UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[ √ ]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021
or
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from             to
 
Commission File No. 0-15905
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
73-1268729
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
801 Travis Street, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas
 
77002
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
713-568-4725  
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)  
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(Title of class)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ☒ No ☒
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☒
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer 
☐
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer  
☐
Smaller reporting company
☒
 
Emerging growth company
☐
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
 
Number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share outstanding as of May 17, 2021: 12,693,514


 
 

 
 
 
 Table of Contents
 
 
 

PART I.
 
5
 
 
 
5
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
37
52
52
 
 
 
PART II.
 
53
 
 
 
53
53
54
54
54
54
55
 
 
 
56
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 2
 
 
Glossary of Terms
 
 
 
Glossary of Terms
 
Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have used the following terms:
 
Affiliate. Refers, either individually or collectively, to certain related parties including Jonathan Carroll, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Dolphin, and his affiliates (including Carroll & Company Financial Holdings, L.P., Ingleside, and Lazarus Capital, LLC) and/or LEH and its affiliates (including Lazarus Midstream Partners, L.P., LMT, and LTRI). Together, Jonathan Carroll and LEH owned approximately 82% of the Common Stock as of the filing date of this report.
 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Line of Credit Agreement dated May 3, 2019, between Pilot and NPS and subsequently amended on May 9, 2019, May 10, 2019, and September 3, 2019, the last amendment being Amendment No. 1; original line of credit amount was $13.0 million; currently in default.
 
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement. Affiliate agreement dated April 1, 2020 between Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, NPS, BDPL, BDPC, BDSC and LEH governing LEH’s operation and management of those companies’ assets.
 
ARO. Asset retirement obligations.
 
ASU. Accounting Standards Update.
 
AGO. Atmospheric gas oil, which is the heaviest product boiled by a crude distillation tower operating at atmospheric pressure. This fraction ordinarily sells as distillate fuel oil, either in pure form or blended with cracked stocks. Certain ethylene plants, called heavy oil crackers, can take AGO as feedstock.
 
bbl. Barrel; a unit of volume equal to 42 U.S. gallons.
 
BDPC. Blue Dolphin Petroleum Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
BDPL. Blue Dolphin Pipe Line Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
BDSC. Blue Dolphin Services Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
Blue Dolphin. Blue Dolphin Energy Company, one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries, or all of them taken as a whole.
 
bpd. Barrel per day; a measure of the bbls of daily output produced in a refinery or transported through a pipeline.
 
Board. Board of Directors of Blue Dolphin.
 
BOEM. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
 
BSEE. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
 
Capacity utilization rate. A percentage measure that indicates the amount of available capacity that is being used in a refinery or transported through a pipeline. With respect to the crude distillation tower, the rate is calculated by dividing total refinery throughput or total refinery production on a bpd basis by the total capacity of the crude distillation tower (currently 15,000 bpd).
 
CIP. Construction in progress.
 
COVID-19. An infectious disease first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province; the disease has since spread globally, resulting in the ongoing 2019–2021 coronavirus pandemic.
 
Common Stock. Blue Dolphin common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Blue Dolphin has 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock authorized and 12,693,514 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
 
Complexity. A numerical score that denotes, for a given refinery, the extent, capability, and capital intensity of the refining processes downstream of the crude distillation tower. Refinery complexities range from the relatively simple crude distillation tower (“topping unit”), which has a complexity of 1.0, to the more complex deep conversion (“coking”) refineries, which have a complexity of 12.0.
 
Condensate. Liquid hydrocarbons that are produced in conjunction with natural gas. Although condensate is sometimes like crude oil, it is usually lighter.
 
Cost of goods sold. Reflects the cost of crude oil and condensate, fuel use, and chemicals.
 
Crude distillation tower. A tall column-like vessel in which crude oil and condensate is heated and its vaporized components are distilled by means of distillation trays. This process refines crude oil and other inputs into intermediate and finished petroleum products. (Commonly referred to as a crude distillation unit or an atmospheric distillation unit.)
 
Crude oil. A mixture of thousands of chemicals and compounds, primarily hydrocarbons. Crude oil quality is measured in terms of density (light to heavy) and sulfur content (sweet to sour). Crude oil must be broken down into its various components by distillation before these chemicals and compounds can be used as fuels or converted to more valuable products.
 
Depropanizer unit. A distillation column that is used to isolate propane from a mixture containing butane and other heavy components.
 
Distillates. The result of crude distillation and therefore any refined oil product. Distillate is more commonly used as an abbreviated form of middle distillate. There are mainly four (4) types of distillates: (i) very light oils or light distillates (such as naphtha), (ii) light oils or middle distillates (such as our jet fuel), (iii) medium oils, and (iv) heavy oils (such as our low-sulfur diesel and HOBM, reduced crude, and AGO).
 
Distillation. The first step in the refining process whereby crude oil and condensate is heated at atmospheric pressure in the base of a distillation tower. As the temperature increases, the various compounds vaporize in succession at their various boiling points and then rise to prescribed levels within the tower per their densities, from lightest to heaviest. They then condense in distillation trays and are drawn off individually for further refining. Distillation is also used at other points in the refining process to remove impurities.
 
Downtime. Scheduled and/or unscheduled periods in which the crude distillation tower is not operating. Downtime may occur for a variety of reasons, including bad weather, power failures, and preventive maintenance.
 
EIA. Energy Information Administration.
 
EIDL. Economic Injury Disaster Loan; provides economic relief to businesses that experienced a temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19.
 
EPA. Environmental Protection Agency.
 
Eagle Ford Shale. A hydrocarbon-producing geological formation extending across South Texas from the Mexican border into East Texas.
 
Equipment Loan Due 2025. Installment sales contract dated October 13, 2020 between LE and Texas First to purchase a backhoe. LE previously rented the backhoe under a rent-to-own agreement that matured.
 
Exchange Act. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
FASB. Financial Accounting Standards Board.
 
FDIC. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
Feedstocks. Crude oil and other hydrocarbons, such as condensate and/or intermediate products, that are used as basic input materials in a refining process. Feedstocks are transformed into one or more finished products.
 
Finished petroleum products. Materials or products which have received the final increments of value through processing operations, and which are being held in inventory for delivery, sale, or use.
 
Freeport facility. Encompasses processing units for: (i) crude oil and natural gas separation and dehydration, (ii) natural gas processing, treating, and redelivery, and (iii) vapor recovery; also includes two onshore pipelines and 162 acres of land in Freeport, Texas.
 
GEL. GEL Tex Marketing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an affiliate of Genesis Energy, LLC; GEL was awarded damages and attorney fees and related expenses by an arbitrator on August 11, 2017; the parties fully resolved the dispute in August 2019.
 
Gross profit (deficit). Calculated as total revenue less cost of goods sold; reflected as a dollar ($) amount.
 
HOBM. Heavy oil-based mud blendstock; see also “distillates.”
   
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 3
 
 
Glossary of Terms
 
 
  
HUBZone. Historically Underutilized Business Zones program established by the SBA to help small businesses in both urban and rural communities.
 
IBLA. Interior Board of Land Appeals.
 
INC. Incident of Noncompliance issued by BOEM and/or BSEE.
 
Ingleside. Ingleside Crude, LLC, an affiliate of Jonathan Carroll.
 
Intermediate petroleum products. A petroleum product that might require further processing before it is saleable to the ultimate consumer. This further processing might be done by the producer or by another processor. Thus, an intermediate petroleum product might be a final product for one company and an input for another company that will process it further.
 
IRC Section 382. Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, Subtitle A – Income Taxes, Subchapter C – Corporate Distributions and Adjustments, Part V Carryovers, § 382. Limits NOL carryforwards and certain built-in losses following ownership change.
 
IRS. Internal Revenue Service.
 
Jet fuel. A high-quality kerosene product primarily used in aviation. Kerosene-type jet fuel (including Jet A and Jet A-1) has a carbon number distribution between 8 and 16 carbon atoms per molecule; wide-cut or naphtha-type jet fuel (including Jet B) has between 5 and 15 carbon atoms per molecule.
 
LE. Lazarus Energy, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034. Loan Agreement dated June 22, 2015, between LE and Veritex in the original principal amount of $25.0 million; currently in default.
 
LEH. Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Jonathan Carroll and controlling shareholder of Blue Dolphin.
 
LEH Operating Fee. A management fee paid to LEH under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement; calculated as 5% of all consolidated operating costs, excluding crude costs, depreciation, amortization, and interest, of Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, NPS, BDPL, BDPC and BDSC; previously reflected within refinery operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Leasehold interest. The interest of a lessee under an oil and gas lease.
 
Light crude. A liquid petroleum that has a low density and flows freely at room temperature. It has a low viscosity, low specific gravity, and a high American Petroleum Institute gravity due to the presence of a high proportion of light hydrocarbon fractions.
 
LMT. Lazarus Marine Terminal I, LLC, an affiliate of LEH.
 
LRM. Lazarus Refining & Marketing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034. Loan Agreement dated December 4, 2015, between LRM and Veritex in the original principal amount of $10.0 million; currently in default.
 
LTRI. Lazarus Texas Refinery I, an affiliate of LEH.
 
Naphtha. A refined or partly refined light distillate fraction of crude oil. Blended further or mixed with other materials it can make high-grade motor gasoline or jet fuel. It is also a generic term applied to the lightest and most volatile petroleum fractions.
 
Natural gas. A naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, but commonly including varying amounts of other higher alkanes, and sometimes a small percentage of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, or helium.
 
Nixon facility. Encompasses the Nixon refinery, petroleum storage tanks, loading and unloading facilities, and 56 acres of land in Nixon, Texas.
 
Nixon refinery. The 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower and associated processing units in Nixon, Texas.
 
NPS. Nixon Product Storage, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Dolphin.
 
NOL. Net operating losses.
 
Notre Dame Debt. A loan agreement originally entered into between LE and Notre Dame Investors, Inc. in the principal amount of $8.0 million. The debt is currently held by John Kissick. Pursuant to a 2017 sixth amendment, the Notre Dame Debt was amended to increase the principal amount by $3.7 million; the additional principal was used to reduce the arbitration award payable to GEL $3.6 million. The Notre Dame Debt matured in January 2018 and is currently in default.
 
Operating days. Represents the number of days in a period in which the crude distillation tower operated. Operating days is calculated by subtracting downtime in a period from calendar days in the same period.
 
OPEC. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
 
OSHA. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
 
Other conversion costs. Represents the combination of direct labor costs and manufacturing overhead costs. These are the costs that are necessary to convert our raw materials into refined products.
 
Other operating expenses. Represents costs associated with our natural gas processing, treating, and redelivery facility, as well as our pipeline assets and leasehold interests in oil and gas properties.
 
PCAOB. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
 
Petroleum. A naturally occurring flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds. The name petroleum covers both the naturally occurring unprocessed crude oils and petroleum products that are made up of refined crude oil.
 
PHMSA. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
 
Pilot. Pilot Travel Centers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
 
Preferred Stock. Blue Dolphin preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share. Blue Dolphin has 2,500,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized and no shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
 
Product slate. Represents type and quality of products produced.
 
Propane. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. Propane is one of a group of liquified petroleum gases. Others include butane, propylene, butadiene, butylene, isobutylene, and mixtures thereof.
Refined products. Hydrocarbon compounds, such as jet fuel and residual fuel, that are produced by a refinery.
 
Refinery. Within the oil and gas industry, a refinery is an industrial processing plant where crude oil, condensate, and intermediate feeds are separated and transformed into petroleum products.
 
Refining gross profit (deficit) per bbl. Calculated as refinery operations revenue less total cost of goods sold divided by the volume, in bbls, of refined products sold during the period; reflected as a dollar ($) amount per bbl.
 
ROU. Right-of-use.
 
SBA. Small Business Administration.
 
SEC. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Securities Act. The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
Segment margin (deficit). For our refinery operations and tolling and terminaling business segments, represents net revenues (excluding intercompany fees and sales) attributable to the respective business segment less associated intercompany fees and sales less associated operation costs and expenses.
 
Stabilizer unit. A distillation column intended to remove the lighter boiling compounds, such as butane or propane, from a product.
 
Sulfur. Present at various levels of concentration in many hydrocarbon deposits, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas. Also, produced as a by-product of removing sulfur-containing contaminants from natural gas and petroleum. Some of the most commonly used hydrocarbon deposits are categorized per their sulfur content, with lower sulfur fuels usually selling at a higher, or premium, price and higher sulfur fuels selling at a lower, or discounted, price.
 
Texas First. Texas First Rentals, LLC.

Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
September 30, 2020 │Page 4
 
 
Glossary of Terms
 
 
  
Throughput. The volume processed through a unit or a refinery or transported through a pipeline.
 
TMT. Texas margins tax; a form of business tax imposed on an entity’s gross profit rather than on its net income.
 
Topping unit. A type of petroleum refinery that engages in only the first step of the refining process -- crude distillation. A topping unit uses atmospheric distillation to separate crude oil and condensate into constituent petroleum products. A topping unit has a refinery complexity range of 1.0 to 2.0.
 
Total refinery production. Refers to the volume processed as output through the crude distillation tower. Refinery production includes finished petroleum products, such as jet fuel, and intermediate petroleum products, such as naphtha, HOBM and AGO.
 
Turnaround. Scheduled large-scale maintenance activity wherein an entire process unit is taken offline for a week or more for comprehensive revamp and renewal.
 
USACOE. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
 
USDA. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
 
U.S. GAAP. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Veritex. Veritex Community Bank, successor in interest to Sovereign Bank by merger.
 
WSJ prime rate. A measure of the U.S. prime rate as defined by the Wall Street Journal.
 
XBRL. eXtensible Business Reporting Language.
 
Yield. The percentage of refined products that is produced from crude oil and other feedstocks.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 5
 
 
Important Information Regarding Forward Looking Statements
 
 
 
Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This report (including information incorporated by reference) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including, but not limited to, those under “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” All statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation statements regarding expectations regarding revenue, cash flows, capital expenditures, and other financial items, our business strategy, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future operations and profitability, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” “would” and similar terms and phrases. Although we believe our assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, several risks, uncertainties, and other factors could cause actual results and trends to differ materially from those projected, including but not limited to:
 
 Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
 
●
Continued adverse effects to our liquidity, business, financial condition, and results of operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which are expected to continue in 2021.
●
The persistence or worsening of market conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may require us to raise additional capital to operate our business or refinance existing debt on terms that are not acceptable to us or not at all.
●
Continued or further deterioration in demand for our refined products could negatively affect our operations and financial condition.
●
Potential impairment in the carrying value of long-lived assets, which could negatively affect our operating results.
 
Business and Industry
 
●
Our going concern status.
●
Inadequate liquidity to sustain operations due to defaults under our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration and volatility, and historic net losses and working capital deficits.
●
Substantial debt in current liabilities, which is currently in default.
●
Ability to regain compliance with the terms of our outstanding indebtedness.
●
Increased costs of capital or a reduction in the availability of credit.
●
Restrictive covenants in our debt instruments that may limit our ability to undertake certain types of transactions.
●
Affiliate common stock ownership and transactions that could cause conflicts of interest.
●
Operational hazards inherent in refining and natural gas processing operations and in transporting and storing crude oil and condensate and refined products.
●
Geographic concentration of our assets and customers in West Texas.
●
Competition from companies having greater financial and other resources.
●
Environmental laws and regulations that could require us to make substantial capital expenditures to remain in compliance or remediate current or future contamination that could give rise to material liabilities.
●
Strict laws and regulations regarding personnel and process safety.
●
Changes in insurance markets impacting costs and the level and types of coverage available.
●
NOL carryforwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes that are subject to limitation.
●
Failure to keep pace with technological developments in our industry.
●
Direct or indirect effects on our business resulting from actual or threatened terrorist or activist incidents, cyber-security breaches, or acts of war.
●
Negative effects of security threats.
●
Increased activism against oil and natural gas companies.
●
The effects of public health threats, pandemics, and epidemics, such as the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, and the adverse impacts thereof on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.
 
Refinery and Tolling and Terminaling Operations
 
●
Volatility in commodity prices and refined product demand, which adversely affects our refining margins.
●
Price volatility of crude oil, other feedstocks, and fuel and utility services.
●
Availability and costs of crude oil and other feedstocks to operate the Nixon facility.
●
Disruptions due to equipment interruption or failure at the Nixon facility.
●
A potential pivot into other types of business, such as renewable fuels.
●
Changes in our cash flow from operations and working capital requirements, shortfalls for which Affiliates may not fund.
●
Key personnel loss, labor relations, and workplace safety.
●
Loss of market share by and a material change in profitability of our key customers.
●
Loss of business from, or the bankruptcy or insolvency of, one or more of our significant customers.
●
Changes in the cost or availability of third-party vessels, pipelines, trucks, and other means of delivering and transporting crude oil and condensate, feedstocks, and refined products.
●
Sourcing of a substantial amount, if not all, of our crude oil and condensate from the Eagle Ford Shale.
●
Geographic concentration of our refining operations and customers within the Eagle Ford Shale.
●
Severe weather or other events affecting our facilities, or those of our vendors, suppliers, or customers.
●
Regulatory changes, as well as proposed measures that are reasonably likely to be enacted, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
●
Our ability to effect and integrate potential acquisitions.
 
Pipeline and Facilities and Oil and Gas Assets
 
●
Assessment of civil penalties by BOEM for our failure to satisfy orders to provide additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) within the time period prescribed.
●
Assessment of civil penalties by BSEE for our failure to decommission pipeline and platform assets within the time periods prescribed.
 
Common Stock
 
●
Fluctuations in our stock price that may result in substantial investment loss.
●
Declines in our stock price due to share sales by Affiliates.
●
Dilution of the equity of current stockholders and the potential decline of our stock price as a result of the issuance of new Common Stock or Preferred Stock from the large pool of authorized shares that we have available to issue.
●
The potential sale of shares pursuant to Rule 144, which may adversely affect the market.
●
The lack of dividend payments.
●
Failure to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

See also the risk factors described in greater detail under “Item 1A.” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC and elsewhere in this report. All forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us on the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Blue Dolphin,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or “ours” refer to Blue Dolphin Energy Company, one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries, or all of them taken as a whole.
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 6
 
 
 
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 PART I
 
 ITEM 1. 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands except share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cash and cash equivalents
 $521 
 $549 
 Restricted cash
  48 
  48 
 Accounts receivable, net
  170 
  214 
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  1,060 
  3,564 
 Deposits
  110 
  124 
 Inventory
  1,099 
  1,062 
 Total current assets
  3,008 
  5,561 
 
    
    
 LONG-TERM ASSETS
    
    
 Total property and equipment, net
  61,856 
  62,497 
 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
  458 
  498 
 Restricted cash, noncurrent
  - 
  514 
 Surety bonds
  230 
  230 
 Total long-term assets
  62,544 
  63,739 
 
    
    
 TOTAL ASSETS
 $65,552 
 $69,300 
 
    
    
 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
    
    
 CURRENT LIABILITIES
    
    
 Long-term debt less unamortized debt issue costs, current portion (in default)
 $33,724 
 $33,692 
 Line of credit payable less unamortized debt issue costs (in default)
  7,169 
  8,042 
 Long-term debt, related party, current portion (in default)
  16,351 
  16,010 
 Interest payable (in default)
  7,001 
  6,408 
 Interest payable, related party (in default)
  2,974 
  2,814 
 Accounts payable
  2,689 
  3,274 
 Accounts payable, related party
  155 
  155 
 Current portion of lease liabilities
  199 
  194 
 Asset retirement obligations, current portion
  2,370 
  2,370 
 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
  4,689 
  4,882 
 Total current liabilities
  77,321 
  77,841 
 
    
    
 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    
    
 Long-term lease liabilities, net of current
  319 
  370 
 Deferred revenues
  1,523 
  1,520 
 Long-term debt, net of current portion
  349 
  355 
 Total long-term liabilities
  2,191 
  2,245 
 
    
    
 TOTAL LIABILITIES
  79,512 
  80,086 
 
    
    
 Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
    
    
 
    
    
 STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
    
    
 Common stock ($0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 12,693,514
    
    
 shares issued and outstanding at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020)
  127 
  127 
 Additional paid-in capital
  38,457 
  38,457 
 Accumulated deficit
  (52,544)
  (49,370)
 TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
  (13,960)
  (10,786)
 
    
    
 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 $65,552 
 $69,300 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 7
 
 
 
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands, except share and per-share amounts)
 
REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery operations
 $58,483 
 $60,897 
Tolling and terminaling
  930 
  1,103 
 
    
    
Total revenue from operations
  59,413 
  62,000 
 
    
    
COST OF GOODS SOLD
    
    
    Crude oil, fuel use, and chemicals
  57,783 
  59,720 
    Other conversion costs
  1,840 
  2,368 
        Total cost of goods sold
  59,623 
  62,088 
 
    
    
Gross deficit
  (210)
  (88)
 
    
    
COST OF OPERATIONS
    
    
LEH operating fee
  124 
  147 
Other operating expenses
  54 
  59 
General and administrative expenses
  658 
  644 
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
  693 
  633 
 
    
    
Total cost of operations
  1,529 
  1,483 
 
    
    
Loss from operations
  (1,739)
  (1,571)
 
    
    
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
    
    
 
    
    
Easement, interest and other income
  2 
  20 
Interest and other expense
  (1,480)
  (1,774)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
  43 
  - 
Total other expense
  (1,435)
  (1,754)
 
    
    
Loss before income taxes
  (3,174)
  (3,325)
 
    
    
Income tax expense
  - 
  (15)
 
    
    
Net loss
 $(3,174)
 $(3,340)
 
    
    
 
    
    
Loss per common share:
    
    
Basic
 $(0.25)
 $(0.27)
Diluted
 $(0.25)
 $(0.27)
 
    
    
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
    
    
Basic
  12,693,514 
  12,327,365 
Diluted
  12,693,514 
  12,327,365 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 8
 
 
 
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
(in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Net loss
 $(3,174)
 $(3,340)
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
    
    
used in operating activities:
    
    
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
  693 
  633 
Deferred income tax
  - 
  15 
Amortization of debt issue costs
  32 
  220 
Guaranty fees paid in kind
  152 
  153 
Related-party interest expense paid in kind
  225 
  68 
Deferred revenues and expenses
  3 
  (122)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
  (43)
  - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
    
  - 
Accounts receivable
  44 
  (879)
Accounts receivable, related party
  - 
  1,364 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  2,504 
  1,496 
Deposits and other assets
  14 
  (16)
Inventory
  (37)
  832 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
  (40)
  (683)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  373 
  (259)
 
    
    
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Capital expenditures
  - 
  (198)
Net cash used in investing activities
  - 
  (198)
 
    
    
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Proceeds from debt
  - 
  (696)
Payments on debt
  (879)
  - 
Net activity on related-party debt
  (36)
  1,350 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  (915)
  654 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
  (542)
  197 
 
    
    
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
  1,111 
  668 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD
 $569 
 $865 
 
    
    
Supplemental Information:
    
    
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
    
    
Interest paid
 $287 
 $361 
Income taxes paid (refunded)
 $- 
 $- 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 9
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)
Organization
 
Overview
Blue Dolphin is an independent downstream energy company operating in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Our subsidiaries operate a light sweet-crude, 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower with approximately 1.2 million bbls of petroleum storage tank capacity in Nixon, Texas. Blue Dolphin was formed in 1986 as a Delaware corporation and is traded on the OTCQX under the ticker symbol “BDCO”.
 
Our assets are primarily organized in two segments: refinery operations (owned by LE) and tolling and terminaling services (owned by LRM and NPS). Subsidiaries that are reflected in corporate and other include BDPL (inactive pipeline and facilities assets), BDPC (inactive leasehold interests in oil and gas wells), and BDSC (administrative services). See “Note (4)” to our consolidated financial statements for more information about our business segments.
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “we,” “us,” “our,” or “ours,” refer to Blue Dolphin, one or more of its consolidated subsidiaries or all of them taken as a whole.
 
Affiliates
Affiliates controlled approximately 82% of the voting power of our Common Stock as of the filing date of this report. An Affiliate operates and manages all Blue Dolphin properties and funds working capital requirements during periods of working capital deficits, and an Affiliate is a significant customer of our refined products. Blue Dolphin and certain of its subsidiaries are currently parties to a variety of agreements with Affiliates. See “Note (3)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate agreements, arrangements, and risks associated with working capital deficits.
 
Going Concern
Management has determined that certain factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. As discussed more fully below, these factors include inadequate liquidity to sustain operations due to defaults under our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration and volatility, and historic net losses and working capital deficits. Our consolidated financial statements assume we will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our ability to continue as a going concern depends on sustained positive operating margins and having working capital for, amongst other requirements, purchasing crude oil and condensate and making payments on long-term debt. Without positive operating margins and working capital, our business will be jeopardized, and we may not be able to continue. If we are unable to make required debt payments, we would likely have to consider other options, such as selling assets, raising additional debt or equity capital, cutting costs or otherwise reducing our cash requirements, or negotiating with our creditors to restructure our applicable obligations, including a potential bankruptcy filing.
 
Defaults Under Secured Loan Agreements. We are currently in default under certain of our secured loan agreements with third parties and related parties. As a result, the debt associated with these obligations was classified within the current portion of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
 
Third-Party Defaults
 
●
Veritex Loans – Defaults under the LE Term Loan Due 2034 and LRM Term Loan Due 2034 permit Veritex to declare the amounts owed under these loan agreements immediately due and payable, exercise its rights with respect to collateral securing obligors’ obligations under these loan agreements, and/or exercise any other rights and remedies available. Any exercise by Veritex of its rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations. Veritex exercising its rights would also adversely impact the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in its entirety. We can provide no assurance that: (i) our assets or cash flow will be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our secured loan agreements with Veritex, either upon maturity or if accelerated, (ii) LE and LRM will be able to refinance or restructure the payments of the debt, and/or (iii) Veritex, as first lien holder, will provide future default waivers. The borrowers continue in active dialogue with Veritex. As of the filing date of this report, payments under the Veritex loans were current, but other defaults remained outstanding.
 
●
Amended Pilot Line of Credit – Upon maturity of the Pilot Line of Credit in May 2020, Pilot sent NPS, as borrower, and LRM, LEH, LE and Blue Dolphin, each a guarantor and collectively guarantors, a notice demanding the immediate payment of the unpaid principal amount and all interest accrued and unpaid, and all other amounts owing or payable (the “Pilot Obligations”). Pursuant to the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, commencing on May 4, 2020, the Pilot Obligations began to accrue interest at a default rate of fourteen percent (14%) per annum. Failure of the borrower or any guarantor of paying the past due Pilot Obligations constituted an event of default. Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 10
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Pursuant to a June 1, 2020 notice, Pilot began applying Pilot’s payment obligations to NPS under each of (a) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank Nos. 67, 71, 72, 73, 77, and 78), dated as of May 2019, between NPS and Pilot, and (b) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank No. 56), dated as of June 1, 2019, between NPS and Pilot, against NPS’ payment obligations to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Such tank lease setoff amounts only partially satisfy NPS’ obligations under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, and Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including, without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the tank lease setoff amounts totaled $0.6 million and $0, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the amount of interest NPS incurred under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit totaled $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
 
On November 23, 2020, NPS and guarantors received notice from Pilot that the entry into the SBA EIDLs was a breach of the Amended Pilot Line of Credit and Pilot demanded full repayment of the Pilot Obligations, including through use of the proceeds of the SBA EIDLs. Pilot also notified the SBA that the liens securing the SBA EIDLs are junior to those securing the Pilot Obligations. While the SBA acknowledged this point and indicated a willingness to subordinate the SBA EIDLs, no further action has been taken by Pilot as of the filing date of this report.
 
Any exercise by Pilot of its rights and remedies under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations. NPS and guarantors continue in active dialogue with Pilot to reach a negotiated settlement, and we believe that Pilot hopes to continue working with NPS to settle the Pilot Obligations. NPS and guarantors are also working on the possible refinance of amounts owing and payable under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. However, progress with potential lenders has been slow due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. NPS’s ability to repay, refinance, replace or otherwise extend this credit facility is dependent on, among other things, business conditions, our financial performance, and the general condition of the financial markets. Given the current financial markets, we could be forced to undertake alternate financings, including a sale of additional common stock, negotiate for an extension of the maturity, or sell assets and delay capital expenditures in order to generate proceeds that could be used to repay such indebtedness. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to consummate any such transaction on terms that are commercially reasonable, on terms acceptable to us or at all. If new debt or other liabilities are added to the Company’s current consolidated debt levels, the related risks that it now faces could intensify. In the event we are unsuccessful in such endeavors, NPS may be unable to pay the amounts outstanding under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, which may require us to seek protection under bankruptcy laws. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
●
Notre Dame Debt – Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034. To date, no payments have been made under the subordinated Notre Dame Debt and the holder of the Notre Dame Debt has taken no action as a result of the non-payment.
 
Our financial health could be materially and adversely affected by defaults in our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration and volatility, historic net losses and working capital deficits, as well as termination of the crude supply agreement or terminal services agreement with Pilot, which could impact our ability to acquire crude oil and condensate. In addition, sustained periods of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial constraints on producers, which in turn has resulted in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, our refinery experienced 1 day of downtime as a result of lack of crude due to cash constraints.
 
Related-Party Defaults
Affiliates controlled approximately 82% of the voting power of our Common Stock as of the filing date of this report, an Affiliate operates and manages all Blue Dolphin properties, an Affiliate is a significant customer of our refined products, and we borrow from Affiliates during periods of working capital deficits. Replated party debt, which is currently in default, represents such working capital borrowings.
 
Margin Deterioration and Volatility. Our refining margins generally improve in an environment of higher crude oil and refined product prices, and where the spread between crude oil prices and refined product prices widen. In 2020, steps taken early on to address the COVID-19 pandemic globally and nationally, including government-imposed temporary business closures and voluntary shelter-at-home directives, caused oil prices to decline sharply. In addition, actions by members of the OPEC and other producer countries with respect to oil production and pricing significantly impacted supply and demand in global oil and gas markets. As COVID-19 vaccinations increase, global economic activity rises, and the OPEC and partner countries limit crude oil production, there is cautious optimism that the economy will improve in the short-term. However, oil and refined product prices and demand are expected to remain volatile for the foreseeable future, despite signs of recovery during the first quarter of 2021. We cannot predict when prices and demand will stabilize, and we are currently unable to estimate the impact these events will have on our future financial position and results of operations. Accordingly, we expect that these events will continue to have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations throughout 2021.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 11
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Historic Net Losses and Working Capital Deficits
Net Losses. Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $3.2 million, or a loss of $0.25 per share, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million, or a loss of $0.27 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Net losses in both periods were the result of unfavorable refining margins per bbl. The net loss during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was also due to 10 days of refinery downtime associated with Winter Storm Uri.
 
Working Capital Deficits. We had a working capital deficit of $74.3 million and $72.3 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Excluding the current portion of long-term debt, we had a working capital deficit of $24.2 million and $22.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash (current portion), and restricted cash, noncurrent were as follow:
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
 (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $521 
 $549 
Restricted cash (current portion)
  48 
  48 
Restricted cash, noncurrent
  - 
  514 
Total
 $569 
 $1,111 
 
Operating Risks
Successful execution of our business strategy depends on several key factors, including, having adequate working capital to meet operational needs and regulatory requirements, maintaining safe and reliable operations at the Nixon facility, meeting contractual obligations, and having favorable margins on refined products. We are currently unable to estimate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our future financial position and results of operations. Under earlier state and federal mandates that regulated business closures, our business was deemed as an essential business and, as such, remained open. As U.S. federal, state, and local officials roll out COVID-19 vaccines, we expect to continue operating. Any governmental mandates, while necessary to address the virus, will result in further business and operational disruptions, including demand destruction, liquidity strains, supply chain challenges, travel restrictions, controls on in-person gathering, and workforce availability.
 
Management believes that it has taken all prudent steps to mitigate risk, avoid business disruptions, manage cash flow, and remain competitive in a low oil price environment. We are managing cash flow by optimizing receivables and payables by prioritizing payments, managing inventory to avoid buildup, monitoring discretionary spending, and delaying capital expenditures. At the Nixon facility, we adjust throughput and production based on prevailing market conditions. With regard to personnel, we have adopted remote working where possible. Where on-site operations are required, personnel are required to wear masks and practice social distancing. We also implemented other site-specific precautionary measures to reduce the risk of exposure and have restricted non-essential business travel. Personnel, customers, and partners are also encouraged to collaborate virtually.
 
There can be no assurance that our business strategy will be successful, that Affiliates will continue to fund our working capital needs when we experience working capital deficits, that we will meet regulatory requirements to provide additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) and decommission offshore pipelines and platform assets, that we will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that margins on our refined products will be favorable. Further, if Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
(2)
Principles of Consolidation and Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include Blue Dolphin and its subsidiaries, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim consolidated financial information pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC under Article 10 of Regulation S-X and the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in our audited financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation. In management’s opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, disclosures are adequate, and the presented information is not misleading.
 
The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 was derived from the audited financial statements at that date. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, or for any other period.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 12
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Significant Accounting Policies
The summary of significant accounting policies of Blue Dolphin is presented to assist in understanding our consolidated financial statements. Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are representations of management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to GAAP and have been consistently applied in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
 
Use of Estimates. The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental responses, volatility in commodity prices, and severe weather resulting from climate change have impacted and likely will continue to impact our business. We assessed certain accounting matters that generally require consideration of forecasted financial information in context with the information reasonably available to us and the unknown future impacts of COVID-19 as of March 31, 2021 and through the filing date of this report. The accounting matters assessed included, but were not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory and related reserves, and the carrying value of long-lived assets.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents represent liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash balances are maintained in depository and overnight investment accounts with financial institutions that, at times, may exceed insured deposit limits. We monitor the financial condition of the financial institutions and have experienced no losses associated with these accounts.
 
Restricted Cash. Restricted cash, current portion primarily represents a payment reserve account held by Veritex as security for payments under a loan agreement. Restricted cash, noncurrent represents funds held in the Veritex disbursement account for payment of construction related expenses to complete building new petroleum storage tanks.
 
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Accounts receivable are presented net of any necessary allowance(s) for doubtful accounts. Receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established, when necessary, based on prior experience and other factors which, in management's judgment, deserve consideration in estimating bad debts.  Management assesses collectability of the customer’s account based on current aging status, collection history, and financial condition.  Based on a review of these factors, management establishes or adjusts the allowance for specific customers and the entire accounts receivable portfolio.  We had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.1 million at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
 
Inventory. Inventory primarily consists of refined products, crude oil and condensate, and chemicals. Inventory is valued at lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined by the average cost method, and net realizable value determined based on estimated selling prices less associated delivery costs. If the net realizable value of our refined products inventory declines to an amount less than our average cost, we record a write-down of inventory and an associated adjustment to cost of goods sold. See “Note (7)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to inventory.
 
Property and Equipment.
Refinery and Facilities. During 2020, we safely completed a 5-year capital improvement expansion project of the Nixon facility that included construction of new storage tanks, smaller efficiency improvements, and the acquisition of refurbished refinery equipment for later deployment. We typically make ongoing improvements to the Nixon facility based on operational needs, technological advances, and safety and regulatory requirements. Additions to refinery and facilities assets are capitalized, and expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. We record refinery and facilities at cost less any adjustments for depreciation or impairment. Adjustment of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation accounts are made for the refinery and facilities asset’s retirement and disposal, with the resulting gain or loss included in the consolidated statements of operations. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation of refinery and facilities assets is computed using the straight-line method using an estimated useful life of 25 years beginning when the refinery and facilities assets are placed in service. We did not record any impairment of our refinery and facilities assets for the periods presented.
 
Pipelines and Facilities. Our pipelines and facilities are recorded at cost less any adjustments for depreciation or impairment. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 22 years. In accordance with FASB ASC guidance, we performed periodic impairment testing of our pipeline and facilities assets in 2016. Upon completion of testing, our pipeline assets were fully impaired at December 31, 2016. All pipeline transportation services to third parties have ceased, existing third-party wells along our pipeline corridor have been permanently abandoned, and no new third-party wells are being drilled near our pipelines. Although we planned to decommission the offshore pipelines and platform assets during 2020, decommissioning of these assets has been delayed due to cash constraints associated with the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and winter being the offseason for dive operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We cannot currently estimate when decommissioning may occur.
 
Oil and Gas Properties. Our oil and gas properties are accounted for using the full-cost method of accounting, whereby all costs associated with acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties, including directly related internal costs, are capitalized on a cost center basis.  Amortization of such costs and estimated future development costs are determined using the unit-of-production method. All leases associated with our oil and gas properties have expired, and our oil and gas properties were fully impaired in 2011.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 13
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
CIP. CIP expenditures, including capitalized interest, relate to construction and refurbishment activities and equipment for the Nixon facility. These expenditures are capitalized as incurred. Depreciation begins once the asset is placed in service. See “Note (8)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to our refinery and facilities assets, oil and gas properties, pipelines and facilities assets, and CIP.
 
Leases. We evaluate if a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. If we determine that a contract is or contains a lease, we recognize ROU asset and lease liability at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The present value of the lease payments is determined by using the implicit rate when readily determinable. If not determinable, we use the incremental borrowing rate to discount lease payments to present value. Lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options.
 
We recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for leasing arrangements with terms greater than one year. We account for lease and non-lease components in a contract as a single lease component for all classes of underlying assets. We allocate the consideration in these contracts based on pricing information contained in the lease.
 
Expense for an operating lease is recognized as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is reflected in the appropriate income statement line item based on the leased asset’s function. Amortization expense of a finance lease ROU asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the useful life of the leased asset or the lease term. However, if the lease transfers ownership of the finance lease ROU asset to us at the end of the lease term, the finance lease ROU asset is amortized over the useful life of the leased asset. Amortization expense is reflected in ‘depreciation and amortization expense.’ Interest expense is incurred based on the carrying value of the lease liability and is reflected in ‘interest and other expense.
 
Revenue Recognition.
Refinery Operations Revenue. Revenue from the sale of refined products is recognized when the product is sold to the customer in fulfillment of performance obligations. Each load of refined product is separately identifiable and represents a distinct performance obligation to which the transaction price is allocated. Performance obligations are met when control is transferred to the customer. Control is transferred to the customer when the product has been lifted or, in cases where the product is not lifted immediately (bill and hold arrangements), when the product is added to the customer’s bulk inventory as stored at the Nixon facility.
 
We consider a variety of facts and circumstances in assessing the point of control transfer, including but not limited to: whether the purchaser can direct the use of the refined product, the transfer of significant risks and rewards, our rights to payment, and transfer of legal title. In each case, the term between the sale and when payment is due is not significant. Transportation, shipping, and handling costs incurred are included in cost of goods sold. Excise and other taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in revenue.
 
Tolling and Terminaling Revenue. Tolling and terminaling revenue represents fees pursuant to: (i) tank storage agreements, whereby a customer agrees to pay a certain fee per tank based on tank size over a period of time for the storage of products and (ii) tolling agreements, whereby a customer agrees to pay a certain fee per gallon or barrel for throughput volumes moving through the naphtha stabilizer unit and a fixed monthly reservation fee for use of the naphtha stabilizer unit.
 
We typically satisfy performance obligations for tolling and terminaling operations with the passage of time. We determine the transaction price at agreement inception based on the guaranteed minimum amount of revenue over the term of the agreement. We allocate the transaction price to the single performance obligation that exists under the agreement, and we recognize revenue in the amount for which we have a right to invoice. Generally, payment terms do not exceed 30 days.
 
Revenue from tank storage customers may, from time to time, include fees for ancillary services, such as in-tank and tank-to-tank blending. These services are considered optional to the customer, and the price we charge for such services is not included in the fixed cost under the customer’s tank storage agreement. Ancillary services are considered a separate performance obligation by us under the tank storage agreement. The performance obligation is satisfied when the requested service has been performed in the applicable period.
 
Deferred Revenue. We record deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance. An increase in the deferred revenue balance reflects cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by recognized revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period. Deferred revenue represents a liability as of the balance sheet date related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized. We record deferred revenue when we receive consideration under a contract before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 14
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as operating losses and tax credit carryforwards using currently enacted tax rates and laws in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. We record a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets if it is more likely than not that those assets will not be realized. The provision for income taxes comprises our current tax liability and change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities.
 
Significant judgment is required in evaluating uncertain tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. As of each reporting date, we consider new evidence, both positive and negative, to determine the realizability of deferred tax assets. We consider whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all the deferred tax assets will be realized, which is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income prior to the expiration of any NOL carryforwards. When we determine that it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was cumulative losses incurred over the three-year period ended March 31, 2021. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as projections for future growth. Based on this evaluation, we recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets for which realization was not deemed more likely than not as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. In addition, we have NOL carryforwards that remain available for future use.
 
The benefit of an uncertain tax position is recognized in the financial statements if it meets a minimum recognition threshold. A determination is first made as to whether it is more likely than not that the income tax position will be sustained, based upon technical merits, upon examination by the taxing authorities. If the income tax position is expected to meet the more-likely-than-not criteria, the benefit recorded in the financial statements equals the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon its ultimate settlement. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were no uncertain tax positions for which a reserve or liability was necessary. See “Note (14)” to our consolidated financial statements for more information related to income taxes.
 
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment. Additionally, we evaluate our long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. The carrying value is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or group of assets. If the carrying value exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset or group of assets is recognized. Significant management judgment is required in the forecasting of future operating results that are used in the preparation of projected cash flows and, should different conditions prevail or judgments be made, material impairment charges could be necessary.
 
The market volatility of commodity prices as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could affect the value of certain of our long-lived assets. Management evaluated our refinery and facilities assets for impairment as of March 31, 2021. No impairment was deemed necessary based upon this testing, and we did not record any impairment of our refinery and facilities assets for the periods presented.
 
Asset Retirement Obligations. We record a liability for the discounted fair value of an ARO in the period incurred, and we also capitalize the corresponding cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted towards its future value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, a gain or loss is recognized.
 
We have concluded that there is no legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities assets. Further, we believe that these assets have indeterminate lives because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities assets arises and a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of these assets, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that cost using present value techniques.
 
We recorded an ARO liability related to future asset retirement costs associated with dismantling, relocating, or disposing of our offshore platform, pipeline systems, and related onshore facilities, as well as for plugging and abandoning wells and restoring land and sea-beds. Cost estimates for each of our assets were developed based upon regulatory requirements, structural makeup, water depth, reservoir characteristics, reservoir depth, equipment demand, current retirement procedures, and construction and engineering consultations. Estimating future costs are difficult and require management to make judgments that are subject to future revisions based upon numerous factors, including changing technology, political, and regulatory environments. We review our assumptions and estimates of future abandonment costs on an annual basis. See “Note (12)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information related to AROs.
 
Computation of Earnings Per Share. We present basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares of common stock were converted to common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. The number of shares related to restricted stock included in diluted EPS is based on the “Treasury Stock Method.” We do not currently have issued options, warrants, or similar instruments. Convertible shares, if granted, are not included in the computation of earnings per share if anti-dilutive. See “Note (15)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information related to EPS.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 15
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
New Pronouncements Adopted. The FASB issues ASUs to communicate changes to the FASB ASC, including changes to non-authoritative SEC content. Recently adopted ASUs include:
 
Codification Improvements. In October 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-10, Codification Improvements. The amendments in this guidance affected a wide variety of topics in the ASC by either clarifying the codification or correcting unintended application of guidance. The changes did not have a significant effect on accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost burden to most entities. For all reporting entities, the amendments in ASU 2020-10 were effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
New Pronouncements Issued, Not Yet Effective.
 
Other new pronouncements issued but not yet effective are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
 
(3)
Related-Party Transactions
Affiliate Operational Agreements Summary
Blue Dolphin and certain of its subsidiaries are party to several operational agreements with Affiliates. Management believes that these related-party transactions were consummated on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm's-length transactions. Related-party agreements related to Blue Dolphin’s operations consist of the following:
 
Agreement/Transaction
Parties
Effective Date
Key Terms
Jet Fuel Sales Agreement
LEH - LE
04/01/2021
1-year term expiring earliest to occur of 03/31/2022 plus 30-day carryover or delivery of maximum jet fuel quantity; LEH bids on jet fuel contracts under preferential pricing terms due to a HUBZone certification
Office Sub-Lease Agreement
LEH - BDSC
01/01/2018
68-month term expiring 08/31/2023; office lease Houston, Texas; includes 6-month rent abatement period; rent approximately $0.02 million per month
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement
LEH – Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, NPS, BDPL, BDPC and BDSC
04/01/2020
3-year term; expires 04/01/2023 or notice by either party at any time of material breach or 90 days Board notice; LEH receives management fee of 5% of all consolidated operating costs, excluding crude costs, depreciation, amortization and interest, of Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, NPS, BDPL, BDPC and BDSC
 
Working Capital
We have historically depended on Affiliates for financing when revenue from operations and borrowings under bank facilities are insufficient to meet our liquidity and working capital needs. Such borrowings are reflected in our consolidated balance sheets in accounts payable, related party, and/or long-term debt, related party.
 
Related-Party Long-Term Debt
 
Loan Description
Parties
Maturity Date
Interest Rate
Loan Purpose
March Carroll Note (in default)
Jonathan Carroll – Blue Dolphin
Jan 2019
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; reflects amounts owed to Jonathan Carroll under the guaranty fee agreements
March Ingleside Note (in default)
Ingleside – Blue Dolphin
Jan 2019
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital
June LEH Note (in default)
LEH – Blue Dolphin
Jan 2019
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; reflects amounts owed to LEH under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement (in default)(1)
LEH - BDPL
Aug 2018
16.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital
Amended and Restated Guaranty Fee Agreement(2)
Jonathan Carroll - LE
--
2.00%
Tied to payoff of LE $25 million Veritex loan
Amended and Restated Guaranty Fee Agreement(2)
Jonathan Carroll - LRM
--
2.00%
Tied to payoff of LRM $10 million Veritex loan
(1)
The original principal amount of the BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement was $4.0 million.
(2)
As a condition for our secured loan agreements with Veritex, Jonathan Carroll was required to personally guarantee repayment of borrowed funds and accrued interest. Under the guaranty fee agreements, Mr. Carroll is entitled to receive guaranty fees. The fees are payable 50% in cash and 50% in Common Stock. The Common Stock portion is paid quarterly. For the foreseeable future, management does not intend to pay Mr. Carroll the cash portion due to Blue Dolphin’s working capital deficits. The cash portion will continue to accrue and be added to the outstanding principal balance owed to Mr. Carroll under the March Carroll Note.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 16
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Guarantees, Security and Defaults
 
Loan Description
Guarantees
Security
Event(s) of Default
March Carroll Note (in default)
---
---
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
March Ingleside Note (in default)
---
---
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
June LEH Note (in default)
---
---
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement
---
Secured by certain BDPL property
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured August 2018
 
Covenants
The BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement contains representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default that we consider usual and customary for a credit facility of this type. There are no covenants associated with the March Carroll Note, March Ingleside Note, or June LEH Note.
 
Related-Party Financial Impact
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Accounts payable, related party. Accounts payable, related party to LTRI related to the purchase of refinery equipment totaled $0.2 million at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
 
Long-term debt, related party, current portion (in default) and accrued interest payable, related party.
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
  (in thousands)  
 
LEH
 
 
 
 
 
 
June LEH Note (in default)
 $9,588 
 $9,446 
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement
  6,974 
  6,814 
LEH Total
  16,562 
  16,260 
Ingleside
    
    
March Ingleside Note (in default)
  1,031 
  1,013 
Jonathan Carroll
    
    
March Carroll Note (in default)
  1,732 
  1,551 
 
  19,325 
  18,824 
 
    
    
Less: Long-term debt, related party, current portion, in default
  (16,351)
  (16,010)
Less: Accrued interest payable, related party (in default)
  (2,974)
  (2,814)
 
 $- 
 $- 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 17
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Total revenue from operations.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2021  
 
 
2020  
 
 
(in thousands, except percents)
Refinery operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LEH
 $16,080 
  27.1%
 $17,715 
  28.6%
Third-Parties
  42,403 
  71.3%
  43,182 
  69.6%
Tolling and terminaling
Third-Parties
  930 
  1.6%
  1,103 
  1.8%
 
 $59,413 
  100.0%
 $62,000 
  100.0%
 
Interest expense.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
(in thousands)
Jonathan Carroll
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guaranty Fee Agreements
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Term Loan Due 2034
 $108 
 $108 
Second Term Loan Due 2034
  45 
  45 
March Carroll Note (in default)
  29 
  23 
LEH
    
    
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement (in default)
  160 
  160 
June LEH Note (in default)
  182 
  25 
Ingleside
    
    
March Ingleside Note (in default)
  14 
  20 
 
 $538 
 $381 
 
Other. Lease payments received under the office sub-lease agreement with LEH totaled approximately $0.01 million for both three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The LEH operating fee was also relatively flat, totaling approximately $0.1 million for both three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
 
(4)
Revenue and Segment Information
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 18
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
We have two reportable business segments: (i) refinery operations and (ii) tolling and terminaling. Refinery operations relate to the refining and marketing of petroleum products at our 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower. Tolling and terminaling operations relate to tolling and storage terminaling services under third-party lease agreements. Both operations are conducted at the Nixon facility. Corporate and other includes BDSC, BDPL and BDPC.
 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
 
Disaggregation of Revenue. Revenue is presented in the table below under “Segment Information” disaggregated by business segment because this is the level of disaggregation that management has determined to be beneficial to users of our financial statements.
 
Receivables from Contracts with Customers. Our receivables from contracts with customers are presented as receivables, net on our consolidated balance sheets.
 
Contract Liabilities. Our contract liabilities from contracts with customers consist of unearned revenue and are included in accrued expenses and presented in “Note (9)” to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Remaining Performance Obligations. Most of our contracts with customers are spot contracts and therefore have no remaining performance obligations.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 19
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Segment Information. Business segment information for the periods indicated (and as of the dates indicated) was as follows:
 
 
 
 Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Net revenue (excluding intercompany fees and sales)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery operations
 $58,483 
 $60,897 
Tolling and terminaling
  930 
  1,103 
Total net revenue
  59,413 
  62,000 
 
    
    
Intercompany fees and sales
    
    
Refinery operations
  (566)
  (617)
Tolling and terminaling
  566 
  617 
Total intercompany fees
  - 
  - 
 
    
    
Operation costs and expenses(1)
    
    
Refinery operations
  (59,289)
  (61,833)
Tolling and terminaling
  (334)
  (255)
Corporate and other
  (54)
  (59)
Total operation costs and expenses
  (59,677)
  (62,147)
 
    
    
Segment contribution margin (deficit)
    
    
Refinery operations
  (1,372)
  (1,553)
Tolling and terminaling
  1,162 
  1,465 
Corporate and other
  (54)
  (59)
Total segment contribution margin (deficit)
  (264)
  (147)
 
    
    
General and administrative expenses(2)
    
    
Refinery operations
  (301)
  (304)
Tolling and terminaling
  (68)
  (68)
Corporate and other
  (413)
  (419)
Total general and administrative expenses
  (782)
  (791)
 
    
    
Depreciation and amortization
    
    
Refinery operations
  (302)
  (288)
Tolling and terminaling
  (340)
  (294)
Corporate and other
  (51)
  (51)
Total depreciation and amortization
  (693)
  (633)
 
    
    
 
Interest and other non-operating expenses, net
 
Refinery operations
  (598)
  (741)
Tolling and terminaling
  (452)
  (770)
Corporate and other
  (385)
  (243)
Total interest and other non-operating expenses, net
  (1,435)
  (1,754)
 
    
    
Income (loss) before income taxes
    
    
Refinery operations
  (2,573)
  (2,886)
Tolling and terminaling
  302 
  333 
Corporate and other
  (903)
  (772)
Total loss before income taxes
  (3,174)
  (3,325)
 
    
    
Income tax expense
  - 
  (15)
 
    
    
Net loss
 $(3,174)
 $(3,340)
 
(1)
Operation costs include cost of goods sold. Also, operation costs within: (a) tolling and terminaling includes terminal operating expenses and an allocation of other costs (e.g., insurance and maintenance) and (b) corporate and other includes expenses related to BDSC, BDPC and BDPL.
(2)
General and administrative expenses within refinery operations include the LEH operating fee.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 20
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
 (in thousands)    
 
Capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery operations
 $- 
 $6 
Tolling and terminaling
  - 
  192 
Corporate and other
  - 
  - 
Total capital expenditures
 $- 
 $198 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
 (in thousands)    
 
Identifiable assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery operations
 $45,186 
 $48,521 
Tolling and terminaling
  18,527 
  18,722 
Corporate and other
  1,839 
  2,057 
Total identifiable assets
 $65,552 
 $69,300 
 
(5)
Concentration of Risk
 
Bank Accounts
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of risk consist primarily of cash, trade receivables and payables. We maintain cash balances at financial institutions in Houston, Texas. The FDIC insures certain financial products up to a maximum of $250,000 per depositor. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had cash balances (including restricted cash) that exceeded the FDIC insurance limit per depositor of approximately $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
 
Key Supplier
Operation of the Nixon refinery depends on our ability to purchase adequate amounts of crude oil and condensate. We have a long-term crude supply agreement in place with Pilot. The crude supply agreement, the initial term of which is volume based, expires when Pilot sells us 24.8 million net bbls of crude oil. Thereafter, the crude supply agreement automatically renews for successive one-year terms (each such term, a “Renewal Term”) unless either party provides the other with notice of nonrenewal at least 60 days prior to expiration of any Renewal Term. Total volume billed under the crude supply agreement totaled approximately 5.8 million bbls as of March 31, 2021. Effective March 1, 2020, Pilot assigned its rights, title, interest, and obligations in the crude supply agreement to Tartan Oil LLC, a Pilot affiliate. Sustained periods of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial constraints on producers, which in turn has resulted in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, our refinery experienced 1 day and no days, respectively, of downtime as a result of lack of crude due to cash constraints.
 
Pilot also stores crude oil at the Nixon facility under two terminal services agreements. Under the terminal services agreements, Pilot stores crude oil at the Nixon facility at a specified rate per bbl of the storage tank’s shell capacity. Although the initial term of the terminal services agreement expired April 30, 2020, the agreement renewed on a one-year evergreen basis. Either party may terminate the terminal services agreement by providing the other party 60 days prior written notice. However, the terminal services agreement will automatically terminate upon expiration or termination of the crude supply agreement.
 
Beginning on June 1, 2020, Pilot began applying payment obligations owed to NPS under two terminal services agreements against NPS’ payment obligations to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the tank lease setoff amounts totaled $0.6 million and $0, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the amount of interest NPS incurred under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit totaled $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. See “Note (1) Organization – Going Concern” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to defaults in our debt obligations. On November 23, 2020, NPS and guarantors received notice from Pilot that the entry into the SBA EIDLs was a breach of the Amended Pilot Line of Credit and Pilot demanded full repayment of the Pilot Obligations, including through use of the proceeds of the SBA EIDLs. Pilot also notified the SBA that the liens securing the SBA EIDLs are junior to those securing the Pilot Obligations. While the SBA acknowledged this point and indicated a willingness to subordinate the SBA EIDLs, no further action has been taken by Pilot as of the filing date of this report.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 21
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Our financial health could be materially and adversely affected by defaults in our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration and volatility, historic net losses and working capital deficits, as well as termination of the crude supply agreement or terminal services agreement with Pilot, which could impact our ability to acquire crude oil and condensate. In addition, sustained periods of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial constraints on producers, which in turn has resulted in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, our refinery experienced 1 day of downtime as a result of lack of crude due to cash constraints. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations.
 
Significant Customers
 
We routinely assess the financial strength of our customers and have not experienced significant write-downs in accounts receivable balances. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk exposure is limited.
 
 
 
Number Significant
Customers
 
 
% Total Revenue from Operations
 
 
Portion of Accounts Receivable
at March 31,
 
 
(in thousands, except percents)
March 31, 2021
  4 
  90%
 $0 
 
    
    
    
March 31, 2020
  4 
  94%
 
$0.6 million
 
 
One of our significant customers is LEH, an Affiliate. The Affiliate purchases our jet fuel under a Jet Fuel Sales Agreement and bids on jet fuel contracts under preferential pricing terms due to a HUBZone certification. The Affiliate accounted for 27% and 29% of total revenue from operations in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Affiliate represented $0 in accounts receivable at both March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amounts outstanding relating to the Jet Fuel Sales Agreement can significantly vary period to period based on the timing of the related sales and payments received. Amounts we owed to LEH under various long-term debt, related-party agreements totaled $16.6 million and $16.3 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. See “Notes (3) and (16)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to transactions with Affiliates.
 
Concentration of Customers. Our customer base is concentrated on refined petroleum product wholesalers. This customer concentration may impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, as our customers are likely similarly affected by economic changes. This includes the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated volatility in the global oil markets. Historically, we have had no significant problems collecting our accounts receivable.
 
Refined Product Sales. We sell our products primarily in the U.S. within PADD 3. Occasionally we sell refined products to customers that export to Mexico. Total refined product sales by distillation (from light to heavy) for the periods indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
   (in thousands, except percents)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LPG mix
 $6 
  0.0%
 $- 
  0%
Naphtha
  14,224 
  24.3%
  11,515 
  18.9%
Jet fuel
  16,080 
  27.5%
  17,715 
  29.1%
HOBM
  15,663 
  26.8%
  15,191 
  24.9%
AGO
  12,510 
  21.4%
  16,476 
  27.1%
 
 $58,483 
  100.0%
 $60,897 
  100.0%
 
An Affiliate, LEH, purchases all of our jet fuel. See “Notes (3) and (16)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate transactions.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 22
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
(6)
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
(in thousands)
Prepaid insurance
 $556 
 $1,182 
Prepaid crude oil and condensate
  383 
  2,249 
Prepaid easement renewal fees
  93 
  99 
Other prepaids
  28 
  34 
 
 $1,060 
 $3,564 
 
(7)
Inventory
 
Inventory as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
  March 31,
 
 
  December 31,
 
 
 
2021  
 
 
2020  
 
 
 
(in thousands)    
 
Crude oil and condensate
 $608 
 $463 
Chemicals
  175 
  271 
Naphtha
  164 
  120 
AGO
  121 
  133 
Propane
  25 
  15 
LPG mix
  6 
  6 
HOBM
  - 
  54 
 
 $1,099 
 $1,062 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 23
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
(8)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 
Property, plant and equipment, net, as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
  March 31,
 
 
  December 31,
 
 
 
2021  
 
 
2019  
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Refinery and facilities
 $72,184 
 $72,184 
Land
  566 
  566 
Other property and equipment
  903 
  903 
 
  73,653 
  73,653 
 
    
    
Less: Accumulated depletion, depreciation, and amortiation
  (15,861)
  (15,220)
 
  57,792 
  58,433 
 
    
    
CIP
  4,064 
  4,064 
 
 $61,856 
 $62,497 
 
We capitalize interest cost incurred on funds used to construct property, plant, and equipment. Capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset it relates to and is depreciated over the asset’s useful life. Capitalized interest cost, which is included in CIP, was $0 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Capital expenditures for expansion at the Nixon facility were funded by long-term debt from Veritex, revenue from operations, and working capital from Affiliates. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, unused amounts for capital expenditures derived from Veritex loans were reflected in restricted cash (current and non-current portions) on our consolidated balance sheets. See “Note (10)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to working capital deficits and borrowings for capital spending.
 
(9)
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
  March 31,
 
 
  December 31,
 
 
 
2021  
 
 
2020  
 
 
 
(in thousands)  
 
Unearned revenue from contracts with customers
 $3,489 
 $3,421 
Unearned contract renewal income
  400 
  500 
Insurance
  181 
  541 
Other payable
  176 
  252 
Customer deposits
  173 
  10 
Taxes payable
  137 
  58 
Board of director fees payable
  133 
  100 
 
 $4,689 
 $4,882 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 24
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
(10)
Third-Party Long-Term Debt
 
Loan Agreements Summary
 
 
 
Loan Description
 
 
 
Parties
Original Principal Amount
(in millions)
 
 
Maturity Date
 
Monthly Principal and Interest Payment
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Loan Purpose
Veritex Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
LE-Veritex
$25.0
Jun 2034
$0.2 million
WSJ Prime + 2.75%
Refinance loan; capital improvements
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
LRM-Veritex
$10.0
Dec 2034
$0.1 million
WSJ Prime + 2.75%
Refinance bridge loan; capital improvements
Notre Dame Debt (in default)(2)(3)
LE-Kissick
$11.7
Jan 2018
No payments to date; payment rights subordinated
16.00%
Working capital; reduced arbitration award payable to GEL
SBA EIDLs
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2050(4)
LE-SBA
$0.15
Aug 2050
$0.0007 million
3.75%
Working capital
NPS Term Loan Due 2050(4)
NPS-SBA
$0.15
Aug 2050
$0.0007 million
3.75%
Working capital
Equipment Loan Due 2025(5)
LE-Texas First
$0.07
Oct 2025
$0.0013 million
4.50%
Equipment Lease Conversion
(1)
Proceeds were placed in a disbursement account whereby Veritex makes payments for construction related expenses. Amounts held in the disbursement account are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash (current portion) and restricted cash (noncurrent). At March 31, 2021, restricted cash (current portion) was $0.05 million and restricted cash, noncurrent was $0. At December 31, 2020, restricted cash (current portion) was $0.05 million and restricted cash, noncurrent was $0.5 million.
(2)
LE originally entered into a loan agreement with Notre Dame Investors, Inc. in the principal amount of $8.0 million. The debt is currently held by John Kissick. Pursuant to a 2017 sixth amendment, the Notre Dame Debt was amended to increase the principal amount by $3.7 million; the additional principal was used to reduce the arbitration award payable to GEL by $3.6 million.
(3)
Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034.
(4)
Payments are deferred for the first twelve (12) months of the loan; the first payment is due August 2021; interest accrues during the deferral period. SBA EIDLs are not forgivable.
(5)
In May 2019, LE entered into a 12-month equipment rental agreement with the option to purchase the backhoe at maturity. The equipment rental agreement matured in May 2020. In October 2020, LE entered into the Equipment Loan Due 2025 to finance the purchase of the backhoe. The backhoe continues to be used at the Nixon facility.
 
Outstanding Principal, Debt Issue Costs, and Accrued Interest
 
Third-party long-term debt (outstanding principal and accrued interest), as of the dates indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)  
 
Veritex Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
 $23,104 
 $22,840 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  9,601 
  9,473 
Notre Dame Debt (in default)
  9,613 
  9,413 
SBA EIDLs
    
    
LE Term Loan 2050
  153 
  152 
NPS Term Loan 2050
  153 
  152 
Equipment Loan Due 2025
  65 
  71 
 
  42,689 
  42,101 
 
    
    
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net
  (33,724)
  (33,692)
Less: Unamortized debt issue costs
  (1,718)
  (1,749)
Less: Accrued interest payable (in default)
  (6,898)
  (6,305)
 
 $349 
 $355 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 25
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Unamortized debt issue costs associated with the Veritex loans as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)  
 
Veritex Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
 $1,674 
 $1,674 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  768 
  768 
 
    
    
Less: Accumulated amortization
  (724)
  (693)
 
 $1,718 
 $1,749 
 
Amortization expense was $0.03 million for both three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
 
Accrued interest related to third-party long-term debt, reflected as accrued interest payable in our consolidated balance sheets, as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)  
 
Notre Dame Debt (in default)
 $4,635 
 $4,435 
Veritex Loans
    
    
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  1,559 
  1,295 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  698 
  571 
SBA EIDLs
    
    
LE Term Loan 2050
  3 
  2 
NPS Term Loan 2050
  3 
  2 
 
  6,898 
  6,305 
Less: Accrued interest payable (in default)
  (6,898)
  (6,305)
Long-term Interest Payable, Net of Current Portion
 $- 
 $- 
 
Payment Deferments
 
Veritex Loans. In April 2020, LE and LRM were each granted a two-month deferment period on their respective Veritex loans commencing from April 22, 2020 to June 22, 2020. During the deferment period, LE and LRM were not obligated to make payments and interest continued to accrue at the stated rates of the loans. Upon expiration of the deferment period: (i) Veritex re-amortized the loan such that future payments on principal and interest were adjusted based on the remaining principal balances and loan terms, and (ii) all other terms of the loans reverted to the original terms, and previous defaults were reinstated. The deferment did not address LE’s requirement to replenish the $1.0 million payment reserve account. Principal and interest payments resumed on July 22, 2020. As of the filing date of this report, LE and LRM were in default with respect to required monthly payments under the secured loan agreements with Veritex. Other defaults remain outstanding as noted below under “Defaults”.
 
SBA EIDLs. Payments under the SBA loans are deferred for the first twelve (12) months. Interest accrues during the deferral period. Principal and interest payments begin in August 2021.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 26
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Guarantees and Security
 
Loan Description
Guarantees
Security
Veritex Loans(1)
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
●
100% USDA-guarantee
●
Jonathan Carroll personal guarantee
●
LEH, LRM and Blue Dolphin cross-guarantee
●
First priority lien on Nixon facility’s business assets (excluding accounts receivable and inventory)
●
Assignment of all Nixon facility contracts, permits, and licenses
●
Absolute assignment of Nixon facility rents and leases, including tank rental income
●
$1.0 million payment reserve account held by Veritex
●
$5.0 million life insurance policy on Jonathan Carroll
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
●
100% USDA-guarantee
●
Jonathan Carroll personal guarantee
●
LEH, LE and Blue Dolphin cross-guarantee
●
Second priority lien on rights of LE in crude distillation tower and other collateral of LE
●
First priority lien on real property interests of LRM
●
First priority lien on all LRM fixtures, furniture, machinery, and equipment
●
First priority lien on all LRM contractual rights, general intangibles, and instruments, except with respect to LRM rights in its leases of certain specified tanks for which Veritex has second priority lien
●
All other collateral as described in the security documents
Notre Dame Debt (in default)(2)
---
●
Subordinated deed of trust that encumbers the crude distillation tower and general assets of LE
SBA EIDLs(3)
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2050
---
●
Business assets (e.g., machinery and equipment, furniture, fixtures, etc.) as more fully described in the security agreement
NPS Term Loan Due 2050
---
●
Business assets (e.g., machinery and equipment, furniture, fixtures, etc.) as more fully described in the security agreement
Equipment Loan Due 2025
---
●
First priority security interest in the equipment (backhoe).
(1)
As a condition of the LE Term Loan Due 2034 and LRM Term Loan Due 2034, Jonathan Carroll was required to personally guarantee repayment of borrowed funds and accrued interest.
(2)
Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034.
(3)
On November 23, 2020, NPS and guarantors received notice from Pilot that the entry into the SBA EIDLs was a breach of the Amended Pilot Line of Credit and Pilot demanded full repayment of the Pilot Obligations, including through use of the proceeds of the SBA EIDLs. Pilot also notified the SBA that the liens securing the SBA EIDLs are junior to those securing the Pilot Obligations. While the SBA acknowledged this point and indicated a willingness to subordinate the SBA EIDLs, no further action has been taken by Pilot as of the filing date of this report.
 
The USDA, acting through its agencies, administers a federal rural credit program that makes direct loans and guarantees portions of loans made and serviced by USDA-qualified lenders for various purposes. Each USDA guarantee is a full faith and credit obligation of the U.S. with the USDA guaranteeing up to 100% of the principal amount. The lender for a USDA-guaranteed loan, in our case Veritex, is required by regulations to retain both the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of the loan, to service the entire underlying loan, and to remain mortgage and/or secured party of record. Both the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of the loan are to be secured by the same collateral with equal lien priority. The USDA-guaranteed portion of a loan cannot be paid later than, or in any way be subordinated to, the related unguaranteed portion. See “Notes (3) and (16)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate agreements and transactions, including long-term debt guarantees.
 
Covenants
 
The Veritex loans and SBA EIDLs contain representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default that we consider usual and customary for credit facilities of this type. There are no covenants associated with the Notre Dame Debt and the Equipment Loan Due 2025.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 27
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Defaults
 
Loan Description
Event(s) of Default
Covenant Violations
Veritex Loans
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
 
 
Failure to make required monthly payments; failure to replenish $1.0 million payment reserve account; events of default under other secured loan agreements with Veritex
Financial covenants:
●
debt service coverage ratio, current ratio, and debt to net worth ratio
 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
Failure to make required monthly payments; events of default under other secured loan agreements with Veritex
Financial covenants:
●
debt service coverage ratio, current ratio, and debt to net worth ratio
Notre Dame Debt (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
---
 
 
 
As reflected in the table above and elsewhere in this report, we are in default under the LE Term Loan Due 2034, LRM Term Loan Due 2034, and the Notre Dame Debt. Defaults under the LE Term Loan Due 2034 and LRM Term Loan Due 2034 permit Veritex to declare the amounts owed under these loan agreements immediately due and payable, exercise its rights with respect to collateral securing obligors’ obligations under these loan agreements, and/or exercise any other rights and remedies available. The debt associated with the LE Term Loan Due 2034, LRM Term Loan Due 2034, and the Notre Dame Debt was classified within the current portion of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
 
Any exercise by Veritex of its rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
We can provide no assurance that: (i) our assets or cash flow will be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our secured loan agreements with Vertitex, either upon maturity or if accelerated, (ii) LE and LRM will be able to refinance or restructure the payments of the debt, and/or (iii) Veritex, as first lien holder, will provide future default waivers. Defaults under our secured loan agreements and any exercise by Veritex of its rights and remedies related to such defaults may have a material adverse effect on the trading prices of our common stock and on the value of an investment in our common stock, and holders of our common stock could lose their investment in our common stock in its entirety. See “Notes (1) and (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding defaults under our secured loan agreements and their potential effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
 
(11)
Line of Credit Payable
 
Line of Credit Agreement Summary
 
 
 
Line of Credit Description
Original
Principal Amount
(in millions)
 
Maturity Date
 
Monthly Principal and Interest Payment
 
Interest Rate
 
Loan Purpose
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
$13.0
May 2020
----
14.00%
Settlement payment to GEL, NPS purchase of crude oil from Pilot, and working capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 28
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Outstanding Principal, Debt Issue Costs, and Accrued Interest
 
Line of credit payable, which represents outstanding principal and accrued interest, as of the dates indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
 $7,272 
 $8,145 
 
    
    
Less: Interest payable, short-term
  (103)
  (103)
 
 $7,169 
 $8,042 
 
Guarantees and Security
 
Loan Description
Guarantees
Security
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
●
Blue Dolphin pledged its equity interests in NPS to Pilot to secure NPS’ obligations;
●
Blue Dolphin, LE, LRM, and LEH have each guaranteed NPS’ obligations.
●
NPS receivables;
●
NPS assets, including a tank lease (the “Tank Lease”);
●
LRM receivables.
 
In an Agreement Regarding Attornment of Tank Leases dated April 30, 2019 between Veritex, LE, NPS, and Pilot, Veritex in its capacity as a secured lender of LE and LRM, agreed to permit the continued performance of obligations under a certain tank lease agreement if it were to foreclose on LE property that NPS was leasing from LE so long as certain conditions were met. The effectiveness of the Agreement Regarding Attornment of Tank Leases was subject to certain conditions, including the agreement and concurrence of the USDA that the Agreement Regarding Attornment of Tank Leases does not impair or void the LE Term Loan Due 2034 and LRM Term Loan Due 2034 or any associated guarantees. Veritex used commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such USDA concurrence, however, to date such USDA concurrence has not been provided.
 
Covenants
 
The Amended Pilot Line of Credit contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default.
 
Defaults
 
Loan Description
Event(s) of Default
Covenant Violations
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
 
 
Failure of borrower or any guarantor to pay past due obligations; loan matured May 2020
---
 
 
 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 29
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
As reflected in the table above and elsewhere in this report, we are in default under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Upon maturity of the Amended Pilot Line of Credit in May 2020, Pilot sent NPS, as borrower, and LRM, LEH, LE and Blue Dolphin, each a guarantor and collectively guarantors, a notice demanding the immediate payment of the Pilot Obligations. Pursuant to the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, commencing on May 4, 2020, the Pilot Obligations began to accrue interest at a default rate of fourteen percent (14%) per annum. Failure of the borrower or any guarantor of paying the past due Pilot Obligations constituted an event of default. Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity.
 
Pursuant to a June 1, 2020 notice, Pilot began applying Pilot’s payment obligations to NPS under each of (a) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank Nos. 67, 71, 72, 73, 77, and 78), dated as of May 2019, between NPS and Pilot, and (b) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank No. 56), dated as of June 1, 2019, between NPS and Pilot, against NPS’ payment obligations to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Such tank lease setoff amounts only partially satisfy NPS’ obligations under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, and Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including, without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the tank lease setoff amounts totaled $0.6 million and $0, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the amount of interest NPS incurred under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit totaled $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
 
On November 23, 2020, NPS and guarantors received notice from Pilot that the entry into the SBA EIDLs was a breach of the Amended Pilot Line of Credit and Pilot demanded full repayment of the Pilot Obligations, including through use of the proceeds of the SBA EIDLs. Pilot also notified the SBA that the liens securing the SBA EIDLs are junior to those securing the Pilot Obligations. While the SBA acknowledged this point and indicated a willingness to subordinate the SBA EIDLs, no further action has been taken by Pilot as of the filing date of this report.
 
Any exercise by Pilot of its rights and remedies under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations. NPS and guarantors continue in active dialogue with Pilot to reach a negotiated settlement, and we believe that Pilot hopes to continue working with NPS to settle the Pilot Obligations. NPS and guarantors are also working on the possible refinance of amounts owing and payable under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. However, progress with potential lenders has been slow due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. NPS’s ability to repay, refinance, replace or otherwise extend this credit facility is dependent on, among other things, business conditions, our financial performance, and the general condition of the financial markets. Given the current financial markets, we could be forced to undertake alternate financings, including a sale of additional common stock, negotiate for an extension of the maturity, or sell assets and delay capital expenditures in order to generate proceeds that could be used to repay such indebtedness. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to consummate any such transaction on terms that are commercially reasonable, on terms acceptable to us or at all. If new debt or other liabilities are added to the Company’s current consolidated debt levels, the related risks that it now faces could intensify. In the event we are unsuccessful in such endeavors, NPS may be unable to pay the amounts outstanding under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, which may require us to seek protection under bankruptcy laws. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
(12)
AROs
 
Refinery and Facilities
 
Management has concluded that there is no legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities assets. Management believes that the refinery and facilities assets have indeterminate lives under FASB ASC guidance for estimating AROs because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a legal or contractual obligation to dismantle or remove the refinery and facilities assets arises and a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of these assets, we will estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that cost using present value techniques.
 
Pipelines and Facilities and Oil and Gas Properties
 
We have AROs associated with the decommissioning of our pipelines and facilities assets, as well as the plugging and abandonment of our oil and gas properties. We recorded a discounted liability for the fair value of an ARO with a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset at the time the asset was installed or placed in service, and we depreciated the amount added to property and equipment and recognized accretion expense relating to the discounted liability over the remaining life of the asset. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the liability was fully accreted. See “Note (16)” to our consolidated financial statements for disclosures related to decommissioning of our offshore pipelines and platform assets and related risks.
 
ARO liability as of the dates indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AROs, at the beginning of the period
 $2,370 
 $2,565 
Liabilities settled
  - 
  (195)
 
  2,370 
  2,370 
Less: AROs, current portion
  (2,370)
  (2,370)
Long-term AROs, at the end of the period
 $- 
 $- 
 
Liabilities settled reflects preparatory costs in the period associated with decommissioning our offshore pipelines and platform assets.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 30
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
(13)
Lease Obligations
 
Lease Obligations
 
Operating Lease
Office Lease. BDSC has an office lease related to our headquarters office in Houston, Texas. The 68-month operating lease expires in 2023. BDSC has the option to extend the lease term for one additional five (5) year period if notice of intent to extend is provided to the lessor at least twelve (12) months before the end of the current term. Pursuant to a letter dated March 29, 2021, TR 801 Travis LLC, a Delaware limited partnership, informed BDSC that it was in default under its office lease. BDSC’s failure to pay past due obligations, including rent installments and other charges, constituted an event of default. The parties reached an agreement to cure the default. See “Note (17) Subsequent Events” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to the Houston office lease.
 
An Affiliate, LEH, subleases a portion of the Houston office space.  Sublease income received from LEH totaled approximately $0.01 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. See “Note (3)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to the Affiliate sub-lease.
 
The following table presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheet:
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)    
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease ROU assets
 Operating lease ROU assets
 $787 
 $787 
Less: Accumulated amortization on operating lease assets
 Operating lease ROU assets
  (329)
  (289)
 
    
    
Total lease assets
 
  458 
  498 
 
    
    
Liabilities
 
    
    
Current
 
    
    
Operating lease
 Current portion of lease liabilities
  199 
  194 
 
  199 
  194 
Noncurrent
 
    
    
Operating lease
 Long-term lease liabilities, net of current
  319 
  370 
Total lease liabilities
 
 $518 
 $564 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 31
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Weighted average remaining lease term in years
Operating lease
  2.42 
Weighted average discount rate
    
Operating lease
  8.25%
Finance leases
  8.25%
 
    
 
The following table presents information related to lease costs for operating and finance leases:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,  
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
   (in thousands)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating lease costs
 $51 
 $51 
Finance lease costs:
    
    
Depreciation of leased assets
  - 
  6 
Interest on lease liabilities
  - 
  2 
Total lease cost
 $51 
 $59 
 
The table below presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,    
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement
 
 
 
 
 
 
of lease liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating cash flows for operating lease
 $47 
 $88 
Operating cash flows for finance leases
 $- 
 $2 
Financing cash flows for finance leases
 $- 
 $6 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 32
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2021, maturities of lease liabilities for the periods indicated were as follows:
 
March 31,
 
Operating Lease
 
 
 
 (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2021
 $199 
2022
  220 
2023
  99 
 
    
 
 $518 
 
Future minimum annual lease commitments that are non-cancelable:
 
 
 
Operating
 
March 31,
 
 Lease
 
 
 
 (in thousands)
 
2021
 $233 
2022
  237 
2023
  101 
 
 $571 
 
(14)
Income Taxes
 
Tax Provision
 
The provision for income tax expense for the periods indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Current
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 $- 
 $(15)
State
  - 
  - 
Deferred
    
    
Federal
  667 
  698 
State
  - 
    
Change in valuation allowance
  (667)
  (698)
 
    
    
Total provision for income taxes
 $- 
 $(15)
 
The TMT is treated as an income tax for financial reporting purposes.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 33
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)  
 
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOL and capital loss carryforwards
 $15,773 
 $15,258 
Business interest expense
  3,693 
  3,343 
Start-up costs (crude oil and condensate processing facility)
  488 
  509 
ARO liability/deferred revenue
  498 
  498 
Other
  4 
  3 
Total deferred tax assets
  20,456 
  19,611 
 
    
    
Deferred tax liabilities:
    
    
Basis differences in property and equipment
  (7,409)
  (7,230)
Total deferred tax liabilities
  (7,409)
  (7,230)

  13,047 
  (7,230)
 
    
    
Valuation allowance
  (13,047) 
  (12,381)
 
    
    
Deferred tax assets, net
 $- 
 $- 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis, as well as from NOL carryforwards. We state those balances at the enacted tax rates we expect will be in effect when taxes are paid. NOL carryforwards and deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce future taxable income.
 
NOL Carryforwards. Under IRC Section 382, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” is subject to limitations on its use of pre-change NOL carryforwards to offset future taxable income. Within the meaning of IRC Section 382, an “ownership change” occurs when the aggregate stock ownership of certain stockholders (generally 5% shareholders, applying certain look-through rules) increases by more than fifty (50) percentage points over such stockholders' lowest percentage ownership during the testing period (generally three years). For income tax purposes, we experienced ownership changes in 2005, relating to a series of private placements, and in 2012, because of a reverse acquisition, that limit the use of pre-change NOL carryforwards to offset future taxable income. In general, the annual use limitation equals the aggregate value of common stock at the time of the ownership change multiplied by a specified tax-exempt interest rate. The 2012 ownership change will subject approximately $16.3 million in NOL carryforwards that were generated prior to the ownership change to an annual use limitation of approximately $0.6 million per year. Unused portions of the annual use limitation amount may be used in subsequent years. Because of the annual use limitation, approximately $6.7 million in NOL carryforwards that were generated prior to the 2012 ownership change will expire unused. NOL carryforwards that were generated after the 2012 ownership change and prior to 2018 are not subject to an annual use limitation under IRC Section 382 and may be used for a period of 20 years in addition to available amounts of NOL carryforwards generated prior to the ownership change.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 34
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
NOL Carryforwards. NOL carryforwards that remained available for future use for the periods indicated were as follow (amounts shown are net of NOLs that will expire unused because of the IRC Section 382 limitation):
 
 
 
Net Operating Loss Carryforward
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-Ownership Change
 
 
Post-Ownership Change
 
 
Total
 
 
 
  (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2019
  9,614 
  43,058 
  52,672 
 
    
    
    
Net operating losses
  - 
  13,305 
  13,305 
 
    
    
    
Balance at December 31, 2020
 $9,614 
 $56,363 
 $65,977 
 
    
    
    
Net operating losses
  (1,718)
  2,456 
  738 
 
    
    
    
Balance at March 31, 2021
 $7,896 
 $58,819 
 $66,715 
 
Valuation Allowance. As of each reporting date, management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, to determine the realizability of deferred tax assets. Management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all the deferred tax assets will be realized, which is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income prior to the expiration of any NOL carryforwards. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, management determined that cumulative losses incurred over the prior three-year period provided significant objective evidence that limited the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as projections for future growth. Based on this evaluation, we recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets for which realization was not deemed more likely than not as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
 
(15)
Earnings Per Share
 
A reconciliation between basic and diluted income per share for the periods indicated was as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
   (in thousands
 
 
 
except share and per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 $(3,174)
 $(3,340)
 
    
    
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share
 $(0.25)
 $(0.27)
 
    
    
Basic and Diluted
    
    
Weighted average number of shares of
    
    
 
common stock outstanding and potential
 
dilutive shares of common stock
  12,693,514 
  12,327,365 
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 35
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was the same as basic EPS as there were no stock options or other dilutive instruments outstanding.
 
(16)
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement
 
See “Note (3)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to operation and management of all Blue Dolphin properties by an Affiliate under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement.
 
BSEE Offshore Pipelines and Platform Decommissioning
 
BDPL has pipelines and platform assets that are subject to BSEE’s idle iron regulations. Idle iron regulations mandate lessees and rights-of-way holders to permanently abandon and/or remove platforms and other structures when they are no longer useful for operations. Until such structures are abandoned or removed, lessees and rights-of-way holders are required to inspect and maintain the assets in accordance with regulatory requirements.
 
In December 2018, BSEE issued an INC to BDPL for failure to flush and fill Pipeline Segment No. 13101. Management met with BSEE on August 15, 2019 to address BDPL’s plans with respect to decommissioning its offshore pipelines and platform assets. BSEE proposed that BDPL re-submit permit applications for pipeline and platform decommissioning, along with a safe boarding plan for the platform, within six (6) months (no later than February 15, 2020), and develop and implement a safe boarding plan for submission with such permit applications. Further, BSEE proposed that BDPL complete approved, permitted work within twelve (12) months (no later than August 15, 2020). BDPL timely submitted permit applications for decommissioning of the subject offshore pipelines and platform assets to BSEE on February 11, 2020 and the USACOE on March 25, 2020. Although we planned to decommission the offshore pipelines and platform assets during 2020, decommissioning of these assets has been delayed due to cash constraints associated with the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and winter being the offseason for dive operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We cannot currently estimate when decommissioning may occur. In the interim, BDPL provides BSEE with updates regarding the project’s status.
 
In April 2020, BSEE issued another INC to BDPL for failure to perform the required structural surveys for the GA-288C Platform. BDPL requested an extension to the INC related to the structural platform surveys, and BSEE approved BDPL’s extension request. The required platform surveys were completed, and the INC was resolved in June 2020.
 
Lack of permit approvals does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to remedy the BSEE INCs or of BSEE’s authority to impose financial penalties. If BDPL fails to complete decommissioning of the offshore pipelines and platform assets and/or remedy the INCs within a timeframe determined to be prudent by BSEE, BDPL could be subject to regulatory oversight and enforcement, including but not limited to failure to correct an INC, civil penalties, and revocation of BDPL’s operator designation, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows and liquidity.
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BSEE INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021. At both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, BDPL maintained $2.4 million in AROs related to abandonment of these assets.
 
Defaults Under Secured Loan Agreements with Third Parties
 
See “Notes (1), (3), (10), and (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to defaults under our secured and unsecured debt agreements.
 
Financing Agreements and Guarantees
 
Indebtedness. See “Notes (1), (3), (10), and (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for disclosures related to Affiliate and third-party indebtedness and defaults thereto.
 
Guarantees. Affiliates provided guarantees on certain debt of Blue Dolphin and its subsidiaries. The maximum amount of any guarantee is equal to the principal amount and accrued interest, which amounts are reduced as payments are made. See “Notes (1), (3), (10), and (11)” to our consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures related to Affiliate and third-party guarantees associated with indebtedness and defaults thereto.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 36
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Health, Safety and Environmental Matters
 
The operations of certain Blue Dolphin subsidiaries are subject to extensive federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations governing, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of petroleum products and hazardous substances; the emission and discharge of materials into the environment; waste management; characteristics and composition of jet fuel and other products; and the monitoring, reporting and control of air emissions. These operations also require numerous permits and authorizations under various environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations. Failure to obtain and comply with these permits or environmental, health, or safety laws generally could result in fines, penalties or other sanctions, or a revocation of our permits.
 
Legal Matters
 
BOEM Additional Financial Assurance (Supplemental Pipeline Bonds). To cover the various obligations of lessees and rights-of-way holders operating in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, BOEM evaluates an operator’s financial ability to carry out present and future obligations to determine whether the operator must provide additional security beyond the statutory bonding requirements. Such obligations include the cost of plugging and abandoning wells and decommissioning pipelines and platforms at the end of production or service activities. Once plugging and abandonment work has been completed, the collateral backing the financial assurance is released by BOEM.
 
BDPL has historically maintained $0.9 million in financial assurance to BOEM for the decommissioning of its trunk pipeline offshore in federal waters. Following an agency restructuring of the financial assurance program, in March 2018 BOEM ordered BDPL to provide additional financial assurance totaling approximately $4.8 million for five (5) existing pipeline rights-of-way within sixty (60) calendar days. In June 2018, BOEM issued BDPL INCs for each right-of-way that failed to comply. BDPL appealed the INCs to the IBLA, and the IBLA granted multiple extension requests that extended BDPL’s deadline for filing a statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. On August 9, 2019, BDPL timely filed its statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. Considering BDPL’s August 2019 meeting with BOEM and BSEE, BDPL requested a stay in the IBLA matter until August 2020. The Office of the Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior was agreeable to a 10-day extension while it conferred with BOEM on BDPL’s stay request. In late October 2019, BDPL filed a motion to request the 10-day extension, which motion was subsequently granted by the IBLA. The solicitor’s office consented to an additional 14-day extension for BDPL to file its reply, and BDPL filed a motion to request the 14-day extension in November 2019. The solicitor’s office indicated that BOEM would not consent to further extensions. However, the solicitor’s office signaled that BDPL’s adherence to the milestones identified in an August 15, 2019 meeting between management and BSEE may help in future discussions with BOEM related to the INCs. Decommissioning of these assets will significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of financial assurance required by BOEM, which may serve to partially or fully resolve the INCs. Although we planned to decommission the offshore pipelines and platform assets during 2020, decommissioning of these assets has been delayed due to cash constraints associated with the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and winter being the offseason for dive operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We cannot currently estimate when decommissioning may occur. In the interim, BDPL provides BOEM and BSEE with updates regarding the project’s status.
 
BDPL’s pending appeal of the BOEM INCs does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to provide additional financial assurance or of BOEM’s authority to impose financial penalties. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bond) requirements. If BDPL is required by BOEM to provide significant additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) or is assessed significant penalties under the INCs, we will experience a significant and material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, and financial condition.
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BOEM INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021. At both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, BDPL maintained approximately $0.9 million in credit and cash-backed pipeline rights-of-way bonds issued to BOEM.
 
Other Legal Matters. We are involved in lawsuits, claims, and proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business, including mechanic’s liens, contract-related disputes, and administrative proceedings. Management is in discussion with all concerned parties and does not believe that such matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, earnings, or cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that such discussions will result in a manageable outcome. If Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies due to defaults under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 37
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
(17)
Subsequent Events
 
BDSC Office Lease Default
 
On May 11, 2021, BDSC and TR 801 Travis LLC reached an agreement to cure BDSC’s Houston office lease default. Under the terms of the arrangement, BDSC will pay TR 801 Travis LLC past due obligations, including rent installments and other charges totaling approximately $0.1 million (the “Past Due Obligations”), in equal monthly installments beginning June 1, 2021 and continuing through the August 31, 2023 lease expiration date. The Past Due Obligations shall be subject to an annual percentage rate of 4.50%. As revised, BDSC’ monthly base rent plus the prorated portion of the Past Due Obligations will approximate $0.02 million.
 
BDEC EIDL
 
On May 11, 2021, BDEC executed the standard loan documents required to secure an EIDL through the SBA for COVID-19 pandemic relief. The principal amount of the loan is $0.5 million. Proceeds will be used for working capital purposes. Interest on the loan accrues at the rate of 3.75% per annum and will accrue from the date of loan. Installment payments, including principal and interest, total $.003 million per month and will begin eighteen (18) months from the date of the loan. The balance of principal and interest is payable over a 30-year term. SBA EIDLs are not forgivable. Jonathan Carroll and LEH, an Affiliate, provided gurantees of the debt. The debt is subject to certain customary covenants and default provisions.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 38
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
 ITEM 2.  
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis is our analysis of our financial performance, financial condition, and significant trends that may affect future performance. All statements in this section, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements that are inherently uncertain. See “Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these statements. You should read the following discussion together with the financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, as well as with the business strategy, risk factors, and financial statements and related notes included thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.  
 
Overview
Blue Dolphin is an independent downstream energy company operating in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. Our subsidiaries operate a light sweet-crude, 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower with approximately 1.2 million bbls of petroleum storage tank capacity in Nixon, Texas. Blue Dolphin was formed in 1986 as a Delaware corporation and is traded on the OTCQX under the ticker symbol “BDCO”.
 
Our assets are primarily organized in two segments: refinery operations (owned by LE) and tolling and terminaling services (owned by LRM and NPS). Subsidiaries that are reflected in corporate and other include BDPL (inactive pipeline and facilities assets), BDPC (inactive leasehold interests in oil and gas wells), and BDSC (administrative services). For more information related to our business segments, see “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note (4)”.
 
Affiliates
Affiliates controlled approximately 82% of the voting power of our Common Stock as of the filing date of this report. An Affiliate operates and manages all Blue Dolphin properties and funds working capital requirements during periods of working capital deficits, and an Affiliate is a significant customer of our refined products. Blue Dolphin and certain of its subsidiaries are currently parties to a variety of agreements with Affiliates. See “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note (3)” for additional disclosures related to Affiliate agreements, arrangements, and risks associated with working capital deficits.
 
Business Operations Update
In 2020, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted worldwide economic and commercial activity and financial markets, as well as global demand for petroleum products. As a result of commodity price volatility and decreased demand for our products, our business results and cash flows were significantly adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and throughout the first quarter of 2021. As vaccine rollouts ramp up around the world, travel restrictions are pared back, and OPEC and other producer countries re-balance inventories, we are cautiously optimistic that the global economy, oil demand, and commodity prices will recover from the impact of the pandemic.
 
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to take measures to lessen the impact on our operations and limit the spread of the virus among personnel. We operate the Nixon facility at reduced rates based on market conditions and staffing levels, and we adjust the facility’s operating rate in response to market and other conditions. We careful evaluate projects and, as a result, have limited or postponed projects and other non-essential work. We have also planned capital expenditures at a level we believe will satisfy all required safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. With regard to personnel, we have adopted remote working where possible. Where on-site operations are required, personnel are required to wear masks and practice social distancing. We also implemented other site-specific precautionary measures to reduce the risk of exposure and have restricted non-essential business travel. Personnel, customers, and partners are also encouraged to collaborate virtually.
 
The duration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related market developments is unknown. The continued negative impact of these events on our business and operations will depend on the ongoing severity, location and duration of the effects and spread of COVID-19, the effectiveness of vaccine programs, other actions undertaken by federal, state, and local governments and health officials to contain the virus or treat its effects, and how quickly and to what extent economic conditions improve and normal business and operating conditions resume in 2021 or thereafter. Non-compliance with applicable environmental and safety requirements, including as a result of reduced staff due to an outbreak of the virus at one of our locations, may impair our operations, subject us to fines or penalties assessed by governmental authorities, and/or result in an environmental or safety incident. We may also be subject to liability as a result of claims against us by impacted workers or third parties. The foregoing and other continued disruptions to our business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic could result in a material adverse effect on our business, result of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and our ability to service our indebtedness and other obligations. There can also be no assurance that our liquidity, business, financial condition, and results of operations will revert to pre-2020 levels once the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic cease.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 39
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Going Concern
Management has determined that certain factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. As discussed more fully below, these factors include inadequate liquidity to sustain operations due to defaults under our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration and volatility, and historic net losses and working capital deficits. Our consolidated financial statements assume we will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our ability to continue as a going concern depends on sustained positive operating margins and having working capital for, amongst other requirements, purchasing crude oil and condensate and making payments on long-term debt. Without positive operating margins and working capital, our business will be jeopardized, and we may not be able to continue. If we are unable to make required debt payments, we would likely have to consider other options, such as selling assets, raising additional debt or equity capital, cutting costs or otherwise reducing our cash requirements, or negotiating with our creditors to restructure our applicable obligations, including a potential bankruptcy filing.
 
Defaults Under Secured Loan Agreements. We are currently in default under certain of our secured loan agreements with third parties and related parties. As a result, the debt associated with these obligations was classified within the current portion of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. See “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes (1), (3), (10), and (11)” for additional disclosures related to third-party and related-party debt, defaults on such debt, and the potential effects of such defaults on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
 
Third-Party Defaults
 
●
Veritex Loans – Defaults under the LE Term Loan Due 2034 and LRM Term Loan Due 2034 permit Veritex to declare the amounts owed under these loan agreements immediately due and payable, exercise its rights with respect to collateral securing obligors’ obligations under these loan agreements, and/or exercise any other rights and remedies available. Any exercise by Veritex of its rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations. Veritex exercising its rights would also adversely impact the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in its entirety. We can provide no assurance that: (i) our assets or cash flow will be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our secured loan agreements with Veritex, either upon maturity or if accelerated, (ii) LE and LRM will be able to refinance or restructure the payments of the debt, and/or (iii) Veritex, as first lien holder, will provide future default waivers. The borrowers continue in active dialogue with Veritex. As of the filing date of this report, payments under the Veritex loans were current, but other defaults remained outstanding.
 
●
Amended Pilot Line of Credit – Upon maturity of the Pilot Line of Credit in May 2020, Pilot sent NPS, as borrower, and LRM, LEH, LE and Blue Dolphin, each a guarantor and collectively guarantors, a notice demanding the immediate payment of the unpaid principal amount and all interest accrued and unpaid, and all other amounts owing or payable (the “Payment Obligations”). Pursuant to the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, commencing on May 4, 2020, the Payment Obligations began to accrue interest at a default rate of fourteen percent (14%) per annum. Failure of the borrower or any guarantor of paying the past due Payment Obligations constituted an event of default. Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity.
 
Pursuant to a June 1, 2020 notice, Pilot began applying Pilot’s payment obligations to NPS under each of (a) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank Nos. 67, 71, 72, 73, 77, and 78), dated as of May 2019, between NPS and Pilot, and (b) the Terminal Services Agreement (covering Tank No. 56), dated as of June 1, 2019, between NPS and Pilot, against NPS’ payment obligations to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. Such tank lease setoff amounts only partially satisfy NPS’ obligations under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, and Pilot expressly retained and reserved all its rights and remedies available to it at any time, including, without limitation, the right to exercise all rights and remedies available to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit or applicable law or equity. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the tank lease setoff amounts totaled $0.6 million and $0, respectively. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the amount of interest NPS incurred under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit totaled $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
 
On November 23, 2020, NPS and guarantors received notice from Pilot that the entry into the SBA EIDLs was a breach of the Amended Pilot Line of Credit and Pilot demanded full repayment of the Payment Obligations, including through use of the proceeds of the SBA EIDLs. Pilot also notified the SBA that the liens securing the SBA EIDLs are junior to those securing the Payment Obligations. While the SBA acknowledged this point and indicated a willingness to subordinate the SBA EIDLs, no further action has been taken by Pilot as of the filing date of this report.
 
Any exercise by Pilot of its rights and remedies under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit would have a material adverse effect on our business operations, including crude oil and condensate procurement and our customer relationships; financial condition; and results of operations. NPS and guarantors continue in active dialogue with Pilot to reach a negotiated settlement, and we believe that Pilot hopes to continue working with NPS to settle the Payment Obligations. NPS and guarantors are also working on the possible refinance of amounts owing and payable under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit. However, progress with potential lenders has been slow due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. NPS’s ability to repay, refinance, replace or otherwise extend this credit facility is dependent on, among other things, business conditions, our financial performance, and the general condition of the financial markets. Given the current financial markets, we could be forced to undertake alternate financings, including a sale of additional common stock, negotiate for an extension of the maturity, or sell assets and delay capital expenditures in order to generate proceeds that could be used to repay such indebtedness. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to consummate any such transaction on terms that are commercially reasonable, on terms acceptable to us or at all. If new debt or other liabilities are added to the Company’s current consolidated debt levels, the related risks that it now faces could intensify. In the event we are unsuccessful in such endeavors, NPS may be unable to pay the amounts outstanding under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit, which may require us to seek protection under bankruptcy laws. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 40
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 

●
Notre Dame Debt – Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034. To date, no payments have been made under the subordinated Notre Dame Debt and the holder of the Notre Dame Debt has taken no action as a result of the non-payment.
 
Our financial health could be materially and adversely affected by defaults in our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration and volatility, historic net losses and working capital deficits, as well as termination of the crude supply agreement or terminal services agreement with Pilot, which could impact our ability to acquire crude oil and condensate. In addition, sustained periods of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial constraints on producers, which in turn has resulted in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, our refinery experienced 1 day of downtime as a result of lack of crude due to cash constraints.
 
Related-Party Defaults
Affiliates controlled approximately 82% of the voting power of our Common Stock as of the filing date of this report, an Affiliate operates and manages all Blue Dolphin properties, an Affiliate is a significant customer of our refined products, and we borrow from Affiliates during periods of working capital deficits.
 
Margin Deterioration and Volatility. Our refining margins generally improve in an environment of higher crude oil and refined product prices, and where the spread between crude oil prices and refined product prices widen. In 2020, steps taken early on to address the COVID-19 pandemic globally and nationally, including government-imposed temporary business closures and voluntary shelter-at-home directives, caused oil prices to decline sharply. In addition, actions by members of the OPEC and other producer countries with respect to oil production and pricing significantly impacted supply and demand in global oil and gas markets. As COVID-19 vaccinations increase, global economic activity rises, and the OPEC and partner countries limit crude oil production, there is cautious optimism that the economy will improve in the short-term. However, oil and refined product prices and demand are expected to remain volatile for the foreseeable future, despite signs of recovery during the first quarter of 2021. We cannot predict when prices and demand will stabilize, and we are currently unable to estimate the impact these events will have on our future financial position and results of operations. Accordingly, we expect that these events will continue to have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations throughout 2021.
 
Historic Net Losses and Working Capital Deficits.
Net Losses
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $3.4 million, or a loss of $0.27 per share, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million, or a loss of $0.27 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Net losses in both periods were the result of unfavorable refining margins per bbl. The net loss during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was also due to 10 days of refinery downtime associated with Winter Storm Uri.
 
Working Capital Deficits
We had a working capital deficit of $74.3 million and $72.3 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Excluding the current portion of long-term debt, we had a working capital deficit of $24.2 million and $22.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash (current portion), and restricted cash, noncurrent were as follow:
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
 (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $521 
 $549 
Restricted cash (current portion)
  48 
  48 
Restricted cash, noncurrent
  - 
  514 
Total
 $569 
 $1,111 
 
See “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note (1)” regarding going concern factors and associated risks.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 41
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Operating Risks
Successful execution of our business strategy depends on several key factors, including, having adequate working capital to meet operational needs and regulatory requirements, maintaining safe and reliable operations at the Nixon facility, meeting contractual obligations, and having favorable margins on refined products. As discussed under “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note (1)” under “Going Concern” and throughout this report, we are currently unable to estimate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our future financial position and results of operations. Under earlier state and federal mandates that regulated business closures, our business was deemed as an essential business and, as such, remained open. As U.S. federal, state, and local officials roll out COVID-19 vaccines, we expect to continue operating. Any governmental mandates, while necessary to address the virus, will result in further business and operational disruptions, including demand destruction, liquidity strains, supply chain challenges, travel restrictions, controls on in-person gathering, and workforce availability.
 
Management believes that it has taken all prudent steps to mitigate risk, avoid business disruptions, manage cash flow, and remain competitive in a low oil price environment. We are managing cash flow by optimizing receivables and payables by prioritizing payments, managing inventory to avoid buildup, monitoring discretionary spending, and delaying capital expenditures. At the Nixon facility, we adjust throughput and production based on prevailing market conditions. With regard to personnel, we have adopted remote working where possible. Where on-site operations are required, personnel are required to wear masks and practice social distancing. We also implemented other site-specific precautionary measures to reduce the risk of exposure and have restricted non-essential business travel. Personnel, customers, and partners are also encouraged to collaborate virtually.
 
There can be no assurance that our business strategy will be successful, that Affiliates will continue to fund our working capital needs when we experience working capital deficits, that we will meet regulatory requirements to provide additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) and decommission offshore pipelines and platform assets, that we will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that margins on our refined products will be favorable. Further, if Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
Business Strategy
Our primary business objective is to improve our financial profile by executing the below strategies, modified as necessary, to reflect changing economic conditions and other circumstances:
 
 
 
 
Optimizing Existing Asset Base
 
● Operating safely and enhancing health, safety, and environmental systems.
● Planning and managing turnarounds and downtime.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Improving Operational Efficiencies
 
● Reducing or streamlining variable costs incurred in production.
● Increasing throughput capacity and optimizing product slate.
● Increasing tolling and terminaling revenue.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seizing Market Opportunities
 
● Leveraging existing infrastructure to engage in renewable energy projects.
● Taking advantage of market opportunities as they arise.
 
 
 
 
Under the Biden Administration, the focus on cleaner energy sources and technology to decarbonize resource-intensive industries continues to accelerate. This focus is steering government policy to incentivize clean energy sources and carbon capture technologies, as well as supporting new industry-wide investment in areas like renewables, green hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. During the first quarter of 2021, we announced a pivot to explore renewable energy opportunities through an affiliate, Lazarus Energy Alternative Fuels LLC (“LEAF”). LEAF will explore potential opportunities to position Blue Dolphin in the global transition to cleaner, lower-carbon alternatives from traditional fossil fuels. These opportunities may include technology, development, or commercial partnerships, as well as the repurposing of assets and facilities, for the production, storage, transportation and sale of alternative fuels and other low-carbon products.
 
Successful execution of our business strategy depends on several key factors, including, having adequate working capital to meet operational needs and regulatory requirements, maintaining safe and reliable operations at the Nixon facility, meeting contractual obligations, having favorable margins on refined products, and collaborating with new partners to develop and finance clean energy projects. There can be no assurance that our business strategy will be successful, including a pivot to renewables through LEAF, that Affiliates will continue to fund our working capital needs when we experience working capital deficits, that we will meet regulatory requirements to provide additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) and decommission offshore pipelines and platform assets, that we will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that margins on our refined products will be favorable. Further, if Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 42
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
We regularly engage in discussions with third parties regarding possible joint ventures, asset sales, mergers, and other potential business combinations. However, we do not anticipate any material activities in the foreseeable future. Management has determined that conditions exist that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern due to defaults under our secured loan agreements, margin deterioration and volatility, and historic net losses and working capital deficits. A ‘going concern’ opinion could impair our ability to finance our operations through the sale of equity, incurring debt, or other financing alternatives. Our ability to continue as a going concern will depend on sustained positive operating margins and working capital to sustain operations, including the purchase of crude oil and condensate and payments on long-term debt. If we are unable to achieve these goals, our business would be jeopardized, we may not be able to continue operating, and we may have to seek bankruptcy protection.
 
Refinery Operations
Our refinery operations segment consists of the following assets and operations:
 
Property
 
Key Products
Handled
 
Operating Subsidiary
 
 
Location
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nixon facility
● Crude distillation tower (15,000 bpd)
● Petroleum storage tanks
● Loading and unloading facilities
● Land (56 acres)
 
Crude Oil
Refined Products
 
LE
 
Nixon, Texas
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Oil and Condensate Supply.  Operation of the Nixon refinery depends on our ability to purchase adequate amounts of crude oil and condensate. We have a long-term crude supply agreement in place with Pilot. The crude supply agreement, the initial term of which is volume based, expires when Pilot sells us 24.8 million net bbls of crude oil. Thereafter, the crude supply agreement automatically renews for successive one-year terms (each such term, a “Renewal Term”) unless either party provides the other with notice of nonrenewal at least 60 days prior to expiration of any Renewal Term. Total volume billed under the crude supply agreement totaled approximately 5.8 million bbls as of March 31, 2021. Effective March 1, 2020, Pilot assigned its rights, title, interest, and obligations in the crude supply agreement to Tartan Oil LLC, a Pilot affiliate. Sustained periods of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial constraints on producers, which in turn has resulted in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, our refinery experienced 1 day and no days, respectively, of downtime as a result of lack of crude due to cash constraints.
 
Pilot also stores crude oil at the Nixon facility under two terminal services agreements. Under the terminal services agreements, Pilot stores crude oil at the Nixon facility at a specified rate per bbl of the storage tank’s shell capacity. Although the initial term of the terminal services agreement expired April 30, 2020, the agreement renewed on a one-year evergreen basis. Either party may terminate the terminal services agreement by providing the other party 60 days prior written notice. However, the terminal services agreement will automatically terminate upon expiration or termination of the crude supply agreement.
 
Products and Markets. Our market is the Gulf Coast region of the U.S., which is represented by the EIA as Petroleum Administration for PADD 3.  We sell our products primarily in the U.S. within PADD 3. Occasionally, we sell refined products to customers that export to Mexico.
 
The Nixon refinery’s product slate is moderately adjusted based on market demand. We currently produce a single finished product – jet fuel – and several intermediate products, including naphtha, HOBM, and AGO.  Our jet fuel is sold to an Affiliate, which is HUBZone certified. The product sales agreement with the Affiliate has a 1-year term expiring the earliest to occur of March 31, 2022 plus 30-day carryover or delivery of the maximum quantity of jet fuel. Our intermediate products are primarily sold in nearby markets to wholesalers and refiners as a feedstock for further blending and processing.
 
Customers. Customers for our refined products include distributors, wholesalers and refineries primarily in the lower portion of the Texas Triangle (the Houston - San Antonio - Dallas/Fort Worth area). We have bulk term contracts in place with most of our customers, including month-to-month, six months, and up to one-year terms. Certain of our contracts require our customers to prepay and us to sell fixed quantities and/or minimum quantities of finished and intermediate petroleum products. Many of these arrangements are subject to periodic renegotiation on a forward-looking basis, which could result in higher or lower relative prices on future sales of our refined products.
 
Competition. Many of our competitors are substantially larger than us and are engaged on a national or international level in many segments of the oil and gas industry, including exploration and production, gathering and transportation, and marketing. These competitors may have greater flexibility in responding to or absorbing market changes occurring in one or more of these business segments. We compete primarily based on cost. Due to the low complexity of our simple “topping unit” refinery, we can be relatively nimble in adjusting our refined products slate because of changing commodity prices, market demand, and refinery operating costs.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 43
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Safety and Downtime. Our refinery operations are operated in a manner materially consistent with industry safe practices and standards. These operations are subject to regulations under OSHA, the EPA, and comparable state and local requirements. Together, these regulations are designed for personnel safety, process safety management, and risk management, as well as to prevent or minimize the probability and consequences of an accidental release of toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive chemicals. Storage tanks used for refinery operations are designed for crude oil and condensate and refined products, and most are equipped with appropriate controls that minimize emissions and promote safety. Our refinery operations have response and control plans, spill prevention and other programs to respond to emergencies.
 
The Nixon refinery periodically experiences planned and unplanned temporary shutdowns. Planned turnarounds are used to repair, restore, refurbish, or replace refinery equipment. Unplanned shutdowns can occur for a variety of reasons, including voluntary regulatory compliance measures, cessation or suspension by regulatory authorities, disabled equipment, or lack of crude due to cash constraints. However, in Texas the most typical reason is excessive heat or power outages from high winds and thunderstorms. The Nixon refinery did not incur significant damage as a result of Winter Storm Uri in February 2021. However, the facility was down for approximately 10 days as a result of lost external power.
 
We are particularly vulnerable to disruptions in our operations because all our refining operations are conducted at a single facility. Any scheduled or unscheduled downtime will result in lost margin opportunity, potential increased maintenance expense, and a reduction of refined products inventory, which could reduce our ability to meet our payment obligations.
 
Tolling and Terminaling Operations
Our tolling and terminaling segment consists of the following assets and operations:
 
Property
 
Key Products
Handled
 
Operating Subsidiary
 
 
Location
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nixon facility
● Petroleum storage tanks
● Loading and unloading facilities
 
Crude Oil
Refined Products
 
LRM, NPS
 
Nixon, Texas
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Products and Customers. The Nixon facility’s petroleum storage tanks and infrastructure are primarily suited for crude oil and condensate and refined products, such as naphtha, jet fuel, diesel, and fuel oil. Storage customers are typically refiners in the lower portion of the Texas Triangle (the Houston - San Antonio - Dallas/Fort Worth area). Shipments are received and redelivered from within the Nixon facility via pipeline or from third parties via truck. Contract terms range from month-to-month to three years.
 
Operations Safety. Our tolling and terminal operations are operated in a manner materially consistent with industry safe practices and standards. These operations are subject to regulations under OSHA and comparable state and local regulations. Storage tanks used for terminal operations are designed for crude oil and condensate and refined products, and most are equipped with appropriate controls that minimize emissions and promote safety. Our terminal operations have response and control plans, spill prevention and other programs to respond to emergencies.
 
Inactive Operations
We own certain other pipeline and facilities assets and have leasehold interests in oil and gas properties. These assets, which are shown below and included in corporate and other, are not operational and are fully impaired. We fully impaired our pipeline assets in 2016 and our oil and gas leasehold interests in 2011. Our pipeline assets and oil and gas leasehold interests had no revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. See “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note (16)” related to pipelines and platform decommissioning requirements and related risks.
Property
 
 
Operating Subsidiary
 
 
Location
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freeport facility
● Crude oil and natural gas separation and dehydration
● Natural gas processing, treating, and redelivery
● Vapor recovery unit
● Two onshore pipelines
● Land (162 acres)
 
BDPL
 
 
Freeport, Texas
Offshore Pipelines (Trunk Line and Lateral Lines)
 
BDPL
 
 
Gulf of Mexico
Oil and Gas Leasehold Interests
 
BDPC
 
 
Gulf of Mexico
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 44
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Pipeline and Facilities Safety.
Although our pipeline and facility assets are inactive, they require upkeep and maintenance and are subject to safety regulations under OSHA, PHMSA, BOEM, BSEE, and comparable state and local regulations. We have response and control plans, spill prevention and other programs to respond to emergencies related to these assets.
 
 Results of Operations
A discussion and analysis of the factors contributing to our consolidated financial results of operations is presented below and should be in read in conjunction with our financial statements in “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements”. The financial statements, together with the following information, are intended to provide investors with a reasonable basis for assessing our historical operations, but they should not serve as the only criteria for predicting future performance.
 
Major Influences on Results of Operations. Our results of operations and liquidity are highly dependent upon the margins that we receive for our refined products. The dollar per bbl price difference between crude oil and condensate (input) and refined products (output) is the most significant driver of refining margins, and they have historically been subject to wide fluctuations. In 2020, steps taken early on to address the COVID-19 pandemic globally and nationally, including government-imposed temporary business closures and voluntary shelter-at-home directives, caused oil prices to decline sharply. In addition, actions by members of the OPEC and other producer countries with respect to oil production and pricing significantly impacted supply and demand in global oil and gas markets. As COVID-19 vaccinations increase, global economic activity rises, and the OPEC and partner countries limit crude oil production, there is cautious optimism that the economy will improve in the short-term. However, oil and refined product prices and demand are expected to remain volatile for the foreseeable future, despite signs of recovery during the first quarter of 2021. We cannot predict when prices and demand will stabilize, and we are currently unable to estimate the impact these events will have on our future financial position and results of operations. Accordingly, we expect that these events will continue to have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations throughout 2021.
 
How We Evaluate Our Operations. Management uses certain financial and operating measures to analyze segment performance. These measures are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include: segment contribution margin (deficit), refining gross profit (deficit) per bbl, tank rental revenue, operation costs and expenses, refinery throughput and production data, and refinery downtime. Segment contribution margin (deficit) and refining gross profit (deficit) per bbl are non-GAAP measures.
 
Segment Contribution Margin (Deficit) and Refining Gross Profit (Deficit) per Bbl
Segment contribution margin (deficit) is used to evaluate both refinery operations and tolling and terminaling while refining gross profit (deficit) per bbl is a refinery operations benchmark. Both measures supplement our financial information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP measures to analyze our results of operations, assess internal performance against budgeted and forecasted amounts, and evaluate future impacts to our financial performance as a result of capital investments. Non-GAAP measures have important limitations as analytical tools. These non-GAAP measures, which are defined in our glossary of terms, should not be considered a substitute for GAAP financial measures. We believe these measures may help investors, analysts, lenders, and ratings agencies analyze our results of operations and liquidity in conjunction with our U.S. GAAP results. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” within this Results of Operations and the financial statements within “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements” for a reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures to U.S. GAAP.
 
Tank Rental Revenue
Tolling and terminaling revenue primarily represents tank rental storage fees associated with customer tank rental agreements. As a result, tank rental revenue is one of the measures management uses to evaluate the performance of our tolling and terminaling business segment.
 
Operation Costs and Expenses
We manage operating expenses in tandem with meeting environmental and safety requirements and objectives and maintaining the integrity of our assets. Operating expenses are comprised primarily of labor expenses, repairs and other maintenance costs, and utility costs. Expenses for refinery operations generally remain stable across broad ranges of throughput volumes, but they can fluctuate from period to period depending on the mix of activities performed during that period and the timing of those expenses. Operation costs for tolling and terminaling operations are relatively fixed.
 
Refinery Throughput and Production Data
The amount of revenue we generate from our refinery operations business segment primarily depends on the volumes of crude oil and refined products that we handle through our processing assets and the volume sold to customers. These volumes are affected by the supply and demand of, and demand for, crude oil and refined products in the markets served directly or indirectly by our assets, as well as refinery downtime.
 
Refinery Downtime
The Nixon refinery periodically experiences planned and unplanned temporary shutdowns. Any scheduled or unscheduled downtime will result in lost margin opportunity, potential increased maintenance expense, and a reduction of refined products inventory, which could reduce our ability to meet our payment obligations.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 45
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Consolidated Results. Our consolidated results of operations include certain other unallocated corporate activities and the elimination of intercompany transactions and therefore do not equal the sum of the operating results of our refinery operations and tolling and terminaling business segments.
 
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Versus March 31, 2020 (Q1 2021 Versus Q1 2020)  
 
Overview. Net loss for Q1 2021 was $3.2 million, or a loss of $0.25 per share, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million, or a loss of $0.27 per share, in Q1 2020. Net losses in both periods were the result of unfavorable refining margins per bbl. The net loss in Q1 2021 was also due to 10 days of refinery downtime associated with Winter Storm Uri.
 
Total Revenue from Operations. Total revenue from operations decreased approximately 4% to $59.4 million for Q1 2021 from $62.0 million for Q1 2020. Although refined product prices improved in Q1 2021, refinery operations revenue decreased due to lower sales volumes. Tolling and terminaling revenue decreased as a result of lower tank rental fees.
 
Total Cost of Goods Sold. Total cost of goods sold decreased approximately 4% to $59.6 million for Q1 2021 from $62.1 million for Q1 2020. The decrease related to lower throughput due to refinery downtime.
 
Gross Deficit. Gross deficit was $0.2 million for Q1 2021 compared to gross deficit of $0.1 million for Q1 2020. Refinery margins were adversely affected by lower margins and refinery downtime primarily associated with Winter Storm Uri.
 
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased approximately 2% to $0.7 million in Q1 2021 from $0.6 million in Q1 2020. The increase primarily related to rising insurance premiums.
 
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization. Depletion, depreciation, and amortization expenses for Q1 2021 totaled approximately $0.7 million compared to approximately $0.6 million in Q1 2020. The nearly 10% increase primarily related to placing a petroleum storage tank in service.
 
Total Other Income (Expense). Total other expense in Q1 2021 was $1.4 million compared to total other expense of $1.8 million in Q1 2020, representing a decrease of approximately $0.4 million. Total other expense in Q1 2021 primarily related to interest expense associated with secured loan agreements with Veritex, related-party debt, and the line of credit with Pilot.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 46
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Refinery Operations. Our refinery operations business segment is owned by LE. Assets within this segment consist of a light sweet-crude, 15,000-bpd crude distillation tower, petroleum storage tanks, loading and unloading facilities, and approximately 56 acres of land. Refinery operations revenue is derived from refined product sales.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended    
 
 
 
March 31,    
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refined product sales
 $58,483 
 $60,897 
Less: Total cost of goods sold
  (59,623)
  (62,088)
Gross deficit
  (1,140)
  (1,191)
 
    
    
Sales (Bbls)
  948 
  1,141 
 
    
    
Gross Deficit per Bbl
 $(1.20)
 $(1.04)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,    
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)    
 
Net revenue (1)
 $58,483 
 $60,897 
Intercompany fees and sales
  (566)
  (617)
Operation costs and expenses
  (59,289)
  (61,833)
Segment Contribution Deficit
 $(1,372)
 $(1,553)
 
Q1 2021 Versus Q1 2020
●
deficit per bbl was $1.20 for Q1 2021 compared to gross deficit per bbl of $1.04 in Q1 2020, representing a decline of $0.16 per bbl. The deficit in both periods related to lower margins and market fluctuations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Refinery downtime associated with Winter Storm Uri also caused an increase in gross deficit per bbl in Q1 2021.
●
deficit improved slightly in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020.
●
downtime increased significantly to 11 days in Q1 2021 compared to 3 days in Q1 2020. Refinery downtime in Q1 2021 primarily related to power outages during Winter Storm Uri.
 
Tolling and Terminaling. Our tolling and terminaling business segment is owned by LRM and NPS. Assets within this segment include petroleum storage tanks and loading and unloading facilities. Tolling and terminaling revenue is derived from tank storage rental fees, tolling and reservation fees for use of the naphtha stabilizer, and fees collected for ancillary services, such as in-tank blending.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,    
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)    
 
Net revenue (1)
 $930 
 $1,103 
Intercompany fees and sales
  566 
  617 
Operation costs and expenses
  (334)
  (255)
Segment Contribution Margin
 $1,162 
 $1,465 
 
Q1 2021 Versus Q1 2020
●
Tolling and terminaling net revenue decreased nearly 16% in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020 primarily as a result of lower tank rental revenue.
●
Intercompany fees and sales, which reflect fees associated with an intercompany tolling agreement tied to naphtha volumes, decreased in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020. Naphtha sales volumes decreased between the periods.
●
Segment contribution margin in Q1 2021 decreased 20% to $1.2 million compared to $1.5 million Q1 2020. The decrease related to lower revenue and intercompany fees tied to naphtha volumes.
 

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 47
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Non-GAAP Reconciliations.
 
Reconciliation of Segment Contribution Margin (Deficit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
Refinery Operations
 
 
Tolling and Terminaling
 
 
Corporate and Other
 
Total
 
  (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment contribution margin (deficit)
 $(1,372)
 $(1,553)
 $1,162 
 $1,465 
 $(54)
 $(59)
 $(264)
 $(147)
General and administrative expenses(1)
  (301)
  (304)
  (68)
  (68)
  (413)
  (419)
  (782)
  (791)
Depreciation and amortization
  (302)
  (288)
  (340)
  (294)
  (51)
  (51)
  (693)
  (633)
Interest and other non-operating income (expenses), net
  (598)
  (741)
  (452)
  (770)
  (385)
  (243)
  (1,435)
  (1,754)
Income (loss) before income taxes
  (2,573)
  (2,886)
  302 
  333 
  (903)
  (772)
  (3,174)
  (3,325)
Income tax expense
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
  (15)
  - 
  (15)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 $(2,573)
 $(2,886)
 $302 
 $333 
 $(903)
 $(787)
 $(3,174)
 $(3,340)
 
(1)
General and administrative expenses within refinery operations include the LEH operating fee.
 
Capital Resources and Liquidity
We had a working capital deficit of $74.3 million and $72.3 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Excluding the current portion of long-term debt, we had a working capital deficit of $24.2 million and $22.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Although in place pre-pandemic, we have further tightened our cash conservation program to manage cash flow and remain competitive in a low oil price environment. This includes optimizing receivables and payables by prioritizing payments, managing inventory to avoid buildup, monitoring discretionary spending, and delaying capital expenditures. Despite this focus, management is keeping in mind the overall safety of our operations and personnel, as well as the impact to our business over the long-term.
 
Considering this recent period of extreme economic disruption, combined with the weaker commodity price environment, we remain focused on the safe and reliable operation of the Nixon facility and cash conservation. Our primary cash requirements relate to: (i) purchasing crude oil and condensate for the operation of the Nixon refinery, (ii) reimbursing LEH for direct operating expenses and paying the LEH operating fee under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement and (iii) servicing debt. In instances where we experience a working capital deficit, we have historically relied on Affiliates to meet our liquidity needs. We are actively exploring additional financing; however, we currently have no arrangements for additional capital and no assurances can be given that we will be able to raise sufficient capital when needed, on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to raise sufficient additional capital in the very near term, we may further default on our payment obligations under certain of our existing debt obligations. Without additional financing, it remains unclear whether we will have or can obtain sufficient liquidity to withstand further disruptions to our business.
 
How long and to what extent COVID-19 and related market developments will affect our business and operations is unknown. The overall impact of these events will depend on the actions of federal, state, and local government and health officials to contain and treat the virus, including deployment of vaccines, and how quickly economic conditions improve thereafter. A sustained period of low crude oil prices due to market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may also result in significant financial constraints on producers, which could result in long term crude oil supply constraints and increased transportation costs. A failure to acquire crude oil and condensate when needed will have a material effect on our business results and operations. As a result, we may have to seek protection under bankruptcy laws. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock and the value of an investment in our common stock could significantly decrease, which could lead to holders of our common stock losing their investment in our common stock in its entirety.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 48
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Debt Overview.
 
Total Debt and Accrued Interest
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)    
 
Veritex Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
 $23,104 
 $22,840 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
  9,601 
  9,473 
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
  7,272 
  8,145 
Notre Dame Debt (in default)
  9,613 
  9,413 
Related-Party Debt
    
    
BDPL Loan Agreement (in default)
  6,974 
  6,814 
March Ingleside Note (in default)
  1,031 
  1,013 
March Carroll Note (in default)
  1,732 
  1,551 
June LEH Note (in default)
  9,588 
  9,446 
LE Term Loan Due 2050
  153 
  152 
NPS Term Loan Due 2050
  153 
  152 
Equipment Loan Due 2025
  65 
  71 
Total Debt
  69,286 
  69,070 
 
    
    
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net
  (57,244)
  (57,744)
Less: Unamortized debt issue costs
  (1,718)
  (1,749)
Less: Accrued interest payable (in default)
  (9,975)
  (9,222)
 
 $349 
 $355 
 
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $0.9 million in Q1 2021 compared to $0.7 million provided by financing activities in Q1 2020. Principal payments on long-term debt totaled $0.9 million in Q1 2021 compared to $0.7 million in Q1 2020. As of the filing date of this report, LE and LRM were in default with respect to required monthly payments under secured loan agreements with Veritex. NPS is making partial monthly payments to Pilot under the Amended Pilot Line of Credit as a tank lease setoff using amounts Pilot owed to NPS under two tank lease agreements. No payments have been made under the subordinated Notre Dame Debt.
 
Debt Defaults. The majority of our debt is in default. Defaults under our secured loan agreements with third parties include: (1) Veritex financial covenant violations, failure to make monthly payments, and failure to replenish a payment reserve account; (2) Pilot event of default and debt acceleration; and (3) Notre Dame Debt event of default. We also have defaults under secured and unsecured related-party debt. See “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes (1), (3), (10), and (11)” for additional disclosures related to Affiliate and third-party debt agreements, including debt guarantees, and defaults in our debt obligations.
 
Concentration of Customers Risk. We routinely assess the financial strength of our customers and have not experienced significant write-downs in accounts receivable balances. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk exposure is limited.
 
 
 
Number Significant
Customers
 
 
% Total Revenue from Operations
 
 
Portion of Accounts Receivable
at March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2021
  4 
  90%
 $0 
 
    
    
    
March 31, 2020
  4 
  94%
 
$0.6 million
 
 
One of our significant customers is LEH, an Affiliate. The Affiliate purchases our jet fuel under a Jet Fuel Sales Agreement and bids on jet fuel contracts under preferential pricing terms due to a HUBZone certification. The Affiliate accounted for 27% and 29% of total revenue from operations in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Affiliate represented $0 in accounts receivable at both March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amounts outstanding relating to the Jet Fuel Sales Agreement can significantly vary period to period based on the timing of the related sales and payments received. Amounts we owed to LEH under various long-term debt, related-party agreements totaled $16.6 million and $16.3 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. See “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes (3) and (16)” for additional disclosures related to Affiliate agreements, arrangements, and risk.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 49
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 

Contractual Obligations.
Related-Party Debt
 
Agreement/Transaction
Parties
Type
Effective Date
Interest Rate
Key Terms
Amended and Restated Guaranty Fee Agreement
Jonathan Carroll - LE
Debt
04/01/2017
2.00%
Tied to payoff of LE $25 million Veritex loan; payments 50% cash, 50% Common Stock
Amended and Restated Guaranty Fee Agreement
Jonathan Carroll - LRM
Debt
04/01/2017
2.00%
Tied to payoff of LRM $10 million Veritex loan; payments 50% cash, 50% Common Stock
March Carroll Note (in default)
Jonathan Carroll – Blue Dolphin
Debt
03/31/2017
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; matured 01/01/2019; interest still accruing
March Ingleside Note (in default)
Ingleside – Blue Dolphin
Debt
03/31/2017
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; reflects amounts owed to Ingleside under previous Amended and Restated Tank Lease Agreement; matured 01/01/2019; interest still accruing
June LEH Note (in default)
LEH – Blue Dolphin
Debt
03/31/2017
8.00%
Blue Dolphin working capital; reflects amounts owed to LEH under the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement; reflects amounts owed to Jonathan Carroll under guaranty fee agreements; matured 01/01/2019; interest still accruing
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement (in default)
LEH - BDPL
Debt
08/15/2016
16.00%
2-year term; $4.0 million principal amount; $0.5 million annual payment; proceeds used for working capital; no financial maintenance covenants; secured by certain BDPL property
 
Related-Party Defaults
 
Loan Description
Event(s) of Default
Covenant Violations
March Carroll Note (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
--
March Ingleside Note (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
---
June LEH Note (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
---
BDPL-LEH Loan Agreement (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured August 2018
---

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 50
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Third-Party Debt
 
 
 
 
Loan Description
 
 
 
Parties
Original Principal Amount
(in millions)
 
 
Maturity Date
 
Monthly Principal and Interest Payment
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Loan Purpose
Veritex Loans(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
LE-Veritex
$25.0
Jun 2034
$0.2 million
WSJ Prime + 2.75%
Refinance loan; capital improvements
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
LRM-Veritex
$10.0
Dec 2034
$0.1 million
WSJ Prime + 2.75%
Refinance bridge loan; capital improvements
Notre Dame Debt (in default)(2)(3)
LE-Kissick
$11.7
Jan 2018
No payments to date; payment rights subordinated
16.00%
Working capital; reduced balance of GEL arbitration award
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
NPS-Pilot
$13.0
May 2020
---
14.00%
GEL settlement payment, NPS purchase of crude oil from Pilot, and working capital
SBA EIDLs
 
 
 
 
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2050(4)
LE-SBA
$0.15
Aug 2050
$0.0007 million
3.75%
Working capital
NPS Term Loan Due 2050(4)
NPS-SBA
$0.15
Aug 2050
$0.0007 million
3.75%
Working capital
Equipment Loan Due 2025
LE-Texas First
$0.07
Oct 2025
$0.0013 million
4.50%
Equipment Lease Conversion
(1)
Proceeds were placed in a disbursement account whereby Veritex makes payments for construction related expenses. Amounts held in the disbursement account are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash (current portion) and restricted cash, noncurrent. At March 31, 2021, restricted cash (current portion) was $0.05 million and restricted cash, noncurrent was $0. December 31, 2020, restricted cash (current portion) was $0.05 million and restricted cash, noncurrent was $0.5 million.
(2)
LE originally entered into a loan agreement with Notre Dame Investors, Inc. in the principal amount of $8.0 million. The debt is currently held by John Kissick. Pursuant to a 2017 sixth amendment, the Notre Dame Debt was amended to increase the principal amount by $3.7 million; the additional principal was used to reduce the arbitration award with GEL by $3.6 million.
(3)
Pursuant to a 2015 subordination agreement, the holder of the Notre Dame Debt agreed to subordinate their right to payments, as well as any security interest and liens on the Nixon facility’s business assets, in favor of Veritex as holder of the LE Term Loan Due 2034.
(4)
Payments are deferred for the first twelve (12) months of the loan; the first payment is due August 2021; interest accrues during the deferral period. SBA EIDLs are not forgivable.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 51
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
Third-Party Defaults
 
Loan Description
Event(s) of Default
Covenant Violations
Veritex Loans
 
 
LE Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
 
 
Failure to make required monthly payments; failure to replenish $1.0 million payment reserve account; events of default under other secured loan agreements with Veritex
Financial covenants:
●
debt service coverage ratio, current ratio, and debt to net worth ratio
 
LRM Term Loan Due 2034 (in default)
Events of default under other secured loan agreements with Veritex
Financial covenants:
●
debt service coverage ratio, current ratio, and debt to net worth ratio
Amended Pilot Line of Credit (in default)
Failure of borrower or any guarantor to pay past due obligations; loan matured May 2020
---
Notre Dame Debt (in default)
Failure of borrower to pay past due obligations; loan matured January 2019
---
 
 
 
 
BOEM Additional Financial Assurance (Supplemental Pipeline Bonds)
 
To cover the various obligations of lessees and rights-of-way holders operating in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, BOEM evaluates an operator’s financial ability to carry out present and future obligations to determine whether the operator must provide additional security beyond the statutory bonding requirements. Such obligations include the cost of plugging and abandoning wells and decommissioning pipelines and platforms at the end of production or service activities. Once plugging and abandonment work has been completed, the collateral backing the financial assurance is released by BOEM.
 
BDPL has historically maintained $0.9 million in financial assurance to BOEM for the decommissioning of its trunk pipeline offshore in federal waters. Following an agency restructuring of the financial assurance program, in March 2018 BOEM ordered BDPL to provide additional financial assurance totaling approximately $4.8 million for five (5) existing pipeline rights-of-way within sixty (60) calendar days. In June 2018, BOEM issued BDPL INCs for each right-of-way that failed to comply. BDPL appealed the INCs to the IBLA, and the IBLA granted multiple extension requests that extended BDPL’s deadline for filing a statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. On August 9, 2019, BDPL timely filed its statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. Considering BDPL’s August 2019 meeting with BOEM and BSEE, BDPL requested a stay in the IBLA matter until August 2020. The Office of the Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior was agreeable to a 10-day extension while it conferred with BOEM on BDPL’s stay request. In late October 2019, BDPL filed a motion to request the 10-day extension, which motion was subsequently granted by the IBLA. The solicitor’s office consented to an additional 14-day extension for BDPL to file its reply, and BDPL filed a motion to request the 14-day extension in November 2019. The solicitor’s office indicated that BOEM would not consent to further extensions. However, the solicitor’s office signaled that BDPL’s adherence to the milestones identified in an August 15, 2019 meeting between management and BSEE may help in future discussions with BOEM related to the INCs. Decommissioning of these assets will significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of financial assurance required by BOEM, which may serve to partially or fully resolve the INCs. Although we planned to decommission the offshore pipelines and platform assets during 2020, decommissioning of these assets has been delayed due to cash constraints associated with the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and winter being the offseason for dive operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We cannot currently estimate when decommissioning may occur. In the interim, BDPL provides BOEM and BSEE with updates regarding the project’s status.
 
BDPL’s pending appeal of the BOEM INCs does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to provide additional financial assurance or of BOEM’s authority to impose financial penalties. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bond) requirements. If BDPL is required by BOEM to provide significant additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) or is assessed significant penalties under the INCs, we will experience a significant and material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, and financial condition.
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BOEM INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021. At both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, BDPL maintained approximately $0.9 million in credit and cash-backed pipeline rights-of-way bonds issued to BOEM.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 52
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
BSEE Offshore Pipelines and Platform Decommissioning
BDPL has pipelines and platform assets that are subject to BSEE’s idle iron regulations. Idle iron regulations mandate lessees and rights-of-way holders to permanently abandon and/or remove platforms and other structures when they are no longer useful for operations. Until such structures are abandoned or removed, lessees and rights-of-way holders are required to inspect and maintain the assets in accordance with regulatory requirements.
 
In December 2018, BSEE issued an INC to BDPL for failure to flush and fill Pipeline Segment No. 13101. Management met with BSEE on August 15, 2019 to address BDPL’s plans with respect to decommissioning its offshore pipelines and platform assets. BSEE proposed that BDPL re-submit permit applications for pipeline and platform decommissioning, along with a safe boarding plan for the platform, within six (6) months (no later than February 15, 2020), and develop and implement a safe boarding plan for submission with such permit applications. Further, BSEE proposed that BDPL complete approved, permitted work within twelve (12) months (no later than August 15, 2020). BDPL timely submitted permit applications for decommissioning of the subject offshore pipelines and platform assets to BSEE on February 11, 2020 and the USACOE on March 25, 2020. In April 2020, BSEE issued another INC to BDPL for failure to perform the required structural surveys for the GA-288C Platform. BDPL requested an extension to the INC related to the structural platform surveys, and BSEE approved BDPL’s extension request. The required platform surveys were completed, and the INC was resolved in June 2020.
Although we planned to decommission the offshore pipelines and platform assets during 2020, decommissioning of these assets has been delayed due to cash constraints associated with the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and winter being the offseason for dive operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We cannot currently estimate when decommissioning may occur. In the interim, BDPL provides BSEE with updates regarding the project’s status.
 
Lack of permit approvals does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to remedy the BSEE INCs or of BSEE’s authority to impose financial penalties. If BDPL fails to complete decommissioning of the offshore pipelines and platform assets and/or remedy the INCs within a timeframe determined to be prudent by BSEE, BDPL could be subject to regulatory oversight and enforcement, including but not limited to failure to correct an INC, civil penalties, and revocation of BDPL’s operator designation, which could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows and liquidity.
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BSEE INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2021. At both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, BDPL maintained $2.4 million in AROs related to abandonment of these assets.
 
Sources and Use of Cash.
 
Components of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,    
 
 
 
2021
 
 
2020
 
 
 
(in thousands)    
 
Cash Flows Provided By (Used In):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 $373 
 $(259)
Investing activities
  - 
  (198)
Financing activities
  (915)
  654 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 $(542)
 $197 
 
Cash Flow Q1 2021 Compared to Q1 2020
We had cash flow from operations of approximately $0.3 million for Q1 2021 compared to a cash flow deficit of approximately $0.3 million for Q1 2020. Cash frow from operations for Q1 2021 was due to the timing of crude oil purchases. The cash flow deficit for Q1 2020 primarily related to loss from operations.
 
Capital Expenditures
During Q1 2021, capital expenditures totaled $0 compared to $0.2 million during Q1 2020. Capital expenditures in Q1 2020 primarily related to completion of a petroleum storage tank. In view of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the weaker commodity price environment, we anticipate new capital expenditures to be minimal in 2021.
 
We account for our capital expenditures in accordance with GAAP. We also classify capital expenditures as ‘maintenance’ if the expenditure maintains capacity or throughput or as ‘expansion’ if the expenditure increases capacity or throughput capabilities. Although classification is generally a straightforward process, in certain circumstances the determination is a matter of management judgment and discretion.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 53
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Internal Controls
 
 
 
We budget for maintenance capital expenditures throughout the year on a project-by-project basis. Projects are determined based on maintaining safe and efficient operations, meeting customer needs, complying with operating policies and applicable law, and producing economic benefits, such as increasing efficiency and/or lowering future expenses.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. None.
 
Accounting Standards.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our significant accounting policies and recent accounting developments are described in “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note (2)”. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental responses, volatility in commodity prices, and severe weather resulting from climate change have impacted and likely will continue to impact our business. Under earlier state and federal mandates that regulated business closures, our business was deemed as an essential business and, as such, remained open. As U.S. federal, state, and local officials roll out COVID-19 vaccines, we expect to continue operating. We have instituted various initiatives throughout the company as part of our business continuity programs, and we are working to mitigate risk when disruptions occur. The uncertainty around the availability and prices of crude oil, the prices and demand for our refined products, and the general business environment is expected to continue through 2021 and beyond.
 
The nature of our business requires that we make estimates and assumptions in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted these estimates and assumptions and will continue to do so.
 
We assessed certain accounting matters that generally require consideration of forecasted financial information in context with the information reasonably available to us and the unknown future impacts of COVID-19 as of March 31, 2021 and through the filing date of this report. The accounting matters assessed included, but were not limited to, our allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory and related reserves, and the carrying value of long-lived assets.
 
New Accounting Standards and Disclosures
New accounting standards and disclosures are discussed in “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note (2)”.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Not applicable.
 
 ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision of, and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer and principal financial officer), we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, based on our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer) concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective due to certain material weaknesses and/or significant deficiencies as described below:
 
●
Significant deficiency – There is currently not a process in place for formal review of manual journal entries.
 
●
Material weakness – The company currently lacks resources to handle complex accounting transactions. This can result in errors related to the recording, disclosure and presentation of consolidated financial information in quarterly, annual, and other filings.
 
These disclosure controls and procedures remained ineffective as of the end of the period covered by this report. Management is currently evaluating internal processes in order to take corrective actions. Corrective actions may include implementing formal policies, improving processes, documenting procedures, and better defining segregation of duties to improve financial reporting. These actions will be subject to ongoing senior management review, as well as Audit Committee oversight. Although we plan to complete remediation efforts as quickly as possible, we cannot at this time estimate how long it will take, and our initiatives may not prove to be successful in fully remediating the identified weakness and deficiency.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. (See the above section “Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures” for a discussion related to current ineffective disclosure controls and procedures.)

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 54
 
 
 
Exhibits
 
 
 
 PART II
 
 ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
BOEM Additional Financial Assurance (Supplemental Pipeline Bonds)
To cover the various obligations of lessees and rights-of-way holders operating in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, BOEM evaluates an operator’s financial ability to carry out present and future obligations to determine whether the operator must provide additional security beyond the statutory bonding requirements. Such obligations include the cost of plugging and abandoning wells and decommissioning pipelines and platforms at the end of production or service activities. Once plugging and abandonment work has been completed, the collateral backing the financial assurance is released by BOEM.
 
BDPL has historically maintained $0.9 million in financial assurance to BOEM for the decommissioning of its trunk pipeline offshore in federal waters. Following an agency restructuring of the financial assurance program, in March 2018 BOEM ordered BDPL to provide additional financial assurance totaling approximately $4.8 million for five (5) existing pipeline rights-of-way within sixty (60) calendar days. In June 2018, BOEM issued BDPL INCs for each right-of-way that failed to comply. BDPL appealed the INCs to the IBLA, and the IBLA granted multiple extension requests that extended BDPL’s deadline for filing a statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. On August 9, 2019, BDPL timely filed its statement of reasons for the appeal with the IBLA. Considering BDPL’s August 2019 meeting with BOEM and BSEE, BDPL requested a stay in the IBLA matter until August 2020. The Office of the Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior was agreeable to a 10-day extension while it conferred with BOEM on BDPL’s stay request. In late October 2019, BDPL filed a motion to request the 10-day extension, which motion was subsequently granted by the IBLA. The solicitor’s office consented to an additional 14-day extension for BDPL to file its reply, and BDPL filed a motion to request the 14-day extension in November 2019. The solicitor’s office indicated that BOEM would not consent to further extensions. However, the solicitor’s office signaled that BDPL’s adherence to the milestones identified in the August 15, 2019 meeting may help in future discussions with BOEM related to the INCs. BDPL reasonably expects that successful completion of its decommissioning obligations (discussed within this “Note (16)” under ‘BSEE Offshore Pipelines and Platform Decommissioning’) prior to BSEE’s August 2020 deadline will significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of financial assurance required by BOEM, which may serve to partially or fully resolve the INCs.
 
BDPL’s pending appeal of the BOEM INCs does not relieve BDPL of its obligations to provide additional financial assurance or of BOEM’s authority to impose financial penalties. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bond) requirements. If BDPL is required by BOEM to provide significant additional financial assurance (supplemental pipeline bonds) or is assessed significant penalties under the INCs, we will experience a significant and material adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, and financial condition.
 
We are currently unable to predict the outcome of the BOEM INCs. Accordingly, we have not recorded a liability on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, BDPL maintained approximately $0.9 million in credit and cash-backed pipeline rights-of-way bonds issued to BOEM.
 
Other Legal Matters
We are involved in lawsuits, claims, and proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business, including mechanic’s liens, contract-related disputes, and administrative proceedings. Management is in discussion with all concerned parties and does not believe that such matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, earnings, or cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that such discussions will result in a manageable outcome. If Veritex and/or Pilot exercise their rights and remedies due to defaults under our secured loan agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
 
 ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, careful consideration should be given to the risk factors discussed under “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our operations could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or by factors that we currently consider immaterial to our business. There have been no material changes in our assessment of our risk factors from those set forth in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 55
 
 
 
Exhibits
 
 
 
 ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None.
 
 ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
See “Part I, Item. 1. Financial Statements – Notes (10) and (11)” for disclosures related to defaults on our debt.
 
 ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.
 
 ITEM 5.  
OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 56
 
 
 
Exhibits
 
 
 
 ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
 
Exhibits Index
 
No. 
Description 
 
Jonathan P. Carroll Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Jonathan P. Carroll Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document.
101.CAL*
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
XBRL Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document.
 
*            
Filed herewith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 57
 
 
 
Signature Page
 
 
 
  SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 17, 2021
 
By:
/s/ JONATHAN P. CARROLL
 
 
 
Jonathan P. Carroll
Chief Executive Officer, President,
Assistant Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
Blue Dolphin Energy Company
 
March 31, 2021 │Page 58
 
 
Exhibit 31.1
 
I, Jonathan P. Carroll, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Blue Dolphin Energy Company (the “Registrant”).
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 periods covered by this quarterly report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this quarterly 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 quarterly report;
 
4.
I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and I have:
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
 
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my 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 quarterly report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report based on such evaluation; and
 
d) Disclosed in this quarterly report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s first fiscal quarter in the case of this quarterly report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the Registrant’s Board of Directors:
 
(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.
 
Date: May 17, 2021
 
 
/s/ JONATHAN P. CARROLL
Jonathan P. Carroll
Chief Executive Officer, President, Assistant Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
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 Quarterly Report of Blue Dolphin Energy Company (the “Blue Dolphin”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021 (the “Report”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Jonathan P. Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, President, Assistant Treasurer and Secretary (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer) of Blue Dolphin, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
 
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Blue Dolphin.
 
 
/s/ JONATHAN P. CARROLL
Jonathan P. Carroll
Chief Executive Officer, President, Assistant Treasurer and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
May 17, 2021