     109         115         97   

Exmar Shipmanagement NV

     2,758         2,903         2,521   

Exmar Marine NV

     3,046         4,447         2,199   


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

  (b)

Included in accounts payable is due to affiliated companies of $0.1 million and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

  (c)

Included in accounts receivable is due from affiliated companies of $8.4 million and nil as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

  (d)

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company loaned $60.0 million to Solaia Shipping LLC, a company under common control. This amount is included as part of other current assets in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position. In February 2015, the amount advanced to Solaia Shipping LLC was repaid.

 

(11)

Fair Value Measurements

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and cash equivalents – The fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents approximates its carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Accounts receivable / Accounts payable – The fair value of the Company’s accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates the carrying amount given the short term nature of these instruments.

Advances to affiliated company included in other current assets – The fair value of the Company’s advances to an affiliated company as described in Note 10(d) – Related Party Transactions, approximates its carrying amount reported in the consolidated statements of financial position due to the short term nature.

Shareholders’ loans – The fair values of the Company’s shareholders’ loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Long-term debt – The fair values of the Company’s fixed-rate and variable-rate long-term debt is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates currently available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. The Company does not include credit enhancement in its fair valuation of long-term debt.

Derivative financial instruments – The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate each agreement at the reporting date, taking into account the interest rates reflected in the swap curve at the reporting date and the current credit worthiness of both the Company and the derivative counterparty. The estimated amount is the present value of future cash flows. The Company transacts its derivative financial instrument through investment-grade rated financial institutions at the time of the transaction and requires no collateral from these institutions. There are no margin calls or cash collateral required from the counterparty. Given the current volatility in the credit markets, it is reasonably possible that the derivative fair value recorded could vary by a material amount in the near term.


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

The Company categorizes the fair value estimates by a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value as follows:

 

Level 1.

  

Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2.

  

Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3.

  

Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The following table includes the estimated fair value and carrying value of those assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, as well as the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are not accounted for at a fair value on a recurring basis.

 

          December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
     Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level
   Carrying
Amount Asset
(Liability)
    Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
    Carrying
Amount Asset
(Liability)
    Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   Level 1      74,014        74,014        55,392        55,392   

Advances to affiliated company included in other current assets

   Level 3      —          —          60,000        60,000   

Shareholders’ loans

   Level 2      (116,385     (111,203     (165,350     (159,852

Long-term debt

   Level 2      (322,588     (328,313     (208,600     (211,061

Derivative financial instruments

   Level 2      (2,956     (2,956     —          —     

 

(12)

Operating leases

 

  (a)

Company as a lessor

The Company’s future minimum receipts under short- to long-term time charters at December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

Less than one year

     137,655   

Between one and five years

     252,476   

More than five years

     156,732   
  

 

 

 
     546,863   
  

 

 

 

Minimum scheduled future revenues assume 100% utilization and do not include revenue generated from new contracts entered into after December 31, 2015, revenue from undelivered vessels, revenue from unexercised option periods of its time-charter contract that existed on December 31, 2015, or variable or contingent revenues. Therefore, the minimum scheduled future revenues should not be construed to reflect total charter hire revenues for any of the years.


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

  (b)

Company as a lessee

The Company leases a number of its vessels under operating lease agreements. The expense for 2015 relating to the operating leases amounts to $25.5 million ($23.5 million for 2014 and $20.4 million for 2013 for the period from February 12, 2013 to December 31, 2013) and no payments for non-cancellable subleases were received. The future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases at December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

Less than one year

     17,718   

Between one and five years

     56,497   

More than five years

     36,060   
  

 

 

 
     110,275   
  

 

 

 

 

(13)

Commitments

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has newbuilding contracts with HHIC – Phil Inc for the construction of seven LPG carriers at a total cost of $266.0 million. As at December 31, 2015, the estimated remaining costs to be incurred are $117.7 million (2016), $113.4 million (2017) and $34.9 million (2018). The majority of the cost to be incurred in 2016 will be financed by the existing newbuilding facility, see also note 6. The Company intends to finance the newbuilding payments through its existing liquidity and expects to secure long-term debt financing for the units prior to their scheduled deliveries.

 

(14)

Financial Risk Management

The Company has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

Credit risk

The Company trades only with recognized, creditworthy third parties. It is the Company’s policy that all customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. In addition, receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Company’s exposure to bad debts is not significant. The maximum exposure is the carrying amount as disclosed on the statements of financial position.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities. The Company maintains liquidity and makes adjustments to it in light of changes to economic conditions, underlying risks inherent in its operations and capital requirements to maintain its operations. At December 31, 2015, the Company had $74.0 million of cash and cash equivalents ($55.4 million at December 31, 2014).


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments, as at December 31, 2015:

 

     Contractual cash flows  
     Carrying
amount
     Total     1 year or
less
    1-3
years
    3-5 years     More than
5 years
 

Accounts payable

     6,570         6,570        6,570        —          —          —     

Accrued interest expense

     576         576        576        —          —          —     

Shareholders’ loans (1)

     116,385         116,385        116,385        —          —          —     

Long-term debt (2)(3)

     329,549         366,465        45,616        89,309        84,971        146,569   

Finance lease obligations

     13,611         15,271        2,600        5,413        5,055        2,203   

Derivative financial instruments (4)

             

Inflow

     —           (22,201     (2,874     (9,149     (8,474     (1,704

Outflow

     2,764         25,157        6,326        10,443        7,084        1,304   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     469,455         508,223        175,199        96,016        88,636        148,372   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

The shareholders’ loans are due on demand; however, the Company does not expect the shareholders to demand repayment in the next year.

(2)

Amount does not include debt issuance costs being netted against long-term debt of $7.0 million.

(3)

Contractual cash flows for long-term debt include estimated future variable interest payments of $36.9 million based on current interest rates.

(4)

Contractual cash flows for derivative liability include accrued interest payments included in accrued liabilities of $0.2 million.

Market risk

Interest Rate Risk

The company has borrowings that require the Company to make interest payments based on LIBOR. In order to cover this exposure the Company entered into interest rates swap agreements in which the variable LIBOR rate is changed into a fixed rate for the duration of the loan.

During 2015, the Company entered into several interest rate swap agreements, which exchanges a receipt of floating interest for a payment of fixed interest to reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate variability on its outstanding floating-rate debt. The Company has designated, for accounting purposes, its interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges.

As at December 31, 2015, the Company was committed to the following interest rate swap agreements (or IRS ):

 

     Interest
Rate
Index
   Notional
Amount
   Fair Value /
Carrying
Amount of

Liability
  Remaining
Term

(years)
   Fixed
Interest
Rate (1)

%

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swap (2)

   LIBOR    292,600    (2,779)   5.5    1.84

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swap (2)

   LIBOR    36,949    (25)   5.5    1.69

U.S. Dollar-denominated interest rate swap (2)

   LIBOR    37,500    (152)   5.3    1.81


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

(1)

Excludes the margin the Company pays on its variable-rate debt, which as at 31 December 2015 was 1.90%.

(2)

Notional amount reduces quarterly.

The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparty to the interest rate swap agreement. In order to minimize counterparty risk, the Company only enters into derivative transactions with counterparties that are rated A- or better by Standard & Poor’s or A3 or better by Moody’s at the time of the transactions.

The following table presents the location, type of contract and fair value amount of the derivative financial instrument on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position.

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

IRS – Other current liabilities

     (192      —     

IRS – Derivative Financial Instruments

     (2,764      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (2,956      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated comprehensive loss

The following table contains the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the periods presented:

 

     Qualifying Cash Flow
Hedging Instruments
 
     $   
  

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2013

     —    

Other comprehensive loss

     —     
  

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2014

     —     
  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

     (1,191
  

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2015

     (1,191
  

 

 

 

Foreign Currency Risk

The Company’s functional currency is U.S. Dollars. The results of operations are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The volatility in the financial results due to currency exchange rate fluctuations is attributed primarily to foreign currency expenses. A portion of the vessel operating expenses are denominated in Euro, which is primarily a function of the nationality of the crew. As a result, fluctuations in the Euro relative to the U.S. Dollar have caused, and are likely to continue to cause, fluctuations in our reported vessel operating expenses. A 10 basis point change in foreign currency exchange rates would impact the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income by approximately $1.4 million (2014 - $1.0 mllion).


Exmar LPG BVBA

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(all tabular amounts stated in thousands of U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

December 31, 2015 (unaudited with the exception of comparative figures)

 

(15)

Employee expenses and director remuneration

Directors are appointed by the two joint venture partners. Director compensation is nil for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.

There are no key management personnel employed by the Company. Management of the Company is performed through corporate and ship management service agreements with Exmar Marine NV and Exmar Shipmanagement NV as described in Note 10 — Related Party Transactions. As a result, compensation for key management personnel amounts to nil for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.

The following employee expenses related to seafarers have been included in vessel and other operating expenses:

 

     Year ended
December 31, 2015
     Year ended
December 31, 2014
     For the period from
February 12, 2013 to
December 31, 2013
 

Salaries, bonuses and other personnel expenses

     16,547         15,884         14,331   

 

(16)

Capital Management

The Board defines “capital” to include funds raised through the issuance of ordinary share capital, accumulated profits and proceeds raised from debt facilities, including shareholder loans. The Board’s policy is to obtain additional capital for the construction or acquisition of new vessels through shareholder loan injections by the Company’s Joint Venture Partners and external debt facilities and to dividend out any available excess cash the Company generates. The Board regularly reviews and manages its capital structure to maintain a balance between the higher returns that might be possible with higher levels of borrowings and the advantages and security afforded by a sound capital position, and makes adjustments to the capital structure in light of changes in economic conditions.

 

(17)

Subsequent events

 

  (a)

In February 2016, one of the Company’s seven LPG newbuilding carriers, the Knokke , was delivered.